Top Christmas Vacation Ideas 2024 for a Magical Holiday

It won’t be long until the most wonderful time of the year is here. Whether you’re seeking for Christmas vacation ideas to get away for Christmas or need something to create some magical memories with the ones you love this Christmas, this article is just what you need. To give you the top destinations and vacation ideas to help inspire your holiday in 2024, we’ve pulled together a list. Here are our choices for the best Christmas vacations, whether you want to visit a glittering city or a snow covered mountain town.

Top 10 Christmas Vacation Ideas

With the holidays, there’s nothing like going somewhere new, or to somewhere past familiar dressed in their holiday finest. Looking for a Christmas break vacation to get you in the holiday spirit? Here are 10 of the best Christmas break vacation ideas in 2024.

1. New York City

New York City shines even brighter during the Christmas season. The iconic Rockefeller Center tree and holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue set the festive mood. Go ice skating in Central Park, see the Rockettes Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall, or take in a Broadway holiday classic like "A Christmas Carol."

2. Washington, D.C.

Although chilly, Washington D.C. twinkles during the countdown to the holidays, from views of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse at The White House to a tour of the Smithsonian’s decorated halls. You won't want to miss the National Menorah lighting celebration and taking a stroll down Georgetown’s sparkling streets.

3. Florida Keys

Tough to beat the beautiful Florida Keys for Christmas warmth and sunshine. Exchange trade mittens for flip flops and you can go snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and so on along this tropical island chain. You won’t want to miss the giant holiday sandcastle on Islamorada.

4. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Thanks to Santa Fe's mix of Native American, Spanish and old West traditions, you'll find one of the most unique and beautiful small cities to visit for Christmas. All through town luminarias flash underfoot and farolitos glow through windows.

5. Quebec City

During the holidays Quebec City looks like something off a Christmas tale with its European charm and imposing old city walls. Walk the cobbled streets, visit the Christmas market German style. The Winter Carnival festival in late January through February features parades, ice sculptures, plus plenty of holiday cheer.

6. Lake Tahoe

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe remains snow lover's dream. Skiing, and snowboarding are world class with dozens of trails to suit all abilities. Take a break from the slopes and relax lakeside, or visit the village shops and enjoy those festivals restaurants.

7. Montage Deer Valley, Utah

From carolers, cookie decorating, sleigh rides and even visits from Santa, this luxury mountain resort is decked out for the holidays. Soak in the famous light powdery snow of Ski Utah then relax with s'mores and hot cocoa fireside, or plan a soothing spa treatment.

8. Chicago, Illinois

At Christmastime, Chicago dazzles, with still more festiveness at the Museum of Science and Industry with its giant tree and train exhibit, at the Magnificent Mile, blah, blah. You'll see the magics of the holidays in with "The Nutcracker" downtown and at "The Bean" at Millennium Park covered in holiday lights.

9. Wisconsin

Boasting the nickname the "Waterpark Capital of the World," the Wisconsin Dells does holiday over the top. More than three million Christmas lights turn the Dells into a winter wonderland that families will love. There are horse drawn sleigh rides, an ice castle, strolls to Santa and festive shows.

10. Denver, Colorado

Denver’s Union Station is absolutely decked out for the holidays and there are over 80,000 holiday lights in the Mile High City. The 16th Street Mall is bedecked in festive decor and massive displays are going up around downtown. Take in the Christkindl Market, Zoo Lights, a breathtaking Parade of Lights and so much more.

Top 10 Christmas Family Vacation Ideas

Choosing one of the best family Christmas vacation ideas will help make lasting memories with the kids. Here are 10 Christmas vacation ideas for family:

1. Disneyland or Disney World

Where would you rather be for the holiday? Winter takes over, and Sleeping Beauty's Castle, the World Showcase in Epcot, Animal Kingdom's gigantic tree. Enjoy special Disney Christmas events and treats, stage shows and parades all in the spirit of Christmas.

2. Maldives

With overwater bungalows, underwater restaurants, and tropical weather, the remote Maldives make for an unforgettable (and warm!) Christmas vacation. Build sandcastles on the beach, go snorkeling to spot manta rays and whale sharks, then relax as a family under swaying palms next to the shimmering Indian Ocean.

3. Prague, Czech Republic

One of South Europe's best holiday markets in Old Town Square makes Prague glitter special when decked out for Christmas. The funicular up to Prague Castle is a great place to expose the kids to a ride where they will want to view the magical panoramic views of the city. As you wander narrow, cobblestone lit streets, chock full of handmade ornaments and sipping on hot wine or trdelník pastries, you try to pick out the best gifts.

4. Aspen, Colorado

Spend a picture perfect white Christmas in cute Aspen. Ski or snowboard world class terrain by day, and by night, snow tube or snowmobile through the backcountry. Then, pull out the warm blankets and cups of hot cocoa by the fireplace and see the kids decorate holiday cookies.

5. Lapland, Finland

Invite your children to visit Santa Claus by himself in magical Laplan! Visit Santa’s village to meet Rudolph and decorate gingerbread; go reindeer sleigh riding through snowy forests or a Santa’s village; and stay in a glass igloo to sleep under the Northern Lights.

6. London, England

Families are dazzled by London during Christmas — the giant Norwegian spruce in Trafalgar Square, the elaborate store window displays on Oxford Street, and the traditional holiday pantomime shows. Take yourself ice skating at the Natural History Museum Ice Rink, watch ballet stars in the spectacular The Nutcracker or pick up handmade gifts and treats at festive markets.

7. Edinburgh, Scotland

Whether you're attracted to Edinburgh's European style Christmas market or its festively decorated Princes Street shops, the city to lure in families over the holidays. Santa Land at East Princes Street Gardens offers Santa selfies before warming up with hot chocolate or mulled cider.

8. Honolulu, Hawaii

If you have a family and want Christmas by the beach then Honolulu offers swaying palms and a sun drenched sky. Rent bikes and build epic sandcastles on Waikiki Beach then drive the kids up to the North Shore’s big wave beaches and for a picnic at Kaka’ako Beach Park, overlooking Diamond Head.

9. Reykjavik, Iceland

Families are dazzled by Iceland’s cool capital city where funky architecture and geothermal powered lights prove a perfect foil to December’s long nights. Make sure to check out the huge Christmas tree right in the middle of Austurvöllur Square downtown, and then wander to the local holiday markets where you can find your stocking stuffers — hand knit Icelandic sweaters, and whatnot.

10. Banff, Canada

High in the Canadian Rockies, just outside Banff National Park, the quirky mountain town of Banff brings a little snowy magic to families at Christmas. Ski and snowboard on Mount Norquay or Sunshine Village then warm yourself up with maple taffy, BeaverTails pastries or poutine.

Top 5 Christmas Vacation Ideas for Couples

Reconnect this Christmas break with your significant other by escaping just the two of you on a romantic holiday. Here are five best Christmas vacations for couples:

1. The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle

This historic 1920s hotel in downtown Seattle dazzles couples over Christmas with sophisticated holiday decor and charm. Lounge fireside in the majestic lobby with a holiday tea service, then explores nearby holiday markets, museums, shows, and the waterfront.

2. Rome, Italy

Who wouldn’t qualify it as romantic to be walking down Rome’s cobblestone streets hand in hand, lit up with dazzling light display? Watch the city all bejeweled for Christmas as you whiten through historic fountains and piazzas, later ducking into cozy trattorias to taste seasonal panettone, pasta and wine.

3. Paris, France

Over the holidays, the City of Light is even more luminous and this is when it enthralls couples to return to Paris. Walk tree lined boulevards in their Noël gear, check out the wooden chalets of the Champs Elysees Christmas market, and then treat yourself and a loved one to a decadent holiday dessert for two at a sidewalk cafe.

4. Santorini, Greece

Skip the cold this Christmas and whisk your special someone away to hot, romantic Santorini. Relax on volcanic black sand beaches soaking up the sunny skies, explore cliffside towns with blue domed churches, or watch the sunset dip over the Aegean Sea whilst stationed in your suite’s own private plunge pool.

5. Hallstatt, Austria

It sparkles even more brightly for the holidays. Take your sweetie wander the the medieval streets and ogle the festival lights glittering off of the icy blue lake. Christmastime is a great time to explore one of Berlin's Christmas markets, retire to your waterfront hotel suite complete with mulled wine on your balcony.

Top 5 Christmas Vacation Costume Ideas

Have even more holiday fun by dressing up with a festive Christmas costume! Here are five creative ideas for individuals, couples, or groups:

1. DIY Santa Claus Outfit

Get into the Christmas spirit by transforming into good old Saint Nick with this easy costume. All you need is a red suit or shirt + pants, black belt and boots, white trim, and a Santa hat and beard accessory kit. Top it off with a sack of toys and a "Ho Ho Ho!" for some instant holiday cheer.

2. The Grinch

Channel your inner grump this Christmas by dressing as Dr. Seuss' infamous holiday-hating green villain. Simply layer on green face paint or a mask and hands, don some fuzzy green pants and a shirt and glue on "Grinch fingers" for some laughs.

3. Reindeer

What better way to spread Christmas magic than by becoming Santa's noble steed? Grab some brown clothing, glue on some antlers and a red nose, then draw on reindeer-style eye makeup. Finish it off by attaching a plush tail and jingle bell collar for a fun, festive group costume idea.

4. Nutcrackers

Bring Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet characters to life by dressing as the colorful mechanical Nutcracker soldiers and mice. Craft tall black hats with faux fur trim, bold uniform jackets with gold braiding, white pants, and boots. Add some rosy blush and mouse ears or whiskers to complete the costume.

5. Gingerbread People

'Tis the season to dress as Santa's favorite cookie in these sweet gingerbread men/women outfits. Use brown pants/skirts and shirts as the "dough," then decorate with white piping, buttons, and bows for trim. Top it off with matching gingerbread accessories like hats, purses, or even a gingerbread house!

How to Find the Best Christmas Vacation Destinations?

With so many enticing destinations worldwide, here are helpful tips on picking the perfect spot for your family:

• Determine your must-have location features like warm weather getaways, snow for skiing/boarding, Christmas markets, etc.
• Research destinations thoroughly, then narrow down based on budget, ease of travel, COVID protocols, weather reliability, and types of activities offered.
• For the best deals, book your Christmas vacation early, look at shoulder season dates, and check alternate airports.
• Read recent guest reviews on sites like TripAdvisor to determine if a hotel/resort delivers holiday magic for families.
• Consider visiting friends/relatives residing in a location on your Christmas wish list for built-in local guides.

How to Secure Your Home During Christmas Trips?

Enjoying a Christmas trip is fantastic, but it's important not to forget about home security. Here are some tips to keep your home safe while you're away:

• Install security cameras both indoors and outdoors. Choose models with compatible apps that allow you to watch the live feed remotely.
• Add a video doorbell to your front door and set up quick replies if possible. Reinforce your doors and windows with locks and deadbolts.
• Avoid sharing your status and destination on social media, and temporarily stop your mail and deliveries.
• Arrange with neighbors or relatives to keep an eye on your house if they are available.

Check out Reolink's Holiday Sale for exclusive discounts on security cameras, video doorbells, and more!

FAQs

Where is the best place to travel on Christmas?

Some top Christmas travel spots include major cities like New York and Chicago for their iconic holiday scenes. Mountain resort towns like Aspen and Banff promise snowy fun.

What is the cheapest place to travel to during Christmas?

To save money, avoid peak holiday dates and look for shoulder season specials at destinations like Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, or Mexico for warm weather on a budget.

Where is it warm over Christmas?

If you’re seeking warmer climates over the chilly holiday season, good options include Hawaii and southern Florida destinations like the Florida Keys or Miami.

Conclusion

As you can see from this roundup of the top Christmas vacation ideas for 2024, there are so many enticing destinations to choose from to make this holiday season. From an eagle's eye view of Santa’s home in Lapland, snow-covered mountain towns to tropical island Santas, or iconic global cities, it’s all possible.

We hope this article helped inspire you for your next merry trip. In the comments, please share some of your own favorite destinations or traditions.