Families everywhere are eager to spend time together over the Christmas break. Make the most of this season by planning a winter getaway! Many of the best winter destinations for families are Christmas market towns with an ice rink and hot cocoa on tap. Maybe you’d prefer to stay in a winter wonderland making snow angels and skiing. It’s the perfect opportunity to escape the cold weather and spend quality time in the great outdoors or enjoy family fun at theme parks. This guide has tons of winter break ideas for families! Whether you want to travel within the United States or fly further afield, you are sure to find a vacation the entire family will love.
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15 Winter Break Ideas for Families
1. Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is one of my favorite places to spend winter break with the family. It’s a great time of year to visit as the temperatures in this desert climate are quite mild.
Visit the gorgeous Desert Botanical Garden, which has over 50,000 plants, from palm trees to succulents. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is always a hit with younger kids, as you can ride on miniature trains! This 30-acre park also has model train displays and historic steam engines. Hike in the expansive McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a protective nature reserve with over 225 miles of trails. Or head indoors to the Musical Instrument Museum, a one-of-a-kind experience!
Where to stay: The winter season is a magical time to stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort. Christmas at the Princess does not hold back on the festive decor. Everywhere from the lobby to the pool (with water slides!) is covered in holiday sparkles. It has an ice skating rink, a light show, and even a Ferris wheel. Their kids’ club is perfect for families with young children.
Fairmont Princess Resort offers several fully equipped villas perfect for winter family vacations. The Privado Studio or the Ambassador Suite are ideal for single families. When traveling with extended family members or older kids, we recommend opting for the Privado Suite.
2. Puerto Rico
Winter is the perfect time to escape cold weather by heading to Puerto Rico. Enjoy family-friendly beaches like Flamenco and Luquillo. Explore El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system.. You can’t miss the epic waterfalls like the 35 ft cascading La Mina Falls. Rent kayaks and row through the mangroves to the magical Bioluminescent Bay.
Holiday traditions in Puerto Rico might be the longest and most festive! They typically celebrate from November until after Three Kings Day on January 6th. Explore San Juan and Ponce for the most elaborate festive lights. Drink coquito, a Puerto Rican eggnog, at Christmas and eat 12 grapes on New Year for good luck! Many towns (notably Juana Díaz) host parades on Three Kings Day.
Where to stay: The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa is the perfect place. This four-star hotel’s beachfront location is packed with family-friendly amenities and highly-rated restaurants. Discover the region on one of their tailored tours. Or, make the most of the winter sun by taking a dip in the pool or the ocean. For golf loving families, there are two courses at the resort, and 18 others throughout the Island.
3. Colmar, France
The “provincial” French town of Colmar inspired the setting for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and it’s easy to spot the resemblance. Wander through Colmar’s fairytale-esque medieval streets.
You can’t miss Colmar’s month-long Christmas markets. There are six spread across town but the one in Place des Dominicains is great for kids. There are tons of fun things to do, like riding the carousel. Indulge in treats like pretzels and Alsatian cheesy spaetzle. Check out the Colmar Toy Museum to see centuries worth of classic toys.
Where to stay: Hôtel Le Colombier is a great spot for groups traveling during the holidays. It is situated in the heart of Colmar’s historic center. Its original features and beams make it feel cozy, but its stylish, modern amenities are perfect for families.
4. Tokyo, Japan
If your kids love anime and video games, consider jetting to Tokyo for your family’s winter break. Direct flights to Tokyo depart from many major cities across North America.
Explore Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea and check out the interactive teamLab Borderless digital art experience. Dine at Musashi Sky Restaurant in Tokyo Skytree to enjoy a meal with unbeatable views. Seeing Mount Fuji covered in snow (hopefully!) or taking a day trip to Kyoto are just bullet train rides away.
Where to stay: Mimaru Suites is a great place for families needing more space. They offer large suites with kitchens and several living areas plus cribs and baby baths. You can even request board games! They have multiple hotels throughout the city, but we like the Asakusa one for its proximity to attractions, shopping, and restaurants.
5. Park City, Utah
The mountain resort in Park City is one of the best winter destinations for families! Some of the best things to do here include skiing, snowboarding, ziplining, and even riding a toboggan-style roller coaster. There are plenty of ski and snowboarding schools for kids and newbies.
Walk down Park City’s main street to find family-friendly restaurants like Este Pizzeria. Park City is near most of Utah’s best ski resorts including Snowbird, Deer Valley (ski only), Alta, Brighton, and Solitude.
Where to stay: Located in the center of Canyonlands Village, The Pendry is one of the best places for families to stay in Park City. It’s ski-in/ski-out so families have easy access to the slopes with minimal hassle. Kids will love taking a sleigh ride straight from the hotel through Park City and trying new winter sports like snow tubing and cross-country skiing.
The resort offers two to four-bedroom residences, ideal for the whole family. Soaking in the rooftop hot tub surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains is the perfect way to unwind after a day of shredding powder.
6. Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg is yet another storybook European Christmas market town. They’re some of the best winter vacations to take as a family! Explore the impressive 13th-century Heidelberg Castle and stroll over the charming Old Bridge. Heidelberg Zoo first opened in 1934 and currently houses over 150 species. With plenty of playgrounds, the zoo is a great thing to do with younger kids.
This cute German town’s Christmas markets stretch across five squares and feature over 140 stalls. Head to Marktplatz for nightly live performances and Karlsplatz for ice skating. The illuminated castle as a backdrop makes it a picture fit for a greeting card!
Where to stay: Consider booking Hotel Zum Ritter in Heidelburg Old Town. This family-friendly hotel is housed in a building dating back to 1592 so it has charm and a convenient location. It’s steps away from the Philosopher’s Walk, a beautiful snow-covered trail during the winter months. The hotel’s large suites and adjoining rooms are ideal for extended families traveling together.
7. Big Island of Hawaii
There are so many unique winter activities on Hawaii’s Big Island. It’s prime whale-watching season and you can book tours from the Kohala Coast. Enjoy beach days snorkeling in the warm waters at the island’s black, green, and white-sand beaches. You won’t miss the festive fun with the Kona Village Holiday Parade and the Waimea Christmas Parade.
Where to stay: Situated right on the water, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has tons of activities to keep everyone happy. There’s a kids’ program, a gold course, tennis courts, arts and crafts, and much more. The resort plans festive luas and other special events during the holiday season.
If you are traveling with a larger group, head to the Mauna Kea Residences, a collection of 2 to 7-bedroom condos, townhomes, and estates available for short or long-term rental within the resort. Guests can enjoy unobstructed ocean, golf, and mountain views from the private swimming pool, hot tub and lanai.
Along with elevated interiors and modern amenities, guests also receive signing privileges at Mauna Kea Resort, where they can enjoy spa treatments, world-class golf courses, and a variety of dining outlets and beach activities.
8. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
One of the best winter break ideas for families is Jackson Hole. This valley is a snowy paradise! Go snow tubing at Snow King Mountain, try Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, and book dog sledding tours where you can spot elk at the National Elk Refuge. Snowmobile tours to Yellowstone National Park are a great thing to do with kids!
Don’t miss the Jackson’s Town Square tree lighting or the New Year’s Eve torchlight parade. Skiers fly down the mountain holding lights and everyone has a good time!
Where to stay: Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa is just steps away from Teton Village where your kids can ice rink or join dog sledding tours of the area. This modern yet cozy four-star lodge boasts an indoor pool and a rooftop hot tub with panoramic views of the Tetons. With ski-in/ski-out access and large suites, it’s one of the best spots for families. Don’t forget to sign up for all the holiday-themed activities like making gingerbread houses!
9. Lake Tahoe, Nevada
One of Nevada’s most beloved state parks, Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to visit on a snowy winter road trip if you live in surrounding states. Diamond Peak Ski Resort is a family-friendly place to ski with lots of beginner slopes. Go snow tubing at Tahoe Meadows and ice skating in Northstar Village just slightly over the California border. Check out Incline Village’s holiday calendar for tons of events including visits from Santa.
Where to stay: Resting on the banks of Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort is a wonderful family-friendly resort. During the holidays, kids can expect a visit here from Santa Claus himself! That’s not even the best part about winter family vacations here. Expect lavish feasts on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve in their exquisite on-site restaurants. Plus, the resort offers easy access to the Diamond Peak Ski Resort and other Lake Tahoe winter activities like snowshoeing. Their spacious, cozy lodge-style rooms and heated outdoor pool are perfect for families.
10. Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is one of the top winter break ideas for families looking for a winter beach vacation. There are so many great places to go snorkeling here! Kids can feed and pet stingrays in Stingray City (under a guide’s supervision) and swim with colorful fish in Coral Gardens. Book a stay during the Cayman National Parade of Lights at Camana Bay. It’s the island’s biggest holiday event.
Where to stay: There’s nowhere better to stay than the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort. It’s steps away from Seven Mile Beach and offers beach toy rentals and a family-friendly beachfront pool. You won’t forget it’s Christmas as this Marriott is well-known for its over-the-top festive decor. Check into one of their new family suites with bunk beds and luxurious soaking tubs.
11. Belize
Another option for a winter sun paradise is Belize. This tropical paradise also offers plenty of fun ways for families to enjoy the warm waters. If you’re traveling with older kids, you can’t miss diving at the Great Blue Hole. Guided tours to the Xunantunich and Altun Ha Mayan sites are fascinating for families. Belize City holds its annual tree lighting in Memorial Park in early December and a parade closer to Christmas.
Where to stay: Turneffe Island Resort is a hidden gem that’s easy to reach from Belize City. They have a range of accommodations for your private holiday escape. The resort offers customizable packages to suit every family’s needs and budget. Activities include fly fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling around the Turneffe Atoll, and of course relaxation! Escape to paradise in Belize.
12. Ireland
While you can’t expect a white Christmas in Ireland, every city goes all out for the holidays. Expect Christmas markets in Belfast, Dublin, Cork, and Galway throughout December. Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo is an illuminated festival with sculptures and dazzling lights. Check out Killarney Christmas in the Park to visit Santa on a miniature train!
Where to stay: How can you spend the holidays in Ireland and not stay in a castle?! Dromoland Castle Hotel was built in 1835 and is just 15 minutes from Shannon Airport. Enjoy the festive decorations and the winter break activities such as horseback riding, falconry, and archery. Yes, even in the colder months. If you’d rather stay inside, there is a movie theater and an indoor pool.
13. Florida Keys
Everyone knows Florida is an amazing place for winter sun! The Florida Keys offers plenty of holiday activities for families too. The Holiday Harbor Walk of Lights is a magical experience. You can stroll along the seaport and see thousands of holiday decorations. Kids of all ages will love visiting the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. Take a glass-bottom boat tour of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to see the sea life.
Where to stay: Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key is the ideal family-friendly hotel. Younger kids will have lots of fun at its pirate-themed kids’ club, saltwater lagoon, and on-site dolphin experience. Santa visits the resort regularly over the holiday season creating a magical atmosphere for children. Families can also look forward to festive dinners. Plus, their two to four-bedroom villas are the best way for extended families to spend more time together.
14. New Zealand
Thanks to its location in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand‘s weather will be warm when everywhere else is cooling off. If you’re staying near Queenstown, you can’t miss a family cruise along Milford Sound. Sail past waterfalls and cliffs and spot wildlife like seals and dolphins. Ride the Skyline Gondola with panoramic views across the city and Lake Wakatipu. Don’t forget to ride the Skyline Luge through the forest too! Queenstown Christmas Show is an iconic annual event with entertaining family-friendly performances.
Where to stay: The Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa is a beautiful five-star lakeside hotel. It offers easy access to the water sports on Lake Wakatipu plus plenty of Christmas-themed activities. Parents can use their babysitting services for younger kids and older kids will love the indoor pool. Every room has a terrace and the connecting suites are great for large families.
15. Argentina
While December – February is winter in the US, it’s summer in Argentina! Plan the most epic family trip during the warm weather season to make the most of Argentina’s great outdoors.
Spend three or four days in the capital, Buenos Aires. Don’t miss the holiday lights in Plaza de Mayo and Puerto Madero. Spend a couple of days visiting the Iguazú Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Travel to Calafate to see the spectacular glaciers and hike in El Chalten. If you have time, fly to the Bariloche Lake District of Argentina. With Swiss alpine-style architecture, this Patagonian paradise is a great place to celebrate the holidays.
Where to stay: Estancia La Bandada, just outside Buenos Aires, is an incredible family-friendly hotel ranch. Enjoy meals crafted by a talented chef mostly using ingredients cultivated from La Bandada’s farm. The rustic estate offers surprisingly luxurious large suites for families. If you’re looking to switch off and escape the craziness of the holidays, your family couldn’t find a better place.
Visit One of the Best Winter Destinations for Families
Jetting off on a family winter vacation is a great way to turn any other holiday season into one you’ll never forget. With these winter break ideas for families, you’re sure to find an option that works for your group. From the national parks of the Florida Keys to New Year festivities in the Emerald Isle to the Christmas magic of Heidelberg, families with travelers of all ages will love visiting any of these best winter destinations for families.