1. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the ideal choice for a family Christmas holiday – a balanced mix of culture, wildlife and beach time. A 12-day trip provides a superb overview of the island: explore ancient capitals and rock fortresses and search for leopards and sloth bears in Wilpattu National Park. Family-friendly accommodation and a gentle pace let children and adults enjoy both discovery and downtime. Spend Christmas Day in an exclusive-use villa on palm-fringed beaches, swinging in a hammock – a Christmas like no other.

See the world better with Steppes Travel. Book your escape at steppestravel.com

2. Scotland

Claudia is back on our screens, and while last year’s supermarket shelves were stocked with Traitors board games, greeting cards and even Christmas jumpers, we’ve got a more tempting prospect on our minds: a Traitors Christmas staycation. In all seriousness, Scotland has long been associated with cosy, historic escapes, and is ever-more in the spotlight thanks to housing countless celebs as of late, from Dame Judi Dench to the cast of Succession. Here are five A-list approved Scottish spots for a fabulous Christmas.

3. Hamburg

Germany is famed for its enormous Christmas markets, but Hamburg is our top pick for a less jam-packed, more opulent affair. Check into the curvaceous three Michelin Key lakeside hotel The Fontenay, stroll along the Alster lake and find a treasure trove of glamorous shops (think Tiffany, Prada, Gucci, Dior and homegrown German brands) alongside a quaint festive market with sparkling Christmas lights piercing through the shadow of the showstopping town hall. The high-brow culture vultures can catch a classical performance at the portside Elbphilharmonie, while wellness fans can spot the striking structure back at The Fontenay where a show-stopping rooftop sauna with floor to ceiling windows overlooks the city. thefontenay.com

4. Tuscany

There’s something delectably timeless about Tuscany – when the crowds aren’t getting in the way, that is. Coming here off-season, writes C&TH’s Travel Editor-at-Large Francisca Kellett, ‘when the crowds have gone and the vineyards are golden and the hills snag with mist in the mornings, is probably the dreamiest time to visit’. And for an unexpected festive escape try the two-Michelin Key Castelfalfi, a divine destination hotel in a reimagined hamlet where artisan markets take over the streets every weekend in the run up to Christmas and stylish bedrooms boast breathtaking postcard views. castelfalfi.com

5. Lake District

Christmas in a cosy country house hideaway? Yes please. What about a wellness oriented bolthole on the shores of Ullswater, boasting a spacious spa, shepherd’s hut style lakeside saunas and its very own festive ice rink? We’re sold on Another Place, whether it’s a pre-Christmas ‘Stay & Skate’ jaunt from 20 November or the blow-out four-night Christmas party including skating, cold swimming, pizza making sessions, fireside story time for little ones and Champagne galore. another.place

7. LaplandUK

Speaking of family-friendly, here’s a pre-Christmas escape that should top your little ones’ bucket lists: LaplandUK, an ‘elevated festive treat that makes the average garden centre grotto pale in comparison,’ writes C&TH’s Online Content Director Rebecca Cox. ‘At LaplandUK, the Father Christmas’ have real beards, the trees have real (looking) snow; the whole place is infused with real magic.’ Here’s her mother-son review, plus how to get your paws on tickets.

7. Courchevel

Christmas on the slopes is nothing novel, but Courchevel will always be cool. We Brits have been enchanted by this Three Valleys enclave for nearly 80 years now – and C&TH’s Tessa Dunthorne has the inside scoop on the 2025/26 winter season. As for Christmas, we fancy skiing in and out of the brand new (and uber-elegant) Rosewood Courchevel Le Jardin Alpin which is perched a quick slide from the chair lifts. rosewoodhotels.com

8. Christmas In The City

Londoners, why leave? The British capital is at its most magical at Christmastime thanks to the twinkling lights, fabulous theatre and divine menus (with many top restaurants opening their doors on the big day, too). If you’re not a local, the city’s hotels pull out all the stops to make Christmas even more magical. Think statement trees, special partnerships (like The Langham with Hamleys) and decadent meals with free-flowing Champagne. Cin, cin!

WIN A Four-Night Stay In Italy

Plotting your 2026 travel plans? We’ve teamed up with Welcome Beyond to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a four night stay for two at Casale Tre Gelsi in Italy. Click here to find out more and to enter. Good luck!