31 Perfect Christmas Vacations for Families for the Best Holiday in 2024

Everyone celebrates the holidays differently and for some, the end of December means Christmas vacations for families. Some escape the soft sand beaches in favor of fluffy white snow, while others leave the bitter cold to find warm sun and palm trees. Whether it’s tradition or you’re trying something new, there are tons of incredible Christmas vacations for families that will put you in the holiday spirit one way or another. 

It’s helpful to plan ahead so you can secure good flights and hopefully fair prices. Also, consider that nearly 115 million Americans travel over the holidays, so you’ll want to plan for extra traffic, wait times and surge pricing according to Forbes. But don’t let the thought of a long airport line deter you.   

Some families like to travel so they’re in a new destination for actual Christmas while others are simply planning trips over winter break. However you want to do it, Christmas vacations for families are a rare opportunity for everyone to be together without the hectic feeling of different schedules and responsibilities. It’s never too early to plan ahead for next year’s Christmas vacation for families so you can sip Christmas cocktails someplace special while you wait on Santa.

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• Best Christmas Vacations for Families
• Luxury Christmas Vacations for Families
• Affordable Christmas Vacations for Families
• Unique Christmas Vacations for Families

Best Christmas Vacations for Families

1. Lake Tahoe, California

Beautiful in summer or the peak of winter, a trip to Lake Tahoe is one of the best Christmas vacations for families. Whether you drive in or catch a flight nearby, you’re destined for incredible skiing, charming villages and a 65-foot lit-up Christmas tree to get you in the holiday spirit. 

2. Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Colorado

If you’re looking for a quintessential Christmas vacation for families, head out to the Devil’s Thumb Ranch. You’re all but guaranteed a white, snowy Christmas along with sleigh rides, skiing, ice skating and scenic tours of the beautiful property. There’s a massive spa on-site to help you relax and enjoy your trip even more.

3. Walt Disney World, Florida

There’s no bad time to visit Disney World, but something about the holidays here make it a little extra magical. You can’t help but have the best Christmas vacation for families in a place like Disney World. Surrounded by holiday cheer, world-class dining, plenty of rides and other experiences plus your kids’ favorite characters strolling around the park.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

You’ll feel right at home in the birthplace of hygge for a Christmas vacation for families you won’t soon forget. While the skies may be gray and snow may fall, you’ll find plenty of ways to warm up and feel cozy. Enjoy Christmas markets and outdoor activities with the locals, no matter the weather. 

5. Scottsdale, Arizona

Who says Christmas can’t involve a round or two of golf and some time at the spa? If that’s your idea of a good time, then you’ll make the best Christmas vacations for families in Scottsdale.

There are more than 50 spas and 200 golf courses around Scottsdale and a month-long festival in Old Town that will put you in the Christmas spirit in no time. A day trip to the spa sounds like the perfect Christmas gift for mom. 

6. Stowe, Vermont

You can enjoy a perfectly traditional Christmas vacation for families in Stowe, Vermont. Take on East Coast skiing or sled racing before strolling down cheery streets lined with Christmas lights and hot cocoa vendors. Other activities include ice skating or a charming horse-drawn sleigh ride. 

7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Though Jackson Hole is primarily known for incredible hiking and skiing, there’s much more to explore here for some of the best Christmas vacations for families. Some pretty big-time celebs call Jackson Hole home, at least sometimes, and after a day or two of soaking up the natural beauty and wonder you’ll understand why. There are plenty of traditional holiday activities like concerts, light shows and even Christmas karaoke. 

Luxury Christmas Vacations for Families

8. Singapore

Singapore is an incredible destination at any time of year, but a trip during December makes a memorable luxury Christmas vacation for families. You won’t find snow but you will find incredible light shows all over the city. Plus, you can check out Universal Studios Singapore for an adrenaline rush. Expect live performances, a circus and plenty of other surprises. 

9. Cancun, Mexico

Escape the cold and snow with a quick flight to Cancun for a luxurious Christmas vacation for families. Everyone is in the holiday spirit as most resorts don their Santa hats all month long. Many resorts also feature local fairs each week where the locals bring their crafts and goodies to share with you. 

You can still get a picture in front of a big tree of poinsettias or a light-adorned palm tree. Most resorts offer or require an all-inclusive package, so you don’t need to leave the hotel grounds unless you want to. Let your kids know you’re headed to Mexico for a fun Christmas gift for teens that will light up their eyes. 

10. Frankfurt, Germany

Take a trip across the pond for a luxury Christmas vacation for families that will be full of holiday cheer. The Christmas markets here are famous for their charm and they’re loaded with delicious foods and homemade gifts. You can always enjoy some live performances, too. 

11. Palm Beach, Florida

Enjoy a different kind of luxury Christmas trip for families when you explore Palm Beach. Check out Sandy, the giant sandcastle Christmas tree downtown along with soft sandy beaches and tons of world-class shopping and dining. You never know which celeb you might run into on Worth Avenue. 

12. South Tyrol, Italy

Soak up views of the majestic Dolomites, nestled in between fairytale towns with luxury Christmas vacations for families in South Tyrol, Italy. You’ll see Santa, horse-drawn carriages and charming holiday markets to explore. This whole area is the ideal backdrop for a romantic Christmas date idea. 

13. Costa Rica

Enjoy some Pura Vida with luxury Christmas vacations for families in Costa Rica. Enjoy beaches and mountains in one place, with a sprinkle of unique Christmas spirit. Watch in amazement at the Tope Nacionale de Caballos, a horseback parade in San Juan on the day after Christmas. Private surf lessons or deep sea fishing makes a great Christmas gift for dads. 

14. London, United Kingdom

While it won’t be a particularly white holiday, you can count on some truly festive ambiance around the city with this luxury Christmas vacation for families in London. Spend a rainy afternoon at Harrod’s and walk around town taking in the classical cheer that’s apparent all over town. A mince-meat pie or a sweet Colin the Caterpillar sounds like the perfect treat on a chilly day. 

15. St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

Enjoy a tropical trip with this luxury Christmas vacation for families in the US Virgin Islands. You’ll still find popular Christmas activities for kids like pictures with Santa, face painting and maybe even some Christmas lights that happen to be displayed on boats instead of houses. Take advantage of soft sand, snorkeling and sunbathing while you’re there. 

16. Switzerland

From Basel to Zurich or deep in the Swiss Alps, you can enjoy luxury Christmas vacations for families in Switzerland. If there’s one thing the Swiss are known for, it’s luxury and these towns have world-class dining, skiing, shopping and Christmas markets. Winter activities abound here for young kids to adults. 

Affordable Christmas Vacations for Families

17. Yosemite National Park, California

There’s truly never a bad time to visit Yosemite and it can be a great Christmas vacation for families. Make it a road trip or pack up the RV and enjoy the many festive activities. You can choose to camp or rent a cabin nearby. Take a sleigh ride through Curry’s village and lace up your skates or fasten your ski boots and enjoy some cold weather fun. 

18. Gruene, Texas

Just a few hours outside of Austin you’ll find a surprisingly fun and affordable Christmas vacation for families. The city of Gruene is charming and old, featuring the oldest dance hall around. Pose for pictures with Cowboy Kringle then cheer as loud as you can for the Pony Express Ride before settling in at the Gruene Dance Hall for hour after hour of holiday spirit. 

19.  Pella, Iowa

While Iowa might not be high on your list of vacation spots, this charming town in the middle of the state certainly should be. Pella is actually known for their strong Dutch culture and tulip festival in the Spring, but you enjoy affordable Christmas vacations for families here, too. You’ll see Sinterklaas arrive on a wooden boat during the parade and there will be plenty of creamy Gouda cheese and Dutch pastries to enjoy. 

20. San Antonio, Texas

Another unsuspecting but festive location for affordable Christmas vacations for families is San Antonio, Texas. The charming river walk is always a sight to see, but around the holidays it is adorned with tons of Mexican lanterns. 

Enjoy the food and ambiance by foot or by boat. Wondering where is hot and cheap over Christmas? Texas enjoys some pretty mild winters, especially in Southern cities like San Antonio. Temps vary but can range from around 70 to 85°F. 

21. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

This adorable town in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee is bursting with German charm and is perfect for affordable Christmas vacations for families. The winter schedule around town is loaded with festive events like a lights parade or Enchanted Christmas Festival. 

22. Whitefish, Montana

The Wild West has a special beauty during all four of the seasons, but there’s something beautiful about Christmas vacations for families here in the Wintertime. Enjoy skiing, dog sledding or just some peace and quiet in the snow-capped mountains. Depending on where you live, the road trip in is just as exciting and memorable. 

23. Fredericksburg, Texas

With several other Southern or Southwestern Texas towns on the list, it’s no surprise that you can have a memorable and affordable Christmas vacation for families in Fredricksburg. 

This remarkably German town in the Lone Star State is brimming with holiday cheer like a 26-foot-tall German wooden Christmas pyramid or ice skating. You’ll also find you’re right in Texas hill country where there are tons of charming local wineries for you to enjoy the mild Winter. 

Unique Christmas Vacations for Families

24. Middleburg, Virginia

While this destination might not ordinarily be on your list, it’s a great spot for unique Christmas vacations for families. It’s a classic Christmas fairytale in this snowy town. Watch the horse and hunt parade trot down Main Street followed by their pack of hounds or shop for European trinkets in an antique market. Kids and adults will love the cocktail hour, featuring Cupcake the miniature horse at Salamander Resort. 

25. Park City, Utah

This charming ski town is less than an hour from the Salt Lake City airport, making it a convenient and fun Christmas vacation for families. Enjoy tons of fresh powder and world-class skiing along with great food and a lovely little town to explore. 

26. Palm Springs, California

This desert town is about as merry as it gets, making it a great spot for unique Christmas vacations for families. Leave your parka at home because the average temperature is in the 70s, which means you can take in the Festival of Lights Parade in comfort. 

27. Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle

This massive Italian Renaissance-style hotel was built in the 1920s and is the perfect spot for unique Christmas vacations for families today. This grand, palatial spot decks their halls impeccably each year, and the front desk staff are there to go above and beyond. 

Enjoy the wild, wacky and artsy vibes in downtown Seattle then come back for a dip in the pool under the glass solarium where the water stays a balmy 87 degrees. 

28. Faroe Islands, Denmark

This stunning self-governing archipelago is made up of 18 rocky islands with volcanoes and some super-friendly locals. This is a unique Christmas vacation for families who love adventure. While it might be a bit remote, you can still find holiday cheer as the locals build a Christmas City decked out with lights and festive decorations. You can camp, but there’s also a Hilton Garden Hotel that welcomes you. 

29. Helsinki, Finland

The forecast may be cold and gray, but that’s no reason not to plan a unique Christmas vacation for families to Helsinki. Their Christmas market is world-famous, full of homemade goodies and trinkets. If you’ve never been, you’ll be amazed and delighted by the culinary scene, plus few things are cozier or more invigorating in the cool temps than a sauna and cold plunge experience.

30. Cusco, Peru

It’s technically summertime in Peru in December, but that just makes for unique Christmas vacations for families here. Enjoy parades, fireworks and some time in nature perhaps with a trip to Machu Pichu. You’ll still see typical Christmas symbols like trees and nativity scenes, but with a little Peruvian spin. 

31. Lapland, Finland

Embrace the white Christmas all the way in Lapland, Finland. For adventure lovers, you can have some unique Christmas vacations for families in the North with some incredibly magical experiences. 

Camp out in glass-covered igloo huts as you sleep under the Northern Lights. Enjoy dog sledding and snowshoeing then warm up in a wood-fired sauna. Visit Santa Claus’ hometown of Rovaniemi, Finland where you can visit Santa Claus village. 

If you’re looking to make new traditions for your young family or thinking about a spectacular holiday trip that doubles as a last-minute Christmas gift idea, the world is your oyster. From tropical beaches to charming snow-covered towns or luxurious trips around the world, there are so many incredible ways to celebrate together. 

Wondering where the best place is for Christmas vacation? Think about your elf on the shelf ideas… Is he ice fishing? Skiing? Baking up Christmas treats? Take your kids on a real-life adventure, inspired by his Christmas mischief. You’ll also need to consider your budget, how much time you have and whether your family enjoys adventure, classic wintery activities or a laid-back week in the sun. 

For even more fun things to try, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!