A festive getaway often comes with a hefty price tag - flight and hotel costs can surge by a staggering 150 to 200 per cent during the school holidays, making December travel feel impossibly expensive for many families.
But there are still some sunny and affordable destinations to consider booking this month. An expert has shared 10 great winter holiday spots that won't break the bank.
Finding a budget-friendly festive break has become genuinely tricky, which is overwhelming on top of the endless other festive expenses.
Travel expert and director at Viva Holidays, Shubhang Gupta, put together a list of places that are typically easy on family finances at this time of year.
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Antalya in Turkey was named as the most affordable winter destination
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His recommendations draw on industry experience, historical pricing trends and general affordability data, including average December temperatures and living costs.
For those craving winter sunshine, Antalya in Turkey is a fantastic choice. With December temperatures hovering around 17°C, families can enjoy warmth without the price hikes common in some European countries.
All-inclusive resorts offer fantastic bundled deals, while historic sites like Kaleiçi and the Antalya Museum won't break the bank.
Best value breaks this Christmas
- Antalya, Turkey
- Agadir, Morocco
- Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
- Madeira, Portugal
- Larnaca, Cyprus
- Sofia, Bulgaria
- Bansko, Bulgaria (ski option)
- Marrakesh, Morocco
- Tirana, Albania
- Porto, Portugal
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Morocco's Agadir delivers reliable beach weather and family-friendly hotels at prices well below the Canary Islands. A three-course meal here costs roughly £10.
Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt reaches a pleasant 23°C in December, with snorkelling accessible directly from hotel jetties.
Madeira offers coastal walks and cable car adventures at around 19°C, while Cyprus provides winter warmth with meal prices up to 30 per cent cheaper than western Europe.
If sunshine isn't essential, Sofia in Bulgaria makes a fantastic budget city break. Food, attractions and transport are remarkably cheap, with public transport tickets often under £1. The Christmas markets create a lovely festive atmosphere, and spots like Boyana Church and the National History Museum offer affordable family days out.
For skiing without Alpine prices, Bansko is hard to beat. Lift passes typically cost half what you'd pay at French resorts, meaning a family of four can secure a week's passes, equipment hire and lessons for what would only cover partial costs elsewhere.
Marrakesh brings warmth at 18°C alongside cheap taxis and food, while Tirana in Albania is emerging as one of Europe's most affordable destinations.
Porto sits just two and a half hours from the UK, offering festive markets and reasonable Christmas prices.
Gupta said: "We know that the Christmas holidays can make travel feel out of reach for many families. Our research shows that there are still places where prices stay sensible, experiences feel special, and parents can book with confidence.
Agadir in Morocco offers year-round sunshine at affordable prices
| GETTY
Porto in Portugal was another great contender for a last-minute family trip
|GETTY
"These destinations give families the chance to enjoy quality time together without facing the steep festive price increases seen elsewhere."
Whether you're after winter sun on a Turkish beach, a festive city break exploring Christmas markets, or a skiing adventure that won't empty your savings, there are plenty of destinations where daily spending stays low, and the experience still feels genuinely special.
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