Christmas is all about spending time with loved ones, but nobody said you had to do it at home! Whether you’re bringing the whole family on a special holiday adventure or migrating snowbird-style to a warmer location, the Christmas season is a wonderful time to travel.
Besides giving you a change of scenery for the holiday season, many popular vacation destinations aren’t as busy this time of year. Not only will you enjoy shorter lines, but you might even score some amazing off-season bargains. Just make sure you research the destination to see if your favorite attractions are still open.
Here’s a look at 7 of the best Christmas getaways that’ll make this year’s festivities extra jolly.
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1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Wintertime is a fantastic time to visit Myrtle Beach. Most of the main attractions are still open, but there aren’t nearly as many tourists. The area is famous for its many luxury resorts, and most of them offer major off-season discounts for short-term and extended-stay accommodations. You’ll be amazed by how affordable a beachfront room with all of the amenities can be!
The Myrtle Beach area is packed with attractions for visitors of all ages. Broadway at the Beach is a very popular hot spot with a huge variety of restaurants, stores, theaters, and so much more. Family Kingdom Amusement Park has all sorts of rides and roller coasters, and no Myrtle Beach vacation is complete without a trip to Ripley’s Aquarium and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Besides being packed with fun, family-friendly places, Myrtle Beach is a great option for visitors planning to spend time outdoors. Around Christmastime, the temperature is usually in the high 50s or low 60s. Pack your carp fishing gear for a day on the water, your golf clubs for a day on the green, and your hiking boots for a day on the trails.
2. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is a great place to visit if you’re seeking warmer weather in the mid-60s to mid-70s, but that Arizona sunshine isn’t the only reason to visit the Old Pueblo. The area is packed with historical sites to explore, as well as plenty of family-friendly museums, amusement parks, a zoo, and lots of other vacation hot spots.
If you’re looking to spend some time in nature, Tucson has plenty of unique places you won’t find anywhere else. You could spend an entire day exploring the underground system of caves at Colossal Cave Mountain Park. Hikers and campers are sure to enjoy Coronado National Forest and Saguaro National Park. Or, if you’re in the mood for more challenging terrain, pack your survival kit and head to Tumamoc Hill.
3. Disney World / Land
If you’re considering family-friendly vacation spots, a Disney trip is sure to provide a magical experience for the young and the young at heart. Walt Disney World is in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland is in Anaheim, California, so no matter which park you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy fun in the sun.
4. Hawaii
Going to Hawaii with the kids, with a special someone, or even alone is an unforgettable experience, especially if you’re coming from a winter climate! The contrast between ice and snow and Hawaii’s toasty tropical environment is shocking in the best way. As soon as you step off the plane and put on your lei, you’ll be ready to take it all in.
While you’re in the Aloha State, you have to attend at least one luau. The torch-lit dancing, music, and food are quintessential Hawaii. The area is also famous for its many aquatic activities, such as surfing, snorkeling, boating, swimming, boating, and paddleboarding. And, of course, you must visit the area’s majestic volcanoes before leaving.
5. Lake Tahoe
Nestled on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is packed with picturesque nature that’ll take your breath away. This is the perfect place to visit if you want to enjoy winter activities in a milder climate. It’s still chilly but far from frigid, typically hovering around the mid-40s.
Lake Tahoe is famous for its incredible skiing and snowboarding, and there are plenty of resorts in the area to accommodate those who wish to spend the majority of their time on the mountain. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sledding, and cross-country skiing are also popular activities. There’s terrain for all skill levels—just make sure you plan your Lake Tahoe trip accordingly.
6. Bahamas
Looking to escape to an island paradise? Look no further than the beautiful Bahamas. With temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s during the winter, you’ll be able to sunbathe without getting burnt to a crisp!
If you’re visiting for Christmas, make sure you catch Junkanoo. It’s a festival and street parade that takes place on Boxing Day, which is the day after Christmas. The celebration is a visual feast, with vibrantly colored costumes and floats, music, dancing, and all sorts of arts and crafts.
Of course, the Bahamas are known as the ultimate warm weather getaway for a reason! The beaches are stunning, and the crystalline waters are perfect for boating, snorkeling, and any other aquatic activities that strike your fancy.
7. Aspen, Colorado
If you want to fully embrace the holiday spirit, Aspen is the destination for you. It’s truly a winter wonderland. Aspen is one of the most popular vacation destinations for skiers and snowboarders, but you don’t need to hit the slopes to fall in love with the area.
From gondola rides to ice skating, there are plenty of winter-centric activities on deck. Most importantly, you’ll have to book a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride. They may not be reindeer, but it’s the next best thing!
The Best Gifts Are Experiences
While vacationing can be pricey, it’s no secret that Christmas presents are, too! Going on a winter family vacation may not be as expensive as you think, especially if you make the trip your big Christmas present for everyone. Physical presents don’t last forever, but memories do!
