Going away for Christmas ideas

[WhiteJeans7]

Hello,

Have you ever been away for Christmas with young kids? Where do you go, and what does that look like for you? It would be 3 of us- me, DH, and DD, who will be almost 6.

I'm desperate not to have another shit Christmas doing the same thing. The last few have been so sad. Terminal illness, grief of losing my Dad, elderly frail relatives with dementia, family tension. I was very ill with cancer last Christmas, and had to shave my head on Christmas Day because it was falling out so fast. I put on a brave face for my little DD, but I honestly didn't know if I'd see another Christmas with her and I was just heartbroken.

I am now in remission, and doing much better. I'd like to go somewhere else and break the cycle a bit. Home or abroad - would have to be relatively short haul as DD has autism and wouldn't cope well with a long flight. Haven't got an endless budget but could spend a few quid. Any ideas would be very welcome.

You’ve been through the mill. I hope things continue to get easier for you all, and you definitely deserve a holiday!!
last yr we ended up in a French centreparcs nr Strasbourg (I think). We were stopping on the way to skiing but actually that bit of the holiday was just lovely. Quiet centreparcs, in the outdoor pool at night while it snowed, gorgeous Christmas markets and French food. And all so much less commercial than here! The centreparcs there is sooo much cheaper too.

we’ve also done Norway at Christmas but was expensive. Snow at that time of yr is so magical though.

I know it might sound chavvy but its really not ,considering your little ones age but Butlins is magical at christmas for you all. Cheap cheerful and fun with the added bonus of opt in or out whenever you like.

We went to Morocco when DS was 11, all inclusive, warm enough for the pool outside during the day and walks along the promenade in the evening. To be honest we'd had a lot go on that year too and wanted to out out feet up. Opened a couple of presents on a sunbed on Christmas morning saved the rest for when we got home, which was actually lovely all snuggled up in bed getting used to the cold weather again.
The resort went "big" on christmas eve and Christmas day was quite quiet in comparison but that was nice.
DH and DS said they enjoyed it but wouldn't go away again, I 100% would, but guess who does all the work at Christmas in our house? 🤣
I'd recommend it even if it's a one off break from the norm.

Depends what you want, we’ve done a couple of different things.
Last year we got an Airbnb in Dorset in the countryside but a short drive from the coast. It was a country cottage with an open fire so we had a traditional cosy Christmas on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with board games and TV and then a turkey dinner. It was a lot of work ensuring that I had everything packed in the car, including all the Santa presents and food for Christmas dinner etc, but once we were there it was lovely. Then on Boxing Day we went to the coast and had a lovely walk along the beach and in the local town.

A few years ago (before kids) we went to Austria, which was lovely in a different way. It was snowy and beautiful and we had a sleigh ride on Christmas Day. Then we had a trip to Salzburg and some lakes and some of the Sound of Music locations. It’s obviously very different to normal and I’m not sure I’d do it with kids in tow as it wasn’t geared up for kids at all.

Another option op is to go to the efterling in the Netherlands it's a very beautiful theme park cheaper than Disney and more magical
You can fly to Amsterdam or drive

You could combine with some nights In a landlal or similar.
Otherwise the strasbourg park sounds good maybe with Europa park tickets

Agree with @Itcantbetrue

We're just back from Efteling. It is, indeed, magical and would be lovely at Christmas. We had a 6 year old with us and there were loads of things for them to do. The "scarier/height restricted" rides are all in one section so they are easy to avoid as the park is huge.

Whatever you decide, I hope you have an excellent Christmas.

We've been at Xmas and it was lovely ,actually just after in the days between .
It's very pretty and they open up a huge ice rink indoor and out with lots of Xmas trees. Id recommend the bosrikj site to stay because it's in the woods

Don't want to rain on your parade OP, but please bear in mind that bad weather around that time of year can cause lots of delays in traffic/flights etc. People rarely remember when they book and it can be very stressful and upsetting when plans go awry. My friend and I ended up on an 8 hour Dover to Calais crossing last December in the middle of Storm Darragh and a load of delays to follow. 🤢🤢🤢

I'd be tempted to book a cabin or lodge somewhere not so far, with a hot tub in a reasonable driving distance, and where you'd get the chance to dine out for Christmas lunch or dinner in a nearby restaurant or hotel.

I've stayed at one Forest Lodge in Scotland (Ardgarten Argyll) during November, hottub looking over a Loch, wood burner in the cabin, splurge on M&S meals, bracing walks followed by cosying up for some games infront of the fire while the mountain view darkens outside. It was absolute bliss.

There must be one within a few hours drive you could find.

We are going skiing in the Dolomites on 20th December . Thrilled as Christmas is a pain in the ass !!

Sorry you have been having a hard time , OP. Would you consider skiing ?

We have spent Christmas in Austria, Jamaica & Sri Lanka. All were lovely in their own ways. All suitable for small children, although, unless you are avid skiers, Austria is probably the least suitable.

With little ones, I've got to chip in that centre parks is lovely - I got the (reasonably priced) Christmas package with a tree, and baubles to decorate, there was 'snow' and little animatronic deer (to go with the real deer behind the chalet), all sorts of bits and pieces that the little ones enjoy - and yes, being outside in a warm swimming pool in the dark is pretty magical too.

I've also done Alton Towers at Christmas, which was nice, the santa they had was brilliant, but being in a hotel isn't quite the same.

Also done lapland, and that was AWESOME although more expensive than the other two. I did a package deal where the experience actually started at the airport - they chartered the plane, and all the hosts/hostesses were wearing santa hats, they gave out goodie bags to the kids, and lead them in sing-songs. There were days out at the resort to see santa/go on sleigh rides - all escorted by elves again - and on the way back the plane was delayed, so the elves took over and amused the children while we waited - it was honestly excellent and worth the money

I've not been to Efterling, but my sister did, and loved it, and I bet it's beautiful at Christmas

We are going to Bluestone in Wales the weekend before Christmas. It’s a bit like a smaller Centre Parcs. It’s great for kids. On Christmas Eve they get to wave Santa off on his way. Never stayed over Christmas but it’s quite popular. We went last year and enjoyed it so much we booked to go again while we were there.

We’ve been to Tenerife at Christmas before if you really want to step away from the hassle of Christmas, though the hotel did so Christmas dinner on the 25th!

A swim in the nice warm sea on Christmas Day was fab and it was lovely to get some sunshine during the winter months.

New York!! 🎄❤️❤️

Oh wow, there's some great ideas here. Thank you. I like the idea of going to Center Parcs abroad rather than the UK. I'd love to go somewhere like Efteling but worry it would be rammed at Christmas which I know DD wouldn't cope all that well with.

@FeyreandRhysand what hotel did you stay in in Tenerife, if you don't mind me asking?

@youreactinglikeafunmum if DD was older I might - this is very outing but I also lived in New York for years so would probably be less of a holiday and more of a walk down memory lane for DH and I 🤣

Also going to look at Bluestone as I want to go anyway so thanks for suggesting @Catwench . @rubicustellitall we love Butlins, which is why I probably wouldn't go, as we've been loads

Where did you end up OP?

Hello, I just saw your message! We went to Bluestone - it was magical. My DD had the best time. Hoping to head back with my best friend and her DD for a girl's trip later in the year 😊

Thank you for the update. We were there the weekend before Christmas and it was wonderful.