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If you’re planning a destination Christmas this year but don’t want to miss out on your annual measure of festive sunshine, we have plenty of options where you’ll be assured of endless warm weather and holiday cheer. From the Caribbean to Southeast Asia, this is our selection of the best hot places around the world to visit for Christmas:
Although Christmas is not widely celebrated in Thailand, December is still a fabulous time of year to visit, plus you’ll be able to switch out your usual festive turkey for a banquet of divine Thai cuisine (and someone else will take care of the dishes!).
By December, the rainy season is over, and the temperatures are comfortably balmy – ideal for lazing on a secluded beach in Koh Samui, enjoying an island-hopping adventure in the Andaman Sea or trekking in Chiang Mai. You can still find plenty of Christmas ambiance in Bangkok’s vast shopping malls, where you can stock up on gifts for friends and family back home.
Although the majority of the population in Mauritius is Hindu, there is also a significant number of Christians. As a result, Christmas in Mauritius is a vibrant celebration that reflects its diverse, multicultural heritage. One of the highlights of the season is the chance to attend a midnight Mass at the picturesque Notre Dame de l’Auxiliatrice church, which overlooks a tranquil lagoon at the northernmost tip of the island.
With its warm, tropical climate, many of the island’s Christmas festivities take place outdoors: beach parties and barbecues that celebrate the best of Creole, Indian, African and European culinary traditions. When you’re ready for an afternoon nap, there are endless, spectacular white-sand beaches to choose from, or you can work off those Christmas calories with a hike in through Black River Gorges National Park.
After decades of state suppression, Christmas was reinstated as a public holiday in Cuba in 1998. Even today, Christmas celebrations are less commercial than most Western cultures, with the focus on family, music and fabulous food. Festivities are centred around Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), when you can sample traditional Cuban dishes like roast pork (lechón asado), black beans and rice (congri), yucca, and plantains.
December in Cuba means warm, sunny days – just right for exploring the streets and plazas of Old Havana (Habana Vieja), lazing on the island’s many beaches or cycling through the spectacular countryside.
Whether you are exploring the vibrant markets of San José and Cartago, soaking in natural hot springs in the Arenal Volcano region or beach-hopping your way along the Guanacaste coast, a Christmas getaway in Costa Rica offers as much or as little adventure as you can handle.
The festivities start well before Christmas Day and include Las Posadas: a candlelit procession that reenacts of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Instead of looking forward to a visit from Santa Claus, it’s El Niño Dios (the Baby Jesus) who will deliver your presents if you’ve been good all year.
Imagine waking up in an idyllic overwater bungalow on Christmas morning, with the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean at your doorstep and the prospect of another day in the one of the most stunning destinations on Earth as your reward for having earned a spot on Santa’s nice list.
The Maldives is a truly memorable location for a lavish Christmas break, offering a wide selection of resorts where the vibe is ‘barefoot luxury’ and the opportunities for indulgence are almost endless. Spend your days snorkelling, diving or paddleboarding, treat yourself to a divine spa ritual (or two – it is Christmas after all!) and finish up with a sunset dolphin-watching cruise. If you’re really lucky, Santa may even pay you a visit on his jet ski.
Christmas in Mexico begins with Las Posada: a week-long celebration of parades, carol singing, eating and drinking in honour of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The bustling Christmas markets (Tianguis Navideños) are an excellent place to shop for traditional handcrafts and decorations while enjoying seasonal treats like buñuelos (delicious fried dough treats served with cinnamon and sugar) and ponche (a warm fruit punch).
Mexico City’s main square, the Zócalo, is transformed into a festive wonderland during Christmas, complete with lights, a huge Christmas tree and even an ice-skating rink. If you’re looking for a beach-lover’s Christmas escape, Mexico has all the sunshine, crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches you could wish for. Our favourite spots include the Riviera Maya region on the Caribbean coast or Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Coast.
Vietnam’s blend of authentic cultural experiences, warm hospitality and beautiful landscapes make it a fantastic destination for a unique Christmas escape. In many parts of the country, December marks the beginning of the dry season, and the mild temperatures and sunny conditions provide ideal conditions for enjoying all that it has to offer.
Although Christmas is not a traditional Vietnamese holiday, you’ll still find plenty of festive spirit, especially in Hanoi, where the Old Quarter is lit up with festive lights and Christmas decorations. Walk through the lantern-lit streets and beautifully preserved architecture of Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, or treat yourself to a Christmas-themed overnight cruise on beautiful Halong Bay.
December marks the start of Sri Lanka’s dry season, so it’s a fantastic time of year to experience the island nation’s incredible beaches, wildlife and culture. Laze on the golden sands of southern beaches like Bentota, Unawatuna and Mirissa, where it’s the peak season for seeing magnificent blue and sperm whales in the wild.
The tea plantations and gardens of Sri Lanka’s hill country regions are lush and green after the rainy season has ended. If you love hiking, trails like Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock offer stunning scenery and mild weather. Alternatively, you can experience this region from the comfort of the Blue Train, travelling between Ella and Kandy and regarded as one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys.
A destination Christmas holiday is a wonderful way to reset after a busy year, allowing you to spend quality time with loved ones while someone else takes care of the cooking, cleaning and entertainment. If you’re ready to take a break from your usual Christmas routine and celebrate this special time of year somewhere fabulous, your personal travel manager can help make this year’s Christmas celebration something totally unique.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
