18 Christmas Vacation Ideas That’ll Make Your Kids Lose Their Minds
The holiday season brings so much joy and magic, but planning the perfect Christmas getaway can feel overwhelming. We know how tricky it can be to find a destination that keeps everyone happy – from your picky teens to your adventure-seeking partner to Grandma who just wants to relax.
Whether you’re dreaming of a white Christmas in the mountains or a sunny beach escape, we’ve rounded up 18 amazing vacation spots that will create unforgettable holiday memories for your whole crew. The best part? These festive destinations offer something special for every family style and budget, from cozy small-town charm to big city dazzle.
1) Cozy up in Salzburg, Austria for a traditional Christmas chase!
Let’s talk about one of our absolute favorite Christmas spots – Salzburg! We’re obsessed with this magical Austrian city that turns into a winter wonderland during the holiday season.
The traditional Christmas markets in Salzburg are totally worth bundling up for. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried their amazing Lebkuchen cookies and warm Glühwein!
We love that most tourist spots close down during Christmas, giving us the perfect excuse to embrace the local vibes. And speaking of local experiences, you can’t miss the Mozart Dinner Concert – it’s like stepping into a fancy time machine while stuffing our faces with yummy food!
Looking for a place to rest your head? We’re swooning over the Hotel Sacher, which goes all out with Christmas decorations and serves special holiday meals. So cozy!
The fortress concerts during Advent are absolutely dreamy. You can’t think of anything more festive than listening to classical music in a historic castle while snow falls outside.
2) Sleigh ride through Leavenworth, Washington’s Christmas wonderland
We can’t think of anything more magical than dashing through the snow in a real horse-drawn sleigh! Leavenworth, Washington turns into the most adorable winter wonderland during Christmas time.
Mountain Springs Lodge offers amazing sleigh rides that last about 45 minutes. We love that they let us snuggle up under cozy blankets while gliding through snowy meadows and forests.
The best part? After our ride, we get to warm up with hot cider by a toasty fire. Talk about the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!
Getting there is super easy. Just head to 7919 East Leavenworth Road. From Highway 2 at the west end of Leavenworth, turn onto Icicle Road, drive 1.9 miles, then turn left on East Leavenworth Road. You’ll spot their sign after about 1/4 mile.
This charming Bavarian-inspired village nestled in the Cascade Mountains gives us all the cozy Christmas vibes. Trust us – watching the fluffy white powder become your backdrop while riding in a two-horse open sleigh is pure holiday magic!
3) Toast to tropical vibes in St. Lucia—adults-only fun!
Need a break from the kiddos this Christmas? We totally get it! St. Lucia is calling with its stunning adults-only all-inclusive resorts where you can escape the winter blues.
Picture yourself sipping festive cocktails by sparkling Caribbean waters while palm trees sway in the warm breeze. No schedule to keep, no one asking “are we there yet?” – just pure relaxation!
We’re obsessed with spots like Secrets St. Lucia Resort, where you can enjoy romantic dinners at nine different restaurants or lounge by the pool with zero interruptions. Paradise found!
Want romance? The Sandals Regency La Toc sits on a gorgeous 220-acre estate with dreamy cliffside views. Imagine watching the sunset with your special someone while enjoying a Christmas dinner you didn’t have to cook!
Trading snow for sand might be exactly what we need this holiday season. Plus, we can FaceTime the kids to show off our beach pics while they’re at Grandma’s house – win-win!
4) Get snowy and sparkly in Park City, Utah
We’re obsessed with Park City as one of the most magical Christmas destinations ever! This adorable mountain town turns into a total winter wonderland during the holidays.
Park City’s Christmas and holiday celebrations here are seriously next-level. The super festive vibe hits you as soon as you arrive – we’re talking twinkling holiday lights everywhere and the most charming historic Main Street you’ve ever seen.
Getting here is a breeze since it’s just 35 minutes from Salt Lake International Airport. That means more time for fun and less time dealing with travel stress!
We can’t get enough of the traditional Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade, where ski staff light up the mountain with flares as they glide down in formation. It’s seriously magical and totally Instagram-worthy!
The best part? You can spend your days hitting the slopes, then cozy up by a fireplace with hot chocolate while watching the snow fall outside. Trust us – Christmas in Park City is basically like living in your own holiday movie!
5) Dance with Krampus in Salzburg, Austria for some festive fun
Get ready for one of the wildest Christmas traditions we’ve ever seen! In Salzburg, Austria, the Krampus and Perchten parades are a totally unique holiday experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Picture this: We’re strolling through Salzburg’s charming streets when suddenly these amazing costumed figures appear! Krampus is basically Santa’s spooky counterpart, and trust us – it’s more fun than scary. These parades happen from late November through early December.
While you’re there, you can also enjoy Salzburg’s magical Christmas markets, which are some of the oldest in Europe. The twinkling lights and festive atmosphere will totally get you in the holiday spirit!
We love that Salzburg offers such a perfect mix of traditional and quirky festivities. You can spend your days sipping hot chocolate at the Christmas markets, then join the excitement of the Krampus parade at night. It’s like getting two totally different holiday experiences in one amazing trip!
Want to make it even better? Take a guided tour that includes apple strudel making and a cozy goulash dinner. Now that’s what we call the perfect winter adventure!
6) Sip hot cocoa at Quebec City’s Winter Festival
We absolutely love the magical winter vibes in Quebec City! The Quebec Winter Carnival is seriously one of the coolest winter festivals you’ll ever experience.
And yes, we mean that literally – it’s cold but totally worth it!
Grab your warmest mittens and join us at this amazing 17-day winter wonderland.
Nothing beats warming up with a steaming cup of hot cocoa while watching stunning, ice skating sculptures and glittering chandeliers light up the night.
Did you know there’s a 97% chance of having a white Christmas in Quebec City?
The snow makes everything extra magical, especially when you’re exploring the enchanting Christmas markets with your hot chocolate in hand.
The whole city transforms into this adorable Christmas village straight out of a storybook.
We can’t think of anything cozier than sipping hot cocoa while watching the twinkling lights and festive decorations throughout Old Quebec.
Trust us, it’s basically like walking through a holiday movie set!
7) Beach-bound bliss in Miami, Florida—sun-kissed holidays!
Who says Christmas needs snow? We’re totally flipping the script with a sun-soaked holiday getaway in Miami!
Trading those winter coats for swimsuits might feel weird at first, but trust us – it’s amazing!
Miami Beach is serving pure vacation vibes with its crystal-clear waters and vibrant atmosphere.
We love how the palm trees are decorated with twinkling lights during the holidays – it’s magical in a totally different way!
The Riu Plaza Miami Beach is one of our fave spots to stay.
With over 250 rooms and amazing food, it’s perfect for families wanting that beachy Christmas experience. Plus, the kids can build sandcastles while we sip festive cocktails by the pool!
For families seeking a more laid-back vibe, Crandon Park Beach is our go-to spot.
With picnic areas and playgrounds, it’s perfect for little ones who need breaks between swimming sessions.
The best part? While our friends back home are shoveling snow, we’re working on our tans!
Miami’s beach hotels often offer special holiday packages, and we’ve found that booking during weekdays can score us some sweet deals on our oceanfront vacation.
8) Washington, D.C.: Explore festive history in the nation’s capital
Y’all, we can’t think of a more magical place to spend the holidays than our nation’s capital! The entire city transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and festive decorations everywhere you look.
We’re obsessed with the two stunning Christmas trees you absolutely must see.
The National Christmas Tree and the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest will take your breath away!
Let’s talk about the amazing holiday light displays that make DC extra special this time of year.
Trust us – grabbing some hot cocoa and walking through the sparkly streets with your kiddos is pure magic.
Want to make it even more fun?
We love booking a sunset tour to see all the monuments lit up at night.
The kids go absolutely bonkers for it, and honestly? So do we!
The mix of history and the holiday traditions and festive holiday cheer is just chef’s kiss.
For all you culture lovers, DC’s arts and historic communities put on amazing seasonal events.
Museums, theaters, and galleries get totally decked out for the holidays.
9) Cheer to the New Year at San Jose’s Tope Nacional de Caballos
Get ready for the most amazing horse parade you’ll ever see!
The El Gran Tope Nacional happens every December 26th in San José, Costa Rica, and we’re totally obsessed with this magical celebration.
Picture this: gorgeous horses, decked-out cowboys, and the most stunning hand-painted carriages parading through the streets.
We love watching the skilled riders showing off their majestic horses along Paseo Colon and Avenida Segunda starting at 1 p.m.
The parade celebrates Costa Rica’s farming heritage, and we’re here for it! Cowboys from all around the country come to strut their stuff and show off their beautiful horses.
The best part? This awesome event kicks off the Festejos Populares – a super fun celebration of festive events and traditions around Christmas and New Year.
The streets are packed with happy people, marching bands play catchy tunes, and the whole city comes alive with the holiday cheer and spirit.
We recommend grabbing a spot early along the parade route.
Trust us, you won’t want to miss a single moment of this incredible Costa Rican tradition!
10) Feel the magic in Chicago’s Christkindlmarket
We’re totally obsessed with this amazing European-style holiday market in Chicago – it’s giving us all the cozy winter vibes!
With two locations to choose from, you can visit either downtown in the Loop or up in Wrigleyville.
Picture this: adorable wooden houses lined up like a festive little village, twinkling lights everywhere, and the smell of yummy Bavarian treats in the air.
We’re already dreaming about sipping warm mulled wine while shopping for the cutest ornaments and gifts!
The Chicago Christkindlmarket isn’t just any old shopping trip – it’s a whole magical experience that’ll have you feeling like you’ve been transported straight to Europe.
Trust us, there’s nothing better than wandering through the market with a hot drink, checking out handmade treasures, and soaking in all those holiday feels.
Want to join in on the fun?
The market runs from November 18th through December 24th at Daley Plaza, with extended dates through December 31st at the Wrigleyville location.
Pro tip: go during the week to avoid the biggest crowds!
11) Head to NYC for the Rockefeller Center tree lighting
Let’s talk about the most magical Christmas experience ever!
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is seriously the perfect excuse to plan a winter getaway to NYC.
Mark your calendars for December 4, 2024, because that’s when the most iconic tree in the world gets lit up!
We love that this spectacular celebration happens right between West 48th and 51st Streets, bringing together both New Yorkers and visitors from everywhere.
Here’s a pro tip from your besties: The ceremony is totally free, but you’ll want to get there super early – like, afternoon early – to snag a good spot.
The plaza usually opens around 4 PM, and trust us, it fills up fast!
Before the main event, we can’t forget about all the holiday activities, the festive holiday events and the fun pre-lighting activities.
The tree arrives in early November, and there’s so much festive stuff to do – think story times, Santa pics, and adorable performances that’ll get you in the holiday spirit.
12) Embrace tradition in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
We can’t help but get excited about Bethlehem, Pennsylvania’s incredible Christmas spirit.
This charming small town here was founded on Christmas Eve in 1741, and they’ve kept the magic alive ever since!
Get ready to explore the sweetest holiday market you’ll ever see! Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem features more than 125 vendors selling the cutest gifts and yummiest treats.
We’re already dreaming about the hot chocolate!
One of our favorite parts is checking out the traditional “putz” displays. These adorable miniature nativity scenes tell beautiful stories with tiny wooden figures.
It’s such a special tradition that our kids absolutely love!
The Moravian traditions here are seriously amazing. We’re talking handmade beeswax candles and the most gorgeous historic buildings decorated to the nines.
It’s like stepping into a real-life Christmas card!
Want the full experience? Book a cozy stay at one of the historic inns and spend your evenings strolling through the twinkling downtown streets.
We promise it’ll become one of your family’s favorite, holiday activities and memories!
13) Cruise through Copenhagen’s fairy-tale Christmas markets
We can’t think of anything more magical than cruising through Copenhagen during the holiday season!
The city transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and festive decorations everywhere.
Tivoli Gardens hosts an amazing Christmas market with over 800,000 fairy lights!
We love browsing through the cute gift stalls and watching the ice skaters glide across the lake.
Denmark totally owns the cozy vibes with their concept of ‘hygge.’ The city sparkles with Christmas decorations, and you’ll feel the festive spirit warming you up even on the chilliest days.
The Admiral Hotel near Nyhavn makes the perfect home base.
We’re obsessed with its location – it’s right by the canal tours, shopping streets, and tons of amazing restaurants.
Want our top tip? Don’t miss the King’s New Square Christmas Market!
It’s super charming and gives us all those fairytale Danish Christmas feels we’re looking for.
A Christmas market cruise through Copenhagen is basically like stepping into a real-life holiday movie.
We’re already dreaming about the mulled wine and Danish pastries!
14) Go wild at Disney World’s holiday celebration in Florida
We can’t think of a more magical place to celebrate Christmas than Walt Disney World!
The holiday season kicks off in mid-November and turns the parks into a winter wonderland light displays that’ll make your family’s jaws drop.
The festive decorations are absolutely next-level, with giant Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and garlands everywhere you look.
We’re talking serious holiday magic here!
Want to meet Santa while hanging with Mickey? You totally can! The holiday entertainment at Hollywood Studios is extra special, with shows that’ll have your whole crew singing along.
Don’t even get us started on the treats!
We’re obsessed with all the festive goodies they serve up during the holidays.
Picture hot cocoa, holiday-themed cupcakes, and seasonal snacks that are totally Instagram-worthy.
Best part? The Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is like the ultimate holiday bash.
We’re talking special shows, rare character meet-and-greets, and even snow on Main Street – in Florida! How cool is that?
15) Get enchanted by Prague’s Christmas markets
Calling all holiday-loving mamas – we’re about to discover the most magical Christmas destination ever!
Prague’s Christmas markets run from late November through early January, giving us plenty of time to soak in all the festive vibes.
Picture this: stunning medieval buildings draped in twinkling lights while we wander through charming market stalls sipping hot mulled wine.
The Czech Christmas markets are among Europe’s absolute best, and we’re totally here for it!
Let’s grab our besties and head to Old Town Square, where the biggest and most fabulous market awaits.
We can shop for handmade ornaments, sample traditional Czech treats, and snap those Insta-worthy pics of our kiddos gazing at the massive Christmas tree.
Want to support a great cause while shopping? The market at Mariánské Náměstí features vendors from nonprofit organizations selling unique items with heartwarming stories behind them.
Bundle up the entire family and prepare for pure Christmas magic!
Between the festive holiday decorations everywhere, delicious food smells wafting through the air, and carolers singing in the streets, we promise this will be a holiday experience your crew will never forget.
16) Experience the holiday extravagance of Paris, France
We absolutely love how Paris transforms into a magical winter wonderland during Christmas!
The sparkling fairy lights and festive decorations turn the City of Light into something straight out of a holiday movie.
The Christmas holiday markets here in Paris are seriously giving us all the cozy vibes.
Picture us sipping hot mulled wine while munching on fresh gingerbread – talk about holiday perfection!
These adorable markets pop up all over the city, and we can’t get enough of them.
Let’s talk about the food because OMG!
We’re obsessed with the gourmet Christmas tours through Saint-Germain-des-Pres where you can treat yourself to amazing three-course holiday meals.
Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
The iconic landmarks get dressed up for the season too!
The Eiffel Tower sparkles extra bright, and the department store windows are literally jaw-dropping.
We’re talking next-level holiday decoration goals here!
Don’t even get us started on the Seine River cruises during Christmas time.
Seeing the city lights reflect off the water while staying cozy inside a glass-covered boat? Pure magic!
Just remember to book these super popular cruises early because everyone wants in on this festive fun!
17) Spend Christmas in the cozy charm of Asheville, North Carolina
We absolutely love Asheville during the holiday season! This charming mountain town transforms into a magical winter wonderland that’ll make your heart skip a beat.
The spectacular Biltmore Estate decks its halls from November through early January with dozens of decorated trees and thousands of twinkling lights.
Trust us, seeing America’s largest private residence dressed up for Christmas is totally worth the splurge!
Y’all need to check out the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn.
We’re talking mind-blowing edible masterpieces that’ll make your jaw drop. Just remember to bring your camera!
The annual Asheville Holiday Parade is such a blast with marching bands, dancers, and the cutest finale featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Our kids go nuts for this every single time!
We can’t forget about the adorable Christmas markets where you can find the perfect unique gifts.
Nothing beats sipping hot cocoa while browsing local crafts and holiday goodies.
Pro tip: Bundle up and take an evening stroll downtown to see all the twinkly holiday lights, and festive shop windows.
The whole vibe is giving us major Hallmark movie energy!
18) Watch the Northern Lights in Lapland, Finland
We can’t think of anything more magical than watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky in Finnish Lapland! This winter wonderland destination lets us combine the hunt for the aurora with some seriously epic Christmas vibes.
The Northern Lights Village in Saariselkä is one of our favorite spots. We can literally watch the light show from our cozy bed through a glass roof! How cool is that?
For the ultimate Christmas experience, we love visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Between meeting the big guy himself and going on reindeer rides, we can spend our evenings chasing those gorgeous green lights across the sky.
The best part? Most tours welcome kids 4 and up, making it perfect for creating those unforgettable holiday memories together.
Don’t forget to try some exciting winter sports activities while we wait for darkness to fall. We’re talking husky dog sledding, snowmobiling, and cozying up in adorable log cabins with hot cocoa. This Christmas vacation will blow your mind!
Cozy Getaways: Snuggle Up and Relax
There’s nothing quite like cozying up in a peaceful retreat during the holiday season! We’re all about those magical moments when we can just kick back, relax, and enjoy the festive vibes with our favorite people.
Finding the Perfect Cabin Retreat
Let’s be real – finding that dreamy cabin can feel overwhelming! We love looking for cozy holiday getaways tucked away in quiet spots where we can truly unwind.
The key is picking somewhere that feels like a big warm hug. Think wooden walls, fuzzy blankets, and windows that show off those gorgeous winter views!
Pro tip: Look for cabins with these must-haves:
Full kitchen (because midnight snacks are life!)
Comfy seating areas
Board games and books
Hot tub or jacuzzi
Privacy from neighbors
Benefits of a Warm Fireplace
OMG, can we talk about how amazing fireplaces are? Nothing beats snuggling up with hot cocoa while watching those flames dance! European destinations like Vienna totally get the cozy fireplace vibe right.
The crackling sounds and toasty warmth create the perfect atmosphere for:
Family game nights
Storytelling sessions
Christmas movie marathons
Holiday photo ops
We’re obsessed with how fireplaces instantly make any space feel more magical and intimate. Plus, they’re perfect for drying those wet mittens after a snowy adventure!
Remember to stock up on firewood and matches – nobody wants to make a midnight run when the fire dies down!
Urban Escapes: City Lights and Festive Nights
Cities transform into magical wonderlands during Christmas time, with twinkling lights and festive decorations around every corner. We love exploring urban destinations during the holidays because there’s always something exciting happening!
Exploring Winter Markets
New York City’s Bryant Park Winter Village is one of our favorite spots to get our holiday shopping fix! The market stalls are packed with unique gifts, and we can’t resist warming up with hot cocoa while watching ice skaters glide by.
We’re obsessed with European-style Christmas markets popping up in cities across America. Think wooden chalets selling handmade ornaments, the smell of fresh-baked cookies, and live music filling the air.
Pro tip: Visit markets on weekday afternoons to avoid the biggest crowds. We’ve found the best deals and shortest lines during these quieter times!
City Scape Adventures
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is totally worth braving the NYC crowds!
We love taking silly photos in front of the massive tree.
We also enjoy watching brave souls attempt ice skating below.
St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights gives us major holiday vibes with light displays throughout park city and millions of twinkly lights covering the historic district.
It’s like stepping into a real-life snow globe (minus the snow)!
Don’t forget about rooftop bars with heated igloos. They’re perfect for seeing city lights while staying cozy.
We always book these in advance because they’re super popular during the holiday season.
Fun Activities We Love:
Christmas light tours by bus or boat
Holiday window shopping along decorated main streets
Holiday-themed food tours
Festive photo ops at decorated hotel lobbies
