Christmasin a NewPlace
Discover Festive Escapes with Solos
Christmas can be wonderful. The food, the twinkling lights, the traditions, the chance to slow down and spend time with people you love. But it can also be a difficult time of year. Perhaps your usual Christmas plans have changed. Maybe family and friends are busy with their own lives, you’re newly single, or you simply don’t fancy spending another festive season doing exactly what you’ve always done. Or perhaps you love Christmas — but your idea of the perfect festive season involves somewhere completely different.
That’s where Solos comes in.
This Christmas, you could swap the familiar for snowy mountains, European Christmas markets, Italian cities, cosy countryside or a winter wonderland. And you won’t have to do it alone. Our festive trips bring together solo travellers who want to make the most of the season, meet new people and create some new Christmas memories. Here's where you could be spending Christmas in 2026.
Imagine spending Christmas surrounded by the beauty of Tuscany, exploring some of Italy’s most iconic cities with a group of fellow solo travellers. Over seven nights, you’ll discover the medieval streets of Siena, admire Florence’s incredible art and architecture, wander through historic Lucca and see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. It’s a chance to experience Italy at a quieter, more atmospheric time of year — with plenty of sightseeing, good food and great company along the way.
Expect: Italian culture, beautiful historic cities, festive atmosphere and seven nights of exploring with your Solos group.
If your dream Christmas involves snow-covered mountains and picture-perfect villages, Austria might be calling. Spend seven nights discovering the Austrian Alps, with Christmas Day itself shared with your Tour Leader and fellow solo travellers. You’ll experience the spectacular scenery of the region, visit the beautiful lakeside village of Hallstatt and explore the charming town of Zell am See. There’s something particularly magical about Austria in winter — and even more so when you have a group to share it with.
Expect: Alpine scenery, snowy landscapes, charming villages, Christmas Day with your group and plenty of festive magic.
Few places feel quite as Christmassy as Alsace. Spend seven nights exploring one of France’s most enchanting regions, where cobbled streets, traditional villages, twinkling lights and Christmas markets create a festive atmosphere around every corner. Discover Strasbourg, wander through beautiful Colmar and warm up with a glass of mulled wine as you take in the region’s centuries-old traditions. And, of course, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to enjoy good food, laughter and conversation with your fellow Solos.
Expect: Christmas markets, mulled wine, charming villages, French culture and a wonderfully sociable festive escape.
For a Christmas that feels straight out of a storybook, head north to Finland. Your seven-night escape takes you into the snowy wilderness of Finland’s Wild Taiga, where the cosy Hotel Kalevala becomes your festive base. You’ll have the chance to experience some wonderfully traditional Finnish Christmas activities — from husky and reindeer sleigh rides to gingerbread making and choosing your own Christmas tree. Add snow-covered forests, crackling fires and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, and you have a Christmas that’s about as magical as they come.
Expect: Snow, sleigh rides, Finnish traditions, cosy evenings and the possibility of an unforgettable Northern Lights experience.
Fancy Christmas somewhere a little more romantic and atmospheric? Spend four nights in the heart of Venice, giving you the perfect base from which to experience this extraordinary city at a quieter time of year. You’ll explore Venice itself before heading to the medieval city of Padua, soaking up the history, architecture and festive atmosphere along the way. A shorter trip, but packed with plenty of Italian charm.
Expect: Venice, historic streets, Italian culture, a festive city atmosphere and four nights of exploration.
Trade cold winter mornings for the colourful streets of Lisbon this Christmas. Over four nights, you’ll explore the Portuguese capital, discovering its historic neighbourhoods, fascinating past and beautiful coastal surroundings. There’s also time to relax and enjoy the city at your own pace. With festive decorations, included dining and a stay at the stylish Lumen Hotel, it’s a chance to enjoy Christmas somewhere warm, welcoming and wonderfully different.
Expect: Portuguese culture, historic neighbourhoods, festive lights, coastal scenery and a relaxed balance of organised experiences and free time.
If Christmas markets, German traditions and plenty of culture sound like your perfect festive combination, Cologne is a great choice. Over four nights, you’ll discover the city’s fascinating history, visit Museum Ludwig and experience the unique TimeRide Cologne, transporting you back to 1926. There’s also the chance to explore the Heinzel’s Winter Fairytale market, visit the Chocolate Museum and discover the historic Farina House — before settling down to enjoy some traditional German festive fare.
Expect: Christmas markets, culture, history, chocolate, German traditions and plenty of festive cheer.
Because Nobody Says Christmas Has to Look the Same Every Year
Christmas doesn’t have to mean staying at home. And travelling at Christmas doesn’t have to mean travelling alone. Maybe you want to wake up somewhere covered in snow. Maybe you’d rather wander through a European Christmas market with a glass of mulled wine. Or perhaps you simply want to escape the usual routine, meet some new people and let someone else take care of the planning. Whatever your reason, there’s no right or wrong way to spend Christmas. Sometimes, the best Christmas present you can give yourself is a change of scenery — and a few new people to share it with.
This Christmas, why not make it one to remember? Explore our festive Solos trips here and find your perfect Christmas escape.
