8 Alternative Christmas Getaways for 2026
From snowy Arctic adventures and yoga retreats, to safaris and ski trips – plus some rather unique UK stays – we look at holiday ideas with a difference this festive season.
Top Image Skye. Photo by martin bennie on Unsplash
Escape to an island
Why not head north? And when we say north we mean to the most northerly island in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides – The Isle of Skye. Here you can get away from it all and enjoy the peace and tranquility of a small island with dramatic landscapes, where for those of you that love to be by the sea you are never more than five miles from the coast. You can either take the ferry across to the Isle of Skye, or drive over the free Skye Bridge, and then once on the island you will find beautiful landmarks including The Cuillin, the popular mountain range for hikers and climbers, The Quiraing with its dramatic cliffs, crystal clear pools and waterfalls and the scenic harbour at the capital Portree. If you are looking for somewhere to stay then The Eilean Iarmain hotel offers a magical three-night Christmas break with traditional dining – and you can even take you dog with you too!
Go on a yoga retreat
Swap the cold and dark short days of Britain with some warmth and relaxation at the Magical Christmas yoga & beach retreat in Goa, India. Taking place from 20th-27th December it offers a “Christmas escape of yoga, sunshine and laid-back beach life on the peaceful shores of southern Goa”. Here you will have the chance to practise the discipline while enjoying views of the sea, taking relaxing swims from the beach and enjoying some delightful Goan food. Bamboo Retreat is tucked away on the beautiful unspoilt beach of Polem offering a tranquil location close to a small village where you can enjoy nights of music by a beach fire, or you could opt to head to nearby areas for a more lively evening. Each day begins with a morning class of meditation and flowing asana with the afternoon more restorative and often including yin yoga, pranayama, meditation or yoga nidra. Between classes there will be time to relax on the beach, swim in the sea or take a massage, with one yoga free day (or two yoga-free half days) when you can head out and explore, or take a boat trip in search of dolphins at sunrise or sunset.
A winter wonderland adventure
Looking for a Lapland style adventure, but want to go somewhere a little different? Then head to Tromsø in Norway, set 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. There is lots to explore there, from Polaria where you can see Arctic marine life and The Polar Museum showcasing the country’s historic Arctic hunting and polar expeditions, to the Arctic Cathedral that makes the city’s main landmark and the chance to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the islands and fjords after a ride on the Fjellheisen cable car up to Mount Storsteinen. December is also a fantastic time for the opportunity to see the Northern Lights in Tromsø as it is located directly beneath the Aurora Oval. Other adventures to enjoy include whale watching, skiing and dog and reindeer sledding. While the Polar Night period means the sun never rises above the horizon only giving a few hours of twilight each day, this offers pitch black nights and the chance to wonder at the town beautifully blanketed in snow and lit up by festive fairy lights providing a magical snow globe experience. If you are looking for a great way to wake up your senses then challenge yourself to a dip in the sea and then regain your heat in the floating sauna!
Image Photo by Bjørn Are With Andreassen on Unsplash
A mix of sport and culture
For those in search of snow this Christmas, why not head to Cortina in Italy? There they offer a uniquely enchanting experience with alpine tradition and stunning scenery the backdrop to a picture-perfect Christmas village. Breathe in the aroma of mulled wine as you wander the pedestrian streets with the beautiful Christmas tree and nativity scene. Experience the Christmas Eve Mass at the Basilica of Saints Filippo and Giacomo that brings together locals and visitors every year and explore the Christmas markets, with some of the region’s most renowned markets are just a short drive away in Brunico, Bolzano and the Val Pusteria. Cortina also offers a rich programme of activities designed for families, children and visitors of all ages with shows, entertainment, music and games. With slopes of all grades of difficulty and breathtaking scenery, Cortina d’Ampezzo also makes the perfect location for a spot of skiing, providing adventure, adrenaline and the chance to get back to nature as you weave down its perfectly groomed slopes in the Dolomites.
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Head off on a safari
For something totally different, why not take up the chance to go on a Christmas Safari? Okavango Delta Explorations offer a six-night safari that combines two camps set in private concessions – Kanana in the western Okavango and Shinde in the Eastern Okavango – covering a diverse range of habitats and wildlife. The Okavango Delta covers between 6 and 15,000 square kilometres of Kalahari Desert in northern Botswana. These camps offer the opportunity to enjoy land and water activities, beginning at Kanana Camp with a string of islands and floodplains and activities including game drives, off-roading, night drives, walking, mokoro and boating. Leopards are frequently found there, as well as elephants and birds. With activities in the morning and afternoon, your beautiful room at camp will have a private deck to enjoy during your lunch break, or you could opt for a swim in the pool. At the Shinde Camp the game is wonderfully varied, with large bull elephants and varied herds of antelope, as well as lions, and the chance to see cheetah and wild dog.
Image Photo by Colin Watts on Unsplash
UK hotel inspiration for a festive break in 2026
Stay on a secluded island on the Devon coast
If you fancy taking a trip down to the Devon coast and the chance to take a step back in time and get ‘cut off from the rest of the world’ this Christmas on a tidal island, then you could opt for a stay at Burgh Island Hotel. The iconic Art Deco landmark, which has been restored to its 1930s glamour, is surrounded by golden beaches on a secluded island and offers old world charm and award-winning dining. Twice a day the high tide cuts Burgh Island off from the mainland for nearly three hours meaning the only way across is by a sea tractor! Yet for days out you are just 15 miles from Dartmoor National Park and the River Dart and 18 miles from Plymouth city centre.
Image Photo by George Hiles on Unsplash
A restorative spa break
Experience a restorative rather than traditional family Christmas at Lodore Falls Hotel and Spa in the Lake District which features one of the UK's largest outdoor hydrotherapy infinity-edge pools overlooking the Cat Bells mountain range and Derwentwater. The four-star lakeside hotel offers “the perfect combination of romance, luxury and lakeside adventure” as you can take lakeside strolls or go on adventurous excursions in the day and then relax with elegant dining and comfy bedrooms when it is time to take a rest. You can dine in the Falls Brasserie with its traditional British cuisine with contemporary touches, or enjoy Pan-Asian dining with a Lake District twist at Mizu. Enjoy pampering at The Falls Spa with its six luxury treatment rooms offering treatments from Elemis and Ishga, plus there is also the chance to enjoy a drink or two in the Champagne Bar. The hotel also has a doggie friendly space for cultured canines to go along.
Holiday in a windmill!
Head to the Norfolk coast and Cley Windmill, for a break with a difference in an 18th century windmill with sea views located on the doorstep of a nature reserve set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A well known landmark on the coast, it has breathtaking views over the salt marches where you could head for a winter walk to view them on elevated routes and refresh the senses. It is also located in walking distance of the village’s unusual shops. The windmill has had a starring role on both the big and small screen, featuring in MGM's 1949 film Conspirator with Elizabeth Taylor, in TV’s Ruth Rendell Mysteries and it also featured extensively in David Bellamy's television series.
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