27 Totally Fantastic Christmas Family Vacation Destinations for 2023
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While Christmas is certainly a special time to head home, bake delicious cookies, and spend time with the ones we love most in the places that feel most familiar, the end of year also brings about an excellent opportunity for adventure. If you and your family are itching to spend the season someplace new, you’ve come to the right place. These are the best Christmas family vacation ideas and destinations for your whole crew.
Hoping to spend the holidays someplace warm? Try the desert oasis of Palm Springs, California, or head to the festive community of Gruene, Texas for a two-steppin’ Christmas celebration complete with a cowboy Santa Claus. (Seriously!) Or perhaps you’ve got something more, ahem, international in mind? In that case, might we suggest Copenhagen, Denmark, a.k.a. the hygge capital of the world, or Frankfurt, Germany for the world-famous Christmas market? Of course, for some, it’s not Christmas without a dusting of snow. If that’s more in line with your idea of a Christmas vacation, book tickets to a ski town such as Park City, Utah or Whitefish, Montana.
Whether you opt for a small town on the other side of the country, an all-inclusive resort, or someplace nearby, know that any trip will be special if you take the time to create memories and savor moments with those you love best. So give your family the gift of travel this year and book your tickets ASAP for a fabulous Christmas vacation.
Gruene, Texas
A two-steppin' Texas Christmas awaits in this thriving historic district located within the community of New Braunfels. Within 15 walkable acres, you'll pose for pics with Cowboy Kringle, Gruene's distinctive wrangler twist on Santa Claus, cheer on the annual Pony Express Ride, then head to Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest continuously running dance hall, for a calendar jam-packed with holiday shows.
Woodstock, Vermont
Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, this Christmas card-worthy village and its surrounding hamlets shine with New England charm. You and your family can go cross-country skiing, visit covered bridges, and bundle up for horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-covered pastures at Billings Farm & Museum.
Grand Marais, Minnesota
Along the frozen waters of Minnesota's majestic North Shore, a Lake Superior art colony offers wintry woods to explore, cozy respites from the chill, and plenty of places to bolster your creative side. Don't miss the Scandinavian-inspired "Oh Ole Night" Christmas parade and plenty of opportunities to shop locally made crafts!
Middleburg, Virginia
Fans of an old-fashioned Christmas should head to the center of Virginia's horse and hunt country, where the holiday festivities include cheering on a parade of loyal hounds, shopping for European holiday decor, and enjoying cocktail hour with Cupcake the miniature horse in the beautifully bedecked main lobby of BET co-founder Sheila Johnson's luxurious Salamander Resort.
Pella, Iowa
While this Midwestern town is perhaps best known for its spring Tulip festival, it also makes for a supremely festive family Christmas vacation. The distinctively Dutch celebration includes a traditional Kerstmarkt, Sinterklaas arriving on a wooden boat during the annual Christmas parade, and plenty of Gouda cheese and yummy fresh-baked pastries.
Whitefish, Montana
The rugged beauty of this Flathead Valley town is on full display come colder months, which makes this food-and-fun-filled community the perfect Christmas destination for adventure-oriented families. Snowshoe in Glacier National Park, ski powder-dusted trails at Whitefish Mountain Resort, or take a scenic horse-drawn sleigh trip at Bar W Guest Ranch before cozying up in a chalet-themed suite at Hidden Moose Lodge (pictured).
Park City, Utah
This buzzy Utah mountain town may be best known for skiing, great shops, and Sundance, but come Christmas there are activities the whole family can enjoy. To add to the calendar: a ride on the North Pole Express, the Holiday Spectacular Sing-a-long, and Santa's annual ride down the town lift.
Palm Springs, California
There are few deserts as merry and bright as Palm Springs on any given day, but during the holidays, it’s even more brilliant. You can leave that parka in the North Pole, because the average high in December is a mild 70 degrees. That means you’ll actually want to be outside to take in all the delights at the Festival of Lights Parade. For those looking for dinner and a show, The Purple Room Supper Club serves up holiday-themed Elvis tribute shows and surf-and-turf dinners. And natural beauty and more-is-more lights come together at the WildLights display at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
Copenhagen, Denmark
What could be more Christmas-y than the birthplace of “hygge,” which just so happens to be the Danish word for all things cozy and comfortable? Experience the wonder of a traditional Danish Christmas while you wander the cobblestone streets in search of naughty elves (“nisse”). The brave can go for a dip in icy waters and then pop into a wood-fired sauna. Or you could save the ice for drinks and sample some of the special Christmas beers and holiday desserts such as kringle and risalmande. We’re also willing to bet you’ve never seen a parade quite like the floating Santa Lucia affair—kayaks decorated with lights sail through the canal.
Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Look, you know you’re going to have to take the kids there eventually, so why not do it at Christmas? You get all the magic of the Magic Kingdom along with a whole bunch of holiday-specific activities that will make for fond memories whether you’re a Disney Diehard or not. There are literally hundreds of trees and wreaths layered throughout the park—some trees of as tall as 70 feet. What’s more, on 23 nights in November and December, regular park admission gets you into Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. You can ride rides under the twinkle of the Christmas lights and enjoy parades, parties, and performances, as well as cookies and hot chocolate at various spots around the park.
Scottsdale, Arizona
If your idea of a very merry day involves a round of golf and little spa time, you’re in luck. There are more than 50 spas and more than 200 golf courses here. But 18 holes and a massage aren’t everything! You can also commune with nature on a hike of Camelback Mountain and then commune with the locals at Scottsdazzle, a month-long festival in Old Town featuring live nativities, wine tastings, tree lightings, train rides, ice skating, and more.
Kennebunkport, Maine
There’s a reason almost every Hallmark Christmas movie takes place in a small town in Maine. Discover it for yourself on a holiday trip set in Kennebunkport (population 3,639). During Christmas Prelude in November and December, there are tree lightings to choose from, a pooch parade, fireworks displays, seashore holiday trolley rides, and lobster bakes. By the end of the trip, you may be tempted to quit your big- to midsize-city job and put down permanent roots—just like a Hallmark heroine.
Frankfurt, Germany
Did you know the Frankfurt Christmas Market has been a thing since 1393. It has, and it’s huge—more than 3 million people make a pilgrimage to this event every year. You’ll know why when you feast on mulled wine, grilled sausages, and gingerbread after making the rounds (literally!) on the historical merry-go-round. And nothing could be sweeter than the sounds of church bells and carols as you shop for handmade gifts and treasures.
Fredericksburg, Texas
The Lone Star State might not be the first place you’d expect to experience a very German yuletide, but this Hill Country destination is full of surprises. Fly into Austin or San Antonio and then head for the hills to experience the 26-foot-tall traditional German wooden Christmas pyramid and the stunning lights of the Marktplatz almost every evening at the Nights of Lights event. There’s also ice skating, a Christmas Wine Affair wine tasting tour, and superb shopping at more than 100 shops and boutiques.
New York, New York
Embrace your inner tourist—this is the time to hit all the tried-and-true holiday hotspots. That means, you gotta go see that tree at Rockefeller Center, and you might as well skate while you’re there. You should also make your way to the market at Bryan Park, take time to see the Rockettes at Radio City and treat yourself to something fun at FAO Schwartz. In your downtime, you can have a word with Santa at Macy’s and take a walk past the fab windows at Bergdorf’s. As if that’s not enough, you can also experience incredible art at The Met on Christmas Eve. What a gift!
Missoula, Montana
A visit to the Treasure State is just the ticket for folks who believe there can be no Christmas without snow—Missoula averages 40 inches of the white stuff every year. Active family members can bond in the great outdoors—skiing, snowshoeing, sightseeing—at SnowBowl, which is located in the Lolo National Forest. There’s plenty of holiday-specific events here, too, during the month of December. Have you ever heard 100 tubas play Christmas music at once? You will at TubaChristmas! Later you can warm up your body with hot chocolate at Ducrey Chocolate and warm your heart with a carol-centric performance by the Missoula Symphony & Chorale.
Chicago, Illinois
If you’re looking for a location to break out your warmest puffer coat, there’s no greater place to rock it than the Windy City. There’s obviously a ton to do year-round here, but Christmas vacation is the right time for ice skating at Millennium Park, sledding at Soldier Field, and then seeing a performance of The Nutcracker performed by Joffrey Ballet. Cap it all off with a visit to Frosty’s Bar, a pop-up tavern that will get you into the holiday spirit with spirits.
Asheville, North Carolina
For years, artists have been flocking to this charming town located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Now it’s your turn! Not only can you buy a heap of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts for the folks on your nice list (and maybe even a few for those on the naughty one, too), there are also loads of holiday-themed activities like gingerbread house competitions, holiday bazaars, and performances that you can take on with your nearest and dearest. And you must make time to tour the Biltmore. During the holidays, the stunning estate is a sight to behold—the 35-foot Fraser fir is adorned with more than 25,000 ornaments and 100,000 holiday lights.
Bentonville, Arkansas
Originally known as the birthplace of Sam’s Club and Walmart, this Arkansas hamlet is now showing up on a lot of “Best Places to Live” lists. It’s also a great place to vacation during the holidays thanks to a town square that’s absolutely brimming with holiday spirit courtesy of thousands of lights and Christmas tree. After you check out the twinkling lights, you can show off your moves at the 7,000-square-foot ice skating rink located nearby. There are plenty of shops, parades, and an aptly named pop-up bar called Miracle on Second Street that serves up hot toddies.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
There’s something that just feels right about spending Christmas in the mountains. Not only do you get to snowboard and snowmobile, you also get to experience things you don’t get to see every day. For example, have you ever seen Santa ride a horse? You will here at the Santa Horseback Procession. You can also visit with him at his workshop during the Steamboat Festival.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Some very big-time celebrities have homes in Jackson Hole, so you’ll fit right in! When you’re not caroling with Harrison Ford or shooting the breeze with Tiger Woods, you’ll find there’s plenty of holiday fun to be had. Don't miss the monumental arches in Town Square, which are wrapped in tons of lights. When visiting, keep your eyes peeled for Santa—he’s more than happy to get his photo snapped with you. There are also a variety of concerts, performances, and even opportunities for Christmas karaoke around town.
Nashville, Tennessee
We can think of fewer places that offer more opportunity for family harmony than Music City. The shopping is great, the people are friendly, and there are live performances happening in venues like the Grand Ole Opry and bars up and down Broadway every single day. But if you’re looking for more snow and less show, the Gaylord Opryland fills the bill with a winter wonderland jam-packed with huge ice sculptures, frozen slides, and the Polar Express. And if you prefer twinkling lights over spotlights, the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is the place to be.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
People flock to Santa Fe for the weather (on average, it’s sunny there 325 days a year), the Pueblo Revival architecture, the art scene (more the 250 art galleries within 2 square miles!), the delicious food infused with green chile, and, of course, the incredible views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. A visit in December should include a stop at the Winter Santa Fe Indian Market for pottery, weavings, jewelry, and more. For a totally unique experience, attending Las Posadas is a must. It’s a candlelit reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s quest to find lodgings that begins on the Plaza and ends at the Palace of Governors.
Charleston, South Carolina
Prepare for plenty of Instagrammable content because this already incredibly picturesque town pulls out all the stops for the holidays. You could spend days walking the cobbled streets and checking out the Antebellum architecture bedecked with bows and lights. But there are also a ton of parades (including a holiday parade of boats), markets, food and wine events, as well as Santa Sundays at the South Carolina Aquarium. If you’re looking for a quieter moment, there are a number of candlelight services at the many churches and cathedrals that dot The Holy City.
Boston, Massachusetts
Everyone wins with a trip to Boston. U.S. History buffs and those who barely have a working knowledge will both enjoy the sight of historical monuments mixed with Christmas decor in old-school neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, Backbay, and Charlestown. Sports fans will rejoice at the number of options available to them thanks to the presence of the Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics. And those who are fans of sitting back and relaxing while sightseeing will be grateful for the opportunity to cruise along the Boston Harbor for a holiday extravaganza.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Just because you had way too much fun there during your bachelorette weekend way back when doesn’t mean that Vegas isn’t right for Christmas. In fact, there are plenty of wholesome activities you can take on for a holiday-themed vacation like seeing top-notch performers sing Yuletime standards, looking at the lights on the Strip, and checking out the Bellagio Fountains, which are choreographed around carols. You can also ice skate at the Cosmopolitan and get up close and personal at the totally unique, 30-minute Immersive Nutcracker show.
London, England
Leaving home for the holidays doesn’t have to make you a Scrooge—even if you decide to head over the pond and go directly to his hometown. In fact, you can’t be at all grouchy when you’re totally immersed in good cheer, whether you’re looking at lights from an iconic double-decker bus, touring the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, or having a royally good time touring Windsor Castle to see the incredible Christmas decor. There’s shopping at Harrods and Selfridges, plenty of plays around town, and so many museums. And if you have a certain family member who is an avid Harry Potter fan, you absolutely can’t miss Hogwarts in the Snow.
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