There is no need to give up a cozy Christmas morning at home or at grandma's house. In many cases, destinations can be visited before or after the holiday. A Christmas vacation destination could be right along a route to visit family.
Another option is to take advantage of the holidays to meet the family for a Christmas destination reunion.
Before selecting a Christmas vacation destination, also consider whether this busy time of year is when your family will enjoy travel. Get some tips on deciding whether to stay home or travel for Christmas. Also consider the challenges of flying with Christmas presents if your trip will require a flight.
Here are some of the top Christmas vacation destinations, activities and attractions:
Christmas at Christmas City (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania)
Bethlehem was founded by Moravians on Christmas Eve 268 years ago, and the city's traditions have been rooted in Christmas ever since. There are many activities wonderful for holiday visitors, from a host of Christmas events to holiday shopping to horse-drawn carriage rides to a Christmas market.
Find out more: Christmas City
Christmas at Santa Claus, Indiana
Santa Claus, Indiana pulls out all the stops for Christmas to honor the town's namesake. There is Santa's Candy Castle, Santa's Lodge and a Festival of Lights. Plus, the kids will love saying they went to Santa Claus for Christmas.
Find out more: Santa Claus, Indiana
Chicago's German Christmas Market
You can find an old-world style German Christmas market without the nuisance of a trip abroad. Visit the Chicago Christmas Market, called Christkindlmarket Chicago. Go ahead of time (and on a weekday if possible) to find great Christmas gifts for the kids, friends and family (both here and along Michigan Avenue).
Find out more: Chicago Christmas Market
Christmas at Walt Disney World
For families who like to travel for Christmas and holidays or have family in Orlando, there are several fun events and ways to enjoy Christmas at Disney World Orlando.
Find out more: Christmas at Disney World
Christmas on a Cruise
Christmas and winter cruises can make great cold-weather getaways for families. This provides a chance to bond together on a cruise ship over the holidays.
Find out more: Christmas Cruises
Visits to World-Class Christmas Trees
You can decorate your own Christmas tree, but you can't fit a 35-foot-tall fir into your living room. There are plenty of amazing decorated Christmas trees to visit.
Find out more: Best Decorated Christmas Trees
Christmas at an Indoor Water Park Hotel
If your idea of holiday fun involves a bathing suit and splashing in a pool, this is a unique but fun option for a family Christmas vacation getaway. There are many hotels that give lip service to being family-friendly, but few can boast as much catering to families (and allure for kids) as indoor water park hotels.
Find out more: Indoor Water Park Hotels
Kelby Carr - Kelby Hartson Carr is an Asheville, N.C. mother of three, a seasoned travel writer, and has extensive experience traveling with children. ...
