128°
Cancún and the Riviera Maya
“White sand, turquoise sea, Mayan ruins and swimming in cenotes. Long flight, worth it.”
Sat 26 Dec 2026 to Sun 3 Jan 2027 · 8 nights
Christmas and St Stephen’s Day 2026 · In 2 months
Seven ideas for Christmas and St Stephen’s Day, from Dublin
Long weekend: Fri 25 to Sun 27 Dec · 3 days
Make it longer: take Thu 24 Dec or Mon 28 Dec off: 4 days for 1 leave day.
Stretch it: take Mon 28 to Thu 31 Dec off (4 leave days) for 10 days off (Fri 25 Dec 2026 to Sun 3 Jan 2027).
A public holiday falls on a weekend, so there is no automatic Monday off. Your employer gives you a paid day off within a month, an extra day of annual leave, an extra day’s pay, or a paid day off the day before.
There are no flights from Irish airports on Christmas Day, so the dates below fly out on St Stephen’s Day.
226°
Abu Dhabi
“Dubai’s calmer, richer cousin. Guaranteed winter sun, theme parks and a mosque you won’t forget.”
Sat 26 Dec 2026 to Sun 3 Jan 2027 · 8 nights
325°
Miami
“Art Deco, South Beach and Cuban coffee. Warm when Ireland is miserable, which is often.”
Sat 26 Dec 2026 to Sun 3 Jan 2027 · 8 nights
426°
Dubai
“Winter sun turned up to eleven. Skyscrapers, beaches and a mall with an aquarium.”
Sat 26 Dec 2026 to Sun 3 Jan 2027 · 8 nights
523°
Tenerife
“Guaranteed sun. You will meet someone you went to school with.”
Sat 26 Dec 2026 to Sun 3 Jan 2027 · 8 nights
623°
Gran Canaria
“Sand dunes, a proper city and sun on demand. Like a continent squashed into an island.”
Sat 26 Dec 2026 to Sun 3 Jan 2027 · 8 nights
723°
Orlando
“Theme parks, sunshine and outlet shopping. Your wallet will need a holiday after the holiday.”
Sat 26 Dec 2026 to Sun 3 Jan 2027 · 8 nights
Temperatures are average highs for December. Picks change with your airport. Some links earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Make it 10 days off
Take Mon 28 to Thu 31 Dec off (4 leave days).
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Public holiday Leave day Weekend