All-inclusive resorts are excellent choices for families year-round, especially during the Christmas season. Parents know firsthand how time-consuming holiday planning can be. Fortunately, the finest all-inclusive resorts handle much of the planning and preparation, allowing families to relax and enjoy quality time together.

These resorts not only provide a wealth of activities, amenities, and dining options but also feature special holiday experiences. Expect stunning decorations, festive events, delicious meals, and plenty of opportunities to meet Santa. With everything these resorts offer, everyone can enjoy a joyful Christmas holiday. Here are my top picks for the best all-inclusive resorts to consider this Christmas.

FIRST-TIME TRAVELER TIPS: New to all-inclusive resorts? Here are some recommendations for beginners

1. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts

Locations in the Dominican Republic and Mexico

Make this Christmas magical for your kids at Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts located in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and Riviera Maya, Mexico. Both resorts feature year-round character interactions, exciting family activities like slimings, water parks, and seasonal events as part of the Nickelodeon Holiday Extravaganza, running from December 1, 2024, to January 14, 2025.

In Punta Cana, festivities include a tree lighting, pineapple decorating, and fun Christmas Eve events such as ‘snowball’ fights and cookie decorating, culminating with Santa’s arrival on Christmas Day. Over at the Riviera Maya resort, take part in holiday-themed character breakfasts, gingerbread house decorating, and a magical New Year’s Eve celebration with performances and fireworks.

More about Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts:

• 11 all-inclusive resorts featuring top-notch kids clubs
• 6 value-driven all-inclusive resorts for families in the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean

2. Beaches Resorts

Locations in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos

If your children insist on having their elf companions during the holiday season, look no further than Beaches Resorts. These all-inclusive, kid-friendly resorts in Jamaica (Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios) and Turks and Caicos (Beaches Turks and Caicos) are collaborating again with The Lumistella Company for their Elf on the Shelf festivities, happening from November 29, 2024, to January 3, 2025.

Reserve a butler-level room and travel with your elf to enjoy “V.I.E.” (Very Important Scout Elf) perks, like milk and cookies and bubble baths with mini marshmallows. Activities include thrilling Sweet Island Soiree holiday parties and outdoor movie nights featuring “The Elf on the Shelf Santaverse.” Children can enjoy a dedicated area for Elf on the Shelf games and holiday crafts.

More about Beaches Resorts:

• Essential information for booking Beaches Resorts vacations
• 10 reasons why kids will adore Beaches Kids Camp

3. Club Med Quebec Charlevoix

Québec, Canada

Experience the holidays in a beautiful winter landscape at Club Med Quebec. With everything you need for a perfect white Christmas, this all-inclusive resort in Charlevoix boasts over 300 acres for snowy adventures, including skiing (lessons included), ice skating, dog sledding, and even a luge track. Festive activities also feature chef-prepared meals, holiday shows, Santa meet-and-greets, and vibrant winter décor.

Club Med offers fantastic programming for children of all ages, ensuring that everyone stays active and entertained. Families can enjoy culinary experiences with a French flair, like fondue nights and maple syrup-making sessions, along with a lineup of nighttime entertainment. The comfy accommodations blend modern design with elements inspired by Quebec’s First Nation heritage, and some guests even get views of the St. Lawrence River.

More about Club Med:

• • Top all-inclusive resort brands worldwide for families
  • 7 fantastic all-inclusive resorts for families with toddlers
  • 10 all-inclusive family resorts that teenagers will appreciate

   

  4. Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun

  Cancun, Mexico

  The holiday celebrations at Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun begin with the lighting of the Christmas tree. On Christmas Eve, families can enjoy a performance of “The Nutcracker” and watch Santa’s arrival on a festive train full of gifts for kids. In the kids club, children can create traditional seven-point piñatas and then have fun breaking them open together. The New Year’s Eve festivities include music, live performances, and a spectacular fireworks show, followed by a vibrant pool party with music and dancing to ring in the New Year.

   

  For a memorable holiday experience, consider booking a suite with a private balcony overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Families can enjoy quality time at the beach, in one of the nine pools, or at the oceanfront water park.

  Explore more Cancun resorts:

  • 12 top Cancun resorts for families with kids and teens
  • 9 affordable all-inclusive family resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean

  5. C Lazy U Ranch

  Granby, Colorado

  A stay at C Lazy U Ranch is ideal throughout the year, but it becomes particularly special during Christmas. The resort offers caroling, cookie decorating, ice skating on the pond, and a visit from Santa by horse-drawn sleigh during this festive time.

  C Lazy U Ranch is renowned for its fantastic programming for kids and teens. While younger guests participate in activities, adults can explore the ranch’s 8,500 acres on horseback (which is a major emphasis here) or via cross-country skiing. Each evening, families can gather in the resort’s elegant cabins, most of which come with stone fireplaces and a charming tabletop Christmas tree for the holidays. The special holiday events run from December 22-27, 2024, with a minimum five-night stay required.

   

  Learn more about dude ranches:

  • 10 best dude ranches for families in the U.S. and Canada
  • 7 family-friendly Arizona dude ranches with activities for everyone

   

  6. Grand Velas Los Cabos

  Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

  Grand Velas Los Cabos offers holiday cheer for every family member. This Christmas season, guests can participate in gingerbread decorating, enjoy themed shows, and experience traditional Mexican posadas. Don’t forget to bring holiday pajamas for a delightful Christmas morning brunch, and have your camera on hand when Santa lands at the resort via helicopter. In addition, guests can opt for an in-suite Christmas tree, which can be either pre-decorated or delivered with ornaments to create together, and make arrangements for gift-wrapped toys for the kids to enjoy on Christmas morning.

  The teen lounge boasts amenities like a pool table, ping pong, karaoke, gaming pods, and a non-alcoholic bar, while the kids club hosts fun arts and crafts, games, and activities. Parents can indulge themselves with spa treatments or relax in the adults-only infinity pool.

  Discover more about Los Cabos:

  • 7 top all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos
  • 11 amazing family vacation spots in Mexico: Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and more

   

  7. Mohonk Mountain House

  New Paltz, New York

   

  Known as one of the finest family resorts in the U.S., Mohonk Mountain House boasts a delightful Victorian charm during the holidays. This charming setting offers both nostalgic and contemporary activities, including ice skating, bonfires, visits from Santa, holiday musical performances, and crafts that reflect 19th-century traditions. With its location in New York’s Hudson Valley, families can truly experience a wonderful winter atmosphere.

  During the holiday season, families can attend performances of “A Christmas Carol,” excerpts from “The Nutcracker Ballet,” movie nights, and the menorah lighting for Hanukkah, alongside a mesmerizing outdoor winter light display. Other winter activities available include snow tubing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

  Explore more family resorts:

  • 21 best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S.
  • 7 all-inclusive resorts known for exceptional dining

   

  8. Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort, Spa & Casino

  Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

  This vast all-inclusive resort features 1,042 rooms and is situated on the picturesque Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana, offering areas designated for both families and adults. Families will find ample activities to enjoy, including seven freshwater pools, an entertaining water park, beach games and water sports, a spa, a bowling alley, and a casino.

  Lopesan Costa Bavaro embraces the festive spirit with activities such as breakfast with Santa, poolside holiday games, a themed Christmas buffet dinner, and a holiday theatrical production titled “Magical Christmas,” featuring live music and dance performances. Here, you can trade winter snow for sunny skies while enjoying a beautiful setting.

   

  Find out more about vacations in the Dominican Republic:

  • 11 all-inclusive family resorts with stunning swim-up rooms
  • 10 top family resorts with activities and clubs for teens

  9. Woodloch Pines Resort

  Hawley, Pennsylvania

   

  Woodloch Pines Resort is a long-standing favorite for families looking to celebrate Christmas together. This all-inclusive resort offers a magical experience packed with outdoor activities like snow tubing, ice skating, marshmallow roasting, a festive scavenger hunt, and wagon rides through an enchanting Festival of Lights display where children might even catch a glimpse of Santa.

  For those preferring to stay inside, the resort provides cozy indoor activities such as holiday-themed “bakery wars,” various games and crafts, live entertainment, traditional “reindeer” races, as well as access to an indoor pool and splash park. The accommodations, styled like rustic cabins, typically come with lovely views of the lake.

  Check out more family-oriented resorts:

  • These 9 family-friendly hotels feature exceptional kids’ clubs
  • 13 outstanding all-inclusive family resorts catering to different ages and interests

   

  10. Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana

  Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

  At Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana, every suite comes with a private balcony or swim-out pool, which is ideal for enjoying the beautiful tropical atmosphere of this all-inclusive resort. The facility boasts four pools, a water park, clubs for kids and teens, and a wide variety of restaurants and bars to enjoy throughout the year.

  Explore more Caribbean getaways:

  • 8 Caribbean family resorts with villas that resemble private vacation homes
  • 10 luxurious Caribbean resorts perfect for a family splurge

  During the holiday season, this sunny destination transforms into a winter wonderland, beginning with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and festive decorations all around. Guests can indulge in a special Christmas Eve buffet featuring traditional holiday dishes, and children will delight in meeting Santa on Christmas morning, who brings gifts for them. The resort also hosts a family-centered New Year’s Eve celebration complete with a dinner and a lively party featuring entertainment that continues until the New Year arrives.

  The 10 best all-inclusive family resorts for Christmas 2024 first appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.

   

  The perspectives shared in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YSL News. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Through the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation process, we evaluate and choose various family vacation ideas, spots, all-inclusive resorts, and timeless vacation options suitable for all age groups. TourScoop focuses on group tours, operators, and travel gear recommendations.