6 Best Christmas Holiday Destination For Families In 2023 - 2024!

Best Christmas Holiday Destination For Families In 2023!: Despite what it might seem on the social media one thing is certain which will never change too: Christmas is all about celebrating with family. Then it doesn't matter if you're doing it within your home or thousands of miles away in a foreign land. The very essence of what makes XMAS a special occasion is how it brings together families even when they are not particularly close to each other for one day.

So, if you’re facing such dilemma where you have just received the call from your aunt from Dad's side who is planning to visit your family for first time in years. You must need a plan and your plan requires a holiday destination. You can't just wing your aunt's homecoming like that! 

To help you out we have collected 5 of the world's top holiday destinations where you can take your family for the XMAS time. Don't worry we have tried to take into consideration different aspect so you will find the place for you one way or another.

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Best Christmas Holiday Destination For Families In 2023!

• Aspen, Colorado, USA
• Quebec City, Canada
• Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
• Bruges, Belgium
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• People Choice: Vienna, Austria!!!

Aspen, Colorado, USA

For those of you who have innate love for skiing Aspen Colorado can be pretty rad holiday destination for families during Christmas time. Especially if you are intending to go with your family. Locals in Aspen celebrate the Christmas with varying traditions that have been by now ingrained in the city's history. You will have to walk just for a short distance from your hotel room and you will see a beautiful town decorated with lights, carolling events, and Christmas markets. All these family events. All of them ideal for your dad and aunt to reconcile.

Best Christmas Holiday Destination For Families

Given Aspen has a rich cultural scene, and it hosts the annual Aspen Music Festival, attracting musicians and music enthusiasts from around the world. You can always put one of these in your bucket list. These musicals can be a fun time for a whole family. Although there are also many family-oriented spots that you can visit too:

• Aspen Snowmass: Perfect for winter sports enthusiasts, Aspen Snowmass offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities for all skill levels.
• Maroon Bells: In the summer or fall, families can enjoy the stunning Maroon Bells, two iconic peaks surrounded by beautiful wilderness.
• Aspen Highlands Village: A family-friendly area with shops, restaurants, and activities. In winter, families can enjoy ice skating, and in the summer, it's a great starting point for hiking trails.

While cost of staying in Aspen can vary from extreme low to highest point, it should be your duty to make sure you end up choosing the spots which are within your budget, and you don't have to face a problem during your stay there.

Quebec City, Canada

The only fortified city in North America, north of Mexico, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quebec in Canada is an ideal holiday destination for families. More so if your family has lots of kids. 

Given the historical significance of the spot where city stands today it can be a very sweet learning experience for children in your family. Of course, no one is going to tell you Quebec is the best kids holiday destination, there can be others. What makes this Canadian city special is how locals drown in festive spirit and share it with others.

Best Christmas Holiday Destination For Families

Every year the Old Town is beautifully draped with lights while streets get filled with tourists. So, it doesn't matter from where you are, you are bound to receive sweet Christmas offering from strangers in alleys. Take them. Express your gratitude and familiarize yourself with city's spirit. If you're looking for family spots to take yours Quebec also has many to offer:

• Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec): Explore the cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and visit landmarks like Château Frontenac.
• Montmorency Falls: A stunning waterfall higher than Niagara Falls, offering year-round activities and a beautiful winter landscape.
• Plains of Abraham: A vast urban park with historical significance, perfect for winter activities like sledding and ice skating.
• Aquarium du Québec: A family-friendly attraction with a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits.
• Petit Champlain: A charming area with shops, restaurants, and a festive atmosphere, especially during the Christmas season.

While on average, hotel prices during the holiday season can range from $150 to $300 per night. It's advisable to check specific dates and book in advance. Also keep an extra eye on your stuff. Quebec is quite famous for pickpockets in crowded places.

Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

Known as the hometown of the Santa Claus staying in Rovaniemi during the last two weeks of the year can be rewarding experience for any family. Given the city's location, there's a magical atmosphere with the potential for a snowy, winter wonderland. So, you wouldn't have to wait for long time before meeting a family (a local family) which will welcome you with open arms in their home. Just last year a friend of mine visited and despite his visit during the summer period he was thrilled to see the response from strangers he met along the way.

Locals in Rovaniemi celebrate Christmas with traditional Finnish customs. Families often gather for festive meals, exchange gifts, and may attend the Christmas Eve church service. All of these activities perfectly resonate with what XMAS is all about, sharing and caring for others.

Best Christmas Holiday Destination For Families

However, if you are still not convinced if Rovaniemi should be the place of your abroad holiday destination then hear this: You can actually visit the Santa Claus village there and meet people from all over the world who would've come for the exact same reason. Rovaniemi has also loads of family attractions for you to consider.

• Santa Claus Village: Families can meet Santa Claus year-round, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and cross the Arctic Circle.
• Rovaniemi Arctic Wildlife Park: A family-friendly zoo where you can see and learn about Arctic animals.
• Ranua Wildlife Park: About 1.5 hours from Rovaniemi, this park offers a chance to see more Arctic wildlife.
• Arktikum Science Centre and Museum: Ideal for families interested in Arctic science, culture, and history.
• Snowman World: A winter-themed park with ice sculptures, an ice bar, and various snow activities.

As for cost of stay, it can be both expansive and cheap based on accommodation preferences, the size of the family, and the specific dates. Accommodations range from hotels to cozy cottages. Hence, it's advisable to book in advance, especially during the holiday season, since costs can be influenced by the demand for winter activities and experiences.

Bruges, Belgium

Often referred as the "Venice of the North" due to its extensive canal system and beautiful medieval architecture, Burges in Belgium is the place to beat when topic at hand is best European holiday destination for families. Especially if you are from Europe because then it should certainly be in contention for you, and the primary reason is not just because of the canal system or the landscape. No. There is more in Bruges and that more is called the way of life. Or as the Belgium's like to say: De manier van leven. 

Best Christmas Holiday Destination For Families

Every year the picture-perfect city is adorned with festive decorations, and Christmas markets, such as the one in the Market Square. From where you can easily buy local crafts, seasonal treats, and a warm atmosphere. Families also gathers for festive meals and attend midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Although, if that is not what you had in mind for your family then there are also many tourists’ spots that can elevate your XMAS celebrations. To name a few:

• Belfry of Bruges: Families can climb the Belfry tower for panoramic views of the city.
• Bruges Markt (Market Square): The heart of the city, where you'll find the Christmas market and the famous Belfry.
• Historium Brugge: An interactive museum that provides a journey through the city's medieval past.
• Chocolate Museum Choco-Story: Learn about the history of chocolate and indulge in tastings.
• De Halve Maan Brewery: Visit this historic brewery for a guided tour, including a view of the city from the rooftop.

Needless to say, you will have to make sure that your budget is enough for whole family to easily stay there. Given the use of Euro as the local currency can prove to be tough for many young families, more so if they are not from West. We will suggest that you keep in mind the figure of €100 to €300 per night for a family room. It's also advisable to book accommodations well in advance, especially during the holiday season.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Famous for its geothermal activity, stunning landscapes, and being a prime location to witness the Northern Lights. I don't think there can be a bigger selling point for this Icelandic city than the fact that it is the best place to be if you want to witness the Northern Lights. A phenomenon so rare that it reaches its peak after every 11 years. The next one is about to be in 2024.

Although, that is not to say that even if you will visit it before or after it you won't be able to see anything. You would, perhaps just not as bright as it will be next year, but hey we are focusing on the holiday destinations for young families for Christmas, and there are many reasons why Reykjavik is the place to be on 25th of December. 

Best Christmas Holiday Destination For Families

Icelanders celebrate Christmas with various traditions. Yet the one unique tradition which we feel you will enjoy the most with your family is the "Yule Lads." A tradition centred around 13 mischievous characters who visits children on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas, leaving small gifts or rotten potatoes, depending on the child's behaviour. Imagine the fun you can have with your kids if you can manage to reach in time. Besides tradition and culture are not the only two things which elevates the XMAS in Iceland, there are also their attractions spots which you shouldn't miss out:

• Blue Lagoon: While not in Reykjavik directly, it's a short drive away and offers a unique geothermal spa experience suitable for families.
• Perlan (The Pearl): A landmark with a rotating glass dome providing panoramic views of the city.
• Hallgrímskirkja: An iconic church with an impressive design, and you can take an elevator to the top for a fantastic view of Reykjavik.
• Reykjavik Family Park and Zoo: A family-friendly destination with domestic animals and an amusement park.
• Harpa Concert Hall: Offers various family-friendly events and concerts.

Keep in mind that Iceland can be relatively expensive, and booking accommodations and activities in advance is recommended, especially during the holiday season. Also, the winter weather in Iceland can be cold, so be prepared for winter activities and dress accordingly.

People Choice: Vienna, Austria!!!

Vienna might be famous for its musical culture and how it ties with the city's illuminated history, what you should know about this Austrian city is why it is the ideal holiday destination for a family. Forget what anyone tells you about it, tell them you are aware it is birthplace of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Yet what is pulling you towards it is not how it shaped the classical music but the rosy Christmas markets it has, glimmering lights in which the streets are covered from the beginning of December, and most importantly local traditions which are unlike anything you will see.

Best Christmas Holiday Destination For Families

There is no doubt Christmas in Vienna is a magical time. Locals celebrate by attending festive markets, such as the Vienna Christmas Market at Rathausplatz, where they enjoy mulled wine (Glühwein), traditional sweets, and handcrafted gifts. Families gather for a festive meal on Christmas Eve, exchanging presents and attending church services. All in all, Vienna is deserving of what can be described as the perfect XMAS town. It indeed lives up to the hype every year.

So, if your family is on the lookout for the holiday destination in Europe then Vienna should be in that list and rightfully so. Even if we forget about the endearing local customs and intense Christmas spirit. There are still many family-oriented spots which you can explore within the city:

• Schönbrunn Palace: Explore the imperial summer residence, including the stunning gardens and the Gloriette. The palace often hosts special Christmas events for families.
• Vienna Zoo (Tiergarten Schönbrunn): This is the world's oldest zoo, located on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace. It offers a unique experience for families with children.
• Prater Park: Home to the iconic Giant Ferris Wheel, Prater Park has an amusement park with various rides and attractions suitable for families.
• Belvedere Palace: Besides its impressive art collection, the gardens offer a beautiful setting for a family stroll.
• Vienna's Museumsquartier: A cultural complex with museums and art venues. It often features family-friendly events and activities.

While it is true that accommodation prices in the city tends to remain low for much of the year, during the holiday season given the surge of tourists there can be increase. In which case you should keep these figures in mind: on average, a mid-range hotel may cost around €100-150 per night, but prices can fluctuate based on availability and specific preferences. So, plan in advance to keep yourself on safe space.

Ideal Christmas Holiday Destination Is Real

As we mentioned in the passing above, choosing the holiday destinations for families can be a daunting task. Given the surge in demand, economic condition, and inflation it is not possible for every family out there to just book a flight and reach their destination. There must be planning, realistic expectations, and most importantly the will and agreement of each member of family in the decision. 

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However, what many fails to understand is that it is not always necessary to go to the best place there is, you don't need to do that. Christmas is not about spending the more money than others. It is occasion to give time and attention to your family and that can happen anywhere, even within the four walls of your home. So, in a way, even your home is the best destination for holidays, especially if you have your family with you there.