As the slow-burning reality of winter starts to set in, you’ve probably started thinking about one of two things: your long-lost summer holiday or the fact that it’s going to be Christmas really really soon.
The good news is that you can combine the two trains of thoughts (minus the summer, we kissed that bit goodbye months ago) and arrive at something magical. That’s right. Set yourself up with the festive getaway of dreams. Use up your holiday days and fill in the blanks on your calendar, we’re booking a mini break, people!
Whether you’re thinking long haul, short haul or staying in mighty Blighty, we’ve found the ideal locations for you to book for a nice little trip in the Ho, Ho, so festive month of December. Move quickly though kids, because these beautiful places will probably disappear rather quickly.
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Santa Claus Holiday Village, Finland
What says Christmas more than an entire village named after the man himself? If you fancy making the hop, skip and a jump over to the Arctic Circle, you may as well opt to stay in Rovaniemi, Finland’s Santa Claus Holiday Village. We’re talking reindeer and husky snowmobile scenarios. IN THE SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE! There are varying degrees of fancy schmancy cottage to stay in, with a Classic Cottage with a Sauna coming from £289* for a night for three people.
Lake Inari Mobile Cabins, also Finland
On the subject of Finland, another super cute and cosy place you might want to venture to is Inari, over in the Lapland region. There are mobile cabins for you to book outright on the Lake and some even have glass bedrooms for you to watch the goings on in winter wonderland from the slightly less freezing inside. From £546* for two people over two nights.
The Inn At Christmas Place, Tennessee
If you’re in it for the long haul, jump on a flight to Tennessee (yes, Tennessee) to stay in the type of place that Gordon Ramsay might’ve once visited on an episode of Hotel Hell. The Inn at Christmas Place is both huge and old school and potentially the most rogue Christmas break destination we have in our arsenal, and within driving distance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From £393* between you and a lucky someone for a two-night stay.
The White Swan Hotel, Stratford-Upon-Avon
If you’d rather stay closer to home make your way to dear old Bill Shakespeare’s town for something a little more low key but just as idyllic. Think Snow White and the Seven Dwarves’ cottage after a £3million restoration project. Retreat for two nights from £284* and forget the real world is a thing for a while.
The Bruges Christmas Markets, Belgium
You were wondering when we were going to mention Bruges weren’t ya? Well if you’re one of those people who prefer to travel in a pack, Topdeck travel do short and sweet trips over to one of the European capitals of Christmas (yes, I went there). Prices are from £199 per person for a leisurely two-day trip. Waffles and mulled wine, people.
Warsaw & Krakow, Poland
Two cities, one trip you say? We’ve got one more tour to tempt you with. Remember Secret Escapes? You don’t actually have to be a very wealthy grown up to enjoy one of their more luxurious offerings. They’ve got a deal running until 16 October that’ll take you to a cool hotel in Krakow before nipping over to Warsaw on the train to check even more Christmas markets over there. If you book in time you can get four nights from £239 per person.
Images courtesy of* booking.com, Topdeck and Secret Escapes***
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.