Best Christmas Vacations for Families in the US
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When it comes to Christmas, no one does it quite like the kids—and if you’re planning a family getaway, the destination has to bring the magic. We’re talking larger-than-life light displays, festive parades, real reindeer, snowy adventures, and maybe even a visit from the big guy himself.
Whether your crew is dreaming of theme park thrills, snow-covered escapes, or cozy small-town traditions, these US destinations deliver on all fronts. From Santa sightings to sleigh rides, here are the best Christmas vacations in the US that the whole family will remember long after the tree comes down.
Orlando, Florida
If you’re going all in on Christmas with the kids, Orlando is as big and bold as it gets. While there’s no snow, the sheer amount of festive fun more than makes up for it. The theme parks go all out—think fake snow flurries, massive trees, holiday parades, and character meet-and-greets in full festive attire.
Highlights include Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays, and Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring beloved characters from Despicable Me, Shrek, and more. Outside the parks, you’ll find events like ICE! at Gaylord Palms and festive lights at Lake Eola Park downtown.
Where to Stay: JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes – A great family-friendly luxury option with a lazy river, on-site holiday activities, and shuttle access to the parks. For full theme park immersion, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge goes all out with decorations and rustic Christmas vibes.
North Pole, Alaska
Yes, it’s a real place—and yes, Santa Claus actually lives here (well, sort of). For families craving the ultimate Christmas fantasy, North Pole, Alaska, is the definition of magical. Streetlights are shaped like candy canes, Santa’s house is open year-round, and reindeer are just part of the scenery.
The star attraction is Santa Claus House, where kids can meet the man himself and drop off letters to be “sent from the North Pole.” During December, the town sparkles with light displays and hosts family events like the Winterfest. Bonus: You’re also in prime northern lights territory if the skies are clear.
Where to Stay: Hotel North Pole – A simple, clean, and festive spot with holiday décor, North Pole-themed rooms, and a location just minutes from Santa Claus House. It’s not luxury, but it’s all part of the charm.
New York City, New York
There’s Christmas… and then there’s Christmas in New York. It’s loud, crowded, and absolutely magical. For families, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure of iconic holiday moments—from the Rockefeller Center Tree to skating in Central Park and seeing the Rockettes at Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
Stroll Fifth Avenue for over-the-top window displays, catch the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden, and don’t miss Bryant Park’s Winter Village, where you’ll find an ice rink, pop-up shops, and family-friendly eats. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, NYC always delivers on the wonder.
Where to Stay: The Langham, Fifth Avenue – Spacious rooms (a rare NYC find), a great location near Bryant Park and the Empire State Building, and tasteful holiday decor. For a more budget-conscious but festive choice, LUMA Hotel Times Square offers a central location with holiday touches and kid-friendly vibes.
Branson, Missouri
Branson doesn’t do anything halfway—and Christmas is no exception. This Ozark town transforms into a full-blown winter wonderland every year, with millions of lights, festive shows, and a family-friendly vibe that’s equal parts nostalgic and over-the-top fun.
The star of the season is Silver Dollar City’s “An Old Time Christmas”, featuring 6.5 million lights, a towering 8-story Christmas tree, and nightly parades. Around town, you’ll find drive-through light displays like Branson’s Lights of Joy, plus holiday-themed performances in the city’s many theaters. Kids will also love a visit to The Polar Express Train Ride departing from nearby Branson Scenic Railway.
Where to Stay: Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center – A lakeside resort that decorates beautifully for the holidays, with family amenities, indoor pool, and festive events onsite. It’s got the cozy lodge feel with a touch of grandeur.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is basically a real-life snow globe. This Bavarian-inspired mountain town turns into a dreamy Christmas village every December, with alpine architecture, snowy streets, and twinkling lights wrapped around every building. It’s festive, walkable, and picture-perfect for a family holiday getaway.
The highlight is Leavenworth’s Village of Lights, where more than half a million lights illuminate the town through the month. Add in sledding in Front Street Park, reindeer farm visits, carolers in traditional dress, and horse-drawn sleigh rides, and you’ve got a storybook Christmas that kids (and adults) will never forget.
Where to Stay: Bavarian Lodge – Right across from the main square, this family-friendly hotel gets fully decked out for the holidays and has cozy rooms with fireplaces and easy access to all the town’s festive fun.
Williamsburg, Virginia
For a Christmas steeped in tradition (and a little history lesson on the side), Williamsburg brings a cozy, colonial twist to the season. It’s charming without being too sleepy, and perfect for families who like their festivities with a dose of old-fashioned flair.
Colonial Williamsburg goes all out with natural holiday decorations, candlelight tours, and reenactments that bring 18th-century holiday customs to life. Don’t miss Busch Gardens Christmas Town, one of the largest light displays in North America, with festive rides, shows, and Santa meet-and-greets. There’s also Christmas Market on Main in nearby Yorktown for a quaint day of shopping and snacking.
Where to Stay: The Williamsburg Inn – An elegant, colonial-style resort just steps from the historic area. It’s beautifully decorated during the holidays and offers kid-friendly amenities with a luxurious touch. For more budget-friendly comfort, Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg adds an indoor waterpark to the holiday fun.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago isn’t just known for its deep-dish pizza; it’s also a fantastic spot for a family Christmas getaway. The city takes holiday cheer to the next level, with dazzling light displays, ice skating, and a variety of family-friendly events that make the Windy City feel like a winter wonderland.
One of the top highlights is Maggie Daley Park’s Ice Skating Ribbon, where families can skate along a winding path surrounded by festive lights. The Christkindlmarket, Chicago’s German-style Christmas market, offers artisan gifts, delicious treats, and, of course, hot chocolate. And don’t miss the Festival of Lights along the Magnificent Mile, with over a million twinkling lights lining Michigan Avenue.
Where to Stay: The Palmer House Hilton – A grand, centrally located hotel with a long history and beautiful holiday décor. It’s perfect for families looking to stay in the heart of the action. For something more casual, The Langham, Chicago offers spacious rooms with family-friendly amenities and easy access to the city’s holiday attractions.
Park City, Utah
If your family’s Christmas dream involves fresh snow, twinkling lights, and a touch of mountain magic, Park City delivers in spades. This former mining town-turned-ski paradise is cozy, festive, and packed with fun for kids and grown-ups alike.
Hit the slopes by day, then stroll Historic Main Street at night, where holiday lights line the charming, snow-dusted buildings. Don’t miss the Electric Parade, a small-town favorite with decorated vehicles lighting up the street, and the chance to ski with Santa on Christmas Eve—a Park City tradition. There’s also sleigh rides, tubing hills, and plenty of hot chocolate around.
Where to Stay: Stein Eriksen Lodge – A luxurious yet family-friendly alpine resort that goes all out for the holidays with beautiful décor, fireplaces, and a cozy mountain lodge feel. Plus, it offers ski-in/ski-out access and activities the whole family can enjoy.
Helen, Georgia
Tiny but mighty, Helen is a Bavarian-style village tucked into the North Georgia mountains—and at Christmas, it feels like you’ve stepped into a European snow globe. With its cobblestone alleys, half-timbered buildings, and festive lights strung from every rooftop, Helen serves up big holiday charm for families.
The town hosts Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German Christmas market with crafts, ornaments, and seasonal treats. There’s also the Annual Lighting of the Village, parades, and even visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. For outdoorsy families, nearby hiking trails and waterfalls offer a fun winter escape (and often a light dusting of snow).
Where to Stay: Valhalla Resort Hotel – Perched just outside town, this family-friendly resort has a lodge-style vibe and decks its halls for the holidays. For a more central location, Heidi Motel is a kitschy-fun option right in town, and yes—it has a windmill.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio brings Christmas vibes with a Texas twist—think tamales, mariachi, and twinkling lights strung along the River Walk. The city blends rich cultural traditions with family-friendly cheer, and best of all, you won’t need snow boots to enjoy it.
The San Antonio River Walk steals the show during the holidays, glowing with over 100,000 lights and featuring boat caroling that kids love. The Holiday Lights on the River Walk Parade, La Gran Tamalada at Market Square, and Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo offer even more ways to get in the spirit. And if you’re visiting early enough, Alamo Plaza puts on a spectacular light show every night.
Where to Stay: Hotel Valencia Riverwalk – Sleek, stylish, and just steps from the holiday magic, this boutique hotel goes festive for the season. For families who want more space, Hotel Contessa offers roomy suites and stunning River Walk views.
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