Best winter holiday destinations for 2026

Looking for winter holiday inspiration? Discover the best ways to embrace the colder weather, from festive coach breaks to snowy escapes.

Why winter is one of the best times to travel

Summer is often thought of as the best time to get away. But there’s much to be said for planning a winter break. And there are plenty of magical experiences that occur only in the wintertime.

If you’re seeking a seasonal wonderland experience rather than winter sunshine, you could choose a country with celebrated mountain scenery or one that gives you the chance to see the northern lights. Or go for one of the numerous Christmas markets that spring up all over Europe for the festive season.

Prefer to stay in the UK? You could take in a Christmas pantomime or a ballet in the West End – or avoid the crowds altogether and enjoy a cosy Cotswolds cottage break.

Below we look at some of what’s available, such as central European Christmas markets, train rides through the snowy Alps and festive UK city breaks.

The best winter holiday destinations for snow and seasonal scenery

You can make sure you see snow on your winter holidays in 2026 by booking an escorted tour.

Alpine adventures in Italy and Austria

Italy’s Dolomites and Austria’s Tyrol and Salzkammergut lake district are destinations offered by several coach operators. They are among the best winter holiday spots for stunning mountain scenery and chocolate-box chalets.

Germany’s fairytale castles

In an alpine winter, Germany’s turreted Bavarian castles seem to emerge straight out of a fairy tale. Among the most beautiful are Hohenschwangau Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle, the latter being famous for featuring in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and inspiring the palace of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.

For similarly magical architecture, look to Transylvania in Romania, or the picturesque medieval town of Cesky Krumlov.

Winter snow holidays for non-skiers

You don’t have to hurl yourself down slopes for a thrill in the mountains; plenty of winter snow holidays for non-skiers incorporate unforgettable experiences.

Consider travelling by train

Rail tour operators can take you from UK to ride through snow-dusted landscapes on the famous Glacier Express in Switzerland or the Bernina Express from Switzerland into Italy.

See the northern lights

Few sights are as special as the northern lights, which are at their most visible in winter. Norway’s Arctic capital Tromso and Sweden’s Abisko National Park are popular aurora-searching bases from where you can also take excursions to meet huskies and reindeer, or try snowshoeing. Alternatively, seek the lights on a coast-hugging Scandinavian cruise.

Visit Father Christmas

For an unforgettable family winter holiday, visit Father Christmas in Finnish Lapland – but note that the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi gets very busy. The Northern Lights Villages (at Saariselkä, Levi or Pyhä) are among calmer alternatives.

The best European winter destinations

From late November, historic cities across central Europe, the Baltics and Scandinavia host light-festooned Christmas markets. You can sightsee by day, then, mulled wine in hand, browse stalls selling handmade baubles, wooden toys and gingerbread hearts.

Cologne is well known for its Christmas markets, as it holds an impressive seven of them, including one beside its famous cathedral.

In Budapest, don’t miss the cinnamon-dusted “chimney” cakes (called kurtoskalacs) in the markets. And while you’re there, take the chance to soak in one of the city’s historic thermal spas (though please note: the famous Gellért baths are closed until 2028).

Prague, with its statue-lined bridges, is among the most beautiful of Europe’s winter travel destinations, and holds a Christmas market in the cobbled Old Town Square near its famous astronomical clock, the Orloj. 

To take in more than one destination on your winter break consider a river cruise to comfortably combine several European stops with Christmas markets. You’ll call in at places like Bonn and Cologne on the Rhine, or Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna on the Danube.

Christmas and New Year holiday ideas

If you’re looking for a winter holiday over Christmas or New Year’s Eve, you could pack up the car and head for one of the many UK hotels offering turkey dinners, festive decorations and entertainment. Or book a cosy cottage with nearby country walks. If you’re planning a long drive, see our tips on keeping comfortable.

Alternatively, look for festive UK or European coach trips, often dubbed “turkey and tinsel” breaks. They’ll take you to a hotel for the big day, and sometimes build in some sightseeing too. Solo travellers are common, so it’s easy to socialise.

Similar options are available for New Year – and since no one welcomes it like the Scots, how about a Hogmanay break in the Highlands?

British winter holidays worth taking

Don’t overlook a pre-Christmas staycation. British winter holidays let you enjoy the festive atmosphere and visit museums and galleries without the summer crowds.

A show makes a perfect present. Book a West End musical, pantomime or a seasonal ballet from one of the major companies in London, Birmingham, Leeds or Edinburgh. These cities also offer great shopping, with Edinburgh’s Christmas market particularly well-loved.

Many stately homes and palaces put up giant Christmas trees and lavish decorations. You might plan your British winter holiday around National Trust and English Heritage properties or landmarks such as Brighton Pavilion, Hampton Court or Highclere Castle (as seen on TV’s Downton Abbey). 

Pretty winter getaway cities with indoor attractions

There are several historic cities where you can keep warm at their famous indoor attractions. The following suggestions also have Christmas markets.

• Oxford: for its fine university buildings and the art and archaeology-focused Ashmolean Museum.
• Bath: for afternoon tea in the Jane Austen-era Pump Room, a tour of the Roman Baths and a soak at the Thermae Bath Spa.
• York: for nostalgia-inducing locomotives in the National Railway Museum, linked by accessible road train from York Minster.

Practical tips for planning a winter holiday

• Consider packing layers. The air trapped between them will keep you warm when you’re outside and it’s easy to remove one or two if it’s hot in a coach or museum.
• Be prepared to hit the road. For road trips, plan your route and get traffic updates on the AA, RAC or Google Maps websites and apps. Check your tyres, top up the antifreeze, and pack de-icer, phone chargers and snacks.
• Consider accessibility requirements. If mobility’s a factor, seek out specialist accessible tour operators. For more advice, see our article on holiday inspiration for travellers with limited mobility.
• Check your travel insurance. Winter sports and cruises aren’t always covered under standard travel insurance, so make sure your protection is suited to any planned activities.