# Christmas and New Year Trips for 2026–27: Ready-Made Itineraries URL: https://nanajee.com/2026/11/03/christmas-new-year-trips-2026-27/ Published: 2026-11-03 · Updated: 2026-11-03 Category: Where to go > Explore 6 Christmas and New Year trips for 2026–27, with ready-made itineraries for Lapland, Maldives, Aruba, Sri Lanka, and road trips. [Christmas](https://nanajee.com/2025/12/10/paris-christmas-2025-events-guide/) and New Year’s are among the best times of the year for a memorable vacation. Some travelers look forward to snowy landscapes, Christmas markets, and cozy evenings, while others prefer warm weather, turquoise waters, and relaxing beach escapes. Still others enjoy the energy of bustling cities, scenic road trips, or discovering new [destinations](https://nanajee.com/2024/03/20/top-seven-destinations-to-visit-in-thailand/). If you are considering a Christmas and New Year holiday in 2026–2027, choosing a destination is only the first step. You will also need to decide how long to stay, where to book accommodation, which attractions to visit, and how much to spend. To make things easier, here are six Christmas and New Year trips with suggested itineraries. From Finnish Lapland to the Maldives, each destination offers a different way to celebrate the festive season. ## 1. Finnish Lapland: A Magical Winter Christmas [Image: Finnish Lapland] For those who associate Christmas with snow, reindeer, and breathtaking winter scenery, Finnish Lapland is an ideal choice. December brings snow-covered forests, long winter evenings, and opportunities to witness the Northern Lights. Begin your journey in Rovaniemi, the capital of [Finnish Lapland](https://nanajee.com/2026/11/02/5-nights-finnish-lapland-northern-lights/) and home to Santa Claus Village. You can meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, explore local shops, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Beyond Santa Claus Village, there are plenty of winter activities to experience. A husky safari, a reindeer-drawn sleigh ride, or a snowmobile excursion can make your holiday even more memorable. If weather conditions are suitable, spend an evening away from city lights searching for the Northern Lights. **Suggested itinerary: 5 nights** - **Arrival in Rovaniemi:** Check into your accommodation and explore the surrounding area. - **Santa Claus Village:** Meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, and enjoy the Christmas decorations. - **Arctic Adventures:** Choose between a husky safari, a reindeer sleigh ride, or a snowmobile excursion. - **Northern Lights Experience:** Explore the snow-covered forests and join an evening aurora excursion. - **Local Experiences:** Visit nearby attractions, enjoy Finnish food, and experience a traditional sauna. - **Departure:** Return to the airport for your journey home. Finnish Lapland is one of the most wonderful winter holiday destinations for families, couples, and anyone hoping to experience a traditional white Christmas. **Plan your trip:** [Create your Finnish Lapland itinerary with Nanajee](https://nanajee.com/?plan=Finnish%20Lapland#start). You can also explore our guide to [the best winter festivals and celebrations for 2026–2027](https://nanajee.com/2026/10/31/best-winter-festivals-2026-27/) for more seasonal travel inspiration. ## 2. The Maldives: Celebrate the Holidays by the Seaside Not everyone dreams of a cold Christmas. If your ideal holiday involves warm weather, turquoise waters, and peaceful surroundings, the Maldives is an excellent choice. December falls within the dry season, making it a popular time to visit. You can spend your mornings swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on white-sand beaches. Many resorts also organize [special Christmas](https://nanajee.com/2024/11/13/christmas-in-the-maldives-top-10-places-to-visit/) dinners and New Year’s Eve celebrations. The Maldives is particularly appealing to couples, honeymooners, and travelers seeking a peaceful escape. Families can also find resorts offering activities and facilities for children. **Suggested itinerary: 5 nights** - **Arrival in Malé:** Land at Velana International Airport and transfer to your chosen island resort. - **Beach and Water Activities:** Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing beside the Indian Ocean. - **Island Excursion:** Take a boat trip, discover nearby islands, or explore marine life. - **Relaxation and Sunset Cruise:** Spend time at the resort and enjoy an evening cruise. - **Festive Celebrations:** Enjoy a Christmas dinner or New Year’s Eve celebration at your resort. - **Departure:** Transfer back to Malé for your return flight. Accommodation is an important consideration when visiting the Maldives. Transfers, meals, resort fees, and festive surcharges can significantly increase the overall cost. Compare the complete package rather than looking at the room rate alone. **Plan your trip:** [Organize your Maldives holiday with Nanajee](https://nanajee.com/?plan=Maldives#start). ## 3. Aruba: A Sunny New Year in the Caribbean [Image: Aruba] Aruba is an excellent option for travelers who want sunshine without spending their entire vacation inside a resort. The island offers a combination of beautiful beaches, vibrant towns, outdoor activities, and a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are popular places to spend time by the sea. You can also explore Oranjestad, take a boat excursion, or visit Arikok National Park to discover a different side of the island. December is generally part of Aruba’s relatively dry season, although occasional showers are possible. The island also has a lively festive atmosphere, with Christmas decorations, local celebrations, and New Year’s Eve fireworks. **Suggested itinerary: 6 nights** - **Arrival in Aruba:** Check into your accommodation and explore Oranjestad. - **Eagle Beach:** Spend a relaxing few hours on one of the island’s most popular beaches. - **Arikok National Park:** Discover natural landscapes, caves, and rugged coastal scenery. - **Boat Excursion:** Enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and exploring the Caribbean waters. - **Palm Beach:** Visit the beach, explore nearby restaurants, and enjoy the island atmosphere. - **Festive Evening:** Celebrate the holiday season, enjoy local food, and watch the sunset. - **Departure:** Return to the airport for your onward journey. Aruba is suitable for couples, families, and travelers looking for a beach holiday with enough activities to fill several days. **Plan your trip:** [Organize your Aruba vacation with Nanajee](https://nanajee.com/?plan=Aruba#start). ## 4. Sri Lanka: Beaches, Wildlife, and Cultural Experiences [Image: Sri Lanka] Sri Lanka offers much more than a traditional beach holiday. During one trip, you can combine cultural landmarks, wildlife experiences, scenic train journeys, tea plantations, and relaxation along the coast. December is a particularly attractive time to explore the southern and western parts of the country. Places such as Galle, Mirissa, and Bentota are popular with travelers looking for sunshine and coastal scenery. For a more varied experience, include Kandy and the Hill Country in your itinerary. The train journey towards Ella is famous for its mountain views, tea plantations, and picturesque bridges. **Suggested itinerary: 7 nights** - **Arrival in Colombo:** Arrive in Sri Lanka and travel towards Kandy. - **Kandy Exploration:** Visit cultural landmarks and explore the city’s surroundings. - **Journey to Ella:** Travel through the Hill Country and enjoy the beautiful railway scenery. - **Ella Attractions:** Visit the Nine Arch Bridge and explore the surrounding countryside. - **Travel to the Southern Coast:** Continue towards the coast and settle into your accommodation. - **Mirissa or Bentota:** Enjoy the beaches, local restaurants, and coastal activities. - **Galle Fort:** Explore the historic streets, colonial architecture, and waterfront. - **Departure:** Return towards the airport for your flight home. Sri Lanka is a practical choice for travelers who want a mixture of beaches, culture, nature, and local experiences without visiting several different countries. **Plan your trip:** [Create your Sri Lanka itinerary with Nanajee](https://nanajee.com/?plan=Sri%20Lanka#start). ## 5. New York: Christmas and New Year’s in the City [Image: Christmas in New York] New York is one of the world’s most famous Christmas destinations. During December, the city transforms into a festive attraction, with decorated storefronts, illuminated streets, Christmas markets, and seasonal events. Start with Rockefeller Center, where the famous Christmas tree and ice-skating rink attract visitors throughout the season. Walk along Fifth Avenue, explore Central Park, and visit the Winter Village at Bryant Park. For New Year’s Eve, Times Square hosts one of the world’s most recognized celebrations. However, the crowds, security arrangements, and long waiting periods require preparation. Alternatively, restaurants, rooftop venues, and cruise operators offer their own celebrations. **Suggested itinerary: 5 nights** - **Arrival in New York:** Check into your hotel and explore Times Square. - **Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue:** See the Christmas tree, enjoy the festive decorations, and explore the shops. - **Central Park and Museums:** Spend time in Central Park and visit a nearby museum. - **Brooklyn Exploration:** Discover Brooklyn’s neighborhoods and enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline. - **Christmas Markets and Celebrations:** Explore seasonal markets or prepare for New Year’s Eve festivities. - **Departure:** Travel to the airport for your return flight. New York can be expensive during the holiday season. Book accommodation early, compare neighborhoods, and check public transportation connections before choosing your hotel. **Plan your trip:** [Organize your New York holiday with Nanajee](https://nanajee.com/?plan=New%20York#start). ## 6. A Festive Road Trip: Celebrate the Holidays on the Open Road If you prefer flexibility rather than staying in one destination, a Christmas road trip could be an excellent alternative. You can choose a route according to your starting point, available time, and preferred scenery. For example, a journey through Austria and Germany could include traditional Christmas markets, historic cities, and Alpine landscapes. Alternatively, a California road trip could combine coastal scenery, national parks, and charming towns. Both options offer opportunities to explore at your own pace. The biggest advantage of a road trip is flexibility. You can spend an extra night somewhere you enjoy, stop at smaller towns, and change your route when necessary. If you are considering a European city break as part of your holiday, you can also read our guide to the [best time to visit Barcelona, Spain](https://nanajee.com/2026/10/20/best-time-to-visit-barcelona-spain/). For another cultural travel idea, explore our [Mexico City and Oaxaca itinerary](https://nanajee.com/2026/10/21/7-days-mexico-city-oaxaca-day-of-the-dead/). **Suggested itinerary: 6 nights** - **Arrival and Car Collection:** Reach your starting destination, collect your rental car, and check into your accommodation. - **First Scenic Stop:** Drive towards your first destination and explore the surrounding area. - **Christmas Markets and Local Attractions:** Discover historic streets, festive markets, and local restaurants. - **Mountain or Countryside Route:** Continue towards an Alpine village or a scenic countryside destination. - **Outdoor Experiences:** Enjoy seasonal activities, explore nature, and sample regional food. - **Return Journey:** Begin driving towards your departure city and allow enough time for stops. - **Car Return and Departure:** Return the rental vehicle and continue to the airport. Before finalizing your route, check winter driving requirements, rental car insurance, road conditions, parking arrangements, and any cross-border driving restrictions. **Design your journey:** [Create your own Christmas road trip itinerary with Nanajee](https://nanajee.com/?plan=Road%20Trip#start). ## How to Choose the Perfect Christmas and New Year’s Holiday [Image: Christmas night] The right destination depends on your budget, travel dates, and the type of experience you want. | Destination | Perfect for | Suggested duration | | --- | --- | --- | | Finnish Lapland | Snow and Northern Lights | 5 nights | | The Maldives | Beaches and relaxation | 5 nights | | Aruba | Caribbean sunshine | 6 nights | | Sri Lanka | Culture and beaches | 7 nights | | New York | Christmas atmosphere | 5 nights | | Road trip | Flexible exploration | 6 nights | Before booking, compare flights, accommodation, local transportation, and activities. Christmas holidays in popular destinations can become expensive as December approaches. Also check cancellation policies, baggage allowances, and availability before making non-refundable payments. ## Make Planning Your Christmas and New Year’s Trip Easier A memorable holiday requires more than choosing a destination and booking a flight. You need a realistic itinerary, comfortable accommodation, convenient transportation, and a clear idea of your overall expenses. This is where Nanajee can help. Nanajee offers a free, AI-powered travel planning tool that helps you create personalized itineraries with suggested routes, activities, accommodation options, and estimated travel costs. You can explore different destinations, adjust your travel details, and compare ideas without registering or paying any planning fees. Whether you are considering a snowy Christmas in Lapland, a tropical escape to the Maldives, or a festive city break in New York, you can organize your travel details in one place. **[Create your free Christmas and New Year travel itinerary with Nanajee](https://nanajee.com/?plan=Christmas%20and%20New%20Year#start).** The holiday season is a popular time to travel, so start comparing your options early. A little preparation can make the difference between a rushed vacation and a well-organized holiday. [Image: Christmas festivities] ## Frequently Asked Questions ### 1. What are the best places to visit for Christmas and New Year 2026–2027? Finnish Lapland, the Maldives, Aruba, Sri Lanka, and New York are excellent choices. The best destination depends on whether you prefer snowy landscapes, beaches, cultural experiences, or lively city celebrations. ### 2. Where can I spend Christmas surrounded by snow? Finnish Lapland is an excellent choice for snowy scenery, winter activities, reindeer sleigh rides, and opportunities to see the Northern Lights. ### 3. Which warm destinations are great for a December getaway? The Maldives, Aruba, and the southern and western coastal regions of Sri Lanka are popular options for travelers seeking warmer weather in December. ### 4. When should I book my Christmas and New Year holiday? Booking several months in advance is advisable, particularly for popular destinations, festive accommodation, and special activities. Early comparisons can also help you find more suitable flight and hotel options. ### 5. Can I create a free itinerary for a Christmas trip? Yes. Nanajee provides a free, AI-powered trip planner that helps organize activities, routes, accommodation options, and estimated travel costs without requiring registration or planning fees. ### 6. Which destination is best for a family Christmas holiday? Finnish Lapland is a popular choice for families because of Santa Claus Village, reindeer experiences, husky safaris, and winter activities. The Maldives and Aruba are also suitable for families looking for a beach holiday. ### 7. Is it better to spend Christmas or New Year’s abroad? Both can be enjoyable. Christmas is particularly appealing for festive markets and traditional celebrations, while New Year’s Eve offers fireworks, parties, and special events. Your choice depends on the destination and the experience you prefer.