15 Best Destinations for Family Vacations in December

Christmas is a time for family, and what could be better than spending the holidays with your loved ones? If you’re looking for the best places for family vacations in December, look no further! We’ve got the perfect list for you.

From festive cruises to winter wonderlands, these destinations will make your holiday season one to remember. So pack your bags and get ready for some unforgettable memories! If you’re looking for multi-generational travel, these 15 locations are sure to entertain all ages.

15 Best Destinations for December Travel

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Best Places to Vacation in December for Families

1. Phoenix, Arizona

If you’re looking for one of the best family vacations in December and are traveling with grandparents or extended family, then you need to check out Phoenix, Arizona. With its warm weather, beautiful desert scenery, and many family-friendly attractions, Phoenix is the perfect place to escape the cold this holiday season. 

View from Camelback Mountain Phoenix
View overlooking Phoenix from Camelback Mountain

Top things to do in Phoenix with kids and grandparents include visiting the Desert Botanical Garden, taking a scenic hike through Papago Park, checking out the animals at the Phoenix Zoo, and exploring the historic town of Scottsdale

The Phoenician Resort is one of the top luxury resorts in the area and offers plenty of amenities and activities for everyone coming along with you on this journey. Alternatively, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is a great option for those who want to be close to all the action in Scottsdale. 

2. Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is another excellent choice for family vacations in December! With its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and Mayan ruins, Cancun is a place that everyone in the family will enjoy. 

December family vacations Cancun
You can’t beat the beaches and warm weather in Cancun in December!

There are plenty of things to do in Cancun with kids and grandparents, including visiting the Xcaret resorts, exploring the ancient ruins of Coba or Chichen Itza, going on a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion, and simply relaxing on the beach. 

Staying at the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun is something to consider. This all-inclusive resort offers plenty of activities and is located right on one of Cancun’s best beaches. Or check out our favorite Mexico all-inclusive resorts for multi-gen travel.

3. Park City, Utah

If you’re looking for a winter wonderland vacation, then head to Park City, Utah. This popular ski destination is also home to many other great activities and attractions that the whole family will enjoy. 

Staying in Park City with kids and grandparents include visiting Olympic Park, going on a sleigh ride, checking out the Park City Museum, and exploring Main Street. 

If you’re looking for a place to stay, Marriott’s Summit Watch is popular among families. This condo-style resort offers tons of space for everyone and is located just minutes from many of Park City’s top attractions. 

4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

If you’re looking for an outdoor-oriented vacation, then you’ll want to check out Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This beautiful destination is home to many great parks and mountains that the whole family will enjoy. 

winter in Jackson Hole December
Grand Teton National Park is beautiful in winter and Jackson Hole is the perfect home base!

When you’re in Jackson Hole with kids and grandparents include visiting Grand Teton National Park, going on a scenic hike, exploring Yellowstone National Park, and whitewater rafting on the Snake River. 

The Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa is a great option! This lodge is located just minutes from Grand Teton National Park. 

5. Pigeon Forge – Gatlinburg, Tennessee

If you’re looking for a fun-filled vacation, then you need to check out Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. 

Some of the top things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg with kids and grandparents include visiting Dollywood theme park, checking out the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and taking a scenic drive through the Gatlinburg Bypass and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Margaritaville Island Hotel is just minutes from all the action in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. If your family prefers to have everyone under one roof, there are plenty of vacation homes and condos available.

6. Munich, Germany

Munich is a great choice for a Christmas vacation if you’re looking for a festive and traditional European city. With its Christmas markets, Bavarian culture, and delicious food, Munich is a place that the whole family will enjoy. 

Munich in December Christmas Markets
Through most of December, you can experience the Christmas markets in Munich.

The top activities to do in Munich with kids and grandparents include visiting the Christmas markets, checking out Marienplatz, going on a horse-drawn carriage ride, and taking a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle.

The Bayerischer Hof is quite popular for families. This hotel offers plenty of amenities and activities and is located just minutes from all of the action in Munich.

7. Chicago, Illinois

If you’re looking for a city vacation that has something for everyone, then you need to check out Chicago. This Midwestern metropolis is home to many great attractions, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, and the Museum of Science and Industry. 

Chicago family vacations in December

December is cold in Chicago, but families can enjoy spending time ice skating at Maggie Daley Park, shopping along Michigan Avenue, or enjoying one of Chicago’s many holiday events, including the fabulous Christkindlmarkt.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, here are our favorite family hotels in Chicago.

8. London, England

London is a great choice for a Christmas vacation if you’re looking for a festive and traditional European city. With its Christmas markets, world-famous landmarks, and rich history, London is a place that the whole family will enjoy. 

The top things to do in London with kids and grandparents include visiting the Christmas markets, exploring Buckingham Palace, going on a sightseeing tour of the city, and checking out the Tower of London

London at Christmas with family

The Ritz London is a popular choice for family gatherings. This hotel offers lots of fun activities and is located just minutes from all of the action in London. If this hotel is a bit out of your budget, consider staying at one of our favorite family hotels in London.

9. Grapevine, Texas

Do you need a fun and festive Christmas vacation? Then head to Grapevine, Texas, the Christmas Capital of Texas. This Dallas suburb really puts on a show during the holidays. Some of our favorite family-friendly attractions include the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, the Palace Theatre, and Historic Downtown Grapevine. 

The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is a place to consider staying while you’re in Grapevine. It is extravagantly decorated for the holidays, has many kid-friendly Christmas activities, and is home to Ice! an unforgettable holiday experience.

10. New York City, New York

When it’s time for a memorable family vacation that has something for everyone, head to New York City. 

There is so much for families to do in NYC, from visiting the Empire State Building and Central Park to taking a sightseeing cruise and checking out the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Or consider taking a bus tour on The Ride, which is an interactive experience the whole family will love!

And, if you’re looking for a place to stay, the Grand Hyatt New York is a great choice for extended family vacations in December. This hotel can be found just minutes from all of the action in NYC. 

While it might be a little scary to travel in a larger group with young kids in New York City, it’s not! Break off in smaller groups so you’re not taking up the entire sidewalk and then re-group when you reach your destination. We promise New York City with grandparents can be a ton of fun!

11. Maui, Hawaii

With its sandy beaches, tropical climate, and stunning scenery, Maui is quite popular when it comes to family vacations in December.

The island offers plenty of activities for all ages, from exploring the Haleakala National Park to snorkeling in Molokini Crater. There are also many family-friendly resorts in Maui that offer babysitting services and kids’ clubs, making it a great option for a stress-free vacation.

Maui family vacations in December

Grandparents will love exploring Maui’s historic sites, such as Iao Needle and Haleakala Crater. And of course, no trip to Maui would be complete without a visit to the iconic Lahaina Banyan Court Tree. This will go down as one of the best trips for your family. Why not go during the Christmas season?!

12. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is a great destination for families traveling with grandparents. The city offers a wide variety of entertainment options, from shows and concerts to casinos and nightclubs. 

There are also plenty of family-friendly attractions, such as the Neon Museum, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, and Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage. And if you’re looking for a little rest and relaxation, grandparents can enjoy the city’s many spas, casinos, and golf courses.

December in Las Vegas with grandparents
Vegas loves to decorate in December and the weather is fabulous!

Whether you have young children or older children, heading to Las Vegas together might be one of your new favorite things!

13. Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg is a beautiful city in eastern France that’s perfect for families traveling with grandparents. The city is home to the European Parliament and many other important institutions, making it a great place to learn about European history and culture. 

There are also plenty of kid-friendly attractions, such as the Strasbourg Zoo, the Covered Bridges of Strasbourg, and the Parc de l’Orangerie. Of course, no trip to Strasbourg would be complete without a visit to the famous Christmas markets.

14. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a great destination for families traveling with grandparents. The island offers a wide variety of activities, from exploring the rainforest to relaxing on the beach.

Puerto Rico at Christmas
Why not have an island Christmas?

There are also many family-friendly resorts in Puerto Rico that offer babysitting services and kids’ clubs, making it a great option for a stress-free vacation. Grandparents will love exploring Puerto Rico’s historic sites, such as the El Morro Fortress and the San Juan Cathedral. Of course, no trip to Puerto Rico would be complete without a visit to the famous Bio Bay.

With fabulous winter temperatures, Puerto Rico is one of the best Caribbean islands for December.

15. San Diego, California 

San Diego is a great destination for families traveling with grandparents. The city offers a wide variety of attractions, from the world-famous San Diego Zoo to Balboa Park and the San Diego Museum of Art.

Families will love frolicking on the San Diego beaches, hiking, and spending time exploring the city’s different towns like Oceanside, Coronado, and La Jolla. For a centrally located stay, look at Paradise Point resort, The Seabird if you want to be in North County (close to Legoland), and the Omni Hotel downtown (with rooms that look directly into Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres baseball team).

From big cities like New York City and Las Vegas to small towns like Grapevine, there’s something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning for the holidays today. No matter where you’re taking your family vacations in December, we hope your travels are safe and fun!