29 Best Christmas Vacation Ideas, From Scotland to the Seychelles

As the holiday season comes knocking on our doors, the question of how to sort through all our Christmas vacation ideas becomes ever more pertinent. It certainly never hurts to start the search early, whether you’re planning on an extended domestic trip somewhere in the States, spending your holiday across the pond, or venturing out to even farther reaches where the winter sun is still going strong. You’re never too grown to reenact your Home Alone at New York’s Plaza Hotel—the silver screen icon inspires a sense of wonder in guests of all ages. Or perhaps, you’re a snowbird who feels more at home skiing the slopes at Lake Tahoe. In any case, look no further than these 29 winter holiday hotspots for a guarantee on the festive, tinsel-wrapped Christmas you’ve been waiting all year for.

These destinations are welcome excursions for young families itching to take the kids out for winter break and couples seeking a private romantic getaway alike. Several of our recommendations below are specific resorts and hotels that provide generous space for dashing through the snow, but for a broader view, we also propose cities and towns that channel the holiday spirit through intimate Yule services and dazzling light shows that warm up the night. Give yourself the gift of a Christmas vacation—with this guide, you’ll get over the tallest hump of picking just one.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

For travelers chasing a winter sun getaway the Seychelles stays at a balmy average of 80 degrees in December.

1. Seychelles

While the Seychelles feels undeniably summery in December at a tank top–perfect average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, Christmas still runs full throttle in the East African nation. The capital of Victoria is decorated with fully decked halls with lights strung across the Post Office and National History Museum to the Peace Park. There’s an annual lighting ceremony conducted by the mayor, plus vendors showcasing ornaments, stocking stuffers, and artisanal gifts to commence the season. Other can’t-miss traditions include the Christmas tree competition, where entrants put their imaginations to the test and engineer trees from recycled material, and the Christmas pot roast lunch. For an intimate boutique with swim-up pools that seemingly kiss the edge of the ocean, consider the Mango House Seychelles, a 41-key former residence that opened as a resort in 2021.

2. Singapore

This famously 24/7 city doesn’t let up for a wink, and Christmastime is no exception. To feel the full thrum of Singapore’s holiday revelry, make your way to Orchard Road, the city’s shopping paradise. Christmas trees, fireworks, and festive decorations abound on this twinkly lit street, and despite the absence of snow and reindeer, Ol’ Saint Nick would certainly feel right at home. Keep an eye out for the Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay. The gardens are festooned with lights, of course, and lined with a variety of games, displays, and shows in an all-out extravaganza. If you’re doing Singapore to the max, Marina Bay Sands is just the resort to match your itinerary. The three-tower property is perhaps the most iconic stay in the city, complete with a casino, shopping mall, and celebrity chef–helmed dining.

With its recent pop culture successes Seoul is an en vogue East Asian getaway that doubles as a Christmas wonderland.

3. Seoul

This year, Korea has been on our minds more than ever, thanks to smashing successes at the box office and on the music charts. From the oh-so-catchy K-Pop Demon Hunters to hits from groups like Stray Kids and Enhyphen, from K-beauty products to binge-worthy shows like Netflix’s Physical 100, Korean cultural exports are on a roll. For Christmas, consider visiting the country’s layered capital, Seoul, for a holiday getaway. Find bustling Christmas markets at Gwanghwamun Square, skate surrounded by twinkling lights at the Seoul Plaza Ice Rink, and even attend mass at the Myeongdong Cathedral, the first brick-and-mortar Gothic church of its kind in the country. For a dazzling hotel in a historic neighborhood of the capital with easy access to the subway, consider perennial Readers’ Choice Awards favorite, the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul.

Quebec's City of a Hundred Steeples is a short and festive hop away from New England.

4. Montreal

Seeking out total immersion in the Christmas spirit? Powdery snowbanks, toasty fireplaces, charming Christmas villages, and all? For New Englanders looking to get away for a little while, Canada’s “City of a Hundred Steeples” has you covered. Montrealers don’t let a little snow get them down—you’ll find locals marching through snow and even taking to skis to get around. When you’re done roaming the Village de Noel and Christmas shopping at the Great Christmas Market, warm yourself with hot cider and a hearty helping of poutine. Should you have room for dessert, don’t miss out on the maple taffy, a seasonal delicacy poured directly onto a fresh dusting of snow. For an affordable stay well within walking distance of downtown and several bus and train lines, stay at the hip Moxy Montreal Downtown, whose unfailingly friendly staff has a complimentary welcome drink waiting for you at the bar.

Rovaniemi is considered Santa Claus's official hometown.

5. Finnish Lapland

With all the logistical hullabaloo and messages that crowd our daily lives, sometimes a truly resetting escape is just the thing we need to end the year in serenity. Finnish Lapland feels like stepping into the mystical and merry world of a snow globe. Rovaniemi boasts access to the real Santa Claus at its Santa Claus Village, and animal lovers can embark on dog-sledding excursions and reindeer-watching safaris. Wherever you may find yourself at night, don’t forget to look up. In addition to the shine of all the Christmas lights, you might just have some luck spotting the otherworldly northern lights. Sink into true respite at a full-home rental befit with a hot tub and a prime spot on Norvajärvi lake.

Northstar California in North Lake Tahoe

6. Lake Tahoe

From charming mountain villages to luxury lakeside retreats, the region that surrounds Lake Tahoe is a quintessential holiday escape in the wintertime, with snowy scenes as far as the eye can see. To the south of the lake, there will be a Holiday Tree Lighting at the Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe on Friday, November 28, featuring a tree that towers at 65-feet-tall. For one of the best ways to kick the season off in Tahoe, join in on this year’s Festival of Winter Lights, which runs this year on December 12 and 13. Start by perusing the artisanally crafted gifts, snack on the home-made treats, and enjoy sleigh rides through the region’s storybook scenery dotted with dazzling light displays. Unbeatable mountain views and a full-service spa awaits the guests at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe for a home base you can truly unwind at.

7. Villa Roma, Catskills, New York

Looking to celebrate a white Christmas in the Catskills? Villa Roma will be one of your best bets. This all-inclusive family-focused resort just outside of Callicoon, New York, and east of the Delaware River boasts plenty of winter activities to keep you and yours entertained. Among them: three slopes for skiing and snowboarding, two snow tube runs, a ski school for beginners, and a ski chalet for some après time with a hot beverage by a roaring fire. Keep an eye on the resort’s events calendar—the property dresses itself as dictated by the holiday-packed fall and winter seasons, and offers special deals and packages for families so broods can celebrate in style and comfort.

8. Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Colorado

There are not a lot of things in the world more fun than a frosty white Christmas in the Rockies. Blankets of snow are all but guaranteed and families can enjoy the festivities on sleigh rides, skis, snowshoes, and scenic tours at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, an eco-luxe resort and spa spread over 6,500 acres of pristine, untamed wilderness in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Ice skating under the lights, enjoying a warm fire outside while wrapped in a cozy blanket under the stars, plus breakfast with Santa, Christmas karaoke, and holiday feasts, all await.

9. Montage Deer Valley, Park City, Utah

The festivities at perennial ski resort fave (and newly renovated!) Montage Deer Valley begin over the long Thanksgiving weekend and include ornament decorating, a holiday bazaar, gingerbread house displays, and the 11th annual tree lighting ceremony on November 30. In December, there will be a Candy Land-inspired experience as well as a red mailbox where guests can drop their letters to Santa bound for the North Pole. The resort’s annual reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas returns on Christmas Eve, when three-course prix-fixe dinner will be served (reservations recommended). On Christmas Day, a day buffet and a dinner in the evening will wrap up the festive seasonal experiences—until the New Year’s events kick in.

10. North Pole, New York

Visit the North Pole closer to home—in the Adirondacks. The hamlet of North Pole, NY, leverages its name (their tagline is “Santa’s Home Away from Home”) and transforms into a holiday wonderland each year. The tiny hamlet is a veritable theme park, overflowing with attractions: Check out Santa’s blacksmith, where magical reindeer shoes are made; visit the popular reindeer barn (with live reindeer); stop by the Saint Nicholas Chapel for a quiet meditative moment; and drop in on Santa at his house for a visit with the man himself.

11. North Pole, Alaska

If you want to go even further north of North Pole, New York, might you be interested in North Pole, Alaska? Much like its New York counterpart, this small city of about 2,700 people in Alaska—roughly 1,700 miles south of the actual North Pole—leans into not only its name, but also its icy environs in the winter. It maintains Christmas decorations year-round, even when it’s sunny in July. But come the snowfall, the place takes you to the Arctic and you can visit the Santa Claus House (a store for holiday ornaments and toys), many holiday bazaars, and Santa’s Letters & Gifts, where you can get personalized notes from Santa—there are even “Good Girls and Boys Certificates,” making it one of the best Christmas vacation ideas for young families.

12. The Resort at Paws Up, Montana

Located on 37,000 acres of pristine wilderness, The Resort at Paws Up has plenty to do around the holidays—including horse-back riding and wagon rides, gingerbread house making contests, cookie decorating, visits with Santa, and plenty of outdoor fun like dogsledding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Just thinking about it is pleasantly exhausting. It’s a fabulous destination year-round too, especially if you like your Montana country with a side of luxury: Outdoor excursions come with plenty of pampering, like elegant picnic lunches on a rafting trip, and massages after a bicycle tour. But this is coddling without pretension: Staff are gracious and chatty, and the decor is all animal-skin rugs and cowboy portraits.

13. Fort Collins, Colorado

Old Town Fort Collins comes alive during the holidays, with thousands of twinkling lights and a free ice-skating rink (skate rentals are free, too). The city’s event calendar is already marked with fun festivities locals and visitors can enjoy: a holiday concert, caroling, and even an artist’s market for the weekend of December featuring one-of-a-kind wall art, jewelry, and home décor—all of which could make great gifts. The holiday lighting event downtown is set to take place on November 1, when a display of low-energy LED lights will be activated to illuminate 22 block-faces in the neighborhood (and the lights will stay up until Valentine’s Day).

Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape for the Holiday Season

14. Chicago, Illinois

There are few places that do Christmas better than the Windy City. The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape is a mile-long path where the night comes alive with color, imagination, and sound, from a choir of singing trees to a spectacular waterfall of light. Head to Illumination at the Morton Arboretum and drive the two-mile paved path amid interactive lighting effects. Don’t miss the 30th anniversary of ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, where you’ll see musical light shows, live ice-sculpting, and train and carousel rides.

At Swissôtel Chicago, the Santa Suite is available for individual family visits this year through the Your Newest Holiday Tradition package, which turns the 2,000-square-foot Presidential Suite into Santa’s Chicago holiday home to host seasonal activities. The package offers a personalized visit with Santa, as well as sweets and treats, including a hot chocolate bar.

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15. The Peabody, Memphis

Spend the happiest time of the year at the “South’s Grand Hotel.” While the Peabody sits in the heart of Blues City, you can’t help but have a jolly Tennessee Christmas here. Start Christmas day with the hotel’s famous brunch, and celebrate making the nice list with the unlimited hot chocolate offered by their Home for the Holidays package. As a general rule for your stay at this Memphis institution, you can’t miss the Peabody Duck March, but you should especially attend a viewing on the big day, when the mallards’ fountain is specially decked out with a bouquet filled with poinsettias and lit by the lobby’s thousands of twinkling lights.

16. Middleton Lodge, Yorkshire, UK

If you’re looking for a stay this Christmas with all the countryside charm of a Hallmark movie, look no further than Middleton Lodge in Yorkshire. Spend the night at rooms housed in the estate’s old dairy, original orchard, and walled gardens. Come Christmas Eve and warm yourself by the fire during afternoon tea with mulled wine in the in-house restaurant, Coach House. Then on Christmas Day, tuck into a quintessentially North Yorkshire lunch with salted duck eggs, roasted pork belly with all the trimmings, and figgy pudding. And if you still find yourself craving activity after exploring the 200 acres of parks in your wellies, there’s a heated pool complete with lounge area.

17. The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle was built in the 1920s and this massive Italian Renaissance hotel is breathtakingly opulent, as its tasseled sofas, domed ceilings, and gilded chandeliers will attest. Additionally, the friendly front desk staff display the sort of courtly etiquette befitting the palatial surroundings. Now, imagine all that with the lavish energy of the holiday season. The Fairmont decks itself out to the nines, welcoming its guests with beautifully decorated trees and all sorts of festive finery decking the halls. And if the cold starts to bite, head to the hotel’s pool: It’s enclosed in a glass solarium, which means the water stays at a toasty 83 degrees and you can simultaneously get your laps in as you soak up some winter sun.

18. Wisconsin

In downtown Milwaukee, look out for the Holiday Lights Festival, which features thousands of colorful and animated displays. Then travelers can hop on the Jingle Bus to experience the scenes around town, including at Cathedral Square Park. In Lake Geneva, bundle up and experience the arrival of Lake Geneva’s giant ice castle, located at the Geneva National Resort: It’s a gigantic frozen funhouse, where visitors can explore tunnels, slides, and other interactive features, all made of ice. For a quintessential downtown experience, join the town of Lake Geneva’s annual holiday tree lighting; keep your eyes peeled for appearances from Santa and his reindeer roaming around the streets of Lake Geneva on weekends in November and December.

19. The Fife Arms, Braemar, UK

Fife Arms can seem imposing at first—the hotel has the figure of a classic Highland hunting lodge-turned-hostelry, stalwart and stony. But step over its mahogany threshold and you’re immediately embraced by the space’s comforting warmth, a feeling that is only amplified by holiday cheer. On Christmas Eve, arrive and be treated to afternoon tea before taking in the parade of Cairngorm Reindeer as they make their way across Braemar. Head back indoors to roast chestnuts and decorate the trees. Then on Christmas Day tune into the King’s Speech in the Drawing Room after a hearty breakfast and four-course lunch. The Fife Arms has long been known as the social heart of its Scottish village, and especially during the holidays, it’s easy to see why.

Image may contain Human Person Night Life Light and Club

20. Denver, Colorado

Unwrap the magic of the holidays in Denver with millions of twinkling lights and special events. Enjoy a family outing to the Denver Zoo Lights, or a fun day of shopping and ice skating. The annual Denver Christkindl Market, a traditional European holiday market, will return this winter at Denver Civic Center Park. Merrymakers can savor the season while enjoying authentic glühwein (mulled spiced wine), Bavarian-style biers, European coffee, or hot chocolate, all while shopping for unique artisan gifts and holiday treats. Book a room at Gravity Haus, located in the city’s coolest neighborhood for all the new goings-on in Denver.

21. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

The Red Lion Inn in idyllic Stockbridge, Massachusetts, transforms into a charming festive scene echoing Norman Rockwell’s renowned 1967 painting Home for Christmas. Decor throughout the hotel includes dozens of live Christmas trees, wreaths, kissing balls (super-sized mistletoe), poinsettias, hundreds of yards of garland, and handmade wreaths crafted from recycled material. For much of December, pianists and harpists in the hotel lobby will play holiday favorites. The Inn’s iconic front porch, dressed for the season, will be home to performances by holiday carolers.

At nearby Naumkeag, a storied country estate that dates back to the Gilded Age, the Winterlights event sparkles with thousands of shimmering, artfully designed holiday lights. Minutes away is NightWood at The Mount—Edith Wharton’s home—a sound and light experience that transforms the place into a fantastical winter landscape for the holidays. Not to be left out is Hancock Shaker Village, where a pop-up market featuring goods by regional artisans runs throughout the holiday season.

22. The Lodge at Woodloch, Pennsylvania

Located just ninety miles from New York City, this destination spa resort in northeast Pennsylvania has a private lake, plenty of chances to pamper yourself at its extensive spa, and more than 500 wooded acres that can catch and wear the season’s snowfall like the chicest mink coat. In addition to the traditional seasonal festivities you might expect (caroling, the lighting of evergreens, etc.), as well as the usual on-site activities like biking and hiking, The Lodge also offers cool unexpected lessons like birding and archery. Naturally, its spa and salon facilities are ready to welcome you any time for some rest and relaxation.

23. Sunriver Resort, Sunriver, Oregon

Sunriver is the real-life embodiment of a picturesque holiday scene—everything is covered in snow and twinkling lights. To accommodate all types of merrymaking, the resort is offering a wide variety of festive celebrations and experiences. For something a little different, check out their Holiday Glow Party at the Cove, a DJ-ed dance party in the resort’s pool area featuring wearable glow sticks and other twinkling gear. For a more classic affair, try a horse-drawn sleigh ride through a wintry, powder-white glade on the property. On Christmas Day, there will be buffets and dinners throughout all the accommodations at Sunriver, but if you need to grab your holiday meal and get back on the road, the resort is selling holiday dinners to-go. If you’ve got some time to linger, however, you can grab brunch with Santa.

24. Breckenridge, Colorado

There’s plenty to do in Breckenridge, Colorado, where you can easily slide and snowboard into the holiday spirit with the rest of the town. The usual activities include the lighting of 250,000 twinkling LED lights throughout the town in December and a promenade of holiday trees decorated by community businesses. On top of all that, the Breckenridge Ski Resort was voted one of the best ski resort destinations in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler readers in our Readers’ Choice Awards, so you should definitely make a plan to visit. The resort’s ski area spans five peaks of the Ten Mile Range and features 187 trails, from easy-going greens and meandering blues to challenging bowl runs that wind above the treeline—perfect for anyone looking to get a taste of a winter wonderland. Coziness need not compromise on accessibility of the slopes. At Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge, the ski lifts are a mere 500 feet away.

25. Woodstock, Vermont

The Woodstock Inn & Resort decks the halls for the season in such a way that the main lobby resembles a postcard of a Vermont holiday: plush velvet ribbons, a nine-foot wood fireplace flanked by two giant decorated wreaths, and the main evergreen tree, which is grown on property. In fact, the resort prides itself on making decorations from materials onsite, including dried flowers grown at the organic Kelly Way Gardens, as well as natural materials like grapevines, evergreens, birch branches, pinecones, and dogwood, which are harvested from the woods. The resort also builds a life-size gingerbread house in the main lobby, surrounded by a winter wonderland scene of trees and poinsettias.

Go to the nearby Billings Farm & Museum to get a photo in front of the 12-foot Christmas tree. Holiday activities are offered throughout December, including candle dipping and Victorian-style ornament-making. On the property, the Learning Kitchen hosts cooking demonstrations of rugelach and gingerbread ornaments, and the Dairy Bar sells warm drinks and cider donuts. Families can also take part in the sleigh rides on offer.

26. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Colorado

Nestled sweetly into the slopes of Colorado, between Beaver Creek and Avon, is the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, a stunning wonderland for all winter sports lovers. The resort offers ski-in and ski-out privileges, an in-house outfitter and ticket office, a dedicated ski concierge, and—for anyone inspired by the snowy landscape to begin learning—access to a ski and snowboard school. The holidays are a true treat on the property: Traditionally, the Ritz-Carlton rings in the season with a tree lighting ceremony right after Thanksgiving and even more festive activities in December, including a lighting of the menorah for Hanukkah, as well as their 16 Days of Wonder event, which includes holiday crafts, ornament making, snow globes, letters to Santa, holiday cookies, and guided snowshoe adventures.

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27. The Plaza Hotel, New York City

This stately hotel first opened its doors in 1902 and, over a century later, is still one of the most iconic buildings in Manhattan. If you’ve ever watched Home Alone 2, you’ll recognize The Plaza as the hotel where young Kevin McCallister, while lost in New York, lived lavishly in a posh suite for the holidays. Fittingly, the hotel has a “Home Alone 2: Fun in New York” experience package, offered throughout the year, that lets guests mimic memorable moments from the movie. It includes a limousine ride all over the city to landmarks like Central Park and Radio City Music Hall, a large cheese pizza (to be eaten in the limo, naturally), and the Home Alone sundae, made to fit Kevin’s exacting taste (specifically: 16 scoops of assorted ice cream, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, M&M’s, brownie bits, chocolate, caramel, and raspberry sauce). If a more traditional Christmas is what you’re looking for, there’s also the “Suitest Season of All” package that comes with a seven-foot tall decorated Balsam Hill tree placed directly in your suite.

28. Gleneagles Hotel

A massive estate positioned in the middle of the bucolic Scottish countryside, a star was born in 1924 when Gleneagles first opened and soon became renowned as one finest stays for sport and rest in the greater bonny lands. The athletically inclined will have ample chance to show off their prowess on the meandering trails and ice-skating rink, but those looking for a slower-paced Christmas have plenty of me-time to look forward to in the award-winning spa. Between the outdoor thermal pool, two indoor pools, and 20 treatment rooms, there’s enough on this dopamine menu to chase off even the worst cases of the winter blues. It’s even rumored that St. Nick and his reindeer make a special visit to the hotel’s little ones each year.

29. Claridge’s London

Christmas magic looks good on always classy Claridge’s. Each year, the centerpiece Christmas tree is decorated by a fashion designer (this year, it’s Sir Paul Smith), and the hotel’s programming doesn’t shy away from the merry and bright. As an institution in London’s afternoon tea scene, you can rest assured that their holiday-inspired service is world-class. And there’s plenty to keep your little ones occupied, from making arts and crafts to riding in a horse-drawn carriage ride with a comforting hot chocolate in hand. We promise we won’t tell if you choose sneak off and break into a bottle of Champagne before Christmas lunch at Claridge’s iconic Mirror Room.