December destinations and vacations create holiday memories that stick around long after decorations get packed away: Christmas lights twinkling against fresh snow, hot cocoa steaming on cabin decks, families laughing while sledding down powdery hills.  

Whether you’re craving guaranteed snow for building snowmen or cozy mountain towns with festive celebrations, the right destination transforms ordinary holidays into extraordinary adventures.

Finding the perfect Christmas vacation spot depends on what makes your family excited. Some want epic skiing and winter sports, while others prefer scenic small towns where holiday lights sparkle every night. 

The good news is that there are the best places to go for Christmas vacation across the country, from the Rocky Mountains to the Smoky Mountains, each offering unique ways to celebrate the season away from home.

Christmas Vacation Destinations

These twelve Christmas vacation destinations deliver everything from world-class ski resorts to peaceful mountain retreats where families reconnect without daily routine interruptions. Pack your warmest layers and prepare for Christmas vacations that beat staying home every single time.

Guaranteed Snow Destinations:

Likely Snow Destinations:

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge is a historic mining town at 9,600 feet elevation transforms into a real-life snow globe every December. Over 250,000 LED lights illuminate Main Street starting the first weekend of December during the Lighting of Breckenridge ceremony. 

December brings average highs in the 30s with around 57 inches of snowfall, making white Christmas dreams a near guarantee. And the town’s Victorian architecture, covered in snow and lights, creates postcard scenes at every corner. 

Winter Activities: World-class skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, ice skating, cross-country skiing

Holiday Events: Race of the Santas, Lighting of Breckenridge, Ullr Fest, New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade

Best For: Families wanting guaranteed snow, couples seeking romantic mountain getaways, groups celebrating special occasions

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Vail, Colorado

European-inspired village atmosphere at Vail makes Christmas feel like you’ve traveled to the Alps without the passport hassles. The pedestrian-only village stays beautifully decorated throughout December with lights, wreaths, and holiday displays, creating that festive ambiance.

World-renowned skiing attracts enthusiasts from around the globe, but the village itself offers plenty for non-skiers who just want to soak in holiday magic. The ski resort spans over 5,300 acres across seven Back Bowls, giving advanced skiers endless terrain to explore. 

Winter Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, spa treatments, shopping

Holiday Events: Torchlight ski descents, holiday concerts, Christmas markets, New Year’s Eve fireworks

Best For: Luxury-seeking families, serious skiers, groups wanting upscale mountain experiences

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Telluride, Colorado

Tucked in a box canyon surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks, Telluride has the isolation that feels special instead of remote. The historic mining town maintains an authentic Colorado character without the crowds that plague more famous ski resorts. 

But Telluride’s real magic lies in its scenery, where jagged peaks create dramatic backdrops for every activity. Christmas here means smaller crowds than Aspen or Vail while still having first-class skiing, dining, and accommodations that satisfy even picky travelers.

Winter Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, snowshoeing, gondola rides

Holiday Events: Tree lighting ceremonies, holiday markets, New Year’s Eve celebrations

Best For: Families seeking smaller crowds, advanced skiers, travelers wanting authentic mountain towns

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Park City, Utah

The 2002 Winter Olympics put Park City on the global ski map. The town’s elevation at 7,000 feet means easier altitude adjustment than higher Colorado resorts. Park City’s location, just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City airport, makes it one of the easiest ski destinations to reach, too. 

Christmas here transforms Main Street into a winter wonderland where holiday lights sparkle against Victorian-era storefronts. The street’s steep grade means you burn calories shopping, but restaurants and breweries line the route, providing plenty of refueling stops. 

Winter Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, bobsled rides, tubing, snowshoeing, and historic downtown exploring

Holiday Events: Holiday lighting ceremonies, Christmas parades, New Year’s Eve celebrations

Best For: Families wanting easy airport access, powder seekers, Olympic sports enthusiasts

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Lake Tahoe, California

North America’s largest alpine lake, Lake Tahoe, creates scenery that makes even jaded travelers pull out their cameras constantly. The crystal-clear blue water contrasts dramatically with snow-covered peaks, creating postcard views from nearly every angle. 

Christmas at Tahoe means you split time between skiing mountains and enjoying lakefront activities. Christmas Eve services do happen at lakefront chapels where windows frame the water, creating spiritual moments enhanced by natural beauty. 

Winter Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, lake viewing

Holiday Events: Tree lighting ceremonies, holiday markets, Christmas concerts, torchlight parades

Best For: Families wanting lake views with skiing, groups needing varied entertainment options, California residents seeking nearby snow

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Bend, Central Oregon

The high desert and Cascade peaks can be found in Central Oregon, where volcanic landscapes create unique winter scenery. And Mt. Bachelor ski resort has over 4,000 acres of terrain without the crowds or prices of more famous destinations. 

Bend’s downtown maintains a Pacific Northwest brewery culture while the Old Mill District delivers shopping and dining in a converted lumber mill setting along the Deschutes River. The Christmas lights strung through downtown creates a festive ambiance in this outdoorsy town.

Winter Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, brewery hopping, lava tube exploring

Holiday Events: Bend Christmas tree lighting, holiday markets, New Year’s Eve fireworks

Best For: Families wanting affordable skiing, craft beer enthusiasts, travelers seeking unique volcanic landscapes

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Big Bear, California

This Southern California mountain lake sits just two hours from Los Angeles, making it the closest reliable snow destination for millions. Big Bear village’s compact size also means everything stays walkable instead of requiring constant driving.

Big Bear’s elevation at 7,000 feet sometimes means rain instead of snow during warmer December periods. But when storms hit, the mountain have that magical white Christmas Southern California residents rarely experience at home.

Winter Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating, sledding, lakefront walking

Holiday Events: Christmas Boat Parade, village tree lighting, holiday markets

Best For: Southern California families seeking nearby snow, first-time snow visitors, weekend getaways

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Poconos, Pennsylvania

The Pocono Mountains serve as the East Coast’s accessible winter playground. Multiple ski resorts, indoor water parks, and town clusters are within easy driving distance. The region’s mix of activities means the weather doesn’t ruin plans since indoor alternatives exist everywhere.

Christmas here at Poconos is all about bundling up for outdoor ice skating, sledding down resort hills, and exploring historic towns decorated with wreaths and lights. The Christmas lights and decorations transform these towns into festive wonderlands that photographers love. 

Winter Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, indoor water parks, ice skating, and historic town exploring

Holiday Events: Victorian Christmas in Jim Thorpe, tree lightings, holiday train rides

Best For: East Coast families, groups with non-skiers, travelers wanting indoor backup activities

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Berkshires, Massachusetts

Western Massachusetts’s rolling mountains have a New England charm where colonial history mixes with arts and culture. However, the region’s cultural institutions stay active through winter with concerts, plays, and gallery exhibitions.

Christmas in the Berkshires is composed of white-steepled churches framed by snow-covered hills, historic inns serving wassail by fireplaces, and small towns where everyone seems to know each other. 

Winter Activities: Skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, museum visits, holiday shopping

Holiday Events: Norman Rockwell Museum Christmas, Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, holiday concerts

Best For: New England history lovers, couples seeking romantic escapes, families wanting cultural experiences

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Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Winter in the Smokies means fewer crowds than summer while maintaining full access to restaurants, attractions, and entertainment. Snow happens occasionally but not reliably, making this destination perfect for families wanting mountain atmosphere without guaranteed bitterly cold weather. 

However, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park stays open year-round, making Christmas an ideal time for uncrowded hiking and stunning winter views. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge also transform into holiday spectacles where millions of lights illuminate every surface. 

Winter Activities: Hiking, scenic driving, Dollywood, dinner theaters, aquarium visits, shopping

Holiday Events: Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights, Pigeon Forge’s Winterfest

Best For: Families seeking mild winter weather, Dollywood fans, travelers wanting entertainment variety

Read More: 

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville has over 30 craft breweries where après-hiking beer happens year-round. Downtown’s independent shops sell handmade goods from regional artists and craftspeople, making Christmas shopping feel authentic instead of mall-like. 

Christmas here means wandering downtown’s Art Deco architecture decorated with lights, sipping local beer, and eating creative mountain cuisine. Live music venues, farm-to-table restaurants, and the River Arts District provide entertainment beyond typical mountain towns. 

Winter Activities: Biltmore Estate tours, brewery hopping, downtown exploring, nearby skiing, hiking

Holiday Events: Biltmore Christmas, downtown tree lighting, holiday markets, Christmas concerts

Best For: Couples seeking culture with mountains, brewery enthusiasts, travelers wanting milder winter weather

Read More: 

Where to Stay for a Christmas Vacation

Finding the right home transforms good Christmas vacations into unforgettable ones. These carefully selected AvantStay vacation rentals deliver holiday comfort, space for families, and locations that put you close to winter activities without sacrificing peace.

Smoky Ridge – Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

“We absolutely loved our stay here, and hope that we can visit this home again soon for our annual Christmas Tennessee trip. This home is close enough to all the activities of Pigeon Forge but out of the way with a great view. Easy to drive to. We enjoyed seeing the ‘Smokey mountains’ on the top porch every morning while drinking our coffee. The home is immaculate and very clean. The beds were so comfortable and the linens were all very nice! We have stayed all over TN for our annual Christmas trips and this home is the best! This dog friendly home was just what our family needed for Christmas and we had a great time with family! Thank you!” – Jon L.

👉 Book Smoky Ridge

Woodland Oasis – Poconos, Pennsylvania

“Great experience for our annual family late holiday celebration. Thank you for the beautiful Christmas tree still being up.” – Nancy R.

👉 Book Woodland Oasis

Cooperage – Paso Robles, California

“We had a wonderful experience at this beautiful modern Paso Robles property. Large clean rooms easily accommodated our group of 10. We enjoyed comfortable beds, a kitchen with every gadget we could want for cooking, a fully stocked game cabinet, and views from both the front and back of the house. AvantStay’s thoughtful personal touches were the icing on the cake: they provided welcome snacks and coffee; were incredibly responsive to questions; and after learning we were celebrating Christmas, they set up a Christmas tree and decorations for us. I’d give an extra star if we could. Thank you for the fabulous getaway- we will be back!” – Erin G.

👉 Book Cooperage

The Castle Rock Estate – Oregon Coast

“This was a fantastic home for our Christmas trip. The kitchen is excellently stocked, every time we wanted something it seemed to magically appear! The sauna and hot tub were great additions that functioned perfectly, as well. Thank you for a great stay!” – James S.

👉 Book The Castle Rock Estate

Bankhead Lodge – Lake Norman, North Carolina

“We had an amazing time at this property! It was so clean and fully decorated for the holidays! There was nothing we needed that wasn’t handy and available—Our group was made up of young 20 somethings and older adults. The house and lake access was perfect! We kayaked, played games and watched Christmas movies! Thank you!” – Linda S.

👉 Book Bankhead Lodge

Plan The Perfect Holiday Vacation

Christmas vacation planning starts months before December when smart travelers lock in accommodations and flights before prices spike. Popular destinations also book quickly as families claim their favorite properties for annual traditions. 

Starting early means you get first choice of homes instead of settling for whatever remains available. Here are a few things to consider when planning your next holiday vacation:

1. Budget Considerations: Winter holiday travel costs more than regular season trips. Ski destinations charge peak pricing during Christmas week, while even non-ski mountain towns raise rates. 

Booking vacation rentals directly with property managers like AvantStay often delivers better value than third-party booking sites that add service fees. Cooking meals at your rental instead of eating every meal out also saves substantial money that buys better experiences like ski lessons or excursions.

2. Weather Preparedness: Mountain weather changes quickly, where morning sunshine transforms into afternoon snowstorms within hours. Packing layers allows adjusting to temperature swings without suffering. 

Guaranteed snow destinations like Breckenridge and Vail deliver white Christmas reliability, while places like the Smokies offer mountain atmosphere without bitter cold guarantees. Checking historical weather patterns helps set realistic expectations before booking.

3. Family Coordination: Christmas vacations work best when everyone agrees on the destination and activities beforehand. Discuss expectations with your group about daily schedules, meal responsibilities, and budget splits before booking. 

Families with mixed generations should choose destinations offering both challenging and easy activities so everyone stays entertained. Creating a loose itinerary prevents the “what should we do today” arguments that waste vacation time and create tension.

Make This Christmas Unforgettable

Families building snowmen in front of mountain cabins and kids’ laughter echoing across frozen lakes. These moments don’t happen scrolling through phones at home during another ordinary December. 

Christmas vacations create these memories that define childhoods and strengthen family bonds in ways regular weekends never achieve. If you want to experience this Christmas magic, it’s finally the best time to consider booking a place. 

Book your Christmas escape today! Browse our Christmas-ready vacation rentals and start planning the holiday trip your family will remember forever.

Published by Danielle Vito

As Senior Social Media Manager, Danielle manages AvantStay's social media platforms and writes content for the Atlas blog. Previously, Danielle was the Social Media Producer at The Points Guy where she ran TPG's Instagram and wrote articles on the most social media-worthy destinations, and tips on hacking your travels by using credit cards.

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