If you're stuck in a rut and growing a little tired of having the same old festive holiday traditions, travel could well be the answer to your problems. From meeting Father Christmas on his own home turf to skating beneath New York's glittering skyline, the world is filled with festive experiences that can turn a typical run of the mill Christmas holiday into a travel extravaganza you will remember for years to come.
This is particularly important if you are travelling as a family, giving you the chance to make these cherished memories with your little ones while they are still young enough to get caught up in the magic of the holiday season. Whether your children dream of visiting Santa, hitting the ski slopes, exploring spectacular Christmas markets or seeing famous Christmas decorations, a tailor made family holiday allows you to create an itinerary around the experiences that matter most to you and the rest of your family.
To inspire your next festive escape, we asked our well travelled experts to put together a list of the top 5 best Christmas holiday destinations for families to take into consideration if they are looking to make the 2026 festive season the best one yet.
1. Lapland, Finland
For families looking for the ultimate Christmas experience, it is difficult to imagine anywhere more magical than Finnish Lapland. Snow covered forests, frozen lakes, husky rides and cosy log cabins provide the perfect backdrop for a festive adventure, while the region's biggest attraction is undoubtedly the opportunity to meet the real Santa Claus in his homeland.
A family Christmas holiday in Lapland can be filled with unforgettable festive experiences. Children can meet Father Christmas in his Arctic home, share their Christmas wishes and perhaps receive a special surprise, while reindeer sleigh rides offer a wonderfully traditional way to travel through the snowy wilderness. There are also opportunities to visit reindeer farms, meet huskies and experience the thrill of travelling through the snow by husky-drawn sled.
Young visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Santa through magical activities such as elf school and toy workshops, learning some of the secrets behind the festive season while creating memories of their own. Outside the Christmas-themed experiences, families can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and exhilarating toboggan rides.
With its snow-covered scenery and extraordinary range of winter activities, Lapland is a Christmas family holiday destination that feels as though it has stepped straight from a fantasy book.
2. London, UK
You do not need to travel overseas to enjoy a spectacular Christmas break. London becomes a dazzling festive playground throughout December, making the UK capital one of the best Christmas holiday destinations for families seeking a combination of seasonal entertainment, shopping and sightseeing.
The city's famous shopping streets offer a particularly magical atmosphere at this time of year. Oxford Street is illuminated with its renowned Christmas lights, while Regent Street and Covent Garden provide further opportunities to admire elaborate decorations and festive displays. Families can combine Christmas shopping with visits to London's department stores, where children can explore beautifully decorated toy departments and partake in festive activities.
The annual Christmas markets add another dimension to a London family getaway, with festive stalls providing opportunities to browse gifts, decorations and seasonal treats. There is also an abundance of entertainment to enjoy, from family-friendly theatre productions and festive shows to ice skating and special Christmas events.
The beauty of London is that it can be tailored to suit families with children of all ages. You can spend the morning exploring world famous museums or making the most of seasonal attractions. Afternoons meanwhile can be devoted to Christmas shopping or enjoying Michelin star dining.
3. Whistler, Canada
For families who want to combine Christmas celebrations with a thrilling winter sports adventure, Whistler is a great destination to take into consideration. Located in British Columbia, this world-famous mountain resort offers spectacular scenery and an extensive range of activities, making it one of the most exciting Christmas family holiday destinations.
December brings the kind of snowy surroundings that families dream of when imagining the perfect, white Christmas setting. The mountains provide an incredible setting for skiing and snowboarding, with options suitable for beginners as well as more experienced young skiers and adults. Families can also enjoy a variety of other winter activities, from snowshoeing and tobogganing to something slightly more relaxing such as heading to the Scandinavian spas
Away from the slopes, Whistler Village is transformed for the festive season, with twinkling lights, seasonal entertainment and plenty of places to enjoy a warming drink or indulgent meal after a day on the slopes..
A tailor made Christmas holiday in Whistler can be designed around your family's interests, whether that means spending every day skiing, introducing the children to winter sports or balancing outdoor adventures with relaxing time at one of Whistler's luxury resorts.
4. New York, USA
Few cities in the world can match New York for festive spectacle. During December, the city seems to turn up the volume on Christmas, with dazzling decorations, iconic attractions and endless opportunities for festive family fun.
At the heart of the experience is the Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree. Standing beneath this famous festive landmark, surrounded by the lights and energy of Manhattan, is an unforgettable Christmas experience for visitors of all ages. Families can then head to Fifth Avenue to admire the extravagant Christmas window displays created by some of the world's most famous department stores. This is all part of the shopping experience in New York where you'll find everything from famous department stores and designer boutiques to unique toy shops and independent stores. It's the perfect Christmas holiday destination for families want to combine Christmas shopping with sightseeing.
For entertainment, a visit to Radio City Music Hall can provide the opportunity to experience one of the city's spectacular festive shows, while ice skating offers another classic New York Christmas activity. Gliding across the ice with Manhattan's skyscrapers towering overhead is an iconic experience that feels quintessentially New York.
With its bright lights, famous landmarks and incredible festive atmosphere, New York is the perfect destination for anyone searching for Christmas trip ideas for families hoping to make unforgettable festive memories.
5. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is renowned for its elegant architecture and refined cultural attractions, but during December the Austrian capital takes on a far less formal character becoming infused by the festive spirit. Its famous Christmas markets are unquestionably one of the main reasons for this, turning Vienna one of Europe's most appealing Christmas family holiday destinations.
During December, families can wander through beautifully decorated Christmas market squares filled with wooden stalls selling unique handmade gifts, festive decorations and traditional Austrian treats. The Rathausplatz Christmas market is particularly enchanting, with the magnificent City Hall providing a spectacular backdrop. Children can enjoy carousel rides and dedicated workshop tents where they can get creative and take part in fun festive activities.
Schonbrunn Palace provides another memorable setting for Christmas celebrations. The magnificent palace grounds host a festive market where families can combine seasonal shopping with sightseeing and enjoy the atmosphere of one of Vienna's most impressive landmarks.
However, there are plenty of other wonders to discover in Vienna during December beyond its Christmas markets. From grand palaces and historic streets to traditional cafes where families can escape the winter chill with hot chocolate and sweet treats.
Create Your Perfect Family Christmas
Ultimately, there is no one size fits all when it comes to finding the best Christmas holiday destinations for families. Lapland delivers the magic of meeting Father Christmas for children, Whistler provides thrilling activities for all ages and London, New York and Vienna offer spectacular city experiences filled with shopping, lights, entertainment and festive traditions.
At Elegant Resorts, our Luxury Travel Specialists can help you transform your favourite Christmas holiday ideas for families into a completely bespoke escape. They will take the time to get to know you, understand what your family enjoys and draw on their first-hand destination experience to create a tailor made family Christmas holiday package around your exact requirements.
Whether you want to meet Father Christmas and hunt the Northern Lights, ski through a Canadian winter wonderland or soak up the festive atmosphere of one of the world's great cities, we can create a Christmas getaway designed entirely around your family. Get in touch with our team today to start the exciting planning process for a Christmas family holiday you'll never forget.