Christmas Holiday Destinations

So here we go again, shopping till we drop, trolleys overflowing with enough food to last the year and boxes full of mince pies that you’ll never get through. Not forgetting the stress of cooking the Christmas dinner and making sure the day’s events run on schedule. However, nowadays it’s becoming increasingly popular to jet off to the sun for Christmas – where there’s no need to worry about burning the Christmas turkey or whether there are enough crackers to go around. Sounds appealing, right? If so, read on because we have rounded up the top Christmas holiday destinations for 2014 with a budget in mind to suit all. So where will you go?

Of Course Christmas festivities run throughout December, so if your purse is feeling the pinch with all those Christmas presents, why not take a break earlier in December? There are many bargain last minute holidays available at this time of year so you can expect knock down prices.

Benidorm

If you’re looking for cheap holiday deals for your Christmas getaway, polish up your dancing shoes because Benidorm really knows how to party at Christmas. Although the weather is on the cooler side, it can reach a rather pleasant 16°C throughout the day. Hotels really push the sleigh out at this time of the year with beautiful gala meals, and while the drinks flow you’ll be entertained by top live acts. If you prefer to venture away from the hotel you’ll find streets packed with live cabaret bars, comedians, singers and live entertainers.

Benidorm’s Rio Park hotel is always a popular choice, not just at Christmas but throughout the year. Only a short walk from the main strip, you can be at the heart of the action in no time. You can enjoy two weeks Full Board over Christmas from £398pp

Tenerife

As soon as your plane lands in toasty Tenerife you can cast those winter woollies aside as temperatures in December average 23°C. If you like to be in the thick of the action with bars and restaurants on your doorstep yet still want your Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, then Playa de las Americas and neighbouring Los Cristianos would be a perfect choice. Alternatively, if you fancy joining in with the locals and celebrating Christmas the Canarian way then we would recommend heading over to the north of the Island and staying in the resorts of Puerto de la Cruz or the capital, Santa Cruz.

Hotel Arona Gran in Los Cristianos has great views overlooking the sea and harbour. The two outdoor pools are heated in winter, great for that early morning dip. Offering Full Board and Half board, prices start from £425pp in December.

Sharm el Sheikh

Sharm el Sheikh is a popular choice and has grown over the years. With temperatures reaching around 26°C we really are starting to heat up. So, what better way to enjoy the festive season than lying on the beach sipping a cocktail or snorkelling in the crystal clear Red Sea. The resort and hotels pull out all the stops and deck the halls with festive decorations. But don’t think it stops here, when it’s time to dine you’ll be spoilt for choice with the plentiful buffet choices and gala meals. The award-winning Soho Square is also worth a visit at this time of the year, especially if you want to cool down as the square is home to the famous Ice Bar.

The Holiday Village Red Sea has been hitting the spot with families for many years now, and has an army of repeat guests. You can take your pick from five swimming pools, a wide choice of restaurants and a whole lot of entertainment – this hotel certainly packs a punch. Prices in December for All Inclusive start from £361pp

Dominican Republic

Fancy jetting off to a far away destination where temperatures reach a sizzling 28°C? Well, the Dominican Republic is just that place! You’ll certainly be sporting some white bits to show off to your friends after a week on this island. Christmas is a big event in the Dominican Republic with celebrations starting around October and lasting for three months. Parties, amazing food and spectacular fireworks displays are sure to get you in the festive spirit. And keep your eyes open while sunbathing as Father Christmas has been known to appear on the beach.

Although you can expect an increase in price for stays over the festive period and New Year, check out our last minute availability at – www.holidayhypermarket.co.uk

With a beachfront location, the ClubHotel Riu Merengue is a great place to relax and enjoy some winter sun. This hotel features three outdoor pools and a whole host of sports and activities. December prices start at an amazing £631pp for 14 nights.