10 Best Getaways over the Holiday Season
Discover Travel Experiences for All Tastes This Festive Season
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to think about your next vacation. What that looks like depends on what you want from the holiday season. Do you need to relax after a stressful year, or do you want to be fully immersed in the festive spirit? We have choices you’ll love, regardless of where you fall on that spectrum.
Check out our list of great getaways over the end-of-year break, with highlights including super-relaxed beach resorts, fun and quirky city breaks, and a few family-friendly spots the kids will really love. Check out our picks and see which suits you best.
1. San Diego, CA
A steady stream of parades
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Unusual
San Diego is a fun and quirky place, and the holidays bring it out in full force. Get ready for the Gaslamp Pet Parade, La Jolla Christmas Parade, and the waterborne Parade of Lights. You certainly won’t want for parades! Fortunately, the crisp, dry weather means you can enjoy many of them in relative comfort.
This is San Diego’s low season for tourism, so it’s a great time to enjoy some of the more popular sights in the city without the crowds. Consider spending some time checking out the USS Midway Museum, San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and plenty of other indoor attractions to stay warm and entertained.
San Diego, CA
2. Orlando, FL
A family treat in the theme park capital of the world
Good for: Adventure, Families, Unusual
Orlando is the destination of choice for many families at this time of year. With schools out and many parents pocketing their annual bonus at the same time, the holiday season provides an unrivaled opportunity to enjoy a memorable family trip to the theme park capital of the world.
Naturally, Universal Studios and Walt Disney World dominate the to-do lists of most visitors to Orlando, though they are far from the only attractions. Take creative kids to Legoland for exciting rides in a world reimagined in bricks. If you’ve got budding scientists and engineers, a short drive to the Kennedy Space Center in nearby Cape Canaveral is well worth the trip.
Orlando, FL
3. New York City, NY
A great place to finish your gift shopping
Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Photo, Shoppers
New York City is synonymous with the holiday season: dozens of hit songs and movies have been set in a snowy Big Apple. The store window displays, twinkling lights, and ice rinks that appear at this time of year all add to the festive atmosphere.
If the weather outside is frightful, you’ll be spoiled for places to take shelter from it. Take in a show on Broadway or finish your gift shopping in the many major department stores. If you have any time to spare, maybe stop by some of the more iconic indoor attractions, including the American History of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art, and many others.
New York City, NY
4. Las Vegas, NV
Festive atmosphere without the winter weather
Good for: Couples, Luxury, Nightlife
If you want the holiday spirit without the frosty weather, Las Vegas is the solution. This famous city in the middle of the Nevada Desert almost always has a festive atmosphere and the very slight dip in temperatures certainly doesn’t dampen the mood.
The famous Strip is the center of the action. The casino-resorts offer no end of things to do, from iconic shows and nightclubs to dancing fountains, exhibitions, and spa treatments. And let’s not forget that iconic desert landscape. Get out to some of the nation’s best hiking spots at Red Rock Canyon and the Emerald Cove, and the Valley of Fire State Park.
Las Vegas, NV
5. Miami, FL
I’m dreaming of a white…sandy beach
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Nightlife, Photo
Miami is a great destination for people who want to use the holidays as an opportunity to let loose and enjoy themselves. Florida’s favorite beach destination is famous for its celebrity parties, iconic clubs, and of course, the wonderful Miami Beach itself. Soak up the sun all day then dance the night away.
If you’re staying more than a few days you may want to add a bit more variety to your holiday plans. With slightly cooler temperatures, this is a great time to visit the nearby Everglades and see this remarkable natural habitat without sweltering in Florida’s usual humidity. December also marks the start of the whale-watching season in Miami, join a tour for access to the best views.
Miami, FL
6. Cancún, Mexico
Coastal calm and historic charm
Good for: Couples, History, Nightlife
Cancún offers white beaches, chilled vibes, and some unique attractions, making it a great place for a holiday season getaway in the sun. Located at the northern end of Mexico’s famous Riviera Maya, you can relax on pristine sand washed by calm blue seas, leaving the stresses of the year behind you.
Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula has plenty of interesting things to see between sunbathing sessions. Check out the famous Mayan ruins in Tulum, Chichén Itzá, and the El Rey Archeological Zone right in Cancún itself. Or, if you’d rather keep the chilled-out vibes going, hit the city’s famous Party Zone for a night of dancing.
Cancún, Mexico
7. Honolulu, HI
‘Tis the season for surfing
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families, History
Honolulu really lights up for the holiday season, with much of the city decked out with twinkling lights and festive decorations. However, it’s naturally best known for its gorgeous beaches. If your idea of a year-end vacation consists of white sands and wavetops, this is the destination for you.
This time of year is actually one of the best for surfing in Honolulu, so expect the beaches to be popular. Pearl Harbor will also be pretty lively in early December with commemorative events you can attend. There’s no shortage of things to see and do around Oahu, from hiking and exploring the stunning landscapes to enjoying the island’s unique cuisine and culture.
Honolulu, HI
8. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
A beach resort getaway
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo
Punta Cana is better known for providing complete relaxation, rather than going all out on the holidays, which is just what many of us need after a long and hectic year. Stay in one of the many luxurious beachfront hotels to step straight out onto the sand each morning. Take a dip in crystal-clear seas, play 18 holes on a championship-standard golf course, and enjoy the nearby water parks or nightclubs.
If you do feel the need for some festive spirit, consider a trip to the Dominican capital, Santo Domingo. The decorations and celebrations there are as exuberant as they come, and exploring this historic city makes for a memorable day out.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
9. Los Angeles, CA
It’s called “Tinsel Town” for a reason
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
As the home of Hollywood, Los Angeles is a fun place to visit at any time of year, though arguably more so during the holidays. While the weather is still pleasant enough and you won’t see any snow, there are extravagant decorations dotted around the city. Check out the Grove, Hollywood Boulevard, and the LA Arboretum, just for a start.
If you really want a mammoth dose of the holiday spirit, the theme parks and movie studios are where you want to go. Check out Grinchmas at Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Disneyland’s many special attractions and festivities in nearby Anaheim.
Los Angeles, CA
10. Nashville, TN
A city of culture with holiday flair
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Nightlife
Nashville is unfairly underrated as a holiday-season destination. The home of country music, it has an undeniable fun-loving vibe that just gets more apparent as December rolls around. The halls are very much decked, with festive shows gracing the stage of the Ryman Auditorium. Pay an evening visit the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens for the Holiday LIGHTS mile-long light trail.
While the winter temperatures in Nashville are significantly lower, they are still comfortably above freezing. There are plenty of things to do indoors if you need a break from the chill, whether that’s stopping by one of the many excellent museums or trying local delicacy hot chicken.
Nashville, TN
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.