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The best luxury holiday getaways for Christmas and New Year’s 2026 fall into two camps: warm-weather escapes like the Maldives, Dubai and Bali, and storybook winters in Vienna, Lapland and the Swiss Alps. If you want fireworks to ring in 2027, Sydney and Dubai put on two of the biggest New Year’s Eve shows in the world. For each place below, we cover where exactly to go, how to get there, where to stay and what to budget, so you can plan without opening ten more tabs.
Important holiday travel guides:
- Dates and hours: Vienna Christmas Market 2026
- Free and ticketed spots: Sydney New Year’s Eve Vantage Points
- Viewing areas, road closures and Metro: Dubai New Year’s Eve at Burj Khalifa (Emaar FAQ)
- Plan your visit: Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi
- Business class quotes: SkyLux Travel
Where should you go for Christmas and New Year’s this year?
Here’s a quick look at every getaway on this list.
| # | Destination | Fly into | Weather | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maldives (South Ari Atoll) | Malé (MLE) | Warm, dry season | Couples and honeymooners |
| 2 | Dubai, UAE | Dubai (DXB) | Warm and dry | New Year’s Eve fireworks and families |
| 3 | Bali, Indonesia | Denpasar (DPS) | Warm, rainy season | Wellness and culture |
| 4 | Riviera Maya, Mexico | Cancún (CUN) | Warm and sunny | A short flight from North America |
| 5 | Sydney, Australia | Sydney (SYD) | Summer | New Year’s Eve on the harbour |
| 6 | Vienna, Austria | Vienna (VIE) | Cold | Christmas markets and classical music |
| 7 | Lapland, Finland | Rovaniemi (RVN) | Snowy | Santa, snow and the northern lights |
| 8 | Swiss Alps | Zurich (ZRH) | Snowy | Skiing and alpine luxury |
Where can you spend a warm, sunny Christmas?
December is peak season in the tropics and the Gulf, which means clear skies, festive resort programs and a Christmas dinner you can eat barefoot.
1. Maldives: South Ari Atoll
Picture waking up in a villa over the lagoon, coffee on the deck, and a reef a few steps from your ladder. For a holiday trip, we’d point you to South Ari Atoll, southwest of the capital, Malé. It’s one of the best places in the Maldives to see marine life, and manta rays gather at nearby Rangali Madivaru from November to April, right in holiday season.
- Getting there: Fly into Velana International Airport in Malé (MLE). From there, resorts in South Ari are reached by seaplane (about 30 to 45 minutes) or a short domestic flight plus speedboat. Seaplanes only fly in daylight, so pick a flight that lands in Malé by early afternoon, or plan a night near the airport.
- Where to stay: Radisson Blu Resort Maldives on Huruelhi Island has 128 beach and overwater villas, every one with a private pool, plus a PADI 5-Star dive center, an overwater spa and a kids’ club.
- Budget for transfers: The resort lists its round-trip seaplane at about USD 1,100 per person, so add this to your room rate when you compare prices.
Why we picked it: December is in the Maldives’ dry season, and South Ari adds whale shark and manta encounters to the classic villa-on-the-water stay.
Good to know: Christmas and New Year’s are the most expensive weeks of the year, many resorts set minimum stays, and transfers are usually not included even in all-inclusive rates. Always ask for the full price with transfers.
Fly there with SkyLux: SkyLux currently lists business class fares to Malé from about $2,699 one way per person from the US (Monday to Thursday departures). See SkyLux’s Maldives business class deals
Learn more: Visit Maldives, the official tourism guide
2. Dubai, UAE: Downtown for New Year’s Eve
Winter is Dubai’s best season, with warm, dry days made for the beach, desert trips and rooftop dinners. The main event is New Year’s Eve at the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai, where the fireworks and the Dubai Fountain show draw crowds from around the world.
- Where to watch: Burj Park, right below the tower, is a paid, ticketed area with entertainment through the evening. For New Year’s Eve 2024, tickets were AED 580 for adults and AED 370 for children over five, so expect a similar range. There are also free public viewing areas along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.
- Plan your evening: Downtown celebrations start around 5 pm, and roads can close from 3 to 4 pm. The Metro is expected to run, but stations can close if crowds get too big. Ticket holders collect their entry badges in the days before (December 26 to 30), not on the day itself.
- Where to stay: A Downtown hotel with a Burj Khalifa view is the most comfortable way to watch, since guests get access without fighting the crowds. Book early, as these rooms sell out months ahead.
Why we picked it: It works for everyone: spas and fine dining for adults, water parks and beaches for kids, and one of the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve shows.
Good to know: If you’re watching from the free areas, arrive in the afternoon and bring water and snacks. Once you’re in, it’s hard to leave and come back.
Fly there with SkyLux: SkyLux books discounted business class to Dubai on airlines including Emirates. Tell them your dates and they’ll send a quote. See SkyLux’s Dubai business class deals
Learn more: Emaar’s official Dubai New Year’s Eve FAQ
3. Bali, Indonesia: Uluwatu, Ubud or Nusa Dua
Bali is really three different holidays, so choosing your area matters more than choosing your hotel. Here’s how we’d decide:
- Uluwatu, for drama: Cliff-edge villas and infinity pools over the Indian Ocean, plus the famous kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple at sunset. Resorts here include Bulgari, Six Senses and Alila Villas. Best for couples who don’t mind being driven everywhere.
- Ubud, for culture and wellness: Rice terraces, temples, yoga and spas, about an hour inland from the airport (longer in afternoon traffic). Look at Mandapa, Como Shambhala or Four Seasons Sayan above the Ayung River. No beach.
- Nusa Dua, for easy family time: A gated resort area with calm, reef-protected beaches and big hotels like The St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton and The Mulia. The closest Bali gets to a Maldives-style stay.
Why we picked it: It’s the best pick on this list for a wellness-focused holiday, and you can split your stay between Ubud and the coast.
Good to know: December is the rainy season. Showers usually come in the afternoon and pass quickly, so plan beach and temple visits for the morning. Traffic around the south is heavy over the holidays, so base yourself in one area instead of crossing the island every day.
Fly there with SkyLux: SkyLux currently lists business class to Denpasar (DPS) on Singapore Airlines from about $3,105 one way, with Philippine Airlines and Cathay Pacific options too. See SkyLux’s Bali business class deals
Learn more: Wonderful Indonesia’s official Bali guide
4. Riviera Maya, Mexico: Playa del Carmen to Tulum
The Riviera Maya is the stretch of Caribbean coast south of Cancún: white-sand beaches, swimmable cenotes and Mayan ruins on a cliff above the sea in Tulum. December through April is the best weather of the year, and it’s a short, direct flight from most of the US and Canada.
- Getting there: Most travelers fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN). The northern end of the Riviera Maya is about 30 minutes away. Playa del Carmen and Tulum are further south, so book a private transfer in advance for a holiday arrival.
- Where to stay: Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen suit travelers who want restaurants and nightlife beyond the resort. Tulum is quieter, with boutique hotels and wellness retreats near the ruins.
Why we picked it: You spend the holiday on the beach, not in transit, which makes it the easiest warm getaway for North American families.
Good to know: Holiday week is the busiest of the year. Reserve restaurants, cenote tours and your airport transfer before you fly.
Fly there with SkyLux: Send SkyLux your route and dates for a business class quote to Cancún. Get a quote from SkyLux
Learn more: Official Riviera Maya travel guide (PDF)
5. Sydney, Australia: New Year’s Eve on the harbour
Christmas in Sydney means summer: lunch outdoors, a swim at Bondi and long evenings by the water. Then on New Year’s Eve, the whole harbour lights up, with a 9 pm family show and the big midnight fireworks over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
- Free spots: Many official vantage points are free, including Mrs Macquaries Point and Bennelong Lawn in the Royal Botanic Garden, Observatory Hill and Barangaroo Reserve. Some free spots are alcohol-free, so check before you pack a picnic.
- Paid spots: Ticketed venues include Taronga Zoo (listed at AUD 125 to 1,000), North Sydney Olympic Pool (AUD 250 for adults) and Luna Park. The harbour islands sell out early.
- Where to stay: A harbourside hotel around Circular Quay or The Rocks puts you within walking distance of the best views.
Why we picked it: It’s one of the first major cities to welcome the new year, and few places do it bigger.
Good to know: Popular free spots can fill up by early afternoon. Bring sunscreen, water and a hat, since it’s summer.
Fly there with SkyLux: SkyLux books business class to Sydney on airlines including Singapore Airlines. Ask for a quote with your dates. Get a quote from SkyLux
Learn more: Sydney New Year’s Eve: all official vantage points
Where can you have a snowy, storybook Christmas?
If Christmas isn’t Christmas without cold air and twinkling lights, Europe’s winter destinations are hard to beat.
6. Vienna, Austria: Christmas markets and concerts
Vienna does Christmas with real elegance: mulled wine under the lights of City Hall, Mozart and Strauss concerts in palace halls, and cake in grand coffee houses. The main market, the Wiener Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, runs from November 13 to December 26, 2026, open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, and until 6:30 pm on Christmas Eve.
- Getting there: Fly into Vienna International Airport (VIE). The city center is a short train or taxi ride away.
- Where to stay: Stay inside the Ring, the old town, so the markets, the opera and the coffee houses are all a walk away.
- Don’t miss: A classical concert, a slice of cake at a traditional coffee house, and an evening walk through the smaller markets at Spittelberg and Schönbrunn Palace.
Why we picked it: It’s the most elegant way to do a European Christmas, with music, markets and imperial architecture in one walkable city.
Good to know: The Rathausplatz market closes on December 26, so arrive before Christmas if the markets are the reason for your trip. Weekends are the busiest, so go on a weekday evening if you can.
Fly there with SkyLux: SkyLux books business class to Vienna on European and US carriers. Ask for a quote with your dates. See SkyLux’s Vienna business class deals
Learn more: Vienna Tourist Board: Viennese Christmas Market
7. Lapland, Finland: Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle
For families with young kids, nothing beats meeting Santa in his hometown. Santa Claus Village sits right on the Arctic Circle, about 8 km from Rovaniemi city center, and Santa welcomes visitors every day of the year.
- Free to do: Meet Santa at the Santa Claus Office, cross the Arctic Circle line, and send postcards with a special Arctic Circle stamp from Santa’s Main Post Office.
- Paid extras: Husky Park visits from €15, Snowman World from €35, and husky or reindeer sleigh safaris from about €235 per person.
- Where to stay: Sleep under the northern lights in a glass igloo at Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle or Glass Resort, or try the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel.
- Getting there: Fly into Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) via Helsinki. The Airport Express bus stops at Santa Claus Village.
Why we picked it: It’s the most magical pick for families with young kids, and most of the Santa experience is free.
Good to know: Daylight is only a few hours in December and it gets very cold, so pack thermal layers, and book safaris and igloos as early as you can.
Fly there with SkyLux: Ask SkyLux for a business class quote to Helsinki, then connect to Rovaniemi. Get a quote from SkyLux
Learn more: Visit Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle
8. Swiss Alps: Zermatt or St. Moritz
Two resorts define a luxury Swiss Christmas. Zermatt sits at 1,608 m beneath the Matterhorn, with chalets, spas and long ski days. St. Moritz in the Engadine is the glamorous one, known for sunshine, art, shopping and events. Non-skiers will still love the scenic train rides and snowy village walks.
- Getting there: Fly into Zurich (ZRH) and take the train. Swiss trains run right from the airport, and the ride into the mountains is part of the trip.
- Which one: Choose Zermatt for skiing and Matterhorn views. Choose St. Moritz for sunshine, people-watching and après-ski glamour.
Why we picked it: It’s the definition of a luxury winter holiday, and the scenery is unforgettable.
Good to know: Snow conditions vary in early winter. Higher-altitude areas tend to have more reliable snow over the holidays.
Fly there with SkyLux: SkyLux’s Zurich fare guide lists business class on Swiss, Lufthansa, United, Air Canada and others from about $2,500 to $5,800 depending on the airline. See SkyLux’s Zurich business class deals
Learn more: Switzerland Tourism: Winter Sport Destinations
How can you fly business class over the holidays for less?
Most of these trips are long-haul, which is when a lie-flat seat makes the biggest difference. Holiday business class fares are high, but a few habits help:
- Book as early as you can. Christmas and New Year’s seats sell out first.
- Fly midweek. SkyLux’s lowest listed fares are for Monday to Thursday departures, and flying on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day itself is often cheaper and quieter.
- Ask a business class specialist. Agencies like SkyLux Travel work with major airlines on discounted business class fares. You share your route and dates, and an agent comes back with a quote.
Get a business class quote from SkyLux Travel
Packing tip: For a multi-stop holiday trip, packing cubes keep beach and city outfits separated. We like the Bagsmart Blast Packing Cubes.
Frequently asked questions
For warm weather, the Maldives, Dubai and the Riviera Maya are top picks. For a traditional snowy Christmas, choose Vienna, Lapland or the Swiss Alps. For New Year’s Eve fireworks, Sydney and Dubai are two of the best in the world.
By speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight from Velana International Airport in Malé, depending on how far the resort is. Seaplanes only fly in daylight, and transfers are usually charged separately, so check the cost before you book.
The main Vienna Christmas market at Rathausplatz runs from November 13 to December 26, 2026, open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, according to the Vienna Tourist Board.
Not always. Burj Park is a paid, ticketed area, but there are free public viewing spots along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard. Check Emaar’s official New Year’s Eve FAQ for this year’s rules.
Yes. Visiting Santa at the Santa Claus Office in Rovaniemi, crossing the Arctic Circle line and visiting Santa’s Main Post Office are free. Activities like husky rides and Snowman World cost extra.
On long-haul flights, a lie-flat seat means you arrive rested and can enjoy your holiday from day one. Booking early, flying midweek or using a business class specialist can bring the price down.
Still shopping for the people you’ll celebrate with? See our luxury Christmas gifts under $100.