By Expedia Team, on November 14, 2015

Hot or Cold: Where to Spend Christmas and New Year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – making it the perfect reason to celebrate with a year-end holiday. Whether you’re dreaming of a white Christmas or a beach blowout to usher in the New Year, here are our picks of the best destinations to suit your travel style.

 

For Families

Frosty Christmas: Whistler, Canada

ski-whistler-canada

Take your kids on a dream winter vacation to Whistler, Canada, where they’ll get to experience the great outdoors in all its glory. It’s always good to get the young ones started on ski or snowboarding lessons while they’re young. But we have a feeling they’ll be busier building their first snowman, creating snow angels, dodging snowballs and running around snow forts even more!

Older children are sure to love an unforgettable snowmobile ride through the forests, where they’ll see frozen lakes and glaciers. Before your teens snort at all these ‘kiddy’ activities, get them excited about a heart-stopping zipline adventure through a forest canopy.

Sunny Christmas: Gold Coast, Australia

Gold Coast, Australia

For a warm weather adventure, why not head to the shores of Gold Coast, Australia, for all the sun, sand and sea you can handle?

Not only are there seemingly endless miles of beaches to frolic on, there are also fantastic theme parks such as Movie World, Sea World and Wet ‘n’ Wild Water World, which kids of all ages are sure to love. The Sea World Resort is conveniently located on the waterfront and even has an on-site water park for the family to splash around in.

Who can say no when santa in Australia comes in the form of bikini babes and shirtless hunks in red-and-white?

 

For Friends

Frosty Christmas: Niseko, Japan

niseko-chaletThe Chalets at Country Resort, Niseko, Japan

Escape with your best friends to the mountains for an adventure-packed winter sports holiday this festive season. Niseko, Japan, is probably one of the easiest resorts to reach from Singapore, and its powdery soft snow is perfect, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier or snowboarder.

The Chalets at Country ResortThe Chalets at Country Resort

Even better, there are many cosy lodges and apartments to house you and your friends under one roof. Finally a chance to imitate the cosy movie scenes of huddling by the fireplace with hot chocolate (or BYO Milo!) and marshmallows! Bring on the silly card games and Christmas jams.

The town of Hirafu may be small, but it’s packed with traditional yakitori and ramen restaurants as well as quirky bars, so you’ll have plenty of apres ski activities to indulge in too.

 

Sunny Christmas: Langkawi, Malaysia

Datai Bay Langkawi

Alternatively, if you prefer to soak up the sun, hop on a plane and get to Langkawi in slightly over an hour.

This Malaysian archipelago comprises a cluster of 99 islands, so gather up your buddies for a private island hopping tour and perhaps an untouched beach to hang out at. There are plenty of resorts to suit any budget, and best of all, Langkawi has duty-free status, so choose your poison and celebrate Christmas or usher in the New Year with a private party!

 

For Couples

Frosty Christmas: Europe’s Christmas Markets

Christmas Market in PragueShutterstock

Whisk yourself and your significant other away on a romantic winter holiday to Europe’s historic cities, where you can spend hours exploring quaint Christmas markets selling unique handicrafts and goodies, while keeping yourself warm with eggnog or mulled wine.

Prague’s famed Christmas market in Old Town Square, which is surrounded by well-preserved Gothic, renaissance and baroque buildings, is particularly atmospheric. Other wonderful markets include those in Munich, Stockholm and Bath in England.

To usher in the new year in style, head to a big city, such as Paris, where you can enjoy dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant; Berlin, to party the night away in a mega club; or Istanbul, for a once-in-a-lifetime New Year’s eve cruise down the Bosphorus River.

 

Hot and Sexy Christmas: Hawaii, USA

Akaka-Falls-Hawaii-for-couples

If you prefer to turn up the heat, Hawaii is possibly one of the most romantic tropical destinations you can visit.

Go on a retreat with your partner to the Big Island, where you can experience nature in all its wildest glory. From pristine beaches and corals to lush tropical rainforests and even otherworldly volcanoes and desert landscapes, it’s the perfect place to bond with your other half as you discover the wonders of the natural world.

The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows is a worthwhile splurge for amenities such as a lava sauna, golf courses and yoga lessons.

 

For Solo Travellers

Frosty Christmas: New York City, USA

Christmas in New York City

There’s always something magical about New York City during Christmas, especially so when the Big Apple is covered with a dusting of white snow and holiday lights during the festive season.

From ice-skating at Rockefeller Centre, to a stay at the classic Waldorf Astoria New York or watching the ball drop during the New Year’s countdown at Times Square, there are plenty of holiday festivities to indulge in – and even more opportunities to mingle and make new friends. Best of all, in the city that never sleeps, you’ll never run out of museums to wander around in, plays and musicals to watch or chic restaurants and cafes to visit.

Sunny Christmas: Hua Hin, Thailand

Solo trip in Hua Hin, Thailand

Perhaps you’re considering a getaway that will provide a much-needed change of pace and to start 2016 on a new note. Idyllic Hua Hin in Thailand, with its plethora of wellness resorts, is the place to pamper yourself and perhaps even embark on a detox plan, if that strikes your fancy.

The  Putahracsa Hua Hin Resort by The Unique Collection is located right on the beach and offers indulgent poolside spa services that will leave you feeling like a brand new person by the time you have to return to the real world!

 

Merry Christmas Malaysia 🙂