Christmas in the United States means glowing lights, the smell of cinnamon and pine, and the excitement of children waiting for Santa. For many families, the holidays are also an opportunity to create memories together by traveling, whether that’s on a snowy mountain, a sunny beach, or hitting up a theme park. If you’re ready to make this year’s holiday season extra special, these Christmas vacations for families around the US are full of magic, warmth, and wonder.

Snowy Christmas Adventures for Families

If your family is dreaming of a white Christmas, these towns are some of the best places to find it. Snow, small-town lights, and quiet evenings by the fire make these spots perfect for Christmas vacations for families who want a classic holiday trip.

Durango, Colorado

Durango is one of those places that makes Christmas feel simple special. Families can ride the real-life Polar Express, a train that winds through the snowy mountains while hot chocolate and cookies are served on board. Santa stops by to visit every child, creating a magical experience everyone should witness at least once in their life.

Downtown Durango is easy to explore on foot, with lights across Main Avenue, shops selling local gifts, and plenty of spots to warm up with something sweet or a cup of cocoa. There’s also ice skating and sleigh rides nearby, so you can fill the day without rushing.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is a great choice for families who love the outdoors. The town square is known for its big antler arches, and in December, they’re wrapped in white lights. The area has great skiing and snowboarding, but you don’t have to be on the slopes to enjoy it. Families can take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, where hundreds of elk gather in the snow, something you don’t get to see every day.

Evenings are easy to spend by a fire or in one of the town’s small lodges. It’s quiet, pretty, and a nice way to slow down during what’s usually a busy time of year.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is a New England town that looks like it was made for Christmas. It’s surrounded by mountains, small shops, and winding roads that all look picture-perfect once the snow falls. The town is small but has plenty to do: skiing (we went many times when I was a kid!), sleigh rides, and a few cozy restaurants where families can warm up after a day outside.

A lot of families choose to stay at the Trapp Family Lodge, run by the same family that inspired The Sound of Music. They host caroling, seasonal events, and winter activities right on the property.

Unique Christmas Experiences Across America

Not every Christmas has to look the same. All over the US, there are towns that celebrate the holidays in their own way, from small mountain villages that feel straight out of Europe to places that keep Christmas traditions going all year. Here are a few to add to your list.

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth, Washington is one of those small towns that completely leans into the Christmas season, and does it better than almost anywhere else. Tucked in the Cascade Mountains, this Bavarian-style village looks straight out of Europe, but it’s right here in the Pacific Northwest.

Every December, the entire town lights up for the holidays, with more than half a million lights covering shops, restaurants, and chalets. Families can stroll through the Leavenworth Christmas Town celebration, where there are carolers, live music, and plenty of places to grab hot cocoa and snacks. Kids love the reindeer farm and the chance to meet Santa in the town square, while parents will appreciate the cozy shops and festive atmosphere that feels a world away from city life.

It’s an easy trip to combine with nearby mountain fun, like sledding or a quick ski day, and the whole place is walkable, which makes it especially nice for families with little ones. If you want that “snowy Christmas village”, this is the closest thing you’ll find to a European Christmas village without leaving the US.

Santa Claus, Indiana

You really can’t make a list of Christmas vacations for families without including a town that’s actually named Santa Claus. This small town in southern Indiana celebrates Christmas all year, but December is when it really comes alive.

Families can stop by the Santa Claus Museum & Village to learn how the town got its name and write letters to Santa that actually get answered. There’s also Holiday World, a family-friendly amusement park that turns into a winter playground with themed rides and decorations that keep the holiday fun going all day.

Even the local post office gets in on the tradition: it receives thousands of letters to Santa every year from kids around the world.

In November and December, Santa’s Reindeer Ranch is a fun stop for families who want to see real reindeer up close. Kids can learn a little about how reindeer live, help feed them, and take photos with these gentle animals. It’s an easy, low-key activity that fits perfectly into a day exploring Santa Claus, especially if you’re visiting during the holidays.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth, known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria”. Each year, the streets fill with lights, music, and local holiday events that bring families together. Downtown has a Christkindlmarkt with handmade gifts, warm food, and plenty of space to walk around. Horse-drawn carriage rides go through town, and Santa usually makes an appearance.

A visit to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, fits naturally into the day. It’s a fun stop to pick out ornaments or small gifts before heading back into town for dinner or a walk by the river. Frankenmuth is small enough to see in a day and enjoy at your own pace—a good fit for families looking for a relaxed Christmas trip.

Warm-Weather Christmas Escapes

If you’re looking for sunshine, palm trees, and maybe a pool day instead of sledding, there are plenty of warm places that make the holidays festive.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando is one of the best warm-weather spots for families at Christmas. The theme parks like Walt Disney World and Legoland get most of the attention, but the whole city joins in. Neighborhoods put on light displays, resorts decorate from top to bottom, and there are holiday concerts and events everywhere you look. Leu Gardens and the Gaylord Palms Resort hosts the Dazzling Nights immersive light displays event, which also features ice sculptures. Dezerland Park offers a local Christmas market with unique gifts and a festive atmosphere. And there’s an annual Christmas parade in nearby Winter Park.

Disney Springs (no park ticket required) is also a great spot to check out the huge Christmas tree and holiday decor, shop, listen to live music, and enjoy the many restaurants with holiday specials. Many resort hotels also host special meals or activities for kids, like ornament making and gingerbread houses decorating.

San Diego, California

San Diego has its own kind of Christmas charm. The weather is mild, the beaches are open, and the city adds just enough holiday sparkle to make it feel like Christmas without the snow.

You can spend the day at the zoo, take a walk along the beach, or rent bikes around Coronado. In the evening, head to the harbor for the annual boat parade, a local favorite where yachts and sailboats covered in lights drift across the water. It’s relaxed, fun, and one of the best Christmas vacations for families who prefer warm weather and simple holiday moments together.

Theme Parks at Christmas

Theme parks already know how to make things fun, but when December comes around, they take it to another level. It’s one of the easiest ways to feel the holiday spirit, lights everywhere, familiar music, and plenty to keep kids entertained from morning to night.

Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

You can’t talk about Christmas vacations for families without mentioning Walt Disney World. During the holidays, the parks are covered in decorations, and everything feels a little more special. Main Street, U.S.A. has wreaths hanging from every lamp post, and Cinderella’s Castle shines with thousands of lights. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party brings extra fun with parades, snow falling on Main Street, and cookies and hot chocolate handed out around the park. Over at Epcot, the Festival of the Holidays adds food booths and performances that show how different cultures celebrate Christmas.

Universal Orlando Resort, Florida

Universal Orlando also goes all in for the holidays. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter gets covered in garlands and lights, and Hogwarts Castle lights up each night with a special holiday show. Over in Seuss Landing, the park’s “Grinchmas” celebration brings Dr. Seuss’s world to life with funny shows, costumed characters, and plenty of chances for kids to meet the Grinch himself. It’s a playful, less traditional take on Christmas that’s perfect for families who like things a little different.

Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri

Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, brings together theme park rides and small-town charm in one spot. Its “Old Time Christmas” event fills the park with lights, live music, and a Christmas parade that winds through the streets every evening. There’s even a train ride that takes you through light tunnels and holiday scenes along the way. Families can grab warm cider, stop for a show, and enjoy a slower pace than the bigger parks. The town of Branson adds to the atmosphere with its own decorations and local traditions. It’s one of the more relaxed Christmas vacations for families in the US, the kind of trip that works well for families who like classic holiday celebrations.

New York City, New York

Last but definitely not least, the one and only New York City: the MVP of Christmas vacations for families. There’s just nowhere else that captures the holiday season quite like it. Every block feels festive, every corner has lights, and the whole city seems to move to the rhythm of holiday music.

The classic stops are worth it, even if you’ve seen them before. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is massive and always better in person, and kids love watching the ice skaters below or trying a few laps themselves. A walk down Fifth Avenue to see the department store windows is an easy (and free) way to feel part of the city’s holiday buzz, especially when you end it with hot chocolate from a nearby café.

For families, New York has endless options. You can spend a morning at Bryant Park’s Winter Village, where the kids can skate while you explore the small market stalls or grab lunch at one of the food stands. Central Park is beautiful this time of year, too, with sledding if it snows, and open spaces that make you forget you’re in a city of millions.

If your family enjoys shows, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes is a must-see. It’s a tradition that’s been around for decades and still keeps kids entertained the whole way through. The American Museum of Natural History and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan are both great indoor options for colder days, and if you want something a little different, the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show is always a hit with younger kids.

At night, walk through Times Square to see the lights or visit the holiday displays at Hudson Yards and the new Penn District.

Spending Christmas in New York City is full of excitement. There’s a reason it’s the backdrop in so many Christmas movies. It’s where the season comes to life.

Planning the Perfect Family Christmas Trip

A family Christmas vacation doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by thinking about what kind of experience fits your family best. Do your kids love snow and adventure? Are you craving warmth and sunshine? Or do you want to experience Christmas traditions in a new way?

Once you’ve chosen a vibe and destination, plan early. Holiday travel gets busy fast, and many hotels and resorts fill up months in advance. Look for special Christmas packages that include festive dinners, light shows, or Santa visits. Bring matching pajamas for Christmas morning and maybe one or two small gifts to open together. No matter where you go, the heart of the holidays is about connection.

Final Thoughts

The most beautiful Christmas vacations for families aren’t defined by where you go but by what you share. Maybe it’s a snowy adventure in Vermont, a sunny theme park day in Orlando, or a quiet evening in a cozy mountain cabin. Wherever you spend the season, the memories you make will outshine any gift wrapped under the tree. Our family is all about experience gifts, and we think your family will love sharing those experiences , too!

Traveling during the holidays lets you see the world in a new light. You step away from routines, embrace the moment, and make traditions that belong only to you. So this year, consider giving your family the best present of all: a Christmas vacation filled with laughter, discovery, and love.

If your family has a favorite Christmas destination, I’d love to hear about it. Share it with me on Instagram, so I can pass along even more ideas to other families looking for fun places to go. If you’re planning Christmas in Europe, don’t miss my guide to the Best Christmas Markets in Europe for Families.

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  Family | Featured | North America | United States | USA | Washington, DC

  10 Free Things to Do in DC with Kids

  ByMari November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

  Washington, DC is one of the best destinations for families, and the best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy it! The nation’s capital is packed with incredible museums, interactive exhibits, scenic parks, and historic landmarks—all at no cost. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, there are plenty of fun and educational activities to keep your little ones entertained without breaking the bank.

  This guide covers the best free things to do in DC with kids. Get ready for an unforgettable family adventure filled with history, discovery, and hands-on fun!

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  Advice | Chase | Featured | Hyatt | North America | Rewards Travel

  10 Hotels Where Kids Stay Free & How to Maximize Your Rewards at Each

  ByMari March 17, 2025September 23, 2025

  The memories you make on family vacations are priceless — but the cost certainly isn’t. The good news? Many hotels offer “kids stay free” promotions that make traveling with little ones a whole lot easier on your wallet. Better yet, pair those deals with the right travel rewards credit card, and you could rack up…

The post The Best Christmas Vacations for Families in the US appeared first on Mari on the Map.

There’s something extra fun about celebrating Halloween as a family. The costumes, the candy, and the festive decorations make it one of the most kid-friendly holidays of the year. If you’re looking to travel this fall, there are plenty of destinations across the country that offer family-friendly Halloween fun without being too spooky. In this guide, explore the best places to visit for Halloween in the US with kids. From theme park events designed just for families to towns that fully embrace the holiday spirit, these destinations will make your October getaway both memorable and easy to enjoy.

Theme Parks for Family Halloween Fun

Theme parks are often some of the best places to visit for Halloween because they already specialize in bringing stories to life. In October, many of them reimagine their rides and shows to fit the season, and the results are magical rather than frightening. For families, that means trick-or-treat stations, dance parties with favorite characters, and themed decorations.

LEGOLAND Florida: Brick or Treat

Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Florida runs on select weekends in October and is included with park admission.

During Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Florida, families can walk through trick-or-treat trails, stop at candy stations, and meet characters dressed in Halloween costumes. Oversized LEGO pumpkins, spiders, and skeletons are set up around the park, adding to the atmosphere without being scary.

Kids enjoy the dance parties and the chance to build Halloween-themed LEGO creations at activity tables. An evening parade with floats and music wraps up the day, and it has become a tradition for many families in central Florida. Most visitors spend the morning on rides, then shift to the Halloween activities in the afternoon.

Seasonal treats are sold throughout the park, sometimes with limited-time options like pumpkin milkshakes or cupcakes. LEGOLAND is one of the best places to visit for Halloween because everything is designed for kids from the start.

Sesame Place: The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular

Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pennsylvania is a top pick for families with toddlers and preschoolers looking for a fun, festive, and not-so-scary Halloween experience. Each fall, the park transforms for The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular, running on select dates from September 13 through November 2, 2025. The family-friendly celebration fills the park with themed shows, a colorful Halloween parade, trick-or-treat stations, and plenty of opportunities to meet your favorite Sesame Street friends in costume.

Highlights include the brand-new Count-Along Castle Halloween Maze, where kids can count their way through twisting hallways, and the always-popular Sesame Street Halloween Parade, complete with decorated floats and music. Little ones can also join the scarecrow scavenger hunt, enjoy Halloween dance parties and shows, and stop for photos with Elmo, Abby, Cookie Monster, and more—dressed in their Halloween best. Most rides stay open during the event, and food stands serve seasonal snacks, making it easy to balance playtime with a quick bite.

While the Spooktacular is included with general admission, Sesame Place also offers extra-special events on select dates. On October 31, families can purchase tickets for the park’s Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Party, a three-hour evening celebration from 4–7 p.m. with trick-or-treating, a costume showcase, rides, and plenty of character meet-and-greets. Other special dates include the Hello Halloween Spectacular (September 13) and a Halloween Costume Contest (October 26).

Between the parades, scavenger hunts, maze, and extra-special events, Sesame Place makes it easy for little ones to enjoy the magic of Halloween without the scares—whether you visit on a weekend in September or on Halloween night itself.

Disney Parks: Halloween Celebrations for Families

Disneyland California

From late August through Halloween, Disneyland in Anaheim turns into a seasonal celebration with carved pumpkins on Main Street, costumed characters, and themed attractions. Families can ride Haunted Mansion Holiday with its Nightmare Before Christmas overlay, or head to Cars Land where the rides are dressed up with Halloween details. At night, Halloween Screams fills the sky with fireworks and projections. There are also special snacks like pumpkin churros and caramel apples.

The Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure is the park’s main Halloween event. This separately ticketed evening includes trick-or-treat trails, costumed character meet-and-greets, and the Frightfully Fun Parade. Families often attend in costume, making it part of the fun. Tickets sell out quickly, but if you can attend, it’s one of the best places to visit for Halloween in the US with kids.

Walt Disney World Orlando

Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on select nights from mid-August through October. Families can enter as early as 4 pm and enjoy the park before the party begins. Once it starts, kids collect candy at trick-or-treat stations, watch Mickey’s Boo-To-You Parade, and see the castle light up with fireworks during Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular. Storybook Circus is transformed for younger children, and dance parties keep the energy going through the evening.

Characters appear in Halloween costumes, and families are encouraged to dress up, too. Exclusive snacks, themed merchandise, and PhotoPass pictures make it easy to bring home memories from the event. Because it runs late into the evening, the party works best for school-age kids who can stay awake to enjoy it all. For families already planning a trip to Orlando, this is one of the most popular and family-friendly Halloween events in the country.

Family-Friendly Halloween Towns

Small towns across the country have built reputations for being some of the best places to visit for Halloween. Streets are lined with pumpkins, local shops decorate their windows, and weekend events give families a full calendar of things to do.

St. Helens, Oregon: Halloweentown Festival

St. Helens was the filming location for Disney Channel’s Halloweentown movie, and every October the town transforms to honor that history. Their Halloweentown Festival includes a giant pumpkin lighting ceremony, parades, costume contests, and themed activities throughout the month. Families can walk through the historic downtown, which is decorated with props and displays inspired by the film.

Vendors set up booths with food, crafts, and souvenirs, while local businesses join in with decorated storefronts. The festival includes activities for children such as pumpkin painting, face painting, and games. Special events vary from year to year but often include movie screenings, guest appearances from cast members, and live performances.

Families visiting St. Helens can spend the day exploring the festival before returning in the evening for the pumpkin lighting ceremony. Parking is available around town, and many events are walkable once you are in the historic district.

Anoka, Minnesota: Halloween Capital of the World

Anoka has been celebrating Halloween for more than a century and hosts one of the largest community-based events in the country. Each October, the town fills its calendar with parades, pumpkin carving contests, decorating competitions, and school programs that involve children directly. Families who visit can attend the main parade, where floats and marching bands move through the streets with crowds gathered on the sidewalks.

In addition to the parades, Anoka hosts a house decorating contest that families can enjoy while driving through town, along with pumpkin carving events that are open to visitors.

Visitors often stay in the Minneapolis area, where there are plenty of hotels and restaurants, and make the short trip to Anoka for the Halloween events.

Sleepy Hollow, New York: Lantern Tours and Storytelling

Sleepy Hollow is best known for Washington Irving’s tale of the Headless Horseman, and the town builds on that connection with events that families can enjoy. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is the most popular, with paths lined by thousands of carved pumpkins arranged in glowing displays.

Families can also join lantern tours of historic sites, watch spooky (but not too) scary storytelling sessions designed for children, and see parades with costumed performers. The town itself is decorated for the season.

Because many of the activities take place at night, families often plan to spend the day exploring the Hudson Valley, and then head to Sleepy Hollow in the evening.

New Orleans, Louisiana: Family-friendly Halloween Celebrations

New Orleans is famous for Mardi Gras, but October brings a full calendar of Halloween fun events that work well for families. Boo Carre in the French Quarter mixes live music with trick-or-treating and children’s activities, all in a spot that’s easy to reach on foot. In City Park, Ghosts in the Oaks adds carnival rides, crafts, and candy stations that are designed with younger kids in mind.

The Audubon Zoo hosts Boo at the Zoo, where children can wear costumes, collect treats, and see animals along the way. The city’s largest event is the Krewe of Boo parade, with floats that toss candy and small souvenirs into the crowd as they roll through downtown. Families often add a stop at the Skeleton House on St. Charles Avenue, a private home decorated each year with dozens of skeletons posed in funny scenes that change each year.

Local Trunk or Treats and Farms

For families who want to stay closer to home, Trunk or Treat events and farm festivals are some of the easiest ways to celebrate Halloween. Schools, churches, and community centers often organize evenings where cars are decorated in a parking lot and kids go from trunk to trunk collecting candy. These events are simple and well-lit, often filled with neighbors and friends. They’re especially good for younger children.

Local farms add their own version of the holiday with pumpkin picking, hayrides, and corn mazes. Many set up small play areas, petting zoos, or seasonal food stands so families can spend a few hours outside without needing to plan a full day trip.

These community events may not be as famous as a parade or theme park celebration, but they often become traditions that children look forward to every year. They also show that the best places to visit for Halloween can often be close to home spending time together.

What to Bring for Halloween Events

As you plan your trip, a few small items make celebrating Halloween on the road a lot easier. Comfortable costumes are important, especially for kids who will be walking through farms, neighborhoods, or parades. We like to bring reusable trick-or-treat bags that fold flat in a suitcase but hold plenty of candy once you’re there. A light jacket or hoodie with a Halloween print keeps kids warm when the evening turns cool, and glow sticks or flashlights help them stay visible after dark. Snacks and refillable water bottles are always worth packing so you don’t have to rely only on event food stands.

If you’re looking for ideas, here are some of our favorite picks for family Halloween travel gear:

• Simple snacks and reusable water bottles
• Kid-friendly costumes that are lightweight and easy to layer
• Reusable trick-or-treat bags or totes
• Halloween pajamas or hoodies for cooler evenings
• Glow sticks and light-up bracelets for visibility

Final Thoughts

Halloween doesn’t just have to be about one night of trick-or-treating at home. From parades in New Orleans to pumpkin festivals in Oregon, there are plenty of places around the country where families can celebrate together. Each destination has its own way of making the season fun for kids.

If your family has a favorite Halloween spot, I’d love to hear about it. Share it with me on Instagram, so I can pass along even more ideas to other families looking for fun places to go. If you’re planning more fall adventures, don’t miss my guide to the best US fall foliage destinations with kids.

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  Family | Featured | North America | Tennessee | United States | USA

  Ruby Falls Cave Walk: The Most Unique Family Experience in Chattanooga, TN

  ByMari November 28, 2025December 5, 2025

  If you’re planning a family road trip between Nashville and Atlanta or find yourself near Chattanooga, there’s one activity that should absolutely make your list: Ruby Falls. It’s not just another tourist attraction, but rather a breathtaking underground waterfall housed in a cave system that’s only been known to people for less than 100 years. A fun outing for the whole family and great stop to break up time in the car or other activities, Ruby Falls is kid-friendly and weather-proof. Let’s dig in.

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  Best Moments | Family | Featured | New Hampshire | North America | North Carolina | Tennessee | United States | USA | Vermont | Virginia

  5 Beautiful US Fall Foliage Destinations with Kids

  ByMari September 11, 2025October 21, 2025

  There’s something magical about fall in the United States. The weather is cooler, the leaves change color, and many places feel less crowded than in summer. It is a season filled with easy activities like apple picking, short hikes, and scenic drives that work well for kids, and it’s one of the best times to travel as a family.

  In this guide, I’m sharing five of the best family-friendly spots across the U.S. to see fall foliage. Each destination offers colorful views and easy activities that kids and adults can enjoy together, from farm visits to simple nature walks to peaceful afternoons soaking in the season.

The post Best Places to Visit for Halloween with Kids appeared first on Mari on the Map.