Festive to Fiesta, Where to Go Away for Your Christmas Break

Posted on 23 Oct 2018 by Alice Marshall

As lovely as it is to bring all the family together for the festive holidays, sometimes you want to escape the chaos of cooking the turkey, preparing the veg and fighting over whether or not you watch the Queen's Speech. Whether it's avoiding Christmas Day altogether, or taking a breather in the days that follow, there are plenty of great locations to either boost that holiday spirit or, at the other end of the spectrum, avoid it at all costs. We've given you summer UK staycations; now it's time to find out what country you should be hopping to this winter.


Christmas Market



Book a Festive Getaway Filled with Joy


Type of Traveller: Excited about Christmas in July? Or, at the very least, November? You're the kind of person that wants to soak up every last snow drop and candy cane and make the most of the most magical time of year. Step beyond your hometown and discover the real deal when it comes to German Christmas Markets. With many festive packages from as little as £99pp on lastminute.com, see for yourself how other places in Europe celebrate and decorate their cities in lights.


Prague: Likely one of the most enchanting places to visit in Europe, with or without a ton of Christmas spirit thrown in, Prague hosts markets across the city, up and down each cobbled street. You can also see the impressive Christmas tree illuminating Old Town Square and taste their cosy Christmas cuisines.


Dresden: If you want to experience a true German Christmas Market, then you obviously need to visit Germany. Dresden is home to the oldest Christmas Market, dating back as far as 1434. Marvel at their giant nutcracker, try out their very own fruitcake, Stollen and enjoy the atmosphere is a real German Christmas Market.


New York: A little further afield and significantly different in terms of flight duration and cost, we still couldn't help but mention New York. Everything in the US seems to be done on a larger scale and Christmas is really no different. From giant baubles to the huge, iconic Christmas tree at the Rockerfeller Centre. Ice skate in Central Park and do a spot of Christmas shopping in Macy's.


Visit Chilly Prague in Winter



Chase that Winter Sun Abroad


Type of Traveller: Hate the cold and looking to warm up a little this winter? Not a problem, there are a few locations that still get a touch of sun in Europe and some other locations that aren't a far stretch from home. If you'd rather be tanning than chilling this December, we've got the low down on those sun-kissed locations. Find amazing package deals through places like lastminute.com and avoid steep holiday extra places like airport car parking with Purple Parking promo codes here to help.


Canary Islands: Reaching heights of 21 degrees, have your pick from Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuertenvtura. Explore the volcanic island of Tenerife or hit the surf in Fuerteventura. There's plenty of exploring to do if you're that kind of holidayer. Coincidentally, with the weather looking good, lounge by the pool or on the beach and work on that winter tan.


Cyprus: Filled with natural beauty, these are the kind of beaches you want to be showing off about on your Instagram. Also reaching a very comfortable 21 degrees, forget the rain and frosty mornings back home in the UK and enjoy a well deserved stay in Cyprus.


Morocco: Just outside of Europe on the coast of Africa, Morocco is the perfect escape for those who want to explore a new culture. Packed full of stunning architecture, from Marrakesh to Casablanca, the expected 23 degrees in December is not to be sniffed at either.


Go on a Beach Holiday this WInter



The Perfect UK Staycation Destinations for Christmas


Type of Traveller: If you're not a fan of flying, or would prefer to stay within the country for whatever reason, there are plenty of festive places to explore right within the comfort of the UK. These may even offer more comfortable choices in the way of your budget and in the event that you're feeling a bit spontaneous with deals constantly going up for laterooms.com. Still packed full of glittery lights and festive cheer, there are so many places in the UK that celebrate the holidays right.


Edinburgh: Whether busting a move at the Silent Light Party, ice skating in St Andrew Square with a cider in hand, or you want to get lost in the Christmas Tree Maze. There is plenty on offer to do in Edinburgh and you aren't just limited to festive celebrations either. See Edinburgh Castle or enjoy optical illusions at the Camera Obscura.


Birmingham: Want to experience an authentic German Christmas Market in the comfortable confines of the UK? Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market is the biggest outside of Germany and draws in visitors every year to Victoria Square.


London: There's nothing better than our capital city during the Christmas period. Although Trafalgar Square boasts the largest Christmas tree, our favourite spot is Covent Garden. For a proper German sausage, enter the chaos of Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, or why not take to the ice either outside the Natural History Museum or Somerset House?


London is the Perfect Staycation


From the likes of the Grinch and Scrooge to inhaling that Christmas spirit like Buddy the Elf himself, the Discount Promo Codes team has found plenty of options of how you can relax and enjoy the holidays. Seek out that winter sun or go all-out Christmas across the UK and Europe.

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