10 magical family vacations for the Christmas holidays

From snow-covered cities to sandy shores, here are ten destinations where families can unwrap some memories and connections this Christmas

Let’s be honest — most of us don’t need another toy, sweater, or gadget under the tree. What we do need? More connection. More laughter. More “remember when…” stories that get retold for years.

For many families, Christmas break is the best (and sometimes only) time to travel together. So if you’ve ever dreamed of replacing the usual holiday chaos with something unforgettable, here are 10 family vacations that make Christmas truly magical — from snow-dusted cities to sunny islands where Santa swaps his sleigh for sandals.

1. St. Lucia

Dreaming of a white Christmas? St. Lucia’s white sand beaches make a pretty tempting substitute.

Holiday highlights:

• The Festival of Lights, honoring St. Lucy, with colorful lanterns and fireworks.

• Beachside feasts, zip lining, and hot spring adventures.

• Steel drum bands playing “Jingle Bells” under the palms.

It’s tropical, cultural, and beautifully laid-back.

2. Montego Bay, Jamaica

Christmas in Jamaica feels like a reggae concert wrapped in lights: joyful, warm, and full of rhythm.

Holiday highlights:

• Grand Market on Christmas Eve: dancing, fireworks, and local crafts.

• Curried goat, sorrel punch, and rum cake.

• Santa in flip-flops on the sand.

If your family loves music, culture, and sunshine, Jamaica delivers.

3. Cancún & the Riviera Maya, Mexico

Mexico’s holiday season runs from Las Posadas in December to Three Kings Day in January: nearly a month of celebration.

Holiday highlights:

• Candlelit Posada processions with carols and piñatas.

• Beach fireworks after midnight mass.

• Sweet Rosca de Reyes bread to honor the Magi.

It’s where beach bliss meets rich tradition.

4. Park City, Utah

If you want a classic white Christmas, Park City is the postcard version.

Holiday highlights:

• Electric Parade and twinkling Main Street.

• Santa skiing down the mountain on Christmas Eve.

• Torchlight parades and fireworks for New Year’s.

Cozy lodges, cocoa, and snow: it’s family winter magic.

5. Paris, France

Paris is magical anytime, but it glows even brighter during the holidays, from the Champs-Élysées to Disneyland Paris.

Holiday highlights:

• Tuileries Christmas Market and Ferris wheel views.

• Bûche de Noël and oysters for Le Réveillon.

• Midnight mass at Notre-Dame or Sacré-Cœur.

Elegant, festive, and pure enchantment.

6. Oahu, Hawaii

Mele Kalikimaka! Celebrate Christmas island-style, with no coats required.

Holiday highlights:

• Santa arrives by outrigger canoe.

• Honolulu City Lights and Santa’s Enchanted Forest.

• Polynesian Cultural Center’s 12 Days of Christmas with hula, crafts, and island treats.

Sunshine, palm trees, and aloha spirit: pure holiday perfection.

7. Cayman Islands

Trade snow for sand in this festive Caribbean paradise.

Holiday highlights:

• West Bay Heritage Park Christmas market and reggae carols.

• Pedro St. James Castle tree lighting and carol singing.

• Santa in shorts and flip-flops.

It’s Christmas, Cayman-style: relaxed, joyful, and bright.

8. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah’s mossy oaks and gaslit streets make for a Southern-style Hallmark Christmas.

Holiday highlights:

• Boat parades, vintage cars, and riverfront festivals.

• Experience The Journey, an immersive outdoor nativity with live animals.

Classic charm meets true community spirit.

9. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico celebrates one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world, from Thanksgiving through mid-January.

Holiday highlights:

• Nochebuena (Christmas Eve feast) with roasted pork and plantains.

• Parrandas, joyful street caroling into the night.

• Festivals and lights across Old San Juan.

Vibrant, musical, and family-centered, it’s Christmas turned up a notch.

10. Caribbean cruise

When you can’t pick one island, visit them all. Ships deck out for the holidays with trees, lights, and ocean views.

Holiday highlights:

• Festive dinners, Santa visits, and onboard shows.

• Stops at St. Thomas, Barbados, or the Dominican Republic.

• Christmas morning snorkeling or beach time.

No cooking, no cleanup, just sunshine and togetherness.

Your family’s best Christmas yet

Whether your style is snowflakes or sea breeze, candlelight or snorkeling, there’s a destination that fits your family’s holiday personality.

This year, skip the stuff, and collect memories that mean something.

Which one sounds most like your family? I’d love to help you design your perfect holiday escape — one filled with laughter, light, and connection that lasts long after the decorations come down.