Happy holidays! Today is a day to cherish time with family and friends. Hopefully, you have been doing that for a while now and will continue to do so throughout the new year. While you can make amazing memories at home with your family, and friends, there is nothing better than heading out on a family vacation during the holidays. There are so many destinations around the world that will have your whole family filled with the Christmas spirit. Today, I am sharing my favorite destinations for getting into the Christmas spirit. One of them should make it to the top of your list for the holidays next year. Then we can work together, as I personalize your itinerary and fill it to the brim with Christmas spirit for next year’s holiday season! 

Amazing Vacation Destinations Filled with Christmas Spirit for Your Family

Nuremberg, Germany – The Best European Destination for Christmas Spirit

If you want to visit one of the best Christkindlmarkt in the world, you must go get into the Christmas spirit in Nuremberg, Germany. The Nuremberg Christkindlmakrt is one of the oldest Christmas markets in the country. The market opened in the 1600s.  

During a visit to the market, you can shop for gifts. Or eat some of the holiday foods that include gingerbread, bratwurst, and mulled wine. There are so many local Christmas traditions you can participate in with your family too! 

Christmas markets like this one can be found within the town squares in this city and the rest of the country. If you want to see more of them during your family vacation over the holidays, I recommend taking a Christmas market river cruise in Germany. It’s one of the best ways to see multiple markets, as well as numerous destinations in the country.  

Check out these other European Christmas markets for your family holiday vacation.

New York City, New York – Best Local Destination for Christmas Spirit

New York City is always a vibrant place to visit. But this city really lights up around the holiday season. There is so much to do while embracing the Christmas spirit in the city.  

Start by checking out the decorations in the windows at Macy’s. Then head to Rockefeller Center to see the massive Christmas tree. Do a little ice skating on the rink or take a horse and carriage ride through Central Park.  

Of course, no Christmas in New York City is complete without watching a performance by the Rockettes. Their show, Christmas Spectacular, is at Radio City Music Hall. I also recommend shopping at the Christmas market in Bryant Park.  

Rovaniemi, Finland 

Rovaniemi is part of Lapland in Finland. It is considered the home of Santa Claus. This cold and wintery destination is the perfect place to visit to get into the Christmas spirit. You can visit with Santa and his elves at Santa Claus Village.  

I recommend spending at least one night in an igloo. They are perfect for watching the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed.  

Vienna, Austria 

Another amazing destination filled with Christmas markets is Vienna. The oldest Christmas market in Vienna opened in the 1200s.  

During your visit to the market, you can play games, like curling. Listen to holiday music, eat holiday foods, and do a little holiday shopping. The kids will love participating in the cookie making workshops.  

North Pole, Alaska 

If you have always wanted to visit Alaska, there is no better time than during the Christmas season. This city in Alaska celebrates the holidays all year long.  

When you arrive at the North Pole, you will see streets like Santa Claus Lane, Kris Kringle Drive, and Blitzen Drive. I recommend putting the Santa Claus House at the top of your list of places to see. You will find plenty of Christmas spirit there. The entire place is packed to the ceiling with souvenirs, ornaments, and even letters to Santa.  

Another fun thing to do is attend the Christmas in Ice Festival. Your family will love the ice sculptures and ice slides.  

Copenhagen, Denmark 

Copenhagen looks like it came right out of the pages of a storybook. But during the holidays, this city really turns into a Christmas fairytale destination.  

The kids will love visiting Tivoli Gardens. It is an amusement park that is decorated with lights and other holiday displays. Another popular thing to do in Copenhagen is visit the different Christmas markets. They are everywhere and they all have Christmas décor, ornaments, and mulled wine.  

Montreal, Canada 

The Christmas spirit begins in Montreal with the Defile de Pere Noel. This is a Christmas parade that began more than seventy years ago. The rest of the month features fireworks, lighted décor on the streets, and a few unique Christmas markets.  

These are some of my favorite destinations for getting into the Christmas spirit with family. You can choose from other destinations too, so don’t feel like you are stuck with one of these options. After all, I will be able to personalize your family’s itinerary no matter where you decide to visit for the holidays.  

So, are you ready for me to create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to get into the Christmas spirit?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

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