Christmas and New Year are a good time to take a break, spend a few days with family or friends, and visit somewhere you’ve been thinking about all year. But choosing the right destination is not always easy. Some travellers look forward to a beach holiday, while others prefer city sightseeing, cultural experiences or a few peaceful days away from their usual routine.
For travellers planning a Christmas and New Year trip from Kerala, there are plenty of choices, both within India and abroad. Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Bali offer different kinds of international holidays. Closer to home, Goa and Rajasthan are worth considering for a December getaway.
Christmas Day falls on Friday, 25 December 2026, and New Year’s Day falls on Friday, 1 January 2027. Depending on your work and school holidays, combining these dates with a few days of leave may give you time for a longer vacation.
The important thing is to choose a place that suits your travel dates, interests and budget rather than trying to follow every popular destination.
The year-end holiday period is one of the busiest times for many travel destinations. Families often plan their annual vacation around school holidays, while couples and groups of friends use the festive break for an overseas trip or a short getaway.
There are also signs of strong interest in year-end travel among Indian travellers. A festive travel report published by ETTravelWorld on 14 October 2026, citing Scapia data, noted that international flight bookings for Christmas and New Year were tracking at 5.4 times the previous year’s pace on its platform. This is a platform-specific booking trend, not a guarantee of prices or availability for any particular route from Kerala.
For anyone considering a December holiday, it is worth checking flights, accommodation and sightseeing arrangements early. Popular dates can have limited availability, and prices may differ considerably between the first half of December and the Christmas–New Year period.
1. Dubai – A Festive City Holiday with Plenty to Explore
Dubai is a good choice for travellers who enjoy a mix of modern attractions, shopping, entertainment and desert experiences. During December, the city is generally more comfortable for outdoor sightseeing than during its hotter months.
A Dubai holiday can include a visit to the Burj Khalifa, time at Dubai Mall, an evening around Dubai Marina and a desert safari. You can also enjoy a dhow cruise, explore traditional souks or spend time at Jumeirah Beach.
Some places worth including in your sightseeing plans are:
Burj Khalifa
Dubai Mall
Palm Jumeirah
Dubai Marina
Dubai Frame
Museum of the Future
Jumeirah Beach
Global Village, subject to its seasonal operating dates
December is a popular month for outdoor attractions and festive activities in Dubai. Visit Dubai lists the average December temperature at around 24°C, although actual weather can vary.
Dubai is worth considering for families who want plenty of sightseeing options, couples looking for a city getaway and groups interested in shopping and entertainment.
Before booking, check the dates and timings of seasonal attractions and any New Year events you wish to attend.
Explore more: Dubai Tour Packages with Sanchari
2.Singapore – A Family Holiday Filled with City Attractions
Singapore is an appealing destination for travellers who prefer a well-organised city holiday with plenty of attractions close to one another.
You can spend time around Marina Bay, walk through Gardens by the Bay, visit Sentosa Island and enjoy the rides at Universal Studios Singapore. There are also shopping areas, wildlife attractions, cultural neighbourhoods and food centres to explore.
Popular places to include in your Singapore travel plans are:
Marina Bay Sands
Gardens by the Bay
Sentosa Island
Universal Studios Singapore
Merlion Park
Singapore Flyer
Orchard Road
Jewel Changi Airport
Singapore Zoo
Chinatown
Singapore works particularly well for families because there is a good mix of sightseeing and entertainment. Couples and friends can also enjoy its shopping streets, restaurants and evening attractions.
One thing worth knowing before booking is the weather. Singapore’s Northeast Monsoon runs from December into early March, with November to January forming its wetter phase. Rain showers are common, so it is sensible to keep some flexibility in your daily plans and include indoor attractions alongside outdoor sightseeing.
Explore more: Singapore Tour Packages with Sanchari
3. Phuket and Krabi, Thailand – For Beaches, Islands and Time by the Sea
If your idea of a holiday involves sandy beaches, island trips and beautiful coastal views, Phuket and Krabi are worth considering.
December falls within Thailand’s cooler season, and the southern coastline is a popular choice for travellers looking to enjoy the beach. Phuket and Krabi offer opportunities for island-hopping, boat trips, snorkelling and relaxing by the sea.
Some popular places and experiences include:
Patong Beach
Kata Beach
Karon Beach
Phi Phi Islands
James Bond Island
Big Buddha
Wat Chalong
Phuket Old Town
Promthep Cape
Phang Nga Bay
You can spend a day relaxing on the beach, visit Phuket Old Town, explore local markets or arrange a boat excursion to nearby islands. Krabi adds another beautiful coastal setting to the trip.
This destination is worth considering for couples, families and groups who enjoy beach holidays with a few outdoor activities. When planning island excursions, check the local sea conditions and the operator’s cancellation arrangements, as boat trips can be affected by weather.
Explore more: Phuket and Krabi Tour Packages with Sanchari
4. Sri Lanka – A Mix of Beaches, Hills and Cultural Experiences
Sri Lanka is a good option for travellers who want to experience several different settings during one holiday. The island brings together beautiful beaches, tea-growing regions, historic attractions, wildlife and scenic train journeys.
You could explore Kandy, spend time among the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, take a scenic journey towards Ella or visit the coastal surroundings of Bentota and Galle. There are also cultural attractions such as Sigiriya and Dambulla, along with wildlife experiences at Yala National Park.
Popular destinations include:
Colombo
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya
Ella
Bentota
Galle
Sigiriya
Dambulla
Yala National Park
Mirissa
December to February is generally a favourable period for Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, including popular beach areas. The central highlands and other parts of the island can have different weather conditions, so it is important to consider your route rather than assume the entire country will have the same climate.
Sri Lanka can suit families, couples and travellers who enjoy a combination of sightseeing, nature and beach time. A well-planned route can help reduce unnecessary travel between distant parts of the island.
Explore more: International Tour Packages from Sanchari
5. Vietnam – A Holiday for Culture, Landscapes and Local Experiences
Vietnam is a destination worth considering if you want a holiday that combines city experiences, historic places, natural scenery and local food.
There is plenty to discover, from Hanoi’s old streets and the limestone landscapes of Ha Long Bay to the lantern-lit town of Hoi An and the lively atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City.
Other popular destinations include Da Nang, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Hue, Phu Quoc and the Mekong Delta.
Some experiences to consider are:
A scenic cruise through Ha Long Bay
Exploring the historic streets of Hanoi
Discovering Hoi An’s traditional architecture
Visiting the mountain landscapes around Sapa
Enjoying beaches and island activities in Phu Quoc
Exploring local markets and Vietnamese food
One important point about Vietnam is that its weather changes significantly from one region to another.
Northern destinations such as Hanoi and Ha Long Bay can be cool, misty and cloudy during December. Sapa can be considerably colder. Central destinations such as Hoi An and Hue can still experience rain, while southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc, generally has clearer and sunnier conditions during December.
This makes route planning particularly important. Rather than trying to cover the entire country in a short holiday, choose the regions that best match your travel dates and interests.
Vietnam is a good option for travellers who enjoy exploring a destination beyond its famous landmarks and spending time on local food, history and culture.
Explore more: Vietnam Tour Packages with Sanchari
6. Bali, Indonesia – Temples, Green Landscapes and Island Culture
Bali has a different feel from the city-based destinations on this list. It is known for its traditional temples, green rice terraces, beautiful coastal areas, waterfalls and local culture.
You can explore Ubud, visit Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Temple, spend time around Seminyak and Kuta, or consider a day trip to Nusa Penida.
Popular places to explore include:
Ubud
Seminyak
Kuta Beach
Nusa Penida
Uluwatu Temple
Tanah Lot Temple
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Mount Batur
Tegenungan Waterfall
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
A Bali holiday can include temple visits, local markets, traditional food, nature walks and time at the beach.
There is one seasonal detail to keep in mind: December falls within Bali’s rainy season, which generally runs from November to March. You may experience tropical showers, high humidity and changes to outdoor excursion plans. This does not mean you cannot enjoy Bali during Christmas and New Year, but a flexible itinerary is useful.
Travellers who want to explore temples, villages, rice terraces and local culture may still enjoy this time of year. Those who mainly want uninterrupted sunny beach days should compare seasonal conditions before deciding.
Explore more: Bali Tour Packages with Sanchari
7. Goa – A Festive Beach Holiday Within India
For travellers who prefer to stay within India, Goa remains a popular Christmas and New Year destination.
The state offers beautiful beaches, Portuguese heritage, local markets, coastal restaurants and plenty of places to explore. You can spend your days by the sea, visit historic churches, walk through Panjim’s old streets or simply enjoy Goa’s relaxed atmosphere.
Some popular places to visit are:
Baga Beach
Calangute Beach
Anjuna Beach
Candolim Beach
Fort Aguada
Basilica of Bom Jesus
Panjim
Palolem Beach
December is part of Goa’s popular winter travel period. It is generally a good time for beach visits and outdoor sightseeing, and the state becomes particularly busy around Christmas and New Year.
If you are considering Goa for the festive break, pay attention to your accommodation location, travel arrangements and event bookings. Staying near the places you want to visit can make a difference, especially when traffic and crowds increase.
Goa is worth considering for couples, families and groups who want a domestic holiday with beaches, food, shopping and local culture.
Explore more: Goa Tour Packages with Sanchari
8. Rajasthan – A Winter Holiday Filled with History and Heritage
Rajasthan offers a very different kind of December holiday. Instead of beaches and island excursions, you can spend your days exploring forts, palaces, historic cities, traditional markets and desert landscapes.
Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are among the well-known destinations. You can admire the architecture of historic palaces, explore local markets, visit heritage attractions and experience desert activities around Jaisalmer.
Other places worth including are Pushkar, Ajmer, Mount Abu, Bikaner, Ranthambore and Chittorgarh.
Rajasthan is generally more comfortable for sightseeing during the winter months than during the hotter summer season. However, temperatures can vary from one region to another, and evenings and early mornings may be quite cold, especially in desert areas.
If you enjoy history, photography, architecture, traditional food and cultural experiences, Rajasthan is a strong choice for a year-end holiday.
A multi-city Rajasthan trip needs sensible route planning. Distances between some cities are considerable, so avoid trying to visit too many places in a limited number of days.
Explore more: Rajasthan Tour Packages with Sanchari
A little preparation can make the difference between a well-planned holiday and a rushed one. Here are a few things to consider before confirming your trip.
1. Decide Your Travel Dates First
Check your school holidays, office leave and other commitments before choosing a destination. If your dates are flexible, compare departures in early December with the Christmas–New Year week. Prices and availability can vary between these periods.
2. Choose One Destination or a Practical Route
It can be tempting to cover several cities in a short holiday, particularly when travelling abroad. However, every additional destination means more transfers, check-ins and travel time.
For a shorter break, concentrate on one city or region. For a longer holiday, you can consider combining nearby destinations after checking the travel distance and journey time.
3. Compare the Full Travel Cost
Do not look at flight prices alone. Consider accommodation, airport transfers, local transport, sightseeing tickets, meals, baggage charges and other expenses.
Also check what is included in a tour package and what you may need to pay separately.
4. Check Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements
International travel requires more than a flight ticket. Check your passport validity, visa or entry permission, arrival forms and any other documents required for your destination.
As checked on 6 November 2026, some examples for Indian ordinary passport holders are:
Thailand: The 30-day tourism visa exemption for eligible Indian ordinary passport holders is effective from 15 September 2026. Foreign visitors must also complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card within three days before arrival.
Singapore: Indian ordinary passport holders need to apply for an entry visa before travelling.
Vietnam: Indian nationals need a pre-approved visa. Applications can be made through the official Vietnamese e-Visa system, subject to its requirements.
Sri Lanka: Indian tourists must obtain an ETA before arrival. Under the scheme effective from 25 May 2026, eligible Indian passport holders can obtain a free tourist ETA for 30 days.
These rules are subject to change. Always verify the latest information through the relevant embassy or official immigration website before booking and departure.
5. Confirm Hotels, Transfers and Sightseeing
Check the hotel’s location, room type, check-in arrangements and cancellation policy. For sightseeing, confirm whether entrance tickets, local transfers and guided activities are included in your package.
If you plan to attend a special Christmas or New Year event, check its current schedule and ticket arrangements directly. Do not assume every event takes place on the same dates each year.
A travel enthusiast sharing helpful destination ideas, holiday inspiration and travel tips to help readers plan their next journey with Sanchari – The Travel Solution.
