Family Activities to Enjoy During Christmas Abroad

Family Activities to Enjoy During Christmas Abroad

Christmas in the UAE is a beautiful, glittering affair, with hotels and malls decked out in festive decor. But there’s something uniquely magical about experiencing the holiday season in a winter wonderland abroad. The crisp air, the scent of pine and mulled wine, and the sight of historic towns dusted with snow create a storybook setting perfect for family bonding.

If you’re a resident dreaming of a white Christmas, you’re in luck. A wealth of Christmas vacation packages from UAE are designed to take the stress out of planning and immerse your family in authentic festive traditions. Here are some wonderful activities to enjoy with your loved ones on a Christmas holiday abroad.

1. Hunt for the Perfect Christmas Tree

In many European countries, the tradition of visiting a Christmas tree farm is a cherished family event. Instead of buying a tree from a lot, head to a forest where you can choose and cut your own. Countries like Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic offer this experience. The kids will love wandering through the snowy pines, and the scent of fresh fir will be a memory they carry forever. Many farms offer hot cocoa and horse-drawn carriage rides, making it a full day of festive fun.

2. Explore Dazzling Christmas Markets

No European Christmas is complete without a visit to a traditional Christmas market, or Christkindlmarkt. These open-air markets are a feast for the senses.

• For the Kids: Let them ride a vintage carousel, meet Santa (often known as St. Nicholas or Father Christmas), and watch puppet shows.

• For the Family: Huddle together with cups of warm glühwein (mulled wine) for the adults and rich hot chocolate for the children. Share delicious treats like German bratwurst, Belgian waffles, or roasted chestnuts.

• For the Souvenirs: Handcrafted ornaments, wooden toys, and nutcrackers make for perfect, meaningful gifts. Destinations like Strasbourg in France, Vienna in Austria, and Nuremberg in Germany host some of the world's most famous markets.

3. Embrace Winter Sports and Snow Play

For families living in the UAE, snow is a rare and exciting treat. A Christmas abroad is the perfect opportunity to dive into winter sports.

• Gentle Slopes: Resorts in the Alps (Switzerland, France, Italy) or the Pyrenees (Spain) offer excellent ski schools for children and beginners. The whole family can learn to ski or snowboard together.

• Snow Fun: If skiing isn’t your style, don’t underestimate the simple joy of playing in the snow. Build a snowman, have a friendly snowball fight, or go tobogganing down a gentle hill. These simple, laughter-filled activities often become the most cherished memories.

4. Attend a Christmas Eve Service or Concert

Regardless of your faith, attending a Christmas Eve service or a classical Christmas concert can be a profoundly moving experience. The soaring voices of a choir singing "Silent Night" in a centuries-old cathedral, like St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna or Cologne Cathedral in Germany, is breathtaking. It’s a moment of peace, reflection, and beautiful music that captures the true spirit of the season.

5. Indulge in a Traditional Christmas Feast

Food is at the heart of any celebration. Book a table at a traditional restaurant or, if your accommodation allows, prepare a small feast yourselves.

• In the UK, this might mean a roast turkey with all the trimmings, Christmas pudding, and mince pies.

• In Italy, the Cenone (Christmas Eve feast) often features fish dishes like salted cod, followed by panettone for dessert.

• In Germany, roast goose, red cabbage, and dumplings are classic fare.

Involving the kids in choosing and trying these new dishes is a delicious cultural lesson.

6. Witness a Spectacular Light Show

While we have impressive light displays in the UAE, cities like London, New York, and Paris take it to another level during Christmas. Take an evening stroll to see the iconic Christmas lights on Oxford Street in London, the Champs-Élysées in Paris, or at the Rockefeller Center in New York. The sheer scale and brilliance are guaranteed to fill the whole family with wonder.

Making It Happen: Your Gateway to a Festive Getaway

Planning an international family trip during the busy holiday season can seem daunting. This is where Christmas vacation packages from UAE become your best friend. Reputable travel agents in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah curate packages that handle flights, accommodation, and often include special touches like transfers to Christmas markets or ski resort passes.

When searching for the right package, look for ones that are family-friendly, offering connecting or family rooms, and activities suited for all ages. A well-planned package removes the logistical headaches, allowing you to focus entirely on what matters most: creating magical, unforgettable memories with your family.

This Christmas, trade the desert warmth for a cozy winter scarf, and give your family the gift of a shared adventure, a holiday filled with snow, stories, and joy that you’ll all talk about for years to come.