Looking for the best Christmas trips for families in 2025? These unforgettable family Christmas vacation ideas include skating beneath the Rockefeller tree in New York, wandering Europe’s fairy-tale holiday markets, and watching Santa arrive by canoe on a Hawaiian beach. The right destination transforms Christmas from just another holiday into a story your family will retell for years.
With more than 119 million Americans traveling during the holiday season in 2024, finding a trip that balances kids’ excitement, parents’ downtime, and cherished traditions can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve curated this guide to the top Christmas vacation ideas for families—from Orlando’s theme park magic to Caribbean all-inclusive escapes and snowy ski adventures. Just like what’s under the Christmas tree, there’s something here for everyone.
Why Families Love It Orlando is one of the best family Christmas vacation spots thanks to Disney World and Universal’s holiday events, which transform the parks into magical winter wonderlands.
Highlights for Families
Holiday Magic At Disney, every corner of the four parks comes alive with sparkling décor, holiday music, and themed shows. The highlight, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, creates core memories for kids—meeting Santa, sipping cocoa, and watching fireworks burst over Cinderella’s Castle.
At Universal, the Grinch takes center stage with his mischievous antics, while Hogwarts Castle glows with a dazzling holiday light show. Families can enjoy both American and international holiday traditions within the same trip, from parades to festive Harry Potter treats.
InteleTravel Insider Insight: Our Disney specialists know the quietest park days, best character dining reservations, and how to maximize Lightning Lane so your family enjoys maximum magic with minimal stress.
Why Families Love It The Caribbean is the ultimate warm-weather Christmas escape, offering festive programming and kid-friendly resorts without the winter chill.
Highlights for Families
Holiday Magic Imagine palm trees wrapped in lights, Santa in flip-flops, and families building sandcastles instead of snowmen. Caribbean resorts make Christmas magical with festive buffets, kids’ clubs running seasonal events, and nightly entertainment for all ages. Parents get downtime while kids enjoy supervised fun—a stress-free holiday for everyone!
InteleTravel Insider Insight: We work directly with Beaches and Palace Resorts to secure connecting family suites and early-booking bonuses that make tropical Christmas planning effortless.
Why Families Love It NYC is one of the most iconic Christmas destinations, offering a perfect mix of tradition, Broadway entertainment, and family-friendly winter fun.
Highlights for Families
Holiday Magic Christmas in New York is pure cinematic magic. Families gather around the Rockefeller tree, glide across the rink, and take in Broadway’s holiday performances. Central Park transforms into a winter postcard, while neighborhoods like Dyker Heights glow with larger-than-life displays. From carriage rides to museum exhibits, NYC combines festive chaos with quiet winter charm.
InteleTravel Insider Insight: Hotels and shows book out fast. Our advisors secure preferred rates, Rockettes tickets, and even private guided tours so your family can soak up NYC, stress free.
Why Families Love It Europe’s Christmas markets immerse families in fairy-tale settings filled with food, music, and hands-on activities for kids.
Highlights for Families
Holiday Magic Vienna sparkles with lights against baroque palaces, while kids decorate cookies and ride carousels. In Prague, Gothic spires tower over stalls selling trdelník (chimney cakes), filling the air with cinnamon. Munich’s festive Marienplatz blends tradition with hands-on workshops. The atmosphere is cozy, communal, and no doubt a bucket-list holiday adventure for families.
InteleTravel Insider Insight: We handle logistics including flights, hotels near markets, and guided tours—removing the hassle of winter travel planning in Europe.
Why Families Love It Holiday cruises let families celebrate Christmas at sea while exploring multiple destinations—without the stress of planning every detail.
Highlights for Families
Holiday Magic Onboard, families wake to gingerbread houses in the atrium, carolers in the halls, and Santa himself making appearances. Caribbean sailings mix tropical beach days with onboard holiday celebrations, while Mediterranean itineraries combine festive décor with rich European culture. With meals, entertainment, and childcare included, cruises make multigenerational Christmas trips seamless.
InteleTravel Insider Insight: Our cruise specialists can secure group discounts, cabin upgrades, and private shore excursions to maximize holiday fun.
Why Families Love It Hawaii blends tropical beaches with unique Pacific holiday traditions, making it a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience.
Highlights for Families
Holiday Magic In Hawaii, palm trees glow with ornaments, and Santa greets children from an outrigger canoe. Families join luaus where roast turkey meets poi, and luxury resorts display elaborate floral decorations instead of evergreens. At Aulani, Disney magic merges with Hawaiian culture, offering lagoon swimming, snorkeling reefs, and nightly entertainment.
InteleTravel Insider Insight: We bundle Aulani stays with flight packages and excursions so families maximize time in paradise.
Why Families Love It This Bavarian-inspired mountain town delivers small-town charm with big-time holiday spirit and alpine flair.
Highlights for Families
Holiday Magic Leavenworth feels like stepping into a European village, with alpine-style shops glowing under thousands of lights. Families sip hot cider while watching live music, explore festive markets, and ride sleighs through snow-covered hills. The Reindeer Farm is especially magical for kids, offering hands-on encounters with these Christmas icons.
InteleTravel Insider Insight: We pair Leavenworth trips with Seattle flights and nearby ski resorts for a perfect Pacific Northwest holiday.
Why Families Love It Ski resorts combine snowy adventure with festive celebrations, making them perfect for active families.
Highlights for Families
Holiday Magic Families can ski by day and gather by firelight at night. Breckenridge’s Victorian streets shine with lights, while Tahoe offers a mix of skiing and lakeside relaxation. Park City balances Olympic history with small-town charm. Non-skiers enjoy spas, sledding, and après-ski hot chocolate, ensuring everyone in the family has something to do.
InteleTravel Insider Insight: We arrange ski rentals, lessons, and family lodging with slopeside access, so you skip the stress of logistics.
Why Families Love It Montreal delivers European-style Christmas charm without long flights, blending French heritage with North American convenience.
Highlights for Families
Holiday Magic Cobblestone streets of Old Montreal glow with lights, while families browse artisan chalets for handmade gifts. Notre-Dame Basilica hosts breathtaking concerts, and outdoor skating rinks create picture-perfect memories. With its mix of French culture, festive events, and modern city comforts, Montreal offers an accessible Christmas trip with a European vibe.
InteleTravel Insider Insight: Our advisors combine Montreal market visits with family-friendly city tours and indoor attractions to balance winter weather.
Why Families Love It Bethlehem is steeped in American Christmas tradition, offering a mix of history, charm, and family-friendly festivities.
Highlights for Families
Holiday Magic Known as “Christmas City USA,” Bethlehem blends winter charm with festive fun. Families stroll through the Christkindlmarkt, ride horse-drawn carriages, and enjoy live nativity scenes. The Moravian heritage adds depth to the celebrations, with candlelight traditions and historic walking tours.
InteleTravel Insider Insight: We package Bethlehem with nearby NYC or Philly for a regional holiday getaway full of history and magic.
Planning the perfect family Christmas vacation requires balancing needs, securing the right accommodations, and accessing exclusive perks.
With InteleTravel, you gain insider access to Disney, cruise lines, and premium resorts—plus perks such as priority reservations and complimentary amenities.
Don't just dream about a magical Christmas trip—make it happen. Connect with an InteleTravel specialist today to start planning your family's unforgettable getaway.