Why Perform Umrah During the Christmas Holidays?
The Christmas holidays give UK families a two-week window to perform Umrah without children missing school or parents using extra annual leave. The weather in Saudi Arabia is cool, and the Haram is calmer than during Ramadan.
Here is why so many British Muslims choose this time of year:
Children are off school. The UK school break runs from around 18 December to 4 January. Your whole family can travel together without a single missed school day.
The weather is pleasant. December temperatures in Makkah sit between 18°C and 25°C. Madinah is cooler still. Walking to the Haram for every prayer is easy, even for elderly pilgrims and young children.
It costs less than Ramadan. Ramadan is the peak season for Umrah, and hotel prices rise sharply. December offers a similar spiritual experience at a noticeably lower cost. If you would prefer to travel during the holy month instead, take a look at our UK Ramadan Umrah Packages.
A meaningful start to the new year. Many of our pilgrims tell us that beginning January in front of the Kaaba, rather than at a New Year party, changed their whole year.
What Is Included in Our Christmas Umrah Packages?
Every Christmas Umrah package from Islamic Travel includes return flights from the UK, Umrah visa processing, hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, and private airport and inter-city transfers. Ziyarat tours and meals can be added on request.
Return flights From London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and other UK airports. Direct and indirect options.
Umrah visa. Full visa processing handled by our team. See our Umrah visa from UK page for documents and requirements.
Makkah hotel. 3-star, 4-star or 5-star hotels, from budget options a short shuttle ride away to luxury hotels within walking distance of the Haram.
Madinah hotel. Quality hotels close to Haram
Transfers Private, air-conditioned transport between Jeddah airport, Makkah and Madinah.
Optional extras. Guided Ziyarat tours, half-board or full-board meals, and extra nights.
How Much Do Christmas Umrah Packages Cost from the UK?
Christmas Umrah packages from the UK start from around £495 per person for a 7-night, 3-star package. A 4-star package costs from around £695 per person, and a 5-star luxury package with hotels near the Haram starts from around £995 per person.
|
Package
|
Duration |
Hotels |
Price from (per person)
|
|
Economy
|
7 nights |
3-star, shuttle to Haram |
£495
|
|
Standard
|
10 nights |
4-star, near Haram |
£695
|
|
Premium
|
14 nights |
5-star, walking distance |
£995
|
Prices depend on your departure airport, travel dates and hotel choice. The peak week, from 23 December to 1 January, sells out first and costs the most. Booking three to six months in advance gives you the best price and the best hotel locations.
If Christmas dates do not suit you, early or mid-December is quieter and often cheaper. See our December Umrah Packages from UK for the full month's options.
Are Christmas Umrah Packages Good for Families?
Yes. The Christmas break is the most popular time of year for UK families to perform Umrah together. Children are off school, the weather is mild, and family rooms in hotels near the Haram can be arranged.
We arrange family-friendly packages every December. That means connecting or family rooms, hotels with lifts and easy Haram access for grandparents, and flexible itineraries with rest days built in. Travelling with young children or elderly parents is completely manageable in December because the cooler weather makes the walk to the Haram far easier.
Many families also use the trip to teach their children about Islamic history. Our optional Ziyarat tours cover Jabal al-Nour, Mount Uhud, Masjid Quba and other important sites, with guides who explain each place in clear English.
When Should I Book My Christmas Umrah Package?
Book your Christmas Umrah package three to six months in advance, ideally by September. December is one of the fastest-selling Umrah periods of the year, and hotels within walking distance of the Haram sell out first.
Every year, we speak to families in November who have left it too late and can only find hotels far from the Haram at high prices. Do not let that be you. Booking early means:
- Lower flight prices from your preferred UK airport
- Your first choice of hotel, not what is left over
- Time to sort passports and visas without stress
- The option to spread the cost before you travel
Your UK passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Check it before you book.
Why Book with Islamic Travel?
We are a trusted Umrah travel agency in the UK with years of experience arranging pilgrimages for individuals, couples, families and groups. Thousands of British Muslims have travelled with us.
Here is what sets us apart:
- Everything handled for you — flights, visa, hotels and transfers in one fixed price
- UK-based support — speak to a real person before, during and after your trip
- Honest pricing — the price we quote is the price you pay
- Flexible options — tailor your dates, hotels and departure airport
We also arrange Umrah all year round, not just at Christmas. Browse our full range of UK Umrah Packages to compare dates, durations and prices for any month of the year.
Book Your Christmas Umrah Package Today
The Christmas break comes once a year, and December Umrah packages sell out fast. Call our team today on 0203-970-4500 or request a free quote online. Tell us your dates, budget and departure airport, and we will build the right package for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it allowed to perform Umrah during Christmas?
Yes. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year except during the Hajj days. The Christmas period is simply a convenient time for UK Muslims because of the school and work holidays. The trip itself is a normal Umrah pilgrimage.
What is the weather like in Makkah in December?
Makkah is mild in December, usually between 18°C and 25°C during the day. Madinah is cooler, sometimes dropping to around 10°C at night, so pack a light jacket. It is one of the most comfortable times of year to perform Umrah.
How long does the Umrah visa take?
Most Umrah visas are processed within a few working days once we have your documents. We handle the whole application for you as part of your package. Full details are on our Umrah visa from UK page.
Is December busier than Ramadan for Umrah?
No. Ramadan is the busiest period of the year. December is popular with UK and European pilgrims, but the Haram is noticeably calmer, and hotel prices are lower than in Ramadan.
Can I fly from an airport near me?
Yes. We arrange flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow and other UK airports. Tell us where you would like to fly from and we will build your package around it.
Can I pay for my Christmas Umrah package in instalments?
Yes. Speak to our team about spreading the cost with a deposit and flexible payments before your travel date.
