Palma de Mallorca, 28 November 2024

Christmas 2024: Top-Rated Destinations for Unique Experiences by TUI Musement

  • Insight: A study based on activity reviews reveals the 10 best destinations for December
  • Christmas Getaways 2024: Highlights include top locations in Thailand, Spain, Portugal, the United States, Cape Verde, and Finland

Christmas holidays are the perfect opportunity to break away from routine and explore new destinations. The quality and variety of activities available can greatly enhance the travel experience. That’s why TUI Musement, a leader in tours and activities, has compiled a selection of the best places to visit during this festive season, based on traveler reviews of activities and experiences.*

The analysis identifies 10 ideal locations for this time of year, catering to both sun-seekers and fans of winter landscapes. From Thailand and Cape Verde’s idyllic beaches to the Northern Lights in Finland, the list offers destinations promising unforgettable experiences.

Phuket, Thailand. With an average score of 8.6, Thailand's largest island leads the ranking thanks to its high-quality activities, such as speedboat trips to the stunning Phi Phi Islands, tours of Phuket's vibrant Old Town, and visits to the iconic Big Buddha. Phuket is an excellent choice for enjoying the December sun.

New York, United States. Christmas magic is in full swing in the Big Apple. According to reviews, iconic observatories like the SUMMIT at One Vanderbilt are a must-see, along with Broadway musicals and guided tours of Dyker Heights, the Brooklyn neighbourhood renowned for its extravagant holiday decorations.

Madeira, Portugal. With mild December temperatures, this Portuguese island offers outdoor activities such as 4x4 excursions through the UNESCO-listed laurel forests and scenic walks along the famous levadas. To soak in the festive atmosphere, the standout activity is a nighttime tour of Funchal’s dazzling Christmas lights.

Krabi, Thailand. Thailand reappears on the list with Krabi, earning high ratings for its tours. Highlights include jungle safaris featuring swims in the famous Emerald Pool, relaxation in natural hot springs, and visits to the spectacular Tiger Cave Temple, a must for adventurers looking to explore the wild side of the region.

Khao Lak, Thailand. Christmas in Khao Lak offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. In addition to sunbathing on stunning beaches, travellers can explore James Bond Island on a kayak excursion through Phang Nga Bay or marvel at nature’s beauty with a visit to Khao Sok National Park.

Sal, Cape Verde. This sunny destination boasts a variety of activities that cater to all types of travellers. Popular options include island tours to landmarks like Pedra Lume and Kite Beach, as well as adrenaline-filled buggy excursions and zipline courses, offering breathtaking views to round off the year.

Costa del Sol, Spain. December is the perfect time to explore the region’s natural wonders, such as the dramatic rock formations of El Torcal and the legendary Caminito del Rey trail. In Málaga, guided tours of the city’s famous Christmas light displays are particularly popular with visitors.

Yllas, Finland. Located in Finnish Lapland, Yllas tops the list for a white Christmas experience. Visitors can enjoy snowy landscapes with husky sled rides or snowmobile adventures through frozen forests. Night safaris to chase the Northern Lights are also highly rated by TUI Musement customers.

Fuerteventura, Spain. Known for its ideal conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing, Fuerteventura offers more than just water sports. Travellers can enjoy a coastal cruise, visit charming villages like Betancuria and Ajuy, or explore the pristine beaches and mysterious Villa Winter within the Jandía Natural Park.

Lanzarote, Spain. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Lanzarote is famous for its volcanic landscapes in Timanfaya National Park and the unique wine-growing techniques in La Geria. Must-visit sites include Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua, designed by local artist César Manrique. Submarine tours, highly rated by families, add a unique touch to any Lanzarote itinerary.


About TUI Musement

TUI Musement is a global Tours & Activities business that combines a highly curated product portfolio, scalable digital platforms and in-destination service by local teams, to source, develop, distribute and deliver products in three categories:

  • Experiences: Excursions, activities & attraction tickets
  • Transfers: Between airports, hotels and ports
  • Tours: Multi-day itineraries encompassing flights, hotels, experiences and transfers

Available in all major beach and city destinations, products are sourced from leading travel businesses or developed in-house by TUI teams, including the TUI Collection, the flagship experiences portfolio of TUI Group, and National Geographic Day Tours, unique and immersive small group guided experiences.

Products are distributed to customers, including the 19+ million TUI customers, through TUI websites and apps – such as the Tours & Activities dedicated TUI Musement app, as well as in-destination local teams and B2B partners, including some of the world's leading OTAs, tour operators, airlines, hotels, travel agencies and cruise lines. TUI Musement is one of the major growth areas of the TUI Group and employs approximately 7,000 people worldwide.

About TUI Group

The TUI Group is one of the world's leading tourism groups and operates worldwide. The Group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed in the MDAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and in the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover. TUI Group offers its 19 million customers integrated services from a single source and forms the entire tourism value chain under one roof. The Group owns over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI Blue and Robinson and 17 cruise ships, ranging from the MS Europa and MS Europa 2 in the luxury class and expedition ships in the HANSEATIC class to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships operated by Marella Cruises in the UK. The Group also includes Europe's leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms, for example for hotel-only or flight-only offers, five airlines with more than 130 modern medium- and long-haul aircraft and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels and cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in vacation destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The Group is transforming itself into a global tourism platform company.  

Global responsibility for sustainable economic, environmental and social action is at the heart of our corporate culture. With projects in 25 countries, the TUI Care Foundation initiated by TUI focuses on the positive effects of tourism, on education and training and on strengthening environmental and social standards. In this way, it supports the development of vacation destinations. The globally active TUI Care Foundation initiates projects that create new opportunities for the next generation.