UK Tourists Prefer Lapland Over Local Destinations for Christmas Trips

British travelers are increasingly opting for international destinations over local cities for their Christmas holidays, according to new data from Holidu. The holiday rental platform’s December Price Index 2025 reveals that Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland, is the most searched Christmas destination among Brits, despite a hefty median price of $736 (€696) per night—double that of London.

The study highlights a growing trend of Brits seeking festive experiences abroad, with six out of the top ten most searched destinations located outside the UK. Spain’s Barcelona and Adeje also feature prominently, ranking fourth and fifth, offering more affordable options at $288 (€272) and $244 (€230) per night, respectively.

France emerges as a popular choice, with seven destinations making the list, including Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Paris. The allure of Christmas markets and alpine escapes appears to be a significant draw for British tourists.

Rovaniemi’s appeal as the official home of Santa Claus and its winter wonderland setting make it a top choice, albeit at a premium. Other expensive destinations include Zermatt and Grindelwald, with median prices of $570 (€539) and $371 (€351) per night, respectively.

Conversely, Adeje and Rome offer more budget-friendly options at $244 (€230) per night, proving that memorable winter holidays can be affordable. Holidu’s analysis is based on searches made by British travelers over the past year for stays in December 2025.

As Brits continue to prioritize international travel for Christmas, the trend underscores a shift towards seeking unique and magical experiences abroad.