It is time to start planning your Christmas holiday 2022! Hopes of travel to amazing destinations is looking on the up for 2022 and you can expect to see a hike in demand too. So, our advice is to get in early while availability is good.
But what destination to choose for a magical Christmas holiday? The first step in planning your holiday travel is choosing your dream country and travel style. While most Kiwis are used to sun and sand some travellers can’t wait to see the Christmas festivals and markets in Europe. And while many of these places might be closed to visitors in 2021, a Christmas holiday there for 2022 is more than a possibility.
So to help inspire your next Christmas Holiday, we’ve put together all the different types of Christmas trips and where to go for your summer holidays.
Christmas markets in Europe
Nothing says Christmas like the Christmas markets of Europe. These charming winter wonderlands are filled with Christmas stalls, glittering lights, handcrafted toys, festive food, Christmas carols and old traditions. If you’re planning your Christmas Holiday to the Christmas markets in Europe, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
In Germany, there are enchanting German Christmas markets all over the country including Dresden, Berlin and Cologne. And don’t miss the magical Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, famed as one of the eldest Christmas markets in the world.
INTERESTED? Contact GrownUps Holidays on 0800 842 685 or email grownups@ttc.com.
We also love the gorgeous Christmas markets in France including Paris, Strasbourg and Colmar. GrownUps Holidays travel partner Trafalgar will take you to the beautiful Christmas markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. You can also explore some of Europe’s best Christmas markets all over the UK, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovenia.
If you head to Rovaniemi in Finland, you’ll get the best Christmas experience at Santa’s Village. You can send a letter from Santa’s Post Office, see the reindeer, go dog-sledding, explore the Christmas markets, cross the Arctic Circle, and even meet the jolly big man himself. It’s a truly delightful experience for kids – and adults!
Winter wonderland destinations
Planning your Christmas Holiday and dreaming of a white Christmas? There are plenty of destinations where you can embrace the beauty of winter.
Russia
Russia is breath-taking at Christmas with whole towns and cities draped in thick snow. GrownUps Holidays travel partner Trafalgar take you to festive St. Petersburg and Moscow with fairy-tale palaces, Christmas markets and ice skating across frozen lakes. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
INTERESTED? Contact GrownUps Holidays on 0800 842 685 or email grownups@ttc.com.
Scandinavia and Iceland
Christmas is also a fabulous time to see the twirling northern lights in Scandinavia and Iceland, and you’ll also be amazed at the icy fjords, hot springs and ancient volcanoes of this lovely region.
UK and Ireland
You’ll also find wonderful landscapes in England, Scotland and Ireland. Imagine rolling green hills sprinkled in snow and cosy pubs serving up delectable warm meals… It’s sure to get you into the Christmas spirit!
US Christmas Holiday destinations
Boston
A trip to Boston will have you feeling like you’re in the old world with gas lamps lighting the historic streets, and a marvellous Christmas tree at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
New York
Many of us have dreams of seeing New York at wintertime, Tick off that bucket list trip and see the festive markets, incredible shop displays, ice skating rinks, and the Rockefeller Centre’s massive Christmas tree.
INTERESTED? Contact GrownUps Holidays on 0800 842 685 or email grownups@ttc.com.
New Orleans
New Orleans is another fantastic city destination with fabulous festivities like riverboat carolling cruises, decked out streetcars, and restaurants serving up mouth-watering Christmas treats.
Aspen
If you prefer to stay away from big cities, why not head to a cosy alpine lodge in the infamous mountain and ski town of Aspen in Colorado.
Montreal
You could even jump the border into Montreal, Canada, where the cobbled streets and European-inspired architecture get even more delightful under a layer of snow.
Article in partnership with Trafalgar. For more information and to book Trafalgar guided tours please contact GrownUps Holidays on 0800 842 685 or email grownups@ttc.com.