Christmas vacation ideas for the perfect family getaway

 

Here are some family vacation ideas for the Christmas season:

• New York City: Families can visit the Rockefeller Christmas tree, window displays on 5th Avenue, enjoy ice skating, see the Radio City Rockettes, shop at Christmas markets and more.

• Asheville, North Carolina: Come for the Biltmore Estate, where there’s a traditional Christmas celebration that includes elaborate decor and candlelit evenings. Families can also enjoy The National Gingerbread House Competition and Winter Lights at North Carolina Arboretum.

• Aspen, Colorado: Those needing snow to get in the Christmas spirit should head here and celebrate their 12 days of Christmas, referring to the town’s 12-day celebration (12 Days of Aspen) that runs through the new year. Apart from winter sports like skiing and tubing, families can also enjoy the town’s annual light festival.

• Park City, Utah: Domestic ski destinations like Park City, Utah are quite popular for those looking for a winter wonderland ski and snow vacation over the winter break. Families visiting Park City over the holidays can also go for a sleigh ride through town or check out the Midway Ice Castles.

• Nashville, Tennessee: Celebrate the holidays in the Holy City, which might feel a bit like stepping into a Charles Dickens’ tale. Families can enjoy a holiday lights festival and the Children’s Village at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.

• Charleston, South Carolina: If the kids are worried Santa might not stop, book the French Quarter Inn’s Sleigh Bell Suite, which comes fully decked out in holiday decor and features an in-room eggnog bar, cookies and milk.

• White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia: Experience the magic of Christmas starting the weekend after Thanksgiving at The Greenbrier with a tree lighting. Dubbed “America’s Resort,” families can experience weekends with Santa which include cookies and milk and one-to-one time with St. Nick for kids.

• Finland: Not only is it a winter wonderland, it is the home of Santa Claus himself. There are Christmas markets and even reindeer in the streets. Families who travel at Christmas may also experience a bonus — a possible Northern Lights sighting.

• Germany: The Christmas markets in Germany are a top winter getaway destination. Nuremburg is one of the best.

• Quebec City, Canada: The entire old town turns into a Christmas village. Families visiting at Christmas can enjoy outdoor markets, ice skating and no shortage of twinkling lights.

• San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: Visitors to San Miguel de Allende should go to experience the Christmas culture of Mexico in a colonial town that has both colorful celebrations, but also respects the religious aspects of the holiday. There are over 40 places of worship within the old town.

• London, England: Big cities go all out during the holidays. The filming location for the famed Christmas movie “Love Actually,” London offers Christmas visitors markets, theater performances and a sea of historical landmarks.