December has become one of the most popular times for British Muslims to perform Umrah. The Christmas break gives families time off work and school, and the weather in Makkah and Madinah is mild. This year there is another reason to travel. Rajab, one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran (9:36), is expected to begin around 10 December 2026.
Many families choose December Umrah packages from the UK that last around ten nights. But once you arrive, the days can pass in a blur of travel, meals and shopping. A simple plan helps you make every day count. This guide sets out a 10-day routine, with a short dua for each day, that works for adults and children alike.
The plan starts in Madinah and ends in Makkah, which many pilgrims find a gentle way to begin. If your itinerary starts in Makkah, simply swap the order.
Before You Leave the UK
Prepare your heart as well as your suitcase. Make sincere repentance, settle any debts, and ask family and friends to forgive you. Write a short list of the duas you want to make for yourself and others, and keep it on your phone.
With children, read the story of Prophet Ibrahim, Hajar and Ismail together, and explain what tawaf and sa’i mean. A child who knows the story will feel part of the journey.
The 10-Day Umrah Worship Plan
Day 1: Travel and Arrival in Madinah
Begin the journey with the dua for travel, recited when you are seated in the car or plane.
Dua: Subhanal-ladhi sakhkhara lana hadha wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun.
“Glory be to the One who has placed this at our service, for we could never have done it ourselves, and to our Lord we will surely return.” (Quran 43:13–14)
On arrival, rest. Long journeys are tiring, and there is no rush on the first day.
Day 2: Masjid an-Nabawi
Pray Fajr in the Prophet’s Mosque if you can. The Prophet said that one prayer in his mosque is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere, except Masjid al-Haram (Bukhari and Muslim).
When you enter, step in with your right foot and say:
Dua: Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik.
“O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.” (Muslim)
Visit the grave of the Prophet calmly and send peace upon him: As-salamu ‘alayka ya Rasulallah. If you can, book a time to pray in the Rawdah through the Nusuk app. The Prophet described the area between his house and his pulpit as a garden from the gardens of Paradise (Bukhari).
Day 3: Quba and the History of Madinah
Make wudu at your hotel and pray two rak’ahs at Masjid Quba, the first mosque built in Islam. The Prophet said that whoever purifies himself at home, then comes to Quba and prays there, receives a reward like that of an Umrah (Ibn Majah).
In the afternoon, visit Mount Uhud and the graves of the martyrs. It is a good moment to tell children about the courage of the Companions.
Day 4: A Quiet Day of Quran
Use this day to slow down. Set a Quran goal for the family, even a single page each after every prayer. Spend time in the mosque between Maghrib and Isha, when it is calm, and make your personal duas.
Day 5: Ihram and Travel to Makkah
Before leaving Madinah, take a bath, put on ihram and make your intention at the miqat of Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali). From then on, recite the talbiyah often on the road to Makkah.
Dua: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner, here I am. All praise, blessing and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.”
Teach children the first line, and let them say it with you.
Day 6: Performing Umrah
This is the day you have waited for. Perform tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, recite:
Dua: Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil-akhirati hasanah, wa qina ‘adhaban-nar.
“Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Quran 2:201)
Then perform sa’i between Safa and Marwah. As you approach Safa, recite Innas-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’irillah (Quran 2:158). Finish by shaving or trimming your hair. Do not worry about getting every word right. Allah knows your intention.
Day 7: Rest, Zamzam and Gratitude
After Umrah, many pilgrims feel tired. Rest, and pray in the Haram when you can. A single prayer in Masjid al-Haram is worth more than 100,000 prayers elsewhere (Ibn Majah).
Drink Zamzam with an intention in your heart. The Prophet said that Zamzam water is for whatever it is drunk for (Ibn Majah). Many pilgrims ask Allah for beneficial knowledge, wide provision and healing as they drink.
Day 8: Night Prayer and Personal Duas
Try to wake before Fajr for tahajjud, even for a few rak’ahs. The last third of the night is a special time for dua. Go back to the list you wrote in the UK and pray for each person by name.
Day 9: The History of Makkah
Join a short ziyarat tour to Jabal al-Nur, where the first revelation came, and Jabal Thawr, where the Prophet sheltered during the Hijrah. Many tours also pass Mina and Arafat. Children often remember these visits more than anything else.
Day 10: Farewell
Before you leave Makkah, perform a final tawaf if you can, and make dua for your return. Many pilgrims find leaving the hardest part of the journey. Ask Allah to accept your Umrah and to invite you back.
Tips for Families
- Keep it simple: one goal a day is enough for young children.
- Use quieter times: mid-morning and late evening are usually less crowded.
- Bring a light layer: December nights can feel cool, especially in Madinah.
- Rest often: a tired family cannot worship well.
- Check health advice: the NHS-backed TravelHealthPro website has current guidance for Umrah pilgrims.
Final Thoughts
A December Umrah, especially once the sacred month of Rajab begins, is a special opportunity. With a simple daily plan, a few well-chosen duas and realistic expectations, your family can come home spiritually refreshed. The Christmas holidays are one of the busiest weeks of the year in the Haramain, so it helps to compare cheap Umrah packages and plan your travel, accommodation and Rawdah bookings well in advance.
May Allah accept your Umrah and make it easy for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Rajab 2026 begin?
Rajab 1448 AH is expected to begin around 10 December 2026, subject to the moon sighting. Rajab is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran (9:36).
Is December a good time for Umrah from the UK?
Yes. The weather in Makkah and Madinah is mild, usually around 30°C by day, and the Christmas break gives families time off work and school. It is a popular week, so plan early.
How many days do I need for a December Umrah?
Most UK families choose seven to fourteen nights. Ten nights allows time for Madinah, the Umrah itself, rest days and a short ziyarat tour without rushing.
Should I go to Madinah or Makkah first?
Both are valid. Starting in Madinah gives a gentler beginning and lets you enter ihram at Dhul Hulayfah on the way to Makkah. Starting in Makkah means you perform Umrah soon after arriving.
What is the most important dua during tawaf?
There is no fixed dua for each round, and you may pray in any language. Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, it is Sunnah to recite “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil-akhirati hasanah, wa qina ‘adhaban-nar” (Quran 2:201).