Christmas Vacation Ideas & Places to Visit
The world is full of natural wonders, charming towns, and magical holiday experiences, so making a Christmas destination list was no easy task! From snow-covered mountains to cities that twinkle with festive lights, here are some of my favorite places to celebrate the season.
1. Charleston, WV
When I visited Charleston, WV for Christmas, the city was a wonderland with snow-dusted streets, glowing holiday lights, and Santa popping up in town squares. It was like stepping into a Christmas classic. December is especially magical during the Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights Festival, where the city sparkles with more than a million twinkling lights reflecting off the Kanawha River.
My son loved the family-friendly Holiday Village at Haddad Riverfront Park, complete with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, cozy gingerbread house contests, and even the occasional appearance of Krampus characters from Appalachian and Old World folklore.
I flew into Yeager Airport (just 10 minutes from downtown), then spent a long weekend based at Holiday Inn Express Charleston. Highlights included walking through the dazzling light displays at C&O Railroad Park, ice skating at Magic Island, sipping mulled wine at the festive Capitol Market, and taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic East End.
2. Durango
When I traveled to this famous mountain town in Southwest Colorado at Christmas I found that it made an awesome December vacation with crisp alpine air, a cozy yet adventurous mountain-town atmosphere, and endless opportunities to mix snowy fun with warm, fireside relaxation.
Visiting in December meant I could catch both early-season skiing at Purgatory Resort and the magical holiday charm that transforms the whole town.
We drove from our previous stop in Albuquerque to Durango’s historic downtown as a part of a larger road trip from my house in Austin, TX. I enjoyed a picture-perfect setting where twinkling lights line Main Avenue, and the iconic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad runs its famous Polar Express Train Ride which was the highlight of our Christmas trip. I found out the hard way that tickets sell out even a year in advance so you really need to plan ahead.
3. New York City at Christmas
I stayed at the Lotte New York Palace in Midtown Manhattan last Christmas while visiting relatives who still live there and was blown away by the magical festive atmosphere this elegant New York hotel created!
During the holiday season, its courtyard transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland, complete with a giant Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and lavish seasonal décor that made it feel like stepping into a Christmas movie. Just outside, we could walk to Rockefeller Center, and peak into Fifth Avenue’s holiday windows like Saks and Bergdorf.
We flew into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and spent three days re-visiting the city’s best holiday experiences that we so enjoyed while living there. We took our son ice skating under the Rockefeller Christmas tree, sipped hot chocolate at Bryant Park’s Winter Village, marveld at Saks Fifth Avenue’s light show, watching the Rockettes at Radio City, and ventured to Brooklyn’s famous Dyker Heights neighborhood to see its Christmas light displays with my sister-in-law who lives there.
My highlights ware the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes, Rockefeller Center, and a horse-drawn carriage ride through snowy Central Park.
4. St. Augustine
When I stayed in the charming Casa Monica Resort & Spa in St. Augustine for Christmas and it felt like stepping into a historic fairytale wrapped in festive cheer.
I flew into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and spent a sun-dappled, festive weekend strolling along cobblestone streets lined with twinkling lights, taking an evening horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district, and enjoying holiday concerts and boat parades along the Matanzas Bay.
During December, the city’s Nights of Lights Festival completely transforms this centuries-old coastal gem—millions of white lights shimmer across the Spanish Colonial streets, historic plazas, and waterfront, giving the nation’s oldest city a truly magical glow. Casa Monica Resort & Spa itself, with its Moroccan-style architecture and elegant lobby, was adorned in garlands and holiday sparkle, making it the perfect base for exploring.
My highlights ware the breathtaking Nights of Lights display, the Lightner Museum for its Gilded Age holiday décor, and joining a historic trolley tour, where the guides wore festive costumes. The Raintree Restaurant Christmas menu was a highlight. I had the Roasted Prime Rib Au Jus and I loved the festive atmosphere there.
5. London at Christmas
I loved how this buzzing world capital made for a surprisingly magical winter escape! I found that December in London may be chilly, but the festive atmosphere more than makes up for it with twinkling lights, holiday markets, and cozy pubs made it feel like stepping into a real-life Christmas card.
We flew into London Heathrow (LHR) and spent a long weekend at The Rathbone Hotel, Fitzrovia soaking up festive charm, wandering the dazzling light displays on Oxford Street, skating at Somerset House, warming up with mulled cider at Borough Market, admiring the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, and enjoying cozy evenings by the fire in classic London pubs.
I started my morning at Chimes Music, tucked behind the Royal Academy of Music. The scent of aged paper and varnish lingered in the air. I thumbed through sheet music and listened as a cellist quietly rehearsed upstairs, notes floating down like gentle snowfall. Later, I slipped into a tiny Mini Cooper for a Small Car Big City driving tour, winding through historic backstreets and along the Thames. The guide pointed out Dickensian nooks and hidden lanes I’d never have found alone.
Next afternoon, I joined a hands-on workshop at Sozai Cooking School, where I learned to roll maki with warm vinegared rice. The kitchen smelled like nori and sesame oil, and I left with my hands dusted in flour and my heart full. Dinner was at Le Garrick, a subterranean French bistro near Covent Garden. I ordered the beef bourguignon, slow-cooked, savory, and deeply comforting, served with mash that soaked up every bit of sauce. The candlelight danced on the stone walls, and I sat back, full and content, while the hum of London carried on just above.
The mix of historic landmarks, world-class museums, and festive traditions made it an unforgettable city break. My husband who lived in London as a child kept saying how many of the traditions are still the same many decades later. London at Christmas was such a cool trip for my family!
6. Kefalonia
Craving a burst of winter sunshine (and wanting to see the setting of Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières and the 2001 film based on it), we flew to Kefalonia, one of Greece’s most picturesque Ionian islands and stayed at White Rocks Hotel Kefalonia for four nights just before Christmas. Surprisingly, it’s among the warmest spots in the country in December, thanks to its southern location and mild Mediterranean climate. While it doesn’t reach beach-basking highs, it offered that much-needed Vitamin D, bright skies, and peaceful coastal beauty, that's why it's one of my best Christmas vacations yet!
Unlike the busy summer months, December in Kefalonia has a relaxed, almost timeless atmosphere. Villages are lit with twinkling Christmas lights, local bakeries fill the air with the scent of honey-dipped melomakarona cookies, and festive squares host traditional celebrations. The slower pace made it the perfect moment to connect with the island’s natural beauty and culture without crowds.
My highlights ware the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos, and Argostoli’s waterfront.
Instead of swimming, we explored Kefalonia’s dramatic landscapes, from hiking around Mount Ainos National Park with its rare fir trees, to taking scenic drives along rugged coastlines with panoramic Ionian views. Days ended with cozy taverna dinners of fresh seafood and hearty local wine, often next to a crackling fireplace.
7. Racine, WI
Looking for a classic Midwestern holiday atmosphere, we made my way to Racine, a charming lakeside city on the shores of Lake Michigan that's just 1 hour 50 minutes from Chicago and we stayed at Hotel Verdant for three nights. While it’s certainly colder than my usual winter-sun escapes, Racine makes up for it with festive cheer, cozy traditions, and a strong cultural heritage that shines during the holiday season.
December transforms the city into a wintry postcard. Downtown glows with sparkling lights, storefronts are decorated with seasonal displays, and Lake Michigan provides a dramatic snowy backdrop. The community spirit here is strong, with local parades, holiday markets, and caroling events bringing people together.
I spent my days warming up with Danish-inspired treats (Racine is famous for its Danish bakeries and kringle, the state’s official pastry), visiting museums, and wandering along the snowy shoreline bundled up in layers. Evenings were spent sipping hot chocolate, admiring twinkling light displays, and enjoying that comforting small-town holiday vibe.
My highlights ware O&H Danish Bakery, the Frank Lloyd Wright–designed SC Johnson headquarters, Downtown Racine’s holiday market and North Beach Park.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
