Brits share top 20 dream Christmas travel destinations from Lapland to New York

04 December 2023 , 15:31

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Travelling to Lapland to meet Santa has topped a list of dream Christmas travel experiences for Brits (Image: Lingxiao Xie/Getty Images)

Brits have shared the top 20 destinations they would love to visit over Christmas, with Iceland, New York – and Lapland – topping the list.

The survey of 2,000 adults found that 27% really are dreaming of a white Christmas – as locations such as Vienna, Salzburg, and Zurich ranked highly, along with a skiing holiday in the Alps. But two-thirds (67%) are looking to escape the cold British winter, with 26% seeking some winter sun – in destinations such as The Canary Islands, Florida, and even Sydney.

A third of those polled (32%) say they have previously taken a trip at Christmas, with 63% of those saying they enjoyed some of their most cherished Yuletide memories on these vacations. And one in three are keen to travel during the festive season in order to experience the magical time of year in a different culture.

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And a third of Brits are keen to experience the festive season in a different culture (SWNS)

The research was commissioned by John Lewis Travel Money, whose spokesman, Matt Richardson, said: “Discovering the magic of Christmas goes beyond our doorsteps. With our world becoming more interconnected, a rising number of travellers are choosing to celebrate the holidays overseas.

“This growing trend isn't just about chasing snow – it's a quest for diverse traditions, unique celebrations, and the joy of being together with friends and family wherever you are in the world.”

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It also emerged that, of the 68% who haven’t yet had the opportunity to travel at Christmas, it is on the bucket list to do so for 38% – although 31% are worried that doing so could break family traditions they hold dearly. And for eight in 10 festive travellers, it is important they have plenty of cash in the local currency to spend on the trip.

The research, which was conducted via OnePoll.com, went on to find 44% plan to visit a Christmas market this year, either in the UK or abroad. And 78% of these went on to say Christmas isn’t complete without visiting at least one – while the same number agreed you know the big day is coming when they start to pop up.

Six in 10 (60%) will make the effort to check out a market which isn’t on their doorstep, as shopping for handcrafted gifts, and sipping on hot chocolate and mulled wine, is high on the agenda.

Matt Richardson, from John Lewis Travel Money, added: “Christmas lovers are in their element when browsing the markets here in the UK, or abroad. We are lucky to have so many brilliant ones in this country, and hosted by our neighbours – and it’s clear from these findings, they are a quintessential part of our festive season.

“But when browsing the gifts and treats, it’s important not to be caught out without cash – especially overseas, as many of the stalls are not accepting card payment.”

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