I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas
While a cozy winter at home with your family always makes for a good time, a family winter getaway in a new and exciting destination can make for a great time. You can take in the sights, explore the local attractions, and make merry memories you’ll remember for years to come.
But the million-dollar question remains—where should you go for your winter vacation?
That depends on whether your family would rather bask in the glow of a warm sunny beach or bundle up and enjoy the cold, crisp air on a snowcapped mountainside. Luckily, we admire both winter destination options and have crafted a guide with five fantastic winter family vacations that are perfect for every family.
I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas
If you fancy the idea of you and your family walking in a winter wonderland this Christmas, look no further. We’ve rustled up a few winter family vacations that would inspire even the Grinchiest of hearts to appreciate the holiday season:
Breckenridge, Colorado
Situated at 9,600 feet above sea level, Breckenridge, Colorado is nestled high in the Rocky Mountains. There’s much to do all year long, but during the winter holidays, it offers a picturesque Christmas experience with winter activities for the whole family to enjoy, like:
- Seasonal holiday lights – Downtown Breckenridge is picture worthy all year long, but during the winter season, the bustling streets always up the ante. With over 13,000 feet of holiday lights, you can expect downtown to appear like a sparkly snow globe come to life.
- Sledding – Every child deserves to experience the thrill of sledding or skiing at least once, and at Center Park, you can make their (and possibly your own) sledding dreams come true.
- Holiday shopping – Looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer? The downtown shopping district is filled with local boutiques and restaurants where you’ll find plenty of items perfect for your little ones’ stockings.
Québec City, Québec
If you’re looking for a truly magical winter family vacation, Québec City is where you’ll find the quintessential Christmas backdrop for your family—cobblestone streets, twinkly lights, decorations galore, and of course, a noteworthy amount of fluffy white snow.
While you could easily spend the entire vacation nestled next to your fireplace as you watch the snow fall gracefully outside of your window, there are plenty of things to do while you’re in this literal winter wonderland:
- Visit the German Christmas Market – It’s your one-stop shop for all of your Christmas shopping needs. Full of quaint wooden kiosks offering a wide selection of Christmas goodies, it’s full of old European holiday charm waiting to be explored.
- Take a stroll through Petit Champlain District – Snap the quintessential Christmas card photo of you and your family as you walk through the charming Petit Champlain District. You can’t beat its beautifully decorated narrow streets, historical architecture, and local boutiques.
- Enjoy a walk in the snow – You can keep your winter getaway plans laid back by giving your kiddos a chance to be kids. The Plains of Abraham is an excellent place near the heart of the city where you can breathe in a cold breath of fresh air, and your kids can run and jump their jiggles out. If a snowball fight ensues, all the better.
New York City, New York
It’s not a stretch to say that New York City truly sparkles during the holidays. In addition to the year-round glimmer of Times Square, its brightly lit neighborhoods are turned into Christmas villages that pulse with Christmas-infused energy.
As you’re bundling up your little ones in their wool sweaters and thick scarves, consider some of these family-friendly activities located in the Big Apple:
- Visit Santa at Macy’s – Seeing Santa at your local mall is always exciting. Seeing Santa at the famed Macy’s in NYC is a whole different kind of thrill. If you happen to find a purse you can’t live without while you’re there, consider it a gift to yourself.
- Find the best hot cocoa in the city – While this activity might be slightly subjective, sipping on a few hot cocoas throughout the day will be a lot of fun for the kids. Plus, it’ll keep everyone’s hands warm as you continue your stroll through the city.
- Go ice skating – This is one of the quintessential things to do when you’re in NYC during the holidays. You can choose from three ice skating venues—Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Bryant Park.
All I Want For Christmas Is Warm Weather
While watching the snow fall from the comfort of your Airbnb offers peak Christmas vibes for some, others may prefer to escape the winter temperatures in lieu of a more mild-tempered climate.
Bust out the sun hats and bathing suits for these fun-in-the-sun winter family vacations:
Orlando, Florida
They don’t call it the most magical place on earth for nothing. Located in central Florida, you can enjoy some of your kids’ favorite characters, like Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter (to name a few), and find time to break out your swimsuits at multiple water parks.
No matter the season, it’s the ultimate family vacation spot with oodles to see and do, like:
- Taking Walt Disney World by storm – Disney world encompasses more than just the Magic Kingdom (which is somehow even more magical than its name would suggest). It also includes its sister theme parks—EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom—which turn up the dial for their Christmas festivities during the holiday season.
- Cast spells at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Located in Universal Studios, you can immerse yourself in the Wizarding World by taking a stroll down Diagon Alley followed by sipping on a delectable hot butterbeer at Hogsmeade.
- Swimming at Discovery Cove – Want to get up close and personal with some salty (and freshwater) sea creatures? Swim side-by-side with Asian-clawed otters, sharks, and even bottle-nosed dolphins at Discovery Cove.
Oahu, Hawaii
Palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights and the opportunity to wear bathing suits every day? We think yes.
Set your winter family vacation up for success in Oahu, Hawaii, where the sun is always shining and the water is always inviting. During your stay, there are a variety of winter activities for kids and you to enjoy, including:
- Strolling down Chinatown Winter Walk – Soak up the holiday spirit as more than 40 local boutiques decorate their storefronts and compete for the rights to boast that their holiday decor is the most festive and bright.
- Spotting Santa Claus – You can find Santa Claus at many Oahu locations. Snap a picture with him at International Market Place or spot him as he comes ashore via canoe at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.
- Enjoying the beaches – It is a beach vacation, after all. Take time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life, like making sandcastles with your little ones and dipping your toes in the crystal blue waters.
Children’s Essentials for a Winter Vacation
Don’t know how to dress your baby in winter? Whether you’re keeping it cozy in a windy winter wonderland or you’re planning the ultimate warm-weather beach getaway, there are a few essentials your kiddos will need for your winter vacation, including:
- Christmas pajamas – It doesn’t matter if you’re vacationing on the snowy slopes or the sandy beaches—Christmas PJs are a must-have item. You can deck yourselves up in a matching family set or choose from a variety of Christmas jammies like Christmas-striped footed pajamas or a comfy cotton two-piece set outfitted with holly-jolly branches from the toddler girl pajamas collection.
- A formal ‘fit – It’s an excellent idea to plan for any occasion on your winter weekend getaway. You never know when you’ll want to head out for fun family-filled night on the town (that ends with everyone home in bed by nine, of course). For those special occasions, you’ll be grateful you packed a twirlable dress for your little one. Bonus points if it has pockets (hint—this one does).
- Loungewear – There’s bound to be some downtime on your winter family vacation. For those snuggly days, you can dress your babies (of all sizes) in a cozy jogger set. It’s perfect for running around outside while you enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, followed by a rousing family game of Christmas BINGO.
- Bathing suit – If you’re vacationing with your toes in the sand and a tropical drink in your hand, your little ones will benefit from some cute swimwear. In a Long Sleeve One Piece Rash Guard, your tiniest tot will be stylish and safe from the sun’s rays. If your little mermaid prefers a two-piece, a One Shoulder Ruffle Tankini is a fabulous option.
- Outerwear – As a parent, it’s probably second nature to have a spare jacket in your diaper bag. You never know when the wind will pick up, or your baby might feel a sudden chill. This season, a denim jacket is perfect outerwear to wear on top of a toddler sweater for girls for almost any winter vacation. It’s practical and trendy, whether she’s wearing a dress, a romper, or even a t-shirt and joggers.
Pack the Vacation Essentials with RuffleButts
Whether you’re headed to Disneyworld, Breckenridge, or a different winter vacation spot altogether, you’re sure to enjoy the opportunity for some family bonding while sipping hot cocoa and partaking in Christmas shenanigans. But before you go, you’ll want to ensure you’re equipped with all of your kiddos’ winter vacation essentials.
That’s where RuffleButts comes in. From comfortable colorful swimsuits to rompers for any occasion, we offer all of the clothing necessities your little ones will need for winter family vacations—and all of your other family getaways.
Sources:
Go Breck. 3 Easy Tips for Adjusting to Breckenridge Altitude. https://gobreck.com/plan-your-visit/breckenridge-altitude
Go Breck. What to Do in Breckenridge for the Holidays. https://gobreck.com/seasons/holidays/what-to-do-in-breckenridge-for-the-holidays
Local Food Tours. Take on the holidays in stride with this Quebec City Christmas Guide! [2021 Guide]. https://localfoodtours.com/quebec/quebec-city-christmas/
New York Simply. Christmas in New York City: 20 MAGICAL Things to Do (5 to Avoid). https://newyorksimply.com/new-york-city-christmas-nyc/
Universal Orlando Resort. Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/things-to-do/events/christmas-in-the-wizarding-world-of-harry-potter
Discovery Cove. Freshwater Oasis Experiences. https://discoverycove.com/orlando/experiences/freshwater-oasis/
Go City. Christmas in Oahu – Holiday Things to Do & Fun Seasonal Activities. https://gocity.com/oahu/en-us/blog/christmas-in-oahu-2019-holiday-things-to-do-fun-seasonal-activities
