There’s still time to plan a Christmas week getaway while the kids are off from school. From historic cities within driving distance that go all out for the season to farther away coastal towns with warmer temps and lots of festive charm, here are some ideas to inspire a trip during the holiday break or into the new year.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Known as “The Christmas City,” Bethlehem offers a mix of industrial history and holiday charm straight out of a Hallmark movie. Beautifully decorated markets, horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic downtown, music venues, quaint artisan shops and cobblestone streets are a big part of the holiday experience here. Must-see spots include Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem (weekends through Dec. 21), Trees of Historic Bethlehem (through Jan. 11), and the Christmas City Stroll. SteelStacks hosts live music all season, and nearby Allentown is home to Lehigh Valley Phantoms hockey games. The Pocono Mountains are close enough for a day of skiing, snowboarding or ice skating.
Where to Stay:
Wind Creek Bethlehem (formerly the Sands Casino) is a large hotel connected to a casino and an outlet shopping center. The casino is off-limits to anyone under 21, but the hotel is family-friendly with spacious rooms, on-site restaurants, and a Kids Quest area that has childcare, video games, music and crafts.
Cape May
Every December, Cape May transforms into a Victorian seaside Christmas village, with gingerbread houses, horse-drawn carriages, and holiday trolley tours. See the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate authentically decorated for a Victorian Christmas, have dinner at Washington Inn, and take in the holiday lights and homes, inns and B&Bs beautifully decorated for the season. The walkable Washington Street Mall that’s a hot spot all summer is decked out for the holidays. Nearby Beach Plum Farm hosts Holiday Farm-to-Table dinners with hayrides, candlelit woodland walks, and seasonal tasting menus.
Where to Stay:
Congress Hall is known for its postcard bright yellow exterior and expansive, stately front lawn that’s stunning during the holidays. Its annual Winter Wonderland includes Breakfasts with Santa, Santa’s Workshop activities, the Congress Hall Express train circling the lawn, a front-yard carousel, and a candy-striped Vendor Village.
The Virginia Hotel is a restored 19th-century hotel with pretty porches situated amid Cape May’s pretty Victorian homes.
Atlantic City
Over the years, Atlantic City has evolved into a more family-friendly getaway and the holidays are a great time to visit for a weekend. From Christmas markets and themed hotel experiences to an indoor waterpark, there’s lots to do with the kids in the area. Island Waterpark at Showboat has 11 waterslides, 4 restaurants, 3 bars, and access to a huge arcade. Renault Winery’s Vintner Wonderland in nearby Egg Harbor City hosts breakfast and stories with Santa, has an ice-skating rink, and candy-striped vendor tents. Historic Smithville hosts a nightly floating light show on Lake Meone that is a New Jersey holiday bucket list must!
Where to Stay:
Ocean Casino Resort has themed holiday rooms and experiences like the Grinch Suite and Santa’s Hideaway Adventure, along with a holiday village and the Jingle Bar.
Wilmington, Delaware & the Brandywine Valley
Wilmington offers historic charm and lots of holiday attractions. You and your crew can ride the Holiday Light Express or Santa Claus Express trains, visit Noël at Nemours Estate, and explore Fort Christina, the site of the first Swedish settlement. Just outside the city, the Brandywine Valley’s du Pont–era estates are even prettier during the holidays.
A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square is about a 25-minute drive from Wilmington and one of the area’s most spectacular holiday destinations, with stunning conservatories decked in sapphire blue, ruby red, emerald green, and gilded metallics and more than half a million lights illuminating the outdoor grounds.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Du Pont is an early-1900s stately hotel with ornate woodwork and high ceilings. It has 200+ rooms, on-site dining, is pet-friendly and offers holiday experiences that include afternoon tea and a Frozen-themed brunch.
Newport, Rhode Island
Rhode Island is an easy New England getaway known for its historic Newport mansions, which are beautifully decorated for the holidays. Holidays at the Newport Mansions showcase nearly 30 Christmas trees decorated to complement the décor and theme of rooms in four National Historic Landmark houses: The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms and Chateau-sur-Mer. A 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree made up of 150 poinsettia plants in the Great Hall of The Breakers is a stunning photo backdrop.
Sparkling Lights at The Breakers boasts a half-mile stroll along an outdoor path illuminated by hundreds of thousands of lights. Colorful displays include a 50-foot-long, 26-foot-high train outlined in lights and modeled after locomotives used on the Vanderbilts’ New York Central and Hudson River Railroad.
Other festive happenings outside Newport include the Roger Williams Park Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular in Providence, and self-guided Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebrations at Hearthside House in Lincoln You and your crew can also stroll through Wickford Village, visit Providence Ice Rink, and hit the slopes at Yawgoo Valley Ski Area.
Where to Stay:
The Chanler at Cliff Walk is a historic Newport mansion overlooking the ocean with easy access to Newport’s scenic Cliff Walk. Each room here is designed around a historical period or decorative theme.
The Vanderbilt is a restored early-1900s mansion with cozy gathering spaces, top tier food and drink, an indoor pool, that’s centrally located near Newport’s downtown shops and restaurants.
Newport Harbor Island Resort is right on the waterfront and has spacious rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, and beautiful views of the harbor.
The LOOM is a boutique hotel located across from the Warwick Mall with views of the Pawtuxet River and the onsite Brook Kitchen + Bar. Roger Williams Park Zoo is 15 minutes’ away by car and Brown University is 12 miles away.
The Beatrice is a boutique hotel in Providence within walking distance to the city’s holiday events and riverfront.
Carlsbad, California
Carlsbad is a Southern California gem known for its beaches and easy-to-navigate downtown. Winters are mild here and there’s lots of quaint holiday happenings, minus the crowds of bigger coastal cities. See the Carlsbad Village holiday lights, stroll its boutique-lined streets during the Holiday Market, shop artisan markets, and walk along the waterfront. Explore the Flower Fields’ winter trails, take a seaside bike ride, or have s’mores by the beach fire pits.
LEGOLAND® California has seasonal fireworks and holiday décor. Santa’s Christmas Magic Fireworks at LEGOLAND® California runs from Dec. 20 – 30. Park Hyatt Aviara boasts a “Stocking Full of Christmas” indoor world with five immersive themed lands, character meets-and-greets, toy building stations and more.
Where to Stay:
Beach Terrace is an oceanfront boutique hotel with spacious rooms and a relaxed vibe. It is steps away from Carlsbad’s restaurants, galleries and shops, and is a short drive from San Diego.
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort is a resort-style property one block from the beach with a central courtyard and a mix of hotel rooms and condo-style, family-friendly suites. Amenities include an outdoor heated pool, beach bikes for ages 16 and up, a playground, outdoor BBQs and fire pits.
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort is a large hillside resort tucked away on 250 lush acres with views over a lagoon, and lots of attractions including a Top Golf Swing Suite, pool cabanas, waterslides and golf. The resort’s Stocking Full of Christmas Getaway includes tickets to five immersive holiday lands with performances, crafts and more. Kids can collect goodies in a beautifully designed holiday stocking.
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is a sprawling, village-like resort with multiple pools and accommodations connected by paths that make it feel like a community. The 400-acre property recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation in Spring 2024 and has golf courses, resort pools and a spa. There are 600+ rooms, suites and villas.
Solvang, California (Santa Barbara Wine Country)
Tucked into the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is one of California’s most charming small towns. Oprah Daily called it one of the “Most Magical Christmas Towns and Villages Across the World.” A Danish village tucked among the rolling hills of Santa Barbara Wine Country, it’s home to gingerbread-style buildings, red-and-white windmills, and family-run bakeries. Julefest (through Jan. 4), is a month-long Danish style holiday celebration that includes parades, tree lightings, scavenger hunts, and treats for the kids. While in Solvang, you and your crew can try warm æbleskivers from old-school bakeries, check out the Solvang Toy & Book Shoppe, take a horse-drawn surrey ride, and shop its charming boutiques. Explore the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, stop for photos at every windmill, see costumed characters, and take in the town’s European-style decorations.
A short drive in any direction leads to vineyard views and wide-open countryside. Plan a day at a nearby wine tasting room like Lucas & Lewellen, Toccata, Alma Rosa, or Casa Cassara, all within easy walking distance. Some welcome kids and offer outdoor seating.
Where to Stay:
The Winston is boutique hotel situated behind Solvang’s main street, with modern suites and a quiet, residential feel.
The Landsby is a Scandinavian-inspired hotel right in the center of town.
The Hadsten Solvang has relaxed, contemporary rooms and is located a short walk from the town’s busiest blocks.
Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn is a favorite for its convenience, and retro feel.
Fish Camp, California (Yosemite)
Fish Camp is a snowy, forested getaway just minutes from Yosemite National Park. Winter in the Sierra Nevada is beautiful and peaceful, with towering snow-covered pines and crisp mountain air. A mix of outdoor adventure and cozy lodge time, visitors can drive into Yosemite Valley to see granite cliffs, scenic viewpoints and explore the park’s winter trails. Back in Fish Camp, there’s ice skating, sledding, and holiday activities like gingerbread decorating or snow globe-making.
Where to Stay:
Tenaya at Yosemite is a lodge-style resort surrounded by forest with rooms in both the main building and standalone cottages tucked among the trees. The hotel offers guided tours through Yosemite National Park and activities include ice skating, spa treatments, mountain biking, a game room, yoga and more.
Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth blends cowboy heritage with a modern arts scene and mild December weather ideal for outdoor exploring. The city’s mix of walkable areas, art and restaurants makes it easy to fill a day without ever getting in a car. Stroll through the downtown, visit the giant Christmas tree in Sundance Square, browse local markets, see a movie during Holiday Movie Nights at the Rooftop Cinema Club, and check out the Stockyards for daily cattle drives and Western shops. Make sure to explore the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Forth Worth, too.
Where to Stay:
The Worthington Hotel is a downtown high-rise overlooking Sundance Square with classic-style rooms. Its on-site restaurant, Toro Toro, is headed by renowned Chef Richard Sandoval. The hotel has an indoor pool and gym, and suites have plenty of living space with balcony or terrace views of downtown Fort Worth.
Park City, Utah
Park City is known for its skiing but it also has lots of holiday charm this time of year. Park City’s historic main street is home to old mining buildings turned into shops, art galleries, and restaurants that are decked out for the holidays. The Snow Globe Stroll (through Jan. 3) scatters oversized, themed snow globes throughout town.
Park City Mountain and Deer Valley offer terrain for all ski skill levels, but there’s also tubing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and even Olympic-style bobsledding for those brave enough to try. Park City is also home to the Sundance Film Festival which kicks off Jan. 22.
Where to Stay:
Westgate Park City is a large resort at the base of the slopes, with condo-style units connected by interior hallways to keep you out of the cold.
The Chateaux Deer Valley is an alpine-style lodge with easy ski access.
Savannah, Georgia
Equal parts historic and hip, Savannah is a vibrant and walkable city with lots of shopping, restaurants, coffee shops, public gardens, art and stately Victorian-era homes. Shop in the city’s Historic Landmark District, walk along the waterfront, check out the Savannah Christmas Market, and pick up warm pralines or hot cocoa. During the holidays, the city’s historic squares are even prettier, lit with festive lights and surrounded by 19th-century row houses. Savannah Holly Days brings parades, concerts, and tree lightings to its neighborhoods.
Where to Stay:
The Kimpton Brice is a boutique hotel on the edge of the Historic District with courtyard and outdoor fire pits, and bright modern rooms.
The Palm Beaches, Florida
The Palm Beaches offer all the festive holiday vibes with warmer Florida temps. Take a family bike ride or walk along the Lake Trail, a five-mile path along the Intracoastal Waterway with views of yachts and mansions. Head to West Palm Beach for a Diva Duck Amphibious Tour to see the town of Palm Beach’s stately homes by water. Jupiter is also home to celeb-owned mansions you can see via a boat tour. At Guanabanas in Jupiter on the Intracoastal, you’ll have fresh seafood under tiki huts, plus live music.
In Palm Beach, walk along the beach and visit downtown areas like West Palm Beach and Delray Beach. The kids will love the giant 35-foot sand-sculpted Sandi Tree (Dec. 5–31), the waterfront boat parade, and Zoo Lights (through Jan. 4). Ice skate at The Ben’s outdoor rink, see light displays, visit playgrounds, or take family bike rides.
Where to Stay:
The Breakers is a historic and iconic oceanfront Italian Renaissance-style hotel with grand public spaces and 140 acres of oceanfront property. Founded in 1896 by magnate Henry Morrison Flagler, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The resort has 534 guest rooms, including 72 suites with Palm Beach-inspired décor.
Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island is a beachfront resort with condo-style units with one or two bedrooms, balconies, a fully-stocked kitchen, and separate living and dining spaces. It has two outdoor pools, a spa, and oceanfront dining at Ona Coastal Cuisine, and is just across the bridge from Palm Beach.
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