December can be an excellent month for a holiday from the UK, but the cost of travelling can change dramatically depending on when you go.
The first part of December is often very different from the Christmas and New Year period. Travellers who are flexible with their dates can sometimes find more affordable flights, hotels and holiday packages before the festive peak begins.
Whether you want winter sunshine, a European Christmas market, a short city break or a warmer long-haul escape, there are destinations to suit different budgets.
This guide explores some of the best cheap December travel destinations from the UK, what makes each destination suitable for a December trip, how to keep costs down and what to consider before booking.
Quick Answer: Where Are the Cheapest Places to Travel in December from the UK?
Some destinations that can offer good value in December include:
Lanzarote
Tenerife
Gran Canaria
Algarve, Portugal
Malta
Marrakech
Egypt's Red Sea resorts
Istanbul
Krakow
Budapest
Prague
Cape Town
The exact cost depends on your departure airport, travel dates, hotel standard, baggage, trip length and whether you book a flight-only or package holiday.
For example, current 2026 holiday listings show that some December packages to Lanzarote and Sharm El Sheikh can appear below £300 per person for selected early-December dates, although prices and availability can change.
For travellers focused on spending money at the destination rather than simply finding the cheapest flight, the 2026 Post Office Travel Money winter-sun comparison also identifies destinations such as Cape Town, Mombasa, Tokyo, Colombo, Phuket, Algarve, Costa del Sol and Tenerife among destinations offering comparatively low day-to-day costs.
Why December Can Be a Good Month for Cheap Travel
December has several different travel periods, and prices can change significantly between them.
Early December can be quieter than the Christmas holiday period. The middle of the month can offer opportunities for travellers who have flexible dates, while the period around Christmas and New Year can become considerably more expensive.
This means that “December” should not be treated as one single travel season.
If your main priority is price, compare several dates rather than searching for one fixed weekend.
If your priority is Christmas markets or festive atmosphere, you may need to accept higher accommodation and transport costs.
If your priority is sunshine, you can often find better value by travelling before Christmas rather than during the Christmas and New Year peak.
1. Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Lanzarote is one of the destinations worth considering if you want relatively warm weather without taking a long-haul flight.
The Canary Islands are popular with UK travellers throughout the winter, and December can offer a combination of mild temperatures, beaches, volcanic landscapes and resort facilities.
Lanzarote is particularly suitable for:
Couples
Families
Beach holidays
Short winter breaks
All-inclusive holidays
Travellers looking for mild winter weather
Popular areas include Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise.
If your priority is keeping costs down, compare self-catering accommodation with all-inclusive packages. Sometimes the cheaper hotel can become more expensive once meals and drinks are added.
Why Lanzarote Can Be Good for a Budget December Holiday
The island has a large tourism infrastructure, which means travellers can compare different accommodation types and flight options.
Current December 2026 listings have shown selected Lanzarote packages below £300 per person for early-December dates, although these are date-specific examples rather than a guaranteed price.
2. Tenerife
Tenerife is another popular choice for UK travellers looking for winter sun without a long journey.
The island offers beaches, volcanic scenery, family attractions, restaurants and a wide range of accommodation.
Tenerife can work well for:
Families
Couples
Solo travellers
All-inclusive holidays
Winter sun breaks
Budget-friendly package holidays
The south of the island is generally more associated with resort holidays, while northern Tenerife offers a different atmosphere and more dramatic landscapes.
If price is your main consideration, compare different resorts rather than searching only for the most famous areas.
3. Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria combines beaches, resorts, mountain scenery and city experiences.
It can be a useful December destination for travellers who want warmer weather but do not want to travel long-haul.
Areas such as Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés are popular with holidaymakers, while Las Palmas offers a more urban experience.
When looking for cheap December holidays, compare:
Flight-only prices
Hotel-only prices
Package holidays
Self-catering apartments
All-inclusive options
A package can sometimes offer better value when flights and accommodation are purchased together.
4. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve is worth considering if you want a milder European winter rather than guaranteed hot beach weather.
The region is known for its coastline, beaches, towns, golf courses and outdoor scenery.
Portugal's official tourism information describes the Algarve as having a mild climate throughout the year, while winter is also promoted as a period for relaxation and outdoor activities.
December is not the same as visiting the Algarve during the summer.
You should expect cooler temperatures and a greater possibility of unsettled weather, but the region can still be appealing for:
Walking
Golf
Scenic drives
Coastal exploration
Food
Relaxed city breaks
For travellers who do not need guaranteed beach weather, the Algarve can be an interesting lower-season option.
5. Malta
Malta can be a good option for a short December city break.
Instead of focusing purely on beach weather, you can explore historic streets, architecture, museums, restaurants and coastal areas.
Valletta is particularly suitable for travellers interested in history and culture.
Malta may work well for:
Couples
Solo travellers
Short breaks
History enthusiasts
Photography
Food-focused trips
Because December weather is cooler than summer, accommodation can sometimes be more attractive than during the main summer season.
Always compare the total cost of flights, hotel and local transport rather than looking at the flight price alone.
6. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech is one of the more interesting choices for travellers who want a change of scenery without taking a very long flight from the UK.
The city offers souks, historic architecture, riads, Moroccan food, gardens and cultural experiences.
The Moroccan National Tourism Office highlights the Medina, Jemaa El-Fna, souks, gardens and the city's combination of traditional and modern experiences.
Marrakech is particularly suitable for:
Couples
City breaks
Food lovers
Culture-focused travellers
Solo travellers
Winter sunshine
December is also associated with the Marrakech International Film Festival, although travellers should check the official event information for the dates applicable to their year of travel.
Is Marrakech Cheap in December?
It can offer good value compared with some long-haul winter-sun destinations, particularly if you choose a riad or hotel outside the most expensive areas and compare flights from multiple UK airports.
Remember that the cheapest flight is not necessarily the cheapest complete trip.
Airport transfers, accommodation location, food and activities all affect the final cost.
7. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
If your main goal is warmer weather, Egypt can be worth considering in December.
Sharm El Sheikh offers beaches, resorts, Red Sea activities and all-inclusive accommodation.
For travellers who want to control their daily spending, an all-inclusive package can make budgeting easier because major food and accommodation costs are paid upfront.
Selected December 2026 listings have appeared below £300 per person for seven-night all-inclusive stays from Manchester on specific dates, although these prices can change quickly.
When comparing Egypt holidays, check exactly what the package includes, including baggage, transfers, board basis and any applicable travel requirements.
8. Hurghada, Egypt
Hurghada is another Red Sea destination that can suit travellers looking for a December escape.
It is particularly popular for:
Beach holidays
Snorkelling
Diving
All-inclusive resorts
Family holidays
Winter sun
One advantage of an all-inclusive holiday is that your accommodation, meals and many resort facilities can be included in one booking.
However, compare the package price with the cost of booking flights and hotels separately before deciding.
9. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is a strong option for travellers who want culture rather than guaranteed winter sun.
The city combines historic landmarks, mosques, markets, restaurants, shopping and Bosphorus views.
December can be suitable for a short city break if you are comfortable with cooler weather.
You can explore areas such as:
Sultanahmet
Grand Bazaar
Spice Bazaar
Bosphorus
Galata
Kadıköy
Istanbul can also work well for a three- or four-night trip, which can help keep the overall holiday budget under control.
10. Krakow, Poland
Krakow is worth considering if you want a festive European city break.
December brings a winter atmosphere, Christmas decorations and seasonal markets, although weather conditions can be cold.
The city is also known for its historic centre, architecture, restaurants and relatively compact sightseeing areas.
Krakow can suit:
Couples
Solo travellers
Friends
Christmas market visitors
Short weekend breaks
If you are travelling specifically for Christmas markets, compare accommodation prices for weekdays and weekends because demand can vary considerably.
11. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest can be another option for an affordable European city break.
The Hungarian capital offers historic architecture, thermal baths, restaurants, cafés and views along the Danube.
A December trip can combine sightseeing with indoor activities, making it suitable for travellers who do not require warm weather.
To keep the trip affordable, consider staying slightly outside the most expensive central areas while remaining close to public transport.
12. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is another popular December destination for travellers looking for festive European atmosphere.
The historic centre provides plenty to explore, including Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.
Christmas markets and seasonal decorations can make December particularly attractive, but prices may rise around weekends and the Christmas period.
If you want a cheaper Prague trip, consider travelling earlier in December and comparing weekday hotel rates.
13. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a completely different type of December holiday because December falls during the Southern Hemisphere's summer.
It can be attractive for travellers who want warmer weather, beaches, scenery, food and outdoor activities.
The 2026 Post Office Travel Money winter-sun comparison placed Cape Town at the top of its value comparison based on a basket of everyday holiday costs. However, that comparison measures spending at the destination rather than the complete cost of travelling from the UK, so flights still need to be considered separately.
Cape Town can therefore be interesting for travellers planning a longer holiday rather than a very short budget city break.
14. Mombasa, Kenya
Mombasa can be considered by travellers looking for a warmer long-haul December holiday.
It offers beaches, coastal resorts, historic areas and opportunities to explore Kenya's coast.
The 2026 Post Office Travel Money comparison also identified Mombasa as one of the lower-cost destinations for its selected basket of everyday tourist purchases.
However, as with Cape Town, the total holiday cost must include flights, accommodation, transfers and travel insurance.
15. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket can be attractive if you are looking for a tropical December holiday.
Thailand is much further from the UK than European destinations, so the flight cost can make the overall trip more expensive.
However, accommodation, food and local experiences can sometimes provide good value once you arrive.
The 2026 Post Office Travel Money comparison included Phuket among destinations with comparatively low costs for its selected basket of tourist purchases.
Phuket is more suitable for travellers planning a longer holiday because the journey from the UK is significantly longer than a European city break.
Cheap December Destinations from the UK: Quick Comparison
For winter sun:
Lanzarote
Tenerife
Gran Canaria
Sharm El Sheikh
Hurghada
Marrakech
For European city breaks:
Krakow
Prague
Budapest
Istanbul
Malta
For milder weather:
Algarve
Malta
Marrakech
Canary Islands
For warmer long-haul holidays:
Cape Town
Mombasa
Phuket
Colombo
The right destination depends on whether your priority is low airfare, warm weather, cheap accommodation, low spending at the destination or a combination of these factors.
When Is the Cheapest Time to Travel in December?
For many travellers, the biggest opportunity to save money is travelling before the Christmas holiday period.
Early December can offer more affordable options than Christmas week, although prices depend on the destination and departure airport.
If your schedule allows, search several date combinations around your preferred travel period.
For example, compare:
1–7 December
5–12 December
8–15 December
10–17 December
12–19 December
Avoid assuming that Saturday-to-Saturday is automatically the cheapest option.
A Tuesday departure and Monday return may sometimes produce a different total price.
Why Christmas and New Year Can Be More Expensive
The Christmas and New Year period is one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Flights can become more expensive because of increased demand.
Hotels can also raise prices for popular festive dates.
Restaurants and attractions may have special seasonal pricing.
If your goal is a cheap December holiday, consider travelling before the main Christmas travel period.
If you specifically want to spend Christmas abroad, book early and compare the complete package cost.
How to Find Cheap December Flights from the UK
Start by comparing multiple UK departure airports.
Depending on where you live, it may be worth checking:
London Heathrow
London Gatwick
London Stansted
London Luton
London Southend
Manchester
Birmingham
Bristol
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Liverpool
Leeds Bradford
East Midlands
The cheapest flight is not always the best deal if reaching the airport requires expensive rail travel, parking or an overnight hotel.
Calculate the complete journey from your home to your destination.
Should You Book a Flight or a Holiday Package?
It depends on the type of trip you are planning.
A flight-only booking can work well if you already have affordable accommodation or are travelling independently.
A package holiday can be useful when flights and accommodation are available together at a competitive total price.
For an all-inclusive winter-sun trip, compare the total package cost with booking flights, hotel, meals and transfers separately.
Travels Hook provides flight booking and holiday package services for UK travellers, so you can compare available options based on your travel dates and requirements.
You can explore the Travels Hook Holidays page or Flights page when planning your December trip.
How to Save Money on a December Holiday
Compare multiple travel dates.
Check different UK airports.
Compare direct and connecting flights.
Travel before the Christmas peak if possible.
Compare package holidays with separate bookings.
Check baggage allowances before booking.
Choose accommodation based on location as well as price.
Consider self-catering if you plan to eat locally.
Compare airport transfer options.
Avoid unnecessary hotel extras.
Book travel insurance separately if it provides better value and suitable cover.
Set a daily spending budget.
Use public transport where practical.
Book popular attractions in advance when required.
A cheap flight can become expensive once baggage, airport transfers and accommodation are added, so always compare the total holiday cost.
How to Choose a Cheap December Destination
Before choosing a destination, answer five questions.
Do you want warm weather or Christmas atmosphere?
How many days do you have?
What is your total budget?
Which UK airports can you use?
Are you travelling alone, as a couple or with children?
If you only have three nights, a nearby European city may make more sense than a long-haul destination.
If you have seven to fourteen days, destinations further away become more practical because the longer journey is spread across a longer holiday.
Cheap December Holidays for Couples
Couples have many options depending on the type of holiday they want.
For winter sun, consider the Canary Islands, Marrakech or Egypt.
For a festive city break, consider Krakow, Prague, Budapest or Istanbul.
For a longer tropical holiday, consider destinations such as Thailand or South Africa.
Couples can often save by travelling midweek and choosing accommodation slightly away from the most expensive tourist areas.
Cheap December Holidays for Families
Families need to consider more than the adult flight price.
Check:
Child flight prices
Baggage allowances
Family room availability
Meal plans
Airport transfers
Hotel facilities
Travel time
Child-friendly attractions
For families looking for winter sun, destinations such as Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Egypt can provide a range of resort accommodation.
For shorter trips, European cities may be easier because of the shorter flight time.
Cheap December City Breaks from the UK
If you do not need sunshine, a city break can be one of the easiest ways to travel on a smaller budget.
Consider:
Krakow
Prague
Budapest
Istanbul
Malta
Marrakech
The advantage of a city break is that you can choose a short trip of two to four nights rather than paying for a full week.
To reduce costs, travel with hand luggage where possible and choose accommodation near public transport.
Cheap December Winter Sun from the UK
If sunshine is your priority, look beyond the traditional summer destinations.
The Canary Islands are among the most accessible winter-sun choices from the UK.
Egypt offers warmer Red Sea resort conditions.
Marrakech provides a warmer city-break experience without a long-haul flight.
For longer holidays, destinations such as Cape Town, Mombasa and Phuket offer a different level of warmth and seasonal experience.
Current 2026 comparisons show that the Canary Islands and Egypt continue to feature among practical winter-sun options, while longer-haul destinations can offer comparatively low spending once travellers arrive.
Is December a Good Month for a Holiday?
Yes, if you choose the destination according to the type of weather and experience you want.
December is excellent for:
Christmas markets
Festive city breaks
Winter sun
All-inclusive resort holidays
Short European breaks
Long-haul summer destinations
However, weather varies considerably.
A December holiday in Prague is very different from one in Tenerife or Cape Town.
Check the typical seasonal climate before booking if weather is important to you.
What to Pack for a December Holiday
Your packing list should depend on your destination.
For a European winter trip:
Warm jacket
Jumpers
Comfortable shoes
Waterproof layer
Gloves
Hat
For winter sun:
Light clothing
Swimwear
Sun protection
Light jacket for evenings
Comfortable walking shoes
For a mixed-weather city break:
Layered clothing
Comfortable footwear
Light waterproof jacket
Small day bag
Travel adaptor
Travel documents
Do not assume every December destination is hot simply because you are leaving the UK.
Travel Insurance for December Holidays
Travel insurance should be part of your holiday budget.
Your policy should match your destination and planned activities.
Check whether it covers:
Medical expenses
Cancellation
Travel delays
Baggage
Lost belongings
Pre-existing conditions where applicable
Activities you plan to undertake
The UK government advises travellers to obtain appropriate travel insurance that covers their itinerary, planned activities and emergency expenses.
How Much Should You Budget for a December Holiday?
There is no single price for a cheap December holiday.
Your total cost depends on:
Flights
Hotel
Number of nights
Food
Transfers
Activities
Baggage
Travel insurance
Local transport
Shopping
Exchange rates
A two-night European city break can have a very different budget from a seven-night all-inclusive holiday in Egypt or a two-week trip to South Africa.
Instead of setting a destination first, set a total budget and then search for destinations that fit it.
Hidden Costs to Check Before Booking
A holiday advertised at a low price may not include every expense.
Check whether your booking includes:
Checked baggage
Airport transfers
Meals
Resort fees
Tourist taxes
Seat selection
Airport parking
Visa or entry requirements
Hotel deposits
Activities
Travel insurance
These costs can make a significant difference to the final amount you pay.
Are Cheap December Holiday Packages Worth Considering?
Package holidays can be useful when you want flights and accommodation arranged together.
They can also make budgeting easier because the major elements of the holiday are included in one booking.
However, compare what is actually included.
A £350 package with transfers and baggage may represent better overall value than a £300 package where those costs need to be added separately.
Travels Hook offers holiday packages and flight booking services for UK travellers, making it possible to compare different travel arrangements according to your requirements.
How Travels Hook Can Help with December Travel
Travels Hook provides holiday packages and flight booking services for travellers from the UK.
The website features international destinations and package options, with prices and availability depending on travel dates and current inventory.
When planning a December holiday, you can compare:
Flight options
Holiday packages
Hotels
Travel dates
Destination options
Trip duration
Travels Hook also provides hotel booking services, allowing travellers to consider different parts of their trip when planning.
If you are looking for a December holiday from the UK, compare the available options based on the complete trip cost rather than the advertised starting price.
Final Thoughts
Finding a cheap December holiday from the UK is less about choosing one universally cheapest destination and more about choosing the right combination of destination, dates, airport, accommodation and travel arrangements.
For winter sun, compare destinations such as Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Egypt and Marrakech.
For festive city breaks, consider Krakow, Prague, Budapest, Istanbul or Malta.
For longer warm-weather holidays, destinations such as Cape Town, Mombasa and Phuket can provide a very different December experience.
If keeping costs low is your main priority, avoid searching only for Christmas week. Compare earlier December dates, multiple UK airports and different accommodation options.
Most importantly, compare the total holiday cost rather than the headline flight or hotel price.
Travellers looking for December holiday packages or flights from the UK can explore the available options through Travels Hook and compare destinations according to their dates, budget and travel preferences.
Important Travel Information
Flight prices, hotel rates, holiday packages, availability and travel requirements can change frequently.
Any prices mentioned in this article are examples of market availability at the time of research and are not guaranteed prices.
Before booking, check the latest airline, hotel, destination and government travel information applicable to your trip.
For destinations such as Morocco, Portugal and other international locations, UK travellers should check the latest GOV.UK travel advice and entry requirements before departure.