As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to dust off your travel plans and embrace the joy, lights, and magic of the holidays. At AmazingMiles, we’ve curated a list of 13 enchanting destinations where families can revel in everything merry and bright. Whether it’s a traditional Christmas market in Vienna or a snowy escape in North Pole, Alaska, there’s something special awaiting every traveler.
New York City – Iconic Holiday Classics Await
New York City in December is like stepping into a holiday movie. From the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to the vibrant window displays on Fifth Avenue, it’s a destination that tops every holiday bucket list. Take the family ice skating in Central Park, explore the Bryant Park Winter Village, or catch a holiday classic movie screening at the Empire State Building.
Where to Stay: The New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square offers festive surprises like carolers, hot cocoa, and even Santa visits during their “25 Days of Festive Fun.” For an extra-special stay, The Plaza Hotel offers a “Home Alone: Fun in New York” package, complete with a limo ride, cheese pizza, and an ice cream sundae — just like Kevin McCallister enjoyed.
Vienna, Austria – A Magical European Christmas Market
Vienna’s Rathausplatz Christkindlmarkt brings a fairy-tale holiday to life. Stroll through over 100 festive stalls for holiday treats and handcrafted gifts, then skate under the twinkling lights of Vienna’s giant Ferris wheel. For even more holiday cheer, head to the Prater amusement park, where festive rides, live music, and puppet shows add to the fun.
Must-Visit: Schonbrunn Palace hosts a Christmas market fit for royalty, complete with majestic trees, seasonal shopping, and a children’s museum.
Branson, Missouri – Ozark Mountain Holiday Fun
Set in the picturesque Ozarks, Branson is packed with holiday experiences for families. Silver Dollar City’s “An Old Time Christmas” celebrates the season with millions of lights, decorated trees, and festive performances. Nearby, Shepherd of the Hills offers a “North Pole Adventure,” including a light display, mountain coaster, and a visit to Inspiration Tower.
Festive Lodging: Big Cedar Lodge lights up with its “Home for the Holidays” celebration, featuring Santa visits, light tours, and holiday activities.
Santa Claus, Indiana – Christmas All Year Long
Welcome to Santa Claus, Indiana, where it’s Christmas every day! This small town embraces its name with attractions like Santa’s Candy Castle, a festive drive-through light show, and a post office dedicated to letters to Santa. Kids will delight in the holiday parade, reindeer exhibits, and meeting Santa himself.
Pro Tip: See how many Santa statues your family can find throughout the town — there are over 20!
North Pole, Alaska – A Winter Wonderland
Just a short drive from Fairbanks, the North Pole in Alaska features candy cane street lights and holiday cheer year-round. The Santa Claus House is a must-visit, where you’ll find gifts, sweets, and a giant Santa statue. During December, the town hosts Winterfest, with a holiday bazaar, cookie decorating, and festive fireworks.
Highlight: Visiting the North Pole during Winterfest is like being in a real-life snow globe!
Bowling Green, Kentucky – Reindeer Encounters and Lights
Bowling Green transforms into a holiday wonderland with events like Light Up BGKY, a Christmas parade, and real reindeer encounters at The Reindeer Farm. At the SoKY Ice Rink, families can skate to festive tunes, while the Light Up BGKY week offers a chance to see illuminated downtown displays.
Nearby Adventure: Explore Mammoth Cave National Park, where the temperature remains cozy 54°F year-round.
Lapland, Finland – Meet Santa in an Igloo
Lapland, Finland, is the place to make lifelong holiday memories. Experience reindeer sleigh rides, stay in glass-domed igloos, and meet Santa in his homeland. Book a package that includes everything from meals to snowsuits for an easy, unforgettable adventure.
Amazing Activity: Don’t miss a Northern Lights tour — one of Lapland’s unforgettable winter experiences.
Orlando, Florida – Holiday Magic Without the Cold
For families who love the holidays but not the cold, Orlando’s theme parks bring the festivities to life. From Disney World’s “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” to SeaWorld’s seasonal displays, there’s no shortage of holiday fun.
Where to Stay: Gaylord Palms Resort hosts “Ice!” with “Elf”-themed sculptures and ice tubing, and the Orlando World Center Marriott offers holiday drone shows, festive movies, and even Santa visits.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – A North Pole on the Lake
Coeur d’Alene in Idaho lights up each year with over a million twinkling holiday lights. The highlight is the North Pole cruise, which lets families see the lights from the lake. Stay at The Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort, where you’ll find cozy dining igloos along the shore.
Must-Do: Take the North Pole cruise for magical views of the light displays on Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Cleveland, Ohio – “A Christmas Story” Comes to Life
Cleveland is where one of the most beloved holiday films, “A Christmas Story,” was filmed. Visit the restored house from the movie, which now serves as a museum, or stay in the Hilton Cleveland Downtown’s Mr. Kringle Suite, filled with holiday cheer.
Unique Stay: Enjoy the Mr. Kringle Suite at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, which includes Christmas trees, garlands, and a personalized letter from Santa.
Newport, Rhode Island – Gilded Holiday Splendor
Newport offers a glimpse into America’s Gilded Age with its Christmas in Newport celebration. Attend holiday lantern tours and explore the festively decorated Newport Mansions, which host a unique “Newport Nutcracker” performance at Rosecliff Mansion.
Luxurious Stay: The Vanderbilt, an Auberge Resort, offers guests festive dinners, caroling, and holiday events.
Ocala, Florida – Equestrian Holiday Celebrations
The World Equestrian Center in Ocala hosts an annual Winter Wonderland with over a million lights, a Christmas market, and holiday-themed performances. Book a room at The Equestrian Hotel for easy access to the festive fun, including live holiday performances and an Arabian Horse Show.
Can’t-Miss Activity: Try holiday-themed mini golf or catch a Nutcracker performance at the Equestrian Center.
Greenville, South Carolina – A Hallmark Movie Setting
Greenville becomes a holiday movie scene in December, with ice skating, gingerbread displays, and an outdoor Christmas market. Book The Greenville Home Alone Experience at The Westin Poinsett, which includes an ice cream sundae, limo ride, and a toy shopping spree for kids.
Charming Highlight: Enjoy the Very Merry Mini Golf course decked in lights and festive decor.
Final Thoughts
This holiday season, make memories in some of the world’s most festive destinations. From cozy towns like Greenville to bustling cities like New York, these locations offer enchanting experiences for families, making them perfect for a memorable holiday trip.
Ready to Plan Your Festive Getaway? AmazingMiles is here to guide you every step of the way. Check out more travel tips, destination guides, and exclusive deals on AmazingMiles, and make this holiday season truly magical!
