For many, Christmas is a time for relaxing on the couch, eating too much food, and overindulging in festive treats. And, while there's certainly a charm to celebrating the holidays in front of the fire and visiting family and friends, by doing so, you're missing out on experiencing Antarctica at one of the most wonderful times of the year. There are many reasons to spend Christmas in Antarctica, either with your loved ones or solo - there's always a fantastic festive spirit aboard.
Plenty of snow and (maybe) some mistletoe
As Bing Crosby sang, many of us dream of a white Christmas, with fresh snow outside and long days of excitement ahead. Well, spending the Christmas period in Antarctica is a surefire way to guarantee a cold, snowy Christmas morning. Even during the height of summer, Antarctica stays snowy, icy, and brisk, giving a year-round wintery polar feeling that, once experienced, is never forgotten.
The landscapes of Antarctica are among the most beautiful in the world, with the mountains and coastline of the Antarctic Peninsula being especially beautiful during the more stable days of December. Better weather can be expected during the height of the Antarctic summer, which runs throughout the last months of the year, meaning you are more likely to encounter clear, cold days and experience expansive vistas, complete with icebergs, soaring peaks, and beaches, and seas full of exciting wildlife.
Who knows, perhaps you'll find your time aboard more festive than you first thought, so no need to bring your own decorations or mistletoe to hang above your door.
Picture by Sara Jenner
The perfect time with that special someone, or meet someone new
For the adventurous, the Christmas period can be like any other time of year, full of exciting travel, exotic destinations, and unforgettable memories and experiences. If you're traveling with a loved one, you'll both spend the most magical time of year together in one of the most magical places on Earth. What could be more special than that?
Imagine waking up on Christmas morning, glancing out of your porthole, and seeing penguins frolicking on shore or a whale breaching within a sea of icebergs. If you have long wished to travel to the wild shores of South Georgia, see the impressive bird life of the Falkland Islands, or walk in the footsteps of polar greats deep in the heart of Antarctica, spending the holidays on an expedition cruise will leave you with festive memories and stories not likely to be beaten by your friends and family back home.
Picture by unknown photographer
For solo travelers, voyaging to the far side of the world and venturing into the icy, beautiful reaches of the frozen continent doesn't have to be a solitary experience. Our expedition cruises are built on a great onboard community and spirit, and often, people create friendships on board that last a lifetime.
You may join an expedition cruise during the Christmas period expecting nothing more than fantastic memories and unforgettable experiences, but soon, you'll find yourself bonding with fellow travelers over mugs of warm coffee or hot chocolate in the bar after a day spent kayaking or hiking in the snowy world beyond the window. During breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you'll share stories, compare photographs, offer festive wishes, and bask in the excitement of the days ahead.
Our expedition cruises aren't just about the beautiful destinations; they are also about the people you meet, the stories you hear, and the joint experience you will have with your fellow guests.
Picture by unknown photographer
Try something different next holiday season
With various expedition cruise itineraries running throughout December and over the Christmas period, there's plenty of opportunity for you to venture south and experience something truly special. Besides, with most of us opting to spend Christmas inside, overindulging and relaxing, what better way to make your family and friends ever so slightly jealous than by sharing a Christmas morning photograph from the very edges of the map, surrounded by natural beauty almost beyond description?
Wildlife encounters during December are exciting and dynamic, with various penguin species, including chinstrap, gentoo, and king penguins being a notable feature of our trips throughout the Antarctic season. Chicks will be being fattened in the run-up to winter, and you'll witness vast colonies of penguins in locations such as South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, full of life both on land and at sea.
Along with penguins, you'll see a great deal of other bird life in the southern seas, from the shores of the Falkland Islands to the deepest reaches of the Wilkins Ice Shelf. In the seas, get ready to encounter whales as they feed in the krill-rich seas of Antarctica and seals as they breed and rest among the icebergs, sea ice, and shorelines of this stunning part of the world.
You may be far from the North Pole and Santa's workshop, but the magic of Christmas is never too far away in Antarctica. With spectacular wildlife and the excitement of polar adventure, spending the holidays in the far south of our world is an experience you won't regret.
Picture by Beth Hitchcock
Book an expedition cruise over the holidays
If you're looking to get away for the holidays and experience something truly unforgettable, check out our available itineraries running over the Christmas period through December. With different departure dates and various trip itineraries, you'll soon be toasting jolly Saint Nick with the help of a penguin in no time at all.
Main image by unknown photographer