Last updated on January 19th, 2025
Winter is a truly magical time to explore, relax, or dive into new adventures. Whether you love the festive buzz, crave sunny beaches, or seek serene moments, there’s a perfect winter escape for everyone, and today, we’ll be exploring 5 of the very best.
1. Embrace the Festive Spirit in the UK
Though it might be known for being a little drab for most of the year, parts of the UK transform into mini winter wonderlands during the festive season. From twinkling lights to charming Christmas markets, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the holiday cheer.
Christmas Markets: Explore iconic markets like Winter Wonderland in London or the Edinburgh Christmas Market for mulled wine, handcrafted gifts, and festive treats.
Cosy Pubs: Warm up by the fire with a hot cider, a mulled wine, or hearty meal at a traditional British pub.
Ice Skating Rinks: Glide across rinks like Somerset House in London or Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland.
2. Seek Winter Sun in Europe
If the cold isn’t your thing, you can quite easily escape to sunnier climes just a short flight from the UK. Europe has plenty of destinations offering winter warmth without breaking the bank, with the following destinations offering (mostly) guaranteed year-long sun.
Canary Islands: With year-round sunshine, these Spanish islands are perfect for beach lovers and hikers.
Cyprus: Discover golden beaches, ancient ruins, and delightful cuisine.
Malta: Explore this Mediterranean gem, rich in history and bathed in winter sun.
3. Hit the Slopes on a Skiing Adventure
For thrill-seekers or sporty families, skiing is the ultimate winter holiday activity. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, Europe and North America boast world-class resorts for all skill levels. You might even be able to find some amazing last minute ski holidays if you leave it to the last moment.
Europe: Resorts like Chamonix in France and St. Anton in Austria offer a mix of thrilling runs and après-ski fun.
North America: Try Whistler in Canada or Aspen in the US for breathtaking views and powder-perfect snow.
4. Explore the Wonders of the Northern Lights
Witnessing the Aurora Borealis is a bucket-list experience that promises to leave you in awe. While you were able to catch it in the UK recently, however, the natural light display is best seen in the colder months in areas where there is minimal light pollution.
Iceland: Combine your Northern Lights tours with a volcano trek across some truly alien landscapes.
Norway: Tromsø offers excellent vantage points for the Aurora, as well as Arctic adventures like dog sledding.
Finland: Stay in a glass igloo or cosy cabin for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
5. Indulge in Relaxation and Wellness
If your ideal winter holiday is all about peace and rejuvenation after a hectic year, a winter spa break or wellness retreat might be the perfect match for your Christmas escape.
Iceland: Soak in the Blue Lagoon or try a geothermal bath surrounded by snowy landscapes.
Hungary: Budapest’s thermal baths, like Széchenyi, are renowned for their healing properties. You can even try a beer spa if you’re so inclined!
UK: Finally, if you fancy staying closer to home and your family this year, treat yourself to a luxurious spa weekend at one of the UK’s top wellness hotels.
