Pack Your Bags! These Gorgeous Christmas Getaways Are Perfect for a Family Vacation
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There's no time of year more magical than the Christmas season. Houses are transformed into dazzling Christmas light displays, everyone's favorite Christmas movies are streaming on repeat, and matching Christmas pajamas are the only thing we want to wear! While all of this can be seen and done from the comfort of your own home, there may be times where you want to travel to experience a specific kind of Christmas magic. To which we'll say: It's time to plan a Christmas getaway!
To help you decide where to go for your 2023 Christmas vacation, we've compiled a list of dream destinations that are sure to earn a high spot on your holiday bucket list. Whether you're traveling with friends and family or flying solo, there are plenty of fun options here, including sandy and snowy getaways. If you don't want to travel far, you could take a family road trip to a traditional Christmas town or two (you know, the ones that look like they belong in a Hallmark Christmas movie). Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you could easily hop a holiday flight to a charming European village, a snowy ski resort, or the sandy beaches of your dreams.
Whatever vibe you're feeling for your next holiday vacation, this list has got you covered. Take a look through these exciting ideas, and let us know in the comments where you and your loved ones are headed next!
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is quite the entertaining city during the holidays! You can get a nice view of their extravagant Christmas display at the Grand America, get tickets to an annual viewing of The Nutcracker, and experience the Zoolights at Utah's Hogle Zoo!
WHERE TO STAY: You'll want to stay at The Grand America Hotel for a comforting experience as well as a beautiful view of the town's lights on Christmas! The hotel itself has many events planned on a weekly basis for your entertainment!
Key West, Florida
If you hate the cold, but absolutely love getting into the Christmas spirit—Key West is the place to go! The warm Florida city decks out its popular tourist areas with some festive decor, and hosts an annual holiday tour, a holiday car show, and a holiday light show!
WHERE TO STAY: Casa Mariana has its own private beach! So, when you've spent the day out and about, you know you can come back to a relaxing stay at a nice and comfy hotel.
Rovaniemi, Finland
If you think about it, Rovaniemi is literally Santa's hometown! Okay, we're joking, but this is exactly where you'll find Santa Claus Village and SantaPark, where a Santa lookalike puts on a show for all the townspeople, reindeer and all! It also helps that Rovaniemi is built just like a Christmas village! (Also, you'll probably be able to see the northern lights if you plan it right.)
WHERE TO STAY: Get this—you can actually stay at the Santa Claus Village! You'll get all sorts of accommodations, like rooms with specialized windows that allow you to see the northern lights in full view, and services that give you the full holiday treatment (like hot chocolate making!).
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Love to ski or snowboard in stunning locations? Well, Jackson Hole, Wyoming is calling your name! The area has tons of holiday events for the whole family, including fireworks to ring in the new year! Plus, the downtown area is always beautifully decorated for the holidays.
WHERE TO STAY: The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has all the slopes, lodges, and snow you need for your perfect mountain escape! Whether you're planning a trip for two or your entire entourage, the resort has plenty of options for lodging.
Woodstock, Vermont
If there's one place that just *screams* Christmas, it's Woodstock, Vermont! The town's festive horse rides, colorful street lighting, and charming Christmas shops make Woodstock look like it came right out of a Hallmark movie. It's perfect for families looking for a laidback mini escape.
WHERE TO STAY: Woodstock Inn & Resort is the most obvious answer. "Vermont's most beautiful address" is located right off the town's main street, making it easy for you to explore the heart of Woodstock.
Adare, Ireland
Adare is known as "Ireland's prettiest village" and it's easy to see why. The thatched cottages alone will charm you to no end! And if you want to visit Dublin while you're there, it's only about a two hour commute to the popular city.
WHERE TO STAY: The five-star hotel Adare Manor will make you feel like European royalty. It's situated on hundreds of acres and right by a river and a picture-perfect village.
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Beaver Creek is home to some of the country's best mountains for skiing. It's also known for its fine dining and family-friendly activities. In other words, this ski town has it all!
WHERE TO STAY: The Osprey offers all the peace and quiet you need for a low-key holiday. The views will make you want to return year after year.
Savannah, Georgia
You probably think of this popular Southern city as a summer destination. But it can be just as lovely for a Christmas getaway. The mild winter temperatures mean you can comfortably explore the area's architecture, historical sites, and nature.
WHERE TO STAY: Unlimited champagne? Yes, please! Perry Lane Hotel in Savannah offers just that and a beautiful rustic location for its guests.
Budapest, Hungary
Love looking at holiday lights? No one does them like Budapest! This beautiful European city is also known for its many Christmas markets, holiday shows, and traditional food vendors.
WHERE TO STAY: The Matlid Palace is one of those places that doesn't seem real but is. Offering a beautiful view of the city, it will make your stay one to remember.
Washington, D.C.
America's capital has it all. There's so much history to be explored, plus plenty of shopping and fantastic restaurants.
WHERE TO STAY: The Ritz-Carlton, of course! It offers easy access to Washington, D.C.'s charm and plenty more luxurious perks.
Charleston, South Carolina
Whatever you think you know about Charleston, erase that from your mind when it comes to Christmastime. The gorgeous city hosts an annual Festival of Lights, completely transforming the area into a winter wonderland (minus the freezing temperatures!) You can also explore the beautiful nearby beaches Charleston has to offer.
WHERE TO STAY: Zero George hotel is the perfect combination of historic and sophisticated. Plus, it's conveniently located near most of the town's Christmastime activities.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe's multicultural heritage shines even more brightly during the holidays. Come for the stunning Christmas lights, stay for the annual holiday party at the Palace of the Governors.
WHERE TO STAY: We love a hotel that knows how to celebrate Christmas. The lighting of the tree at the historic La Fonda on the Plaza hotel is a beautiful sight to behold.
Nashville, Tennessee
Music City for Christmas? We think yes! The Tennessee favorite goes *all* out for the holiday, just like you'd expect. There's no better place to have a honky-tonk holiday!
WHERE TO STAY: Say hello to this beauty! The Omni Nashville Hotel offers a perfect view of the city's tree lighting.
New York City
Christmastime in the Big Apple sounds like an obvious choice. And it is for good reason! The city that never sleeps has endless options for commemorating the holiday, including ice skating, window shopping at Bloomingdales, and attending the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Plus, the annual Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting is easily the most famous in the country.
WHERE TO STAY: There are so many great options, but The Peninsula is hard to beat! The hotel gets all decked out for the season, adding to the already magical experience.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, simply put, can be anything you want it to be if you have a big enough imagination. That's why it's the perfect spot for those looking for a fun escape.
WHERE TO STAY: ARIA Resort and Casino takes Christmas very seriously. Just look at this festive display!
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky is a dream come true for anyone who wants to feel like they're on top of the world. Enjoy the beauty of the Rockies while you ski, hike, snowshoe, and sled.
WHERE TO STAY: If you're looking for a snowy Christmas, you'll find just that at the Montage Big Sky. Your view will be the wondrous white mountains, where you'll probably end up skiing the next day.
Quebec City, Canada
The magic that this city produces happens year-round. But come Christmastime, a little more flair is felt. Plan a visit where you'll learn about Quebec City's fascinating history, take in the European architecture, and enjoy the delicious delicacies.
WHERE TO STAY: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has it all. Even if you didn't leave the resort, you'd still have access to a warming pool, ski lifts, and plenty of restaurants.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh hosts a six-week Christmas festival, so of course it made this list! This trip would be great for a family or a group of friends, as there is an amusement park, loads of food, and many different events that show off the culture of Scotland.
WHERE TO STAY: The Scotsman Hotel will give you easy access to all of the fun and excitement Edinburgh has to offer.
Munich, Germany
Just one look at some of the pictures from Munich during Christmastime, and we bet you'll be booking your next holiday vacation there right after. The city sets up dozens of Christmas shops for its visitors to enjoy.
WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Laimer Hof is conveniently located in the Bavarian capital, next to many transportation options for easy travel. The romantic feel you get at this location makes it perfect for your next couple's trip.
Leavenworth, Washington
We've hyped up many of these locations, but we've saved the most magical for last. The lights. The townspeople. The beautiful architecture. You'll feel like you're in a fairytale from the minute you arrive in Leavenworth, Washington.
WHERE TO STAY: We're not too sure how a place like Posthotel exists, but we're not going to ruin it by asking any questions. The hotel seems like a town within a town, making it an experience in an of itself.
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