Top 10 Christmas Holiday Destinations for Families in 2024

The holiday season is a magical time for families, offering a chance to reconnect and create lasting memories. If you're planning a family vacation for Christmas 2024, you’re probably looking for a destination that provides fun, festive cheer, and plenty of activities for all ages. Whether you're dreaming of snowy landscapes, twinkling lights, or a tropical getaway, this list of top 10 Christmas holiday destinations will help you find the perfect spot for your family celebration.

1. Lapland, Finland

If you’ve ever imagined spending Christmas in the home of Santa Claus, then Lapland, Finland, should top your list. This Arctic wonderland is known for its enchanting winter landscape, filled with snow-covered trees and the Northern Lights dancing in the sky.

Lapland offers exciting family-friendly activities such as reindeer sleigh rides, dog sledding, and snowmobiling. Children will love visiting Santa's village in Rovaniemi, where they can meet Santa, explore the elf workshops, and send postcards from the Arctic Circle.

Why it’s great for families:

• Santa's Village for kids
• Unique winter activities for all ages
• Stunning views of the Northern Lights

2. New York City, USA

Few places do Christmas like New York City. The Big Apple transforms into a winter wonderland with dazzling decorations, festive markets, and iconic events like the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas tree.

Take a family skate around the ice rink in Central Park or visit the giant window displays along 5th Avenue. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Rockettes, is a must-see for families who want to dive into holiday cheer.

Why it’s great for families:

• Iconic holiday displays and events
• Ice skating and festive markets
• Plenty of kid-friendly attractions, like Broadway shows and museums

3. Strasbourg, France

Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg in France is the perfect family vacation spot during the holiday season. The city's Christmas markets are among the oldest in Europe, offering festive stalls filled with handmade gifts, traditional sweets, and seasonal foods. The whole town is decked out in lights, with the towering Christmas tree in Place Kléber being a highlight.

Families can enjoy taking a boat ride along the Ill River to see the city lit up at night, visit the beautiful Strasbourg Cathedral, or explore the Petite France district with its fairytale-like buildings. There are plenty of holiday activities to keep both kids and adults entertained.

Why it’s great for families:

• Historic and festive Christmas markets
• Beautiful, family-friendly boat tours
• Kid-friendly attractions like the Strasbourg Cathedral and Petite France district

4. Québec City, Canada

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas with European flair, Québec City offers a delightful experience without leaving North America. The cobblestone streets of Old Québec are covered in lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere that feels like a page from a storybook.

Family-friendly activities include snow tubing, visiting the German Christmas market, and exploring the festive decorations around Château Frontenac. Bundle up and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snowy streets.

Why it’s great for families:

• European charm without flying overseas
• Festive markets and outdoor activities
• Stunning decorations and historic sites

5. Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland offers a unique Christmas experience with its stunning natural landscapes and rich folklore. In December, Reykjavik transforms into a winter wonderland with festive lights, Christmas markets, and ice skating rinks.

Families can enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking through snow-covered landscapes, bathing in hot springs, and exploring ice caves. For a special treat, take your kids on a Northern Lights tour, where they can witness this incredible natural phenomenon.

Why it’s great for families:

• Winter adventures like ice caves and hot springs
• Beautiful Christmas lights and decorations
• A chance to see the Northern Lights

6. Orlando, Florida, USA

If you’re looking for warm weather and theme parks during Christmas, Orlando is the place to be. Famous for its family-friendly attractions, Orlando lights up with holiday cheer at places like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.

Each theme park hosts its own Christmas events, with festive parades, fireworks, and meet-and-greets with Santa Claus. Families can also enjoy sunny weather, making it a great option if you want to escape the cold.

Why it’s great for families:

• Holiday celebrations at Disney World and Universal Studios
• Warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities
• Countless kid-friendly attractions

7. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of Europe’s most elegant cities, and it comes alive during the Christmas season. The city's grand squares are transformed into festive markets, where you can sip hot chocolate and buy beautiful handmade gifts.

For a family-friendly activity, take the kids to the Vienna Ice Dream, a large ice-skating rink in front of the City Hall. Don’t forget to visit Schönbrunn Palace, where you can explore its Christmas market and attend classical music concerts that are perfect for the whole family.

Why it’s great for families:

• Magical Christmas markets in stunning historic settings
• Outdoor ice skating and holiday performances
• Delicious treats like strudels and hot cocoa

8. Tokyo, Japan

Christmas in Japan may not be a traditional holiday, but Tokyo knows how to celebrate in style. The city is famous for its incredible light displays, with areas like Shibuya and Roppongi turning into glowing wonderlands.

Families will enjoy visiting theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, which go all out with festive decorations and events. For a unique twist, try a Japanese Christmas meal, which often includes fried chicken and strawberry shortcake.

Why it’s great for families:

• Stunning light displays across the city
• Christmas-themed events at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
• Unique cultural holiday experience

9. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland is an excellent destination for families looking for a Christmas vacation filled with festivities and fun. The city's Christmas markets, located in East Princes Street Gardens, offer a mix of local crafts, rides for children, and delicious festive treats like roasted chestnuts and mulled wine for adults.

Families will love Edinburgh's winter attractions, such as ice skating in St. Andrew Square or taking a ride on the Christmas Ferris wheel, which gives incredible views of the city. The Edinburgh Castle is also beautifully decorated during the season, offering a great place for family photos.

Why it’s great for families:

• Festive markets with rides and activities for kids
• Ice skating and Christmas Ferris wheel with stunning views
• Beautifully lit Edinburgh Castle perfect for holiday pictures

10. The Swiss Alps, Switzerland

For families that love outdoor activities and winter sports, the Swiss Alps is the perfect Christmas destination. The region is filled with charming villages, world-class ski resorts, and breathtaking mountain views. Towns like Zermatt and St. Moritz offer plenty of activities, from skiing to sledding, that the whole family can enjoy.

After a day in the snow, you can relax with a hot chocolate or enjoy a traditional Swiss fondue dinner. The cozy mountain lodges and festive decorations add to the holiday charm.

Why it’s great for families:

• Perfect for skiing and snowboarding
• Cozy lodges and stunning mountain views
• Traditional Swiss holiday meals and treats

Final Thoughts

Whether your family wants to play in the snow, explore festive markets, or bask in tropical warmth, there are plenty of Christmas destinations to choose from in 2024. Each location offers a mix of activities that will create lasting memories for both parents and children. Wherever you decide to go, remember that the best part of any holiday is spending time together, making this Christmas truly special for your family.