Spending Christmas abroad: holidays you’ll never forget

A Christmas abroad is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the season. Forget endless to-do lists and supermarket queues, it’s all about quality time together, somewhere special. Across Europe and beyond, the holidays are celebrated in style, with Christmas markets, twinkling lights, music and local traditions. Whether you’re planning a romantic break for two, a family getaway or a quick city trip, with Hotelgiftcard you’ll always find a hotel that suits your perfect Christmas.

Below you’ll find a mix of the best festive getaways, from magical winter wonderlands to sunny escapes. Need more inspiration, especially for a beach holiday? Then don’t miss our tips for a Christmas by the sea

Germany is the undisputed home of Christmas markets. Everywhere you go you’ll hear carols, smell cinnamon and see thousands of twinkling lights. Cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf and Munich are beautifully decorated, and you can enjoy mulled wine, bratwurst and handmade gifts around every corner. Perfect for those who love a cosy, traditional festive season with a touch of romance.

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Dreaming of a picture-perfect white Christmas? Austria offers it all – snow-covered villages, crackling fireplaces and charming markets. Spend your days skiing or hiking in the mountains and your evenings enjoying fondue by candlelight. Towns like Innsbruck, Salzburg and Tyrol are pure Christmas magic.

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France brings elegance and sparkle to the festive season. Choose between the romance of Paris, dazzling with lights and window displays, or the cosy charm of the French Alps, where wooden chalets glow under the snow. From croissants at breakfast to champagne on New Year’s Eve – this is Christmas done in style.

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Italy knows how to celebrate Christmas: with food, family and flair. In cities like Rome, Florence and Venice, you’ll find magnificent nativity scenes, lively piazzas and a festive glow everywhere you go. Try a slice of panettone, sip fine Italian wine and attend midnight mass in an ancient church. Ideal for culture and food lovers alike.

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Spain celebrates Christmas with energy and joy, from Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) on 24 December to Three Kings’ Day on 6 January. The cities are beautifully decorated, the food is delicious and the atmosphere is lively. Head to Barcelona or Madrid for festive markets and culture, or escape to the Canary Islands for a Christmas in the sun.

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In the Algarve or Lisbon, you can enjoy a sunny and peaceful Christmas with temperatures around 18°C. Portuguese families celebrate Christmas Eve with bacalhau (salted cod) and the sweet bolo rei cake. Town squares are beautifully lit and many hotels serve festive dinners paired with local wines.

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For a truly magical experience, head to Lapland in northern Finland. In Rovaniemi, you can meet Santa Claus himself, take a husky sled ride through the snow and sleep in a glass igloo under the northern lights. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas adventure for both kids and grown-ups.

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On Curaçao, Christmas comes with a tropical twist. The streets of Willemstad are decked out in lights, and festive music fills the air. Spend your days relaxing on white sandy beaches and your evenings enjoying a festive dinner by the sea. A colourful, sunny Christmas you’ll never forget.

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Not sure where to go this Christmas? Or looking for a special gift for someone you love? Give them the Hotelgiftcard! With this travel gift card, you can choose from thousands of stays in the UK, Europe and beyond. The perfect Christmas present for anyone who prefers experiences over things.

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Hotelgiftcard is the best hotel voucher and most perfect travel gift in the UK. Recipients can choose from over 600,000 accommodations worldwide. Perfect for hotels, bed and breakfasts, or holiday parks, this Hotel card offers flexibility and helps you gift amazing experiences to the ones you hold dear.

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