Looking for family vacation destinations in december? Christmas lights, snowy mountain towns and beach days give you very different ways to spend the holidays.
These pictures bring together festive places and activity ideas, with a few important planning notes where the photo doesn’t tell the whole story.
You can keep things simple or plan a bigger adventure. Start with what your family actually enjoys, whether that’s a train ride in pajamas or an afternoon by the water.
December family trips worth saving
Christmas at Magic Kingdom
We’re starting off strong with Santa Mickey and that gorgeous castle backdrop. The matching red plaid outfits, poinsettias and decorated trees make this such a cute holiday picture.
If Walt Disney World is on your list, check your dates for character appearances and any separately ticketed Christmas events before making promises to the kids.
a snowy mountain village
How pretty are those little towers against the snowy mountains? The yellow building and winding street give this resort village so much character.
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For a similar trip, consider a Colorado mountain destination such as Vail. Pick your base around the activities your family wants rather than assuming every snowy resort has the same options.
Santa hats at the beach
Don’t want snow in your Christmas pictures? No problem!
This family has taken the Santa hats straight to the shoreline, with red swimwear and waves behind them.
A Hawaii beach trip is one option to explore for this kind of holiday. The photo alone doesn’t identify the beach, so choose yours around swimming conditions and your family’s needs.
village lights and a carriage
I love the colorful lights along these steep rooftops. The decorated carriage makes the snowy street look even more festive.
If this is the sort of Christmas setting you want, look into Leavenworth, Washington. Check current holiday schedules rather than counting on a carriage ride being available when you arrive.
Rockefeller Center sparkle
If you are looking for a big Christmas-tree moment, this one is for you. New York’s Rockefeller Center tree fills the view with colorful lights above the gold-colored Prometheus statue.
I’d make this the main stop for one evening instead of squeezing it between several other attractions. Leave room in the plan for the crowds.
Gatlinburg after dark
Gatlinburg really does announce itself here! I love the glowing welcome sign and the green tree outlines along the road.
For a family trip to Tennessee, this is a lovely reminder to leave an evening open for holiday lights. Choose a route before setting off so you aren’t navigating and sightseeing at the same time.
Santa Claus Village in the snow
This snowy village may just be one of my favorite views here. The pointed rooftops and forest of white-covered trees make Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi look so festive.
Read also: 20+ Best Honeymoon Destinations That Steal Your Heart
If Finnish Lapland is your choice, plan around short daylight hours. Give outdoor activities their own space in the schedule instead of packing everything into one day.
a San Diego Zoo day
Not every December trip needs to revolve around Christmas trees. The bright green San Diego Zoo entrance gives you a completely different starting point for a family day.
Choose a few animals your kids especially want to see, then leave room for breaks. Check December hours rather than taking the sunny photo as a weather forecast.
pajamas and a holiday train
How cute are these matching plaid pajamas? The family is boarding a train outlined in lights, with the picture naming Bryson City’s Polar Express experience.
If you want to build a North Carolina trip around this ride, check current departure dates and ticket availability first. Then decide whether matching pajamas are joining the packing list!
Cancun-area water adventures
Want to swap the snow for turquoise water? This Cancun-themed picture shows swimmers and snorkelers beside a rocky shoreline, with palms and little shaded shelters behind them.
Use it as inspiration for a water-focused outing, not confirmation of a particular attraction. Check the exact location, age rules and swimming requirements before adding it to your trip.
a sleigh ride in the mountains
I am obsessed with this snowy mountain setting. A horse pulls a red sleigh along a narrow track, with tall evergreens covering the slopes behind it.
For a similar outing, look into mountain destinations such as Colorado’s Steamboat Springs. Ask operators about December availability and passenger requirements before building your day around a ride.
Christmas trees and a city skyline
If you love big-city Christmas decorations, this picture has plenty of inspiration. Tall illuminated trees line the crowded walkway beneath a skyline of ornate towers.
Read also: 20 Romantic Hotel and Getaway Ideas for Your US Travel Wishlist
The exact location isn’t clear enough to name from this image. For a similar city break, consider Chicago and choose a confirmed holiday display as your starting point.
Little Palm Island needs a caveat
That turquoise water is gorgeous, but this picture needs an important note. It names Little Palm Island, which welcomes guests aged 16 and older, so it isn’t a fit for a vacation with younger children.
If you love this Florida Keys setting, look for a different property that explicitly welcomes your children’s ages. Keep the island inspiration, not the wrong hotel.
a blue lake with snowy peaks
I love the bright blue water against those snow-covered peaks. But this Moraine Lake view isn’t something to promise your family on a December trip.
Regular road access to Moraine Lake closes for winter. Consider Banff as a winter destination in its own right, then choose accessible outings rather than planning around this exact lakeside scene.
a street full of umbrellas
How cute is this canopy of colorful umbrellas? Pink, yellow, green and blue fill the space above the narrow street.
For a colorful city escape, consider Old San Juan in Puerto Rico. Treat the umbrella display as inspiration rather than a guaranteed installation, then plan a short walk with plenty of stops along the way.
Read also: 20 Ideas for Romantic Weekend Getaways, From Cabins to Coastal Escapes
an indoor water park escape
Don’t want your whole trip to depend on outdoor weather? This Great Wolf Lodge water park picture gives you another direction, with enclosed slides, a play structure and pools under one roof.
Choose the location before getting attached to a particular slide. Attractions and height requirements can differ, so check what works for your children.
desert views and tall saguaros
This is such a lovely change from the snowy scenes. Tall saguaros frame the family, with mountains and a city stretching out behind them.
Consider Tucson or the Phoenix area for a desert-focused trip. I’d choose a short designated trail for a family outing and bring layers rather than assuming December means beach weather.
Vienna lights and a carousel
I am obsessed with this carousel beside Vienna’s illuminated Rathaus. The Christmas tree and glowing market stalls are just as pretty.
If you’re planning a December visit, check the market’s dates for your travel year. Make time to wander rather than turning the evening into a race through every stall.
a snowy forest adventure
The snow-covered trees are my favorite part of this picture. A line of snowmobiles follows the forest trail beneath a bright blue sky.
If this is your kind of outing, explore guided options in winter destinations such as Yellowstone’s surrounding communities. Check minimum ages, passenger rules and operating conditions before deciding it belongs on your family itinerary.
Breckenridge’s forest troll
Last but definitely not least, we have Breckenridge’s giant troll, Isak Heartstone. I love the snow sitting on his head and the huge hand wrapped around the tree.
This is a fun sight to consider alongside a Colorado mountain stay. Check current trail conditions before going, especially with little ones who may find an icy walk tricky.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Emily