Top 7 Christmas vacation destinations with friends

Many people head home for Christmas, but if you’re in the mood for an adventure, this guide is exactly what you need. We prepared a list of unforgettable Christmas holiday destinations to give you memorable experiences and help strengthen your bonds with friends. From vibrant big cities to small towns by the seaside, there is something for everyone. Plus, we will share fun holiday games you can play everywhere. 

Top destinations for a Christmas getaway with friends 

Christmas destinations in the US

New York, New York 

Christmas in New York is something that you should experience at least once in a lifetime. Plan your travel to visit all iconic destinations. Observe the enormous tree at Rockefeller Center and skate together, watch the Christmas Spectacular performance, and don’t miss the Macy's Herald Square displays. Get some souvenirs for your family at the German-style markets while sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine. 

The city never sleeps, so you can head to a movie theater, restaurant, or bar, whichever works for your group. Don’t forget to visit Fifth Avenue to observe breathtaking skyscrapers and enjoy the vibrance of the lively big city on holidays. 

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Solvang, California

This little city was founded by Danish immigrants, so you can get a festive European vibe without leaving the US. Amazing Danish architecture, cozy houses and bakeries, and a windmill on the horizon are especially charming during Christmas. 

The annual Solvang Julefest event takes place in Solvang every year from November 29th through January 5th. During this time, you can enjoy Christmas decorations and lights, festive events, and delicious Danish pastries. If your friends crave the old-world wonderland atmosphere, they’ll find it here. 

North Pole, Alaska

Follow your childhood dream and head to the North Pole, the landmark Christmas destination. It is a small community of 2,700 people who keep the Christmas spirit alive. Visit the Santa Claus house with a selection of unique Christmas decor and toys, send letters to family straight from the North Pole, and see live reindeer. 

After you cherish your inner child, enjoy outdoor activities with friends. The area features a playground and picnic area, and there is also a Chena Lake Recreation Area perfect for camping and ice fishing. 

Oahu, Hawaii 

If you’d rather go to a warmer place, visit Hawaii and celebrate the holiday season in a unique way. Instead of making a snowman, you can enjoy the sea and the sun on Oahu's North Shore, swim with dolphins, and hike on the hilltops. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center for culturally themed activities and take a helicopter tour to enjoy the views. 

If you cannot imagine Christmas without seeing the lights, attend the Honolulu City Lights event that includes light displays and holiday concerts. 

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is another sunny destination for those craving warm weather. It has a vibrant art scene, Pueblo Revival architecture, and rich holiday traditions. You can book a ride at the Santa Express through the New Mexico landscape and enjoy the wonderland atmosphere. If your friends enjoy skiing, visit Ski Santa Fe for magnificent trails amid turquoise skies. 

This city is a great place to try delicious local food, such as Frito pie, green chile stew, sopaipillas, and tamales. 

Christmas destinations overseas

Frankfurt, Germany

The famous Frankfurt Christmas market attracts over 3 million people every year, so why not join the festivities this year? You can taste the mouthwatering grilled sausages and gingerbread and enjoy the mulled wine as you stroll among the stalls and soak up the festive atmosphere. Take a ride on the historical merry-go-round decorated with wooden horses. Thousands of lights, Christmas carols, church bells, and an enormous Christmas tree won’t leave your group disappointed. 

Buenos Aires, Argentina 

For a festive and fun atmosphere, go to Buenos Aires where you can celebrate Christmas outdoors watching the fireworks and enjoying delicious local food. In December, it is the middle of summer there, so you will enjoy the warm climate. Book a tango show, observe decorations, or sip your cocktail at the beach. Don’t hesitate to try pan dulce (or sweet bread), sin frutas, and turron. 

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Games and activities for friends 

Wherever you choose to spend your Christmas holidays, use these activities to liven up your gathering. They are easy to set up even when you are traveling. 

Christmas charades 

For this holiday game, you’ll only need your imagination. The group is separated into teams and one player does the acting without using words or signals. You can choose the theme for your charades (a holiday theme, classical movies, etc.). The team that guesses more phrases or movie names wins. 

Secret Santa 

Organize a Secret Santa on your trip to treat each other to small festive gifts and share the joy of giving. With an online generator, you can draw names online and each participant will secretly prepare a gift for another one. Plus, you can set exceptions (to exclude couples from giving to each other) and add wishlists to help each Santa choose a perfect gift. 

Try our MySanta app

You can create wishlists, add exclusions, and communicate with your gifree secretly. Moreover, there is an option to track gifts and ensure that everyone buys a present on time.

Start

Never Have I Ever

Never Have I Ever is a popular game for adults that lets you know more about your friends and have a hilarious time while chilling in a hotel. Here are the rules: players read Christmas experiences aloud and those who are guilty of doing it take a sip of their cocktail. Or, you may award points to players to determine a winner. 

Name that tune

As you relax after exploring the city, play this classical holiday game. Create a playlist with Christmas songs and play them one by one. The player who guesses the song first gets one point (you can award an extra point for guessing the artist). The player who gets the most points wins. 

Holiday storytelling

This is another sit-down activity where you can use your memory and imagination. Players sit in a circle and create a Christmas story together. The first player says one sentence, the second continues the story with one more sentence, and so on. If the player forgets some details, they are out. The last player who can continue the story without missing any detail wins. 

Spending Christmas in a new festive location will help you create lasting memories and strengthen your friendship. Whether you choose to experience the magic of winter wonderland or spend the holidays in a sunny and warm location, you can learn new traditions, try something new, and get outside your comfort zone. 

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