Sponsored content
Between November and January, the festive season is in full swing across much of the world. And while it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, the holiday period does offer something most of us can agree on: it’s the perfect excuse for a winter getaway.
Whether you’re chasing twinkling lights and snow-dusted streets, or seeking somewhere quieter to recharge, by December, we’re all more than ready for a break
But where you choose to travel depends on whether you want to escape Christmas or embrace it. Are you longing for an icy winter wonderland filled with festive magic? Or would you rather leave it all behind and jet off to somewhere warm?
To get you inspired, we’ve partnered with Explore, a leading provider of small-group adventures. Their tours are designed to bring you deeper into a destination – beyond the tourist trails and into a world of hidden gems, authentic encounters, and immersive cultural experiences. With expert guides to lead you and an average group size of just 11, these are trips that feel meaningful, memorable, and genuinely magical.
So, whether you’re dreaming of sun-drenched beaches or snow-swathed forests, here are six destinations perfect for a Christmas break.
Where to embrace Christmas
Finland
If any country is synonymous with Christmas, it’s surely Finland, a land of crisp air, frozen lakes, and snow-blanketed pines. Finnish Lapland feels like stepping into a Christmas fairytale, where reindeer roam across icy shorelines and wooden cabins glow against dark winter landscapes. On a clear night, you might even be lucky enough to witness the ethereal northern lights dancing across the star-filled sky.
Here, winter isn’t a season but a way of life, and on Explore’s Finnish Lapland Winter Adventure, you can experience the wilderness in all its forms. Travel to Inari, a remote village where you can try activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and husky sledding. Plus, visit a reindeer farm, meet Indigenous Sámi people and learn about their cultural traditions, and feast on traditional Finnish food in local restaurants.
-
Finland | 6 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
Baltic States Christmas Markets
Or, why not spend Christmas in the Baltic States? Known for their storybook cities and rich histories, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are some of Europe’s most enchanting countries. Baltic Christmases are refreshingly authentic, feeling classic, not commercialised. Explore’s Baltic Capital Cities tour travels to Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn, three cities which turn into sparkling winter villages throughout December.
With their spires, castles, and narrow cobbled streets, the Baltic capitals are a joy to explore, and you’ll have an immersive experience in each, taking in Gothic cathedrals, Soviet relics, and bustling food stalls. A highlight is Riga’s Christmas Market, where you can browse local handicrafts, sip mulled wine, admire the towering tree, and watch traditional folk performances. It’s the perfect place to pick up a few last-minute gifts.
-
Explore Baltic Capital Cities*
£150 off | Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania | 8 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
Antarctica
For the ultimate white Christmas, set sail on an Antarctic cruise to the frozen south. There may be no bustling markets or decorated trees, but this pristine wilderness offers a more profound type of festive magic – one that lingers long after you’ve returned home. Explore’s Antarctica tours journey through untouched icy landscapes, providing truly unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Christmas falls during the Antarctic summer, so while you’re guaranteed a snowy celebration complete with glittering glaciers and waddling penguins, you’ll also enjoy more daylight. These long days open up endless opportunities for adventure: weave between towering icebergs by zodiac boat, watch seals and whales glide through inky-blue waters, and trek across the silent, unspoiled snowfields of one of the world’s last frontiers.
-
Explore Classic Antarctica - Expedition*
Antarctica | 11 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
Where to escape Christmas
Costa Rica
If you’re dreaming of a warm, wild, and invigorating Christmas, few places rival Costa Rica. This small Central American nation is a biodiversity hotspot, home to an astonishing array of wildlife – from exotic birds and tiny tree frogs to monkeys, sloths, and giant anteaters. Instead of snowy landscapes, spend Christmas exploring misty cloud forests, sun-drenched coastlines, smoking volcanoes, and cascading falls.
Explore’s Costa Rica Wildlife tour takes you through some of the country’s most ecologically rich regions, offering a truly remarkable break. Relax on the white sand beaches of Manuel Antonio while iguanas and capuchin monkeys sunbathe nearby; cruise the wild jungle waterways of Tortuguero, Costa Rica’s ‘mini Amazon’; and experience the rush of white-water rafting along the churning Pacuare River.
-
Explore Costa Rica Wildlife Tour*
£200 off | Costa Rica | 15 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
Japan
For travellers seeking to explore a brand new culture – a place where Christmas is barely on the radar – Japan offers a wonderfully different kind of winter escape. The crisp weather may feel faintly festive, but the adventures here are unique. Explore futuristic cities, wander ancient temples, spot snow monkeys, ride the famous bullet train, and savour one of the world’s most celebrated food scenes.
Explore’s Simply Japan tour takes you on an incredible journey through the country’s history, culture, and cuisine. Visit Tokyo, a unique blend of neon modernity and timeless tradition, and travel to the iconic Mount Fuji. In Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart, relax in Zen gardens and see geishas in all their splendour. Then explore historic Kanazawa, home to the historic Samurai district and exquisite Kenrokuen Gardens.
-
Explore Simply Japan*
£300 off | Japan | 14 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
Colombia
If colour, culture, and Caribbean warmth sound tempting, why not visit Colombia? This spectacular South American country bursts with life, from its vibrant colonial towns and rich cultural heritage to its dreamy tropical beaches. While Colombia celebrates Christmas, the festivities – and atmosphere – feel worlds away from those in the UK. It’s relaxed, sun-soaked, and filled with the warmth of friendly locals.
Explore’s epic Contrasts of Colombia tour showcases the best of this diverse country, travelling from the lively cities of Bogotá and Medellín, through the lush green coffee region, and up the winding Caribbean coast to pastel-hued Cartagena. Wander the cobbled streets of Salento in the Andean foothills, dive into pre-Columbian and colonial history, and soak up the irresistibly slow rhythm of local life.
-
Explore Contrasts of Colombia*
£150 off | Colombia | 14 days | Accommodation Included
Small group adventures. Don't just travel, Explore!
Includes taxes and fees
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re looking forward to the cosy glow of Christmas or dreaming of complete seasonal detachment, Explore offers a wide array of unforgettable journeys to match your mood.
If you’d like to embrace the magic, there are snowy forests and fairytale streets waiting to be discovered. For those who prefer to escape the festive frenzy, tropical shores are within just as easy reach.
And on Explore’s expertly crafted small-group tours, you can discover each destination in a way that feels deeper, richer, and more meaningful – whether that’s meeting Sámi reindeer herders in Finland, enjoying quiet reflection in Japanese Zen gardens, or navigating ice floes in the pristine seas of Antarctica.
So this year, whatever kind of Christmas you’re dreaming of, why not treat yourself to the ultimate gift: the freedom to celebrate in your own way? Wherever you choose to go, with Explore’s carefully curated adventures, an extraordinary experience awaits.