Best Christmas Holiday Destinations for Families: Where to Go

Planning a Christmas trip with kids means finding the right mix: snow and Santa for younger children, warm weather for pool days, cities where you can walk between markets and attractions, affordable options that don't stretch your budget, and places where getting around with strollers and tired legs stays simple.

This guide covers top family Christmas destinations across Europe, North America, and beyond, with specific details on market dates, average temperatures, hotels with family rooms, and transit options that cut down on taxi costs.

European Christmas Markets

Europe's Christmas markets started in the Late Middle Ages in German-speaking regions. Today they're the most reliable choice for festive family travel—wooden chalets selling handcrafted ornaments and toys, gingerbread and mulled wine, and streets lit with twinkling lights.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna runs Christmas markets at Rathausplatz and Schönbrunn Palace. The Rathausplatz market has over 150 stalls, an ice rink, carousels, and kid activities. Trams 1, 2, D, and 71 stop at Rathausplatz/Burgtheater, and the U2 subway stops at Rathaus station.

Boutique Hotel Stadthalle is eco-certified and runs on renewable energy. It has connecting family rooms in a quiet neighborhood with tram access to markets. Vienna's Wiener Linien tram and subway network makes it easy to move between Schönbrunn, Rathausplatz, and other markets. A 24-, 48-, or 72-hour pass covers all rides—children under six travel free, and weekend passes offer family discounts.

♠ Pro-Tip: The Rathausplatz market runs November 14–December 26, 2025, with longer hours on weekends. Tram line 2 takes about 15 minutes from Boutique Hotel Stadthalle to Rathausplatz. Book family rooms 3–6 months ahead for Christmas week—markets get packed the two weekends before December 25.

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg calls itself the "Capital of Christmas" and runs the oldest Christmas market in France, dating to 1570. The 2025 market runs November 26–December 24 across 12 squares with over 300 chalets. The Old Town is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with carousels, wooden stalls, and the cathedral lit up at night.

Hôtel Hannong is steps from the cathedral and has family rooms with easy tram access. Strasbourg is smaller and less overwhelming than bigger capitals, with good lighting and safety throughout. You can reach Strasbourg by train from Paris in under two hours or from Frankfurt in about 2.5 hours.

♠ Pro-Tip: Rent a car to visit Colmar and smaller Alsace villages—you'll find quieter markets and half-timbered houses. Markets fill up Friday evenings through Sunday, so go weekday mornings if you're pushing a stroller.

Munich, Germany

Munich runs Christmas markets at Marienplatz and the Tollwood Winter Festival, which goes November 25–December 23, 2025, with a New Year's Eve party December 31. Tollwood focuses on sustainability, with organic food and international crafts alongside traditional German items.

Scandic München Macherei has large family rooms, kids' perks, a fitness area, and on-site dining. The U-Bahn and buses connect it to markets. Scandic uses energy-efficient lighting, reduces waste, and sources locally. Munich is a major rail hub—direct trains run from Frankfurt (3.5 hours), Vienna (4 hours), and Zurich (4 hours).

♠ Pro-Tip: Tollwood includes theater, concerts, and a circus—older kids like the variety. Check the Tollwood schedule for family shows. Book 3–6 months ahead for Christmas week.

Snowy Magic for Young Children

These destinations deliver reindeer rides, Northern Lights, snow-covered streets, and activities built for toddlers through tweens who love snow.

Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland

Rovaniemi is the official home of Santa Claus, established in 1985 at the Arctic Circle. Santa Claus Village has reindeer sleigh rides, husky tours, and Northern Lights viewing from late November through March. Rovaniemi Airport is about 3–4 kilometers from the village—a 5- to 10-minute taxi or shuttle ride.

Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle has glass-roofed igloos where you can watch for Northern Lights from bed. Apukka Resort includes activity packages, on-site dining, and winter gear rentals. Both offer easy tour pick-ups. Finland's Sustainable Travel Finland program promotes responsible tourism, and most tours run in small groups.

♠ Pro-Tip: December daylight lasts about 3–4 hours (roughly 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM), which creates good twilight for snow play. Pack headlamps and layers for evening Northern Lights watching. Book tours through your hotel to simplify logistics. Choose hotels with indoor pools or playrooms—most kids need a warm break by mid-afternoon when it's already dark.

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City's Old Town is covered in snow and lights. The German Christmas Market runs November 20–December 23, 2025, and the Grand Christmas Market runs November 22–December 24, 2025. The Château Frontenac has toboggan runs nearby, and the car-free cobblestone streets work well with strollers.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is the landmark castle-style hotel with an indoor pool. Hôtel Manoir Victoria costs less and has a pool, family rooms, and easy walking to both markets. Trains and buses connect the city. Both hotels have business centers if you need to check work email.

♠ Pro-Tip: The Old Town and Château Frontenac area are pedestrian-friendly and small—most market stalls, toboggan runs, and photo spots are within a 10-minute walk. Pack snow boots and warm layers—December averages -7°C (19°F). Plan outdoor time mid-morning to early afternoon, and save museum visits or pool time for dark evenings. Book rooms 3–6 months ahead for Christmas week.

Iconic City Holidays with Markets and Activities

These cities have big-city energy, festive markets, ice rinks, and attractions that work for wide age ranges, including teens.

New York City

New York City has the Rockefeller Center tree and ice rink, the Bryant Park Winter Village, holiday window displays at Macy's and Bergdorf Goodman, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes. Brooklyn's Dyker Heights does over-the-top light displays, and the New York Botanical Garden runs the Holiday Train Show.

1 Hotel Central Park is near Central Park with nature-focused design, filtered water stations, and subway access steps away. The Bryant Park Hotel is right by the market and ice rink with large rooms and quick subway connections. The Plaza is a splurge but charms kids with its Eloise connection and holiday tea service. Use the MTA subway map to skip taxis. If you're staying more than three days, get a 7-day unlimited MetroCard or use OMNY fare-capping. Check eco-friendly hotels in NYC to compare locations and sustainability features.

♠ Pro-Tip: Book hotels in Brooklyn or New Jersey to save money—ferries and subways run to Manhattan regularly. The Bryant Park market is free and less crowded than Rockefeller Center, with better food stalls. Peak crowds hit December 24–January 1—book hotels 3–6 months ahead and reserve skating times in advance.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is known for safety and child-friendly design. Tivoli Gardens' Christmas season runs November 14, 2025–January 4, 2026 (closed December 24). Tivoli has rides, lights, and seasonal treats in a historic amusement park. Streets accommodate strollers easily, and public transit runs frequently.

Scandic Copenhagen is centrally located with family rooms, kids' play areas, and strong sustainability practices. Trains and buses run often, and the compact city keeps travel time short. A Copenhagen City Pass covers airport transfers, metro, buses, and major attractions—one card handles everything.

♠ Pro-Tip: Tivoli stays open through early January, which is unusual—most European markets close by December 23. This makes Copenhagen good for late-December or New Year's travel. Copenhagen's bike and cargo-bike rentals work well for families. Most hotels have bike storage, and dedicated bike lanes keep kids safe.

Singapore

Singapore has tropical weather, clean streets, and big decorations along Orchard Road. December temperatures average 30°C (86°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night, with afternoon thunderstorms. Christmas celebrations mix with Gardens by the Bay's Flower Dome displays and Universal Studios Singapore seasonal events.

Shangri-La Singapore is a resort-style hotel with themed family suites, a splash zone, large breakfast buffets, and business facilities. The MRT lines and covered walkways make stroller navigation simple, and the city's gardens offer low-key days in green spaces. A Singapore Tourist Pass covers unlimited MRT and basic bus travel—good for families making several trips daily.

♠ Pro-Tip: Go to Sentosa for beach days—Palawan Beach and Siloso Beach have good facilities and are easy to reach by MRT and monorail. Pack rain jackets for afternoon showers. Singapore's cleanliness and safety rules make it one of the easiest cities for families. Bring refillable water bottles—tap water is safe, and many malls have free refill stations.

Sunny Christmas Escapes with Reliable December Weather

These destinations have consistent December weather, outdoor activities, and festive celebrations without cold temperatures.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Tenerife has beaches, whale-watching, and December temperatures averaging 17-22°C (63-72°F). The south (Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos) stays sunnier and warmer than the north. GF Victoria has splash zones, family suites, and walkable dining nearby. The island's bus network is extensive, and many resorts recycle and conserve water.

♠ Pro-Tip: The south coast is drier and sunnier in December than Puerto de la Cruz in the north. Book in Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos for the best pool and beach weather. Pack a light windbreaker—the Atlantic breeze can feel cool for swimmers in early morning or late afternoon.

Dubai, UAE

Dubai is sunny and dry in December, averaging 26°C (79°F) during the day and 16°C (61°F) at night. The Dubai Shopping Festival runs December 5, 2025–January 11, 2026, Global Village runs October 15, 2025–May 10, 2026, and Winter City at Expo City Dubai runs December 6–31, 2025.

Rove Downtown is budget-friendly with family rooms, coin laundry, refill stations, and a pool. It's a short walk to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, and the Metro makes it easy to skip taxis.

♠ Pro-Tip: Use the Red Line for Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. To reach Global Village, combine the Red Line with an RTA bus (routes 102, 103, or 106)—no taxis needed. Peak crowds hit December 24–January 1—book early.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando's theme parks add parades and fireworks for Christmas. December temperatures average 73°F (23°C) during the day and 55°F (13°C) at night, with 23 days reaching 70°F or higher. Evenings can dip to the 50s °F, and occasional cold snaps hit freezing, so pack layers.

Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs Area includes breakfast, evening snacks, shuttles, pet-friendly rooms, and business facilities. Many parks now have refillable bottle stations and recycling.

♠ Pro-Tip: Pack a light jacket and closed-toe shoes for early mornings and late evenings at parks. Mid-December is usually less crowded than December 24–January 1.

San Diego, California

San Diego has Balboa Park December Nights (typically the first weekend of December) and the Zoo's Jungle Bells. December temperatures average 66°F (19°C) during the day and 50°F (10°C) at night. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is on the bayfront with family rooms, beach access, bike rentals, and koi pond gardens. Transit goes to Old Town and Balboa Park, so you can skip renting a car.

♠ Pro-Tip: Confirm exact 2025 dates for Balboa Park December Nights and San Diego Zoo Jungle Bells—schedules change each year. The Catamaran's Mission Beach location has playgrounds and beach time between festive events. Pack one warm layer for evenings—coastal breezes get chilly after sunset.

Affordable and Easy on the Wallet

These cities have Christmas magic, markets, and family activities at lower prices than major European capitals or coastal U.S. cities. Best for school-age kids and up who can handle more walking.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest ranks among Europe's best-value Christmas cities. The Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market runs November 14–December 31, 2025, and St. Stephen's Basilica has light shows. MEININGER Budapest Great Market Hall has multi-bed rooms, guest kitchens to save on dining costs, luggage storage, and business facilities. Thermal baths, trams, and walkable bridges make it easy to get around with school-age kids. Budapest is reachable by train from Vienna or Prague.

♠ Pro-Tip: Guest kitchens at MEININGER let you make breakfast or snacks, which cuts daily food costs. Budapest's thermal baths (Széchenyi, Gellért) are affordable and kid-friendly—a unique warm-water experience in winter. Markets get packed Friday evenings through Sunday—go weekday mornings for easier navigation.

Kraków, Poland

Kraków has an Old Town market with crafts and street music, usually at lower prices than big European capitals. PURO Kraków Kazimierz has family rooms, loaner bikes, and on-site dining with kids' menus. It's an easy walk to the main square and museums. Buses and trams reduce taxi costs. Kraków pairs well with Budapest on a rail route.

♠ Pro-Tip: Kraków's main market square is small and walkable from most central hotels. PURO's loaner bikes make it easy to explore Kazimierz district and the Vistula River paths. Book 3–6 months ahead for Christmas week.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio lights up the River Walk with boat parades and concerts, usually at lower prices than coastal cities. Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk includes breakfast and evening snacks, has a rooftop pool, accepts pets, and has business facilities. Most attractions are walkable or reachable by river barges.

♠ Pro-Tip: Drury's included meals (breakfast and evening snacks) cover two daily dining expenses. The River Walk boat parade usually runs early December—confirm dates and reserve barge seats ahead of time.

For parents choosing a family trip close to Christmas, planning a last-minute holiday getaway works with the right dates, availability, and basic logistics in place.

Explore Dyme stays for low-impact business and family travel over the holidays.