12+ Unique Weekend Trip Ideas for Family for Christmas

Christmas is the magical time of the year to enjoy festivities, celebrations and holiday fun. Are you in search of weekend trip ideas for family for Christmas in 2024? If yes, luckily you have landed to the right place.

No matter in which country or city you are, you can commute easily from one place to another if you rent a car from local owners. Other than transportation, you need to do proper planning about which destinations you are traveling to, cost, accommodations and kid-friendly activities.

To make upcoming Christmas festive-filled and memorable for you, we are going to share family Christmas vacation ideas 2024 with you in this blog post.

Weekend Trip Ideas for Family for Christmas

When we want to talk about weekend trip ideas, there are multiple options that comes into mind. From mountain retreats to beach getaways and unique cultural experiences, the following are the top places where you can go with your family on upcoming Christmas.

1. Owosso, Michigan

On each Christmas, Owosso in Michigan turns out into a magical winter wonderland with abundant of family-friendly activities or experiences. Let’s see what you can do in Owasso during Christmas time? Go on North Pole Express ride with your kids and let them enjoy their time to the fullest.

Less than 30 minutes from Owosso, you will find another unique Christmas destination in Frankenmuth, named as Bronner’s. This is one of the world’s largest Christmas stores that welcome families with Christmas spirits.

2. St. Augustine, Florida

During Christmas time, if you are in Florida and looking for weekend trip ideas for family for Christmas near me, head towards to St. Augustine. This is a magical place like no other in all over the U.S. Here, the Christmas festivities starts from November and continues till January end.

The magical light display, illuminated decorations and Santa Clause music will make everyone’s experience enticing and remembering. During Christmas season, the shops and restaurants remains open whole night so visitors could enjoy festive occasion to the fullest.

3. Yosemite National Park, California

Going to Yosemite National Park in California is one of the affordable family Christmas trips. Spending upcoming Christmas time at this park will not disappoint you & your family. During winter time, there’s a lot to do in this beautiful park.

From ice skating to skiing and snowboarding, the fun things are endless here. There’s no need to book or make reservations to enter into this park but be sure to check for Christmas time as that time is extremely crowded. Also, do not forget to check weather conditions earlier.

4. Orlando Disney World, Florida

All year round, Disney World in Florida is worth-visiting place then image how amazing will this place during Christmas time? Fireworks, themed parade, Santa Clause fun, merry winter celebrations and much more.

At Disney World, the Christmas season starts from November 8. If you are worried about crowded space, undoubtedly this place is over-crowded during Christmas but worth visiting. So, please do not miss out to celebrate festive joy just for the sake of overcrowds.

5. Grand Marais, Minnesota

Grand Marais is located along the frozen waters of amazing North shore. This is a Lake Superior art colony with variety of wonderful experiences that needs to explore during Christmas time. On this Christmas, do not forget to enjoy “Oh Ole Night” party, attend Christmas parade & explore other options.

The second name to Grand Marais is winter holiday harbor village that combines the celebrations of Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year. Here, you can go on a long tour to spend quality time with your family.

6. Park City, Utah

It is located just 35 minutes from the Salt Lake City Airport. Park city in Utah offers rugged natural beauty, bars, restaurants, concert spots, and world-class festivals. All these things are during all year round so imagine how impressive is it during Christmas?

Christmas time brings skiing opportunities, festive celebrations and occasional fun. Also, ride on the North Pole Express, the Holiday amazing Sing-a-long and Santa’s annual ride are must-to-do experiences.

7. Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Colorado

Colorado during spring and winter time is like no elsewhere in the world. Christmas time in Colorado is really amazing in the form of festivity, celebrations and merry Christmas parades. Undoubtedly, this place is covered in snow in December but one of the best Christmas vacations for families affordable 2024.

The scenic tours, untamed wilderness, ice staking under lights and enjoying a warm fire in outdoors is one of the best experiences in Colorado during Christmas time.

8. Nemacolin, Pennsylvania

After 24^th of November, the festive lights will strung at this resort to give a festive cheer. It is not only about Christmas festivity but also new year’s eve to make every family both celebrations as memorable as they want.

After Thanksgiving, on every Saturday, this place will host weekly Gingerbread Jam where pastry chefs conduct competitions among guests and help them how to compete easily. So, it is one of the best things to do in Pennsylvania during Christmas time.

9. Denver, Colorado

Suppose you are in Colorado during Christmas time and looking for all-inclusive family Christmas vacation packages, go to Denver. Millions of twinkling lights and special events welcome guests during merry Christmas time.

For family enriched experiences, you can go to zoo, do ice skating at the rink or make a fun day of shopping. At Denver Christkindl Market, take advantage from holiday treats, coffee bars and restaurants by doing shopping.

10. Chicago, Illinois

Christmas turns Chicago into a snow-glazed magic hour, as lights bedeck the skyline. Millennium Park offers the famous ice rink where families come to skate beneath the twinkling sights of a nearby Christmas tree.

The city’s neighborhoods also come alive with the joy of the holiday, each showcasing their decorations and events. Families may go through the wonderful halls of the Art Institute of Chicago, or catch their favorite holiday performance at the Goodman Theatre.

11. Branson, Missouri

This place is one of the best weekend trip ideas for family for Christmas in USA. It comes with Christmas delight and is likely to work as an ideal family destination.

Attracting attention for its gorgeous light displays, it is the home for the resplendent “Ozark Mountain Christmas” festival and the spectacular twinkling lights. The other festive shows for families range from holiday music to dazzling acts put on by local talent.

12. Frankfurt, Germany

It is surely an attractive holiday town with seasonal markets and a merry ambience. A picturesque square-Römerberg- with its twinkling lights, quaint wooden stalls, and scents of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.

Visitors found themselves meandering along the river Main, between scenic views dotted with holiday decorations. With great culture, it is a delightful town where families can come together and celebrate the holiday spirit.

13. Grand Canyon, Arizona

In addition to the serenity and greens of the Grand Canyon during Christmas, occasional snow illuminates its amazing formations. Be sure to view the South Rim with the family and make priceless memories at this natural wonder.

Holiday events, including ranger-led programs, invite families to learn about the unique winter ecology of the area. Cozy campfires provide the perfect setting for storytelling under a blanket of stars, making the magical experience of the season.

Final Thoughts!

A family Christmas vacation can be a joyous experience that combines the essence of the holidays with adventure and memory bonding.

Whether you select the magical winter scenery of the Grand Canyon or any other amazing tourist destinations on this list, these weekend trip ideas for family for Christmas are amazing.

Share the holiday joy by visiting all these amazing places where traditions are created and moments are cherished.

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