Last Minute Christmas Holidays. Yes, it’s possible!

So, you’ve probably been at it for a while. Planning your Christmas holiday silently in your head or discussing it with your family or friends. After much thinking and even more talking, the year‘s almost over and you realise that you need to execute a plan. But is it too late? Nah…it’s never too late or early to plan a break. Here are some last minute Christmas holidays that promise all things merry!

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka makes for an impressive holiday destination all through the year but during Christmas, it’s extra special. The capital city, Colombo is cloaked in an air of festivity with major shopping areas displaying decorated trees and hotels hosting Christmas gala celebrations. Whether you’re relaxing on the beaches of Galle or exploring the backwaters of Bentota, visiting the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya or seeing the cultural icons in Kandy, expect Christmas gaiety wherever you are in Sri Lanka.

MakeMyTrip Recommends: A 25-course Sri Lankan feast at Aluwihare Heritage Centre, a hilltop batik workshop. Here, you will be served authentic Sri Lankan dishes as you witness traditional batik artists at work.
Flights: Fly from Chennai starting at Rs. 6,119 on MakeMyTrip.com
Hotels: Starting at Rs. 4,017 in Colombo

Book Your Flight to Colombo Here

Read More: Whale Watching in Colombo—An Experience You Won’t Forget!

Vietnam

Amongst Southeast Asia’s hidden gems is Vietnam. Keeping in mind that Christmas sees a heavy tourist flow, you can still pick-up last minute deals on flights and hotels. Make your way to the beaches of Hoi An and Nha Tang on the southern coast where endless stretches of sand alongside the surf offer plenty of opportunities to relax during the day and party at night. For something more cultural, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City showcase relatively modern city life co-mingling with historical sights and structures. Christmas Eve is widely celebrated across major tourist hubs in Vietnam and in some cities, cars are not allowed on main streets that are often strewn with confetti and decorations. Restaurants also serve traditional Christmas meals for everyone to enjoy.

MakeMyTrip Recommends: Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi that shimmers with surrounding lights during Christmas. With a festive atmosphere, it’s a popular venue that attracts die-hard romantics who walk hand-in-hand on the lake’s edge and enjoy celebrations all night long.  
Flights: Fly from New Delhi starting at Rs. 21,065 on MakeMyTrip.com
Hotels: Starting at Rs. 3,666 in Ho Chi Minh City

Book Your Flight to Vietnam Here

Singapore

With plenty of sightseeing and shopping as well as food and fun, there’ll never be a dull moment on your Christmas holiday at Singapore. The city’s malls are decked in festive décor complete with towering trees decorated with bells and baubles. Orchard Road, the city’s hub is lit up with colourful and ornate lights and displays in the real spirit of Christmas. Restaurants and hotels play host to Christmas dinners and gala nights and Siloso Beach in Sentosa and Marina have a spectacular fireworks display that are definitely worth watching. Singapore recreates the magic of Christmas complete with fun, festivities and even fake snow!

MakeMyTrip Recommends: Christmas on Orchard Road. The Light Up Ceremony kicks off the festivities followed by Christmas markets, performances, interactive light displays and a lot more. You’ll probably run in to Santa too so have your wish list ready!
Flights: Fly from Chennai starting at Rs. 17,328 on MakeMyTrip.com
Hotels: Starting at Rs. 4,743 in Singapore

Book Your Flight to Singapore Here

Read More: Singapore’s Marina Bay Has Got This Formula Right

Malaysia

A holiday in Malaysia lets you be an adrenaline junkie in Genting Islands, a beach bum in Langkawi, a culture vulture in Penang and a shop-o-holic in Kuala Lumpur. Imagine experiencing so much and more on a single holiday. Celebrations abound during Christmas with malls like Berjaya Times Square, Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC Mall putting up an elaborate decorative display with giant pine trees adorned with ornaments and candy canes. With so many nationalities either living or visiting Malaysia during Christmas, retailers cash in by having grand Christmas sales, which is a perfect time for picking up bargains for yourself and gifts for loved ones.

MakeMyTrip Recommends: Away from the cold winter snow, Langkawi promises a Christmas celebration in the warmth of sunshine. After basking in the sun all day, enjoy a gala Christmas dinner at a hotel or restaurant that serves an Asian fusion traditional meal. That’s the yuletide spirit!
Flights: Fly from New Delhi starting at Rs. 19,406 on MakeMyTrip.com
Hotels: Starting at Rs. 3,672 in Kuala Lumpur

Book Your Flight to Malaysia Here

Thailand

Thailand ranks high as a last minute holiday destination. Escape to the beaches of Koh Samui for a party or mountainous retreat of Chiang Mai for a Zen-filled celebration. The city of Bangkok also has a ton going on during Christmas including special night markets, food festivals and shopping extravaganzas. Malls like Terminal 21, The Emporium and Central World have extravagant decorations with trees and oversized ornaments. Phuket, Hua Hin and Krabi are some other popular holiday destinations in Thailand to consider spending Christmas in.

MakeMyTrip Recommends: Take a Thai cooking class from a local chef. Learn traditional recipes and enjoy a culinary experience that includes a visit to the local market to buy ingredients.
Flights: Fly from Kolkata starting at Rs.9,343  on MakeMyTrip.com
Hotels: Starting at Rs. 1,507 in Bangkok

Book Your Flight to Bangkok Here

Pro Tip: If you want a real travel bargain, fly on Christmas Day when tickets are almost 30% cheaper!