Celebrate Christmas by the Sea This Year

Christmas by the sea is pure joy. While the rest of the world rushes through the festive season, the coast offers peace and space. In the UK, you can warm up by a roaring fire after a bracing walk along the cliffs, while in tropical destinations you can enjoy dinner with your feet in the sand and a cocktail in hand. The mix of festive cosiness and the sound of the sea makes it a truly special experience – wherever you are.

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a magical Christmas by the sea. The British coastline is full of beautiful spots where hotels go the extra mile during the holidays, from festive seafood dinners and sparkling lights to seaside spas and cosy lounges with sea views. Discover our top picks for a Christmas stay by the beach, and explore even more ideas in our guide to the best seaside hotels in the UK.

Right on Brighton’s famous seafront, the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole combines Victorian elegance with modern comfort. During the festive season, the hotel sparkles with lights and seasonal décor, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere by the sea. Guests can enjoy Christmas dining in the on-site restaurant, relax in the spa, or take a wintry stroll along the promenade. With the city’s Christmas market and Brighton’s famous Lanes just a short walk away, it’s a perfect place to soak up the coastal Christmas spirit.

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Perched on a clifftop with panoramic views over Bournemouth Bay, this classic seaside hotel offers a truly memorable Christmas setting. The Highcliff Marriott transforms for the season, with festive menus, elegant decorations and sea views from many of its rooms. Guests can explore Bournemouth’s Winter Wonderland and ice rink, both within walking distance, before returning to the warmth of the hotel for a mulled wine or an indulgent dinner. A perfect choice for a traditional yet relaxed Christmas by the coast.

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The Imperial Torquay is a grand Victorian hotel overlooking the English Riviera, and it’s especially magical at Christmas. Inside, the festive decorations and coastal views set the scene for cosy winter breaks. Guests can enjoy seasonal afternoon tea in the lounge or fine dining with sea views in the hotel’s restaurant. Torquay’s harbour and shops are just a short walk away, with Christmas lights and local markets adding to the charm. Ideal for those looking for elegance, comfort and sea air during the holidays.

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Set directly on the beach, The Relais Cooden Beach is a hidden gem for a peaceful Christmas by the sea. Its relaxed coastal style and elegant interiors make it feel warm and inviting, especially during the festive period. Enjoy a festive afternoon tea or a winter walk along the beach, followed by a drink by the fire in the Beachside Bar & Restaurant. With views of the waves from nearly every window, it’s the perfect place to slow down and savour the season.

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Overlooking Eastbourne’s seafront and bandstand, The Chatsworth Hotel offers boutique style and a welcoming atmosphere for the festive season. Its elegant rooms and cosy restaurant create the perfect base for a coastal Christmas escape. Guests can explore Eastbourne’s Christmas market, take a scenic walk along the pier or simply enjoy the glow of fairy lights from the hotel’s sea-view lounge. It’s a charming choice for a relaxed and refined Christmas getaway.

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Fancy doing things a little differently this year? Then spending Christmas abroad is the ultimate escape. Not a fan of the cold? Choose a warmer destination this festive season. While the Christmas tree goes up back home, you could be enjoying sunshine, sea views and palm trees, with just a touch of festive sparkle. Perfect for travellers who want to swap grey skies for golden sands. Here are five destinations that are ideal for a sunny Christmas break.

Christmas in the Canary Islands feels like spring in December: warm, sunny and relaxed. With average temperatures around 23°C, you can swap mulled wine for sangria on a sunny terrace. The islands, especially Tenerife and Gran Canaria, celebrate Christmas in true Spanish style: colourful nativity scenes, festive lights and family feasts on Christmas Eve (Nochebuena). Many hotels and resorts host special Christmas buffets and live music. And best of all? You can head straight to the beach the next morning.

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In the Algarve, December brings mild temperatures, peaceful beaches and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Village squares are decorated with lights and markets, and locals gather in cafés to enjoy the festive season together. Portuguese Christmas is all about tradition: salted cod (bacalhau) for dinner on Christmas Eve, followed by the sweet bolo rei cake. Many coastal hotels offer festive dinners with regional wines – the perfect mix of warmth, flavour and local charm.

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Cape Verde combines year-round sunshine with an easy-going island vibe. Around Christmas, temperatures hover near 26°C – ideal for lazy beach days and evenings filled with music. The islands of Sal and Boa Vista sparkle with festive lights and stars, yet everything stays wonderfully relaxed. Resorts often host Christmas dinners with live local bands, blending Portuguese and African influences. Forget heavy jumpers and packed tables, here it’s about bare feet in the sand and a glass of local grogue under the stars.

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Christmas in Thailand comes with a tropical twist. Although it’s not an official holiday, many resorts and cities embrace the festive spirit, especially in Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi. Expect palm trees wrapped in fairy lights, lavish buffets mixing Thai and Western favourites, and beach parties that last well into the night. With daytime highs around 30°C, you can trade your Christmas jumper for a swimsuit. Add in temple visits or island hopping, and you’ve got a Christmas that’s both peaceful and full of adventure.

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For a truly unforgettable Christmas in the sun, the Maldives is hard to beat. Think turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches and private villas surrounded by palm trees. Many resorts host festive dinners on the beach, complete with candlelight, fresh seafood and gentle live music. During the day, you can snorkel with tropical fish or simply unwind by the water. It’s Christmas reimagined: tranquil, luxurious and bathed in sunlight.

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Not sure where you want to go this Christmas, or want to surprise someone else with a special experience? Then give them a Hotel Gift Card! With this gift voucher, you can choose from a wide range of hotels by the sea in the Netherlands and beyond. A perfect Christmas gift for those who prefer to collect memories rather than 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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