Best Christmas holidays in the sun

Now, don’t get us wrong – we love Christmas. Why? It’s an excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast, every day, for a whole month. Thanks for the advent calendar, Mum.  

 Then, there’s draping too much tinsel over the Christmas tree and eating so many roast potatoes that you spend the rest of the day stuffed on the sofa. Plus, don’t forget the opening notes to Mariah Carey that always fill us with festive joy. But, here’s an idea – have you ever considered enjoying all that whilst basking on the beach with a cocktail in your hand? Why not explore a Christmas in the sun for your festive break this year?  

 A yuletide getaway doesn’t have to be about escaping the festive season. So, we’ve picked out some places where you can upgrade your white Christmas in the UK (wishful thinking), to a sun-soaked, white-sand beach instead. 

 Feeling festive? Check out our best Christmas deals and get your ugly jumpers at the ready…  

Swap mistletoe for Mexico 

Mexico combines average temperatures that hover around the 20°C mark with stockings full of yuletide traditions. Santa-red poinsettia flowers deck the halls of hotels and homes alike, and you’ll be able to watch Posada parades, where children act out Mary and Joseph’s journey to the famous stable. Turkey’s on the menu at a Mexican Christmas dinner, too, which is normally eaten at midnight on Christmas Eve. A classic Christmas day here is really chilled out – everyone’s recovering from the festivities of the night before – so why not make like a native and pick the beach as your R&R venue. If you opt for a festive stay on the Riviera Maya, you’ll have 30 kilometres of coastline to choose from, too. 

Swap robins for Canaries 

The Canary Islands are famous for their year-round toasty temps. Tenerife boasts an average temperature of 23°C in December, so you can wave goodbye to Jack Frost and his nose-nipping ways as you board the plane. Plus, the whole island gets on board with the festive fun, so you’ll see loads of twinkly lights festooning the towns. Puerto de la Cruz really gets its novelty Santa Claus hat on, with a full Christmas entertainment programme complete with live bands and carol singers. While you’re there, you can sample some traditional festive Turron – this almond and honey-flavoured cake will make you forget all about mince pies. 

Swap Rudolf for the Dominican Republic  

 Despite highs of 29°C on this Caribbean island, you’ll find lots of Christmas traditions to make you feel at home. New Year is the big one, though, and the Dom Rep celebrates festivities from October right through to January 1st. For an alternative Christmas, head out on an excursion  – set off on a safari ride or go snorkelling with the sealife in the warm waters. 

Swap crackers for Costa Rica  

Locals here go all-out with decorations over the festive period, so you don’t need to miss out on tinsel and fairy lights in Costa Rica. A banquet of food is calling come Christmas Day, too – chicken, pork tamales and a whole lotta rum punch are on the menu. Just don’t have too much before heading out to Midnight Mass… 

Tempted by a hot holiday season? Explore our other recommended Christmas hotspots. 

Looking for more articles? You’ll find them on the Inspire homepage.  

Authors: Becky Wells & Hannah Stratton

Last updated: 25/09/2023