Discover nine festive destinations perfect for holiday family getaways—from charming towns to iconic cities dressed up for the holidays
Make cherished memories this season with nine exceptional holiday family getaways that will stay with your group for years to come. From outdoor Christmas markets that celebrate local history to amusement parks that add thrill to the holiday season, there are plenty of great destinations from coast to coast.
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Festive Holiday Destinations for Families
Find the perfect place to spend the season with family and friends and the best festive towns for Christmas. Whether you are looking for the excitement of a crowd or to cozy up in a small town, these are some of the top festive holiday destinations perfect for the whole family.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver Christmas Market Lantern Parade Carolers. Photo credit: Maya Pankalla
Vancouver is known for its scenic views of snow-capped mountains and bustling city life to explore. Holiday family getaways during November and December offer delightful opportunities in the downtown plaza streets next to Vancouver Harbour which are transformed into one of the best places for holiday celebrations. With over 80 vendors providing authentic German drinks and food, magical light displays, and live performances throughout the months, this outdoor marketplace is full of holiday events for families.
The Vancouver Christmas Market is full of unique things to see and explore. Children of all ages can meet St. Nikolaus as well as Holly and Jolly, the marketplace mascots, at the photo booth or as they wander through the market to spread their holiday joy. A festive scavenger hunt is a good way to keep the whole family engaged as you walk and shop. Stay past dark, and the whole market transforms with light displays, including a walk-through Christmas tree.
While this Christmas market is relatively new, a little over a decade old, it quickly became a favorite among locals and tourists alike. With a schedule of special events, it’s best to plan ahead to make the most of your family’s visit. While a bus or SkyTrain is recommended to get to the plaza, multiple public parking garages are nearby.
Leavenworth, Washington
Nestled in the Cascade mountains is the town of Leavenworth, with Bavarian authenticity and Northwest hospitality around every street corner, making it ideal for holiday family getaways. While the Bavarian-style architecture of the city is wonderfully unique, the charm of this destination truly comes alive during the winter. Over half a million lights illuminate the streets of Leavenworth, bringing the Village of Lights: Christmastown to life.
Leavenworth, Washington, is transformed into a magical Christmas village. Photo credit: City of Leavenworth, Washington Facebook
Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolf and friends, be entertained by live choirs and carolers and participate in fun activities for the whole family in the Festhalle. Visit the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum for their one-of-a-kind display of over 9,000 nutcrackers and get the children involved with a scavenger hunt. Exciting special events run from December to February, including live ice carving, fire dancers, holiday concerts, fireworks and much more.
Running from Thanksgiving to the last day of February, this market is best seen in the snow. Go in late January or February to avoid the crowds while enjoying the winter festivities. Whether you prefer to travel by car, bus or train, there are plenty of ways to get here. Stay in town at one of the many hotels and bask in the lights throughout your visit.
Celebrate the season in Solvang, California, during Julefest. Photo credit: Visit Solvang USA Facebook
Solvang, California
As the “Danish Capital of America,” Solvang features quaint city streets boasting authentic architecture that reflects the deep cultural roots of the city’s history. Solvang translates to “sunny fields” in Danish, so it is no surprise that this festive holiday destination lacks any real snow. While Solvang does not have a white, snowy Christmas, this charming town nonetheless transforms into a winter paradise.
Solvang Julefest is a month-long holiday celebration with roots in Danish traditions, providing memorable holiday events for families. Kicking off with a traditional tree lighting ceremony at the start of December, Julefest is packed with events for everyone to enjoy. Ongoing holiday markets, light show tours and photos in Santa’s Village run all month long. On the 31st, ring in the new year alongside Denmark. Then, to bring the month-long celebrations to a close, learn about fire safety while observing the Solvang Christmas Tree Burn.
To immerse yourself in the total Danish experience, stay at one of the local inns or lodges and easily walk to the downtown festivities. The opening Tree Lighting weekend is a great time to visit and explore the magic of a Danish Christmas.
Grapevine, Texas
Grapevine was rightfully proclaimed the “Christmas Capital of Texas” for its magical holiday events for families and displays that bring joy to all those who visit, year after year. For over a decade, Grapevine has proudly held the title and continues to host travelers who visit to experience the joy of its 40-day celebration. Boasting over 1,400 holiday events, this destination is rife with Christmas cheer.
The Grapevine Christmas Market is at the heart of the historic downtown, with ample public parking and walkable attractions. Many local businesses join in the joyous spirit, making this a great place to shop locally while you get something for everyone on your list. All aboard Santa’s North Pole Express for a trip filled with playful elves and holiday treats. If you are feeling nostalgic, the historic downtown theater has classic Christmas movies and cartoon showings all month long.
Plan your visit anytime in December for family fun events and activities. Lodge in a local hotel to stay at the heart of the festivities and use the Grapevine Visitors Shuttle to get to all the best spots.
Santa Claus, Indiana
Named after Father Christmas himself, the town of Santa Claus in Indiana is truly what children’s Christmas dreams are made of. If you want to visit a 24/7 Christmas extravaganza, this is one of the most festive towns for Christmas. This unique area mixes the season’s traditions with the thrill of modern adventures for memorable holiday family getaways.
At the Santa Claus Museum, kids can partake in writing Letters to Santa. Photo credit: Santa Claus Museum
Their nearly 100-year-old holiday theme park has a host of rollercoasters and rides for kids of all ages, as well as adults. Learn the town’s history and enjoy a festive shopping trip at the Santa Claus Museum & Village. Plan ahead for special events such as a Christmas parade, tree lighting ceremony or a live reindeer exhibit. Join the hunt for Santa Clauses, with a Santa Claus statue scavenger hunt spread across town.
While Christmas may only come once a year, this town is a joy to visit whenever you need holiday cheer. Stay in a full-service hotel, a cozy cabin or pitch a tent and relax in the beautiful Indiana nature. Don’t forget to snap a picture with the 22-foot concrete Santa Claus atop the highest hill in town!
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Helen, Georgia
Festive holiday destinations include Downtown Helen, Georgia. Photo credit: Alpine Helen White County CVB
With a backdrop of stunning mountain views behind Bavarian-style buildings, this picturesque mountain town comes alight with festive celebrations in December. Nearby state parks and scenic waterfalls make this destination perfect for holiday family getaways for outdoor adventurers. Travel to Germany without leaving the country as you celebrate a German Christmas in the South.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in late November to kick off the celebrations with the Annual Lighting of The Village. Christmas Markets last throughout the beginning of December, featuring local artists representing the town’s history. Enjoy breakfast with Santa, join a guided hike, and experience the joy of a parade complete with horses and fire engines. Christmas Day buffets unite the town as you celebrate with a warm, homey meal.
Enjoy the magic of a small-town Christmas in early to mid-December, where you can explore the best events and local marketplace. The town is walkable, but a car is ideal for traveling nearby for hiking and outdoor activities. Relax amidst the nature views in a family cabin or get the authentic outdoor experience at the local campgrounds.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
A gateway to the Smoky Mountains and truly one-of-a-kind celebrations makes Gatlinburg the place to be in Tennessee. Live music and BBQ have been at the heart of the festivities for decades. During wintertime, the Smokies are alight from the glow of over one million lights in downtown Gatlinburg.
Fantasy of Lights Parade in Gatlinburg. Photo credit: Visit Gatlinburg Facebook
Kick off Christmas with a chili cookoff, as this celebration warms not only your heart but your belly as well. Enjoy immersive performances while sipping hot cocoa or stroll the arts and crafts show for handmade gifts. Drive through the Winter Magic light display and get the kids involved with a snowpeople scavenger hunt. Are you brave enough to take your light journey higher? Delight in the 300-foot tunnel of lights as you traverse the Skybridge.
Visit during the start of November to soak in the magical beginning of the winter season, with special events throughout the month. Relax in a cozy cabin retreat, stay closer to downtown in a hotel or experience the great outdoors up close in the RV park or campgrounds. While most downtown attractions are within walking distance, a free trolley operates daily.
Rochester, Michigan
An hour north of Detroit, Rochester is home to a historic, vibrant downtown city that comes alive with glimmering light in the snowy winter. From late November to mid-January, local businesses along the city streets celebrate with more than one million twinkling lights as they usher in Christmastime. While Rochester is known for their Big, Bright Light Show, the community engagement makes this destination truly magical.
Kris Kringle Market in Rochester, Michigan, provides many holiday events for families. Photo credit: Facebook
Santa Claus is coming to town at the local Kris Kringle Market, where streets overflow with vendors, live music, food trucks, and more for the whole family to enjoy. Public art events and cookie strolls are sure to warm the hearts of visitors and locals alike. Gather to appreciate the sense of community love and support with the Lagniappe event, a Creole word for “a little something extra.” Visit the Festival of Trees, a celebration of giving, to bid on festive décor that supports a good cause.
Storefronts decorated to the festive max, cold and snowy winter days, and that unbeatable sense of community make Rochester one of the top holiday family getaways. Stay in a downtown inn to be at the heart of the celebration or cozy up in a local bed and breakfast. Plan your trip anytime during December for plenty of memorable holiday events for families.
New York City, New York
If a big city celebration is what you are looking for, you can’t go wrong with New York City. Known for its iconic skyline and being a global cultural center, NYC transforms into a festive spectacle for the holiday season. From iconic destinations seen on movie screens to locally known gems, the bustling streets provide one of the best places for holiday celebrations.
New York City is one of the best places for holiday celebrations, including impressive decorations. Photo credit: Freepik
Spend a day or two at Rockefeller Center for family fun ice skating and a Radio City Rockettes show. And a wintertime trip to New York City is incomplete without visiting the legendary Rockefeller Christmas tree. Delight in the arts with a traditional Nutcracker Ballet or tour the Holiday Train Show at the botanical gardens.
This destination has city block after city block of holiday events for families, making any time a great time to visit. Stay in a luxury hotel that touches the sky or apartment-style lodging fit for families, all with easy access to the best holiday attractions. Taxis and the subway are an ideal way to travel around the city. Be sure to learn the subway schedule ahead of time.
Plan a trip that fits your group to any one of these exceptional holiday family getaways for the most memorable season. Download your FREE edition of Destination Reunions and get inspired.
Discover exceptional family reunion destinations and expert planning advice with your FREE Destination Reunions Magazine.
By Helene Martin
Header image: Leavenworth, Washington at Christmastime. Photo credit: City of Leavenworth, Washington Facebook
