33+ BEST CHRISTMAS VACATION IDEAS FOR FAMILIES

When it comes to Christmas, we all think of the most prominent places throughout the world, such as Paris, London, and the United States. People begin to plan trips and flights, but the most worthwhile thing to do around Christmas is to visit and see new cities and regions!
Here is a comprehensive list of the top Christmas vacation ideas for friends and family to explore and disconnect during this holiday season. There are many fantastic Christmas vacation ideas to pick from this article, whether you’re arranging a trip or going to a tropical beach.

Best Christmas Vacation Ideas in the USA for Families

Here are some of our favorite Christmas vacation ideas.

#1. Colorado’s Vail Valley

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.

#2. New York’s Seneca Falls

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.

#3. Massachusetts, Stockbridge

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.

#4. Alaska is home to the North Pole.

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?

#5. Pennsylvania’s Hersheypark

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. There you can ride seasonal attractions and visit Santa (and his reindeer! ). You can also marvel at the more than 5 million lights that decorate the fun-filled chocolate theme park.

#6. Oahu Island in 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 Oahu island has plenty of holiday happiness (without the cold! ). Notably are the Waikiki Holiday Lights Trolley Tour and the annual Honolulu City Lights extravaganza.

#7. McAdenville in 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.

#8. Colorado’s Aspen Mountain

This beautiful ski resort town is well-known for being a haven for ski bunnies and travel enthusiasts. This resort 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.

#9. Louisiana’s New Orleans

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. It is believed to be the most stunning holiday lights event in the country.

#10. New Mexico’s Taos

Taos, 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.

#11. Missouri, Branson

There are other light shows, as well as the big An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City event. Our favorite Branson holiday activity, though, is boarding the Polar Express, where you and your children can see the Chris Van Allsburg classic come to life.

#12. Charleston City, 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.

#13. 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 test handmade chocolate while taking in the surroundings.

#14. Chicago City, 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.

#15. 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. 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).

#16. 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.

#17. 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.

Read Also: BEST INDIA TOURS PACKAGES AND DESTINATIONS IN 2023

#18. 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 contest, a tree lighting ceremony, and other activities.

#19. Newport Beach, California.

Although there will be no snow, this California resort will provide plenty of winter cheer during the annual Christmas Boat Parade. Every year, you may stop by the waterfront 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.

#20. 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.

#21. Orlando, Florida

What could be more amazing than spending Christmas at Disney World? You won’t want to miss out on 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.

#22. 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.

#23. 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.

#24. Maine’s Kennebunkport

Experience the splendor 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.

#25. Philadelphia, 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.

#26. Stowe Mountain Resort, 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.

#27. Munich

In December, Germany’s third-largest city, set against the magnificent background of the Bavarian Alps, comes alive with Christmas joy. Walk around Marienplatz square in the cold, then warm up with a steamy mug of mulled wine at Munich’s annual Christmas market. Board the ChristkindlTram, a vintage tram that transports passengers through some of Munich’s most attractive attractions, for an easy (and joyful) way to experience the city. Make time to visit the majestic Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired the Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella castles at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

#28. Morocco, Marrakesh

Morocco is known as “a cold country with a hot sun,” and while snow on the Atlas Mountains from mid-November to April demonstrates how extremely cold it can be at night, there are also piercing blue skies and the weather warm enough to swim in. This is the time to get a good deal on a flight to Marrakesh, but bring clothing and stay somewhere with warmth. Only July and August are less expensive, but only if you can stomach temps in the upper 40s.

#29. Mauritius

In Mauritius, the start of the festive season is marked by the blossoming of flame trees rather than the dressing of firs. These trees, which are as red as Santa’s suit, blossom from late November to early December. Soon after, hotel lobby decorations and seasonal store window displays begin to appear throughout the island. A Mauritian Christmas revolves around food and hotels in beach resorts like Grand Baie and Flic-en-Flac host gala dinners and festive brunches where you can dive in with a cocktail or two.

#30. Maldives

Replace the usual holiday color scheme of red and green with a landscape that is a billion shades of blue. Fly to Male, then take a seaplane to a luxury island resort like Medhufushi. Sleep in a villa suspended on stilts above the Indian Ocean’s jacuzzi-warm waves, and snorkel and day-sail your way through the season. On Christmas Day, several Maldives hotels provide traditional cuisines. If you avoid the sprouts, you’ll be rewarded with plates of fresh lobster, oysters, and grouper accompanied by a bottle of something bubbly.

Last-Minute Christmas Vacation Ideas

If you want to skip the turkey and go to Grandma’s place for the holidays, there’s still time to go on a spur-of-the-moment excursion. There are many tempting locales that offer an attractive alternative to the holiday hoopla, whether you’re looking for a city escape with wintry elegance, a mountain hamlet with dazzling lights, or a sunny, seaside locale. With affordable domestic airfares, good exchange rates, and budget-friendly attractions, it’s simple to organize a budget-friendly winter getaway. Here are nine undervalued vacation ideas to unplug and unwind this Christmas.

#31. Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah, with its picturesque parks, delectable Southern cuisine, world-class museums, and antebellum charm, is a great destination to unwind this Thanksgiving. In addition to Savannah’s ancient homes and Spanish moss-laden parks, provides convenient access to nearby Tybee Island. Plus, according to Amanda Festa, editor at travel deal site Cheapflights.com, you’ll find plenty of offers in adjacent Hilton Head Island and downtown Savannah.

From November 24-27, goSeek.com lists nightly rates under $100 at three-star hotels. Furthermore, round-trip flights from the District of Columbia start at $322 from November 24-27, and round-trip flights from New York City airports start at $480 for the same period.

#32. Vancouver, British Columbia

With its vast green areas, kid-friendly hot places, and sufficient chances for skiing, hiking, and bicycling, among other outdoor hobbies, Vancouver attracts adventurers all year. Hotwire travel writer Carrie Peters recommends visiting Canada around the Thanksgiving and January holidays to take advantage of the strength of the US dollar ($1 US dollar = approximately $1.34 Canadian dollars).

In addition, from November 20 to 27, Google Flights shows round-trip flights from New York City airports to Vancouver International Airport for $364. Even better, there will be plenty of affordable lodging options, with goSeek showing nightly prices starting at $103 at four-star properties from November 24-27.

#33. Oregon, Portland

Portland, with its abundance of craft breweries, gorgeous hiking trails, and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, provides a hip and economical alternative holiday destination. According to Clem Bason, CEO of goSeek, nightly rates at the stylish Hotel Modera start at $101 around Thanksgiving. If you want to indulge a little, Bason recommends Bluehour in the Pearl District for a $50 three-course, prix-fixe Thanksgiving lunch. During the Christmas season, goSeek is giving a $164-per-night voucher at the four-star Heathman Hotel.

#34. Las Vegas

Sin City attracts high rollers all year, but if you want to enjoy the city’s neon-lit casinos and immaculate pools without the hefty prices, schedule a trip around Thanksgiving. According to Festa, average airfares to Las Vegas have dropped by 15% since Thanksgiving last year.

Google Flights now has round-trip flights from New York City airports to McCarran International Airport from November 23-26 for $563. If you have some wiggle room, you can get an even better deal by extending your vacation until November 29, according to Festa. Furthermore, goSeek now has four-star hotels for less than $100 per night from November 23 to 27.

#35. Denver

Swap out expensive, celebrity-studded mountain towns like Vail, Colorado, and Park City, Utah, for a more low-key escape to the Mile-High City. According to Festa, Denver dazzles visitors with artisan breweries, fashionable restaurants, quirky museums, and convenient access to the famed rock formations and gleaming slopes of the Rockies. She cites Denver as an especially appealing winter vacation from West Coast destinations such as San Francisco, with Google Flights now advertising round-trip flights from $362 from December 23 to 27.

For the same period, Google Tickets has round-trip tickets from Los Angeles for less than $250. Furthermore, goSeek now shows nightly rates at four-star hotels in Denver for less than $100 from December 23 to 27.

#36. New Orleans

If you visit the Big Easy for New Year’s Eve, you’ll be able to ring in 2017 in the renowned French Quarter, as well as witness amazing fireworks displays. The city knows how to throw a party, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. From parades to a fleur-de-lis drop and, of course, fireworks, as well as general revelry in the streets and live entertainment in Jackson Square and beyond, there is celebrating at every turn.

We recommend abandoning town after Jan. 2, which marks the start of the college football Sugar Bowl. Google Tickets has round-trip tickets from Los Angeles to New York beginning at $305. In terms of lodging, Bason recommends the four-star Hilton New Orleans as a good idea for Christmas week, with a special $191 member rate nightly, an amazing bargain given the property’s central location.

What Is The Best Strategy To Select A Christmas Vacation Destination?

If money isn’t an issue, the first point to consider is whether you like a warm or cold climate.
Choose a spot that you want to go to for the activities you want to enjoy. For the best skiing, travel to Switzerland, Colorado, Utah, or Austria. If you wish to experience the Christmas markets, search for a unique way to do so, such as a River Cruise that visits the marketplaces.

The best way to choose a Christmas destination is to first understand the client’s preferences for warm vs. cold climates. Then there’s the budget and amount of time available for travel to a place, followed by locating the most direct flights to maximize time on the ground.

What Are the Key Advantages and Disadvantages of Traveling Over the Holidays?

There are several advantages and disadvantages to traveling during the holidays. The benefits of traveling during the holiday season include making new unique experiences that turn into heartfelt memories. The cons of traveling during Christmas are that it can be extremely stressful as it is a peak travel time, and usually higher pricing as it is a peak travel time worldwide.

How Far in Advance Should Your Customers Plan a Vacation?

It varies per destination, but most experts recommend booking at least 10-12 months in advance. Finally, Khoshchynka advised that the “earlier you start working on your trip, the better chance you have with more availability, better pricing, and less stress.”
However, if you’re reading this piece at the time of publishing (mid-September), experts recommend looking into Caribbean destinations because they don’t normally book up as quickly.

Christmas Vacation Ideas: Summary

Whether you’re looking for Christmas lights, shows, ice skating, or traditional markets, our guide to the top Christmas vacation ideas will help you uncover famous Christmas activities in each one! Keep these vacation ideas in mind for a last-minute Christmas getaway in 2023!