Spending Christmas abroad can be a magical experience, whether you’re heading to a sun-drenched beach or a snowy wonderland. But how do you recreate that festive feeling when you’re not at home? With a little planning and some creative touches, you can turn any destination into a cosy, joyful Christmas escape for your family.
Here’s how to make your accommodation festive, enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner, and keep your holiday traditions alive—no matter where you’re celebrating.
1. Call Ahead for Festive Extras
Many hotels, resorts, and holiday rentals are happy to help make your Christmas extra special. Call ahead to see if they can add some festive touches to your room or accommodation before your arrival. Some places offer decorations, Christmas trees, or even special surprises for children.
Pro Tip:
Be clear about what you’re hoping for—some hotels might decorate the room, set up a tree, or provide a festive welcome basket.
2. Decorate Your Space
If your accommodation doesn’t come pre-decorated, you can easily bring the festive spirit with you:
Wall-Mounted Christmas Tree: A foldable tree that hangs on the wall is a lightweight, space-saving way to make any room feel Christmassy.
Fairy Lights and Tinsel: Pack battery-powered fairy lights and a strand or two of tinsel to add some sparkle.
Local Touches: Visit local markets to pick up unique ornaments, garlands, or festive crafts to personalise your space.
DIY Décor: Get the kids involved in making simple decorations, like paper snowflakes or festive drawings to hang up.
Pro Tip:
Use travel-friendly adhesive hooks or Blu Tack to avoid damaging walls in your accommodation.
3. Plan a Christmas Dinner to Remember
A delicious Christmas meal is central to the day, and it’s easier than you think to enjoy one while abroad:
Self-Catering Accommodation: Cook a simplified version of your Christmas dinner with easy-to-find ingredients. Roast chicken can replace a full turkey, and local seasonal produce can add a unique twist.
Hotels or Resorts: Many offer Christmas dinner packages with all the trimmings. Make sure to book early to secure your spot!
Pack a Taste of Home: Bring along small luxuries like your favourite stuffing mix, gravy granules, or Christmas crackers to add a familiar touch to the meal.
4. Make Gift-Giving Magical
The joy of unwrapping presents on Christmas morning can still happen while travelling.
Lightweight Gifts: Choose small, portable presents like books, toys, or travel-friendly games.
Wrap Smart: Pre-wrap your gifts or pack festive gift bags and tissue paper for easy wrapping on arrival.
Shop Locally: Pick up a few gifts at your destination—local souvenirs make memorable keepsakes.
Pro Tip:
If space is tight, let the kids know Santa will leave larger presents at home for them to open after the trip.
5. Stick to Family Traditions
Familiar traditions help make the holiday feel special, even in a new setting:
Stockings: Bring lightweight stockings to hang in the room, or use festive gift bags as a creative alternative.
Christmas Stories: Pack a favourite book to read together on Christmas Eve.
Festive Fun: Download holiday movies, bring a small board game, or prepare a festive trivia quiz for family fun.
6. Add a Christmas Morning Surprise
The magic of Christmas morning is all about the little details:
Leave out cookies, milk, and a carrot for Santa and his reindeer the night before.
Sprinkle glitter or confetti to create a trail from the door to the presents.
If you’re in a snowy destination, leave Santa’s “footprints” with a bit of flour or powder.
7. Capture the Festive Memories
A Christmas abroad is a unique experience, so make sure to document it!
Take family photos with your decorations and gifts.
Create a holiday journal or scrapbook with photos, tickets, and small mementos from your trip.
Record a video message to send to family and friends back home—it’s a thoughtful way to stay connected.
Why Christmas Abroad Can Be Magical
Spending Christmas away from home doesn’t mean leaving the magic behind. With festive decorations, delicious meals, and meaningful traditions, you can make any destination feel like your very own Christmas wonderland. Plus, the chance to explore a new place together will create memories your family will treasure forever.
Let Hashtag Travel Group Make It Stress-Free
Planning Christmas abroad doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Hashtag Travel Group, we’ll help you organise the perfect festive getaway—from booking family-friendly accommodation to adding those special holiday touches.
Ready to make this Christmas one to remember? Contact Hashtag Travel Group today and let’s bring the magic to your family’s festive escape! 🎄✈️
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