I know that we are all itching to travel right now but due to COVID-19 we all have varying restrictions keeping us home bound. As travel planners we completely understand if you choose to stay at home right now but that does not mean that we that you need to stop dreaming about packing your bags and spending some well deserved time in a glorious destination.
You may be in a position to enjoy a staycation closer to home and as travel planners we know the excitement that comes with planning a new vacation – researching the when to go; what destination; duration; experiences and fabulous food and wine that is available.
So with Christmas just around the corner you may be travelling home to spend time with loved ones or you could use this magical time to visit a new cit. If its just a weekend away, a romantic getaway or a family trip, you may want to consider spending time in one of these top ten locations in the USA.
- New York City, New York
New York is a fantastic destination for families so whether you are an adult, a kid or just a kid at heart New York is the perfect place to find adventure and enjoy new experiences that will become your lifetime memories.
Stay at:
Don’t miss out on:
- Rockefeller Center, ice staking
- Shopping
- 5th Avenue window displays
- Central Park
- Dyker Heights in Brooklyn
- Grand Central Station
- Lincoln Centre
- Empire State Building
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
- Times Square
2. Washington DC
With a plethora of attractions, family-friendly activities, excellent local transportation and some of the country’s top museums, this is a destination that should be on every families travel list.
Stay at:
- Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill
- Riggs Washington DC
- Mandarin Oriental
- Fairmont Washington
- MGM National Harbor
Don’t miss out on:
- The National Christmas Tree
- US Capitol Christmas Tree
- Downtown Holiday Market
- Seasons Greenings at the Botanic Gardens
- National Air & Space Museum
- National Museum of American History
- Zoolights
- National Cathedral Christmas Concerts
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Portrait Gallery
3. Orlando, Florida
Christmas in Orlando is not just about Mickey Mouse and shopping. It is a magical place to visit during the holidays with unique family-friendly holiday experiences to enjoy throughout the festive season.
Stay at:
Don’t miss out on:
- Lake Eola Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Mickey’s Merry Christmas Party
- Epcot International Festival of the holidays
- Downtown Orlando Christmas Parade
- Winter Park Christmas Parade
- Lights on Jeater Bend
- Orlando Christmas Boat Parade
- Disney Holiday Fireworks from outside the park
- Visit the theme parks
4. Las Vegas, Nevada
Not always a first choice as a family friendly location. Do consider this destination as an option. Good value flights, excellent transport, fantastic hotels with excellent service and during the festive season you will be pleasantly surprised at how much great Christmas merriment the city can provide.
Stay at:
Don’t miss out on:
- Bellagio Fountains
- Bellagio Conservatory
- Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory and Gardens
- Cosmopolitan Ice Rink
- Grand Canal Shoppes
- Winter Parq and The Linq Promenade
- Las Vegas Great Santa Run
- Palazzo Waterfall and Atrium
- Santa in the shipwreck
- Mystic Falls Winter Wonderland
5. Chicago, Illinois
A wonderful family friendly getaway. Chicago has everything to offer – kid-friendly attractions, phenomenal architecture, excellent art and a distinctive vibe to be enjoyed during the day or night.
Stay at:
Don’t miss out on:
- Chicago’s Official Tree lighting Ceremony
- Christkindlmarket
- Millennium Park Ice skating
- Tree lights at Morton Arboretum
- Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo
- Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
- Winter Wonderfest Navy Pier
- Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and History
- Enjoy a Christmas show at the Theatre
6. Vail, Colorado
If you are looking for an intimate, festive fun filled getaway with a guaranteed sprinkling of snow, Vail is the place to be. Christmas tree lighting, lantern walks, torchlit skiing, fireworks and exquisite views.
Stay at:
- The Four Seasons
- The Arrabelle at Vail Square
- Mano Vail Lodge
- The Lodge at Vail
- The Sebastian Vail – Timbers Resort
Don’t miss out on:
- Kris Kringle Market
- Vail Holidaze Tree lighting
- Vail Village
- Horse drawn sleighs
- Skiing
- Enjoy the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum
- Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster
- Thrilling Tubing rides
- Dog Sledding
7. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Enjoyed in the summer by so many but the island is equally charming during the off-season. Nantucket transforms during the holiday season starting with a downtown that transforms into a storybook setting – Santa arriving by boat and a fabulous immersive experience where you get a chance to visit a local’s house to enjoy their festive spirit and home decorations.
Stay at:
- Harborview Nantucket
- Carlisle House Inn
- White Elephant Village
- Cliffside Beach Club
- The Nuntucket Hotel and Resort
Don’t miss out on:
- Whaling Museum
- The Carolers
- Fabulous home tours
- Brant Point Lighthouse
- Nantucket’s cobblestone main street
- Mulled wine
- Meet Santa arriving by boat
- The magnificent line of Christmas Trees
- Ice Carving
- The Ugly Sweater Competition
8. Park City, Utah
Park City is unique amongst most other locations because it has an amazing set-up for convenience, accessibility, and family friendliness. A great combination for skiing and enjoying the festive merriment.
Stay at:
Don’t miss out on:
- Shopping in Park City
- The North Pole Express at Herber Valley Railroad
- Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Park City Sing-a-long
- Snowfest at Mark City Mountain
- The Gingerbread Display
- Torchlight Parades
9. Williamsburg, Virginia
If Christmas is the season of light, then the Greater Williamsburg area is the place to feel that warmth reflected back on you. An opportunity to add some history to your holiday combined with one of the world’s largest light displays.
Stay at:
Don’t miss out on:
- Christmas Town Bush Gardens
- Jamestown
- Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Centre
- Yankee Candle Village
- Merchants Square
- Williamsburg Christmas Parade
- Yorktown’s Christmas Tree lighting
10. Branson, Missouri
Recently named one of the top US destinations you can enjoy this Ozark Mountain Christmas with you family. Welcoming millions of visitors each year with its unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, lakes, live entertainment, shopping, dining and attractions. A family-filled vacation where you can enjoy all the festivities, lights, hymns, carols, Christmas displays and let’s not forget The Polar Express.
Stay at:
Don’t miss out on:
- Old Town Christmas Silver Dollar
- Branson Landing
- The Polar Express
- Christmas Lights Tour
- Candy Lover’s Dream
- Christmas Parade
- Dixie Stampede
- Titanic museum
- Dinosaur museum
- Promised Land Zoo
If you need some assistance with your next staycation or any trip abroad then please drop us a line here.
