Christmas Vacation Ideas

1. Christmas in California

West Coast travelers can plan a relaxing family Christmas in California where charming coastal towns offer a number of holiday events. Visit unique museums in Newport Beach, wineries and shops in Carmel-by-the-Sea, attractions in Monterey, and other amazing places in California. San Diego is a popular place to visit with kids, home to the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, the Maritime Museum of San Diego and other family-friendly attractions.

2. Christmas Getaways in Florida

Florida is a great destination to visit for Christmas and New Year’s because of warm sunny weather, a diverse choice of activities and endless romantic beac views. Head to tropical Key West, relax in Miami and explore other coastal cities and towns. Plan a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation during the holidays. For complete privacy and seclusion, check into one of the Florida island resorts where you will be surrounded by pristine beaches.

3. International Christmas Vacation

Christmas is a great time to plan a trip to a unique destination that your family has always dreamt to visit. From exotic resort towns and islands to famous cities, there is plenty to choose from around the world. Warm-weather Christmas getaways include the Caribbean islands, the Maldives, Bali, Mauritius, and New Zealand.

4. Ski Vacation in North America

Whether you would like to visit one of the best family ski resorts in North America or head to a slope near you, a snowy Christmas is a lot of fun, especially for kids. Both grown-ups and kids can take a skiing or snowboarding class, go sledding, ice skating, a sleigh ride, and relax with a cup of hot chocolate at the end of the day. Many ski hotels offer great spas with saunas, indoor swimming pools and massages.

5. Omni Tucson National

Check into the 650-acre Omni Tucson National Golf Resort & Spa in Arizona which offers luxury rooms & suites, 36 holes of golf and a spa. Choose from 167 oversized and elegantly appointed guest suites. Accommodation options include rooms, suites, casitas, and haciendas, some with fireplaces, spacious living areas, dining alcoves, and fully equipped kitchens.

Try one of the the 7 Casita Suites which measure 750 square feet in size and include a king-sized bed, dining alcove, partial kitchen and a living area with a queen-size sleeper sofa, fireplace and wet bar. The Catalina Grille overlooks the 18th hole and is open for breakfast and dinner. Legends Bar and Grill is a sports bar right off the eighteenth hole and the Cabana Bar serves poolside cocktails. Room service is also available. Fly to Tucson or Phoenix and rent a car. The property is just 18 miles from Tucson International Airport and 1.5 hours from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

6. The Lodge at Sea Island

The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club is a relaxing beach getaway in southeastern Georgia. The hotel is set along five miles of private beach and has 40 luxury guest rooms and suites, offering guests privacy and five star service. Vacationers have access to an array of activities and facilities, including the Learning Center, tennis center, boating, fishing, and a 65,000-square-foot spa and fitness center. If you are planning a family trip, Camp Cloister offers activities for kids, including cooking and fishing.

Explore five miles of sandy beach on your own, or sign up for Nature Tours. Work out at the fitness center and unwind at the spa with one of the customized body treatments or massages. The hotel continues to win honors and awards for its attentive service and beautiful setting. There are three 18-hole championship courses where you can play tee off in a scenic setting, as well as improve your game with clinics, private, and group lessons. The AAA Five-Diamond destination overlooks the St. Simons Sound, Atlantic Ocean and the Plantation Course. Guest rooms measure at least 700 square feet in size and are furnished with overstuffed chairs and hardwood floors. The property offers 24-hour butler service and other luxury amenities. You can also stay at The Cloister at Sea Island.

7. Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica

Casa del Mar is a luxury hotel in Santa Monica, a renowned Southern California seaside community. Spend your days relaxing at the spa, lounging by the pool overlooking the ocean, or exploring local boutiques. The property's interior recreates the glamor of the 20s, with spacious rooms, damask and velvet draperies and opulent Italian marble baths. The best place for sunbathing is on the Palm Terrace which features a plunge pool surrounded by chaise lounges and chairs. The terrace is elevated above the sandy beach below to provide scenic views of the water.

The resort has a health club offering massages, facials and beauty services. When booking your massage, ask for one of the Massage Cabanas on the pool deck overlooking the Pacific. Massage rates start at $105 for an hour. Oceanfront is a 75-seat restaurant serving a New American menu and West Coast wines. The restaurant is casually elegant with scenic views of the ocean. The lobby lounge serves a selection of light California Cuisine and offers live entertainment in the evening. The lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable rattan chairs. Casual dining is offered on the Palm Terrace with seating for 75 guests. Poolside service is also available during the day. Casa Del Mar is a great Christmas getaway from Los Angeles, just a few miles away. Plan a romantic spa getaway for couples.

8. Gaylord Palms in Orlando

Gaylord Palms Hotel is a fun getaway, offering a choice of accommodations, dining and activities. The hotel is near Walt Disney World and other Orlando theme parks. The property in features 4.5 acres of gardens and waterways, a full service spa and fitness center and a pool for adults in Florida. For kids, there is a dedicated pool and playground with a water slide, waterfall and sand play area which is great for little ones. Coquina Dunes Recreation Park has a golf putting course where you can have fun with the whole family. Other great activities include sand volleyball and croquet lawn. There are five restaurants and lounges, live entertainment nightly and many shops.

Choose from 1,406 guest rooms and suites decorated in different styles, such as "Key West" or "Everglades." The 106 hotel suites and nine presidential suites offer families and groups additional space to relax and unwind. Guest Room with 1 King or 2 Queen Beds measure 410 sq ft / 37 s qm and can accommodate up to 4 guests. Other options in this category include Atrium View and Emerald Bay. One Bedroom Executive Suites measure 625 sq ft /56 sq m - 725sqft and can accommodate up to 5 people, which makes them very comfortable for families. There is One King bed and a sofa bed. The 831 sq ft to 960 sq ft 1 Bedroom Suite is the most spacious. If you are looking for unique Christmas getaways in Florida, this is a great place to visit.

During the Christmas holidays, the resort is especially fun to visit. There is a 54-foot Christmas tree and 2 million holiday lights. Kids enjoy visits with Santa and ICE! featuring The Nutcracker and amazing ice sculptures and slides. Watch artists carve ice sculptures right in front of you and enjoy Live Stage Shows with popular holiday music. Facilities include a lap pool, Separate Men's & Women's Lounges and a Steam room. Enjoy an array of rejuvenating treatments at the hotel spa, including couples' massages, facials, body wraps and more. The spa is available to guests 18 years of age or older. Children ages 16 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

If you are planning a wedding, ask about Bachelorette Parties & Bridal Showers which can be personalized to your wishes. The Spa Coordinator can help you with luxurious Wedding Party and Thank You gifts.

9. Manoir Hovey in Quebec, Canada

Celebrate Christmas surrounded by snow and ice at the picturesque Manoir Hovey in Quebec. If you are looking for Christmas family vacation ideas, the hotel is offering the "Christmas Celebration" package which includes a 2-night stay, Holiday Brunch, a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the North Hatley village center, followed by s'mores by the fireplace. Le Hatley restaurant will treat you to a 4-course traditional festive dinner and a gourmet breakfast in the morning. Manoir Hovey is set on 20 wooded acres next to the scenic Lake Massawippi. There are many winter activities to choose from that the whole family can enjoy, including relaxing spa treatments, snowshoeing, a private cross-country ski trail, skating and downhill skiing.

Guests are accommodated in 37 stylish rooms and suites with views of the lake. Luxury amenities include Frette towels, bathrobes, toiletries by L'Occitane and large flat screen TV's. You can brew your own coffee in the morning using a Nespresso coffee machine which is provided in the room. Ask for a room or a suite with a fireplace and a private balcony. The 1,400-square-foot Heron Suite is a great choice for families, featuring two bedrooms, a separate living room, kitchen, two fireplaces, two spacious bathrooms and a screened in porch with hot tub. If you are wondering where to travel for Christmas in Canada, this is a beautiful place to visit.

10. Terranea Resort in Southern California

A quick weekend vacation from Los Angeles, Terranea Resort in Southern California is a spectacular getaway for the senses. You'll be surrounded by unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean in your room, suite, by the pool (Video) and while getting pampered at the spa.

Most of the rooms and suites face the ocean and measure at least 450 square feet in size, giving you plenty of space. Ask for a room with a view of the ocean. The Spa is a 50,000 square foot oasis with scenic views and an array of treatments. Signature services include an invigorating foot treatment which incorporates Crystal Quartz. If you are planning a family trip, the property offers a number of activities you can enjoy together, ranging from hiking and biking to falconry and horseback riding.