Christmas holidays 2026: 7 tips for a cosy winter holiday
Tips for the Christmas holidays: here are our favourite winter ideas
It’s only September, but secretly this is the perfect time to start thinking about the Christmas holidays. Because whilst summer is only just behind us, plans for December are already being made. And if you’d like to get away for a few days over the festive season, there’s still plenty of choice.
A cosy chalet in the mountains, exploring nature together, getting a breath of fresh air by the coast, or simply doing absolutely nothing for a few days: the Christmas holidays are perfect for a winter getaway.
Here are a few tips and ideas for a wonderful Christmas holiday.
1. Experience winter in Austria
If the thought of the Christmas holidays immediately brings to mind mountains and, hopefully, plenty of snow, then Austria is a wonderful destination.
A lovely place for a winter holiday like that is Camping Sonnleiten in Karinthië. Here, you’ll be staying right in the heart of the mountains, with everything you need for a proper winter break close by. Spend the day out and about in the crisp mountain air, then head back to your own chalet to warm up.
Even without a fully packed winter sports holiday, the surroundings are stunning. Go for a winter walk, explore the nearby villages or simply enjoy the view of the mountains.
2. Choose a cosy chalet surrounded by nature
You don’t have to go to the Alps to get that lovely winter feeling. A chalet surrounded by nature can be just as cosy in December.
Imagine waking up amongst the trees, enjoying a leisurely breakfast and then going for a long walk. After a few hours outdoors, it’s especially lovely to return to your holiday home.
Wooded destinations in particular are ideal for a peaceful Christmas break. Pack a few games, put on your walking boots and leave your diary at home.
3. Discover the Ardennes in winter
The Belgische Ardennen are perfect for a few days’ break during the Christmas holidays. The rolling countryside, the forests and the charming villages are perfectly in keeping with this time of year.
What’s more, it’s not a particularly long drive from the Netherlands. This makes the Ardennes a great choice even if you don’t want to be away for a whole week, but are planning a long Christmas weekend, for example.
And if it happens to snow? Then the landscape becomes even more beautiful.
4. Spend the Christmas holidays by the seaside
When you think of a seaside holiday, summer might spring to mind first, but the coast has a special charm in winter.
Put on a thick coat, go for a long walk on the beach and get some fresh air. Then head back to your holiday home for a hot drink. No towels, sun cream or crowded beaches – just peace and space.
Zeeland, for example, is a lovely destination for a winter holiday on the Dutch coast.
5. Turn your holiday home into your very own Christmas retreat
Are you going away over Christmas? Well, that doesn’t have to mean you leave the Christmas spirit at home.
Take some small Christmas decorations with you, put on your favourite Christmas playlist and plan a lavish dinner at your holiday home. Especially if you’re going with family or friends, it can actually be really cosy to celebrate Christmas somewhere different for a change.