Top 10 Travel Deals from the UK for Christmas 2025: Flights, Hotels & Packages
Top Travel Deals from the UK for Christmas: Christmas 2025 is creeping closer than you think — and whether you want a white, snowy family trip to Lapland, a sunny escape to the Canary Islands, a fairy-tale city break in Central Europe, or a festive New York getaway, there are excellent deals if you know where to look and how to book.
This comprehensive guide, created by the budget-savvy travel experts at UKDealsFinder.com, uncovers the Top 10 travel deals from the UK for Christmas 2025. It breaks down exactly what’s included in each offer, shares insider tips on how to book at the right time, and reveals clever ways to save big on flights, hotels, and all-inclusive packages. Whether you’re dreaming of a festive escape to a snowy wonderland or a sunny holiday getaway, this guide ensures you get the best value for your money while enjoying an unforgettable Christmas abroad.
Quick summary: what you’ll get from this guide
This article gives a deep, actionable walkthrough of the top Christmas 2025 travel deals from the UK across flights, hotels and packaged holidays. For each of the Top 10 deals I’ll explain who the best providers are, what’s typically included, where to hunt for the cheapest options, and what to avoid so your festive trip stays joyful (not stressful).
You’ll finish with: a ready-to-book shortlist, comparison table of providers, and a realistic money-saving game plan for Christmas 2025.
How UK holiday providers structure Christmas deals (what’s usually included)
Large UK travel providers and OTAs (online travel agencies) typically structure their Christmas offers in three ways:
- Flights-only bargains — low-cost carriers like easyJet and Ryanair sometimes run seat sales on off-peak December dates; legacy carriers also discount off-peak long-haul seats earlier in the year.
- Hotel-only promotions — many European hotels offer special Christmas market or seasonal packages (often including festive dinner or Christmas Day meal add-ons).
- Package holidays — bundled deals from major holiday operators that include flights, hotel, transfers, baggage and protection under ATOL or ABTA; Jet2holidays, TUI and British Airways Holidays are major players here and maintain dedicated seasonal pages with early-bird and last-minute deals.
Key things included in package deals (varies by provider):
- Return flights from a UK airport (the most common starting point).
- Hotel accommodation (room-only, B&B, half-board or all-inclusive options).
- Transfers between airport and hotel.
- Baggage allowance (often 20–25kg for long-haul packages).
- ATOL/ABTA protection for flight-inclusive bookings (gives consumer protection if the operator collapses).
- Optional extras: excursions, Christmas dinner bookings, ski passes or reindeer-encounter excursions (Lapland).
Why packages are often better value: During busy times like Christmas, hotels and flights can be sold separately at a high premium. Operators often negotiate block space and sell as a package for a lower combined price — particularly useful for families and multi-room bookings. Search hubs like HolidayPirates and Expedia surface hand-picked seasonal deals.
The Top 10 Christmas 2025 travel deals (detailed)
Below are the top 10 routes/types of deals to consider, with practical tips and where to look. Each entry highlights who to book with, what to expect, who it suits and how to save.
Deal #1 — Family Lapland Christmas packages (Finland)
Why it’s in the top 10: Nothing beats the Christmas magic of Lapland for families: Santa visits, reindeer sleigh rides, husky safaris and snow experiences that are genuinely unique. For many parents, this is the quintessential Christmas gifting experience.
Where to book: Major operators (TUI, Jet2holidays, specialist Lapland operators and tour companies) run dedicated family packages during December and early January. TUI and specialist Lapland providers show seasonal offers and curated experiences on their Christmas pages.
What the packages generally include:
- Direct or indirect return flights from the UK to Rovaniemi/Levi/Kuusamo.
- Transfers and full-board or half-board accommodation in Santa-themed hotels (Santa Claus Village, glass igloos, cozy cabins).
- Excursions: meeting Santa, reindeer and husky experiences, Northern Lights hunting, snowmobile rides for older family members.
- Child-friendly amenities and festive meals (Christmas Eve dinner options are common).
Who it suits: Families with young children (0–12), grandparents joining multi-generational trips, travellers who want a once-in-a-lifetime festive experience.
How to save:
- Book early for best choice of dates and lower deposits. Operators sometimes open with low deposits (e.g., £60pp deposits for Jet2holidays). Register for operator newsletters and Lapland specialists’ alerts to catch early-bird reductions.
- Consider mid-December dates rather than the immediate Christmas week to save (schools vary but mid-December is often cheaper).
- Look for package add-ons like “Christmas Day dinner included” vs those that charge extra; packages including meals can be more economical for families.
Deal #2 — Canary Islands winter sun escapes (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote)
Why it’s in the top 10: Short flights, consistent winter sunshine and family-friendly resorts make the Canaries an evergreen Christmas choice for UK travellers who want warmth without a long-haul flight.
Where to book: Jet2holidays, TUI, and independent OTAs list targeted December/Christmas packages to the Canaries. Jet2 and TUI have seasonal pages and December deal pages including island options.
What to expect:
- Flight time: about 4–4.5 hours from the UK.
- Accommodation: family resorts, all-inclusive hotels, self-catered apartments.
- Activities: whale-watching, coastal walks, mild-weather beaches, Christmas markets in island towns, and special festive menus at hotels.
Who it suits: Families, couples, retirees and sun-seekers who can’t manage long-haul travel at Christmas.
How to save:
- Book package deals including transfers and baggage; often cheaper than booking flights + hotel separately at peak times.
- Use alternative departure airports (regional airports may have cheap direct flights via Jet2 or TUI).
- Consider flexible dates (fly out a few days before 24th or return after New Year) to avoid peak surcharge dates.
Deal #3 — City Christmas markets & fairy-tale breaks (Prague, Vienna, Strasbourg)
Why it’s in the top 10: Classic European Christmas markets offer atmosphere, lights, mulled wine, and unique gifts — perfect for short UK breaks. Cities like Prague, Vienna and Strasbourg are perennial favourites for their historic settings and rich festive programming.
Where to book: Airline holidays, BA City Breaks, Jet2CityBreaks and many hotel-booking sites list December city break packages. You’ll find curated packages with included hotel and optional flights.
What to expect:
- Short-haul flights (1–3 hours) and easy transport from airport to city centre.
- Charming markets with handmade crafts, food stalls and seasonal concerts.
- A mix of luxury and budget hotels — many offer seasonal packages with Christmas Eve dinner or concert tickets.
Who it suits: Couples, groups of friends, short-break travellers and shoppers.
How to save:
- Avoid peak festive dates by travelling either earlier in December or after 27th December.
- Book midweek stays (Mon–Thu) where hotel rates often drop.
- Search for hotel packages that include a festive meal — it can be cheaper than paying for a sit-down Christmas dinner at a restaurant.
Deal #4 — New York City — Christmas & New Year packages
Why it’s in the top 10: New York at Christmas is iconic: Rockefeller Center, the tree lights, festive storefronts, ice skating and winter atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
Where to book: Look for bundled flight + hotel packages on large OTAs (Expedia) and specialist long-haul operators (British Airways Holidays, Virgin Atlantic Holidays). These operators curate seasonal offers and provide ATOL-backed protection.
What to expect:
- One of the pricier options due to demand, but valuable experiences (Broadway shows, holiday markets, festive window displays).
- Flights from many UK airports; direct options from London Heathrow and Manchester.
- Packages may include hotel, return flights, baggage, and flexible payment plans.
Who it suits: Couples and groups who want a big festive-city experience and are prepared to book earlier to secure seats.
How to save:
- Book as early as possible — long-haul seats for holiday weeks sell out quickly.
- Consider travelling mid-December rather than the 24–26 window to avoid peak surcharges.
- Take advantage of OTA bundled discounts (flight+hotel) where they often knock £££ off the combined price.
Deal #5 — Madeira & other mild-weather European islands (Funchal)
Why it’s in the top 10: Madeira is known for spectacular New Year fireworks and milder winter weather, making it a scenic base for a late-December break with volcanic landscapes and botanical gardens.
Where to book: Jet2holidays lists Madeira and similar island destinations with Christmas & New Year pages; airlines and OTAs often run curated packages for late-December departures.
What to expect:
- Mild climate, late-December festivals, scenic hikes, and excellent food.
- Hotels often offer New Year gala dinners and packages.
Who it suits: Couples and travellers seeking mild weather without long-haul commitment.
How to save:
- Book early to secure gala-event places if included.
- Consider package deals which often bundle gala dinners at lower total cost than booking separately.
Deal #6 — Ski short-breaks (France, Switzerland, Austria)
Why it’s in the top 10: For families who want active Christmas holidays, ski resorts in the Alps remain top picks. Week-long packages sometimes include flights/rail, transfers, accommodation and lift passes.
Where to book: Specialist ski tour operators, Jet2 (select ski charter routes), and independent ski package sellers. Many operators open seasonal pages in the spring/summer with early-bird offers.
What to expect:
- Transfer times vary; some resorts are a short flight + transfer, others are better accessed by Eurostar + rail/car.
- Packages may offer catered chalets or half-board hotel stays.
Who it suits: Active families, groups of friends, intermediate skiers.
How to save:
- Book early to lock in chalet space and cheaper lift pass prices.
- Consider resort altitude (higher resorts have more reliable snow and sometimes less price fluctuation).
Deal #7 — Christmas all-inclusive resorts (Turkey & Red Sea)
Why it’s in the top 10: For travellers wanting warm weather, a safe beach, and predictable prices, all-inclusive resorts in Turkey and Red Sea resorts provide value with fewer travel logistics.
Where to book: TUI and other major operators list all-inclusive winter escapes in their Christmas deals. Jet2 also lists all-inclusive options across Spain and Turkey.
What to expect:
- Packages include flights, hotel, transfers and full-board/all-inclusive services.
- Family rooms, kids’ clubs and festive programming.
Who it suits: Families and couples wanting entertainment plus the convenience of an all-inclusive plan.
How to save:
- Compare “all-inclusive” vs “half-board + transfers” — when travelling in peak periods, all-inclusive can be cheaper for families because festive meals are included.
- Seek early-bird deposit deals to hold rooms at lower cost.
Deal #8 — UK staycations & festive all-inclusive parks (Butlin’s, Parkdean, Warner)
Why it’s in the top 10: Not everyone wants to fly at Christmas. UK all-inclusive holiday parks and hotels provide a stress-free break close to home, often at a fraction of the price of long-haul travel. Recent coverage highlights competitive pricing and family-focused packages across the UK.
What to expect:
- Packages vary: from basic room + entertainment to full-board plus inclusive drinks.
- Family entertainment programs, on-site festive events and accessible locations.
Who it suits: Families, budget travellers, those who prefer a short drive over flying.
How to save:
- Look for weekday deals and “kids go free” promotions.
- Book direct for flexible cancellation or price-match perks.
Deal #9 — Cruise and repositioning sailings over Christmas/New Year
Why it’s in the top 10: Christmas cruises (or repositioning cruises) provide a combination of travel and accommodation with inclusive food and entertainment — sometimes a great value over the festive week. TUI Cruises and major cruise providers offer festive sailings, plus repositioning sailings after the season that can be discounted.
What to expect:
- Cabin-based accommodation, all meals included, and themed Christmas programming onboard.
- Pricing depends heavily on the itinerary and cabin grade.
Who it suits: Couples and families who enjoy the convenience of an all-in-one holiday.
How to save:
- Booking inside cabins and taking advantage of early bird offers can provide value.
- Repositioning sailings (post-New Year) sometimes offer big discounts.
Deal #10 — Luxury last-minute upgrades — British Airways / Virgin Atlantic curated packages
Why it’s in the top 10: For travellers who want premium comfort and flexibility, curated luxury packages from BA Holidays and Virgin Atlantic combine convenience, extra legroom, better connections, and dedicated customer support. These can be more expensive but remove friction at busy Christmas travel hubs.
What to expect:
- Higher baggage allowances, premium seating options, and access to lounges on selected packages.
- Option to pay in installments or to add flexible ticket protection.
Who it suits: Business travellers, families wanting peace of mind, and travellers who prefer premium comfort.
How to save:
- Look for holiday sale events and sign up for airline mailing lists to receive limited-time discount codes.
- Consider hybrid booking: outbound premium leg and inbound standard leg to balance cost without compromising comfort.
How to compare flights vs package deals (hidden costs to watch)
When comparing deals, you must look beyond headline price:
- Baggage & seat selection: Low-cost carriers may advertise cheap flights but charge hefty fees for hold luggage and seat allocation. If you’re travelling as a family, factor these per-passenger fees into your total.
- Transfers: A cheap flight to an airport far from your hotel can become expensive once transfers are added. Packages typically include transfers — a handy convenience.
- Meals & special dates: Festive dates sometimes incur mandatory gala dinner fees (e.g., for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day). Check whether your package includes those dinners.
- ATOL/ABTA protection: Flight-inclusive packages sold by ATOL-protected operators give refunds and repatriation in case of operator insolvency — a huge peace-of-mind benefit during a busy season. Major package providers advertise ATOL protection on their holiday pages.
Quick comparison tip: Build a spreadsheet with total price-per-person for flight-only + hotel vs package price. Include baggage, transfers, and any required festive supplements. Often, packages win for families because they bundle extras.
Booking timeline & availability strategies for Christmas 2025
Best times to look:
- Now through June (early-bird window): Many operators open seasonal bookings with attractive deposit terms. If you can commit early you’ll access best choice of rooms and flights.
- September–October: Operators release additional inventory and early special offers — good for last availability without paying peak prices yet.
- Late November–early December: Last-minute bargains can appear but carry risk with seat/hotel availability and higher individual flight prices. Use last-minute deal sites if you’re flexible. HolidayPirates and other deal aggregators showcase these.
Practical timeline:
- Book Lapland, New York and ski resorts as early as possible (lots of demand).
- Book Canaries and Madeira by late summer for best hotel choices.
- Consider packages with low deposits to reserve now and pay balances later.
Money-saving tactics: promos, loyalty, alternative airports & bundle hacks
1. Use regional airports: Smaller UK airports (e.g., Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle) sometimes have direct festive services to Canary Islands or ski-charter flights that are cheaper than London departures. Jet2 often runs regional routes with promotional offers.
2. Sign up for alerts & newsletters: Operators and deal sites announce flash sales to subscribers. HolidayPirates, Jet2, TUI, BA Holidays and major OTAs all offer subscriber-only promo codes.
3. Bundle flight + hotel: OTAs like Expedia often discount combined bookings; packages from operators sometimes beat DIY combo once you add luggage and transfers.
4. Flexibility with dates: Flying a day or two earlier or later can shave hundreds off long-haul fares. Avoid the immediate Christmas Day air-peak if possible.
5. Use loyalty points & card perks: Airline miles and credit card travel portals offset costs. Check whether your card offers travel purchase protections or travel partner discounts over the holidays.
6. Family discounts & kids-go-free: Look for family promotions (child-price reductions on Jet2holidays, TUI family offers, and resort-specific kids’ clubs). Always read the fine print — “child” age caps differ by operator.
Special advice for families, solo travelers & those with infants
Families (with children under 12):
- Choose packages that include transfers to avoid complicated multi-leg trips with kids.
- Verify the provider’s child policy on high-demand activities (Lapland attractions often restrict age or require supplementary charges).
- If travelling with infants (<2), check airline infant rules, bassinet availability for long-haul flights, and Christmas meal availability on the flight.
Solo travellers:
- Consider single-room supplements and whether package deals have single-friendly pricing. All-inclusive short breaks and city mini-breaks are good options because they reduce planning time.
Travelling with under-1 infants:
- Look for child-friendly hotels and confirm crèche/cot availability in advance. Ask operators about infant travel kits and infant seat rules on flights.
Travel insurance, ATOL protection & cancellation flexibility at Christmas
Travel insurance: Always buy travel insurance covering:
- Medical emergencies and repatriation.
- Trip cancellation/delay, especially important over the holidays.
- Baggage and personal belongings.
ATOL/ABTA protection: If your booking includes flights, ensure the operator is ATOL-protected (ATOL is the UK’s financial protection for flight-inclusive holidays). Big holiday providers and packaged holidays advertise ATOL/ABTA protection on their pages. Packages from Jet2, TUI, and British Airways Holidays are examples of ATOL-backed options.
Flexible options: Choose fares and hotels that offer refunds or free amendments where possible — some operators introduced flexible booking during recent years to accommodate pandemic-era uncertainty, and many still offer more generous change policies.
Packing checklist & travel-day tips
Checklist for winter (Lapland, ski trips, cold cities):
- Layering base-layers, merino wool socks, thermal gloves, insulated waterproof outer layer.
- Good winter boots with grip.
- Travel-size hand warmers & lip balm.
Checklist for warm escapes (Canaries, Turkey, Red Sea):
- Light layers, swimwear, sun protection, adapter, light jacket for evenings.
- Prescriptions and a small med-kit.
Travel-day tips for Christmas travel:
- Arrive early: security can be busier than normal.
- Keep copies of booking confirmations, passports, and travel insurance on your phone and in print.
- If travelling with gifts, check customs for long-haul trips (wrapped gifts can sometimes be inspected).
- For family travel, bring a small activity kit for kids and a spare set of clothes in carry-on.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: When is the cheapest time to fly at Christmas 2025?
A: Generally, the cheapest slots are mid-December (before the 20–23 surge) and the days just after Christmas (27–30) for return flights. Avoid 23–26 December for flights out and return dates around 31 Dec–2 Jan for expensive New Year surcharges.
Q: Are package holidays safer than booking flights + hotels separately?
A: Flight-inclusive packages from ATOL/ABTA-protected operators provide greater consumer protection and often cover transfers and baggage. For families and at peak times, packages frequently represent better value and less stress.
Q: Will there be last-minute deals for Christmas 2025?
A: Yes — last-minute deals appear but involve tradeoffs: risk of sold-out flights, poor hotel choice, or lack of family rooms. Use deal aggregators for last-minute picks like HolidayPirates, but be ready to move fast.
Q: Which operators offer Christmas 2025 specific deals?
A: Jet2holidays, TUI, British Airways Holidays, Virgin Atlantic Holidays, and OTAs (Expedia) all maintain Christmas-season pages with curated offers. Holiday aggregators like HolidayPirates collect hand-picked seasonal bargains.
Q: Should I buy travel insurance if I book an ATOL-protected package?
A: Yes. ATOL protects your booking if the operator collapses (financial protection), but travel insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation for personal reasons, and baggage — essential over winter holidays with weather-related disruption risk.
Final checklist & action plan (ready-to-use)
- Decide which type of trip you want (Lapland magic, warm beach, city break, ski, cruise or staycation).
- Set a budget per person (include flights + transfers + meals + excursions).
- Monitor provider pages and subscribe to Jet2, TUI, BA Holidays, Virgin and HolidayPirates for flash offers.
- Check ATOL/ABTA protection before booking if your travel includes flights.
- Book early for Lapland and New York; be flexible with dates for cheaper Canary or city break deals.
- Buy travel insurance with trip cancellation and medical cover.
- Prepare travel documents and festive add-ons (Christmas dinner, excursions) well ahead.
Handy resources & where to look (shortlist)
- Jet2holidays — December/Christmas deals and ski/all-inclusive pages. Jet2holidays+1
- TUI — Christmas & New Year holiday deals and Lapland pages. TUI.co.uk
- British Airways Holidays — curated packages and ATOL-protection details. British Airways
- HolidayPirates — hand-picked seasonal deals and last-minute picks. HolidayPirates
- Expedia — flight+hotel bundles and worldwide package options. expedia
Closing — pick a plan and grab the deal
Christmas travel in 2025 offers a rich range of options: family Lapland adventures, sunny Canary escapes, fairy-tale European markets, or a big-city New York Christmas. The difference between a good and a great trip comes down to timing, booking strategy and understanding what’s actually included.
If you tell me which of the styles above you prefer (Lapland, Canary Islands, city break, ski, cruise or staycation), I can create a tailored shortlist of current deals (with example dates, likely price bands and booking links to the providers above) and a 5-step booking checklist to lock your trip down.