Christmas Vacation Ideas

Whether you want to see dazzling Christmas lights or make some amazing Christmas finds, whether you want to go ice skating or watch hockey, whether you want to see Santa Claus or visit Santa Claus, Indiana, here are some of the top Christmas vacations for families.

Visit a Christmas Market

Christmas markets just scream of family fun. The kids are sure to love all the fun festivities associated with Christmas markets, and adults will enjoy the fabulous food and unique shopping. There are fabulous Christmas markets throughout Europe, most notably in Germany, Switzerland and France. There are also several Christmas markets throughout the U.S. Read more: Chicago's German Christmas Market

Meet with Family at a Destination

You don't just have to go to grandma's house for your Christmas festivities. Why not meet up with several members of your extended family at one central destination? Many people have use-it-or-lose-it vacation to burn before the end of the year, and children and young adults have Christmas vacations from school and college. This allows everyone to gather together for the holidays, while taking advantage. Read more: Destination Family Reunions

Take a Christmas Cruise

Cruise lines are figuring out that they can provide a unique family vacation over the holidays. The nice thing about Christmas cruises is several family members can cruise together, each will have their own cabin, and there are several activities both on-board and at ports to enjoy either together or apart. Several Christmas cruises have elaborate holiday activities, including Santa on board, holiday crafts and even New Year's Eve parties. Read more: Christmas Cruises

Visit in Indoor Water Park

If the cold really isn't your family's thing, consider the best of both worlds with an indoor water park vacation. You can get some summertime-style fun via water slides and whirlpools. At the same time, these are often in colder climes, which make for great Christmas outings for shopping and visiting Santa. Read more: Indoor Water Parks in Winter

Ride a Santa Train

Kids just love train rides, and there are often various Christmas-themed train rides on tourist rails and even local commuter trains. At the Great Smoky Mountain Railway, for instance, train enthusiasts can ride the Polar Express to the North Pole for a visit with Santa Claus. It can also provide a great chance to see some beautiful wintery scenery. Read more: Train Travel with Kids

See Winter Sports in Action

Christmas vacations don't just have to be about seeing Christmas lights and shopping. They don't even have to be outings to see the Icecapades. Plan a more unique Christmas family trip by visiting a hockey arena. They are always situated in or near big cities, so there's no reason you can't also work some shopping in. This is a great chance to enjoy a mix of winter activities. Read more: Take Your Family on a Hockey Road Trip

Have Christmas at Your House

If the idea of hitting the road or flying at Christmas doesn't appeal to you, you can play host as well. You can decorate your home for the holidays, and let your family members come to you. To make it more of a Christmas vacation, consider creating gift bags for your guests with local tourism brochures, area maps and low-cost travel gear like waist packs. You can also provide a list of possible daytrips or outings in your area. This is a great way to enjoy being a tourist in your own home town. Read more: How to Host Children at Your Home

Visit a Christmas-themed Destination

There are lots of cities and towns that really go all-out for Christmas. Santa Claus, Indiana, for instance, features pancake breakfasts with Santa, a Christmas village, a Christmas craft show and more holiday attractions. Read more: Santa Claus, Indiana

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