From winter sun in the Canary Islands to Christmas market breaks – check out my top winter holiday destinations with direct flights from Ireland.

Want to stay in a glass igloo in Lapland, shop till you drop in New York, or is a sun holiday more your style? We are fortunate to have such a wide range of winter holiday destinations that are easily accesible from Ireland. I understand some of you wish to travel alone or with friends, and many will be travelling with kids – so you should find breaks here to suit all tastes and budgets.

1. The Canary Islands

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The combination of direct daily flights from Ireland, balmy temperatures, and a low cost of living, has made the Canary Islands our most popular winter holiday destination for many years.

There are direct flights to Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura  from Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports, and direct flights to Fuerteventura from Dublin and Shannon airports.
 

 
Fuerteventura is blessed with stunning white sandy beaches, while the sheltered resorts of Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán in Gran Canaria are popular with sun seekers. Tenerife has the largest selection of luxury hotels, but my personal favourite is Lanzarote – find out why, here:

Read: Why Lanzarote is my favourite Canary Island

Read: Family holidays in Lanzarote, my top 10 picks on where to stay

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2. Dubai

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dubai is another great winter holiday destination if you want sunshine, but it is also packed with things to do. Try a desert safari, go to the top of the world’s tallest building, ski in the worlds largest indoor ski slope, or simply relax on one of its stunning beaches.
 

 
We visited Dubai last year and had a blast. Activities and dining are expensive, so you may need to budget accordingly, but it is a great destination for winter sun.

Top ten things to do in Dubai

The best family activities in Dubai
 
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3. Skiing Holidays

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Skiing holidays are growing in popularity all the time, with Austria, France and Italy being the firm favourites from Ireland. Söll in Austria is a great all rounder, with great skiing, restaurants and après ski, but if money is not an option, check out Val d’Isere in France.
 

 
Most of the top ski resorts in France, Italy and Austria are easily accessible from Dublin airport, but there are also options from our regional airports. There are flights from Ireland West Airport ( Knock) to Bergamo and Shannon airport to Turin and Cork airport to Salzburg. Top Tip: If you are looking to ski in Austria, flights to Munich are sometimes cheaper than Salzburg and the transfer times are similar. 

Read: Skiing in Soll, all you need to know and why you should go

Read: My top tips for family ski holidays

Read: My love affair with Club Med Val d’Isere
 
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4. Lapland

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I will never forget the look in my children’s eyes when we went to Lapland to see Santa. It was a magical family experience that we will never forget. It has been seven years since we visited, but the memories never fade. 
 

 
There are many ways to visit Lapland. TUI and Sunway offer packages with flights, transfers, accommodation and all activities included, from various Irish airports.

Ryanair introduced new flights this year to Rovaniemi from Dublin airport until mid March, and Santa Claus Village is open all year round, and see more about the various seasons in Lapland here. You can book flights and hotels separately via the links below.

Read: Our trip to see Santa in Lapland
 

 
Lapland isn’t just for kids! You can scratch one off your bucket list by staying in a glass igloo just 15 minutes drive from Rovaneimi airport. You can enjoy husky safaris, snowmobiling, as well as igloo saunas.

Featuring a heated glass roof, the Aurora cabin allows you to watch the sky directly from the bed. It comes with a private bathroom, electric fireplace and a sofa. Wouldn’t this be the ultimate Christmas present? 🎁

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5. Christmas market breaks

A Christmas market break is a great way to kick-start the festive season without breaking the bank. Many markets open from the end of November and there are super deals available on flights and hotels, especially if you can travel mid-week.
 

 
More and more cities are embracing the trend, but there are still a few show stoppers! Germany is probably the most famous country for Christmas markets, with Cologne and Berlin being most popular. However Budapest, Vienna and Salzburg should not be overlooked.
 

 
Copenhagen is another city you may not have thought of, but if you are looking for a Christmas market break with children, this is a great choice. Tivoli Gardens come alive with over 500,000 Christmas lights and there are plenty of activities to keep all the family happy.

There is a wide choice of Christmas market breaks available from Dublin airport, Budapest, Krakow are served from Shannon airport, and Rome is available from Cork airport.

Read: 12 Christmas market breaks with flights and hotels included

 
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6. Paris

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Paris might be popular in the Spring, but winter time is also a great time to visit. There are no crowds, its great for shopping, and have you ever seen the Eiffel Tower look so pretty?  We went for New Year and loved it.

If you happen to have children, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Disneyland Paris at Christmas time. Not only it is a magical experience, but it is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, so expect lots extra magic from Disney! 

There are many flights to Paris available from Dublin airport, as well as direct flights to Orly airport from Cork and Shannon. 

Read: Our visit to Disneyland Paris at Christmas time

Read: 5 Great reasons to visit Disneyland Paris in 2022

Read:  The best Disneyland Paris hotels, on site and nearby
 
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7. Iceland

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Iceland is one of the best winter holiday destinations if you are looking for a snowy destination with winter wonderland feels and plenty to see and do. Chase the Northern Lights, swim in the Blue Lagoon and drive Iceland’s golden circle. There are direct flights from Dublin to Reykjavik with Icelandair and Play Airlines this winter.

Read: Top things to do in Iceland
 
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8. New York:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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New York is amazing to visit at any time of year, but I think it is a great winter holiday destination. You don’t need to worry about the roasting summer temperatures, and of course you can ice-skate in Central Park. We all know New York is a super city for shopping so it is ideal for a pre or post Christmas break.
 

 
The Christmas lights are turned on in early December, and this is a great time to visit, but if you want to avoid the crowds and the high hotel prices, leave it until January. There are direct flights from Dublin and Shannon airport this winter.

Read: Top 25 things to do in New York

Read: Top things to do with New York with kids 

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9. Cruise holidays:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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There are many options for winter cruises from Ireland. MSC will cruise the Mediterranean throughout the winter season, you can cruise the Canary Islands on Norwegian Sun, or choose to cruise the Caribbean or Emirates on a variety of cruise lines.

Three of this year’s most popular new ships are cruising the Caribbean this winter, Celebrity Beyond, Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas and Norwegian Prima.

Read: How to choose the right cruise for you

Read: 10 cruise deals from Ireland including flights
 

10. Bargain breaks in Italy:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ryanair has added three new routes to Italy this winter, so now is the time to bag yourself a cheap city break deal to one of Europe’s top city break destinations.  As well as flying in to Venice Treviso airport, Ryanair is also flying to Marco Polo airport with airfares from €19.99 each way in November and December, or €34.99 each way in January. 

Read: Venice travel guide – top things to do and where to stay in Venice
 

 
Similarly with Rome, they have added Fiumicino airport to their existing service to Ciampino airport, with airfares from €25.99 each way.

Read: Where to stay in Rome, my top picks of 3, 4 and 5-star hotels

They have also launched a new route to Genoa – the gateway to Italy’s Cinque Terre. You may not get the hot summer sun, but you will get to visit one of Italy’s  most spectacular coastlines without the crowds.
 
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11. Florida:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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With direct flights to Orlando and Miami all year round, why not choose winter over summer in the sunshine state. Winter is the optimum time to visit Orlando’s theme parks, although Christmas holiday time will be busy. Take the opportunity to explore Florida’s coastline too including the beaches of Miami. Why not fly into Orlando and home from Miami to make the most of your winter holiday?

Read: 10 things you need to know about Universal Studios before you book

Read: 35 Things to do in Universal Orlando – My top tips and tricks

Read: 30 Things to do in Disney World Florida with teens

See more here
 
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12. Malta:

For a small island in the Mediterranean, Malta sure packs a few punches. Temperatures can be as high as 17 degrees and rarely get below 11 degrees, making it ideal for sightseeing.

It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the City of Valletta is one of them and is a must see. It has 320 historic monuments and a stunning natural harbour and is described as ‘one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world’ by UNESCO.
 

 
Malta was the most bombed country in the world during WWII, with over 14,000 bombs dropped. You can visit air raid shelters and war rooms, as well as an aviation museum.

It is rare to find anywhere in the Med where you drive on the left hand side, and the island is only 17 miles long and 9 miles wide, with a population of just over 500,000, so it is an easy island to explore. There are direct flights from Dublin and Shannon to Malta this winter.

Read: Top 10 reasons to visit Malta
 
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I hope this post on winter holiday destinations will inspire you to plan a trip overseas soon. Please note some of the links in this post contain affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made but at no additional cost to you. This helps me to run my website and bring you lots of great holiday tips and ideas!

There are ski resorts, and there are Club Med ski resorts. Check out my review of Club Med Val d’Isere below.

Sitting in the chair lift felt surreal. The scenery was like something from a movie set. I skied a few times, but I never experienced anything like the conditions when I holidayed in Club Med Val d’Isere. The area is so vast, there are so many different mountains and when you think you can’t possibly see anything more beautiful, another majestic peak appears.

 

So many #ski options in #valdisere ⛷ Loving the mountain! #ski #skiingholiday #skiingtime #sunwayclubmedski #skiing #chairlift

A photo posted by The Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert) on Dec 15, 2016 at 5:05am PST

Val d’Isere is located in one of the world’s best ski areas, Espace Killy. With an altitude of 3480 meters, over 300km of runs and 96 different lifts, the conditions are perfect. You are almost guaranteed snow from late November to April, and 50% of the slopes are suitable for beginners and intermediates. I was lucky to be brought on a four day ski trip to Club Med Val d’Isere, thanks to Sunway Holidays, who are the agents in Ireland for Club Med.
 

 
Twelve years had passed since I skied, so I was a little apprehensive. Many told me it was like riding a bike. In the gondola going to the top of the mountain, I prayed this was true! There were eight in my group and I hoped I wasn’t going to be the one holding them back…

 

How cool are the #gondolas in #valdisere Not only do they look good but they also have heated seats! #ski #skiingholiday #sunwayclubmedski #skiing

A photo posted by The Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert) on Dec 15, 2016 at 7:47am PST

I need not have worried, our Club Med ski instructor made me feel completely at ease and within minutes I was skiing like a native. Ok, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but you get the idea. What I loved about Val d’Isere was that there were so many green runs (easy runs for those who don’t know the lingo) at the top of the mountain. Regardless of your ability, beginner or advanced, you can experience the thrill of skiing from the top to the bottom. It is exhilarating.
 

 
For many years Everest Base Camp has been at the top of my adventure bucket list, I hoped I would get there one day. Riding a chair lift over 3000 meters, with Mont Blanc in the distance, I actually felt like I was there. I know it might sound like a cliché, but honestly there were times when I felt genuinely overwhelmed. 

 

#valdisere #skiingholiday #skiingtime #skiing #sunwayclubmedski #mountains #mountain #snow

A photo posted by The Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert) on Dec 15, 2016 at 5:09am PST

 
From a personal perspective I normally find it hard to ‘switch off’. I’m not one for yoga or meditation. In fact even when I am lying on a sun lounger, I’m constantly checking my phone.  I’m always thinking about what I have to do, and when I can do it. When I skied down the mountain in Val d’Isere, all I thought about was skiing, controlling my speed and the beautiful surroundings. My time on the mountain was my own and for that brief moment, nothing else mattered. I wondered was this what meditation or mindfulness was all about, something that never worked for me in the past.

 

Skied into #tignes from #valdisere – not bad for a beginner! #sunwayclubmedski #luxurytravel #skiingholiday #ski #snow @clubmedvaldisere @sunway_holidays

A photo posted by The Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert) on Dec 19, 2016 at 2:07pm PST

 
By day three I was able to ski from Val d’Isere into the nearby resort of Tignes. I downloaded the ski app (ski tracks) which measures altitude, speed and distance. I felt a tremendous sense of pride and achievement knowing I skied 14 km from 3000 meters, and even reached a max speed of 45 km per hour – not bad for a relative beginner!
 

Ski Facilities at Club Med Val d’Isere

I stayed in Club Med Val d’Isere where unlike most ski holidays, ski lessons are included in the price of your holiday. Lessons are twice per day, two and a half hours per session. Club Med Val d’Isere is an all-inclusive resort, so not only are lessons and lift passes included, but meals and drinks are too. Lift passes and tuition are an expensive part of any skiing holiday, so to have these included is a massive bonus.
 

 
The hotel is a ski in – ski out resort (in fact almost all Club Med ski resorts have this facility) so you can ski directly from the hotel to the slopes, something I had never experienced before. I can’t stress enough how great this is.

There is no need to carry heavy boots and skis, to the slopes, and you can put on your ski gear and be on the mountain in minutes. The lockers are situated next to the ski slopes and they are heated – warm ski boots each morning are better than coffee, trust me!
 

 
Club Med organise a great send off too, with drinks and snacks outside. When you come back from your lessons, the après ski kicks off, with a DJ playing tunes and friendly staff waiting to greet you with more drinks and hot snacks.

Food at Club Med Val d’Isere

The all-inclusive arrangement with Club Med is excellent. They pride themselves on their extraordinary buffets, with various cooking stations and a variety of choices. This was my second time in a Club Med resort. Although I found the variety in the buffet better in the Algarve, the standard was still far superior to anything I have seen in other all-inclusive resorts.
 

 
Every day there are numerous choices of fish, meat and vegetarian options, as well as a separate room with fresh pasta sauces, pizzas and even burgers. For those who don’t like buffets, there are cooking stations, where chefs plate your dish in front of you. This avoids crowded plates, piled high with food – a pet hate of mine.

Wine is served by the bottle at your table and the staff are always on hand for top ups if needed. The staff overall are very attentive. The manager greets guests at all meal times, a rarity nowadays. Deserts are delicious too and so is the selection of home made ice creams. Thankfully most of the excess calories are burned off on the mountain…

 

#crabsalad starter is typical of what you can expect at #clubmed resorts. The buffets have cooking stations with many dishes prepared in front of you. #sunwayclubmedski #skiingholiday #ski #luxurytravel #skiing @clubmedvaldisere @sunway_holidays

A photo posted by The Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert) on Dec 19, 2016 at 1:50pm PST

I really liked the bar in Club Med Val d’Isere – it is modern with a great atmosphere. There is a wide choice of cocktails available, included in the price of your holiday. Drinks were served in large glasses too, tiny wine glasses are a common sight in all-inclusive resorts – another pet hate of mine!
 

 
There is entertainment every night, from musicals to magic shows, followed by a DJ until the small hours. Guests love to get involved in the entertainment at Club Med Val d’Isere, and the dance floor was packed every night with rows of people following the entertainers dance moves. This is typical of what you can expect at all Club Med resorts, a friendly fun atmosphere throughout.
 

 

The entertainment at @clubmedvaldisere is really impressive! #clubmed #sunwayclubmedski #allinclusiveresort @sunway_holidays @sunwaytravel #ski #skiholidays #apresski

A photo posted by The Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert) on Dec 14, 2016 at 3:13pm PST

About Club Med Resorts

I should point out that Club Med have a staggering 70 resorts worldwide. Although the name suggests the Mediterranean, they have resorts in the US, China, the Maldives, as well as cruises and adult only resorts. A massive bonus for families is that children under 4 stay free at all Club Med Ski resorts, and under 6 years stay free at Club Med Sun resorts.
 

 
Club Med have 23 ski resorts in France, Italy and Switzerland. Club Med Val d’Isere, although suitable for families with teenagers, doesn’t offer lessons to children under 12. For that reason it tends to attract more couples and groups rather than families. However if you are planning a skiing holiday with young kids, some of the other Club Med resorts are perfect for families and include lessons to children from age 4.
 

 
The combination of the excellent tuition, great food and the ski in ski out facility, makes them hard to beat. I have seen many parents try to carry their children’s skis and boots as well as their own. The difference between skiing directly from your hotel, versus getting on a ski bus, carrying skis, boots, hats and gloves, is priceless.
 

 

How cool are the #kids on the #slopes in #valdisere #sunwayclubmedski #ski #luxurytravel #snow #travellingwithkids #familytravel

A photo posted by The Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert) on Dec 16, 2016 at 9:43am PST

Après ski in Val d’Isere

If you fancy taking a day off skiing, you can use your lift pass to take the gondola to the top of the mountain, and enjoy a coffee on the slopes while taking in the views. The town of Val d’Isere is worth exploring too, there are plenty of good shops and lots of great après ski bars. However, the best après ski bar is located on the mountain.
 

 
Part of a chain of French après ski bars, La Folie Douce has to seen to be believed. We went one afternoon and discovered hundreds of people drinking beer and dancing on tables to the latest tunes. It felt like a nightclub at 2am but it was only 4pm – it was crazy but fabulous at the same time! Thankfully it is situated right beside the gondola station so if you have one too many, you don’t have to ski down the mountain – although I’m sure many have tried…

 

#lafoliedouce the best place for #apresski in #valdisere #skiingholiday #luxurytravel #sunwayclubmedski #snow #ski @lafoliedouceofficial

A photo posted by The Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert) on Dec 19, 2016 at 1:58pm PST

If you don’t want to venture too far, you can always chill out at Club Med Val d’Isere and enjoy the on site facilities. Club Med’s stone and wooden facades fit in perfectly with Val d’Isere’s traditional chalets, and there is a great outdoor terrace with views of the mountain. If you are feeling energetic there are daily fitness classes as well as a large indoor swimming pool, sauna and spa.

 

The indoor #swimmingpool @clubmedvaldisere – just what you need after a day on the slopes #clubmedvaldisere @clubmedvaldisere #skiing #luxurytravel #ski #skiingholiday #sunwayclubmedski @sunway_holidays

A photo posted by The Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert) on Dec 19, 2016 at 1:48pm PST

I have some some amazing holiday experiences over the years. Skiing down the mountain in Val d’Isere is up there with the best of them. All Club Med Ski holidays include flights, transfers, all meals, drinks, lessons and lift passes so if planning a ski trip make sure you take this into account when comparing prices. For information on prices and Club Med resorts visit ClubMedSunway.ie
 

 
Like Club Med resorts? Read my post on Club Med da Balaia in the Algarve.

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Sarah

Thinking of a winter holiday this year? Check out my top picks for winter breaks as seen on TV3’s Saturday AM.

If you are looking for some winter sun this year, the best advice I can give you is – book early. There is a massive shortage of accommodation in the Canary Islands as a result of people not wanting to travel to Egypt, Tunisia etc. We tend to forget that it’s not just Irish people who want to go to the Canary Islands for winter sun. There are 60 million Britons, 100 million Germans as well as other Europeans, all looking at the same destinations. You will probably find cheap flights with Aer Lingus and Ryanair but finding apartments and hotels to go with them at the last minute will be extremely difficult. So don’t say you haven’t been warned…  With that in mind, I have some good winter sun options that are available now if you can book your holidays in advance.

Canary Islands

Lanzarote is the most popular of the Canary Islands with Irish holiday makers. The combination of low rise buildings, just the right amount of nightlife and some excellent beaches means Lanzarote ticks all boxes. I found a great deal flying out on Valentines Day to a popular ‘adult only’ property in the centre of Puerto del Carmen.  The Panorama apartments receive great reviews  on tripadvisor and are perfect for couples who don’t want any kids jumping in and out of the pool. Fly from Dublin to Lanzarote on the 12th of February and enjoy a seven night stay in the Panorama for only €299 per person. Click here for more details:

Cruises

There is some excellent value in winter cruises this year. Thomson Cruises are offering a free upgrade to all-inclusive on their Canary Islands cruises. You can fly to Tenerife or Gran Canaria and cruise the Canary Islands, Madeira and Morocco from only €859 in January and February. Prices include flights, transfers, baggage a seven day cruise including all meals, drinks and entertainment. Click here for more details:

Another cruise destination that is great value is Dubai and the Emirates. With guaranteed sunshine and now direct flights from Dublin, this is a very appealing alternative to the Canary Islands. Royal Caribbean are offering flights and a seven night cruise around Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman from €899 in January on Vision of the Seas.  Click here for more details.

City Breaks

There are plenty of great options for city breaks.. Flights and hotels are inexpensive during the winter time so if you don’t necessarily want sun, you can pick up a city break in Europe from €149 or even Las Vegas from €465!  I like this deal to Prague on the 21st of November. Price for flights and three nights in the 4* Union hotel is only €164. Click here for more details on this offer and other city break deals, all less than €169 per person.

Ski holidays

Travel trends have changed over the last number of years and people are looking for more authentic holiday experiences. Winter breaks to see the Northern Lights, Lapland and of course ski trips are becoming more and more popular. Within the ski market there has been a huge increase in demand for chalet holidays. Topflight now have over 50 chalets in the French Alps alone. Chalets can accommodate from 6 – 19 people depending on the chalet you choose so if you have a few families travelling together they are ideal. Couples like them too from the social aspect. They can chat about their skiing exploits that day and pick up tips from fellow skiers. The host is very important too as they will be able to offer local information on the resort and provide tips on the best places to go etc. Chalets usually have cosy fires, comfy couches and offer a home away from home type of experience. Skiing holidays in general are more expensive than sun but once you try it once, you will be hooked, and a chalet is a great place to start.

Fly from Dublin to Les Arcs in France and spend seven nights in the Chalet Bouquetin from €849 per person on the 14th of January. Price includes flights, transfers, checked baggage and meals throughout your stay. Click here for more details:

Iceland

If you fancy a short break but still want the winter wonderland feel – try Iceland. WOW air are flying five times per week to Reyjavik from Dublin and prices are quite good if you are flexible on your dates. You can take a swim in the Blue Lagoon, try snow mobiling, hiking on a glacier, go whale watching and hopefully get to see the Northern Lights while you are there 🙂 Fly from Dublin to Reyjavik on the 19th of January and enjoy a three night stay in the centrally located Apartment K for only €377 per person. Click here for more details.

All prices are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change.

Sarah