From London’s Christmas lights and Central Europe’s festive markets to the Northern Lights, European destinations attract UAE travellers for National Day and winter holidays.
musafir.com offers guaranteed Schengen visa appointments for eligible travellers and curated holiday packages starting from AED 7,999, as 28% of travellers book their winter holidays early.
23 October 2026;Dubai, UAE,: From London’s dazzling Christmas lights and festive shopping streets to Prague’s enchanting Christmas markets, the snow-covered Swiss Alps and the spectacular Northern Lights, European destinations are emerging as popular choices among UAE residents planning their upcoming National Day getaways and winter holidays.
According to musafir.com, the UAE’s leading travel platform, demand for winter holiday travel has increased by approximately 25% compared with the corresponding period last year, reflecting growing enthusiasm for international festive getaways. With the UAE National Day break approaching and the winter holiday season extending into December and January, travellers are increasingly looking towards European destinations that offer a combination of scenic beauty, seasonal festivities, cultural discoveries and memorable family experiences.
To make European winter holidays easier to plan and more accessible for UAE residents, musafir.com is offering guaranteed Schengen visa appointments for eligible travellers, along with comprehensive visa assistance and specially curated holiday packages starting from AED 7,999. These offerings are designed to help travellers conveniently plan their National Day escapes and extended winter holidays across a variety of European destinations.
The United Kingdom continues to be a popular winter holiday choice, with London offering a quintessential festive experience through its spectacular Christmas illuminations, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, seasonal markets and world-class shopping. Central European destinations such as Prague, Budapest and Vienna are equally appealing, with their fairy-tale architecture, traditional Christmas markets, beautifully illuminated streets and festive celebrations offering travellers an enchanting winter experience. Meanwhile, Switzerland, Germany, France and Italy remain attractive for their picturesque winter landscapes, cultural attractions and seasonal festivities. Northern European destinations such as Finland and Iceland are also capturing interest for their magical Arctic landscapes, Northern Lights experiences and winter adventures.
Commenting on the travel sentiment, Raheesh Babu, Chief Operating Officer, musafir.com, said: “Europe continues to hold a strong appeal among UAE travellers, particularly during the National Day and winter holiday season. What makes it attractive is the diversity of experiences it offers, with multiple countries, cultures and destinations often accessible within a single holiday. We are seeing a growing preference for experience-led travel, with families and holidaymakers looking to make the most of their winter breaks.”
The growing interest also reflects a preference for well-planned and experience-led travel. According to musafir.com, approximately 28% of travellers are booking their winter holidays early, highlighting the importance travellers place on securing their preferred destinations, travel dates and holiday experiences.
The specially curated holiday packages bring together key elements of the travel experience, including flights, accommodation, sightseeing, transfers and other travel services, depending on the selected itinerary.
Rashida Zahid, Vice President – Operations, musafir.com, said: “At musafir.com, our focus is on making European holidays easier to plan and more enjoyable for our customers. Through guaranteed Schengen and UK visa appointments for eligible travellers, dedicated visa assistance and thoughtfully curated holiday packages, we bring together the essential elements of a holiday under one roof. From flights and accommodation to sightseeing and transfers, we take care of the arrangements so that travellers can focus on creating memorable experiences with their loved ones.”
A European winter experience for every traveller
For UAE residents planning a National Day escape or an extended winter holiday, musafir.com offers a diverse selection of European itineraries:
- Central and Eastern Europe – Starting from AED 7,999: Explore historic cities, charming architecture, traditional Christmas markets and the festive atmosphere of Europe’s picturesque towns.
- Italy – Starting from AED 8,599: Discover iconic landmarks, historic cities, cultural attractions and the distinctive charm of Italy during winter.
- Switzerland and Paris – Starting from AED 9,299: Combine the breathtaking beauty of the snow-covered Swiss Alps with Parisian landmarks and festive celebrations.
- Amsterdam, Paris and Switzerland – Starting from AED 9,299: Experience three of Europe’s most popular destinations in one holiday, combining culture, sightseeing and scenic landscapes.
- United Kingdom – Starting from AED 9,899: Discover London’s dazzling Christmas lights, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, festive markets, iconic attractions and shopping experiences.
- Iceland, Finland and Estonia – Starting from AED 9,999: Explore dramatic Nordic winter landscapes, charming cities and opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.
- Finland – Starting from AED 12,599: Experience an enchanting Arctic winter with snow-covered landscapes, seasonal adventures and opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.
With travel options around the UAE National Day break and throughout the December and January holiday season, these itineraries cater to families, couples and groups seeking memorable international getaways.
To make holiday planning even more convenient, musafir.com also offers flexible and easy payment options through Tabby and Tamara, along with convenient payment plans for eligible cardholders of several banks, allowing travellers greater flexibility when booking their preferred winter holidays.
– ENDS –
Note to editors: Package prices are starting rates per person, generally based on twin/triple sharing, and are subject to availability and booking conditions. Inclusions vary by itinerary; visa charges and certain expenses may be additional. Guaranteed visa appointments do not guarantee visa approval or completion of processing before departure. UK and Schengen visa processes are separate.