12 of the Best Places to Travel for Christmas and New Year’s

Perry Como famously crooned that there’s no place like home for the holidays, but a special family Christmas getaway is one of the most magical and meaningful vacations you’ll ever experience, layering new traditions on top of the old. Whether you’re dreaming of a snowy retreat or a sun-soaked celebration on the beach, an escape during the festive season yields memories you’ll treasure. Here are a dozen of the best places to travel for Christmas with kids, no matter your style or the ages of your brood.

TIP: For all of the hotels we recommend in the destinations below, our Ciao Bambino Family Travel Advisors can access special rates, perks and/or amenities for clients who book through us. There’s still time to book, but these properties are filling their last remaining spaces quickly — reach out to us to reserve sooner rather than later.

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Lake Como

Beloved as a summertime playground, Lake Como has charm to spare during the holidays. Nativity scenes are on view in local churches; traditional Christmas markets and glowing lights dot the main piazza of Como town; nearby Cernobbio hosts the kid-friendly celebration known as Citta deì Balocchi (City of Toys), a monthlong event that includes a grand tree lighting, an ice skating rink, live music, children’s shows and more. Ring in the New Year at an annual ballet and dinner hosted by Teatro Social of Como, which also puts on a full calendar of concerts and choral performances. Or toast 2025 by lingering over a feast at one of the area’s fine restaurants, complete with a bottle or two of Prosecco, of course.

Where to stay: Exciting news — Villa d’Este, one of Lake Como’s most esteemed luxury properties, is remaining open for Christmas (in past years, the hotel has traditionally closed for the season). Decorated with cascades of ornaments and floral displays, it’s a breathtaking backdrop for a family holiday. Indulge your sweet tooth at a dedicated chocolate bar, take afternoon tea by the twinkling tree in the Greenhouse, or book a table for the lavish multicourse Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year’s meals. Buon Natale!

Sydney

Celebrating the holidays Down Under is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest neighborhood, goes all out with a Christmas village and a light installation known as Christmas Wonderlanes, while Darling Harbour is home to Deck the Harbour, a monthlong program of kid-friendly festivities. Take advantage of the sunny weather and do Christmas dinner Australia-style by booking a private picnic on one of the area’s beaches (you just might spot some surfers wearing Santa hats). When New Year’s Eve rolls around, settle in with a view of Sydney Harbour for an extravagant fireworks show that will cap off the year with — well — a bang.

Where to stay: Housed in The Rocks a stone’s throw from Darling Harbour, The Langham, Sydney, is one of our go-to properties for relaxed luxury in a prime location. This is the place to be pampered — rooms are spacious and gorgeously decorated, while the in-house spa offers treatments designed around elements such as fire, earth and water and amenities to encourage restful sleep after a day of revelry. If you need a breather from all things Christmas, The Langham also holds special events and classes such as watercolor painting, Australian gin tasting and gua shua techniques.

Banff & Lake Louise

Fancy spending Christmas on the slopes? Pack your gear for Banff & Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies. In addition to world-class runs across the three local ski areas, there’s a full calendar of Yuletide events and activities: themed brunches and dinners, productions of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, skiing with Santa at Lake Louise Resort and a Christmas Eve torchlight ski parade at Banff Sunshine Village, to name a few. Stay warm with a journey along the Hot Chocolate Trail, a map of 20 local eateries that each offers its own take on a steaming cup of rich goodness. Be sure to board the Banff Gondola for the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where the Mountaintop Christmas programming includes photos with Santa, kids’ crafts, holiday movies and more.

Where to stay: Nestled at the base of soaring peaks and blanketed in snow, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise feels like a fairy tale come to life, and this iconic luxury hotel does it up right during the holiday season. The staff will place a decorated tree in your accommodations upon request (fee-based), and the calendar is crammed with Christmas- and New Year’s-themed workshops, winter sports, caroling, storytime, music performances and other merriment. Our favorite touch? The Ice Bar, a frozen outdoor structure serving kids’ cocoa and adult cocktails, complete with a roaring campfire.

Maui

Mele kalikimaka is the thing to say on this exquisitely beautiful Hawaiian isle. Maui is rebounding from the catastrophic wildfires of 2023, and although there’s a long recovery ahead before the Lahaina area will be able to accommodate visitors again, other parts of the island are fully open and welcome tourism. Don sunglasses and slippahs (Hawaiian for flip-flops) to mark the holiday in tropical style — who could forget experiencing a Christmas luau or building a snowman out of sand on the beach? December also signals the start of whale watching season, so keep your eyes peeled for humpbacks diving and fluking in the ocean, perhaps while on board a dinner cruise.

TIP: The wildfires were devastating for Maui residents, and for many, the trauma lingers. Be respectful and sensitive as you interact with locals, especially in those regions of the island that were most affected.

Where to stay: Our clients adore Four Seasons properties all over the world, and the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is no exception, meticulously landscaped with an indoor/outdoor flow to showcase the lush scenery. The brand’s signature Kids for all Seasons programming has special holiday-themed events on tap. On Christmas Eve morning, Santa Claus arrives by outrigger canoe to greet kids at Wailea Beach … not to be missed! And for Hanukkah, the resort hosts a candlelighting celebration led by a local rabbi, with a latke-making demonstration afterward.

Paris

The City of Light lives up to its nickname in the festive season, shimmering, shining and glowing at every turn. Window-shopping is an experience all in itself, with some of the most over-the-top displays anywhere in the world, and the vignettes and enormous rainbow-hued tree at the Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann mall are a must-see spectacle. While French cities such as Strasbourg may be better known for their Christmas markets, you’ll find more than a dozen such markets in the capital, the largest and most popular at the Jardin des Tuileries. This being Paris, even the simplest of meals feels like an occasion — spend an afternoon indulging in a chocolat chaud and a holiday pastry at a cafe while you take in the celebratory atmosphere.

Where to stay: Esprit St. Germain remains a favorite with CB families year after year, and for good reason. Elegantly appointed, with a cozy feel and thoughtful service, it’s tucked away in one of Paris’ most atmospheric Left Bank neighborhoods. Sightseeing from here is a breeze, but best of all is returning at the end of the day — guests feel as though they’re being welcomed into a private home.

Cape Town

Late December and early January are an apt time to take a South Africa safari, and Cape Town is perfect both as an entry point and as a place to spend the holidays before you head farther afield. Enjoy the balmy weather and the light displays along Adderley Street, and ascend the famous Table Mountain on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to visit with Santa and his elves. At the V&A Waterfront, the Joy from Africa holiday arts exhibit celebrates the continent’s rich cultural traditions with installations featuring recycled and upcycled materials. It’s also the location of an enormous, kid-friendly New Year’s Eve party, with South African musicians, fireworks and more.

Where to stay: One&Only Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront fosters a sense of retreat even in the midst of the urban to-ing and fro-ing. Rooms and suites combine minimalist chic with bold elements of African design and, in some cases, Table Mountain views. One highlight to look forward to during the festive season: Santa’s entrance via stand-up paddleboard along the hotel’s private waterways. Plus, there’s a mailbox where kids can deposit their letters to Santa, a penguin-themed scavenger hunt and more.

Bluffton, South Carolina

Early winter is a lovely time in the Lowcountry — the stifling heat and humidity of summer and fall are gone, yet the weather is mild enough that you might well be in short sleeves come Christmas Day. We love the quiet enclave of Bluffton, South Carolina, near the coast and within an hour’s drive of historic cities like Savannah and Beaufort (both charming in their own right this time of year). Old Town Bluffton is lined with appealing restaurants and independent shops where you can peruse local handicrafts and collect last-minute gifts. It’s the spot to slow down, unwind and get away from it all … just the antidote for the frenzy of holiday time.

Where to stay: The Montage Palmetto Bluff is a true destination resort. A grand, white-columned main inn sits at its center (with a magnificently decorated tree, of course); the grounds are shaded by oaks draped in Spanish moss and laced with wide pathways and bridges that invite strolling or biking. Freestanding cottages and larger homes, with two to five bedrooms, suit extended families gathering to spend Christmas together. As you explore, take time to stop and say hello to the Montage’s canine ambassadors, a group of sweet pups who go all in on their job of making guests feel at home.

Thailand

Christmas isn’t widely observed in Thailand, as Buddhism is the prevalent religion, so this may not be the trip for traditionalists (though you do see Christmas lights and decorations in shopping areas and streets around the city). But the weather in December, which is cooler and less humid than the rest of the year, makes it an ideal month to visit Bangkok. We love pairing a few days there with beach time in Krabi or another island home base. In Bangkok, explore the floating markets and take a street food tour; hire a guide to zip around by Vespa after dusk; make a day trip to Chiang Mai and visit an elephant sanctuary. From Krabi, it’s easy to charter a boat to explore the stunning Phi Phi Islands. Although the Thai New Year occurs in spring, you can find Western-style New Year’s Eve events on December 31, including fireworks over the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.

Where to stay: Start your vacation at the Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, a serene oasis overlooking the water (book accommodations with a river view and you’ll marvel at the sense of seclusion). The hotel caters to guests celebrating Christmas by arranging special gift hampers, sweet treats, festive menus and more. In Krabi, we love the beachfront Banyan Tree Krabi, tucked between the water and the lush jungle that surrounds the resort. Each room, suite and villa has a private plunge pool, and some have ocean views — worth the splurge!

Surrey, England

While London is well known for its timeless holiday splendor, a very different yet no less delightful destination awaits about an hour’s drive southwest. The county of Surrey, home to towns and villages such as Guildford, Godstone and Kingston on Thames, offers a packed calendar of festive diversions like Christmas markets, festivals, ballets, choral concerts and family days out. Light trails at RHS Garden Wisley and Guildford Castle will captivate tots and teens alike, and the Nativity Journey at Wintershall — an immersive experience in which guests participate along with the actors — is a well-known local highlight.

Where to stay: What could be more classically British than settling in at a country house hotel? Beaverbrook in Leatherhead, perched on nearly 500 acres amid Surrey’s rolling hills, has an august history that’s still evident in its individually decorated guestrooms and genteel common spaces. Its fantastic kids’ club and activities (including family-friendly movies in the onsite cinema), plus accommodations that can easily sleep four, make it a particular favorite for parents traveling with little ones. Guests can also enjoy unlimited complimentary skating on the seasonal ice rink and a gala New Year’s Eve dinner that culminates in an artistically designed light show.

TIP: If your getaway includes time in London, Beaverbrook has an equally lovely companion property, the Beaverbrook Town House, in the heart of upscale Chelsea.

Lake Placid, New York

In the cold months, Lake Placid is the very definition of a winter wonderland — the snow-covered Adirondacks create a picturesque backdrop for seasonal celebrations. The town is famed for hosting both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, and winter activities such as sledding, sleigh rides, downhill and cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing abound; don’t miss the chance to ice skate at the Olympic Center, which commemorates the legacy of both events. Mid-December sees the Holiday Village Stroll, a local tradition that includes pictures with Santa, a holiday craft fair, cookie decorating and candle making and the Santa Ski (dress in a full Santa suit and ski for free). Over the week between Christmas and New Year’s, gather at Mid’s Park on Main Street each afternoon to warm up with a cup of cocoa and toast marshmallows over a bonfire.

Where to stay: Whiteface Lodge sits within a few minutes’ drive of the town center of Lake Placid and the Olympic Center, perfectly placed for taking advantage of local shopping, dining and active pursuits. The lodge’s plethora of indoor amenities, from a bowling alley to a game room, beckons when kids (or their parents) need to take a break from the cold. Rooms are outfitted in rustic chic fashion, with hand-hewn wooden furnishings that befit the property’s Great Camp aura. Two- and three-bedroom suites include full kitchens, a boon for traveling families.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

One of the most enchanting cities in Mexico no matter the time of year, San Miguel de Allende has a bohemian colonial vibe that makes for an especially vibrant festive season. As in other destinations throughout the country, San Miguel’s celebrations are largely religious in nature, and one of the premier local traditions is Las Posadas, a nine-day series of processions that reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter and end with music, food and merrymaking. Christmas Eve is the pinnacle of the celebrations (Christmas Day is largely for resting); El Jardin, the city’s central square, hosts Christmas Eve fireworks and a life-size nativity scene. Toast the occasion as the locals do, with a cup of the warm spiced fruit punch called ponche.

Where to stay: Housed across a group of six historic structures, Casa de Sierra Nevada, a Belmond Hotel, tops our list of San Miguel accommodations for families. Both opulent and intimate, it has has just 37 rooms and suites, each individually decorated with elements such as Mexican artwork, well-chosen antique furnishings and handpainted talavera tiles. Holiday programming includes a four-course Christmas Eve dinner as well as complimentary ginger cookies and ponche on Christmas Day.

Santa Fe

Nowhere in the world feels quite like Santa Fe, and this New Mexico city capitalizes on its unique character for holiday events, with a blend of indigenous, Spanish and American cultural customs that reflects its history. Similar to San Miguel de Allende, the Plaza in the historic district hosts Las Posadas (just one night instead of nine, capped off with caroling, hot cider and the delicious anise-flavored cookies known as biscochitos). If you’re in town the week before Christmas, visit the Loretto Chapel for its much-lauded series of Baroque Christmas performances. The highlight of Santa Fe’s festive season is the Canyon Road Christmas Eve Farolito Walk, during which the flicker of farolitos (candles tucked into paper bags) and piñon wood bonfires sets this iconic thoroughfare aglow.

Where to stay: Near the Santa Fe National Forest just outside the city proper, Bishop’s Lodge blends luxe accommodations with a true sense of place: adobe-style architecture, kiva fireplaces, Navajo rugs. Two- and three-bedroom casitas are ideal for individual families, while multigenerational groups can book the 12-bedroom bunkhouse for ample space to gather. In between holiday sightseeing, Bishop’s Lodge guests can try their hand at crafting hand-punched tin ornaments or decorating biscochitos, or unwind from the mad holiday dash with a mindfulness meditation or sunset sound bath.

Relevant Links:

12 best Christmas markets in Europe with kids

Ireland’s kid-friendly charm shines bright at holiday time

10 iconic Christmas activities in London with kids

Our 7 favorite Christmas getaways with kids

10 unexpected winter travel ideas for families

5 cozy resorts in New England for kid-friendly winter fun

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.