Top 8 Family-Friendly Christmas Vacation Destinations
Spend the festive season exploring Christmas markets, visiting Santa’s home, or relaxing on a beach to create a memorable holiday experience. Browse our list of diverse Christmas getaway destinations for a family to plan your perfect getaway.
From Winter Wonderland destinations to sunny beaches, explore the popular destinations for a Christmas getaway that the whole family will enjoy.
Christmas family destinations in the US
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is a popular destination for a Christmas getaway offering various winter activities plus an unmatched winter wonderland atmosphere. The whole family can enjoy skiing and snowboarding (which are the main attractions here) across four premier ski areas. In the evenings, try ice skating at the Silver Circle Ice Rink, enjoy festive light displays, or take a sleigh ride through the snowy landscapes to enjoy stunning views.
Take part in the “12 Days of Aspen” festivities featuring caroling, cookie decoration, and Santa’s visit, or explore local shops and entertainment venues, such as Wheeler Opera House.
New York City, New York
Christmas in New York is an iconic experience everyone should try at least once in their lifetime! Visit the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, enjoy the ice skating on the rink, and stop by Macy’s to meet Santa Claus. Other activities to look forward to include catching a performance of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, exploring the Museum of Natural History, and the light show at the Bronx Zoo.
Walk by elaborate holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue, and take a carriage ride through Central Park to fully experience the Big Apple’s magic and create lasting family memories. If you’re staying until New Year’s Eve, don’t miss the famous ball drop on Times Square.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii islands are one of the best Christmas destinations ever, especially if you’re tired of the cold weather and crave the sun. Honolulu offers a unique combination of tropical beauty and amazing beaches with holiday cheer.
If you are after relaxing and atmospheric holidays, enjoy the city lights display, take a ride on the Hawaii Christmas Trolley, and visit the Winter Wishes Holiday Festival for a cultural immersion. Some resorts host special Christmas events with Hawaiian music, traditional food, and even Santa arriving by canoe. Those looking for activities will appreciate snorkeling, hiking trails with spectacular views, and whale watching.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando has unique theme parks which are world-class attractions for families with children. Each of these parks is beautifully decorated before the holidays, and visiting them can create memories that last a lifetime!
Plan a trip to Disney World featuring Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights events for a magical experience. Visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal, or build holiday creations at Legoland – your options are limitless! Beyond the parks, the whole family can enjoy the Dazzling Nights light experience, Christmas parade, and traditional holiday dinner and shopping.
Destinations outside the US
Quebec City, Canada
As Christmas approaches, this French-Canadian city turns into a winter wonderland with sparkling decorations and a European-style atmosphere. The city impresses with its 18th and 19th-century buildings, cozy bistros and bakeries, and the illuminated pedestrian path. Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is pleasant to wander around and enjoy.
For a truly festive experience, explore the German Christmas Market to find treats and crafts, go ice skating at Place D'Youville, or attend Christmas choir performances. You can also find unique dogsledding excursions and toboggan slides for those seeking outdoor fun.
Lapland, Finland
Lapland, the official home of Santa Claus, offers a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience with reindeer sleigh rides, husky sledding, and magical Northern Lights. Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, meet Santa himself, and cross the Arctic Circle.
Kids will also enjoy visiting the Snowman World Park with ice sculptures and bars. You will feel like you were transported into a dreamy winter wonderland. For a better festive experience, book an igloo hotel with a glass roof to fully appreciate the winter beauty and magic of a Finnish Christmas without sacrificing comfort.
Vienna, Austria
If you’re looking for a classic European Christmas experience, book a trip to Vienna this year. The city is known for its authentic Christmas markets, Austrian pastries, and musical heritage. Visit the Rathausplatz or Schönbrunn Palace market, both of which offer a fairytale-like experience with handcrafts, amazing food and drinks, and art exhibitions.
Attend a festive Christmas concert, go ice skating, or simply stroll across the city center, admiring the Christmas lights or visiting palaces and museums.
Cape Town
Cape Town is a perfect Christmas getaway for families looking for warm, sunny weather and lots of outdoor activities. The city fully embraces the holiday spirit and offers some authentic activities at the same time. Spend your vacation hiking on the Lion’s Head mountain, climbing up the Table Mountain to enjoy breathtaking views, or swimming and surfing. Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach, or go on a safari to see African wildlife for a truly South African experience.
To admire festive lights, visit Adderley Street with its famous light display, experience the magic of carol singing, or go to Stellenbosch Kersmark market for crafts.
How do you plan a smooth Christmas getaway with the family?
Book early.
For some popular destinations, you might want to book tickets and accommodation months in advance to find better deals. For expensive tourist attractions, consider also booking a hotel a few miles away from the city center.
Find a family-friendly accommodation.
Look for apartment or a hotel that offers the necessary amenities and activities for kids of all ages. With kid-friendly activities and events, parents can have some time on their own.
Create a balanced itinerary.
Include festive events and visiting tourist attractions and time for relaxation. Thus, you will enjoy the vacation without feeling tired and overwhelmed.
Plan festive games and activities.
You don’t have to spend the entire holiday exploring. Plan some holiday-themed games and activities for evenings in your hotel room, such as Christmas trivia, Pictionary, holiday bingo, or Name That Tune.
Exchange presents.
No matter how far away from home, don’t neglect the gift-giving tradition! To make the gift exchange more fun for everyone, set up a family Secret Santa game where each participant prepares a gift secretly for someone else in the family.
With our MySanta app, you can draw names online and organize a heartwarming gift swap with the whole family. Agree to exchange handmade presents or set a small budget so that kids can participate and give something nice to their assigned family member.
FAQs
What’s the best time to book a Christmas vacation for lower prices?
The best time to book a Christmas vacation is in October for domestic travel and in early summer months for international travel. Booking this early allows you to take advantage of lower prices and more accommodation and entertainment options to choose from. Alternatively, consider booking last-minute deals, but keep in mind that this strategy is much more risky.
What are some affordable Christmas vacation ideas for families?
For affordable Christmas vacation ideas, focus on experiences over lavish destination and consider destinations not far away from home. A camping trip in a warmer climate, a staycation with festive activities planned at home, or visiting family members who live in a different city are popular cost-effective ideas. You can also look for destinations offering free or low-cost holiday events, like tree lighting ceremonies, activities in parks, or concerts.
Can we plan a warm-weather family Christmas vacation on a budget?
To enjoy a warm-weather family Christmas vacation on a budget, focus on domestic destinations such as Key West, Florida, coastal Georgia, or Santa Barbara, California. Consider traveling to destinations in the Caribbean during their off-season (early December) or exploring affordable beach towns in Mexico or Central America. Camping in national parks or state parks in warmer regions can also be a budget-friendly option.
