Not everyone dreams of snowflakes and woolly hats at Christmas. For some of us, the idea of swapping frost for sunshine, mulled wine for margaritas, and dark evenings for beachside sunsets feels like the perfect gift. If you’re wondering where is hot at Christmas, there are plenty of destinations where you can trade tinsel and jumpers for sun loungers and swimsuits.
From the golden beaches of the Canary Islands to the glamour of Dubai, and from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the cultural warmth of Mexico, here are four of the best Christmas winter sun destinations.
The Canary Islands: Sunshine Close to Home
For travellers in Europe, the Canary Islands are a winter lifesaver. Just a few hours’ flight from the UK, this Spanish archipelago offers reliable sunshine even in December, with average temperatures hovering around 20–24°C.
Each island has its own personality. Tenerife is the most popular, where you can spend mornings hiking around Mount Teide’s volcanic landscapes and afternoons stretched out on golden beaches. Gran Canaria blends sweeping dunes with buzzing resort towns, while Lanzarote is famous for its dramatic volcanic scenery and chic, whitewashed villages. For something quieter, Fuerteventura offers endless sandy beaches and excellent conditions for windsurfing.
The best part? The Canaries combine sunshine with festive spirit. Towns are decked out in Christmas lights, and nativity scenes often take centre stage in village squares. It’s the perfect blend of holiday season magic and December beach holidays.
Dubai: Festive Fun with a Glamorous Twist
If you want guaranteed sunshine and a dash of luxury, Dubai is hard to beat. December temperatures sit comfortably in the mid-20s, perfect for long days on the beach or exploring the city without the intense summer heat.
Dubai has mastered the art of blending festive fun with its trademark glamour. Shopping malls host extravagant Christmas displays (complete with giant trees and Santa’s grotto), while hotels put on lavish festive feasts. You can spend the morning paddleboarding in the Arabian Gulf, the afternoon shopping in the souks, and the evening dining with views of the glittering Burj Khalifa.
For a change of pace, head out into the desert for a safari. Riding across golden dunes as the sun sets is an unforgettable Christmas memory and a welcome alternative to frosty mornings back home.
The Caribbean: Island Bliss for the Holidays
Few places say “tropical Christmas” quite like the Caribbean. With powdery white sand, turquoise waters and palm trees swaying in the breeze, it’s a postcard-perfect escape. Temperatures in December average around 28°C, making it an ideal Christmas winter sun destination.
Each island offers its own festive flavour. In Barbados, Christmas is celebrated with outdoor concerts and colourful lights, while in Jamaica, reggae rhythms add a unique twist to the season. St Lucia combines dramatic volcanic scenery with stunning beaches, and the Bahamas is known for Junkanoo, a vibrant street parade that takes place on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, complete with music, costumes and dancing.
It’s not all about lounging, though that’s tempting enough. You can snorkel among coral reefs, sail between islands, or hike through lush rainforests. Then, when evening falls, trade the traditional turkey dinner for freshly grilled lobster by the beach.
Mexico: Culture, Colour and Coastal Sunshine
For sunshine with a cultural twist, Mexico is a wonderful choice for a Christmas escape. The Yucatán Peninsula — home to Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum — offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with temperatures in December averaging 25–28°C.
But what makes Mexico stand out is how it celebrates Christmas. The festive season here begins in mid-December and runs until early January, filled with processions, music and vibrant decorations. Traditional foods like tamales and ponche (a hot fruit punch) make their way onto the table, blending perfectly with the coastal sunshine.
Beyond the beaches, there’s plenty to explore: Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá, cenotes (natural sinkholes) perfect for swimming, and colourful towns bursting with life. A trip here gives you the best of both worlds, cultural richness and a warm-weather Christmas escape.
Why Choose a Winter Sun Escape?
There’s no one way to do Christmas. For some, it’s about roaring fires and snowy landscapes; for others, it’s about sunshine and sea breezes. A December beach holiday can be just the reset you need - especially after a busy year.
Winter sun escapes also make wonderful gifts to yourself or your family. Instead of more “stuff,” you’re creating shared memories: watching the sunset over the Caribbean, splashing in the waves in Tenerife, or raising a glass of bubbles on a Dubai rooftop.
Tips for Planning Your Christmas Winter Sun Trip
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Book early: Christmas is peak season for sunshine escapes, so flights and hotels can sell out quickly.
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Pack festive touches: A small string of fairy lights or a favourite ornament can bring Christmas spirit to your hotel room or villa.
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Be flexible with traditions: You may not have roast turkey or a snow-dusted tree, but you’ll have your own unique memories and that’s the beauty of it.
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Check travel times: The Canaries are perfect for short breaks, while the Caribbean and Mexico are best for those with a little more time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re sunbathing on a Caribbean beach, exploring Dubai’s glittering skyline, hiking Lanzarote’s volcanic trails, or diving into cenotes in Mexico, these are some of the best answers to the question: where is hot at Christmas?
Each destination offers its own festive twist, but they all share one thing, the chance to swap cold mornings for warm days, and winter coats for swimsuits. A Christmas spent in the sun is a Christmas you’ll never forget.
At Journeys Made, we believe travel memories are the best gifts you can give. That’s why we create personalised travel keyrings with engraved tokens, so you can carry reminders of your journeys — from Caribbean beaches to Canary Island sunsets — wherever life takes you.
