Why not treat your family to a Christmas getaway this year? Christmas vacations offer a different experience to summer vacations. You get to see popular destinations in a new light, with a different atmosphere and energy. Depending on what time in December you set out, you may even get the chance to visit popular attractions with little to no tourists around! Check out our list of family Christmas vacation ideas that are guaranteed to be as practical as they are enjoyable!
Maui, Hawaii
Dreaming of a warm Christmas, with the sun, beaches, and tropical climates? Well, you’re not the only one, as the Hawaiian Islands remain popular family holiday destinations, even during the offseason months. There’s nothing quite like escaping the cold snowstorms of your hometown, and instantly returning to the heat of the summer to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
Out of all the Hawaiian Islands, we’d pick Maui as the best Christmas getaway location. Here you can experience the exciting Christmas markets, the picturesque Christmas lighting, and the lofty Banyan Tree Christmas display.
Maui, as ever, is bustling with outdoor activity during December. Snorkel, swim, and build sandcastles at one of the islands many sandy beaches, such as the Black Sand Beach, under the shade of palm trees. It’s also one of the best times for whale watching.
Break convention this year and have a tropical Christmas on the beach!
If your family wants excitement, big crowds, and Disney characters, your best bet is Disney World, Florida. Obviously, a popular destination all year round, Disneyworld truly comes to life around the festive season, which is why mentioning this in our family Christmas vacation ideas list is a must.
Faux snow is sprinkled all over the resort and park, and bright Christmas displays are festooned throughout, giving the park an enchanting and warm appeal. There’s no wonder this tends to be the park’s busiest season!
Christmas is an exciting time for kids by itself, but with the addition of the cast of Frozen, Toy Story, and Beauty and the Beast, the festive season becomes something else entirely! Plus, all the usual fun is offered by each of the resort’s theme parks, from Magic Kingdom to Hollywood Studios.
With unique Christmas-exclusive entertainment, festive menus, and exciting firework displays, Disneyworld at Christmas should be on every family’s Christmas vacation bucket list.
Munich, Germany
If Disneyland isn’t your thing, and you want a more authentic fairy tale castle experience, look no further than the biggest city in Bavaria, Munich! Nearby the city, Neuschwanstein Castle sits prominently atop a hill. This is the very castle that inspired the iconic Disney logo, that your kids will surely recognize instantly! Your family will be blown away as you explore ancient castles and pass by dense forestry, made more beautiful coated in a layer of snow. It’ll feel just like something from a Disney princess movie!
Germany is also famed for its traditional Christmas markets, and there’s no better place to try that than in Munich city center. You’ll likely find German Christmas markets all around the world, but you can’t beat trying the mulled wine, toasted almonds, and bratwursts that you’ll find at an authentic Bavarian market. The vibrancy will excite your kids, and it’ll likely be a holiday they won’t forget!
Zagreb, Croatia – One of the Most Underrated Family Christmas Vacation Ideas
Zagreb is the most unusual destination on this list of family Christmas vacation ideas, but it’s worth mentioning. Where Germany champion the Christmas market, Zagreb offer a Christmas festival.
The festival entails a lot of what Germany offers, such as delicious food, arts and craft purveyors, and a buzzing atmosphere, with added live music and theatre performances, light displays, and merry-Christmas trams that transport visitors between locations. Each market offers a different theme and is as new and exciting as the last.
Zagreb is the perfect place to take your older kids, as they’re sure to soak up the Balkan culture and enjoy the exciting festivities. Winter is probably the best time to visit the Croatian capital, as tourism tends to dissipate throughout the festive season. Explore the exciting winding streets, its offbeat shops, and fascinating art galleries.
New York City, New York – One of the Most Popular Family Christmas Vacation Ideas
If your kids have never visited the big apple, what better time to take them than the festive season? New York is always a good idea, but the reason it gets a mention on this family Christmas vacation ideas list is because of the boundless amount of activity that occurs throughout December. Experience the excitement of an N.Y.C. department store at Christmas, learn how to ice skate at Bryant Park, and marvel at the Rockefeller tree display.
Soak up the hustle of the big city as you stroll between festive markets, join in the fun at the numerous festivals and street parades, and spectate the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular.
There’s a reason so many Christmas movies are set in this city!
Quebec, Canada
Seeking a white Christmas guarantee? Head to the snowy city of Quebec, where childhood fantasies of Christmas settings come to life. Quebec boasts a 100% chance of at least 1 inch of snowfall during the festive seasons, so your chances are high!
Sledging and snowboarding is a must, alongside tons of other snow-based activity and fun. Explore the quaint European-styled streets and soak up the warm and friendly atmosphere offered by the German markets scattered throughout.
The food and Christmas-themed walking tours will take you to hidden gems and allows you to try some authentic local delicacies.
There’s also nothing that’ll get you in the Christmas spirit more than a day spent at the Notre-Dame de Québec, where choirs will sing through their repertoire of Christmas carols.
Although wrapping up warm is a must, the number of winter activities that take place throughout the city make it worthwhile!
Enjoy your family vacation at Christmas time!