Top 5 Christmas Holiday Breaks

Winter Sun

Cancun, Mexico
The Christmas season is one of the most joyous times of the year. You might be wondering how Christmas can be celebrated in Cancun without snow, but if you're planning a trip to Cancun for the holidays, you're in for a treat. Between November and March, Cancun has temperatures of 30°C, allowing you to spend days enjoying the sun, stretches of white sand beaches, popular outdoor attractions, and historic Mayan ruins.
 
You won't have to worry about restaurants closing on Christmas Day because the majority of the locals celebrate with their families Christmas Eve. Cancun has a plethora of activities to offer, and nothing sounds more appealing than not having to cook on Christmas Day.
 
Between swimming with dolphins, bungee jumping, going to the waterparks and much more you definitely won’t be short of things to do. Aside from the activities, Cancun is surrounded by friendly people and is a perfect spot to relax and recharge your batteries. Instead of going to the conventional destinations of Spain or Portugal, try Cancun, especially after a lengthy COVID-19. You will not be disappointed if you visit here.

 
Skiing

Val d'lsere, France
Val d'Isere (pronounced val d sere) is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular and beautiful ski resorts in the world, located in France's Rhone Alp region. The resort here has a huddle of alpine hamlets formed with cosy wood and stone chalets dating back to the 13^th century. It is one of the most well-known ski resorts in the world, with 300 kilometres of slopes as part of the Val d'Isere-Tignes area.

The resort has a great reputation for consistent snowfall throughout the season, and even with its many hard slopes, it provides something for everyone. The various pubs, clubs, and restaurants here create one of the most vibrant après ski scenes in the world, and there are plenty of off-slope diversions as well. The Aquasportif centre includes swimming, sports, and spa facilities, and the village centre features an ice rink.
 
Christmas is celebrated in style at the resort, offering something spectacular for guests of all ages. Giant, beautifully lit Christmas snow sculptures have been seen around Val d'Isere as well as shows, concerts, torch lit descents, and colourful fireworks. France has justifiable claims to being the European ski leader. Around 30% of the world's major ski resorts are in France, which also offers the world's largest linked ski areas, allowing you to ski multiple destinations with a single pass.

Christmas Markets

Edinburgh, Scotland
Between November 19th and January 2nd, 2021, the world-famous Edinburgh Christmas events will spread holiday cheer across the Scottish capital. From mulled wine to vegan pigs in blankets, handcrafted Christmas ornaments to knitted Christmas clothing, as well as delicious sweets and alcoholic beverages, the beautiful Christmas Market in East Princes Street Gardens has a lot to offer.

 
One thing that always stands out is the scent of mulled wine, mince pies and German sausages filling the Edinburgh streets with festive cheer, as well as live music and carol singing. Prepare to be enchanted by the magnificent Christmas Tree Maze in East Princes Street Gardens, which has proven to be a popular feature at the markets year after year while younger people can search the maze for the Elves’ workshop and attempt to find their way out. An ice rink, the Big Wheel, 62 stalls, Santa's Grotto, and a Double Carousel are among the various attractions on exhibit in the market.
 
Edinburgh is particularly magical over the Christmas season. The entire town comes to life, the streets are lit up, the Christmas market is in full swing, and the town has a wonderfully magical feel.
 

Short Weekend Break

Galway, Ireland 
Galway is the place to go this year if you want to stay in Ireland for Christmas and have a lovely weekend away. Galway is the third largest city in Ireland and is located on the West Coast along the dramatic coastline that spills onto the Atlantic Ocean. The winter months in Connacht's greatest city are definitely a sight to behold, as County Galway's capital comes alive with the festive season. The city's annual Christmas market spread across Eyre Square sets the scene for the approach of winter, while the main streets in the heart of the city are decked out in festive decorations.
 
From excellent sight-seeing places to a strip of shops, pubs, and restaurants, it is loved by everyone. Eyre Square is the heart of Galway, but you can spread out and visit the G hotel, a premier spa hotel, as well as The Huntsman Inn for a delicious lunch, dinner or drinks. Along with the market, there is a lively beer tent with people singing while holding steins of beer or mulled wine, an ice rink in Salthill, and pubs with traditional music during the Christmas season. You will not be disappointed if you visit Galway during the winter months. If you’re planning a trip to Galway this Christmas, use our free award-winning app GeoFindIT to help you book a nearby hotel and find directions to all the best places to eat and drink during your stay.
 

Christmas Shopping

Manchester, United Kingdom

 
The city has a diverse range of high-street stores, department stores such as Harvey Nicholls and Selfridges, as well as designer boutiques. Manchester Piccadilly, Victoria, and Oxford Road stations are all within easy walking distance of the city centre, making it a great day out for Christmas shopping. With a bustling restaurant, café, and bar scene, staying properly fed is also a treat.
 
A great benefit of Manchester is if you can't find what you're looking for in the city, the massive Trafford Centre is only a few miles away. It has free parking, three large department stores, and most of the high-street businesses you might want, as well as a theatre, an arcade, a Laser Quest, and a food court.
 
So why not celebrate Christmas a little differently this year and treat yourself to a new tradition with one of the many wonderful options above?
 
If you found enjoyed this Christmas blog, you may be interested in the Christmas movies we love to watch.

Image sources:
https://www.cancun-adventure.com/en/blog/christmas-in-cancun
https://www.vip-chalets.com/resorts/val-disere
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/guide-manchester-christmas-markets-bars-15406834
https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/edinburgh-to-stage-digital-christmas-market-a-year-on-from-princes-street-gardens-controversy-3030407
https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/edinburgh-to-stage-digital-christmas-market-a-year-on-from-princes-street-gardens-controversy-3030407