Words by Kirrily Schwarz for Escape.

 

Years ago, my mum’s side of the family stopped celebrating Christmas on December 25.

I’m not sure who came up with the idea, but at some point everyone agreed to book a weekend away for the middle of the month, creating a precious window for everyone to catch up without worrying about planning, hosting, accommodating or negotiating with in-laws.

As far as I’m concerned, there are no downsides. Bookings are typically done immediately after each stay, meaning we lock in our next Christmas a full 12 months ahead. Just like that, it’s sorted. No stress, no worries – just a blissful weekend of meeting, greeting, eating and competing (at tennis).

If you want a stress-free Christmas holiday away this year, now is the time to start planning. Here are 11 ideas to get the ball rolling, ranging from quintessential experiences to unexpected adventures.

 

This article may contain links from Escape’s affiliate and advertising partners. Escape may receive payments when you click on links, buy through them or share this content.

Visit magical markets in Vienna

WHAT: Every year, Vienna transforms into Weihnachtstraum, which means “Christmas dream”, with markets popping up everywhere. Head to Christkindlmarkt at the city hall to enjoy the Christmas tree, steaming glühwein, traditional treats, twinkling lights, local handicrafts and ice rink.

WHERE: Connect the dots between Europe’s best Christmas markets with a cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. See the best bits on a journey from Amsterdam to Budapest.

HOW: Scenic has two fantastic options, the 15-day Christmas Markets cruise (departing late November) and the 15-day Christmas and New Year cruise (departing late December). Enjoy an all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruise, celebrating in style with fabulous food and newfound friends.

Escape to a stunning tropical resort

WHAT: Annual leave is designed to allow us the time and space we need to rest and recharge before we go back to work. If that’s what you’re looking for this December, politely decline hosting duties and book a luxury getaway – not just out of town, or out of the state, but out of the country.

WHERE: December is the perfect time to relax on the beaches of Thailand and Vietnam. However, if you’re looking for great value, it’s still worth considering Bali and Fiji – yes, there will be some rain, but it’s typically late in the afternoon, which means plenty of time to enjoy yourself outdoors.

HOW: Luxury Escapes has a multitude of deals available the week of Christmas, including resorts such as Merusaka Nusa Dua in Bali, Katathani Phuket Beach Resort in Thailand, The Naviti Resort in Fiji and KOI Resort and Residence Da Nang in Vietnam. Pop in your dates now so you don’t miss out.

Take the family to New York

WHAT: New York is always electric, but it softens into a warm glow during the festive season, with Santa Clauses everywhere, lights and decorations galore, roasted chestnuts and hot apple cider on every corner and endless activities. The only thing better than going alone? Taking the family.

WHERE: Skate at the Rockefeller Center, see the Fifth Avenue window displays, shop at the Union Square and Grand Central holiday markets and see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.

HOW: Flight Centre’s Miracle on 34th Street New York Family Christmas includes a five-night stay at the Innside by Meliá New York Nomad. This deal, available to book until July 31, is for two adults and two children travelling for five nights and includes a holiday lights and movie sites tour.

Meet Santa in Finland

WHAT: It’s hard to beat the feeling of crunching through fresh snow, except when it’s Christmas, you’re inside the Arctic Circle and the path is leading you directly to Santa. No matter how old you get, meeting the big man in red, plus his elves and his reindeer, will fill you with wonder.

WHERE: Take the Santa Claus Express from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, in Finnish Lapland. It’s the perfect spot for winter activities, including dog sledding, ice fishing, skiing, saunas and aurora watching.

HOW: Intrepid’s eight-day Finnish Lapland in Winter, starting in Helsinki and finishing in Rovaniemi, covers all the bases. You’ll head north on the train and stay in a family-run guesthouse deep in the forest near Yllästunturi, which is the perfect spot to start exploring this winter wonderland.

Head to an Aussie holiday park

WHAT: Nothing says Christmas quite like a multi-generational stay in a holiday park. Phone grandma and grandpa, bring the aunties and uncles, track down your siblings and lock in your plans, because although it’s the silly season, snapping up Australia’s hottest summer stays is serious business.

WHERE: For a beachside getaway, try the white sand of Bunbury in Western Australia; for a river holiday, try Echuca in Victoria; or for a change of scenery, head to Clare in South Australia.

HOW: Discovery Holiday Parks offers a range of affordable holiday options for Australian families. Depending on where you book, you can find perks such as swimming pools, jumping pillows and mini golf, with accommodation ranging all the way from glamping tents to unpowered camp sites.

Experience a White Christmas in Canada

WHAT: Gliding through the forest in a horse-drawn sleigh feels like stepping into a Christmas movie, especially if you’re somewhere as beautiful as the Rocky Mountains. Take someone special, snuggle into the blankets, listen to the sleigh bells tinkle and enjoy the romance of Christmas in Canada.

WHERE: Banff is the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy the restaurants, shop on Banff Avenue, enjoy the views from the Banff Gondola or nip out to Lake Louise Ski Resort for a day on the slopes.

HOW: Inspiring Vacations is offering a Christmas departure for its 12-day Canadian Rockies Winter Wonderland with Northern Lights Tour. This small-group experience starts and ends in Vancouver, including three nights at a remote wilderness lodge, guided adventures and, yes, a sleigh ride.

Take a break at a city hotel

WHAT: Treat your family to an experience instead of a gift this season, with a Christmas feast at one of Australia’s best hotels. Many offer lavish Christmas lunches, so whether you just want to pop in for the day or book a short stay, palm off the cooking (and the dishes) and focus on enjoying yourself.

WHERE: Check out The Langham in Melbourne, Four Seasons in Sydney, W Hotel in Brisbane, Mayfair Hotel in Adelaide, Hotel Kurrajong in Canberra and DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade in Darwin.

HOW: Most hotels publish event information and menus closer to the date and they typically book out quickly. Make sure you’re subscribed to their mailing lists so you can be the first to book.

Ski the French Alps with the kids

WHAT: Keeping kids entertained during Christmas is a big undertaking. But what if someone else sorted the tree decorating, treat baking, bauble painting and garland making? If this sounds good, book an all-inclusive ski holiday where you can let Santa and his elves take care of everything.

WHERE: It’s hard to beat the French Alps. Tignes – which is made up of five villages – offers a lively atmosphere with great snow, diverse terrain and numerous runs as it connects with Val d’Isère.

HOW: Club Med offers all-inclusive Christmas packages specifically designed for families, meaning every detail is sorted. Fly to Geneva, then jump on a transfer to Club Med Tignes, which opened in late 2022 and blends mountain-lodge comfort with art-hotel glamour for a totally stress-free holiday.

Set sail on a Christmas cruise

WHAT: There’s no better place to eat, drink and be merry than a Christmas cruise. Cunard offers the chance to celebrate in style, with perfect bauble-covered trees, carols in the grand lobby, visits from Santa, traditional treats such as mince pies, a beautiful gingerbread village and a magnificent feast.

WHERE: Why choose between New York and London, if you could visit both? Or even better, why not add five Caribbean islands – St Kitts, St Lucia, Barbados, Dominica and St Maarten – along the way.

HOW: Enjoy the 21-night Transatlantic Crossing and Caribbean Celebration on board Queen Mary 2, departing New York on December 21 and arriving in Southampton on January 11. Don’t miss the classic Cunard experiences such as the traditional afternoon tea or elegant gala evenings.

See The Nutcracker on stage in London

WHAT: Everyone has heard of Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic The Nutcracker, but seeing it with your own eyes – performed by The Royal Ballet in London – is exquisite. The same goes for his famous Swan Lake, with different interpretations playing in Paris and Berlin this December.

WHERE: Visit the Royal Opera and Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London, look for shows at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and Palais Garnier in Paris and visit the beautiful State Opera in Berlin.

HOW: See the world’s leading ballet companies perform live during Renaissance Tours’ 11-day Christmas Ballet Spectacular, from December 17 until December 27. Alongside the classics, you’ll enjoy pre-performance talks from tour leader and ballet expert Andrew Wright along the way.

Board an iconic Aussie train

WHAT: Few modes of travel are more relaxing than rail, so why not celebrate Christmas on a train this year? Watch the world go by as you listen to carols, say hi to Santa, snap bonbons at beautifully laid tables, dine on fresh seafood with amazing wine and finish the meal with pudding and pavlova.

WHERE: Celebrate a classic Australian Christmas with a twist as you travel from Queensland to South Australia, stopping in Coffs Harbour, the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens and the Moorabool Valley.

HOW: Journey Beyond’s Great Southern is offering an all-inclusive four-day Brisbane to Adelaide journey, from December 22 to 25. The package includes return flights as well as one night’s free hotel accommodation (both are subject to T&Cs).