Christmas getaways offer a unique chance for families who enjoy traveling together. Regardless of your parenting stage, you can often anticipate a break from school and work, allowing everyone to come together.

The beauty of Christmas trips is that they don’t have to be spent at home to create cherished family memories. In fact, often the most memorable Christmas vacations are those where the family explores new, exciting places (or festive hotels) that immerse everyone in the holiday spirit.

For those imagining twinkling lights and a family-friendly holiday filled with joy (either on sandy beaches or snowy landscapes), here are 13 worldwide destinations that celebrate Christmas beautifully.

1. Singapore

What do a Santa circus, dazzling light shows, and tropical “snowfall” have in common? They all embody Singapore’s festive spirit. The best celebrations occur in the city’s parks. From December 2 to January 1, Universal Studios Singapore transforms into a winter wonderland featuring live performances like a Santa circus, themed food, games, character meet-and-greets, snowfalls, and extra holiday cheer during A Universal Christmas.

In Gardens by the Bay, the incredible Supertrees illuminate to the tune of classical Christmas music. A double-decker carousel, visits from Santa, and whimsical decorations enhance the festive atmosphere. Be sure to stop by Orchard Road, where the innovative light display is a spectacle in itself. Starting in December 2025, Disney Adventure cruises will also be available, sailing three- and four-night journeys from Singapore.

2. San Antonio, Texas

For centuries, San Antonio, the home of the Alamo, has beautifully decorated its iconic River Walk with Mexican Christmas lanterns, symbolizing guidance for the Holy Family. During Christmas, families visiting San Antonio can explore this magnificent tradition on foot or via boat with Go Rio Cruises, a family-friendly service that accommodates strollers.

The holiday excitement continues at The DoSeum, San Antonio’s children’s museum, which annually hosts an elaborate Winter Wonderland event. Additionally, the San Antonio Botanical Garden dazzles with over a million sparkling Christmas lights. Underground, Natural Bridge Caverns features professional Christmas carolers singing 180 feet below ground. With ice skating, beautiful Christmas trees, and countless festivities, San Antonio is a fantastic holiday destination.

3. Puerto Rico

Claiming the title for the longest Christmas season in the world, Puerto Rico offers families the opportunity to plan memorable holiday vacations that fit their preferences and budgets. Kicking off the day after Thanksgiving and extending several weeks past New Year’s, the island’s Christmas festivities include vibrant street celebrations, boat parades, festive lights, lively music, and delicious holiday foods. Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Fiona, Puerto Rico is eager to welcome back tourists for the holiday season.

San Juan, the heart of Puerto Rico’s holiday celebrations, is one of the best spots for a family Christmas getaway. The city’s waterfront amphitheater, Bahia Urbana, transforms into Navitown, a carnival filled with Christmas-themed rides, enchanting decorations, and a special Santa’s Workshop experience.

4. German Christmas Markets

No other country embraces Christmas like Germany. At the origin of the Christkindlmarkt, Germany dazzles with numerous Christmas markets, featuring charming wooden stalls that offer everything from handmade toys and decorations to delicious treats and warm gluhwein.

You can’t really go wrong with any of Germany’s Christmas market locations, but Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Trier, and Dresden stand out for their genuine charm and family-friendly vibe. For a unique Christmas getaway, consider a European river cruise—Adventures by Disney offers special Rhine and Danube Christmas market cruises that families love.

5. St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, known as the oldest city in the U.S., has developed rich Christmas traditions over the ages. Its annual Nights of Lights event illuminates the historic area with three million white lights from mid-November until late January, earning it a spot among the world’s top light displays.

In addition to the spectacular lights, families can enjoy the festive mood through various historical tours, the city’s annual Christmas Parade, and the Holiday Regatta of Lights. Important landmarks, including the Castillo de San Marcos and the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, are part of the city’s Christmas celebrations.

6. Cusco, Peru

In Peru, Christmas coincides with summer, leading to festive celebrations marked by daytime parades and fireworks at night. The highlight is Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve, when communities come together to celebrate. Despite the warmer weather, you’ll still find traditional Christmas elements, featuring Christmas trees and nativity scenes adorned with local flair—like alpacas instead of traditional animals.

Cusco shines as a prime holiday destination, not just for its beautiful Christmas decorations but also as a gateway to explore Machu Picchu, go whitewater rafting on the Urubamba River, or slide down the natural rock formations of Sacsayhuaman.

On December 23 and 24, a large artisan market fills Cusco’s main square. Additionally, a special Peruvian custom known as La Chocolatada occurs throughout December, where the local community gathers to distribute hot chocolate and panettone to those in need, ensuring that every child experiences the true essence of Christmas.

7. South Tyrol, Italy

Nestled among enchanting towns such as Bolzano, Merano, Brunico, Vipiteno, and Bressanone, the stunning vistas of the Dolomites and Italian Alps create a beautiful setting for South Tyrol’s Christmas markets. Festive touches like Santa Claus appearances, horse-drawn carriage rides, Thun teddy bears, and the renowned Angel of Bozen add to its allure as a top family-friendly Christmas destination.

The region’s unique charm comes from its fusion of Italian, German, Austrian, and Ladin (native Dolomiten) cultures. Families can enjoy delicious local dishes such as Tyrolean goulash and strudels while taking in the rich scenery, history, and traditions. Plus, it’s known for being home to some of Europe’s finest skiing, with excellent ski resorts located nearby.

8. Costa Rica

Families seeking adventure love vacationing in Costa Rica, and many may not realize it’s also a fantastic Christmas getaway. The country’s unique holiday celebration, Tope Nacional de Caballos, features a horseback parade in San Jose every December 26, showcasing its festive spirit.

In addition to this popular event, the holiday season is marked by vibrant float parades, musical festivals, and stunning handcrafted nativity displays across the nation. The inviting weather allows for various activities, including hiking, zip-lining, beach outings, and relaxing in hot springs.

9. Lapland, Finland

Enjoying a glamorous camping experience in a snowy forest is a fantastic way to embrace Finland’s winter magic. When complemented with gingerbread treats, glögi (a spiced, sometimes non-alcoholic wine), and a session at a traditional wood-fired sauna, it feels like a true local Christmas celebration. Regardless of whether you opt for a “real-life” snow globe or a cozy cabin, you will quickly immerse yourself into the festive spirit.

Rovaniemi, recognized as Santa Claus’ official hometown, attracts families year-round who wish to meet him, explore Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle, and view the mesmerizing Northern Lights. The charm of this experience intensifies during the Christmas season.

Throughout Lapland, towns sparkle with lights, Christmas markets, and beautifully adorned spruce trees. While strolling through residential areas, remind your kids to spot homemade ice candles and straw goats, enhancing the festive experience.

10. Madeira, Portugal

When envisioning a Christmas getaway in Europe, a sunny volcanic island adorned with vibrant villages might not be the first image that comes to mind. However, Madeira, Portugal, presents a perfect blend of traditional holiday elegance with warm weather.

The bustling Avenida Arriaga in Funchal is filled with the sounds of Christmas carols, stunning botanical gardens adorned with lights, and markets featuring tropical-themed crafts and mulled wine. Children will delight in snow-free toboggan rides, exploring a toy museum, and visiting a whimsical theme park that caters to all ages.

11. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Located about an hour north of Philadelphia in the Lehigh Valley, you will find a picturesque town that could be the setting for a Hallmark movie: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. During the festive season, this Christmas City delights children with opportunities to listen to stories from Santa, engage in crafts with his elves, and take part in a gingerbread decorating contest.

On Bethlehem’s Main Street, visitors can browse traditional Christmas markets—some of which are inside—while being serenaded by choirs. Parents can also join in on the fun by exploring the Holiday Cocktail Trail. Additionally, Bethlehem is conveniently located less than 20 minutes from the Delaware River Railroad, which offers the Polar Express-themed Christmas train rides.

12. St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. Croix, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands, hosts a lively calendar of family-friendly holiday events. Highlights for Christmas visitors include meet and greets with Santa, face painting, fun games, and creative arts and crafts.

Standout events include the St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade in Christiansted, the Gallows Bay Holiday Festival, and Frederiksted’s Holiday Fest, alongside festive Caribbean markets at the St. George Village Botanical Garden. Additionally, the Crucian Christmas Festival takes place island-wide, with various local organizations arranging fundraiser events in the main towns, all within a few minutes’ drive of each other.

13. Coastal New England

Enjoying Christmas in New England’s quaint coastal towns feels like a journey back in time. Using Boston as a base, visitors can explore the region’s enduring traditions across three states—Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine—with celebrations typically spanning from late November to December.

Noteworthy holiday festivities can be found in Salem, Massachusetts; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; and Kennebunkport, Maine. These charming towns, easily reachable from Boston, bring the holiday spirit alive with delightful experiences like a trolley ride with the Good Witch of Salem, a candlelight stroll in Portsmouth, and a special visit from Santa in Kennebunkport, who arrives on a lobster boat. There’s nothing quite like strolling around with a cup of hot cocoa, soaking in the sparkling lights and festive atmosphere.

The list of 13 enchanting Christmas vacation destinations in the U.S. and beyond for families was originally published on FamilyVacationist.com.

The views and opinions shared in this column belong to the author and do not necessarily represent those of YSL News. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are managed by Vacationist Media LLC. Through FamilyVacationist’s travel recommendation process, we evaluate and highlight ideas for family vacations, family-friendly spots, all-inclusive resorts, and traditional vacations suitable for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours, reviews of tour operators, travel itineraries, and gear recommendations.