Travel Tips

12 Christmas vacation ideas your family will talk about all year

Looking for unforgettable Christmas vacation ideas for family trips? Explore 12 festive destinations perfect for creating meaningful memories together, whether you want winter wonderlands, sunshine, culture, or quiet relaxation.

Christmas getaways are well and truly on the rise. With each passing year, more and more families are realizing that Christmas isn’t just about gift-giving, but shared experiences that create lasting memories.

In the UK, 4.7 million Brits now go overseas for Christmas and New Year, and in the US, more than 119 million Americans travel during the holidays.

If you’ve ever dreamed of celebrating the holidays somewhere other than your living room, this guide will inspire you to grab your passport and hit the road.

From snowy ski trips and festive city breaks to tropical island escapes and cozy countryside retreats, here are 12 Christmas vacation ideas for family getaways you’ll never forget!

	Best For	Top Destinations
Snowy Escapes	Families dreaming of a white Christmas with skiing and sledding	Aspen (USA), Banff (Canada), Zermatt (Switzerland)
Tropical Getaways	Families seeking a warm Christmas on the beach	Maui (USA), Cancún (Mexico), The Bahamas
City Breaks	Families who love Christmas buzz, decorations, and holiday markets	New York City (USA), Vienna (Austria), Tokyo (Japan)
Countryside Stays	Families traveling with grandparents, wanting peace and a slow pace	Smoky Mountains (USA), The Cotswolds (England), Lake Bled (Slovenia)

In this article

Snowy Christmas escapes

Do you dream of having a white Christmas? If so, a vacation in the mountains or at a ski resort will be truly a magical festive experience. With tons of winter sports on offer (and activities for all ages and abilities), you’ll get to spend plenty of time playing in the snow.

Tip: These ski resorts can fill up fast over the holidays, so book your chalet early to avoid disappointment.

Aspen, Colorado

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Aspen, Colorado, is one of the most popular ski resorts in the US for families. Along with world-class ski slopes, there are many fun and festive activities, such as sleigh rides, tubing, and alpine roller coasters. Then in the evenings, you can cozy up with a hot cocoa by the fireplace in your chalet or take an iconic Snowcat dinner ride up the mountains!

Get your eSIM for Colorado here.

Banff, Canada

Banff is the ultimate winter wonderland with plenty of magical activities your kids will not forget in a hurry. Here you’ll find horse-drawn sleigh rides, Husky-led dog sledding, and ice skating on the frozen Lake Louise. Plus, if you take a ride up the Banff Gondola, your kids can meet Santa at the top of the mountain!

Get your eSIM for Canada here.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt, Switzerland, is one of the most popular European winter destinations, as the charming car-free village has something for everyone. Parents can explore the extensive ski slopes, grandparents can take a ride on a historic cogwheel train, and kids can go Tobogganing and ice skating.

Get your eSIM for Switzerland here.

Warm tropical getaways

Want to swap the cold weather for lazy pool day and beach sunsets? Well, you can, as many parts of the world stay warm and sunny in December. At these tropical winter destinations, your family will get a truly unique Christmas experience, unwrapping gifts in swimsuits and tucking into Christmas dinner al fresco.

Tip: The following destinations offer many awesome family-friendly resorts with all-inclusive packages, perfect for large families seeking a stress-free Christmas!

Maui, Hawaii

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With an average temperature of 80°F (27°C) and most resorts hosting special holiday luaus (shows) for Christmas, Hawaii offers a truly unique Christmas experience. Here, your kids will meet Santa, but not in the way you expect. In Maui, Santa arrives on the beach via an outrigger canoe, a tradition held on Christmas Eve morning.

Get your eSIM for Hawaii here.

Cancún, Mexico

The all-inclusive resorts in Cancun shine each festive season with an extensive calendar of events, kids’ clubs, and beachside Christmas dinners. Here you can enjoy the ultimate beach Christmas, swapping roast dinners for BBQs and hot chocolates for fresh coconuts!

Get your eSIM for Mexico here.

The Bahamas

The Bahamas combines the Christmas traditions you know and love with local Caribbean flavors. One must-visit here is the Junkanoo festival, an epic cultural celebration that takes place on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Then, between festivities, take part in family snorkeling adventures or island-hopping trips, enjoying the lush 79°F (26°C) weather.

Get your eSIM for The Bahamas here.

Festive city lights & markets

Every December, these cities come alight with sparkling fairy lights, festive markets, and as much Christmas buzz as you can handle.

Tip: As people flock to see the Christmas lights and markets, these cities can get extremely busy. So book family-friendly hotels near the main squares to skip the subway crowds.

New York City, USA

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From the magnificent Rockefeller tree and the famous Times Square countdown, New York is an iconic Christmas and New Year’s destination. Go ice skating at Bryant Park, admire the festive window displays on Fifth Avenue, or head to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

Get your eSIM for New York City here.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is home to one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, with almost 100 festive stalls, ice skating, and various kid-friendly activities at Rathausplatz square. The rest of the city is just as festive with candlelit carol sessions, Christmas-decorated tram rides, and the scent of gingerbread (Lebkuchen) on every street.

Get your eSIM for Austria here.

Tokyo, Japan

With dazzling winter illuminations, creative Christmas desserts, and spectacular firework displays, Tokyo is an electric city to spend the holidays in. What’s more, kids will love the festive parades at Disneyland and the famous charity Santa Parade that Tokyo puts on every December.

Get your eSIM for Japan here.

Cozy countryside stays

If you prefer a peaceful Christmas, with days filled with hot chocolate and board games by the fire, beautiful countryside views, and a festive village atmosphere, consider these ultra-cozy family vacation ideas for the Christmas break!

Tip: These Christmas vacation ideas are ideal for families traveling with grandparents, or anyone looking for easy logistics and a slower pace.

Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Source: Shutterstock

Unwind and disconnect from the world at a cozy cabin in the mountains, with a fireplace and hot tub to keep you warm. When you do feel like venturing out, you’ll find spectacular light displays in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, along with numerous festive shows and parades.

Get your eSIM for the USA here.

The Cotswolds, England

The Cotswolds are home to some of the UK’s coziest villages and most beautiful countryside. Here you will find that quintessential English Christmas experience, with stone cottages adorned in fairy lights, hearty pub roasts, and frost-covered hills. The Cotswolds also host five epic light trails that the kids will love!

Get your eSIM for the UK here.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

This peaceful lakeside town transforms into a snowy wonderland in December, with pretty walking trails, a charming Christmas market, and epic mountain views. Kids will love skating on the ice and sledding down the hills, and many of the resorts here put on elaborate Christmas Day feasts.

Get your eSIM for Slovenia here.

Travel smart this Christmas

Once you’ve chosen between these Christmas vacation ideas for your family, it’s time to start organizing your festive trip. Make your Christmas overseas smoother and more memorable with these smart planning tips:

Book your flights and accommodation early to secure the best rates.
Choose family-friendly accommodation with a kitchen to cut food costs and enjoy a cozy Christmas breakfast together.
Reserve festive experiences in advance, as Christmas dinners, sleigh rides, and guided tours often sell out.
Bring a few Christmas traditions from home, such as a favorite tree ornament, Christmas PJs, or stockings, to make your getaway feel both special and familiar.
Stay connected abroad with a Holafly eSIM, giving you unlimited data, hotspot capability, and 24/7 support throughout your Christmas adventure.