Have you thought of any fun things to do this Christmas? You can start your search now. It’s especially important if you want to go somewhere in the United States or other locations across the globe in the winter. The weather can change quickly these days, but with these vacation hotspot ideas, you can dream of a white Christmas and see it for real.
Let’s review the best Christmas vacation ideas in 2023 without further ado.
Christmas Vacation Ideas 2023
Here are the top 31+ Christmas vacation ideas you can try out this holiday season.
Woodstock, Vermont
Looking for that classic New England Christmas ambience? In the ancient and lovely village of Woodstock, which holds an iconic holiday event called Wassail Weekend (think carriage rides, sparkling lights, decorated homes, and more! ), you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a Hallmark Christmas card.
Solvang, California
If you want to feel like you’ve travelled to Europe without leaving the country, you’ll appreciate the Danish beauty of this small California town and Julefest, a colourful Danish-style holiday celebration held yearly.
New York City, New York
Is there anything more iconic in New York than Christmas? Of course, you’ll want to see the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza (where you can also ice skate!) before admiring Fifth Avenue’s beautiful Christmas window store decorations. Don’t miss out on The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular!
Vail, Colorado
Travel to Vail, Colorado, for the perfect winter break. Spend the perfect snowy Christmas season on the slopes before wandering through Vail Village’s gorgeous winter paradise. You can go to the Kris Kringle Market and see the massive tree-lighting event there.
Seneca Falls, New York
If It’s a Wonderful Life is your favorite Christmas movie, you should go to Seneca Falls, which is thought to be the real-life basis for the film’s fictional town of Bedford Falls. Seneca Falls hosts a Christmas classic festival each December, replete with a movie showing, a meet-and-greet with the cast, a parade, and more.
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
This Massachusetts hamlet was first represented in a Norman Rockwell picture (named “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas”) in 1967, and now, every holiday season, Stockbridge recreates the art, replete with vintage cars lined up on Main Street. In addition, the yearly event includes historic property tours, a holiday performance, and other activities.
North Pole, Alaska
Every child has fantasized about visiting Santa Claus at the North Pole – as it turns out, you can! This charming Alaskan hamlet is home to the “Santa Claus House,” as well as Santa Claus Lane, live reindeer, and the world’s largest Santa statue. What could be a more enjoyable way to celebrate Christmas?
Hersheypark, Pennsylvania
What better way to enjoy Christmas than with copious amounts of chocolate? The entire family will enjoy spending the holidays at Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane, where you can ride seasonal attractions, visit Santa (and his reindeer! ), and marvel at the more than 5 million lights that decorate the fun-filled chocolate theme park.
Oahu, Hawaii
Forget winter wonderlands; if you want to spend the holidays somewhere warm and sunny, a tropical Hawaiian Christmas may be just what you need. The island of Oahu has plenty of holiday happiness (without the cold! ), notably aboard the Waikiki Holiday Lights Trolley tour and the annual Honolulu City Lights extravaganza.
McAdenville, North Carolina.
McAdenville is regarded as “Christmas Town USA,” which makes it the ideal holiday vacation. Every winter, the little hamlet changes into a dazzling wonderland filled with thousands of lights and Christmas decorations, attracting tens of thousands of people.
Aspen Mountain, Colorado
This beautiful ski resort town is well-known for being a haven for ski bunnies and travel enthusiasts, but it also hosts a number of Christmas activities during the holiday season, including an annual tree lighting, a fun-filled “12 Days of Aspen” event, and holiday shows (such as The Nutcracker) at the Opera House.
New Orleans, Louisiana
When you think of New Orleans, you probably think of Mardi Gras, but the Crescent City also goes all out during the holidays. After you’ve had your fill of the city’s brilliant light displays and bonfires, don’t miss Celebration in the Oaks, which is believed to be the most stunning holiday lights event in the country.
Taos, New Mexico
This location, which gives a unique New Mexican take on holiday customs every year, is a must-visit for those looking for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. Taos commemorates the holiday season with its annual Yuletide in Taos, which includes seasonal markets, bonfires, and other festive events.
Branson, Missouri
There are other light shows and the big An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City event. Our favourite Branson holiday activity, however, is boarding the Polar Express, where you and your children can see the Chris Van Allsburg classic come to life.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a fantastic destination any time of year, but it’s especially magical (and still warm!) during the holidays when the city goes all out for the Christmas festivities. You may enjoy the Holiday Festival of Lights from your car this year before wandering along the streets to shop, eat, and marvel at the city’s historic houses decked out for the holidays.
Jackson, New Hampshire
There is no more appropriate holiday destination than the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa. After skiing and other outdoor activities, take a sleigh ride for the festive Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour, where you can taste handmade chocolate while taking in the surroundings.
Chicago, Illinois
There’s nothing like winter in Chicago when the holidays are celebrated with zeal. There are lots of holiday events to enjoy, from the Christkindlmarket to ice skating at Maggie Daley Park and a Christmas tree installation.
Leavenworth, Washington State
Leavenworth compares itself to a “swirling snow globe,” and you’ll discover why when you look through photographs of the Leavenworth Village of Lights. The Bavarian-style town has an annual tradition of hanging up gorgeous Christmas lights downtown, and you’ll be able to see it all this year (though there won’t be a big unveiling during an official lighting festival, as there usually is).
Andalusia, Alabama
This December, head to Andalusia for Candyland, the town’s ultra-festive Christmas celebration hosted throughout the month. Admission is free. However, there is a $4 cost for horse-drawn carriage rides. You may also see the Snow Show, take photos with Santa, ride the Christmas train, and do other activities.
Santa Claus, Indiana
With a name like Santa Claus, you know this town is ready to greet you and your family throughout the holiday season. This community, dubbed “America’s Christmas Hometown,” provides lots of festivities for its annual three-weekend holiday celebration, including a Christmas-themed fireworks display and Santa Claus Land of Lights, a drive-through light experience.
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
Participate in the annual Christmas Stroll or other Nantucket Noel celebrations. Storefronts and streets will be lit up for a festive decorating contest, and there will also be an ugly Christmas sweater contest, a tree lighting ceremony, and other activities.
Newport Beach, California
Although there will be no snow, this California resort will provide plenty of winter cheer during the annual Christmas Boat Parade. You can stop by the waterfront every year to see a parade of boats decked out in holiday decorations. Fill your cup with cocoa and walk along Balboa Island, where you’ll see beautifully decorated residences for the holidays.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is beautiful all year, but we really enjoy the city’s Christmas activities and decorations. Not only does the historic Town Square light up for the holidays every year, but there are also festive activities such as horse-drawn sleigh rides, a Santa Claus “drop-in,” and more.
Orlando, Florida
What could be more amazing than spending Christmas at Disney World? You won’t miss seeing Santa Claus, eating plenty of chocolate at Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays, or seeing the beautiful Christmas trees scattered throughout the park.
Bernville, Pennsylvania
East Coasters, we highly recommend Koziar’s Christmas Village for all of your holiday needs. This rural village has a one-of-a-kind Christmas village. You may also take a Winter Wonderland tour, which includes stops at Santa’s Post Office, a toy store, and an old-fashioned bakery, among other things.
Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria, Virginia, a short drive south of Washington, D.C., offers a taste of both American history and European Christmas celebrations. Enjoy the well-appointed row houses on King Street while Christmas shopping, then head to nearby Mt. Vernon, George Washington’s historic home, for a candlelight tour and fireworks display. You can participate in the town’s 50th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade if you arrive during the weekend of December 3rd.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Experience the splendour of coastal Maine at the annual Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude, a wonderfully New England event taking place this year from December 2–12. The events range from Christmas markets and antique home tours to lobster trap Christmas tree lighting.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Visit Bethlehem’s small town and purchase from local artists at the German-inspired Christmas City Village and Christkinlmarkt. The markets also include live music, food, and visits from Santa.
Stowe, Vermont
If you’re looking for a ski trip on the East Coast, Stowe, Vermont, can ensure a white Christmas. Take in the scenery, hit the slopes with the family, and participate in their annual Christmas weekend.
Austin, Texas
The Austin Trail of Lights, an annual festival featuring over 2 million lights and 100 Christmas trees, is one of Texas’s most beautiful Christmas attractions.
St. Augustine, Florida
In St. Augustine, Florida, you can combine a warm-weather vacation with one of the best Christmas light displays in the world. From November 20 to January 31, more than 3 million white lights illuminated around 20 streets in the Historic District of the coastal city.
Park City, Utah
Aside from some of the best skiing in the country, Park City has beautiful holiday sights and events throughout its historic streets. Visit the Snow Globe Stroll to view life-sized snow globes and imaginative light displays.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Although it may appear strange for the holidays in Las Vegas, practically every resort and casino hosts wonderful Christmas festivities for the entire family, including an immersive show at the Bellagio Conservatory, ice skating on the roof of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and even Santa scuba diving at Mandalay Bay. The entire strip sparkles with lights and decorations.
Nashville, Tennessee
A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland, an opulent Nashville holiday event with live music performances, ice tubing, and over 3 million lights, will make folk, rock n’ roll, and country music fans feel right at home.
Christmas, Florida
In Christmas, Florida, it’s always the holidays. There is no snow, but a Christmas tree is displayed all year, and street names like St. Nicholas Avenue and Comet Street may be spotted. People from all over the country send holiday cards to the Orange County hamlet, only to have them returned with a postmark from “Christmas.”
Denver, Colorado
Denver has it all, whether you want to see a Christmas play, watch light shows, or eat all the seasonal foods you can find. Festive productions such as “A Christmas Carol,” the Zoo Lights at Denver Zoo, and the annual Denver Christkindl Market are available.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
In Frankenmuth, Michigan, there’s a decent chance of a white Christmas and a fair chance you’ll find all the holiday decorations you’ll ever need. Visit Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, which bills itself as the world’s largest Christmas store, and take in events such as light shows at The Christmas Experience.
Why is Christmas the best holiday?
It has food, movies, music, and decorations all rolled into one large bundle. It’s not just any holiday; it’s the only one that takes up the entire month of December. When you think about it, Christmas is more special than any other holiday.
I hope the above Christmas vacation ideas cover all your needs this holiday.
Which country is the best to visit in December?
The United States (particularly New York and Vegas for New Year’s Eve), the Czech Republic (for its fairy tale Christmas in Prague), the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Dubai, Hong Kong, and Malaysia are some of the best nations to visit during this festive month of December.
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Christmas Vacation Ideas: References
