When’s the best time to book winter family holidays?

As early as possible — especially for Lapland and ski resorts.

Are winter family holidays suitable for babies or toddlers?

Absolutely. Resorts like Lanzarote and Maldives are great for very young children.

What destination is best for mixed ages?

Mexico and the Canaries offer activities for toddlers through to teens.

Is Lapland too cold for young children?

With proper thermal clothing, most families find it manageable and magical.

Which winter family holidays are best for teens?

Ski trips, Mexico’s adventure parks, and the Maldives’ water sports.

Are winter family holidays expensive?

They vary widely — Canary Islands offer fantastic value, while Maldives and Lapland are premium.

Do we need travel insurance?

Yes, especially for ski trips or long-haul holidays.

Can you help with multi-destination holidays?

Absolutely — we tailor complex itineraries for families.

Are winter family holidays good for grandparents too?

Yes — many hotels offer accessible rooms and gentle activities.

Which destination is warmest for winter family holidays?

The Maldives and Mexico offer tropical heat during UK winter.

Winter Family Holidays: Best Destinations for 2025

Winter brings with it a special kind of magic. Perhaps it’s the crunch of snow underfoot, the glow of fairy lights on a quiet evening, or the promise of escaping the UK drizzle for somewhere warmer and brighter.

Whatever your family dreams of, winter family holidays offer something uniquely memorable — a chance to reconnect, explore, and enjoy a break that feels worlds away from routine.

From snowy Lapland and Alpine peaks to tropical over-water villas and soft winter-sun shores, this guide brings together some of the best winter family holidays for parents planning something special. Whether you're raising little adventurers, travelling with teens, or bringing grandparents along for a multi-generational treat, there’s a perfect winter escape waiting for you.

If you’d like even more inspiration, our guide to the top winter holidays for families offers additional destinations and practical tips tailored to parents planning a seasonal escape.

What Makes Winter Family Holidays So Special?

Winter breaks have a different rhythm. Families are often ready for a change of scenery after busy school terms or festive preparations, and winter destinations — whether snowy or sunny — tend to sparkle with atmosphere.

Perhaps you imagine your children giggling through husky rides under a sky filled with Northern Lights. Maybe you prefer swapping cold mornings for warm, turquoise water and sandcastle-building on a quiet beach. Or perhaps winter sun in the Canaries strikes the perfect balance: mild weather, short flights, and reliable family-friendly hotels.

Winter family holidays give parents the chance to slow down, savour time together, and choose between adventure, sunshine or relaxation. And with the right planning — including ATOL protection and expert support — they can be surprisingly stress-free.

If warm breezes, palm-fringed beaches and shallow turquoise lagoons sound more appealing than snow boots and thermals, the Maldives delivers a winter family holiday that feels like pure magic. Lily Beach Resort & Spa, located on Huvahendhoo Island in the South Ari Atoll, is one of the Maldives’ most acclaimed family-friendly resorts — and for good reason.

Why Families Love It

Parents often worry that the Maldives is “too honeymoon-focused”, but Lily Beach shows how wrong that assumption can be. The resort’s all-inclusive Platinum Plan, spacious family beach villas, and an excellent kids’ club make it ideal for winter family holidays where parents can finally relax.

You’ll find calm, shallow water perfect for first-time snorkellers, a marine-rich house reef where turtles and rays glide effortlessly by, and a long stretch of powder-soft white sand where children can run free. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy a serene spa treatment, sunset cocktails, or a quiet moment on their villa deck overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Stand-out Family Features

Family Beach Villas with plenty of space for everyone
Kids’ Club offering crafts, island adventures and supervised fun
Water sports including snorkelling, canoeing and gentle lagoon activities
Incredible marine life — ideal for teaching children about the ocean

Whether your children are toddlers who love a sandy beach or teens who crave snorkelling adventures, the Maldives offers a dreamy escape from winter grey skies.

Ready to Feel the Sun?

If a warm, tropical escape is calling your name, Jamie Wake Travel can help you choose the ideal villa type, plan seaplane transfers, and tailor your stay so your family holiday feels effortlessly magical.

For families wanting sunshine without the long flight, Lanzarote is one of Europe’s most reliable winter sun destinations. The island’s warm climate, gentle breezes and family-friendly beaches make it a top choice for parents planning winter family holidays that balance relaxation with convenience.

At the heart of this is the Princess Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort — an elegant yet exceptionally family-focused hotel in Playa Blanca.

Why Families Love It

This five-star resort gets winter family holidays right. Parents appreciate the large suites, flexible dining options, and thoughtful touches like kitchenettes in some room types. Children adore the pools, playgrounds, and supervised activities — especially the resort’s vibrant kids’ village.

It’s the perfect mix: grown-up comfort meets child-friendly fun.

Stand-out Family Features

Kikoland — a dedicated family area with clubs, sports and entertainment
Large suites ideal for families needing space
Beachfront location with calm waters and beautiful coastal walks
Excellent dining with options for fussy eaters and food-loving parents alike

Lanzarote’s volcanic landscapes, family-friendly attractions and reliable weather make this an easy, sun-filled winter escape — perfect for busy parents seeking a break that everyone will enjoy.

Looking for Ease and Sunshine?

If you love the idea of winter sun with shorter travel times, Jamie Wake Travel can help you compare room types, secure sea-view suites and plan excursions that suit your family’s rhythm.

For parents dreaming of a long-haul winter family holiday filled with sunshine, culture and nature, the Riviera Maya is a spectacular choice. And few properties match the family-friendly sophistication of the Fairmont Mayakoba.

Set within a protected mangrove and lagoon ecosystem, this sprawling luxury resort seamlessly blends environmental beauty with first-class hospitality.

Why Families Love It

Fairmont Mayakoba offers a rare combination: adventure for kids, tranquillity for parents, and space for everyone. Children adore the nature-rich surroundings — colourful birds, mangrove canals and warm Caribbean water perfect for paddling or snorkelling. Parents love the spacious rooms, world-class dining, and the sense of calm that settles in as soon as you arrive.

This is the kind of winter family holiday where you can do as much or as little as you choose.

Stand-out Family Features

Kids’ club with cultural activities, crafts and games
Lagoon-side and beachfront rooms offering stunning views
Easy access to Mayan ruins, nature parks and cenotes
Relaxing spa and adult spaces for parent downtime

Whether you're kayaking through mangrove waterways, relaxing at the beach club or exploring ancient sites, this is a winter family holiday with a dash of exotic wonder.

Ready for Long-Haul Luxury?

Jamie Wake Travel can help design an itinerary that balances Mexico’s cultural treasures with the beach time your family craves — ensuring every detail is taken care of.

For parents dreaming of swapping cold mornings for warm beaches, our roundup of winter sun destinations highlights the best places for dependable sunshine and family-friendly resorts.

When parents think of winter family holidays, few destinations capture the imagination like Lapland. With enchanting forests, sparkling snowdrifts and festive excitement in the air, Lapland is a place where childhood magic comes to life — and adults feel it too.

At the centre of this wonderland is Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus, located in the heart of Rovaniemi.

Why Families Love It

If your children dream of meeting Santa, riding a husky sleigh or catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights, this is the perfect winter escape. Rovaniemi merges modern comfort with the enchanting atmosphere of Lapland, and Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus provides a warm, reliable base for families exploring the region.

Stand-out Family Features

Family rooms built for comfort after snow-filled days
Close proximity to Santa Claus Village, reindeer farms and husky experiences
Walking distance to shops and restaurants — ideal for parents
Northern Lights opportunities during clear winter nights

Lapland is more than a holiday; it’s a collection of moments children remember for a lifetime — from tobogganing to sipping hot chocolate beside a roaring fire. Parents often say it’s the most magical trip they’ve ever booked.

If Lapland is on your family’s wishlist, our in-depth guide to holidays to Lapland explains what to expect, the best experiences for children, and how to plan a magical festive escape.”

Feeling the Pull of a Snowy Adventure?

Jamie Wake Travel can arrange flights, clothing rental, Santa experiences and guided excursions so your family never has to worry about logistics — just enjoy the magic.

For families who prefer snowy magic over sunshine, our curated list of winter wonderland destinations showcases the most enchanting places for a truly festive break.

For parents who want skiing without the hustle and bustle of the busiest resorts, Obergurgl offers a picture-perfect alternative. Often called “The Diamond of the Alps”, this high-altitude village is known for exceptional snow reliability and a laid-back, family-friendly feel.

Why Families Love It

Obergurgl is a refreshing change from large ski resorts. There are fewer queues, gentler slopes, and world-class ski schools — ideal for children and beginners. Parents appreciate how easy everything feels: the village is compact, the atmosphere relaxed, and the scenery breathtaking.

Stand-out Family Features

Excellent ski schools with English-speaking instructors
Wide, gentle slopes perfect for building confidence
Family-friendly hotels and chalets with wellness areas
Non-ski activities including snowshoeing and tobogganing

If your family wants winter adventure with a slower pace — and guaranteed snow — Obergurgl is one of Europe’s best winter family holidays.

Ready for Alpine Magic?

Jamie Wake Travel will help you choose the ideal accommodation, arrange lift passes, ski hire and lessons, and build a trip that blends action with relaxation.

Booking With Confidence: ATOL Protection & Supplier Failure Insurance

Booking winter family holidays should feel exciting — not stressful. That’s why choosing a trusted, fully protected travel agency matters.

When you book with Jamie Wake Travel, your holiday benefits from:

ATOL Protection

This safeguards your money and ensures you’re never stranded if an airline or travel supplier collapses.

Supplier Failure Insurance

If any part of your booking is affected by a supplier closing, your holiday is financially protected.

Expert, Personalised Support

From planning your perfect itinerary to handling last-minute questions, we’re here to help every step of the way.

These protections add peace of mind to your winter family holiday — especially important for parents travelling with children or booking long-haul escapes.

Why Book Your Winter Family Holidays with Jamie Wake Travel?

Choosing a family holiday is personal. Every family is different — mixed ages, varied interests, special requirements, favourite destinations, dream experiences. At Jamie Wake Travel, we build holidays that reflect your family, not a one-size-fits-all package.

What you can expect:

Bespoke planning — your holiday, your way
Expert recommendations crafted from years of experience
ATOL protection and Supplier Failure Insurance
Real conversations with a real person — no call centres
Support from enquiry to return flight

Ready to plan something special? Whether you're dreaming of snowy forests, tropical beaches or sunny European coastlines, we’ll help you create a winter family holiday as unique as you are.

To help you prepare for warmer climates, our guide on how to enjoy a beach holiday in winter covers practical tips, packing advice, and the best shoreline escapes.

Call 01495 400005 or use our enquiry form to get started — or browse our search tool to build your own bespoke winter escape.

When’s the best time to book winter family holidays?
As early as possible — especially for Lapland and ski resorts.
Are winter family holidays suitable for babies or toddlers?
Absolutely. Resorts like Lanzarote and Maldives are great for very young children.
What destination is best for mixed ages?
Mexico and the Canaries offer activities for toddlers through to teens.
Is Lapland too cold for young children?
With proper thermal clothing, most families find it manageable and magical.
Which winter family holidays are best for teens?
Ski trips, Mexico’s adventure parks, and the Maldives’ water sports.
Are winter family holidays expensive?
They vary widely — Canary Islands offer fantastic value, while Maldives and Lapland are premium.
Do we need travel insurance?
Yes, especially for ski trips or long-haul holidays.
Can you help with multi-destination holidays?
Absolutely — we tailor complex itineraries for families.
Are winter family holidays good for grandparents too?
Yes — many hotels offer accessible rooms and gentle activities.
Which destination is warmest for winter family holidays?
The Maldives and Mexico offer tropical heat during UK winter.