RateHawk Reveals Christmas Travel Trends in Europe
RateHawk, a B2B platform for booking accommodation, flights, and transfers, reports Christmas Travel Trends in hotel bookings from December 22, 2025, to January 5, 2026. This year, RateHawk’s data shows that Europeans booking their holiday trips via travel agents combine an interest in classic celebrations with a growing desire to explore hidden gems in long-haul destinations.
Traditional Christmas markets and Advent events continue to attract European travellers seeking a festive atmosphere. Bookings to various destinations within Europe account for 35% of the total bookings made by European travel agents worldwide. The top five European destinations are France, Spain, the UK, Italy, and Germany. These countries remain key options for travellers wanting to experience holiday traditions, local cuisine, and artisan crafts. Beyond major capitals, the top choices include Munich, Frankfurt, Strasbourg, Salzburg, Colmar, and Bordeaux.
The top 5 outbound long-haul destinations for European travellers are the USA, Thailand, the UAE, Japan, and Mexico. The average transaction value for accommodation bookings is 1306 GBP, with an average stay of four nights.
Despite an overall decline in visitors to the USA throughout the year, it remains one of the top requested Christmas destinations among Europeans booking their holidays with travel agents. RateHawk registers a significantly increasing interest in cities like New York and Orlando for the festive season.
Another popular long-haul destination is Thailand, with its peak season for beach holidays during the winter break in Europe. New direct flights from European countries to Bangkok and Phuket, introduced by airlines such as Air France and Norse Atlantic, have made the country even more accessible. In addition to classic destinations, more travellers are opting for places like Takua Pa, known for its historic old town, and Chiang Rai, famous for the striking White Temple.
The UAE is another popular choice for travellers seeking a sunny getaway, especially among visitors from the UK, Italy, and Spain. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the most frequently booked cities, offering a wide range of experiences. From these hubs, travellers can enjoy cultural highlights such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, as well as natural sites like Hatta Lake and the Jebel Jais mountains.
Japan concludes this booking year with a 188% growth in hotel bookings made via RateHawk compared to last Christmas season. While cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka remain favourites, travellers are also exploring quieter locations, including Kanazawa, known for its winter cuisine, Hakone’s hot springs, and Matsumoto's winter illuminations. Mountain regions in Japan, such as Hokkaido, are increasingly popular for skiing holidays.
Astrid Kastberg, Managing Director of RateHawk, commented, “This year, we see more travellers looking for new experiences and choosing less crowded cities, even within well-known destinations. We offer travel agents access to over 2.9 million carefully selected accommodation options. With such a broad selection and helpful search filters, agents can find the best options to match different needs and assist with last-minute bookings”.
The 5 most popular Christmas destinations in the UK:
- United Arab Emirates
- United States of America
- Saudi Arabia
- Thailand
- France