The most popular Christmas holidays - from stunning beaches to cities that capture the festive spirit

Must-visit destinations from the UK, Europe and beyond are among the best
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With just weeks until Christmas, it is the last chance for holidaymakers to book a festive getaway for 2025.
If looking for inspiration, new research has found the most sought-after destinations for either city breaks or trips further afield, with London and Thailand claiming the top spots.
London took the crown for festive city breaks, while Thailand was number one for overall holiday travel during the final quarter of the year, fresh analysis from Hostelworld showed.
The online travel agent looked at booking patterns throughout October, November and December to find Britons are torn between two distinct holiday experiences.
Some are drawn to the capital's Christmas charm, whilst others are chasing sunshine in Southeast Asia.
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Thailand proved particularly popular, accounting for 16 per cent of bookings among the top 10 countries
| GETTYThe data found that 216,231 city break holidays were booked during the fourth quarter. The 10 most popular cities accounted for 38 per cent of all city break bookings, with London alone representing 15 per cent of those top destinations. Barcelona and Amsterdam followed as the second and third favourite cities, respectively.
On the country front, the most popular nations made up 46 per cent of all Q4 bookings. Thailand, in particular, was a hit for Britons, accounting for 16 per cent of bookings among the top 10 countries.
The complete list of country destinations shows Thailand leading the pack, followed by Spain and Italy. Vietnam takes fourth place, with Indonesia rounding out the top five.
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Spain's popularity was clear, with the country and its cities making the lists
| PEXELSMost popular countries at Christmas
- Thailand
- Spain
- Italy
- Vietnam
- Indonesia
- Australia
- Germany
- Portugal
- France
- USA
The most popular cities were also revealed, with the UK's capital appealing to most British holidaymakers. This was the only staycation on the list, with European cities of Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris and Madrid also proving popular for a magical festive break.
Most popular cities at Christmas
- London
- Barcelona
- Amsterdam
- Paris
- Madrid
- Lisbon
- Berlin
- Prague
- Rome
- Budapest

London topped the list of the most popular cities for a Christmas break
|GETTY

London has lots of attractions that make it perfect for a festive trip
|PA
A Hostelworld spokesperson said: "As we lead up to Christmas, it's no surprise that Thailand and London are topping the charts for travellers. Thailand's warm weather and stunning beaches make it the perfect escape from the cooler months, offering everything from vibrant nightlife to serene coastal retreats.
"Meanwhile, London truly comes alive during the festive season with the magic of Harrods' iconic Christmas displays, ice skating at Somerset House, and world-class shows in the West End; it's a city break that perfectly captures the holiday spirit.
"These destinations show exactly why travellers are looking for both sun-soaked relaxation and festive city adventures as the year comes to a close."
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