Escape for Christmas: Destinations to make this year magical

Christmas is such a special time of year. But let’s be honest, sometimes the stress of cooking for the whole family, shopping for last minute gifts and braving the British weather makes us dream of being anywhere else. The good news is that it's not too late to swap the supermarket queues for snowy adventures, Caribbean beaches or glittering city skylines.

Here are my favourite destinations for a Christmas escape filled with festive magic, sunshine or once in a lifetime experiences.

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Head to the snow

Some places just feel like Christmas. If you are after snowy adventures, roaring fires and festive charm, these are the ones to beat.

Lapland, Finland

For the most Christmassy Christmas imaginable, Lapland is unbeatable. Imagine husky sled rides through snowy forests, reindeer sleigh rides under the stars and children’s faces lighting up when they meet Santa in his home at Rovaniemi. This year you have one of the best chances in decades to see the Northern Lights thanks to peak solar activity.

Tip: Pack proper thermal layers as it gets seriously cold and book experiences in advance as Lapland sells out fast.

The Alps in Austria and Switzerland

If you love the idea of snowy mountain villages with twinkling fairy lights, mulled wine and festive markets, the Alps are perfect. Austria’s Salzburg and Vienna are alive with music and markets, while Switzerland offers chic ski resorts and cosy chalets. Spend your days skiing, sledging or taking scenic train rides, then end with fondue by the fire.

The Canadian Rockies

For something wilder, head to Canada. Banff and Jasper look like they have been lifted straight out of a Christmas card with mountains dusted with snow, frozen lakes and pine trees wrapped in fairy lights. You can ice skate on Lake Louise, soak in steaming hot springs surrounded by snow or even go dog sledding.

The Scottish Highlands

If you prefer something closer to home, the Highlands are wonderfully atmospheric at Christmas. Picture frosty walks around dramatic lochs, evenings by the fire with a dram of whisky, and even a chance to see Britain’s only free roaming reindeer herd in the Cairngorms. It is the perfect way to escape the chaos and reconnect with nature.

Sun soaked Christmas escapes

Not a fan of the cold? Then Christmas in the sunshine might be exactly what you need. Imagine opening presents under a palm tree, swapping your winter boots for flip flops, and toasting Christmas dinner with a cocktail by the beach.

The Caribbean

Eight hours from the UK and you will step into pure paradise. Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua are Christmas classics with turquoise seas, white sand beaches and reggae versions of Christmas carols. Antigua is especially family friendly with brilliant child friendly resorts and water sports. For couples, St Lucia offers dramatic scenery and lush rainforest.

Dubai in the UAE

For luxury, sparkle and festive cheer, Dubai ticks all the boxes. The city goes all out with huge Christmas trees, festive markets, and even skiing indoors at Ski Dubai. By day relax on golden beaches or shop at the Dubai Shopping Festival which starts in December. By night enjoy world class dining and fireworks.

The Canary Islands

Closer to home but still delivering reliable sunshine, the Canaries are ideal for families and couples who do not want a long flight. Tenerife has beautiful landscapes if you explore beyond the busy resorts, while Lanzarote is fantastic for self catering with its well stocked supermarkets and family friendly resorts. Expect around 22°C which is warm enough for t-shirts and al fresco dining.

South Africa

Fancy a Christmas barbecue on the beach? December is summer in South Africa which is perfect for safaris, scenic drives along the Garden Route or sipping wine in the Cape Winelands. Cape Town is buzzing at this time of year, and with temperatures around 25°C you get sunshine without sticky humidity.

City breaks full of festive sparkle

If you love shopping, lights and atmosphere, a Christmas city break might be your perfect escape.

New York City

Spending Christmas in New York is like stepping straight into a film. Think ice skating beneath the Rockefeller tree, horse drawn carriage rides through Central Park, and Fifth Avenue’s jaw dropping window displays. Broadway is packed with holiday shows and the buzz of Times Square on New Year’s Eve is unforgettable.

European Christmas markets

There is something magical about Europe’s Christmas markets. Nuremberg is famous for its medieval charm, Vienna dazzles with imperial elegance and Copenhagen adds hygge cosiness with mulled wine and twinkling lights at Tivoli Gardens. If you want variety, a festive river cruise along the Danube or Rhine means you can visit several markets in one trip.

London, UK

You don't even have to leave the UK to enjoy a festive city break. London sparkles at Christmas with Oxford Street lights, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and festive afternoon teas in luxury hotels. Families love the Hogwarts in the Snow tour at Warner Bros Studios which is a truly magical day out.

Something completely different

Sometimes the best memories come from doing Christmas a little differently.

Japan

Japan is not a traditional Christmas destination but it embraces the season with spectacular winter illuminations, quirky traditions like a KFC Christmas dinner, and the chance to soak in a snowy outdoor onsen (Yukimiburo a Japanese hot spring bath). Stay into New Year for deeply cultural celebrations with temple visits and fireworks.

Costa Rica

For an adventure filled Christmas, Costa Rica is ideal. Imagine waking up to tropical birds, exploring lush jungles and volcanoes, then relaxing on a sun drenched beach. December is a great time to visit as the dry season begins.

Antarctica

For the ultimate bucket list trip, spend Christmas in Antarctica. Towering icebergs, penguins, whales, and the glow of the midnight sun guarantee a white Christmas like no other. Expedition cruises over Christmas are truly once in a lifetime.

Christmas on the move - cruises and journeys with a twist

If you want your Christmas to feel truly different this year, how about celebrating while you travel. Cruises and unique journeys mean you get to see more than one place and enjoy the festive season as part of the adventure.

Christmas cruises

Imagine waking up on Christmas morning to the sound of the ocean, a glass of bubbles in hand and not a single dish to wash. Christmas cruises are perfect for those who want everything taken care of, with festive dining, decorations, entertainment and incredible destinations. You could sail the Caribbean and spend Boxing Day on a sun drenched beach or opt for a river cruise through Europe to see magical Christmas markets in multiple cities.

Why December? Ships go all out for Christmas with lavish decorations, special menus and festive shows. It feels like being in a floating winter wonderland.

Train journeys at Christmas

For something even more unusual, a Christmas train journey can be magical. Picture the snow covered landscapes of the Swiss Alps from the warmth of the Glacier Express, or a festive trip on Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer. Closer to home, the UK has special Christmas steam train rides through the countryside that add old fashioned charm to the season.

Why December? Trains feel extra cosy at Christmas, especially with carriages decorated and festive meals served onboard. The scenery is also at its most enchanting in winter.

Expedition style travel

For the adventurous, consider a once in a lifetime journey like an Antarctic expedition cruise, an African safari that combines game drives with Christmas sundowners, or even a trek in Patagonia with festive dinners enjoyed under the stars. These trips are about making memories you will never forget.

Nikki’s Christmas travel tips

• Book sooner rather than later as Christmas escapes always sell fast

• Flying on Christmas Day or returning on New Year’s Eve can often save you money

• Pre-book excursions, dinners or ski passes to avoid disappointment

• Travelling as a family? Villas or apartments give more space and flexibility

So what does your perfect Christmas look like? Snowy mountains, Caribbean beaches or twinkling cities? Wherever you choose to go, it's not too late to make this Christmas unforgettable.

Let me take the stress away. I will plan the perfect festive getaway while you sit back and look forward to it.