If you’re already thinking about how to make the most of the Christmas and New Year break, you’re definitely not the only one. December is such a good time to escape the UK, whether you fancy a festive Christmas market, a bit of winter sun or just a few nights somewhere new. Planning ahead gives you more choice and usually better value too.
And it doesn’t have to be a city break. Europe has loads of affordable options for December and January, from Spanish beaches to cosy Central European markets and warmer spots further south.
Here are 10 cheap European December breaks worth a look.
1. Benidorm and Alicante, Spain
Best for: An easy and affordable winter getaway
Benidorm and Alicante are two of the first places I’d check for a cheap December break. Flights to Alicante are usually decent from loads of UK airports, and once you land you’ve got options. Stay in Alicante for a city break, head to Benidorm for beaches and nightlife or explore more of the Costa Blanca.
The best thing about Benidorm is that it doesn’t shut down in winter. There’s still plenty going on, so you won’t feel like you’re wandering around a ghost town. It’s not guaranteed beach weather, but you’ll get sunshine, sea views and a proper change of scenery without travelling far.
2. Málaga and the Costa del Sol, Spain
Best for: Sunshine, food and plenty of choice
Málaga is ideal if you want to escape the British winter without going long haul. The city is brilliant for food, culture and sightseeing, and the airport gives you easy access to the wider Costa del Sol.
Stay in Málaga, head to Torremolinos, Benalmádena or Fuengirola or hire a car and explore further. It’s a great pick for a longer December break because you can mix city days with relaxing coastal days.
3. The Algarve, Portugal
Best for: A quieter and more relaxed winter escape
The Algarve is lovely in December. It’s naturally quieter than summer, but that’s part of the charm. Beaches are peaceful, restaurants are calmer and accommodation is usually much better value.
Fly into Faro and explore places like Albufeira, Lagos, Tavira and Vilamoura. Think coastal walks, good food and beautiful scenery rather than full beach days. It’s a totally different vibe to peak season and in a good way.
4. Malta
Best for: Sightseeing with a bit of winter sun
Malta works really well in December. You might not get full beach weather, but there’s loads to do. Historic towns, coastal walks, great views and plenty of places to explore.
The island is small enough to see a lot in a short trip, so it’s perfect if you want a proper holiday feeling without needing long haul. Great for people who prefer exploring over sitting by a pool.
Malta
5. Paphos, Cyprus
Best for: A longer break and a chance of warmer weather
Cyprus is one of the best places to check for December sunshine. Paphos gives you coastal scenery, restaurants, history and a slower pace. It’s cooler than summer but still feels like a proper escape from the UK.
If you’ve got a longer Christmas and New Year break, Cyprus is ideal because there’s plenty to do without rushing around. Prices can rise over the actual holiday period, so it’s worth looking early.
6. Kraków, Poland
Best for: Christmas markets and festive vibes
If you want a proper Christmas market break, Kraków is gorgeous. The old town, the lights, the food, the atmosphere… it’s all lovely.
December is busy, especially around the main market weekends, so prices can go up. But if you book early and compare flights, it’s still great value compared with some of the pricier festive cities.
Tours and activities in Kraków:
7. Budapest, Hungary
Best for: Christmas markets with plenty to do
Budapest is another brilliant winter city. Beautiful buildings, Christmas markets, great food and of course the thermal baths. They’re even better when it’s cold.
It’s perfect for a few nights away because everything is easy to get around. As with Kraków, December weekends can get pricey, so it’s worth checking different dates.
Budapest thermal baths and tours:
8. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Best for: Winter sun and beaches
If sunshine is your main goal, the Canary Islands should be high on your list. Fuerteventura is great for beaches, coastal scenery and a chilled-out break.
It’s not always the cheapest place in Europe, but compared with long-haul winter sun it’s brilliant value. Prices depend a lot on your exact dates, so look early if you want to travel over Christmas or New Year.
Fuerteventura excursions:
9. Tenerife, Canary Islands
Best for: A warmer Christmas or New Year
Tenerife is one of the most popular winter sun destinations for UK travellers. You can pick lively resorts, quieter towns, beaches, mountains and loads of family-friendly options.
It can be more expensive than places like Benidorm or the Algarve, but if you want a proper chance of warm weather, it’s worth it. You can easily spend a week or more here without running out of things to do.
Tenerife activities:
Tenerife
10. The Netherlands by ferry
Best for: Something different without flying
If you’re in the north of England, the ferry is a fun alternative. Sailings from Newcastle and Hull take you to the Netherlands, and from there you can explore Amsterdam, Rotterdam or even head into Belgium or Germany.
It’s not always cheaper than a bargain flight, especially for solo travellers, but it can be great value for families or anyone taking a car. And the journey feels like part of the holiday.
Which December break should you choose?
It depends what you’re after.
For the cheapest overall options:
- Benidorm and Alicante
- Málaga and the Costa del Sol
- The Algarve
- Malta
- Paphos
For Christmas markets:
- Kraków
- Budapest
For winter sun:
- Costa del Sol
- Cyprus
- Fuerteventura
- Tenerife
The biggest tip is simple. Start looking now. December and New Year are popular times to travel, and planning ahead gives you more choice. Compare flights from different airports, check different dates and don’t forget ferries as an alternative.
Whether you fancy Christmas markets, winter sunshine or a little adventure before the year ends, there are loads of ways to make December and January feel special.However you spend the Christmas and New Year break, I hope it gives you the reset you need and a trip you’ll remember.
Some of the links in this guide are affiliate links. If you choose to book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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