As the clocks go back and the temperature drops, it’s time to start looking for a sunny Christmas holiday!
There are lots of reasons to go on a sunny Christmas holiday. Want to escape the commercialism? Not sure you can handle the whole family hoo haa? Weather getting you down? Just plain old need a holiday…?
Well, don’t worry. There are great options for all budgets for some winter sun. You can usually find good deals almost up to the day itself, especially if you shop around between sites.
Our favourites for finding a great deal on a sunny Christmas holiday are sites like OnTheBeach, LastMinute and Expedia. However, we’ll list a few more throughout this article so feel free to click in and take a look…
Having had a few winters in the sun (and the snow) these are our best recommendations for cheap and sunny Christmas holidays.
1. The Canary Islands
That old favourite the Canary Islands. Well, theres a reason they’re a favourite. The weather is routinely in the high teens or 20’s and you’re likely to have some sunny weather well into winter. The sea temperature too is usually very pleasant, usually around 20 degrees. For most Europeans the Canary Islands are a standard winter sun destination and good choice for a sunny Christmas holiday.
Fancy surfing on Christmas day? Or climbing a volcano? Or even just sitting on the beach with a mojito? All of which is obviously also great instagram fodder to turn them green back home.
You’ll find great deals on packages to the Canary Islands at OnTheBeach from around £200 per person (yes, even around Christmas).
2. Madeira
Thinking of somewhere a bit less obvious? Madeira is Portugal’s answer to the Canaries, although it is a bit further out into the Atlantic. This means the temperature is a slightly less mild than the Canary Islands but you can still relax on the beach and even take a dip in December (if you’re brave). Expect average daily temperatures of around 18 degrees.
Madeira is a more hilly and lush landscape than the arid Spanish alternative, so you’ll find great opportunities for walking in the interior or exploring quaint towns. Of course you can surf, go on boat cruises and see if you can spot whales or dolphins, enjoy para-sailing or even go scuba diving.
Check out deals to Madeira at Expedia for some great flight and hotel packages, from around £600 for a week including flights.
3. Go On An Adventure!
So the thought of sitting around eating loads of chocolate and binge watching sentimental films literally makes you want to run away? As someone who has spent Christmas day white water rafting one year, sat on beaches on various others and hiking a mountain another, I can totally sympathise.
How about diving the Barrier Reef before heading back for a BBQ? Or sailing a boat around Sri Lanka? G Adventures are the premier adventure tour providers and are always offering loads of interesting packages. Listen to your inner wanderer and take a look at their site. You’ll find something for everyone (hopefully for you!). Packages start at around £200 (in Europe) but can go all the way up to the thousands.
If you’re looking for a sunny Christmas holiday with a difference, take a look at G Adventures.
4. The Alps
Ski and snowboard packages are normally pretty affordable in December, with early season discounts often a steal even over Christmas. If you’re not that bothered about beaching and the thought of an affordable ski holiday appeals then take a look at sites like Inghams and SkiTotal. Both of whom offer very affordable packages, all in from under £400.
Places like France, Italy and Austria are much more affordable out of season, plus you are pretty much guaranteed a white Christmas! What’s not to like?
5. Goa/Kerala
The Indian beach destinations are great value, especially at Christmas. They’re a bit of a longer flight but you are pretty much guaranteed sun and warm seas. Yes, the flight costs a bit more than a trip to Lanzarote, but the savings you make when you get there are worth it.
A 5 star hotel in Goa will set you back around £50 a night and you can dine on fresh sea food every night for less than £5 per person.
You can find cheap flights on Momondo (from around £350-400) and look for your ideal hotel on Hotels.Com or Expedia.
Alternatively, take a look at TravelZoo for some great deals. Expect to pay upwards of £700-800 for most packages.
6. Morocco
It is exotic and it isn’t that far away. It’s not very hot at this time of year but to escape all the rampant commercialism, Morocco is a great option. We wrote a whole article about Marrakech, which is a fascinating city. In fact, strangely enough, Morocco even features in our article about ski destinations
You’ll currently find some great deals on Travel Supermarket, around £250 per person all in. Check out also LastMinute for some inspiring deals.
7. Kenya
For a really exotic and sunny Christmas holiday, head to Kenya. It’s a 9 hour flight to Mombasa and you’ll be right beside beautiful azure seas and only a few hours from some of the best safari destinations on the planet. I actually spent the week running up to Christmas in Diani Beach (near Mombasa) one year and can highly recommend it.
On Last Minute there are currently deals from 11th-18th December 2017 for under £700 with flights and hotel, which is a steal. If you stay over Christmas the price goes up to over £1000, but have a look here.
For a 2 day safari around somewhere like Tsavo East, expect to pay around £300 which includes the guide, accommodation and entry to the game reserve. It will definitely be a Christmas holiday to remember!
8. Dubai
This sprawling metropolis in the sun is a solid choice if you’re searching for a guaranteed sunny Christmas vacation. You’ll be able to spend your days indulging your shopping impulses, then lounging on the beach, and then follow it up with delicious global cuisine.
You’ll find great deals to Dubai on Expedia, Last Minute and On the Beach.
Feeling inspired? Ready to find your ideal sunny Christmas getaway… Take a look at flight prices on our handy flight widget…
Please note: Most links to providers on this page are affiliate marketing links, therefore, if you book your Christmas holiday (or any holiday for that matter) then we get paid and can keep this site running! Thanks 🙂
