Best Christmas Holidays in the Sun

Despite it being the festive season, there is something quite grey and drab about December in the UK, particularly if you are someone who loves nothing more than feeling the warm sunshine on your skin. Short days, cold mornings and endless layers of clothing are not for everyone.

Rather than having to just put up with a grey and cold Christmas, why not consider booking some winter sun for yourself? A Christmas break abroad can give you a complete change of pace, with beach days and barbecues instead of frost and rain, and it is a great way to make the festive period feel special again.

If you're unsure where to head, we have put together a guide to some of the best Christmas holidays in the sun. Whether you are dreaming of winter sun holidays or a one-off Christmas escape, these destinations offer warmth, beaches and a real festive treat.

Australia: A Classic Southern Hemisphere Christmas in the Sunshine

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for anyone who wants to experience Christmas in the sun, offering a festive season that feels familiar yet completely different at the same time. December falls right in the middle of the Australian summer, so instead of wrapping up in winter coats, you can expect long, warm days, bright blue skies, and a relaxed, outdoorsy atmosphere.

Many visitors love the idea of spending Christmas morning on the beach. Places like Bondi, the Gold Coast and Perth’s coastline are lively but friendly, with people enjoying barbecues, swimming in the sea and celebrating with family and friends in the sunshine. If you prefer somewhere quieter, Australia has no shortage of peaceful bays, national parks and scenic coastal spots that feel perfect for a laid-back festive break.

Cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane still put on plenty of Christmas events, markets and light displays, so you can enjoy a touch of tradition alongside the warm weather. You can also explore the Great Barrier Reef, the outback, or Australia’s wine regions if you want to turn your Christmas holiday into a longer adventure.

Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or with your family, Australia offers a sunny and memorable alternative to the typical UK festive season, and it is a brilliant choice if you want a Christmas break that feels bright, cheerful and full of things to do.

St Lucia: Caribbean Christmas on Golden Sands

For those of us who love nothing more than being able to soak up the sun on some golden sands, St Lucia is able to offer one of the very best winter sun breaks. It is one of those places that manages to be a combination of luxury all-inclusive dining and hotel options, as well as water-based activities to keep you busy when you are not relaxing.

December in St Lucia usually means blue skies, warm seas and an easygoing holiday atmosphere. You can spend your mornings lazing by the pool or on the beach, then try paddleboarding, snorkelling or boat trips later in the day. Many hotels and resorts also offer festive meals and entertainment, so you still get that sense of Christmas, just in a much sunnier setting.

During December, St Lucia is humid, but there is a wind that is known to be quite cooling at times. This is ideal if you like things to be hot, but not overwhelmingly so. Evenings tend to be pleasantly warm, which is perfect for al fresco dinners, cocktails by the bar and watching the sun go down over the Caribbean Sea.

If you are travelling as a couple, St Lucia feels wonderfully romantic. If you are visiting as a family, the calm beaches and friendly resorts make it easy to relax, while still having plenty to keep everyone entertained.

Dubai: Winter Sun in the Arabian City of Luxury

You will probably have noticed that many people, particularly those on social media, are eager to spend their winters in Dubai. Winter in Dubai is warm, which is not surprising, given the location and the fact that the Arabian Desert is just a short distance away.

Dubai is a city renowned for its luxury. There are sleek hotels, impressive shopping malls, rooftop pools and fine dining restaurants almost everywhere you look. This means that if you want to go somewhere and spend some time, you will need to ensure that you have the funds to support this. That said, there are also more affordable hotels and apartments available if you take the time to research and plan.

At Christmas, you will find festive brunches, special events in the malls, and a real “holiday” feel, but with sunshine instead of cold weather. You can spend your days at waterparks, take a trip out into the desert for dune bashing and camel rides, explore traditional souks, or simply enjoy the beach clubs along the coastline.

Away from the city's show, you can see a genuine sense of culture, history, and identity that keeps people coming back year after year. Areas such as the old creek and historic districts offer a glimpse into a very different side of Dubai, which helps balance out the glamour of the skyscrapers and mega-malls.

Florida: Family Friendly Festive Sunshine in the Sunshine State

America, as a whole, is not typically known for having warm winters, but this is not the case for those who live in Florida. Florida, even during the winter, has long, warm days, and this only gets hotter the further south you go. Miami and the Florida Keys in particular often feel like summer at a time when the UK is cold and dark.

The Florida Keys are probably one of the very best spots for winter sun. It offers clear blue water, relaxed bars and restaurants, and a very laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind. You can go fishing, take boat trips, try snorkelling, or simply enjoy walking around the colourful little towns and waterfronts.

It is not only a chance to unwind and relax, it also allows families to have some fun as you can combine it with a trip to the very famous theme parks that draw people year after year. Orlando is a big pull over the festive season, with Christmas parades, decorations and evening shows, so you can have the best of both worlds – sunny days and big festive attractions.

For those who like to stay active, Florida also has nature reserves, wildlife experiences and plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling and water sports, which helps make a longer Christmas break feel full and varied.

New Zealand: A Southern Hemisphere Christmas Adventure

If you are happy to travel a little further afield, consider heading to New Zealand for your Christmas. Whilst it is not the hottest place on our list, often reaching the high teens in temperature, it is somewhere that is absolutely packed full of things to see and do.

New Zealand’s Christmas period falls in the middle of its summer, so you can see locals enjoying barbecues, beach days and outdoor gatherings with their friends and family while you experience the festive season in a completely different way. It feels familiar in some ways, as a fellow English-speaking country, yet the landscapes make it feel truly unique.

Volcanoes, rainforests, thermal springs, and even movie sets – there is something that is so truly magical about New Zealand that you will be hard-pressed to find somewhere else in the world that has as much to offer you. You can explore both the North and South Islands, discovering peaceful lakes, dramatic mountains and coastal towns that feel made for relaxed summer holidays.

Plus, who does not love the idea of being able to celebrate Christmas on a golden beach? For many people, that first Christmas Day spent paddling in the sea or having a picnic by the water is something they never forget.

Thailand: Tropical Festive Escape in Phuket

One final option, and one that is definitely on the hotter side, is Thailand. Phuket, in particular, is still very warm, and whilst the rest of the country can see rain during December, Phuket is largely dry and warm.

Thailand has a lovely mix of culture, food and scenery, which makes it ideal if you want more than just a beach. There are also plenty of different types of activities and breaks that you can choose to have in this country. You can relax on the beach, see some of the sights, and go diving too. Day trips to nearby islands, temple visits and local markets all help you get a feel for the country.

Anything that you could think of is there for you to do and to create some memories that you can treasure for a lifetime. Whether you prefer quiet boutique hotels, lively resorts, or something more adventurous with island-hopping and boat trips, Thailand gives you the flexibility to tailor your Christmas break to your style.

The food is another highlight, with fresh dishes, street food stalls and seafood restaurants that make eating out part of the overall experience. Warm evenings, lantern-lit streets and sunset views across the water all contribute to the feeling of a “special” festive holiday.

Thinking About Making Your Christmas Holidays in the Sun a Long-Term Reality?

Hopefully, this post has helped you work out exactly where you would like to go to soak up some sun and really enjoy your festive break. A one-off Christmas escape can be a brilliant way to reset and enjoy some much-needed downtime.

In fact, if being in the sun is something that you would like to try and enjoy all year round, then why not think about whether a relocation abroad might be the best option for you? Many people use holidays like these to test the water and see what day-to-day life might feel like in a warmer climate, before making a longer-term move.

Here at Pinnacle Removals & Storage, we can help you to make even the most significant moves, and with our help, you can settle yourself in any corner of the world, sunny or not. Our experienced team can assist with packing, international shipping, storage, and the logistics that underpin a successful relocation, so you can focus on planning your new life, whether that is in Florida, New Zealand, Australia, or another destination that has caught your eye.

If a Christmas in the sun sparks ideas about a permanent change, we are here to support you every step of the way.