Where to Go This Christmas: Family Festive Breaks

South Africa

Guarantee some sun this winter and head to South Africa. Familiar festivities including Christmas trees, a turkey dinner and carols can all still be enjoyed south of the equator. For an extra special stay, Tswalu Tarkuni Lodge is the perfect accommodation for a multi-generational holiday. Sleeping up to 10 in five luxurious suites, you’ll have plenty of fun with the use of a fully stocked wine cellar, private pool and games room. This homestead is exclusively yours with your own private host, chef, safari guides and tracker for a true family-only experience.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Finland

For a true Christmas holiday, no family bucket list would be complete without a visit to Lapland. Spotting the northern lights, feeding reindeers, meeting Santa, dog sled rides and roasting marshmallows on the cosy log fire; it’s a real winter wonderland. Experience a unique stay inside a Glass Igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, where you can see the aurora borealis from your bedroom. Alternatively, Octola is an ultra-luxury wilderness lodge that will be exclusively your own, complete with private chef and butler.

Four Seasons Private Island at Voavah

Maldives

White sand beaches, cerulean waters and swaying palm trees will be your backdrop as you open Christmas presents this year. With amazing weather all year round, it’s no wonder escaping to the Maldives is a popular choice. And if you and your family are searching for the epitome of luxury, Four Seasons Private Island at Voavah is the place for you. The five-acre UNESCO haven is entirely your own boasting incredible amenities including a private yacht and seven beautifully designed bedrooms so everyone in the family can join. 

New York

From snowball fights and horse and carriage rides in Central Park, to ice skating at the Rockefeller Centre and toy shopping at FAO Schwarz, New York comes alive at Christmas. Your trip would not be complete without a stay at the infamous The Plaza Hotel. As well as an iconic Christmas Day dinner, you can recreate movie scenes by booking the Home Alone 2: Fun in New York package including a cheese pizza, ice-cream sundae and a private limo ride to see the city’s hot spots. 

ANI Thailand

Thailand

Delicious food, rich culture, tropical landscapes and luxury accommodations, Thailand has it all. Spend time with family in comfort over Christmas before getting out to celebrate the new year with fireworks, music concerts and releasing lanterns. For a holiday suitable for the entire family, reserve ANI Thailand located on Koh Yao Noi Island. It’s made up of two Ocean Villas, two Family Villas and four Pool Suites that sleep up to 20. When we said the entire family, we meant it!

Gleneagles Hotel

Scotland

Staycations have never been more popular, offering the comfort of home without the stresses of cooking and digging out the emergency chairs. Journey to Scotland where a stay at Gleneagles Hotel will put you in the heart of a Harry Potter book. Roaring fires, traditional rooms, ice skating opportunities and decadent dining will have the whole family feeling joyful. Just one-hour’s drive away is Edinburgh, where you can experience the excellent Christmas markets, try some hearty food and watch the fireworks as the clock strikes 12 on New Year's Eve.

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman

Experience a Christmas like no other with light displays, beach parties, Caribbean food, meeting Santa, the annual Christmas tree switch on and more. The Cayman Islands really know how to mix fun festive traditions with the Caribbean sunshine. Families should check into The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman which boasts a range of activities ideal for the young and old. And if you want to pack nan, grandad and all the cousins, book Seven South, an exclusive penthouse that can sleep up to 18 guests.

Chalet Chêne

France

If you’re a family who love hurtling down the slopes on one, or two, wooden planks, then head to France where the Alps will be your welcomed home over the festive period. Those looking for exclusive accommodation with activities and ski slopes suitable for all, should stay at Hôtel Village La Mourra. Reserve Chalet Chêne a seven-bedroom private chalet ideal for large family breaks. The wellness centre and spa give a must needed break from the speed of the slopes, whilst the excellent babysitting services will give adults some me-time. 

Orlando

From meeting your favourite Disney characters to watching the Christmas parades and riding on thrilling rollercoasters Walt Disney World Resort has got to be the most magical place on earth. Parents and children can book into one of the fantastic, themed hotels such as Animal Kingdom at Disney, whilst multi-generational families stay in their own luxury villa in beautiful, gated communities like Championsgate, where presents under the tree followed by a splash in your private pool will make for superb Christmas morning.

Wherever you choose to spend it, a Christmas holiday is about more than just the destination. It’s about shared moments, surprise delights and the stories that linger long after the decorations come down. Whether you're sipping champagne in the tropics or crunching through snow with your little ones, let this festive season be a celebration of togetherness in a place that sets your soul alight.