Top 10 Christmas Beach Holidays

September 10, 2025Hannah Rehman

Looking for a new place to go for your Christmas beach holidays? Here’s a world tour of some of the best beaches. Whether you’re going solo, holidaying as a couple or a family or heading out with some mates, these Christmas beach holiday destinations have something for everyone.

Table of Contents

The fabled allure of Barbados beaches

Barbados has always been one of the most fabled destinations, going back to the swashbuckling pirate days. It’s a wonderful place to spend the Christmas holidays in the Caribbean. The island is known for its diverse beaches. Those on the Atlantic Ocean are great for water sports, while the East Coast offers the serene waters of the Caribbean Sea. Crane Beach is a must, with cliffs and tropical vegetation as its backdrop. To scuba dive and see pirate artefacts, head to Carlisle Bay.

Underwater adventures at the Maldives beaches

The Maldives comprises 26 atolls, offering plenty of public beaches and private hideaways for Christmas beach holidays. You can sunbathe, swim, play water sports or go snorkelling to see its subterranean wonders. One of the most notable attractions is Olhuvelifushi Island. The sand is like powder, fringed with palm trees. For snorkelling, visit Shaviyani Atoll and head to Sirru Fen Fushi beach. Here you can view the unique Coralarium. This semi-submerged artificial coral reef has underwater artworks populated by tropical fish.

Fun-filled Christmas beach holidays in Mexico

Mexico is one of the most popular Christmas holiday destinations. The pick of the beaches here is Playa Delfines. It’s a completely natural beach, without a resort built around it – a rarity in bustling Cancun. The thatched palapas are free, and there are lifeguards and a kids’ playground. If you’re a surfer, you probably know about Puerto Escondido Beach. In the world’s top 10, it’s ideal for beginners too. Advanced wave-riders can take on the Mexico Pipeline. For privacy, choose Playa del Caballo. Take a water taxi to Playa las Animas, and follow a short pathway to get there.

St Lucia beaches: Caribbean oases

St Lucia offers the ultimate in Christmas beach holidays. It’s warm but not too hot, so you can bask or play on its beaches all day long. The beach at Anse Chastanet takes the crown here. You can swim, tan, snorkel and fish. It’s naturally sheltered, with calm water. In Rodney Bay, you’ll find Reduit Beach. This is the archetypal Caribbean experience. Its white sands curve around a crescent bay, and the emerald and blue sea water is almost translucent. At the island’s northern tip is Smuggler’s Cove, secluded and unspoilt.

Christmas holidays in pink on The Bahamas beaches

The Bahamas beaches are unusual in that the sand is often more pink than white. Most people head to Nassau for Christmas beach holidays. Junkanoo Beach and Cable Beach are extremely popular, boasting all manner of amenities. If you want more privacy, the Tropic of Cancer Beach on Little Exuma Island offers rejuvenating peace and quiet. And if you want the full pink sand experience, you’ll find it on Harbour Island’s aptly named Pink Sands Beach.

Antigua beaches by the hundreds

There are literally hundreds of beaches on Antigua, making it one of the favourite Christmas holiday destinations. Dickinson Bay is the big drawcard. It’s busy, but it has an excellent assortment of cafes, bars, restaurants and food trucks. It’s also a water sports haven. Thankfully, it’s over a mile long, so there’s space for everyone. Ffryes Beach is more private and great for families. Just to the south of it is Darkwood Bay, a prime snorkelling spot.

Endless stretches of Mauritius beaches

Mauritius has about 330 miles of coastline, offering some of the most appealing beaches in the world. It’s one of the top Christmas holiday destinations, known for almost endless stretches of white sand. The nearly transparent water is warm and welcoming and ideal for swimming, both for adults and children. Mont Choisy Beach is the longest and is an amazing place to watch the sunset. Locals love Pereybere Beach for the calm sea lapping the shore and its coral reefs.

The exotic appeal of Zanzibar beaches

Zanzibar evokes spicy scents, turquoise waters and exotic culture. Kendwa Beach is a prime choice here. It’s tranquil and unique among Zanzibar beaches in that it doesn’t have tides. This makes it a safe place to swim at any time of the day. Nungwi Beach, on the other hand, has lots of bars and restaurants. Kiwengwa Beach is the place to go for kiteboarding, snorkelling and other water sports.

Family-friendly Jamaica beaches

Jamaica is one of the best destinations for family Christmas beach holidays. Doctor’s Cave Beach at Montego Bay is the perfect example. The water is calm, shallow and clear – safe for young kids to splash around in. Seven Mile Beach at Negril is another wonderful spot for the same reasons. Adults can go paddleboarding or kayaking. For sheer natural splendour, there are few better than Frenchman’s Cove.

Glorious and hidden Tobago beaches

When it comes to Tobago beaches, Pigeon Point is the undisputed standout. With its white sand, calm turquoise water and thatched jetty, it’s the iconic Caribbean beach for Christmas breaks. For something more secretive, there’s Campbleton Bay. You won’t find it on a map, but it’s a 10-minute walk from Charlotteville. The beach is tiny and feels exclusive. Bacolet Bay is also worth visiting – it was the setting for the Swiss Family Robinson movie.

Conclusion

Whether you want to head east or west, to the Indian Ocean or the Caribbean, stay on one island or opt for a Caribbean cruise, you certainly won’t struggle to find your perfect Christmas beach holidays. You won’t regret trying any of these destinations. For more destinations in December, check our guide for a pre-Christmas escape, and remember to look out for our Christmas holiday deals.

FAQs

Here’s some more info on these Christmas holiday destinations…

Are there beaches open on Christmas Day?

Absolutely. Nothing is stopping you from enjoying Christmas Day on the beach of your choice.

Is it hot over Christmas in the Caribbean?

It’s warm, but not too hot. Expect temperatures roughly between 23 and 28 degrees Celsius.

Don’t these resorts get too crowded over Christmas?

Sure, many of the popular resorts in these Christmas holiday destinations get extremely busy. But you don’t have to stick to those. There are plenty of quieter beaches.

Are these beaches safe for children?

Yes, your children can swim or play in the tranquil water at these beaches. They’re family-friendly, and many have plenty of amenities, including lifeguards.