13 magical Christmas destinations: From cozy New England to sunny Puerto Rico
Christmas getaways represent a rare opportunity for families who like to travel. No matter what stage of parenthood you're in, you can usually count on some time off from school and work for everyone to gather in one place.
One of the great things about Christmas vacations is they don't have to be spent at home for everyone to have quality family time together. In fact, some of the best Christmas vacations for families are the trips where everyone's traveling to a new and exciting destination (or festive hotel) that goes all in on Christmas spirit.
If you're dreaming of twinkling lights and a family-friendly, white (sand or snow-filled) Christmas, here are 13 destinations around the world that do it up for the holidays.
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1. Singapore
What do a Santa circus, immersive light show and "snowfall" in the tropics have in common? They’re all among the ways Singapore brings Christmas to life. The best places to celebrate are in the city’s parks. Universal Studios Singapore transforms into a winter wonderland from Dec. 2 to Jan. 1. Live performances including a Santa circus, themed food and games, character meet-and-greets, snowfalls and other surprises at Santa’s North Pole, and more holiday fun commence during A Universal Christmas.
Meanwhile, in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay park, its famous Supertrees light up in rhythm to classical Christmas songs. A double-decker carousel, visits from Santa and whimsical decorations sweeten the experience. Don’t forget to make your way to Orchard Road, whose cutting-edge light display is an experience all in itself. Starting in December 2025, Disney Adventure also will sail three- and four-night cruises from Singapore.
2. San Antonio, Texas
For hundreds of years, the home of the Alamo has adorned its iconic River Walk with Mexican Christmas lanterns believed to help light the way for the Holy Family. Families visiting San Antonio for Christmas vacations between mid-November and mid-January can immerse themselves in this awe-inspiring tradition either by foot or boat with Go Rio Cruises, a kid-friendly tour operator that even lets you stow strollers onboard.
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The holiday magic continues at The DoSeum, San Antonio's kids museum, which hosts an elaborate Winter Wonderland event once a year, and at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, whose enchanting grounds twinkle with more than a million Christmas lights. Celebrations continue underground at the Natural Bridge Caverns, where professional Christmas carolers' voices echo 180 feet below the surface. There's also ice skating, beautiful Christmas trees and more, making San Antonio a fab place to spend the holidays.
3. Puerto Rico
Taking the award for world's longest Christmas season, Puerto Rico makes it easy for families to plan Christmas vacations that suit their schedule and budget. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving and ending weeks after New Year's Day, Puerto Rico's Christmas celebrations comprise colorful street parties, boat parades, lights, lively music and holiday dishes. And after the devastation caused by Hurricane Fiona, Puerto Rico is ready to welcome tourists back in time for the holidays.
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One of the best places to visit for Christmas with family, San Juan is at the heart of Puerto Rico’s seasonal festivities. The city’s waterfront amphitheater, Bahia Urbana, becomes Navitown, a Christmas-themed carnival with rides, whimsical decorations and a special rendition of Santa's Workshop.
4. German Christmas Markets
Nowhere else in the world does Christmas vacations quite like Germany. The birthplace of the Christkindlmarkt could easily light up a map with its sheer number of Christmas markets, each commingled with intricate wooden huts selling everything from handcrafted toys and ornaments to fresh-cooked delicacies and warm gluhwein.
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While you really can't go wrong with any German Christmas market destination, those in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Trier and Dresden are particularly well regarded for their authenticity and kid-friendly atmosphere. For an extra special Christmas vacation, try a European river cruise: Family-favorite guided tour company Adventures by Disney has both Rhine and Danube Christmas market cruises.
5. St. Augustine, Florida
America's oldest city, St. Augustine, has had a lot of time to build upon its Christmas traditions over the years. The city's annual Night of Lights event, during which 3 million white lights illuminate the historic district from mid-November to late January, has been recognized as one of the world’s top light displays.
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In addition to this feast for the senses, families can savor the holiday spirit on Christmas vacations with cheerfully cheeky historical tours, St. Augustine's annual Christmas Parade, and the Holiday Regatta of Lights. Landmark attractions such as the Castillo de San Marcos and the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum are also incorporated into the city's Christmas experiences.
6. Cusco, Peru
With summer in full swing during Navidad in Peru, celebrations kick off with parades during the day and fireworks at night. All festivities lead up to Nochebuena on Dec. 24, when much of Latin America celebrates Christmas. Even with the warmer weather, you’ll see traditional touches like Christmas trees and Nativity scenes with a Peruvian spin — think alpacas in place of biblical animals.
Cusco is one of the best cities to visit during the holiday. Not only is it known for its vibrant Christmas display, but it’s also the base for exploring Machu Picchu, among other activities such as whitewater rafting in the Urubamba River and riding down the natural rock slides of Sacsayhuaman.
A sweeping artisan market encompasses Cusco’s main square on Dec. 23 and 24. Additionally, a unique Peruvian tradition called La Chocolatada takes place throughout the month of December. This is when the community of Cusco comes together to hand out hot chocolate and panettone bread to people in need — to ensure every child feels the spirit of Christmas.
7. South Tyrol, Italy
Cocooned among fairy tale towns like Bolzano, Merano, Brunico, Vipiteno and Bressanone, dramatic views of the Dolomites and Italian Alps serve as the backdrop to South Tyrol’s Christmas markets. Appearances by Santa Claus, horse-drawn carriages, Thun teddy bears and the world-famous Angel of Bozen further make it one of the best places to visit for Christmas with your family.
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Adding to the region’s charm is its melding of Italian, German, Austrian, and Ladin (native Dolomiten) cultures. Families will enjoy chowing down on Tyrolean goulash, strudels, and other diverse specialties while relishing the local scenery, history and traditions. Bonus: The region is also known for some of Europe’s best skiing, with great ski resorts nearby.
8. Costa Rica
Adventurous families love Costa Rica family vacations, but many people are surprised to discover Costa Rica is one of the best Christmas vacations for families, too. The Christmas spirit shines in one of the country’s most distinctive holiday events, Tope Nacional de Caballos, a horseback parade held in San Jose every Dec. 26.
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Beyond this popular tradition, float parades, musical festivals and beautifully handcrafted Nativity scenes light up throughout the country during the holiday season. Perhaps the biggest draw? Perfect weather to enjoy activities ranging from hiking and zip lining to beach going and hot spring-dipping.
9. Lapland, Finland
Glamping in a snowy forest is one way to relish Finland’s long winter season. Throw in some gingerbread, glogi (spiced, sometimes nonalcoholic wine) and a visit to a wood-fired sauna, and you’re spending Christmas like the locals. Of course, whether you choose to stay in a “real life” snow globe or a cozy hut will have little to do with how quickly you get into the holiday spirit.
Santa Claus’ official hometown is the Finnish city of Rovaniemi. Every day of the year, families from all over come to meet him, revel in the magic of Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle and witness the Northern Lights. The magic is multiplied during the weeks surrounding Christmas.
Throughout the Lapland region, towns and cities are aglow with lights, Christmas markets and decorated spruce trees. When walking through residential neighborhoods, have your kids keep their eyes peeled for homemade ice candles and straw goats.
10. Madeira, Portugal
When you think of Christmas vacations in Europe, you may not immediately picture sun-drenched volcanic islands sprinkled with colorful villages. But Madeira offers the best of both worlds for Christmas vacations: all the magical sights, smells, tastes and sounds of a European Christmas plus warm weather.
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The city of Funchal's historic walking area, Avenida Arriaga, comes alive with Christmas carolers, illuminated botanical gardens and tropical-themed Christmas markets selling handcrafted goods and mulled wine. Kids will revel in (snow-free) toboggan rides, the toy museum and a storybook theme park for all ages.
11. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
About an hour north of Philadelphia in the Lehigh Valley is a town straight out of a Hallmark movie: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. During the holiday season, the Christmas City makes kids' wishes come true with a chance to read stories with Santa, get crafty with his elves and participate in a gingerbread man decorating contest.
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Bethlehem's Main Street is lined with traditional Christmas markets (with some also indoors), while choir singers serenade visitors. Parents can have fun sipping their way along the Holiday Cocktail Trail. Bethlehem is also less than 20 minutes from the Delaware River Railroad, one of only a handful of tracks offering Christmas train rides themed to the Polar Express.
12. St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
One of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix fills its holiday calendar with various events geared toward families. Popular Christmas vacation activities here include visits from Santa, face-painting, games and arts and crafts.
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Noteworthy events include the St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade in Christiansted, Gallows Bay Holiday Festival, Frederiksted's Holiday Fest, and Caribbean Christmas markets in the St. George Village Botanical Garden. The Crucian Christmas Festival is also celebrated across the island, while local organizations host fundraiser events in the island’s main towns, all within a short driving distance from one another.
13. Coastal New England
Experiencing Christmas in New England's small coastal towns and villages is like stepping back in time. Using Boston as a stepping stone, you can get a taste of the region's timeless traditions in three states along the coast (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine) with festivities generally taking place from late November through December.
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Noteworthy holiday celebrations can be found in Salem, Massachusetts; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Kennebunkport, Maine. All easily accessible by car from Boston, these charming little cities bring the holiday magic to life with activities such as a holiday trolley ride with the Good Witch of Salem, a candlelight walk in Portsmouth and a special visit from Santa in Kennebunkport, who arrives by lobster boat. And nothing beats the feeling of walking around with a hot cocoa, admiring the twinkling lights and enjoying the season.
13 magical Christmas vacation spots in the US and beyond for families originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The ultimate family Christmas getaway: 13 destinations that go all-in
