Are you searching for winter holiday ideas? Whether you’re dreaming of snowy mountains, a dose of tropical sun or a festive city break, we’ve got you covered.
This guide brings you 11 hand-picked winter break ideas to spark your plans and cater for every mood and budget. Backed by our real travel-tested insights and price estimates for winter 2025/26. Discover your perfect winter getaway and start planning your trip!
Contents
- Cold Winter Destinations – Snowy Retreats and City Escapes
- Paris, France
- Bruges, Belgium
- Innsbruck, Austria
- Les Gets, France
- New York, USA
- Reykjavik Iceland
- Winter Sun Destinations – Vitamin D Boosters
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Lanzarote, Canary Islands
- Indian Shores, Florida
- Koh Samui, Thailand
- Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- Search for your Winter Break
Tried and Tested Destinations
These are all places we have been to and researched with DIY travellers in mind – balancing budget friendly options, our real-life travel experiences and up to date prices for your winter break 2025/26.
From magical Christmas markets and Northern Lights adventures to relaxing tropical escapes, you’ll find practical tips in the recommended blogs to read – to help you plan a winter trip that’s memorable, affordable and stress-free.
All costs fluctuate and are approximate. These winter breaks were researched on Skyscanner and Booking.com for the month of December. You can search and compare prices for flights and hotels from your nearest airport on the Skyscanner link below. Should you find a deal that suits your needs, Skyscanner will redirect you to the company that provides the service.
Some of my content may contain affiliate links for companies I use and love and recommend to awesome readers like yourself. If you take action, (i.e. subscribe, make a purchase) after clicking one of these links, I’ll earn a small amount of pocket money (at no extra cost to you), so I can buy a coffee while creating more helpful content like this.
👉 Search for Winter Breaks on Skyscanner
Cold Winter Destinations – Snowy Retreats and City Escapes
If you are looking for Christmas card destinations, with pretty lights, festivities and cosy restaurants, these winter break ideas will give you food for thought.
Paris, France
About Paris in Winter
Paris is a wonderful destination at any time of year but in winter there are less crowds and prices are cheaper. If you visit around late November to early January, the Christmas lights will adorn the city.
Paris weather in winter is cold and can be rainy. We have visited Paris in February twice. The first time the temperature was -10’c. The second time we were blessed with sunshine but it was still chilly. Be prepared to wrap up warm.
Activities for a Winter City Break in Paris
If you have watched episodes of ‘Emily in Paris’, you will get a glimpse of the gorgeous lights in Paris around Christmas. You can go ice skating, visit famous attractions without the crowds like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre. Shop in Lafayette and the boutiques in the covered passages. Eat delicious French cuisine at the many bistros and cafes. Perhaps take a trip to Disneyland Paris and join in with the winter festivities.
Costs for a Paris City Break from the UK
Flights: from £50 return
Hotel: from £72 per night, (based on 2 people sharing)
🔗 Blog to Read: Shopping Trip to Paris
Bruges, Belgium
About Bruges in Winter
Famous for its Christmas markets, Bruges comes to life during the festive period. From November to early January, Bruges has Christmas lights, markets and festivities. Bruges has gorgeous ‘chocolate box’ architecture, beautiful canals, a picturesque town square and in winter can be covered in snow.
We experienced a wonderful day trip to Bruges during a Northern European Cruise and I loved looking for the film locations from the film ‘In Bruges’.
Activities for a Winter Break in Bruges
In December, you can visit the Christmas markets, take a horse and carriage ride around the centre. Climb the Belfry Tower and eat Belgium waffles smothered in chocolate at one of the cute cafes and coffee shops. We took a canal boat tour around the city.
Costs for a Winter Break in Bruges from the UK
Flights: to Brussels from £78 return – Transfer by train from Brussels to Bruges 40 Euros return (1 hour)
Hotel: from £110 per night, (based on 2 people sharing)
Innsbruck, Austria
About Innsbruck in Winter
Innsbruck is the the capitol of Tyrol and borders Italy and Germany. It is a beautiful city nestled in the Austrian Alps. It has a wonderful old town with character Baroque and Gothic architecture.
In the winter the mountains surrounding are snowy and the town is Christmassy with the Swarovski Christmas tree as its centre piece.
💗 Innsbruck has a special place in my heart because I studied at the university here.
Activities for a Winter Break in Innsbruck
Innsbruck has 13 ski resorts within the area. It also has great museums, including the Swarovski museum, many wonderful, traditional restaurants and is home to an alpine zoo.
You can take the Nordkette cable car up the mountain, visit the iconic Golden Roof, eat amazing cakes from the assortment of bakeries and perhaps a glass of Gluewein.
Costs for a Winter Break in Innsbruck from the UK
Flights: from £81 return
Hotel: from £131 per night (based on 2 people sharing).
🔗 Blog to Read: Innsbruck City Guide
Les Gets, France
About Les Gets in Winter
Les Gets is our favourite ski destination but you don’t have to ski to appreciate its charm. Any time from November to Easter is like Christmas in Les Gets. The lights stay up for the whole winter season.
Full of traditional wooden chalets, cosy restaurants, gourmet food stores and delightful shops, Les Gets is a Winter break dream destination.
Activities for a Winter Break in Les Gets
Apart from skiing, you can ice skate in the outdoor rink in the centre. Take the cable car up the mountains for a walk in the snow and a bite to eat overlooking the spectacular views. Watch the evening entertainment at the bottom of the piste and eat and drink at the traditional restaurants.
Costs for a Winter break in Les Gets
Flights: from £65 return to Geneva. Alpybus transfer from 50 Euros return (1hr 30)
Hotel: from £99 per night (based on 2 people sharing).
🔗 Blog to Read: Activities in Les Gets
New York, USA
About New York in Winter
New York in winter fulfills its romantic ideal. Christmas lights, ice skating, lavish shopping and holiday magic.
New York is very cold in winter and there is often snow. You will need to wrap up warm and be prepared for harsh weather conditions.
Activities for a Winter Break in New York
Visit the giant Christmas tree at the Rockefeller centre and ice skate on the outdoor rink. Watch a show on Broadway and see the lights in Times Square. Take a stroll through frozen Central Park and enjoy the magical fairy lights while eating at Tavern on the Green.
🌟 My highlight was Afternoon Tea at the Plaza – ‘Home Alone’ style.
Costs for a Winter Break in New York
Flights: from £288 return
Hotel: from £179 per night (based on 2 people sharing).
🔗 Blog to Read: See our child friendly New York Itinerary here!
Reykjavik Iceland
About Reykjavik in Winter
Iceland, ‘land of fire and ice’ is wonderful at any time of year and in winter there is an increased chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Temperatures are freezing and there are only a few hours of daylight but crowds are smaller, prices are cheaper and you can still experience bucket list adventures.
🎆 We spent New Year in Iceland and it was our best New Year ever!
Activities for a Winter Break in Reykjavik
Visit incredible geological marvels, immense waterfalls and relax in geothermal waters. You could go on the Golden Circle trip, walk between tectonic plates, see a volcano crater and explosive geyser. Search for the Northern lights on a private tour. Visit the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon and indulge in an incredible spa experience.
Costs for a Winter Break in Reykjavik from the UK
Flights: from £64 return
Hotel: from £102 per night (based on 2 people sharing).
🔗 Blog to Read: Iceland in Winter: 4-Day Itinerary
😎 Winter Sun Destinations – Vitamin D Boosters
☀️ Perhaps you want to escape the wintry weather and seek some warmth and a dose of Vitamin D? These next destinations promise sunshine and dry weather, tropical islands, sugar sand beaches and warm climates.
Marrakech, Morocco
About Marrakech in Winter
Marrakech, the ‘Red City’ has far cooler temperatures in Winter than in the summer months. It is still pleasant – around 20’C in the day and enjoys sunshine. Night time temperatures are considerably cooler so you will need an extra layer.
The great thing about Marrakech in the winter is prices are lower, crowds are smaller and the weather is far nicer than the UK.
Activities for a Winter Break in Marrakech
Explore the souks and buy some exotic gifts. Visit architectural treasures like Ben Youssef and the Secret Garden to admire the intricate mosaics. Eat Moroccan tagine at one of the roof top restaurants overlooking the snow capped mountains. And enjoy amazing coffee at Bacha Coffee Museum.
Costs for a Winter Break in Marrakech from the UK
Flights: from £31 return
Hotel: from £25 per night (based on 2 people sharing)
🔗 Blog to Read: Marrakech 3 Day Intinerary
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
About Lanzarote in Winter
Lanazarote is situated on the North coast of Africa. It is an incredible and unique destination with amazing landscapes, beaches and volcanoes.
Winter weather temperatures are around 20’C in the day and 15 ‘C at night. You are likely to get 6-7 hours of sunshine.
The great thing about Lanzarote in winter is that everything is still open because they don’t have a season. It’s also a great time to walk around the island.
Activities for a Winter Break in Lanzarote
Lanzarote has lots to do. You can visit beaches, take a boat trip and partake in water sports. There are also unique attractions like Cesar Manrique’s amazing architectural creations and Timanfayer National Park, where you can see volcanic landscapes and watch geothermal demonstrations.
Costs for a Winter Break in Lanzarote from the UK
Flights: from £32 return
Hotel: from £75 per night (based on 2 people sharing).
🔗 Blog to Read: Highlights of Lanzarote
Indian Shores, Florida
About Indian Shores in Winter
Indian shores is a peaceful hidden gem on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. Situated between St Pete’s and Clearwater, it is located on a barrier island so you have a beautiful beach and coast on one side and a water front on the other. Winter temperatures are dry, sunny and around 24’C.
Activities for a Winter Break in Indian Shores
Relax on the white sand beach, bathe in the warm sea and enjoy the natural surroundings. Eat at the fantastic independent seafood restaurants.
Catch the trolley bus to St Pete’s and Clearwater to see the Salvador Dali Museum and the famous CMA Aquarium. Take a boat tour to go dolphin spotting and maybe see a glimpse of a manatee.
Costs for a Winter Break in Indian Shores from the UK
Flights: from £378 return to Tampa, Florida
Hotel: from £116 per night (based on 2 people sharing) – found on Skyscanner
🔗 Blog to Read: Things to Do in Indian Shores
Koh Samui, Thailand
About Koh Samui in Winter
Koh Samui is a tropical island paradise situated on the Gulf of Thailand. It is Thailand’s second largest island. The weather in winter is calm and sunny with temperatures around 27’C. As it is a tropical island you can expect some rain at times .
Activities for a Winter Break in Koh Samui
Experience beautiful beaches, remote islands, wonderful cuisine, elephants and temples. Take a boat trip to Ang Thong Marine Park, or a hike to Nu Muang Waterfalls. Visit an elephant sanctuary and meet these amazing animals. Relax and enjoy the incredible hospitality of the Thai people.
Costs for a Winter Break in Thailand from the UK
Flights: from £551 return
Hotel: from £20 per night (based on 2 people sharing).
🔗 Blog to Read: Best Things to do in Koh Samui
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
About Playa del Carmen in Winter
Playa del Carmen is situated on the Riviera Maya, south of Cancun. The weather in winter is warm – 28’C, with low levels of humidity and a refreshing breeze.
Activities for a Winter Break in Playa del Carmen
Enjoy the beautiful beaches and incredible sea water. Go snorkelling and spot some of the wondrous marine life. Swim in Cenotes, underground caves with crystal clear waters. Take a tour to see the ruins of Chichen Itza. Enjoy mouth watering Mexican cuisine and delicious cocktails.
Costs for a Winter Break in Playa del Carmen from the UK
Flights: from £467 return to Cancun
Hotel: from £28 per night (based on 2 people sharing).
🔗 Blog to Read: Day Trips form Playa del Carmen – Coming soon!!
Search for your Winter Break
I hope these winter break suggestions have given you some ideas. What type of winter break will you choose? Take a look on Skyscanner and Booking.com and book your dream trip today!
You can search and compare prices for flights and hotels from your nearest airport on the Skyscanner link below. Should you find a deal that suits your needs, Skyscanner will redirect you to the company that provides the service.
See all of my blogs related to these destinations below:
Leave a Reply