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Seren Morris

Best Places for a Christmas Vacation

Take a vacation this holiday season for a unique and memorable Christmas. Holidays at home can often blur into one, so why not try something different and take a vacation to a new city? Here's our list of the best cities to visit for a Christmas vacation, including...

  • New York City
  • Oahu
  • San Diego
  • Boston
  • Cancun

These cities have festive events and fun attractions that are open around the holiday season. Whether you enjoy a traditional white Christmas or enjoy spending winter in the sun, there’s a city here for everyone.

New York City

Image of Person, Handbag, Adult, Bride, Female, Woman, New York is one of the best cities to visit around Christmas. Snow will probably cover the city, Christmas lights will decorate the streets, and festive events and attractions will be in full swing. Check out our guide to Christmas in New York City, and read our top recommendations below...

  • Radio City Christmas Spectacular: Kids will love this annual Christmas show starring the famous Rockettes. The festive music, costumes, and scenery will get you into the Christmas spirit, for sure. For a special experience, why not meet a Rockette on the Radio City Backstage Tour?
  • Skating at Rockefeller Center: This is a classic Christmas in New York activity that the whole family will enjoy. You’ll get to skate in front of one of New York’s most famous building, and will have great views of the famous Rockefeller Christmas trees. You can also experience some great views from the Top of the Rock.

Oahu

Image of Flower, Flower Arrangement, Adult, Bride, Female, Person, Wedding, Woman, Male, Man, Child, Girl, Hula, Toy, Dancing, Who says you can’t celebrate Christmas on the beach? If you want to make this Christmas unforgettable, consider a vacation in Oahu. Escape the winter weather for sun, sea, and sand! Here are our top attractions for Christmas in Oahu...

  • Ali’i Luau: Celebrate Christmas with an authentic Hawaiian luau. Luaus are typically used to celebrate birthdays, weddings, and graduations, but why not visit one around Christmastime? The luau won’t take place on Christmas day itself but would be a fun activity for Christmas Eve or the day after Christmas.
  • Sunset Dinner Sail: Another great pre or post-Christmas Day celebration would be a sunset dinner sail on Makani Catamaran. Enjoy delicious Hawaiian food as you take in the beautiful sunset from a luxury boat.

San Diego

Photo by LEGOLAND® California
San Diego is the ideal city to visit if you want fun, festive events but not the cold that typically comes with them. Southern California tends to be fairly warm throughout December, with an average high of 66 degrees Fahrenheit. For a full guide to Christmas in San Diego, check out our blog.
  • LEGOLAND Holidays: During the holiday season, November 23 - December 31, 2019, LEGOLAND California will be transformed into a winter wonderland. There will be a 30-foot LEGO Christmas tree complete with decorations. Kids will get to meet their favorite LEGO characters, there’ll be elves singing carols and lots of delicious festive food!
  • SeaWorld Christmas Celebration: Similarly, SeaWorld will transform for the holidays. Throughout November 23 - January 5, 2020, Sea World will host live shows. Attend storytime at Santa’s Grotto, and sea lions Clyde and Seamore perform in their very own Christmas Special. Enjoy festive food and drink and indulge in some holiday shopping.

Boston

Image of City, Urban, Building, Cityscape, Metropolis, High Rise, Office Building, Skyscraper, Condo, Housing, Downtown, Tower, Visit Boston for family-friendly seasonal events and classic winter weather. As a major city, Boston has plenty of fun attractions to enjoy around the holidays. Plus, its cold weather is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. For more ideas, check out our guide to Boston winter events.

  • Holiday Bricktacular: LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Boston will be hosting their annual Holiday Bricktacular throughout November 23 - December 30, 2019. Each weekend will be based on a popular Boston holiday activity, and there will be festive builds and events taking place throughout the season.
  • Holidays at Plimoth Plantation: For a more traditional seasonal activity, head to Plimoth Plantation. Plimoth Plantation will host holiday-themed events throughout December, like wreath-making and festive performances. Dates are yet to be announced but check the Plimoth Plantation website closer to the time for more information.

Cancun

Image of Electronics, Screen, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Computer Hardware, Hardware, Monitor, Female, Girl, Teen, TV, Spending Christmas with your significant other? Make the most of having time off work and take an international trip this Christmas. You could be spending Christmas poolside enjoying adrenaline-pumping attractions and soaking up the sun. Check out our ideas for celebrating Christmas in Cancun...

  • Dancer Cruise Cancun: Spend the day on a catamaran with Dancer Cruise Cancun. This experience comes complete with breakfast, a buffet lunch, and an open bar. Plus, you'll get to join in dance lessons and live entertainment. You'll also get to jump in the ocean and go for a swim or go snorkeling!
  • Columbus Romantic Dinner Cruise: Enjoy a different kind of Christmas dinner with Columbus Romantic Dinner Cruise. Choose to take your 2-hour 30-minute cruise at either sunset or under the moonlight, and choose from a steak or vegetarian main course. You'll get to enjoy multiple courses and an onboard open bar.

In summary

There are some ideas for which cities to visit for a Christmas vacation. From traditional winter events to holidays on the beach, there is a city to suit your needs. Where will you be spending this holiday season?

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