To completely avoid Christmas in 2026, the best destinations are non-Christian, predominantly Muslim, or Buddhist countries where December 25th is a normal working day. Top choices include Egypt, Morocco, The Maldives, Thailand, and Turkey. These locations offer warm weather, unique culture, and a complete absence of typical festive decorations and carols.
Most countries around the Mediterranean are no-go zones if you're trying to avoid Christmas, but Tunisia's all yours. Like Egypt and Morrocco, it's another North African country where Islam's the main local religion, so Christmas isn't an important part of the cultural calendar.
The Canary Islands remain the number one pick, followed by Cyprus, Malta, the Algarve, and southern Spain. Each offers its own blend of sunshine, culture, and affordability, making it easier than ever to swap grey skies for blue.
Cheapest places to travel in December for warm weather
Where is Hot and Cheap in December from the UK?
You can find warm weather in the Canary Islands and Madeira just four hours flying time from the UK. For genuine heat, it's peak season in Mauritius ,Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Caribbean. In terms of prices, December is a month of two halves. Travel in the first two weeks and you may find a cheap deal.
What to do if you don't want to celebrate Christmas?
Spend time with friends and family at home: Not celebrating Christmas doesn't mean you can't spend the day with family and/or friends. Get together with your loved ones, play games, watch a movie, cook together, talk, or whatever else you all enjoy.
Kiribati, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, is one of the least visited countries in the world. With its remote location, the country often sees fewer than 6,000 international visitors annually.
The "5 Things for Christmas Rule" (or "Five Gift Rule") is a popular gift-giving guideline that limits each recipient to five thoughtful presents, typically structured as: something they Want, something they Need, something to Wear, something to Read, and something special/to Share (or Do). This method encourages quality over quantity, focusing on meaningful items that cover different aspects of a person's life rather than endless toys or clutter.
Yes, it's completely normal to dislike or even hate Christmas, as many people find it stressful due to financial pressure, family conflict, loneliness, or past negative experiences, while others simply don't connect with the forced cheer, so acknowledging these varied feelings is valid. There's no single right way to feel about the holiday, and it's okay to set boundaries or find alternative ways to cope.
Newtonmas: 25 December – As an alternative to celebrating the religious holiday Christmas, some atheists and skeptics have chosen to celebrate 25 December as Newtonmas, due to it being Isaac Newton's birthday on the old style date.
These countries don't celebrate Christmas: Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, China (excepting Hong Kong and Macao), Comoros, Iran, Israel, Kuwait, Laos, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, ...
Middle Eastern magic: Dubai. The city-state of Dubai is well-known for its extravagance and mass appeal, and while you won't be able to escape trees and tinsel, it's unlikely that you'll be swamped with the same over-the-top Christmas cheer you'll find in Europe.
Where is the cheapest place to vacation over Christmas?
For cheap Christmas travel, consider Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia), Eastern Europe (Prague, Budapest, Krakow), Mexico (Oaxaca, Bacalar), or warmer Caribbean/US options like Puerto Rico and Las Vegas, focusing on places with lower daily costs for accommodation, food, and activities to stretch your budget during the peak holiday season.
You may need to remind yourself again and again (and again and again) that it is absolutely okay to take a break from the holidays. No matter how many people try to shame you into coming to the holiday party or having everyone over for Christmas dinner, remember your needs and stay strong!
Does the Bible say we shouldn't celebrate Christmas?
Paul's advice is simple: It's not wrong to celebrate these special days, and it's not wrong to refrain from celebrating these days. But whatever you decide to do, be fully convinced in your own mind. In other words, don't follow the crowd, and don't do it (or refrain from it) because of peer pressure.
If you've only ever had traditions with family or partners, consider beginning a Christmas tradition you can practice on your own to fill the day. For example, you can start the day by going on a morning walk in a park with your dog and then get a coffee or tea and read a book or story at home alone.
Of the countries polled, Sweden is the non-Anglosphere country seen as friendliest to Britain, with 80% of the public seeing the UK and Sweden as having a positive relationship.
Where British expats are settling in 2025? In 2025, the most common destinations for people leaving the UK are Spain, Ireland, Australia, Canada, France, and Portugal. Increasingly, movers are also heading to the USA, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UAE, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the wider Gulf region.
