The biggest priority for many of our clients planning a magical festive holiday over the Christmas period is to ensure they select a destination that offers the best possible chance of snow – bringing with it the joy and fun of sledding, snowman building and skiing, followed by relaxing, unhurried evenings indoors with a warming fire.
Many parts of the Balkans, Nordics, and Scandinavia are perfectly positioned to offer the ideal festive backdrop. Dustings of snow are all but promised every winter, combined with the beauty and majesty of the Northern Lights overhead in the night sky.
Let’s look at some of the locations, trips and tours that might be suited to your festive plans, whether you’re trying to find affordable Christmas holiday deals with traditional markets and city culture, wilderness breaks with reindeer and snowmobile adventures or want a short break to make this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations something to remember.
Best Destinations for a Snowy White Christmas Holiday
There is a vast array of choices, and we often speak at length with clients to ascertain the type of holiday that most appeals. You might choose between romantic festive holidays in a quiet retreat, luxury spa and wellness breaks, or bustling, vibrant cities that are full of the festive spirit.
As a snapshot of the diverse destinations and locations that provide a fabulous Christmas getaway, we’ve collated some of our favourite trips with insights into the types of activities and excursions you can enjoy during the most wonderful time of the year.
Booking a Glamorous New Year Getaway to the Baltics
The Baltic region provides superb value for money with short flight times direct from London and most other UK airports.
Our Baltic Highlights New Year package is ideal for couples and those looking for an exciting, romantic and luxurious festive break, as an eight-day tour that takes you from Vilnius, Lithuania, to Riga, Latvia’s capital city, and onto Tallinn, Estonia.
The New Year Gala is a highlight, along with walking through the old towns in each historic city packed with stunning architecture, entrance to the finest cultural and mediaeval attractions, and the opportunity to visit the beautiful town squares decorated for the season, with Christmas markets overflowing with crafts, delicacies, and cheer.
Snow almost always falls over Christmas, and between excursions and celebrations, you can find time to sled in the local parks, see the towering Christmas trees displayed in the city centres, and try ice-skating in the seasonal ice rinks.
Spot the Northern Lights During a White Christmas Holiday in Finland
For a more traditional festive trip, Finland is a perfect place for snow-seekers. There are several holidays and tours that are brilliant for children, or rustic cabins and glass igloos that provide a romantic escape from the noise and crowds in the tranquil wilderness.
The following packages are a small selection of some of our most popular Christmas holidays in Finland:
- Aurora Cabin and Winter Wonderland: Five days nestled in a private Aurora cabin near Lake Inari, watching the Northern Lights overhead in a cosy, comfy wilderness hotel, including a husky safari and snowshoeing.
- Arctic Experience in Finnish Lapland: This five-day adults-only package is the ultimate in winter romance. It offers a luxury setting, Arctic clothing rental, a reindeer safari, snowmobiling, and more gentle snowshoeing excursions.
- Arctic Christmas is a six-day tour great for children. It offers endless winter activities, a snowy backdrop, and traditional Finnish Christmas cuisine. Guests can visit Santa Claus, join in with carol singing, and head into the snow to pick the perfect tree.
If you’re torn between packages, we’d recommend Rovaniemi as one of the most popular Christmas destinations. There, you can try reindeer sled rides and snow sports like a snowmobile safari, book a visit with Santa and his elves, and send a letter via Santa’s post office.
Ruka is another excellent choice in Northern Finland. The temperature can dip far below freezing, offering pristine skiing conditions. Accommodations include traditional log cabins and resorts with amazing saunas and hot tubs to take the chill away after a busy day in the snow.
Enjoying the Best Christmas Markets Over the Festive Season
Our final featured packages are all about festive retail therapy! The Prague Christmas Market four-day short break offers travellers affordable Christmas holidays with an abundance of festive entertainment, restaurants, twinkling lights and a high chance of snow.
The beautifully decorated wooden huts, ice-skating, market stalls, lights, music and scents of mulled wine and cinnamon are the essence of Christmas, with the best markets in Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square right in central Prague.
As an alternative, the Copenhagen Christmas Markets four-day package in Denmark is another unforgettable festive holiday. You’ll have the chance to explore the lights, artisanal gifts, treats, and decorations at Tivoli Gardens, with amusements, rollercoasters, ice skating, and entertainment for every age.
Tips on Finding Christmas and New Year Holidays With Value for Money
There are a few guidelines we’d offer to anybody travelling in December, whether for a short city break or a longer family holiday over Christmas Day and New Year:
- Where possible, choose travel dates away from the bank holidays, when flights can become in higher demand. You may also find that transport and parking is more expensive and journeys to and from the airport take longer due to congestion.
- Picking a holiday that includes at least one meal or on a half-board basis provides the assurance that some of your dining is already covered, but it also gives you the freedom to explore your chosen destination and sample local delicacies.
- Check that your festive holiday price includes taxes, airport transfers on arrival, and checked luggage. These services are included as standard in almost all of our Christmas packages, but we recognise that encountering unexpected extra charges to check your bags can quickly eat into your budget.
If you’d like more information about affordable Christmas holiday deals, the locations with the best possible chance of a white Christmas, or advice about destinations that meet your requirements and expectations, please get in touch with the Baltic Travel Company team.
This entry was posted on Thursday, September 26th, 2024 at 8:56 am; on the subject of Holiday Experiences.