WILMINGTON/Delaware – RateHawk, a B2B platform for booking accommodation, flights, and transfers, presents Christmas travel trends based on hotel bookings for the period from 22 December 2025 to 5 January 2026. RateHawk’s data this year shows that Europeans who book their holidays through travel intermediaries are combining traditional festive celebrations with a growing desire to discover hidden gems in long-haul destinations.
Traditional Christmas markets and Advent events continue to attract European travelers seeking a festive atmosphere. Bookings to destinations within Europe account for 35% of all bookings made worldwide by European travel intermediaries. The five most popular destinations in Europe are France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany. These countries remain key destinations for travelers looking to experience holiday traditions, local cuisine, and handicrafts. Beyond capital cities, Munich, Frankfurt, Strasbourg, Salzburg, Colmar, and Bordeaux rank among the most popular destinations.
The five most popular long-haul destinations for European holidaymakers are the United States, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and Mexico. The average booking value for accommodation is EUR 1,487, with an average stay of four nights.
Although visitor numbers to the United States have declined overall over the course of the year, it remains one of the most popular Christmas destinations among Europeans booking through travel intermediaries. RateHawk is recording a significant increase in interest in cities such as New York and Orlando during the Christmas period.
Another popular long-haul destination is Thailand, whose peak season for beach holidays coincides with the European winter holidays. New direct connections from European countries to Bangkok and Phuket operated by airlines such as Air France and Norse Atlantic have made the country even more accessible. In addition to classic destinations, more and more travelers are choosing places such as Takua Pa, known for its historic old town, and Chiang Rai, famous for the impressive White Temple.
The United Arab Emirates are another sought-after destination for travelers looking for a sunny short break, particularly among travelers from the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the most booked cities and offer a wide range of experiences. From these metropolises, travelers can explore cultural highlights such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi as well as natural sites like Hatta Lake and the Jebel Jais mountain range.
Japan is closing this booking year with a 188% increase in hotel bookings via RateHawk compared to the previous Christmas season. While cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka remain favorites, travelers are also exploring quieter destinations, including Kanazawa, known for its winter cuisine, Hakone’s hot springs, and Matsumoto’s winter illuminations. Mountain regions in Japan, such as Hokkaido, are becoming increasingly popular for ski holidays.
Astrid Kastberg, Managing Director of RateHawk, comments:
“This year we are seeing more travelers looking for new experiences and opting for less crowded cities, even within well-known destinations. We provide travel intermediaries with access to over 2.9 million carefully selected accommodation options. Thanks to this extensive selection and useful search filters, agents can find the most suitable offers for different needs and support last-minute bookings.”
The 5 most popular Christmas travel destinations in the DACH region:
- United States of America
- Thailand
- Australia
- Spain
- South Africa
About RateHawk
RateHawk is an innovative B2B booking platform developed by the Emerging Travel Group. It offers hotels, flights, train tickets, transfers and car rentals. RateHawk partners have access to over 2.9 million accommodation options, including more than 220,000 directly contracted hotels and 330 global suppliers, as well as flights from over 400 airlines and transfers in more than 150 countries.