Booking a Christmas getaway can be a wonderful way to reduce stress, create new traditions and enjoy the festive season on your own terms.
Whether it’s a quiet countryside retreat, a festive city break or a winter sun escape, a Christmas getaway can offer both rest and renewal.
Why Consider a Christmas Getaway?
Christmas can be emotionally, physically and financially demanding. A break away from home can help to reset expectations and strip the season back to what matters most.
Common reasons people choose to travel include:
Escaping the pressure of hosting or family tensions
Wanting a quieter, more peaceful Christmas
Marking a life change, loss or new beginning
Making the most of time off work
Creating a special experience instead of buying more “stuff”
There is no right or wrong way to do Christmas – only what works for you.
Choosing the Right Type of Trip
The best Christmas getaway is one that suits your energy levels, health and expectations.
Cosy UK breaks
Cottages, lodges and small hotels offer fires, winter walks and a slower pace. These are ideal if you want festive atmosphere without travel stress.
Festive city breaks
Cities at Christmas can feel magical, with lights, markets, concerts and restaurants doing the hard work for you. Perfect if you enjoy atmosphere but not hosting.
Visiting friends or chosen family
Spending Christmas somewhere familiar but not your own home can feel supportive without responsibility.
Winter sun escapes
For some, swapping cold, dark days for warmth and daylight is a powerful boost to wellbeing.
Book Early – or Be Flexible
Christmas accommodation fills quickly, particularly in popular UK destinations. If you want a specific location or property, early booking is essential.
That said, flexibility can pay off:
Travelling just before or after Christmas Day is often cheaper
Shorter stays can be easier to find
Last-minute cancellations sometimes appear
Being open to alternatives widens your options.
Think Practically as Well as Festively
Before booking, consider the realities of Christmas travel.
Check:
Whether shops, pubs and restaurants will be open
Travel arrangements on Christmas Day itself
Heating, accessibility and winter weather readiness
Cancellation and refund policies
If you have medical needs or mobility considerations, make sure the property and location are suitable.
Pack a Little Christmas With You
A getaway doesn’t mean abandoning Christmas entirely.
Small touches can make a big difference:
A few decorations or fairy lights
A favourite festive jumper or pyjamas
Special food, drinks or treats
A playlist, film or book that feels seasonal
These comforts help make unfamiliar places feel special.
Manage Expectations
A Christmas getaway won’t magically fix everything – but it can change the tone of the season.
Let go of:
Trying to recreate a “perfect” Christmas
Over-scheduling activities
Comparing your plans to others
Instead, focus on rest, presence and enjoyment.
Booking a Christmas getaway is not about running away from Christmas, it’s about reshaping it. Whether you’re seeking peace, adventure or simply a break from routine, travelling at Christmas can offer something deeply restorative.
If your festive season feels lighter, calmer and more intentional as a result, then your getaway has done exactly what it should.