The holiday season is the perfect time to pause, celebrate Christmas, and make unforgettable memories. Whether you want to escape the chill, experience the festive spirit, or simply find a new place to spend Christmas, choosing the right destination is important this winter holiday season.
In this guide, you’ll find out some of the best Christmas vacation destinations that offer plenty of opportunities to create long-lasting memories and spread holiday cheer.
Key Takeaways
- Some of the best destinations to visit at Christmas include the twinkling Rockefeller Center in New York, the festive fun of Santa’s Village in Chicago, and the historic charm of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland.
- For a warm holiday, you can soak up the winter sun and relax on the white sand beaches of Key West, Florida.
- For a smooth airport and travel experience, consider booking your flight with Valley International Airport.
The 8 Best Places to Spend Christmas
Whether you dream of twinkling city lights, cozy winter markets, or sunny beaches, there’s a place that can make your holiday feel magical. Here are eight of the best Christmas vacation destinations that capture the festive spirit in ways you’ll never forget:
1. Skate into Christmas Joy in New York City, New York
If you’re spending Christmas in New York, one place you should plan to visit is Rockefeller Center. During the winter, the Rink at Rockefeller Center is open for ice skating, and it sits right below the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. You can also watch the Christmas lights at Dyker Heights and take a festive stroll through the neighborhood to enjoy the over-the-top decorations.
2. Enjoy the Holiday Atmosphere in Edinburgh, Scotland
Enjoying the Christmas season in Edinburgh is truly a special experience. One of the best places to spend Christmas here is Edinburgh Castle, the famous fortress sitting high above the city. Inside the castle, you can explore the Royal Palace, where Scottish royalty once lived. This is also where King James VI was born, making it rich in history.
You can also follow the winter light trail at the Royal Botanic Garden for a calming Christmas walk. No matter what fun activity you like, there’s a place for everyone when you visit Edinburgh during the holiday season.
3. See Santa’s Village and the Best Christmas Markets in Chicago, Illinois
For some festive holiday shopping, Chicago, Illinois, is one of the best destinations to visit during the Christmas season. The city has the Christkindlmarket, one of the best Christmas markets in the country. It’s usually filled with festive cheer and twinkling Christmas lights. You also get the chance to walk through rows of quaint shops, taste German snacks, and warm up with a cup of mulled wine.
If you want to add a bit of fun and adventure to your trip, head to Santa’s Village. This amusement park brings the Christmas season to life with meet-and-greets with Santa Claus, a “Cross the Arctic Circle” walk where you get a certificate, and reindeer sleigh rides. It’s a great spot for families, couples, and anyone looking to feel the holiday spirit in a playful way.
4. Enjoy Snowboarding in Aspen, Colorado
For lovers of skiing and snowy mountain adventures, Aspen, Colorado, is one of the best destinations to spend Christmas. The town turns into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with powdery slopes, cozy lodges, and festive cheer all around.
Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands offer world-class skiing and snowboarding for all levels. So whether you’re a beginner or someone who’s been skiing for years, there’s a perfect slope for your adventure.
5. Nearly Touch the North Pole in Fairbanks, Alaska
For a truly magical Christmas experience, Fairbanks, Alaska, is all about the Northern Lights. During the Christmas season, you can watch the aurora borealis paint the sky in green, pink, and purple.
While waiting for the lights to appear, you can enjoy winter adventures like dog sledding, snowmobiling, or a cozy ride on a sleigh.
6. Try Traditional Dishes in Salzburg, Austria
If you want to have a European holiday experience, Salzburg has plenty to offer. You can try traditional sausages, sip hot mulled wine, and pick up handcrafted Christmas gifts at the famous Salzburg Christkindlmarkt.
You can also hop on the funicular to the Fortress Hohensalzburg Market, where you can enjoy breathtaking city views while exploring more holiday markets and searching for unique crafts.
7. Experience Fun Christmas Lighting in San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio shines during the holiday season with cheerful lights, festive décor, and an incredibly meaningful religious festival, Las Posadas. This celebration takes place from December 16 to 24, during which people commemorate Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay.
They do this by walking through the streets with candles, singing songs, and joining the community in a joyful holiday tradition. It’s a fun way to celebrate Christmas and enjoy local culture.
8. Have a Warm Christmas in Key West, Florida
For a warm Christmas holiday, Key West is definitely your best bet. Instead of snow, you can relax on soft white sand beaches like Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, or San Destin to soak up the winter sun and enjoy the warm weather.
During the Christmas holiday season, you can also watch the lighted boat parade, where decorated boats cruise the harbor with music along the waterfront.
Tips for Buying Cheap Christmas Plane Tickets
If you haven’t bought your plane ticket yet, the best time to do it is now. Waiting until the Christmas rush usually means higher prices, and nobody wants to spend extra on flights during the holidays.
To get cheaper tickets this Christmas, try these tips:
Fly Midweek for Lower Prices
Weekends are the busiest travel days, which means higher ticket prices. So, choose a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday flight to save money and avoid the crowds.
Consider Red-Eye or Early Morning Flights
Red-eye flights might not be your favorite, but they can save you up to $100 or more, and you might even have an empty seat next to you! If you prefer daytime travel, you can book an early morning flight. It’s less likely to be canceled due to winter storms.
Adjust Your Holiday Dates
Holiday travel can be stressful and expensive. To score a cheap ticket, you should try to fly a few days before New Year’s or even on New Year’s Day, or fly on December 25 to save money.
Pack Light and Save
Checked bags often cost extra unless you have a membership. Packing everything in a carry-on not only saves money but also makes traveling easier.
Last-Minute Deals Can Pay Off
If your plans are flexible, waiting until the last minute can sometimes score a cheaper ticket. Once time is short and there are still empty seats to fill, airlines occasionally drop prices.
Choose Non-Stop Flights from Valley International Airport
Winter storms can derail travel plans, especially if you have connecting flights. Flying non-stop from VIA helps you avoid missed connections, delays, and cancellations, while still offering affordable tickets for winter travel.
Fly From Harlingen Airport to Your Christmas Destination
Now that you’ve discovered the best Christmas vacation destinations to celebrate Christmas and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones, it’s important to make sure your journey is just as enjoyable as your holiday.
Here at Valley International Airport, we are dedicated to making your holiday travel smooth and stress-free. From the moment you arrive, you’ll enjoy easy parking and helpful staff ready to guide you every step of the way. We also have a variety of direct flights to help you reach your festive destination faster.