5 Christmas Vacation Ideas for Those Who Love the Holidays

Nothing creates lasting family memories like a holiday adventure. Make the most wonderful time of the year even more wonderful by packing up the family and welcoming in the holidays with an exciting yuletide excursion. We’ve put together a list of the five best Christmas vacation ideas to help jump start your holiday travel plans. From ice skating and alpine skiing to tree lightings and Christmas markets, these destinations boast activities to suit the whole family.

Leavenworth, Washington

Why travel to Germany this holiday season when you can experience a Bavarian Christmas right in the Pacific Northwest. Throughout the year, Leavenworth, Washington, reflects German culture in its architecture, festivals and beer gardens, and Christmas is no exception. This quaint town offers a brilliant display of lights, tree lighting ceremonies and a traditional German Christmas market to get you in the Christmas spirit. Tour the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, showcasing thousands of nutcrackers from around the world. Then sample popular winter brews at the München Haus Beer Garden. Be sure to pack the ski gear to enjoy nearby Badger Mountain for some holiday family fun on the slopes.

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Journey back to the 18th century to experience an early American Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg. With an annual Christmas Parade, holiday productions at Kimball Theatre and tea with Mrs. Claus, it’s sure to be a Christmas to remember. Take a guided walking tour of the old-time Christmas decorations displayed throughout town and learn the centuries-old garland and wreath making process. A coachman will lead you through Williamsburg on a carriage ride past carolers, Christmas trees and ice skaters. Have an authentic colonial Christmas dinner at the King Arms Tavern, with period-costumed servers and colonial decor. You’ll soon see why Colonial Williamsburg is one of the most festive towns in the country to celebrate the holiday season.

Aspen, Colorado

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, Aspen is the place to be. Providing a spectacular holiday celebration and plenty of family fun on the slopes, it’s a guaranteedChristmas to remember. The resort encompasses four separate ski areas, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass – all accessible on one lift ticket. When the ski day’s done, enjoy all of the holiday activities during the 12 Days of Aspen celebration. With live music, caroling, cookie decorating and plenty of free hot cocoa, this annual holiday event offers something for everyone. Winterskol celebrates the season across all four mountains with fireworks, ice sculpting and live music. Cap off your week with Aspen’s firework-filled New Year’s Eve celebration.

New York City, New York

The Big Apple offers an iconic Christmas celebration with its celebrity-studded tree-lighting ceremony in Rockefeller Center. Each year, the most awe-inspiring evergreen is chosen as the focal point of the city’s holiday festivities. Lace-up a pair of skates and glide around the ice in Rockefeller Center, or shop the holiday markets offering unique gifts from artisans all around the world. Visit Union Square Holiday Market, Columbus Circle Holiday Market, Grand Central Holiday Fair and Holiday Shops at Bryant Park. Stroll past the impressive department store displays the city is known for at Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor, Bergdorf Goodman, Barney’s and Bloomingdale’s.

Branson, Missouri

Dubbed America’s Christmas Tree City, Branson showcases more than 700 spectacular holiday trees on their Christmas Tree Tour. Christmas festivities at Silver Dollar City amusement park offers impressive light displays, Broadway-style shows and an additional 1,000 Christmas trees on display. Branson Scenic Railway transforms into the Polar Express each holiday season, delighting fans of the beloved children’s holiday book. Visit the region’s only reindeer herd at Promised Land Zoo for a photo with Rudolph himself.