The Christmas school holidays come round fast, and the best dates and flights go early. Here are five family ideas for December 2026, when prices jump, and how to book without overpaying. Check your own school’s term dates first: most schools break up in the week before Christmas and go back in the first week of January.

1. Winter sun in the Canary Islands

Tenerife and Lanzarote are the easy answer: roughly four hours from the UK, warm enough for the pool in December, and plenty of all-inclusive and family-friendly resorts.

Best for: families who want sun without a long flight.

2. A snowy Christmas in Lapland

Sleigh rides, husky trails and a real winter wonderland. Lapland trips sell out early and the dates around Christmas are the most in demand, so this is the one to enquire about first.

Best for: younger children and a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas.

3. Christmas markets city break

Cologne, Frankfurt, Prague or Vienna: short flights, lights, food and a lot to do on foot.

Best for: a long weekend at the start of the break.

4. Long-haul in the Caribbean

If you have the full two weeks, the Caribbean gives you proper summer in the middle of winter. Antigua, Barbados and St Lucia suit families, and all-inclusive keeps the budget predictable.

Best for: families with two weeks to spare who want guaranteed heat.

5. A cosy UK cottage

A self-catering cottage over Christmas needs far less planning, no flights and no airport queues: a log fire, board games and a walk each day. If your family prefers adventure and warm weather, Egypt and Thailand are worth asking about for older children.

Best for: a relaxed, low-stress break close to home.

Why prices jump, and how to avoid it

• Book before the schools break up. Prices and availability tighten the closer you get to the last week of term.
• Be flexible by a day or two. Moving your departure can change the price a lot.
• Ask for the full price. Check what is included: transfers, bags, meals and tips can add up.
• Use a protected booking. We Guard Holidays is an ABTA member (P8607), and we confirm any financial protection that applies at the time of booking.

Christmas school holiday questions

When should I book a Christmas family holiday?

As early as you can. The dates either side of the school break-up are the most popular, and the best flights and rooms go first.

Can I book for a different week if my school dates are different?

Yes. Tell us your exact term dates and we will price the dates that suit you.

Is my booking protected?

We Guard Holidays is an ABTA member (P8607). Any applicable financial protection is confirmed at the time of booking.

Photos: Unsplash contributors (Datingscout, Bastian Pudill, cmophoto.net, Bent Van Aeken, Clay Banks).