The holiday season is a magical time to create lasting memories with your loved ones. At Holiday Rising, we’re all about embracing the festive spirit and making the most of this special time of year. While we usually focus on hosting and cooking, sometimes it’s nice to step back and let someone else handle the details. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to planning the perfect holiday getaway with your family. From snowy mountain retreats to tropical paradises, we’ll explore a variety of options to suit every taste and budget.
Winter Wonderlands
For those who dream of a white Christmas, a ski resort getaway might be just the ticket.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge offers a picturesque winter wonderland perfect for families. With its charming downtown, world-class ski slopes, and festive atmosphere, it’s an ideal destination for a holiday escape.Accommodation Options:
- Luxury ski-in/ski-out resorts
- Cozy mountain lodges
- Spacious vacation rentals for larger families
Activities:
- Skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels
- Snowshoeing and winter hiking
- Ice skating in the town square
- Sleigh rides through snow-covered forests
- Visiting Santa’s workshop
Holiday Highlights:
- Annual Lighting of Breckenridge celebration
- Holiday markets featuring local artisans
- Torchlight parade on Christmas Eve
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Straddling the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe offers a unique blend of winter sports, stunning natural beauty, and casino entertainment.Accommodation Options:
- The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe for luxury seekers
- Family-friendly resorts with ski schools
- Lakeside cabins for a more rustic experience
Activities:
- Skiing and snowboarding at multiple resorts
- Snowmobiling tours
- Ice skating with lake views
- Gondola rides for panoramic vistas
- Indoor water parks for non-ski days
Holiday Highlights:
- Heavenly Holidays celebration with ice sculptors and performers
- Tahoe Adventure Company’s holiday kayak tours (weather permitting)
- New Year’s Eve fireworks over the lake
Tropical Escapes
If your idea of a perfect holiday involves sand between your toes, consider these warm-weather destinations.
Atlantis Resort, Bahamas
The Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island is a dream destination for families seeking sun, fun, and a touch of luxury.Accommodation Options:
- The Royal Towers for the full Atlantis experience
- The Coral for a more budget-friendly stay
- The Cove for adults seeking extra luxury
Activities:
- Aquaventure water park with thrilling slides
- Marine habitats featuring sharks, rays, and tropical fish
- Dolphin Cay for up-close marine life encounters
- Kids’ clubs with age-appropriate activities
- Casino and spa for adults
Holiday Highlights:
- Festive decorations throughout the resort
- Special holiday menus at on-site restaurants
- New Year’s Eve gala with fireworks
Maui, Hawaii
Experience the spirit of Aloha this holiday season on the beautiful island of Maui.Accommodation Options:
- Beachfront resorts in Wailea or Ka’anapali
- Vacation rentals for a more home-like stay
- Eco-lodges in Hana for nature lovers
Activities:
- Snorkeling in Molokini Crater
- Watching the sunrise from Haleakala National Park
- Driving the scenic Road to Hana
- Attending a traditional luau
- Whale watching (peak season is December to May)
Holiday Highlights:
- Lahaina Banyan Tree lighting ceremony
- Hawaiian-style Santa arrivals by outrigger canoe
- New Year’s Eve fireworks in Wailea
Cruising into the Holidays
A holiday cruise offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and festive cheer, all while visiting multiple destinations.
Caribbean Holiday Cruise
Escape the winter chill and explore the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.Cruise Lines to Consider:
- Royal Caribbean for family-friendly amenities
- Disney Cruise Line for the ultimate kid-friendly experience
- Norwegian Cruise Line for flexible dining options
Potential Ports of Call:
- St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Nassau, Bahamas
- Cozumel, Mexico
Onboard Activities:
- Pool decks with water slides and splash zones
- Broadway-style shows and entertainment
- Kids’ clubs with age-specific programming
- Specialty dining experiences
- Fitness centers and spas
Holiday Highlights:
- Tree lighting ceremonies
- Holiday-themed shows and parades
- Special Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners
- Photos with Santa at sea
European Christmas Market Cruise
For a more traditional holiday experience, consider a river cruise through Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets.Cruise Lines to Consider:
- Viking River Cruises for a more adult-oriented experience
- AmaWaterways for luxury and excellent cuisine
- Uniworld for boutique river cruising
Potential Ports of Call:
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Vienna, Austria
- Budapest, Hungary
- Strasbourg, France
Onboard Activities:
- Local cultural presentations
- Cooking demonstrations featuring regional specialties
- Wine tastings
- Onboard libraries and lounges for relaxation
Holiday Highlights:
- Guided tours of historic Christmas markets
- Onboard tree trimming parties
- European carol singers and local entertainers
- Traditional holiday meals featuring regional specialties
Urban Adventures
For families who prefer the excitement of city life, these destinations offer a perfect blend of culture, history, and holiday cheer.
New York City, New York
The Big Apple truly comes alive during the holiday season, offering iconic experiences and unforgettable memories.Accommodation Options:
- Luxury hotels near Central Park
- Family-friendly options in Times Square
- Vacation rentals in Brooklyn for a more local experience
Activities:
- Ice skating in Central Park or Rockefeller Center
- Viewing the elaborate window displays on Fifth Avenue
- Visiting the American Museum of Natural History
- Taking in a Broadway show
- Exploring the Winter Village at Bryant Park
Holiday Highlights:
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting
- New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes
London, United Kingdom
Experience a quintessential European Christmas in the heart of England3.Accommodation Options:
- Historic hotels in Mayfair or Kensington
- Family-friendly options near Hyde Park
- Vacation rentals in charming neighborhoods like Notting Hill
Activities:
- Visiting the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace
- Riding the London Eye for panoramic city views
- Exploring the British Museum and Natural History Museum
- Taking a Thames River cruise
- Shopping at Harrods and Oxford Street
Holiday Highlights:
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland with rides and markets
- Ice skating at Somerset House
- Carols at St. Paul’s Cathedral
- New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Thames
National Park Adventures
For families who love the great outdoors, a national park getaway can provide a unique and memorable holiday experience.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Winter in Yellowstone offers a serene and magical landscape, with fewer crowds and unique wildlife viewing opportunities.Accommodation Options:
- Old Faithful Snow Lodge (open during winter)
- Vacation rentals in nearby West Yellowstone
- Cozy lodges in surrounding towns like Jackson Hole
Activities:
- Snowcoach tours to see geysers and hot springs
- Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
- Wildlife watching (bison, elk, and wolves are active in winter)
- Soaking in Mammoth Hot Springs
- Visiting the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
Holiday Highlights:
- Christmas dinner at Old Faithful Snow Lodge
- New Year’s Eve celebration in Jackson Hole
- Stargazing in some of the darkest skies in the country
Zion National Park, Utah
For a milder winter experience, Zion offers stunning red rock landscapes and opportunities for outdoor adventure.Accommodation Options:
- Zion Lodge (the only in-park lodging)
- Glamping options like Under Canvas Zion
- Vacation rentals in nearby Springdale
Activities:
- Hiking popular trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows
- Scenic drives through the park
- Rock climbing (with proper equipment and experience)
- Horseback riding tours
- Ranger-led programs and Junior Ranger activities
Holiday Highlights:
- Holiday light displays in Springdale
- New Year’s Eve celebration at Bit & Spur Restaurant & Saloon
- Stargazing programs in the park
Theme Park Magic
For families with young children or the young at heart, a theme park holiday can provide non-stop excitement and entertainment.
Walt Disney World, Florida
Experience the ultimate holiday magic at the Most Magical Place on Earth.Accommodation Options:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for luxury
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort for budget-friendly family suites
- Off-site vacation rentals for more space and privacy
Activities:
- Visiting all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom)
- Water parks (weather permitting)
- Character meet-and-greets
- Fireworks shows
- Disney Springs for shopping and dining
Holiday Highlights:
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot
- Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! at Hollywood Studios
- New Year’s Eve fireworks at multiple parks
Universal Orlando Resort, Florida
For families with older children and Harry Potter fans, Universal offers a thrilling holiday experience. Accommodation Options:
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel for Italian-inspired luxury
- Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort for retro-themed family suites
- Off-site hotels on International Drive for more budget-friendly options
Activities:
- Exploring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Thrilling rides like The Incredible Hulk Coaster and Jurassic World VelociCoaster
- Shows and performances throughout the parks
- Character meet-and-greets
- CityWalk for dining and entertainment
Holiday Highlights:
- Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure
- Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s
- EVE celebration on New Year’s Eve at CityWalk
Planning Tips for Your Holiday Getaway
No matter which destination you choose, these tips will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable family vacation:
- Book early: Holiday travel is popular, so secure your accommodations and activities well in advance.
- Consider travel insurance: With unpredictable weather and potential health concerns, travel insurance can provide peace of mind.
- Pack appropriately: Research the weather at your destination and pack accordingly. Don’t forget any special items for holiday celebrations.
- Plan for downtime: While it’s tempting to fill every moment with activities, schedule some relaxation time to avoid burnout.
- Involve the whole family in planning: Let each family member choose an activity or restaurant to ensure everyone feels included.
- Maintain some traditions: Bring along small decorations or plan to continue some of your at-home traditions to keep the holiday spirit alive.
- Be flexible: Things may not always go as planned, so maintain a positive attitude and be ready to adapt.
- Document your memories: Take plenty of photos and videos, and consider starting a travel journal to capture your experiences.
- Stay connected: If you’re traveling internationally, research your mobile phone options to stay in touch with loved ones back home.
- Embrace local customs: If you’re visiting a new place, take the opportunity to learn about and participate in local holiday traditions.
The holiday season is all about spending quality time with loved ones and creating lasting memories. While we at Holiday Rising usually focus on hosting and cooking, we understand the appeal of letting someone else handle the details occasionally. Whether you choose a snowy mountain retreat, a tropical beach escape, a festive cruise, or any other type of getaway, the most important thing is that you’re together. Remember, the perfect holiday vacation isn’t about the destination as much as it is about the experiences you share and the memories you create. So gather your family, choose a destination that excites everyone, and embark on a holiday adventure you’ll be talking about for years to come.From all of us at Holiday Rising, we wish you safe travels and a joyous holiday season, wherever you may roam!
