Celebrating Christmas in a holiday home can truly make the festive season special. That's why Interhome has taken a look at bookings during the Christmas period to uncover emerging trends and help homeowners prepare for the growing demand during Christmas. Our booking data show that snow-sure Alpine regions are especially popular. Austria remains by far the top destination for Dutch travelers. For holiday home owners in wintery regions, this trend presents great opportunities: travelers book early, expect comfort, and seek an authentic winter atmosphere.
Where the Dutch travel for Christmas
The analysis reveals that the Dutch mainly choose mountainous landscapes, guaranteed snow, and well-known ski resorts. The Alps dominate Christmas bookings, with Austria clearly in the lead. Due to the short driving distance and excellent ski infrastructure, these regions are particularly attractive for families and groups.
Top 5 Christmas destinations (Dutch travelers):
1. Austria - 50% of bookings
2. Switzerland – 19% of bookings
3. France – 10% of bookings
4. Italy – 5% of bookings
5. Germany – 4% of bookings
Rental tip: The Dutch are flocking to foreign destinations for their Christmas holidays, particularly snow-sure Alpine areas. If you own a property in a winter landscape or near a ski resort, you have a clear advantage during the festive season. To capitalize on this, consider highlighting winter features and amenities in your listing, and ensure it’s visible early to capture the holiday demand.
Austria is the favorite
The results clearly show that Austria is the most popular Christmas destination among Dutch travelers. Regions like the Zillertal in Tyrol, Pinzgau in Salzburg (around Zell am See), and the Paznaun Valley (where Ischgl is located) attract many Dutch holidaymakers. The relatively short driving distance makes Austria particularly attractive for car holidays, which may explain its popularity.
For holiday home owners, this means:
- Providing a winter atmosphere and comfort leads to more bookings
- Good photos of snow and cozy interiors increase click and booking chances
- Early bookers often reserve well before the winter season begins
Christmas away from home? Dutch travelers look beyond the Netherlands
While many Europeans prefer to stay within their own country during Christmas, the Dutch love to tavel to new destinations. They seek snow, mountain views, and an escape from everyday life. This explains why Dutch holiday homes are less frequently booked during the holidays compared to foreign accommodations.
For Dutch home owners, this means that standing out is key to remain competitive during the holiday season:
- Cozy and atmospheric interior
- Exceptional comfort
- Close proximity to Christmas markets or winter activities
▶️ Are you looking for advice on how to decorate and welcome your guests for Christmas? Discover how to get your holiday home ready for Christmas
Preference of European travelers
European Christmas trends: big opportunities for holiday home owners
The preference for foreign Christmas destinations stretches far beyond the Netherlands. In Austria, more than 97% of bookings come from international tourists, mainly from Germany and the Netherlands. Denmark follows a similar pattern with nearly 99% of visitors from abroad, of which 89% are from Germany. The Czech Republic is also especially popular with foreign tourists, with 93% of bookings originating from Germany.
This trend shows that Christmas is an important international travel period in Europe. For homeowners, this means that well-located winter homes, especially in snow-rich regions, can attract a diverse group of European guests.
Holiday travel trends: who's going where?
Top 10 destinations
1. Destination Switzerland – 25% of Christmas bookings
Switzerland is the number-one Christmas destination for winter guests. Regions like Valais and the Bernese Oberland attract travelers looking for snow reliability, high comfort standards and well-organised ski areas. Demand is driven mainly by Swiss guests themselves, followed by German and Dutch visitors.
What this means for holiday home owners:
- Strong domestic demand ensures high occupancy in key Alpine regions.
- German and Dutch travelers are important international markets ; clear travel-by-car info helps.
2. Destination Austria – 23% of Christmas bookings
Austria remains a classic winter sports destination, with Zillertal, Tyrol and Ötztal as the top regions. Easy access by car and reliable snow conditions make Austria particularly attractive to guests from Germany and the Netherlands.
What this means for holiday home owners:
- German guests dominate Christmas bookings ; German-language descriptions remain essential.
- Dutch guests represent nearly a quarter of demand, often booking early.
3. Destination France – 17% of Christmas bookings
The Alpine regions of Savoie and Haute-Savoie remain highly attractive for both domestic guests and international travelers. Large ski areas, modern infrastructure and family-friendly facilities draw visitors from France, the UK and Northern Europe.
What this means for holiday home owners:
- Half of all guests are French, making domestic visibility key.
- UK guests form the largest international group.
- German and Dutch guests value accessibility and clear regional information.
4. Destination Germany – 9% of Christmas bookings
Nordsee, Bavaria and the Black Forest attract visitors for atmospheric Christmas markets, winter walks and cosy local traditions. Christmas demand is driven mainly by domestic guests, with Dutch visitors forming a small but important international segment.
What this means for holiday home owners:
- The market is strongly domestic: German guests book early and prefer familiar regions.
- Dutch guests are the largest international group and typically travel by car.
5. Destination Italy– 8% of Christmas bookings
Lombardy, Liguria and Tuscany are popular with guests who combine winter sports with Italian cuisine and hospitality. Domestic demand is strong, but Germany and the Netherlands are key international markets.
What this means for holiday home owners:
- Italian guests form the largest group and often book traditional, family-friendly accommodations.
- German and Dutch guests represent a strong international audience.
6. Finland – 7% of bookings
Lapland is the destination for those dreaming of the Northern Lights and a truly white Christmas. The home owners in Finland welcome guests mainly from Germany and United Kingdom.
7. Spain – 4% of bookings
Popular with travelers who prefer a milder Christmas. Winter sun destinations like the Costa Blanca, Canary Islands and Mallorca attract many visitors. This destination is appreciated by the Germans.
8. Czech Republic – 3% of bookings
A cheap and charming option for winter sports, especially in the Giant Mountains, where the home owners welcome more than 74% of guests coming from Germany.
9. Belgium – 2% of bookings
Flanders remain popular for short Christmas stays and group trips. 36% of Belgians who travel during Christmas choose to stay in their country of residence.
10. Denmark – 1% of bookings
Particularly visited by Germans for cozy Christmas weekends and a hygge atmosphere.
The Netherlands - Christmas demand driven by international guests
Even though many Dutch travelers go abroad during Christmas, Dutch holiday homes still see a seasonal demand, mainly from German guests. Coastal regions, cities with Christmas markets, and nature areas in the north attract visitors looking for cosy winter stays close to home.
During festive holidays, 67% of bookings for Dutch accommodations come from Germany, followed by domestic guests (24%). This makes Christmas and New Year an attractive rental period for owners in regions such as Zuid-Holland, Noord-Holland, Groningen and Zeeland, where international interest happens.
What this means for holiday home owners:
- German guests account for two-thirds of all Christmas bookings ; clear information in German increases visibility.
- Dutch guests remain the second-largest group, often booking short winter breaks close to the coast. Dutch stay in Gelderland, Zeeland, Zuid-Holland, Friesland, Groningen
- Demand is strongest in regions such as Zuid-Holland, Noord-Holland, Groningen and Zeeland.
▶️ Are you looking for advice on how to decorate and welcome your guests for Christmas? Discover how to get your holiday home ready for Christmas
Key insights
Christmas is one of the most important travel periods in Europe. Snowy regions remain the big winners, but other accommodations can also excel with atmosphere, comfort, and good preparation. Those who respond early to Christmas demand and emphasize the winter charm of their property can expect strong occupancy and a highly profitable holiday season.
Research methodology
This research is based on internal booking data from Interhome. The analysis includes all reservations made between November 1, 2024, and October 22, 2025, with stays between December 20 and December 31, 2025. Based on this, a representative picture of European booking behavior around Christmas has been formed.