Book festive winter breaks for 2026 with TUI: Discover Christmas markets and Lapland holidays

Hoping to bring some festive magic to the colder months? From the promise of snow to a romantic wintery setting or a memorable family holiday that everyone will enjoy, TUI has travel inspiration for your next trip covered.

If you’re dreaming of soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying festive food and drink at a Christmas market in a beautiful European city, there are options to explore from Prague to Copenhagen, Berlin and beyond. Meanwhile, for an unforgettable holiday packed with everything quintessentially festive, look to destinations across Lapland, with its snow-covered forests, cosy log cabins and family-friendly experiences kids will love.

We’ve rounded up our highlights for Christmas markets and Lapland holidays so you can plan winter 2026 trips now. Keep reading for the top TUI accommodation for your trip, from spa hotels to prime location city break stays.

Prague

Prague’s Christmas markets are set against the backdrop of world-famous gothic architecture and serve up a selection of traditional Czech foods. If you’re looking for something small and authentic, the Tylovo Namesti market in Tylovo Square offers a relaxed atmosphere, and traditional Czech customs and food like sausages and mulled wine. Plus, there’s a selection of handcrafted goods and more to browse. For a more lively atmosphere, head to the centrally-located Wenceslas Square Christmas market, with live music and cultural events in addition to stalls and food.

Housed within the Art Nouveau facade of a former printing house, the four star Hermitage Hotel Prague features high ceilings and large picture windows, and makes for an elegant stay. Located near the Vltava River, you’re well situated for the Vysehrad Park and the bustling Naplavka riverbank with its bars and market stalls.

In the heart of the city, the Manes Boutique Hotel Prague features luxury interiors with modern art and balcony and terrace rooms. There’s a whirlpool, a sauna and massages available for an extra fee, and a buffet breakfast and complimentary fitness options.

Vienna

Famed for its grand imperial architecture and coffeehouse culture, Vienna is the perfect festive getaway destination. When the Christmas stalls are open, there are plenty of seasonal delicacies, such as traditional Austrian pastries and Gluhwein, a German warm wine, to enjoy. The famous Rathausplatz market brings more than 150 stalls and an ice skating rink to the square in front of the Schonbrunn Palace. Alternatively, you can head to the Wintermarkt Präter Christmas market for its traditional wooden stalls, as well as children’s festive activities and the giant ferris wheel with vistas of the city and market below.

A stay at the Kaiserhof Wien situates you in a quiet area near the heart of Vienna, where you’re a stone’s throw from historic sites, and eateries and bars. The hotel features luxurious interiors and turn-of-the-century architecture, and there’s a wellness offering and bar to retreat to after a long day of sightseeing.

Gdansk

The city of Gdansk, Poland, offers a relaxing atmosphere, colourful Dutch Renaissance architecture in the historic main town, and local coastal Baltic cuisine with lots of fresh seafood. The ‘amber capital of the world’ is an opportunity for jewellery shopping, too. Gdansk’s Christmas market serves up regional crafts and local delicacies like pierogi and smoked sausage, and is situated in the cities’ historic old town.

Located in Gdansk’s charming old town, Hansza Hotel is within walking distance of the must-see sites like Olowianka Island and St. Mary’s Basilica. There’s a breakfast buffet at the restaurant, which serves regional specialties. If you have the time, there’s an on-site gym, and massages available if you want to unwind.

Lapland holidays

Rovaniemi

The snow-covered landscapes and exciting festive activities on offer at Rovaniemi, which is the capital city of Finnish Lapland, makes it a prime destination for a winter break with a difference. Look forward to sleigh rides and Santa Claus Village, which brings in the most visitors in November when there are concerts, gift bazaars and performances by Santa’s elves. Reindeer farms where you can meet the animals, and, if you’re looking for a bit of adventure, reindeer safaris into the Arctic Circle, are also an option during your stay.

Set five minutes from the slopes, Rovaniemi’s Christmas cottages are the perfect stopover for snow sports fans and families. These snug chalets have everything you need to feel cosy, including a private sauna, so you have a welcoming base to return to between runs, tobogganing, and days of festive activities, such an elf school and a Santa meet and greet.

Saariselka

In northern Lapland within the Urho Kekkonen national park, Saariselka offers unrivalled wintry scenery, with its fells and snow-topped forests. If the Northern Lights are on your bucket list, Saariselka is a prime spot to catch the natural light show. You’re in with the best chance of seeing them at their best between December and March. And for little ones, don’t miss Santa’s Creek.

Whether you’re set on a husky safari or a snowy sports-packed holiday, you’ll be well positioned if you stay at the Hotel Snowflake & Apartments, where you’re walking distance from Lapland's main attractions, from a toboggan hill to a wintry cross-country trail. Choose to stay either in the hotel rooms or whole apartments – bringing the outside in, both are characterised by forest landscape-inspired decor. The apartments come with a sauna and a balcony, while the hotel offers a family club with indoor and outdoor winter entertainment.