Christmas jumper beachwear collection launched by easyjet Holidays.

Millions of Brits are set to flee the cold this December in favour of Christmas celebrations abroad, according to new research – with one sixth (17%) planning a trip to warmer climates over the next month.

In a study of 2,000 Brits by easyJet Holidays – 19% agreed that spending Christmas abroad is a cheaper option than celebrating in the UK, as half (47%) say they prefer hot weather and 31% like the idea of sunbathing on Christmas Day.

Half of travellers admit to packing Christmas-themed attire and food as they set off for their holidays. Christmas jumpers top the list of festive favourites to not leave home without (20%). However, the research revealed that 37% say festive knitwear can prove too hot in Europe’s Winter sun resorts.

The insight has prompted easyJet Holidays, the UK’s fastest growing holiday operator, to create a beach-friendly range of Chrimbo clothing, modelled by west end star and upcoming Dancing on ice contestant Amber Davies.

Designed from entirely sustainable materials, the unique new beachwear collection includes a one-piece bathing suit, a spandex two-piece top & shorts combo and a longer-sleeve unisex option.

The limited-edition beachwear is available from the easyJet Holidays website for £19.99 with the price redeemable against future package holidays.

In collaboration with independent fashion brand Burnt Soul, the new range shakes up traditional festive-wear, keeping it stylish and suited for a heatwave. The eye-catching designs include sunbathing snowmen, surfing reindeer, and sun-kissed Santas, in keeping with the classic Christmas jumper trend.

Three quarters (73%) of those polled say Christmas in the UK is set to be more expensive this year amidst rising living costs, with top 10 destination choices for unbeatable value abroad including Italy, Spain and Cyprus.

The research went on to reveal that Britain’s ‘Noel nomads’ will pack festive food, board games and even decorations as they set off for a Christmas break abroad.

19% of travellers admit to packing mince pies, Christmas puddings (10%) and even panettone (5%) as popular choices for suitcase snacks. 14% will take a board game (with Monopoly topping the list). And for many Brits decorations including mini-Christmas trees (17%), fairy lights (12%) and stockings (13%) are essentials for the packing list.

Musical theatre and Dancing on Ice star, Amber Davies, unveiled the brand-new beachwear range, modelling the selection’s one-piece swimsuit.

Speaking about the launch, Amber Davies, said: “I’ve loved working with easyJet holidays on this unique first of its kind beachwear range – it combines everything I look forward to about Christmas with my love of the beach! I know that winter sun chasers are going to love this launch as much as I do – who wouldn’t want a swimsuit with surfing reindeer!”

Matt Callaghan, Customer Director at easyJet Holidays said: “We know that more and more of our customers are heading on a Christmas getaway as it can provide better value than staying in the UK, but that they will miss the festivities back home. That’s why we’ve decided to launch our brand new Christmas knit themed beachwear collection, made entirely of recycled materials, for those going abroad to keep the festive traditions we love alive.”

Festive film and TV is also crucial for Brits abroad, as a third (36%) say they still watch Christmas movies abroad, and 12% plan to tune in to the King’s Speech on Christmas Day. 33% listen to playlists filled with festive tunes even when enjoying some winter sun.

Visit www.easyjet.com/en/holidays/campaigns/christmas-beachwear to find the Christmas Jumper Beachwear range, available from Monday 11th December at 12pm, with a second drop on Monday 18th December at 12pm.