7 Places to Go on Christmas
I find that the world is full of magical holiday experiences, so making this final Christmas vacation list was no easy task! But, first things first, since Christmas is a busy time everywhere, with people trying to balance personal time and keeping the restaurants and hotels running smoothly, having reservations (and patience) is an absolute must when planning a Christmas vacation! Here are the places my family has most enjoyed over the years and on our recent ten day road trip, and I hope you love them too.
Edgartown, Massachusetts
This is one of my favorite places for Christmas on the East Coast because you can enjoy the beaches to all to yourself. In addition, decorations are super pretty in Edgartown over the Christmas holidays! My son had so much fun when we spent two care-free weeks here in a vacation rental with our entire family last December.
You'll need to take the ferry from Woods Hole (reservations are a must). You can do some Christmas shopping in the boutiques on Main Street, (Edgartown Books was my favorite), so no need to overpack. Don't forget to stop at Espresso Love for coffee at homemade pastries.
We loved the Christmas events in town. The events actually start during the second week in December and continuing into the holidays. We loved the Horse Drawn Carriage Rides which are great for kids. Bar Bites & Holiday Lights at Bettini Restaurant is also worth visiting. For Holiday Brunch, Bettini Restaurant at Harbor View Hotel offers delicious salads, pasta, creative entrees, yummy side dishes and desserts. I have to warn you though that you have to book MONTHS in advance. If you are planning a last minute trip, Behind the View restaurant, also at the hotel, is usually still a available.
- Average December temperature: 33°F – 44°F (1°C – 7°C)
What I loved best:
Breakfast at Rosewater Market, followed by a quick day trip aboard Chappy ferry ($17 round-trip for car and driver, $5 round-trip per passenger) to Chappaquiddick island was my personal highlight.
If you loved this town, check out my other favorite places to visit in Massachusetts.
Charleston, WV at Christmas
Chris and I both absolutely love Charleston, WeV, and have been many times. In fact, this is one of the most inviting Christmas destinations we’ve visited on Christmas since I moved to the South.
At Christmas-time, you will find usually snowy streets, holiday lights, and Santa popping up all over in town squares and shops. Chris, our son and I decided on this last minute family vacation andfound December especially magical during the Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights Festival.
I love that downtown Charleston is so easy to explore on foot. Capitol Street is a great place to start, with local restaurants, cafés, and small shops.
My son loved the family-friendly Holiday Village in Charleston. He enjoyed the visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, we watched a gingerbread house contest. We even spotted some Krampus characters from Old World folklore.
- Average December temperature: 30°F – 47°F (-1°C – 8°C)
We flew into Yeager Airport (just 10 minutes from downtown). For Christmas dinner, Iron Rose offers a three-course menu for $90 for adults and $35 for kids. You get Beef Tenderloin, Seared Scallops, and Ricotta Cavatelli, as well as amazing desserts!
What I loved best:
My personal highlight was walking through the dazzling light display at C&O Railroad Park. Taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic East End will also put you in holiday spirit.
If you loved this city for Chrismas, check out my other favorite places to visit in West Virginia.
Durango, Colorado
This mountain town in Southwest Colorado is one of my favorite places to visit for Christmas with my family. I love that I can spend my morning skiing, warm up with a lunch, relax with a 60-minute massage in the afternoon, and end the day with hot chocolate in front of a fireplace.
Visiting in December meant I could catch both early-season skiing at Purgatory Resort as well as enjoy the lovely holiday decorations around town. We stayed for six days and had Christmas Eve dinner at Eolus (you definitely need a reservation!)
- Average December temperature: 13°F – 42°F (-10°C – 6°C)
What I loved best:
Taking my son on the famous Polar Express Train Ride which was the highlight of our Christmas trip!
A downside? I have to warn you from personal experience that tickets for the Polar Express Train Ride sell out even a year in advance so you really need to plan ahead or your kids may end up disappointed!
We stayed at the 3-star Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Durango
Local tip: There are many cheap hotels in Durango (from $59) so it pays to shop around before booking.
If you loved this city, check out my other favorite places to visit in Colorado.
New York City at Christmas
This is one of my favorite cities at Christmas to visit because it truly offers a bit of everything. Here you get decorations that wow me every time, festive window displays, and great food. We love visiting New York City during Christmas and every time we get to re-live great memories because we used to live in NYC for ten years. In fact, having family living in New York provides the perfect excuse to visit for the holidays.
We flew into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and spent three days exploring. We took our son ice skating under the Rockefeller Christmas tree, sipped hot chocolate at Bryant Park’s Winter Village, marveled at Saks Fifth Avenue’s Christmas windows, and ventured to Brooklyn’s famous Dyker Heights neighborhood to see its Christmas light displays with my sister-in-law who lives there. I have to warn you, though, that traffic and parking are terrible during the holidays! I recommend using the subway and taxis.
We enjoy making a large family meal at home but some years it's been nice to just eat out. If you want to celebrate in style, Four Twenty Five by Jean-Georges serves a 3-Course Prix-fixe Menu on Christmas Eve for $188 per person.
- Average December temperature: 32°F – 44°F (0°C – 7°C)
What I loved best:
My highlights ware the Radio City Christmas Spectacular (tickets range from $122 to $702), Rockefeller Center, and a horse-drawn carriage ride through snowy Central Park.
If you loved this vacation idea for Christmas, check out my other favorite places to visit in NY.
London at Christmas
I can honestly say that I've seen some of the most beautiful Christmas displays in London. In fact, NYC and London are probably tied for first place. To me, London feels like being in a classic holiday novel. You'll find cozy pubs, and festive markets, and heaps of great restaurants.
We flew into London Heathrow (LHR) and spent an exciting week celebrating Christmas. Light displays on Oxford Street are usually the most impressive. Skating at Somerset House is my second favorite thing to do. Don't miss the giant Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square (of course!).
As a music fan, one of my best discoveries one morning was Chimes Music, tucked behind the Royal Academy of Music. If you play an instrument or need a last minute gift, you can find incredible sheet music at Chimes Music.
Later, I slipped into a tiny Mini Cooper for a Small Car Big City driving tour, through historic streets and along the Thames. Our local guide pointed out hidden spots only locals know about.
I also recommend joining a hands-on workshop at Sozai Cooking School, where I learned to roll maki with warm vinegared rice.
I loved dinner at Le Garrick, a French bistro near Covent Garden. I ordered the beef bourguignon served with mash and sauce.
- Average December temperature: 39°F – 48°F (4°C – 9°C)
What I loved best:
CERU Hyde Park next day for lunch, where we shared great Eastern Mediterranean small plates.
A downside? The city was very expensive during Christmas, especially accommodations.
Kefalonia
Ready for Christmas with plenty of sunshine? Head to Kefalonia, one of Greece’s most picturesque Ionian islands.
Now, first things first, locals told me that it’s among the warmest spots in the country in December. This is thanks to its southern location and mild Mediterranean climate. While it's too cold to swim in December, Kefalonia is a hidden gem that offers that much-needed Vitamin D this month. That's why it's one of my best Christmas vacations yet!
My highlights were visiting the Monastery of Agios Gerasimos, Mount Ainos National Park, and Argostoli’s waterfront.
- Average December temperature: approximately 53 °F – 61 °F (12 °C – 16 °C) during the day; nights drop to around 42 °F (5 °C).
What I loved best:
We ended our days with cozy taverna dinners of fresh seafood.
Racine, WI
Christmas on the Great Lakes? Racine delivers. Best if all, I loved that it's just 1 hour 50 minutes from Chicago making it a weekend getaway.
You'll find plenty of festive cheer in Racine. Take a stroll along North Beach which is magical in winter. I learned that Racine is famous for its Danish bakeries and kringle, the state’s official pastry. Evenings were spent sipping hot chocolate, and admiring holiday light displays.
- Average December temperature: 21°F – 34°F (-6°C – 1°C)
We stayed at Hotel Verdant for three nights, and at around $131/night I thought it was very affordable for this time of year!
What I loved best:
For me, Racine is one of the best Christmas vacation ideas. I love that it's affordable, and... it makes me appreciate the warmth of Texas when I return home!
My personal highlights ware O&H Danish Bakery, and the Frank Lloyd Wright–designed SC Johnson headquarters. In addition, Downtown Racine’s holiday market and North Beach Park are true local gems!
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.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
