Money saving

CHRISTMAS and New Year’s sales are starting to emerge and this means you could grab some bargain flights.

EasyJet has already launched its Big Orange Sale with up to 20 percent off flights departing between January 5 and December 13, 2026.

If you grab a bargain today, it could even make the ideal last-minute Christmas gift.

You can book discounted fares for as little as £14.49 from now until February 3, 2026.

Destinations include some of the budget airline’s newest routes, such as Tbilisi in Georgia and the Scandinavian Mountains in Sweden.

Alternatively, if you wanted to head off on a ski trip you could fly to top ski destinations in Europe, such as Grenoble in France, Geneva in Switzerland and Innsbruck in Austria.

Read more on travel inspo

TRIP TIPS

I’ve visited Disney 55 times… mistakes parents make that ruin trips & waste money

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

Perhaps cold holidays aren’t your thing? Then why not head off to some winter sun spots including Enfidha in Tunisia, Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt and Marrakech in Morocco.

Specific flights include London Gatwick to Palma, in Majorca, from £18.99.

As the capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma is known for its Gothic Cathedral, historic Old Town and of course, pretty beaches.

Or if you fancy relaxing, head to Palma Beach, which is just a short distance from the city centre and boasts turquoise waters, soft sand and a number of nearby restaurants.

If you live near Bristol, you could head to Bordeaux in France for just £14.49.

Known as the wine capital of France, Bordeaux is home to the UNESCO World Heritage ‘Port of the Moon’ with 18th century architecture.

Across Bordeaux, you will find around 6,000 wineries, producing mostly red wine.

If you happen to live in or near Birmingham, for £17.99 you could head to one of the major fashion capitals of the world – Milan, Italy.

While in the city, Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) is also worth visiting; it has Gothic features and you can climb the roof for panoramic views of the city.

From Manchester you could head to Madrid from £21.49 per person.

The capital of Spain is home to many sites to explore that are ideal for history lovers, such as the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor and Retiro Park.

There are also several museums, such as the Prado Museum – the main Spanish national art museum – and Reina Sofia Museum home to a collection of 20th-century art.

And if you fancy a holiday package, easyJet is also offering up to £400 off of all easyJet holidays.

For this discount to apply you have to spend a minimum of £4,000 though.

Or you could get £300 off of a £3,000 spend, £150 off of a £1,500 spend, £100 off an £800 spend and £50 off a £500 spend with the code ‘BIGSALE’.

You will need to book before 11pm on March 3, 2026, and then travel between now and October 31, 2027.

All easyJet holiday packages include flights and a hotel, with 23kg luggage per person and transfers if booking a beach holiday.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: “By launching our Big Orange Sale today, customers can take advantage of our great value fares and make plans for a well-deserved break to look forward to in 2026.

“With over 45 new routes from the UK available for next year, customers can choose from flights and package holidays to up to 140 destinations across Europe and beyond, whether that’s to return to their top holiday hotspot, or discover somewhere new.

“We look forward to welcoming millions of customers onboard in 2026 and we remain focused on providing them with low-cost travel, flying them where they want to go, and always aiming to make the travel experience easy.”

In other aviation news, there are six new holiday destinations getting Wizz Air flights – and one is a UK-first.

Plus, seven short-haul destinations perfect for a January holiday with flights from £14.99.

WITH Christmas this week, you more than likely already have a few things in the diary – but for those odd days around the big day itself, here’s some inspiration for when you need to get the kids out the house.

Whilst a lot of places are closed on the big day itself and Boxing Day, many attractions, destinations and events are still open the rest of the week.

And some even on Christmas Eve.

So here’s a round up of some of the best free things to do across the UK between December 22 and 28.

Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry, Reading Museum

Located at Reading Museum, just two minutes from Reading train station, visitors can see Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry – a full-size replica of Normandy’s Bayeux Tapestry.

This is ideal to see ahead of the Norman Bayeux Tapestry coming to the British Museum in autumn next year – though, this will be a paid-for experience.

Read more on travel inspo

LUCKY DIP

I tried Wowcher’s £99 Mystery Christmas Market – everything you need to know

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry is a full-size replica of the Norman one and is permanently located at Reading Museum, which is free to visit.

The tapestry measures 70 metres long and depicts the Norman conquest of England.

In the late 19th century, Britain decided it should have its own tapestry and so a group of Victorian embroiderers recreated the tapestry in full.

There are two main differences between the British tapestry and the Norman one – the Victorian embroidered underwear on the naked people in the British one and the ladies who embroidered the British one added their names to the end of the tapestry.

Head to the museum between December 22 and 24 to catch a glimpse of the tapestry before the museum closes for Christmas.

Paul Vanstone x David Aaron – Carrara Triceratops Skull

From now until December 31, you can see a marble life-sized skull of a Triceratops in Mayfair, London.

Created by British artist Paul Vanstone, the sculpture has been created in collaboration with the David Aaron gallery.

The sculpture can be found in Berkeley Square, Mayfair.

Wallace & Gromit in A Case at the Museum Exhibition, Preston

At The Harris in Preston, visitors can explore a hands-on exhibition of Aardman’s Wallace and Gromit.

Named A Case at the Museum, the exhibition marks the reopening of The Harris and showcases 35 years of Wallace and Gromit.

The exhibition explores the life of the creator of Wallace and Gromit – Nick Park – from growing up in Lancashire to the influence the region had on his characters and films.

Through the exhibition, visitors get to see original sets and models, storyboards, concept art, early sketches and even strike a pose in Wallace’s living room.

The museum and exhibition are both free to visit, with the museum only closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Though on Christmas Eve, The Harris is only open until midday.

Christmas Bauble Trail, St Albans

Until December 28, families can venture on a Christmas bauble trail around St Albans.

There are 12 baubles in total to spot, and you could even win a prize.

Boxing Day Swims, Various

A number of locations across the country host a Boxing Day Swim each year, where brave souls run into the chilly water for a dip.

A lot you have to either pay for or pre-book, but there are still a number that are free to participate in.

Though, most swims are for charity so donations are encouraged.

For example, you could head to Ventnor Bay on the Isle of Wight, where swimmers often wear pyjamas before running into the water.

The swim takes place on Boxing Day at 12pm.

Or head to North Norfolk Beach for the Runners’ Boxing Day Dip, where there is both a run starting at 11:30am and a splash in the sea at 12:30pm.

To find out if there is a Boxing Day Swim near you, just search your location and ‘Boxing Day Swim’.

Alternatively, some places host a New Year’s Day dip.

Christmas Lights, Various

Before they disappear for another year, make sure to check out the Christmas lights near you.

Whether that be Regent Street‘s iconic angels or the houses decked out in your nearby village, spotting Christmas lights makes the ideal festive walk.

Snoopy in the City, London

Until January 16, if you live in London you can still explore the Snoopy in the City sculpture trail.

Dotted around London’s Fleet Street Quarter, there are 12 Snoopy sculptures, all decorated by different artists, to find.

The trail celebrates 75 years of the Peanuts comic strip, created by Charles M Schulz.

Those trying to follow the trail can download a map on Wild in Art’s website.

Ikea events, various

In the lead up to Christmas, Ikea is still running its events including free ‘present hunts’ at Ikea Cardiff until December 23.

Or at Ikea Lakeside, visitors can make Christmas cards with the last session taking place on December 23.

Also tomorrow, from 10am to 11am, head to Ikea Southampton to have breakfast with Santa.

Justin Carter’s Liquid Light at the BottleWorks, Newcastle

Artist Justin Carter, who has showcased his work in Europe, Japan, China, Australia and America, has an exhibition at the BottleWorks in Newcastle.

The exhibition ‘Liquid Light’ showcases how important location can be to Justin and features a number of watercolour artworks.

You can visit on December 23 from 10am.

Ice skating, Blackpool

Ice skating at Christmas usually costs you an arm and a leg for just one person.

And then by the time you calculate how much it will cost for a family of four, you are nearing the £100 mark.

Up until January 4, you can head to the outdoor skating rink in Blackpool at the Christmas by the Sea village.

It sits below the iconic Blackpool Tower and is free to visit, with free skate hire as well.

The ice rink measures 20 metres in total and is open each day between 12pm and 9pm (apart from Christmas Day).

You don’t need to book, just turn up.

Christmas Rave, London

On Christmas Eve in the capital you can head to a free rave.

Located at Club Makossa in East London, ravers can head underground for some techno before the big day.

Whilst entry is free, there is a £1 donation to New Horizons Youth Centre in King’s Cross.

You can also enter a raffle at the rave and could win numerous prices from a £30 bar tab to event tickets.

The rave starts at 5pm and ends at midnight.

For more inspiration on what to do during the Twixmas period, here are 50 things to do between Christmas and New Year across the UK – including free activities and immersive experiences.

Plus, all the UK rides and attractions that we lost in 2025 and the exciting ones coming in 2026.

WE all know Wowcher is good for offers, but did you know you could go on holiday for just £89 and it is all-inclusive?

Holidays really can add up – by the time you book flights, airport transfers, and accommodation, you may have already spent hundreds.

Then add in the costs when you are there, like eating and seeing paid-for attractions.

Often, holidays aren’t cheap.

But this is what makes all-inclusive so appealing, as it takes away that stress.

And Wowcher now has deals as cheap as £89 for an all-inclusive break away.

Read more on travel inspo

LUCKY DIP

I tried Wowcher’s £99 Mystery Christmas Market – everything you need to know

TAKING OFF

I’ve visited 50 countries & this much-loathed budget airline is the world’s best

For example, you could head to a four-star all-inclusive resort in Tunisia.

The package includes return flights, two nights at a four-star hotel and all your meals and drinks.

The hotel is the Occidental Sousse Marhaba, which has recently been refurbished according to Wowcher.

At the hotel, guests will find two outdoor pools, a wellness centre, direct beach access, kids’ pools, on-site bars, and a sauna and hammam.

Rooms at the hotel include en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and either have a garden or sea view.

When it comes to food and drink, you get your daily meals, snacks and drinks included.

One recent guest said: “Lovely hotel, good choice of food, staff very pleasant.

“Evening entertainment was good. We paid extra for a sea view and it was well worth it.

“Five min walk through the grounds to the beach. Has a lovely pool.

“You can book trips out by speaking to the lovely Lee who explains the trips in detail. We did the Sahara Explorer, it was amazing.

“Would return to this hotel. Sousse is a beautiful place.”

Nearby you can explore the medina of Sousse, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are a number of souks as well, such as Sousse Medina Souk.

One recent visitor said: “Needs at least a couple of hours to soak up the atmosphere and wander.

“I love wandering around a souk. This one is easy to navigate and not overlarge.

“Also very pretty in parts as this is a very ancient medina area, where people have been trading and living since ancient times.”

History lovers should head to the Ribat of Sousse, a small fort that was built in the eighth century and has a tower boasting panoramic views.

Or head to the Sousse Archaeological Museum, where you can explore a collection of mosaics and statues, as well as sit in a pretty courtyard.

There is one date left in January, from January 18 to 20.

But there are several dates still available in February, including February 1 to 3, 8 to 10, 23 to 25 and 25 to 27.

Or for £99, you could head off on February 24 for two nights.

Prices then rise from March onwards.

Alternatively, you could head to Majorca in Spain, staying at the Bluesea Mediodia for £99 for two nights.

The hotel includes meals, snacks and unlimited drinks and your flights will be from either London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol or Edinburgh.

At the hotel, there is a swimming pool, restaurants and beach access.

One recent guest said: “Considering the price and the services offered, I was very satisfied!

“The hotel is in an excellent location, very close to the beach. The food is varied and can satisfy both those with simple tastes and those who are more demanding.

“The rooms have air conditioning, which is a great plus during hot days.”

The hotel is just a 16-minute drive from Palma, so is a great spot for exploring the city, but also soaking up sunshine on the coast.

Dates available for the £99 offer include January 19 to 21, and the 26 to 28.

Or if you travelled in February, you could go on the 4 to 6, 23 to 25 or 25 to 27.

Prices then rise from March onwards.

For more getaway inspiration, there’s an all-inclusive hotel that’s just been named best in Europe with ten swimming pools, free childcare and Jet2 flights.

Plus, 10 winter sun holidays for all budgets – with 7 nights from £193pp.

AN ISLAND dubbed the “Caribbean without the jetlag” – where pints cost just £2.20 – could be the perfect escape from the moody British weather.

An index tracking the best winter sun spots, ranking temperature, hours of sunshine, pint and meal for two prices, time difference, and precipitation, revealed its winner.

Sal in Cape Verde was the top spot of the unique index taking into account all things Brits love.

The Atlantic island offers white sandy beaches, subtropical temperatures and just a one-hour time difference with the UK, despite flights taking six hours.

Winter highs average between 24°C and 25°C throughout January to March.

Visitors can enjoy around 10 hours of sunshine each day, according to easyJet’s Winter Sun Index.

EXPAT ESCAPE

I ditched the UK to live in holiday spot Brits love – but there’s 6 downsides

ON THE UP

The eight holiday destinations booming in 2026, according to British Airways

The island also boasts dishes inspired by Portuguese, African and Brazilian cuisines, with a meal for two costing roughly £30.

Close behind in the rankings is Egypt’s Red Sea gem, Hurghada, with winter temperatures sitting between 21°C and 25°C.

Unbelievably pints of beer on average cost under £2.

The resort town offers near-endless sunshine, crystal-clear waters and desert landscapes with activities like quad biking or Jeep safaris.

The Canary Islands also remain firm favourites, with Gran Canaria and Lanzarote claiming third and fourth spots.

Gran Canaria is known for its golden beaches, while Lanzarote stands out with striking black sands and volcanic vistas.

Kevin Doyle, UK country manager for the airline, said: “As temperatures at home begin to drop and the days get darker, now is the perfect time to book an escape to warmer climes.

“Our network and package holidays offer a broad range of winter sun destinations across Europe and beyond – from Sub-Saharan islands to Spanish peninsula cities.”

Other highlights from the index include the likes of Agadir in Morocco, Djerba off Tunisia and Spain’s Seville.

Agadir offers winter highs of 23°C, nearly nine hours of sunshine per day and very little rainfall, while on average, meals for two come in at £26 and a pint just £1.75.

Djerba made the index thanks to a mix of culture and relaxation, with winter temperatures ranging from 16°C to 18°C and up to eight hours of daily sunshine.

The island blends Mediterranean coastline and Saharan influences, plus artisanal market streets, palm trees and sandy beaches, with meals for two costing around £26 and a pint is just £1.30.

Seville, Europe’s warmest city in winter, scores highly for its elegant Moorish architecture and vibrant city life.

Travellers can expect temperatures between 16°C and 22°C, around eight hours of sunshine and a pint for just £2.20.

The city’s plazas, flamenco recitals, and sunny streets make it perfect for those seeking city warmth rather than the sea.

IT’S the final week before Christmas arrives, and with some schools now breaking up and people using up their annual leave, there are plenty of free events to enjoy across England.

Whether you’re looking for something free to do with the kids or want to enjoy a bit of festive cheer yourself, there is something for everyone.

Don’t celebrate Christmas? Not to worry, there are things for you too.

Winter Solstice at Stonehenge

This Sunday, December 21, the Winter Solstice will take place.

On the day, English Heritage provides free access to Stonehenge on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England to see the moment itself.

Parking must be pre-booked or there is a regular bus service from Salisbury city centre.

Read more on travel inspo

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

HOL YES

I’m a travel editor & mum-of-3… my favourite family holidays from just £3pp a night

Waterstones Christmas events

A number of Waterstones stores across the UK are hosting free Christmas events this week.

On December 17, head to Waterstones Newton Abbot in Devon or Newport on the Isle of Wight for some late night shopping with mulled wine and mince pies.

On December 18, a number of stores are running events including late night shopping at Waterstones Merry Hill, Middlesbrough, Huddersfield and Doncaster.

Also on December 18, you could head to Waterstones Exeter, Roman Gate, for a festive evening with appearances from Kate Lord Brown (author of The Golden Hour) and Alexandra Dawe (author The Stitchwort Curse), alongside the Global Harmony Choir.

Lowry 360, Manchester

Manchester has a new free immersive gallery experience, where visitors can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of LS Lowry’s iconic painting, Going to the Match.

You do need to book tickets though, which also gives you access to Modern Life: The LS Lowry Collection and Quentin Blake and Me.

Tudor Christmas – the final Gresham College lecture

Gresham College lectures are free public talks in London, that have been running for over four centuries and cover a vast variety of topics.

The final lecture of the year will be all about how the Tudors celebrated 12 days of feasting, carols, gift giving and mischief under the Lord of Misrule.

If you cannot attend in person, there is also a livestream of the lecture.

It takes place on December 17, from 6pm to 7pm.

Carol Services

With it being the festive season, there are a number of free carol services across the UK.

For example, you could head to Toddler Carols at Bristol Cathedral, which is an informal carol service where “energy, noise, and movement that young children bring” is welcome.

The carol services take place on December 17 at 11am, 2pm and 3:30pm.

At Langham Place, in London, there will also be free All Souls Carols with Christmas punch and mince pies.

There’s no need to book, but it is recommended that if you want a seat, to turn up early.

The event will take place on December 18 at 5.30pm and 7.30pm, December 20 at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm and on December 21 at 9.30am, 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

If you are looking for a free carol service near you, look at local churches websites and Christmas markets as these places often host a festive sing-song session.

Cotehele: Wassail! in Saltash, Cornwall

At the National Trust‘s Cotehele, there will be an annual Wassail this week, which is supposed to scare away evil spirits from the orchard to ensure a good harvest next year.

The event includes singing songs alongside a band and fancy dress is encouraged.

It takes place on December 20, 11am to 12:30pm.

Birmingham Xmas Reindeer Trail

In Birmingham city centre you can currently discover a Reindeer Trail including Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen.

Four of the reindeer have been given a refresh since last year, with new designs.

And there is even a Roy Wood I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day theme.

Visitors can find a trail map online, which can be downloaded and for kids there’s a game to find a hidden word.

On each reindeer there is a letter and when collected all together the letters spell out a word.

The free event runs until January 6, with reindeer spread across the city centre.

The Cosy Christmas Corner at Ikea Bristol

Ikea stores across the UK run a lot of events, most of which are free.

On Sunday, December 21, between 12pm and 4pm, head to Ikea Bristol and enjoy the Cosy Christmas Corner, where there will be storytelling.

You don’t need to book and when there, the Christmas Elf will share festive stories lasting 15 to 20 minutes a time.

The Austen Ball at the Bank of England

Head to the Bank of England in London on Thursday for The Austen Ball, which will be an evening inspired by the world of Jane Austen.

The event will transform the Stock Office into a grand ball, with a free historical dance workshop and silhouette portrait-making.

The event takes place on Thursday 18 December, from 5.15pm to 8pm.

Christmas in Comer Woods

Located at Dudmaston Estate, in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, there is a volunteer-led three mile walk through Sandilands.

Visitors can enjoy the coastal air as well as potentially see some local wildlife.

Volunteer-led walks will run from December 15 to 24, from 9am to 3pm each day.

Harland Miller at the Design Museum

There is a new display at the Design Museum in London showcasing paintings by the artist Harland Miller and it includes brand new work by the artist.

Visitors cam head to the museum between now and January 26 to see the canvases, which reflect on Miller’s time living in Los Angeles.

La Nativité at Bristol Cathedral

In Bristol, head to La Nativité on Monday, which will feature music, the smell of incense and be performed by candlelight.

And, for the first time in 18 months, the cathedral organ will be heard again following restoration.

Messiaen’s 1935 masterpiece will be played through the performance as well.

No charge or booking required and the show takes place on December 15, 7pm to 8:30pm.

For more inspiration on things to do with the kids over the festive period, a huge new waterpark has opened with 16 attractions and lazy river.

Plus, a huge movie and TV studios opening as top UK attraction next year – that lets you walk onto sets like EastEnders.