The 30 Most Popular Christmas Holiday Destinations for Brits 2025
These are the most-searched holiday destinations for Brits during the Christmas period
With winter in full swing, many of us are planning festive getaways or scenic escapes to close the year in style. But which are the most popular destinations for British travellers during the Christmas period this year?
Holidu, the holiday rental platform, has created a ranking of the top 30 most-searched destinations on holidu.co.uk during December 2025. The analysis reveals which cities Brits are searching for most this winter, and includes the median price for each location.
Top 5 most-searched Christmas holiday destinations by British travellers
1. Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland | €696 median price per night
Rovaniemi, Finland, is the undisputed king of winter travel searches, claiming the top spot with a median price per night of €696. As the capital of Lapland and the officially recognised hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi offers an experience that is far more profound than a simple holiday. Visitors arrive to step across the Arctic Circle line, meet Santa Claus in his bustling village, and send postcards postmarked with the official Arctic Circle stamp. The area is also a genuine winter wonderland, offering thrilling husky sled and reindeer sleigh rides through snow-covered forests, as well as the chance to witness the spectacular Northern Lights in person. Rovaniemi is the number one bucket-list destination for anyone seeking the definitive Christmas experience.
2. London, England | €330 median price per night
Securing the second spot on the list, and leading the search for a major metropolitan festive experience, is London, England, with a median price per night of €330. During December the UK capital transforms into a dazzling winter theatre, where historic streets like Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Covent Garden are illuminated by impressive, world-famous light displays that attract visitors solely for the spectacle. London’s appeal lies in its sheer scale and the variety of experiences it offers, from the classic Bavarian-style stalls and funfair rides of Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park to the elegant, riverside Christmas markets along the Southbank. Visitors can ice skate at locations such as Somerset House, catch a classic Christmas pantomime or West End show, or simply soak up the festive atmosphere that permeates the beautifully decorated streets.
3. Edinburgh, Scotland| €368 median price per night
Rounding out the top three is the historic capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, offering travellers a festive city break with a median price per night of €368. While London delivers sheer scale, Edinburgh charms with its dramatic, picturesque setting, using the gothic backdrop of the Old Town and the majestic Edinburgh Castle as the stage for its celebrations. The city’s main Christmas market, often ranked as one of the best in the UK, is set spectacularly in the East Princes Street Gardens below the castle, offering stunning views from the Big Wheel and Star Flyer ride. The city seamlessly combines historic atmosphere with festive thrills, from the light displays on George Street to the traditional Scottish welcome. Furthermore, Edinburgh acts as a gateway to the famous Hogmanay celebrations, making it the ultimate destination for those who want to extend their Christmas trip into a truly memorable New Year’s festival.
4. Barcelona, Spain| €272 median price per night
In fourth place, and topping the search for Christmas city breaks that offer a splash of sunshine, is Barcelona, Spain, with a median price per night of €272. This Catalan capital sheds the heavy, wintry atmosphere of northern European cities while fully embracing its unique, quirky Christmas traditions. Visitors are drawn to the iconic Fira de Santa Llúcia, the historic Christmas market set against the stunning Gothic Quarter and the Barcelona Cathedral, famed for its unique Caganer and Tió de Nadal figurines. The city’s Mediterranean winter climate makes it a perfect destination for exploring Gaudí’s masterpieces like the Sagrada Família and Casa Batlló, which are beautifully illuminated for the season. Barcelona provides the ideal balance: a deeply traditional Christmas setting fused with the modern appeal of a major European city, excellent shopping, world-class cuisine, and the bonus of mild weather!
5. Adeje, Tenerife, Spain| €230 median price per night
Clinching the fifth spot is Adeje, Tenerife, with a median price of just €230 per night – the most affordable destination on this list! Adeje, located on the sun-drenched southern coast of the Canary Islands, represents the ultimate escape from winter, boasting average December temperatures hovering around a pleasant 20 degrees. Tourists flock here primarily for the promise of blue skies and the chance to spend Christmas Day on a golden-sand beach like Playa del Duque or Playa Fañabé. The resort town’s appeal lies in its combination of high-end, all-inclusive luxury and thrilling outdoor activities, including whale and dolphin watching cruises, water parks, and day trips up the dramatic Mount Teide National Park. For travellers seeking to exchange snow boots for flip-flops and enjoy a genuinely hot and sunny Christmas and New Year, Adeje’s reliable climate and resort-centric appeal make it an unparalleled favourite.
Which cities round off the top 10 most-searched Christmas holiday destinations?
6. York – England | €236 median price per night
7. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France | €298 median price per night
8. Morzine, France | €286 median price per night
9. Paris, France | €342 median price per night
10. Bowness-on-Windermere, England | €240.50 median price per night
Methodology:
Holidu analysed searches made by British travellers on the holidu.co.uk website over the last 12 months for stays with arrival dates between 1 and 31st of December 2025, and compiled a ranking of the most popular tourist destinations. The median price per night for each location is indicated.