128°
Cancún and the Riviera Maya
“White sand, turquoise sea, Mayan ruins and swimming in cenotes. Long flight, worth it.”
Sun 26 Dec 2027 to Sun 2 Jan 2028 · 7 nights
Christmas and St Stephen’s Day 2027 · In 14 months
Seven ideas for Christmas and St Stephen’s Day, from Dublin
Long weekend: Sat 25 to Sun 26 Dec · 2 days
Make it longer: take Thu 23 to Fri 24 Dec off (2 leave days): 4 days off.
Stretch it: take Mon 27 to Fri 31 Dec off (5 leave days) for 9 days off (Sat 25 Dec 2027 to Sun 2 Jan 2028).
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.”
Sun 26 Dec 2027 to Sun 2 Jan 2028 · 7 nights
325°
Miami
“Art Deco, South Beach and Cuban coffee. Warm when Ireland is miserable, which is often.”
Sun 26 Dec 2027 to Sun 2 Jan 2028 · 7 nights
426°
Dubai
“Winter sun turned up to eleven. Skyscrapers, beaches and a mall with an aquarium.”
Sun 26 Dec 2027 to Sun 2 Jan 2028 · 7 nights
523°
Tenerife
“Guaranteed sun. You will meet someone you went to school with.”
Sun 26 Dec 2027 to Sun 2 Jan 2028 · 7 nights
623°
Gran Canaria
“Sand dunes, a proper city and sun on demand. Like a continent squashed into an island.”
Sun 26 Dec 2027 to Sun 2 Jan 2028 · 7 nights
723°
Orlando
“Theme parks, sunshine and outlet shopping. Your wallet will need a holiday after the holiday.”
Sun 26 Dec 2027 to Sun 2 Jan 2028 · 7 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 9 days off
Take Mon 27 to Fri 31 Dec off (5 leave days).
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun20212223242526272829303112
Public holiday Leave day Weekend