8 best family holiday destinations for winter

From snowy escapes to tropical getaways, enjoy exclusive hotel perks with Cathay Holidays’ Flight + Hotel packages
A family enjoying street food as a young girl feeds her father a snack and mother laughs.
Credit: Chong Kee Siong/Getty Images
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There’s something magical about winter – when festive cheer fills the air, snowflakes begin to fall and families gather by the fireplace. It’s the season for creating unforgettable memories that kids will cherish for years to come. Whether you're chasing snow or escaping to a tropical island for a warmer Christmas, we’ve rounded up our pick of the best family holiday destinations and hotels to book this winter break.

Plus, if you book a Flight + Hotel package with us to selected destinations, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks including HK$1,800 off per booking for groups of four or more, or HK$800 off per booking for groups of two or more – and miles rewards up to HKD4 = 1. In addition, children aged 12 years or below enjoy free hotel stays and breakfast at selected hotels in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hanoi. Packages are valid until 30 November for travel until 28 February 2026. 

Children playing inside the ocean-themed kids club at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.

Credit: Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

A family with a young boy walking by the water in Bangkok on a clear day.

Credit: miodrag ignjatovic/Getty Images

Interior of the open-air infinity pool overlooking Bangkok skyline at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok.

Credit: Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

1. Enjoy winter warmth in Bangkok

Prefer sunshine over snow? Explore Bangkok’s captivating temples, zoom through the streets in colourful tuk-tuks, and chase thrills at theme parks – then cool off with a refreshing bowl of coconut ice cream. The City of Angels offers families a vibrant mix of culture and adventure.

Where to stay: After a busy day out, retreat to the tranquil sanctuary that is Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok , set in an enclave of verdant greenery nearby Lumphini Park. Within, an infinity pool offers panoramic city views, while an ocean-themed kids’ club keeps budding adventurers entertained with activities. Book a Flight + Hotel package and enjoy complimentary breakfast, non-alcoholic beverages from the in-room mini bar, with children enjoying both an extra bed and breakfast at no additional cost.

 

 

Two young boys running under a waterfall at the outdoor pool at Sunway Lagoon Hotel in Kuala Lumpur with the Petronas Towers in the backdrop.

Credit: nazar ab/Getty Images

An interior view of the guestroom at Sunway Lagoon Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Credit: Sunway Lagoon Hotel

2. Sheraton Huzhou Taihu Lake Hot Spring Resort & Spa

Malaysia’s capital serves up a feast of family fun. From interactive discovery centres and giant aquariums to splash-filled waterparks, there’s something to delight every age and interest. 

Where to stay: Book a Flight + Hotel package and stay at family-friendly hotel Sunway Lagoon Hotel for two nights or more to enjoy complimentary breakfast and 20 per cent off in-room dining or at Café West. Children under 12 stay for free when sharing an existing bed with an adult. 

 

 

A view of Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore looking towards the night sky.

Credit: Loop Images/Getty Images

View of the outdoor playground at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree in Singapore.

Credit: Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

Aerial view of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree in Singapore.

Credit: Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

3. Go wild in Singapore 

Singapore is packed with world-class attractions for all ages – including crowd favourites like Universal Studios Singapore and Gardens by the Bay, as well asand exciting newcomers such as the Singapore Oceanarium and a nature-inspired retreat nestled within Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

Where to stay: Create lasting family memories at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree , where little ones can dive into creative crafts and nature-themed games in kid-friendly play zones. Book a Flight + Hotel package for two or more nights to enjoy complimentary breakfast, shuttle service around Mandai, free stays for children sharing a bed with an adult, and a one-time Kopi Craft Experience for two. 

 

 

Aerial view of InterContinental Hanoi Westlake by IHG light up at night.

Credit: InterContinental Hanoi

A group of travellers walking up the vertical steps of Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi.

Credit: Reed Kaestner/Getty Images

4. Chase lanterns in Hanoi

Embrace the cooler weather in Hanoi, where a charming blend of culture, entertainment and adventure awaits. Stroll the city’s vibrant streets and lakeside parks, sample delicious streetside eats and discover cultural gems like the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

Where to stay: Escape the city’s bustle at InterContinental Hanoi Westlake by IHG , perched on Hanoi’s largest lake. Soak in waterside views from spacious rooms or at the city’s only overwater bar. Book a Flight + Hotel package and enjoy a free complimentary breakfast and free stays for kids sharing a bed with an adult. 

 

 

An elephant stands on the roadside as safari jeeps pass by under a clear blue sky in Sri Lanka.

Credit: vovashevchuk/Getty Images

 Interior view of the guestroom at Lunuganga Estate in Sri Lanka, a property designed by Geoffrey Bawa.

Credit: Geoffrey Bawa's Hotels Sri Lanka

Exterior view of Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort in Sri Lanka on a clear day.

Credit: Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach

5. Journey into Sri Lanka's many wonders

Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of enriching cultural experiences and awe-inspiring vistas waiting to be explored. Wander through Unesco World Heritage sites, stroll across lush tea plantations and encounter extraordinary wildlife with our curated multi-day private tours, which run for six days and four nights, or the opt for the longer nine-day and seven-night itinerary.

Where to stay: book our Flight + Hotel + Tour package to Sri Lanka by 30 March 2026, inclusive of meals and a host of exclusive perks, for travel until 8 May 2026. Book the nine-day tour to experience stays in three hotels designed by Geoffrey Bawa , the “Father of Modern Asian Architecture”, and experience first-hand how his iconic tropical modernist style has become a defining feature of the island’s architectural heritage.

 

 

Closeup of a sitting panda surrounded by bamboo leaves.

Credit: Paul Souders/Getty Images

Exterior view of Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain in Chengdu.

Credit: Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain

6. Get up close and personal with Chengdu’s giant pandas 

Winter brings fewer crowds to this Sichuan city, but the fun never stops – think lantern festivals, hot pot feasts and a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where animal-lovers can come face-to-face with the playful giants.

Where to stay: The whole family can connect with nature and wildlife at the eco-luxury Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain , which offers a variety of activities, including hands-on farm tours and nature treks through misty mountains. 

 

 

A family listens to a dolphin trainer speak during a dolphin encounter at Atlas Village at Atlantis, The Palm resort in Dubai.

Credit: Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

View of lounge beds and canopies on the beach outside Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai.

Credit: Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

Interior view of the underwater restaurant Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm resort in Dubai.

Credit: Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

7. Soak in Dubai’s winter sun 

Excited for ski season but also enjoy playing in the sun? In the UAE, you can do both – hit the slopes indoors at Ski Dubai, surf sand dunes on a desert safari, relax on the beach and soak up the festive vibes at dazzling malls and theme parks. 

Where to stay: Perched at the end of the man-made Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, The Palm is a beachside icon packed with family-friendly thrills – including the world’s largest waterpark, Aquaventure, and the deepest Aqua Trek. If you want to sleep amid the fishes, there’s also underwater suites available, promising for a truly unforgettable experience.  

 

 

A crowd at Bath Christmas Market in Bath, England, with the Bath Abbey illuminated in the background.

Credit: Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Exterior view of The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath, England.

Credit: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

8. Spend a traditional Christmas in Bath

The entire town of Bath has been recognised as a Unesco World Heritage site thanks to its Roman archaeology and Georgian architecture. Just 80 minutes from London by train, the city transforms into a festive wonderland in December. Stroll historic streets, sip hot chocolate, and explore one of the UK’s best Christmas markets – packed with twinkling lights and festive stalls selling crafts, treats and mulled wine. Keep an eye out for ice skating, lantern parades and traditional British pantomimes.

Where to stay: Live out your dreams of pomp and ceremony at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa , a heritage gem where families can roam the grounds like Regency royals.

 

 

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