Christmas family vacation: 13 magical ideas around the world

The holiday season presents a great opportunity for families who like to travel. No matter what stage of parenthood you’re in, you can usually count on some time off from school and work for everyone to gather in one place.

And while gathering at home can be nice, a Christmas vacation offers the chance for some quality family time coupled with a fun setting. In fact, some of the best Christmas vacations for families are the trips where everyone’s traveling to a new and exciting destination (or festive hotel) that goes all in on Christmas spirit.

If you’re dreaming of twinkling lights and a family-friendly, white (sand- or snow-filled) Christmas, here are 13 destinations around the world that do it up for the holidays.

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1. San Antonio, Texas

Head to San Antonio’s iconic River Walk to view a spectacular holiday display featuring 200,000 lights draped across towering bald cypress trees, which are illuminated during the Annual Ford Holiday River Parade on November 28, 2025, and remain lit through January 11, 2026. Traditional Mexican Christmas lanterns also line the waterway, believed to help light the way for the Holy Family. Families visiting San Antonio for Christmas vacations can immerse themselves in the magic either by foot or boat with kid-friendly tour operator Go Rio Cruises.

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The holiday magic continues at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, whose enchanting grounds twinkle with handcrafted lanterns and glowing trails during the Christmas season. Celebrations take place underground at the Natural Bridge Caverns, where professional Christmas carolers’ voices echo 180 feet below the surface. There’s also ice skating, beautiful Christmas trees, and more, making San Antonio a fab place to spend the holidays.

Where to stay: The Omni La Mansión del Rio sits on the banks of the River Walk for easy access to all the holiday fun. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa gets into the spirit with the ICE! Christmas experience and thousands of dancing lights synchronized to holiday tunes.

2. Singapore

What do carnival rides, an immersive light show, and “snowfall” in the tropics have in common? They’re all among the ways Singapore brings Christmas to life.

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The best places to celebrate are in the city’s parks. In Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay park, its famous Supertrees light up in rhythm to classic Christmas songs. A double-decker carousel, visits from Santa, and whimsical decorations sweeten the experience. Don’t forget to make your way to Orchard Road, whose cutting-edge light display is an experience all in itself. And if you want to get a jump start on the 2026 holiday season, Disney Adventure will begin sailing three- and four-night cruises from Singapore in March 2026.

Where to stay: The elegant but still family-friendly Four Seasons Hotel Singapore offers caroling sessions, Santa Claus meet-and-greets, and special meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

3. Puerto Rico

Taking the award for world’s longest Christmas season, Puerto Rico makes it easy for families to plan Christmas vacations that suit their schedule and budget. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving and ending weeks after New Year’s Day, Puerto Rico’s Christmas celebrations comprise colorful street parties, boat parades, lights, lively music, and holiday dishes.

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One of the best places to visit for Christmas with family, San Juan is at the heart of Puerto Rico’s seasonal festivities. Admire the decorations and lights in Old San Juan and the illuminated watercraft in the San Juan Christmas Boat Parade, or take part in a traditional Three Kings Day celebration in January.

Where to stay: During the holidays, Caribe Hilton offers everything from family-friendly games and character visits to New Year’s Eve parties and a fireworks display. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel also does it up for the holidays with festive decor, Christmas tree and menorah lightings, and kids activities like ornament and cookie making.

4. German Christmas markets

Nowhere else in the world does Christmas vacations quite like Germany. The birthplace of the Christkindlmarkt could easily light up a map with its sheer number of Christmas markets, each commingled with intricate wooden huts selling everything from handcrafted toys and ornaments to fresh-cooked delicacies and warm gluhwein. 

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While you really can’t go wrong with any German Christmas market destination, those in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Trier, and Dresden are particularly well regarded for their authenticity and kid-friendly atmosphere. For an extra special Christmas vacation, try a European river cruise: Family-favorite guided tour company Adventures by Disney has both Rhine and Danube Christmas market cruises.

Where to stay: Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe and Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden are good options in Dresden, while Hotel Reichsküchenmeister, das Herz von Rothenburg and Hotel Eisenhut are good bets in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. In Trier, Ibis Styles Trier is a family-friendly option in the middle of the historic old town.

5. St. Augustine, Florida

America’s oldest city, St. Augustine, has had a lot of time to build upon its Christmas traditions over the years. The city’s annual Nights of Lights event, during which more than three million white lights illuminate the historic district from mid-November to late January, has been recognized as one of the world’s top light displays.

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In addition to this feast for the senses, families can savor the holiday spirit on Christmas vacations with cheerfully cheeky historical tours, St. Augustine’s annual Christmas Parade, and the Regatta of Lights. Landmark attractions such as the Castillo de San Marcos and the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum are also incorporated into the city’s Christmas experiences. 

Where to stay: The Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront positively glows during the Nights of Lights event. The historic Casa Monica Resort and Spa, Autograph Collection is also right in the middle of all the holiday action.

6. Cusco, Peru

With summer in full swing during Navidad in Peru, celebrations kick off with parades during the day and fireworks at night. All festivities lead up to Nochebuena on December 24, when much of Latin America celebrates Christmas. Even with the warmer temps, you’ll see traditional touches like Christmas trees and nativity scenes with a Peruvian spin—think alpacas in place of biblical animals.

Cusco is one of the best cities to visit during the holidays. Not only is it known for its vibrant Christmas display, but it’s also the base for exploring Machu Picchu, among other activities such as whitewater rafting in the Urubamba River and riding down the natural rock slides of Sacsayhuamán.

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A sweeping artisan market encompasses Cusco’s main square on December 23 and 24. Don’t miss the unique Peruvian tradition called La Chocolatada, when the community of Cusco comes together to hand out hot chocolate and panettone bread to people in need—to ensure every child feels the “spirit” of Christmas.

Where to stay: Monasterio, a Belmond Hotel, JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, and Casa Andina Standard Cusco Plaza are all good hotel options in Cusco.

7. South Tyrol, Italy

Cocooned amongst fairy tale towns like Bolzano, Merano, Brunico, Vipiteno, and Bressanone, South Tyrol’s Christmas markets offer holiday cheer with dramatic views of the Dolomites and Italian Alps as the backdrop. Appearances by Santa Claus, horse-drawn carriages, Thun teddy bears, and the world-famous Angel of Bozen further make the area one of the best places to visit for Christmas with your family.

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Adding to the region’s charm is its melding of Italian, German, Austrian, and Ladin (the native people of the Dolomites) cultures. Families will enjoy chowing down on Tyrolean goulash, strudels, and other diverse specialties while relishing the local scenery, history, and traditions. Bonus: The region is also known for some of Europe’s best skiing, with great ski resorts nearby.

Where to stay: Hotel Greif and Parkhotel Laurin offer great locations in Bolzano. Hotel Meranerhof and Hotel Sittnerhof are good choices in Merano.

8. Lapland, Finland

Glamping in a snowy forest is one way to relish Finland’s long winter season. Throw in some gingerbread, glogi (spiced, sometimes nonalcoholic wine), and a visit to a wood-fired sauna, and you’re spending Christmas like the locals. Of course, whether you choose to stay in a “real life” snow globe or a cozy hut will have little to do with how quickly you get into the holiday spirit.

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Santa Claus’s official hometown is the Finnish city of Rovaniemi. Every day of the year, families from all over come to meet him, revel in the magic of Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle, and witness the Northern Lights. The magic is multiplied during the weeks surrounding Christmas.

Throughout the Lapland region, towns and cities are aglow with lights, Christmas markets, and decorated spruce trees. When walking through residential neighborhoods, have your kids keep their eyes peeled for homemade ice candles and straw goats.

Where to stay: Glass Resort and Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle offer memorable stays for families right neat all the holiday fun.

9. Madeira, Portugal

When you think of Christmas vacations in Europe, you may not immediately picture sun-drenched volcanic islands sprinkled with colorful villages. But Madeira, Portugal, offers the best of both worlds for Christmas vacations: all the magical sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of a European Christmas plus warm weather.

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The city of Funchal’s historic walking area, Avenida Arriaga, comes alive with Christmas carolers, illuminated botanical gardens, and tropical-themed Christmas markets selling handcrafted goods and mulled wine. Kids will revel in (snow-free) toboggan rides, the Toy Museum, and a storybook theme park for all ages.

Where to stay: The Cliff Bay and Pestana Grand both offer amazing water views and modern amenities.

10. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

About an hour north of Philadelphia in the Lehigh Valley is a destination straight out of a Hallmark movie: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. During the holiday season, the Christmas City makes kids’ wishes come true with a chance to read stories with Santa, get crafty with his elves, and participate in a gingerbread man decorating contest.

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Bethlehem has not one but two Christmas markets for holiday shoppers. Inspired by the German Weihnachtsmarkt, the city’s Christmas City Village outdoor market sets up along Main Street. The much-lauded Christkindlmarkt features traditional artisans and vendors selling Moravian glass stars, ornaments, and handcrafted gifts. Bethlehem is also less than 20 minutes from the Delaware River Railroad, which offers a Polar Express-themed Christmas train ride during the holiday season.

Where to stay: Historic Hotel Bethlehem gets into the festive spirit with more than 35,000 Christmas lights, more than 25 uniquely decorated Christmas trees, and a gingerbread house modeled after the hotel.

11. St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

One of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix fills its holiday calendar with various events geared toward families. Popular Christmas vacation activities in this tropical destination you can visit without a U.S. passport include visits from Santa, face-painting, games, and arts and crafts.

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Noteworthy events include the St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade in Christiansted, Gallows Bay Holiday Festival, Frederiksted’s Holiday Fest, and the Holiday Lights event at the St. George Village Botanical Garden. The Crucian Christmas Festival is also celebrated across the island, while local organizations host fundraiser events in the island’s main towns, all within a short driving distance from one another.

Where to stay: Three beaches, two pools, and an 18-hole golf course are just some of the amenities that make The Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort an ideal spot for a tropical holiday vacation.

12. Coastal New England

Experiencing Christmas in New England’s small coastal towns and villages is like stepping back in time. Using Boston as a stepping stone, you can get a taste of the region’s timeless traditions in three different states along the coast (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine) with festivities generally taking place from late November through December.

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Noteworthy holiday celebrations can be found in Salem, Massachusetts; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Kennebunkport, Maine. All easily accessible by car from Boston, these charming little cities bring the holiday magic to life with activities such as a holiday trolley ride with the Good Witch of Salem, a candlelight walk in Portsmouth, and a special visit from Santa in Kennebunkport, who arrives by lobster boat. And nothing beats the feeling of walking around with a hot cocoa, admiring the twinkling lights and enjoying the season.

Where to stay: Hawthorne Hotel offers a historic stay in downtown Salem. The stylish Hotel Portsmouth has two-bedroom suites ideal for families. And the Kennebunkport Inn is just oozing with New England charm.

13. Costa Rica 

Adventurous families love Costa Rica family vacations, but many people are surprised to discover Costa Rica is one of the best Christmas vacations for families too. The Christmas spirit shines in one of the country’s most distinctive holiday events, Tope Nacional de Caballos, a horseback parade held in San Jose every December 26.

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Beyond this popular tradition, float parades, musical festivals, and beautifully handcrafted nativity scenes light up throughout the country during the holiday season. Perhaps the biggest draw? Perfect weather to enjoy activities ranging from hiking and zip lining to beaching and hot spring-dipping.

Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica offers programming for kids and teens plus activities for the whole family. JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa and the all-inclusive Westin Reserva Conchal are also good choices for families at the holidays.

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