Think that going ski-ing is a serious undertaking that at least a week of your time?

Think again. It’s really easy to hop off to the slopes for a short Christmas ski break – it’s the perfect time to do it.

Short Christmas Breaks Ski-ing

During the past few years the Alps have generally enjoyed excellent early season snowfall.

In the early season, the resorts are still looking pristine under their coating of snow, and festive merriment is very much in the air. It’s the perfect getaway for a family, a group of friends or a couple, and, given the exercise you’re doing, a second helping of turkey or Christmas pudding – or fondue! – definitely doesn’t go amiss.

It’s feasible to take a short Xmas ski-ing holiday anywhere in the European Alps, the Pyrenees, or even to Eastern European destinations such as Bulgaria, which offer fantastic value for money. You can get away for three or five days and, if you’re lucky, not even have to take any holiday time from work!

Coach trips to the Alps can be one of the most cost effective way to get some time on the slopes.

Chambéry and Grenoble are two of the top ski destinations for an xmas break

The Eurostar ski train runs to Bourg St Maurice and Moutiers in France: for more details look here. And once you’re in France you can rely on their excellent Internal Rail Network

And flying to Turin Airport is handy for Italy, as well as some French destinations such as Serre Chevalier.

You can book all-in-one deals to Bulgaria with Directline Skiing

Or to the Pyrenees or pretty much anywhere.

If you’re after competitive car hire for while you’re away have a look at Car Hire here

Spend some of the 12 days of Christmas on a short Christmas break to Dublin, you won’t be disappointed!

The Irish capital is full to bursting with inviting shops in which to do some last-minute shopping, bright lights, welcoming pubs and the all-important good cheer. Visit the Christmas market down at the docks, or head to the Temple Bar area where there are festive street performances and free entertainment for all the family.

Short Xmas Break in Dublin, Ireland

The beautiful Smithfield square hosts an open-air ice rink where your children could well bump into skating Santa! Or, if it’s too cold outside, there are special Xmas events at Imaginosity, the city’s children’s museum, as well as a variety of traditional Christmas entertainment in the form of pantomimes, or carol concerts in the city’s beautiful churches.
The Irish are of course famous for their hospitality and for loving a good time. So if you’re without kids, as a couple or with friends, then take a tour of the Guinness factory and take a moment to sample its goods in one of the many fantastic bars around the city.

Directline City Breaks do some great value Christmas breaks.

Or Take the Ferry over nice and easily and you can find the best hotels here separately.

If you need to hire a car you should check out this Car Rental Comparison Site to get a decent deal.

This year, why not spend Christmas in Paris, the most romantic city in the world? A short Xmas break in Paris means treating yourself and a loved one to twilight walks along the banks of the Seine, twinkling lights and open-air ice-skating outside the Hôtel de Ville.

Christmas in Paris

If shopping at home is a nightmare, Christmas shopping in Paris is a dream. Walk the Champs Elysées and shop at the ‘grands magasins’, explore the chic boutiques of the Marais or hunt for Christmas bargains in the St Ouen flea market at the Porte de Clignancourt.

And, if you get cold, dive into a bar for a cappuccino, or visit one of the many Christmas markets for some vin chaud.

Or, if that all gets too much, then relax with some culture in the Louvre, at the modern and funky Centre Pompidou or see the Rodin Museum’s sculpture garden glistening in the snow.

You’ll eat well in Paris – there are so many restaurants to choose from. Stroll the cobbled streets of the Latin Quarter for a cheap and cheerful bistro or look for something chic in smart St Germain, before moving on to the jazz clubs around the Bastille. A short Christmas break in Paris will give you a whole year’s worth of memories.

Book a complete Christmas holiday in Paris with Directline City Breaks

Or get just a hotel.

With the Eurostar making it so easy to cross the channel a coach trip to Paris can be a great way to get a bargain holiday to Paris.

Or take the Eurostar with package deal including a hotel

Take the children for a short Christmas break to Walt Disney World in Florida! It’ll be a treat they’ll never forget.

Christmas at Disneyland

Xmas at Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, is something truly special. Until just a couple of days before Christmas, the parks aren’t even that busy, so the kids can explore the rollercoaster rides and other attractions and meet all their (and your!) favourite cartoon characters decked out in their Christmas finery.

You can participate in magical events such as Very Merry Mickey’s Christmas Parade, candlelit processions with traditional Christmas greetings from around the world at the Epcot Center, or Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Expeditions through the Animal Kingdom.

There’s also Universal Studios just nearby, or you could simply spend December 25th relaxing by the pool at one of Disney World’s themed resort hotels, such as the Caribbean Beach or the Boardwalk Inn – on average it’s a balmy 70F (21C).

And, with Disney’s spectacular New Year’s Eve party following hot on the heels of the Christmas festivities, it’s unlikely you’ll want to get on the plane home!

You can book a Christmas holiday at Disney World, Orlando, Florida with Directline Holidays.

If you’re after car hire while you’re out there have a look at this Car Rental Comparison Site

And if Florida is to far away you can always try EuroDisney

Christmas cheer brings a real sparkle to the historic capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh. A short Xmas break in Edinburgh means strolling the wide, straight streets of the New Town, taking in the imposing Edinburgh Castle on its hill, and nosing around the boutiques that line the twisted cobbled streets of the Old Town.

Christmas Holidays in Edinburgh

Then, head to Princes Street to peek at the festive decorations and window displays in Frasers, John Lewis, Harvey Nichols or Jenners, and fit in some last-minute shopping before ducking into a pub to sample some local hospitality.

There are traditional carol services at churches across the city and the Palace of Holyrood House opens up for just a few days, so you can have a special taste of what life was Royal life was like in Edinburgh at Christmastime for Mary Queen of Scots and her Stuart descendents.

If you have kids, take them to visit Santa in his magical, eco-themed grotto in the Royal Botanic Garden! Or, if you fancy getting out of town, visit quaint St Andrews, Stirling Castle (scene of the Battle of Stirling Bridge, as seen in Mel Gibson’s Braveheart) or just walk in the beautiful Scottish countryside.

Book a short Christmas break to Edinburgh with Directline City Breaks

Or  why not try staying at hotel and book a flight separately.

If you’re tired of the commercialism of Christmas in the UK, a short Xmas break to a Christmas market on the continent may be just the job. Every December in town squares across Europe, miniature villages spring up selling Christmas treats.

Christmas Market Breaks

Gingerbread, arts and crafts and traditional Christmas presents and local specialities are all on sale, alongside traditional Christmas decorations, bright fairy lights and, of course, glühwein or vin chaud for extra Christmas cheer when you get cold!

Lille’s Christmas market takes place for the whole month in the picturesque city’s Place Ribour, and features a theatre and activities for children. It’s also easily accessible on the Eurostar.

Cologne in Germany, meanwhile, has six Christmas markets, including a medieval Christmas market outside the city’s Chocolate Museum, and another market on a boat!

Basel hosts Switzerland’s oldest and most traditional Christmas market, while Copenhagen’s market takes place near the magical Tivoli Gardens. Antwerp’s Christmas market, like Copenhagen’s also boasts an open-air ice rink.

You can also take the Eurostar to Lille, or to Antwerp via Brussels – booking here

You can fly with Brussel Airlines to Brussels or there’s also the Ferry

And once you’re out there you might want to arrange Car Rentals and book your own hotel

Whether you’re looking for a romantic break away from it all, somewhere special to get together with friends or a magical place to take the children, a short Xmas break in a log cabin in the snowy North is the perfect getaway.

Short Christmas Break in a Log Cabin

Finnish Lapland, Swedish Lapland and parts of Norway are the popular destinations, where pine forests, sleigh rides and reindeer await. A white Christmas is absolutely guaranteed!

Log cabins offer rustic charm, but they don’t have to be basic. Many are luxuriously kitted out with hi-spec kitchens and all modern amenities – as well as the traditional open hearth and sauna or hot tub.

A log cabin in the woods gives you peace and seclusion to spend time with loved ones; other attractions include local delicacies such as smoked salmon and reindeer meat, trips to see the Northern Lights and, for children, a visit to Santa’s grotto for a Christmas they’ll never forget.

Christmas Cottage Holiday

Ever thought about having Christmas on the beach? Well make that dream a reality and jet off to warmer climes with a short Xmas break in the sun.

Have a reggae Christmas in Jamaica, lapping up the local joie de vivre, street life and relaxed living – while taking time out to sit on one of those perfect Caribbean white sand beaches! you can also book an all-inclusive trip with Directline or Low Cost Holidays.
Cuba, on the other hand, provides a very different Caribbean experience. Stroll the streets of Havana, marvelling at the crumbling colonial buildings, bright colours and giant old American cars. Then maybe step into a bar, and raise glass of mojito to the memory of all your friends shivering back at home! Try staying at the any of these recommended hotels, or you can also book an all-inclusive trip with Directline and Low Cost Holidays.

A short Christmas trip to Egypt will transport you miles away from Britain. There are 5,000 years of history and heritage amid and beneath the shifting sands that border the Nile, from the impressive tombs of the pharaohs to the stunning Sphinx and the awesome pyramids. A Christmas in Egypt will truly be one to remember.  These are a few of the best hotels and you can also book an all-inclusive trip with Directline and Low Cost Holidays.

Alternatively, why not fly off to the Cape Verde Islands? This emerging destination is just becoming a favourite winter sun spot. Originally settled by the Portuguese, the islands are located off the coast of West Africa and bask in temperatures of 77F (25C) around Christmas time. There’s plenty of sandy beaches, plus dramatic mountain scenery, so take off to this lesser-known gem! Again a a great place to look for an all-inclusive trip is Directline and Low Cost Holiday.