WINTER FAMILY HOLIDAYS

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Where to travel for Christmas & New Year Holidays

Winter, especially around the Christmas period, can be one of the most exciting times of the year for young children. It’s also the perfect opportunity to bring your family together for the festive celebrations on a Christmas holiday. As atmospheric and adventurous a snowy winter family holiday can be, we also love having the option to enter the new year in the tropics and soaking up some well-deserved sun. Whether your family wishes to meet Father Christmas and his trusty helpers in Finland or pull a cracker on the sun-drenched beaches of Costa Rica, we’ve curated the perfect trips for you.

Scroll down for our top four winter family holidays. Alternatively, browse all of our luxury family holidays.

Your Christmas holiday questions, answered

When do the Christmas holidays start?

In 2023, most schools will break up for the Christmas holidays on 20th December. The holiday then runs from 29th December, with pupils returning to school on 2nd January 2024. Remember, some schools have different term dates so always check before booking.

How long are the Christmas holidays?

In the UK the Christmas holidays generally run for 2 weeks. Most schools break up the week before Christmas and return in the first few days of the new year.

Why book your Christmas holiday with Black Tomato?

We don’t do cookie-cutter holidays, we prefer everything to be completely customisable. Our Travel Experts know your family holiday should be as unique as you are. And that’s because we’re families ourselves. So, think of our itineraries as a starting point, the first line on the page of your next great adventure.

Where to go for a luxury family holiday during the rest of the year?

If you’ve already booked your Christmas holiday, or would just like to have a look at our favourite family holidays throughout the year you can browse some ideas here:
February half-term holidays
Easter Holidays
May half-term holidays
Summer holidays
October half-term holidays

#1 Explore Finland’s winter wonderland via reindeer sleigh

Nothing says Christmas holiday like meeting Santa Claus in his very own workshop. Snow-covered Finnish Lapland opens up a world of outdoor opportunities for young children to embark on during winter. From husky and reindeer sleigh rides to feeding Rudolph and his friends, a walk through winter wonderland is every kid’s dream. Sit back and let the elves create magic for the whole family at Santa Claus village, before retreating back to your hotel to watch the spectacular northern lights. At the Arctic Light Hotel, you can’t help but feel like you’re in the Arctic Circle with all the polar bear memorabilia scattered throughout, from giant cuddly toys to the room’s wallpaper. The little ones will love it.                     

TAKE ME THERE

See all Finland experiences

#2 Search for sleepy sloths in the jungle of Costa Rica

Winter family holidays don’t have to be cold. In fact, winter is a great time to soak up that vitamin D in the tropics of Costa Rica and boast about it to your friends back home. A destination known for family-fun, your little ones can spot turtles, zipline across jungles, try their luck at surfing and even brave white-water rafting. Back at your boutique jungle lodge, Arenal Nayara hotel, sit back and listen to the jungle wildlife rustle around, admire the volcanic views and bubble away in the jacuzzi. This jungle hideaway has something for everyone; from an outdoor rain shower and swinging hammock to a wrap-around balcony. This is a family Christmas holiday with a tropical twist.  

TAKE ME THERE

See all Costa Rica experiences

#3 Make friends with meerkats in the Kalahari

End your year in style and kick-start the new year with excitement as you come face-to-face with Great Whites along the Cape or the Big Five in the Kalahari. The great thing about a safari in South Africa is it can be as laid back or adventurous as you wish, whether you’re looking to take a leap of faith off Bloukrans Bridge (with a bungee cord of course), hike up Table Mountain, or meet the local meerkat colony. As the years have gone on and your children have flown the nest, family rooms may be a thing of the past, so we’ve handpicked the best family-friendly hotels that bring you space when need it and family-time when you want it. Forest lodges, safari camps, and city suites; take your pick.  

TAKE ME THERE

See all South Africa experiences

#4 Lose yourself in New Zealand’s magical landscapes

The Christmas holidays are a great time to visit New Zealand. The beautiful sunshine is perfect for hikes across the mountainous landscapes, kayaking through the serene sea and wine tasting in New Zealand’s world-class wine province. To top it off? You’ll be whisked up in a hot air balloon to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the South Island’s incredible scenery – great for every member of the family. Not to mention the breathtaking hotels we’re checking you into, including a stunning lakeside lodge in Lord of the Rings territory; laced with creeping plants up its walls. We can’t wait to help you tick off those bucket-list moments on this winter family holiday.   

TAKE ME THERE

See all New Zealand experiences


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