As residents across the UAE look to squeeze in a final getaway before the year ends, many are weighing one simple question: Is it cheaper to travel over the upcoming National Day weekend or during the Christmas New Year break?
A review of current airfares and package trends shows a clear divide. Short-haul trips remain relatively affordable for the National Day period, while long-haul destinations are already recording steep price jumps for Christmas, in some cases close to 90 percent.
Travel industry executives say this winter’s price gap is wider than last year. In 2023, winter fares rose roughly 20 percent from November to mid-December. This year, that jump is far more pronounced, especially for families and travellers headed to Europe.
Short trips still affordable for National Day
An analysis of live fare data from Skyscanner shows National Day weekend remains the cheaper option for several popular routes.
A direct return flight from Dubai to Tbilisi from November 29 to December 3 averages around AED 2,595. The same journey during Christmas week (December 21–28) climbs to AED 2,812.
London fares see a sharper rise AED 3,032 over National Day compared to AED 3,900 around Christmas.
And for Helsinki, the gateway to Finland’s famous Santa Claus Village, the jump is significant: AED 2,198 in late November versus AED 4,000 during Christmas week.
“National Day holidays are all about short, last-minute breaks,” said Mir Wasim Raja, manager at Galadari International Travel. “Packages for that period are around AED 2,700 and seats are filling quickly. Residents want 4–5 day escapes to the Caucasus, Singapore, Malaysia, Bali, and now Krabi or Phuket. The new Fly Dubai route to Krabi has made Thailand even more popular.”
Christmas travellers book months ahead
Travel agents say families targeting a white Christmas rarely book late.
“Christmas bookings started early this year because school holidays are fixed,” said Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism. “Families with Schengen visas are confirming Europe trips now.”
Demand this season is particularly strong for Scandinavia, with Finland at the top of the list. “Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi gets booked a year in advance,” Raja added. “Other travellers are opting for Vietnam and Bali for warmer winter weather.”
Agents say Christmas prices climb faster because travel tends to be longer, family-focused, and tied to school breaks. National Day, on the other hand, is a predictable paid public holiday, making short-haul trips more popular.
High demand, shrinking availability
Seats for both holiday periods are already tightening.
“Even if travellers are willing to pay higher fares, they may not find seats at the last minute,” said Raja. Agents estimate Christmas and New Year packages are at least 30 percent more expensive than National Day deals.
“At this point, it’s almost late for both seasons,” added Subair. “Demand is strong, and prices are on the higher side. There are still a few deals if you book before National Day dates are officially announced.”
Once the government confirms the long weekend, both fares and hotel rates typically rise.
Where travellers can still save
Some destinations offer surprising value. For example, Dubai–Baku flights drop from AED 1,950 during National Day to AED 1,211 over Christmas.
India tells a different story. Travel to Kochi spikes dramatically AED 1,340 in November versus AED 2,545 during Christmas and New Year. The surge is driven by residents travelling home for the holidays.
Budget-friendly packages remain available for Uzbekistan starting from AED 2,499 for National Day, while Caucasus trips hover around AED 3,000. The same packages rise 30–40 percent closer to Christmas.
Hotel rates vary by city
Room prices follow their own pattern. In Tbilisi, three-night stays over National Day average AED 780, while longer Christmas stays work out slightly cheaper per night.
In Helsinki, however, hotel rates soar from AED 1,800–2,200 in late November to AED 3,000–4,000 during Christmas.
Hotels in city centres are generally 40 50 percent pricier than those on the outskirts.
Visa-free destinations remain a favourite
Visa-free and e-visa countries continue to attract UAE travellers, especially newer residents. “Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Thailand remain popular because the entry process is easy,” said Subair. “Long-term residents are exploring East Asia and Europe.”
Tips to find better fares
Agents recommend mid-week departures that avoid public holiday dates. “Weekday flights are always cheaper as long as they don’t overlap with the official break,” Raja said.
“Book before National Day dates are announced. Once that happens, the remaining seats may disappear.”
So which holiday is cheaper?
For short, easy, and visa-friendly getaways, the National Day weekend still offers better value. Airfares remain lower, packages are more flexible, and weather across Southeast Asia and the Caucasus is ideal.
