Whether you've always dreamed of a magical White Christmas in Finland, exploring Europe's famous Christmas markets, celebrating onboard a luxury river cruise or escaping to Southeast Asia for sunshine over the festive season, Travelust can help you create an unforgettable Christmas holiday.
Christmas is one of the most popular times of year to travel, with many festive tours, cruises and holiday packages selling out well in advance. From visiting Santa in Finnish Lapland to cruising Europe's fairy-tale Christmas markets or celebrating Christmas Day surrounded by African wildlife in Australia, there's a festive escape to suit every style of traveller.
If you're looking for Christmas holiday ideas from New Zealand, browse our featured packages below or contact us to tailor your own festive getaway.
*Terms & Conditions Apply. Prices are per person twin share unless otherwise stated. Flights are additional unless specified. Subject to availability.
Travelling over Christmas offers the chance to celebrate the festive season somewhere completely different.
Imagine waking up beneath the Northern Lights in Finland, wandering through centuries-old European Christmas markets with a mug of mulled wine, enjoying Christmas lunch aboard a luxury river cruise, or swapping winter for tropical sunshine in Southeast Asia.
Whether you're travelling as a couple, family, solo traveller or group of friends, Christmas holidays create memories that last a lifetime.
Terms and Conditions Apply. Prices are per person twin share. Flights are additional. Subject to availability.
From $5,199 per person twin share
Experience the ultimate White Christmas in Finnish Lapland with a four-night stay at Hotel Muotka, surrounded by snow-covered forests and frozen lakes.
Meet Santa on Christmas Eve, enjoy husky sledding, snowmobiling, visit a reindeer farm and spend a night in a magical Aurora Cabin where you may even spot the Northern Lights from your bed.
Highlights include:
✔ 4 nights accommodation including an Aurora Cabin
✔ Private Santa visit
✔ Husky safari
✔ Snowmobile safari
✔ Northern Lights Aurora Camp
✔ Christmas buffet dinner
✔ Reindeer farm visit
✔ Breakfast, lunches and dinners
✔ Airport transfers
✔ Arctic winter clothing provided
Perfect for families, couples and anyone dreaming of an unforgettable White Christmas.
Terms and Conditions Apply. Flights are additional.
From $6,859 per person twin share
Celebrate Christmas with one of Australia's most unique festive holidays.
Journey aboard the iconic Great Southern train from Brisbane to Adelaide before spending Christmas at the spectacular Monarto Safari Resort, enjoying wildlife safaris, festive celebrations and luxury accommodation overlooking the African-style plains.
Package includes:
✔ Great Southern rail journey
✔ All meals onboard
✔ Scenic off-train excursions
✔ 3 nights at Monarto Safari Resort
✔ Sunset Wildlife Safari
✔ Christmas Eve festivities
✔ Christmas Day lunch
✔ Monarto Safari Park admission
A fantastic Christmas holiday for couples and rail enthusiasts.
Terms and Conditions Apply. Sale Period: until 31 Aug 26 or until sold out. Flights and pre accommodation are additional.
From $6,839 per person twin share
There's nothing quite like Christmas in Europe.
Sail through Europe's most enchanting cities as festive markets, Christmas lights and centuries-old traditions transform riverfront towns into magical winter wonderlands.
Choose from itineraries including:
Enjoy beautifully decorated towns, handcrafted gifts, festive foods, mulled wine and luxury river cruising with AmaWaterways.
Your cruise includes:
✔ Luxury river cruise
✔ Daily dining
✔ Guided sightseeing
✔ Wi-Fi onboard
✔ Entertainment
✔ Included shore excursions
Ideal for couples looking for a magical European Christmas.
Terms and Conditions Apply. Flights are additional.
From $9,535 per person twin share
Celebrate both Christmas and New Year aboard a luxury Scenic Space-Ship.
Cruise from Amsterdam through Germany, Austria and into Vienna while experiencing Europe's festive traditions, Christmas markets and spectacular New Year's celebrations.
Enjoy Scenic's renowned luxury with butler service, premium beverages, gourmet dining and immersive cultural experiences throughout your journey.
Highlights include:
✔ 14-night luxury river cruise
✔ Christmas onboard
✔ New Year's celebrations in Vienna
✔ Scenic Enrich experiences
✔ Butler service
✔ Premium beverages
✔ Included excursions
A once-in-a-lifetime Christmas and New Year holiday.
Terms and Conditions Apply. Flights are additional.
From $8,665 per person twin share
Discover some of Europe's most iconic Christmas markets while cruising between Budapest and Amsterdam.
Visit festive markets in Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary while enjoying Christmas concerts, local traditions and beautiful winter scenery.
Package includes:
✔ 14-night river cruise
✔ Airport transfers
✔ Christmas market experiences
✔ Guided city tours
✔ Meals throughout the cruise
✔ Drinks with lunch and dinner
✔ All tipping included
Perfect for travellers wanting to immerse themselves in European Christmas traditions.
Terms and Conditions Apply. Sale Period: Until 4pm 30 Sep 26 unless sold out prior. Flights are additional.
From $7,979 per person twin share
Prefer sunshine over snow?
Celebrate Christmas and New Year cruising through Southeast Asia with Holland America Line.
Starting in Hong Kong and finishing in Singapore, you'll discover Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand while enjoying festive celebrations onboard.
Package includes:
✔ Return flights from Auckland
✔ Hong Kong hotel stay
✔ 14-night cruise
✔ Meals onboard
✔ Entertainment
✔ Port taxes
✔ Option to upgrade to Have It All™
Ideal for travellers wanting a warm-weather Christmas holiday.
Terms and Conditions Apply. Sale Period: 4pm on 31 Jul 26 unless sold out prior. Flights are additional.
Planning a Christmas holiday can be overwhelming, especially when festive departures often sell out months in advance.
At Travelust, we make planning easy by helping you choose the right destination, organise flights, accommodation and travel extras, while providing personalised service every step of the way.
When you book with Travelust you'll enjoy:
✔ Personal service from your dedicated travel advisor
✔ Expert advice on the best Christmas destinations
✔ Flights arranged from anywhere in New Zealand
✔ Tailored itineraries to suit your travel style
✔ Assistance before, during and after your holiday
✔ One point of contact for all your travel arrangements
Whether you're dreaming of snow, Christmas markets, river cruising or tropical sunshine, we'll help you plan a festive holiday that's truly unforgettable.
Where is the best place to go for Christmas from New Zealand?
Some of the most popular Christmas holiday destinations from New Zealand include Finnish Lapland, Europe's Christmas markets, luxury river cruises, Australia and Southeast Asia. Whether you're looking for snow or sunshine, Travelust can help you find the perfect festive getaway.
How early should I book a Christmas holiday?
Christmas is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, so we recommend booking as early as possible. Popular Christmas tours, cruises and festive departures often sell out many months in advance.
Can Travelust arrange flights?
Yes. We can organise flights from anywhere in New Zealand, along with accommodation, cruises, rail journeys, transfers and sightseeing to create a complete Christmas holiday package.
Can I extend my Christmas holiday?
Absolutely. Many travellers choose to extend their trip into New Year or explore additional destinations before or after Christmas. We can tailor your itinerary to suit your travel plans.
Are these Christmas holidays suitable for families?
Many of our featured Christmas packages are perfect for families, particularly the Lapland Arctic Christmas experience where children can meet Santa and enjoy unforgettable winter adventures.