Where to go for the best family Christmas vacations

Want to swap your usual Christmas for an unforgettable adventure? Whether you’re dreaming of snowy wonderlands or sunny escapes (you read that right, sunny!), we’ve rounded up the best spots to make family Christmas memories that’ll last a lifetime.

The bonus? All these destinations are easy to reach, with frequent flights from major European cities like London, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam. Even if you’re coming from further afield, you’ll find plenty of convenient options from the US, Canada, and Australia. 

So, ready to start your festive getaway? Here are the best Christmas vacation ideas for families:

For a snowy, festive experience

Snow-filled fun + winter activities + charming scenery = A picture-perfect holiday your family won’t forget.

Lapland, Finland

The ultimate Christmas fantasy brought to life, Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland, known for its pristine snow, incredible Northern Lights, reindeer, and cozy log cabins. Could it get any more festive than that?

During Christmas time, kids can meet Santa Claus himself at the official Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, hop on reindeer sleigh rides through snowy forests, and enjoy thrilling sled rides pulled by friendly huskies. There are plenty of family-friendly resorts with cozy accommodations to keep you warm, as well as festive programs to entertain everyone, no matter the age.

New York City, USA

A Christmas in NYC feels straight out of a movie. Twinkling lights, bustling streets, and iconic sights like the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree set the perfect festive scene.

Families can enjoy holiday-themed Broadway shows like The Nutcracker or Radio City Christmas Spectacular, stroll past holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue, and skate on the famous rink at Rockefeller Plaza. 

And don’t forget to stop by the New York Botanical Garden for the enchanting Holiday Train Show, where model trains wind through displays of New York landmarks all made from natural materials. It's a magical experience that both kids and adults will love.

Berlin, Germany

Perfectly blending history and holiday cheer, Berlin is home to dozens of family-friendly Christmas markets—Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market, Winterwelt at Potsdamer Platz, and Alexanderplatz Christmas Market, to name a few. Kids can enjoy carousel rides and build their own gingerbread houses, while parents sip on mulled wine and try traditional festive treats like stollen and candied almonds.

Outside the markets, you can go for a stroll through the Christmas Garden Berlin, with its incredible light displays and festive decorations, lace up your ice skates for a spin at one of the city’s outdoor ice rinks, or check for Christmas-themed performances happening around town. And hey, the snow might just fall for a classic white Christmas atmosphere.

Banff, Canada

If your family’s partial to a little bit of adventure (with a side of cold, cold snow), Banff is the Christmas destination for you. Kids can give skiing a go on beginner-friendly slopes, while adults can venture out on more challenging trails. The frozen lakes are perfect for an ice skating afternoon, or for something a bit different, why not go tubing down the snowy hills?

The Rocky Mountain backdrop adds a storybook feel to the holidays, and there are, of course, plenty of festive events to attend (as well as visits from the man himself, Santa). It’s the perfect Christmas trip for families wanting a mix of activity and relaxation in nature—just make sure you pack your thermals.

For a beachside Christmas

Who says Christmas has to be cold? Families dreaming of sunshine instead of snow will love any of these destinations:

Sydney, Australia

Sydney’s Christmas falls during summer, so families can enjoy beach days, outdoor BBQs, and holiday events under sunny skies. There are still festive decorations around the city, including Darling Harbour, Martin Place, and The Rocks, the only difference is that instead of gloves and scarves, you’ll be wearing your sunglasses and a pair of flip-flops (or thongs). 

Looking for something a little different to do on Christmas Day? Taronga Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo are usually open and have everything you need for a day packed with family fun.

Dubai, UAE

A luxury holiday with a (perhaps surprising) side of Christmas spirit? Yes, please. In Dubai, you’ll find the most extravagant holiday decorations, festive brunches, and themed events for all ages—from the charming Madinat Jumeirah Christmas Market to festive desert safaris, Christmas shows at the Dubai Opera, and dazzling light displays at Dubai Mall.

Global Village is a must-visit, with pavilions representing cultures from all over the world, international street food, and family-friendly entertainment to spare. Missing that classic snowy feel? Ski Dubai has you covered with an indoor ski slope, featuring real snow, toboggan runs, and even penguin encounters, right in the middle of the desert.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

With its stunning beaches and rich culture, Riviera Maya is the best warm Christmas vacation for families who want a mix of relaxing and adventuring. Many resorts offer all-inclusive holiday packages with kids’ clubs and Christmas activities, so you know no one will be bored.

Theme parks like Xcaret and Xel-Há organize special Christmas events, including parades, light shows, and traditional Mexican holiday performances, inspired by traditions like Las Posadas, to add a unique cultural twist to your family celebrations. All of it, of course, under the Caribbean sun.

After something different?

Whimsical, cultural, and a little unexpected; these destinations offer a whole new spin on Christmas.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo might not be your traditional Christmas destination, but between the light displays, themed parades, and winter pop-ups, you’ll find no shortage of holiday cheer.

A couple of must-visit spots? Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea. From mid-November to December 25, both theme parks transform into full-on festive wonderlands, complete with towering 15-meter-tall Christmas trees, and a warm welcome from Santa Mickey. You can indulge in seasonal treats like holiday churros, themed bento boxes, and hot chocolate. And don’t forget to grab the exclusive holiday merch before you head out.

For an extra kawaii Christmas, head to Sanrio Puroland. In December, the park gets a full festive makeover with trees, lights, and special performances featuring Hello Kitty and friends.

Tallinn, Estonia

Ever wonder what Christmas might’ve felt like back in medieval times? Well, Tallinn gives you a glimpse. This fairytale-like old town, complete with cobblestone streets and gothic architecture, turns into a winter wonderland come December. Home to one of Europe’s oldest markets, Tallinn is easy to navigate on foot, and we’re sure the little ones will love trotting around in a horse-drawn carriage.

At the heart of it all is the Tallinn Christmas Market in Town Hall Square. Here, you can sample Estonian treats and warm up with a glass of mulled wine (or hot chocolate for the kids), while watching folk dance and music performances. Add in a dusting of snow, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a one-of-a-kind Christmas celebration.

Ready to start planning your family’s Christmas getaway? With PayLater, you can secure the best flight deal now and pay it off in easy weekly or bi-weekly installments, so you can start the festive countdown now, knowing your trip is covered without breaking the bank. Book now and make this Christmas one the kids (and the grown-ups) won’t forget.