*Updated for 2024*
There are two types of people in the world; those who like their winter months to be cold and white, and those who want to escape it to somewhere warm and sandy! If you are already dreaming of long evenings on a harbour front with a cocktail or two and not having to wear thermals to bed, we have the perfect remedy… With this in mind, here’s our selection of the top places to catch some sun at Christmas!
Canary Islands – Tenerife
Average temperature in December: 23°C / 73°F
Tenerife can be a great place to escape to for some winter sun despite December being known as their wettest month of the year. You will still get more than enough sun to make up for the odd downpour.
Once you’ve had enough of the beaches, make sure you visit Teide National Park in the island’s centre. Featuring Spain’s highest mountain (Mount Teide standing at 3,718m) it is also one of the oldest national parks in the country, and is the best spot to look for some snow.
Top 3 things to see in Tenerife
- Siam Park – If you’ve got the kids, head to this fantastic waterpark near Costa Adeje.
- Garachico – Take a stroll around this pretty harbour town.
- Monkey Park – This privately owned park focuses on the conservation of Tenerife’s endangered animals.
Spending Christmas in Tenerife
In the larger towns you’ll find carol singers spreading the festive joy. Most villages will be adorned with Christmas lights and decorations. Come Christmas Eve you may struggle to find a restaurant that’s open. Most people will be at home with their families for their main Christmas meal. Remember to look into this before you travel and make arrangements in advance to avoid being disappointed.
If you’re planning on eating out on Christmas Day, make sure you book in advance. This can also (unsurprisingly) be a busy time, particularly amongst tourists. Boxing Day isn’t a Bank Holiday here. Life returns to normal on the 26th and shops and bars will return to their normal hours.
When it comes to presents on Tenerife, Santa doesn’t arrive until January 6th. This coincides with the Feast of the Epiphany and the arrival of the 3 Kings on the 5th. This means shops and malls are fairly quiet in mid-December and therefore last minute shopping isn’t as stressful as in the UK. It’s worth noting this tradition is slowly changing and presents on Christmas Day aren’t uncommon.
South Africa – Cape Town
Average temperature in December: 26°C / 79°F
Travelling to a Southern equator country will flip the festive season on its head cold evenings by the fireplace to relaxing on the beach in the hot December sun! Cape Town is South Africa can be the perfect place for a hot Christmas.
Top 3 things to see in Cape Town
- Boulders Beach – Take a trip to Boulders Beach, a well-known hangout spot for a colony of African penguins.
- Aquila Game Reserve – Take a safari and see the wild side of South Africa.
- Table Mountain – Ride a cable car to the top of Table Mountain and Enjoy the views across the whole of Cape Town and the bay.
Festivities in Cape Town
The holiday season may sit in the middle of summer, but South Africans don’t scrimp on their festive traditions!
Cape Town’s centre is no stranger to festivities with decorated lights, trees, and pop-up Christmas markets. Make sure to check out some of Cape Town’s Christmas markets at Sea Point City Hall, Blaauwklippen, and Stellenbosch Kersmark.
Alternatively, you could head to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden where they provide an annual carolling event by candlelight for the holiday celebrations (usually within the second or third week of the month).
USA – Miami
Average temperature in December: 26°C / 78°F
Miami is one of the most popular US beach destinations. It boasts great weather, warm water, huge beaches, art deco architecture, Cuban & Latin American influences as well as a party atmosphere. Miami certainly proves that there’s more to Florida than theme parks. It’s a great place to visit at any time of the year.
Top 3 things to see in Miami
- Ocean Drive – Stroll down the art deco Ocean Drive before stopping off for a cocktail.
- Little Havana – Pay a visit to Cuban Miami and explore its wonderful shops and restaurants.
- Hark Rock Stadium – Catch the Miami Dolphins American Football team in action.
Holiday time in Miami
If you’re planning on spending Christmas in Miami, make sure you grab a Coquito. This Puerto Rican version of Eggnog uses a lot more rum and a lot less egg! One of the other big events in Miami is Santa’s Enchanted Forest. This huge holiday theme park is typically American and well worth a visit. If you want more of the same, there are a number of parties and parades in Orlando throughout the month.
Christmas Eve isn’t a big occasion here. Try to keep yourself entertained until the big day arrives when you can open your presents. Christmas Day is the whole point of Christmas in the USA. Many people often travel thousands of miles to be at home with their extended families for the holidays.
Australia – Brisbane
Average temperature in December: 29°C / 84°F
In the heart of Queensland, Brisbane is popular tourist destination when travelling to Australia. Being south of the equator, Christmas falls in the height of their summer!
Top 3 things to see in Brisbane
- Australia Zoo – Owned by the family of Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter, this zoo embraces conservation and is home to some of Australia’s most dangerous residents!
- Gold Coast – head south from Brisbane to the Gold Coast for its long stretch of sandy coastline with hot spots for surfing.
- North Stradbroke Island – hop on a ferry to North Stradbroke Island for haven of wildlife including turtles and dolphins.
Christmas in Brisbane
Despite Australia having an entirely opposite season for their Christmas period, most of the festivities remain similar with a slight twist. Santa even drastically changes his style to arrive on a surfboard pulled by kangaroos!
A well-known Christmas tradition from around the world fact is that Australians in fact have a BBQ on Christmas day instead of a traditional turkey roast that is more commonly eaten in the West. Consider changing it up this Christmas and having a “shrimp on the barbie” instead!
Brisbane can be a fantastic December destination if you’re looking for some sun at Christmas. Every year, King George Square is turned into festive wonderland with lights, a 22-metre Christmas tree, and colourful projects that illuminate city hall.
Cyprus – Paphos
Average temperature in December: 18°C / 65°F
The warmest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus has been popular with Brits for decades. The military presence ensures a steady stream of families heading over to visit loved ones with Paphos being an especially popular spot for its beaches, restaurants, and sights to see.
Top 3 things to see in Paphos
- Kato Paphos Archaeological Park – Found near Paphos, this park is home to some significant ruins including Roman villas and mosaics.
- Troodos Mountains – Head into the island’s interior to explore some of its excellent walking trails (you may even reach snow if you climb high enough).
- Coral Bay – Take a day trip out to the lovely small resort with gorgeous sandy beaches and of course crystal clear water. Coralia Beach, a little further along, is also great for snorkelling!
Festive fun in Paphos
Christmas Eve usually sees small groups of carol singers going door to door singing kalanda – carols dating back to Byzantine times. Christmas in Cyprus tends to be very traditional! It involves lots of festive foods such as christopsomo, kourambiedes, and melomacarona. If you’re looking to grab a few rounds of golf, there are some top courses in the Paphos area which also offer Christmas packages.
Finding a restaurant can be tricky as many are closed. Those that remain open tend to be booked up well in advance, so do your planning carefully. The 12 Days of Christmas are followed closely, whilst the goblin like kallikantzeri cause mayhem in the run up to the Epiphany on January 6th. Some people protect themselves by wrapping a sprig of basil around a cross and sprinkling it with holy water.
For many Cypriots, the Feast of the Epiphany marks the end of a 40 day fast which began on December 6th and the Feast of St. Nicholas. This in turn leads to some serious food preparation and celebrations. In the past, children would receive their presents on New Year’s Day as part of the day to honour St Basil (Agios Vasilis) the Cypriot Father Christmas but the common date is now December 25th.
Mexico – Cancun
Average temperature in December: 26°C / 79°F
December heralds the start of tourist season in Cancun. Whilst it’ll be busy (not as bad as during Spring Break between March and April), it’s for a good reason as you’ll enjoy perfect weather.
Top 3 things to see in Cancun
- Dolphin Discovery – Head to Isla Mujeres for an immersive introduction and a chance to swim with dolphins.
- Museo Maya de Cancun – Home to perhaps the most important collection of Maya artefacts in the country, this is a must visit museum.
- Whale Shark Encounters – Pick up where the dolphins left off and swim with the largest fish in the ocean at Riviera Maya.
Make the most of the festive season in Mexico
Chichén Itzá, the pre-Columbian city built by the Mayans, is a must see destination when visiting Cancun. It dates from around 700AD and is truly spectacular, but it is usually closed on Christmas Day. Remember that celebrations take place on Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), so you may struggle to find restaurants that are open. Most restaurants will be open on Christmas Day with hotels hosting Christmas events for their guests.
From December 16th you’ll likely see candlelit processions and re-enactments of Mary and Joseph searching for a room during Los Posadas. These last for 9 days and culminate in a visit to the nativity scene for a piñata and a party.
Like Tenerife, presents are given on El Dia de Los Reyes (Day of the Kings) on January 6th.
Madeira – Funchal
Average temperature in December: 18°C / 65°F
Madeira can be an excellent holiday season hotspot with warm temperatures and joyous celebrations. Although Madeira’s peak season is in the summer, it can busy in December due to it being a popular Christmas destination.
Top 3 things to see in Funchal
- Porto Moniz – Indulge in swimming, diving, water sports, whale watching tours, and natural bathing pools at Porto Moniz.
- Monte cable car – Plan a trip on the famous Monte cable car, providing fabulous views over the city and harbour.
- Nun’s Valley – Head to the Nun’s Valley, a village situated in the crater of a volcano, for the local weekend markets and fascinating history.
Options for celebrating Christmas in Funchal
Madeira celebrates the Christmas season to the fullest, with a traditional Christmas market, held in Avenida Arriaga central walkway. The Funchal Christmas market is full to the brim with foods, drinks, and gift shops in December and usually stays open until 9pm on busiest weeks.
Funchal is a festive hotspot with a month of celebrations occurring on the streets. The city is decorated head to toe in Christmas lights, with roughly 1.6 million lights illuminating over the festive season. Holding masses is also a common tradition among the locals with a midnight mass, named “Missa do Galo”, taking place on Christmas Eve night
If you’re planning on staying past Christmas and during New Year’s Eve, you will expect to see a spectacular fireworks display across the whole of Funchal. With 59 fireworks stations located across the city, you’ll be sure to see the new year’s celebrations. In 2006, this event was even internationally recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as “The greatest fireworks show in the world”!
Rent a car whilst getting sun at Christmas this year!
Planning to go abroad this December to catch some sun at Christmas but don’t want the hassle of public transport or unreliable car hire? When renting a car with Zest you can be assured to receive an award winning service while only being able to book with carefully monitored providers! Our customer support is always here to help if you need car rental assistance over the festive period.
Need more travel inspiration? Check out our blog on the best places to spend Christmas abroad.
