Luxury Christmas, New Year & Winter Escapes for Families

Winter Family Vacations

Winter, whether November, December, January or February, can be one of the most exciting times of the year to travel. The colder months often bring children and families, young or old, together for a Christmas vacation. As atmospheric and adventurous a snowy winter family vacation can be, we also love having the option to enter the new year in the tropics soaking up some well-deserved sun. Whether your family wishes to meet Father Christmas and his trusty helpers in Finland or warm up on the winter sun-drenched beaches of Costa Rica, we’ve curated the perfect trips for you.

Scroll down for our top winter family vacations. Alternatively, browse all of our luxury family vacations.

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The Best Christmas Destinations for Families

Finland

Nothing says Christmas vacation like meeting Santa Claus in his very own workshop. The snow-covered ground in Finnish Lapland over winter opens up a world of outdoor opportunities for young children to embark on. From husky and reindeer sleigh rides to feeding Rudolph and his friends, a walk through winter wonderland is every kid’s dream. Sit back and let the elves create magic for the whole family at Santa Claus village, before retreating back to your hotel to watch the spectacular northern lights. The little ones will love it.
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Costa Rica

Winter family vacations don’t have to be cold. In fact, winter is a great time to soak up that vitamin D in the tropics of Costa Rica, and boast about it to your friends back home. A destination known for family-fun, your little ones can spot turtles, zipline across jungles, try their luck at surfing and even brave white-water rafting. Back at your boutique jungle lodge, Arenal Nayara hotel, sit back and listen to the jungle wildlife rustle around, admire the volcanic views and bubble away in the jacuzzi. This jungle hideaway has something for everyone, from an outdoor rain shower and swinging hammock to a wrap-around balcony. This is a Christmas family vacation with a tropical twist.
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South Africa

End your year in style and kick-start the new year with excitement as you come face-to-face with the Great Whites along the Cape, or the Big Five in Kalahari. The great thing about a safari in South Africa is it can be as laid back or adventurous as you wish, whether you’re looking to take a leap of the faith off Bloukrans Bridge (with a bungee cord of course), hike up Table Mountain or meet the local meerkat colony. As the years have gone on and your children have flown the nest, family rooms may be a thing of the past, so we’ve handpicked the best family-friendly resorts that bring you space when need it and family-time when you want it. Forest lodges, safari camps, and city suites; take your pick.
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New Zealand

A winter family vacation is a great time to visit New Zealand. The beautiful sunshine is perfect for hikes across the mountainous landscapes, kayaking through the serene sea and wine tasting in New Zealand’s world-class wine province. To top it off? You’ll be whisked up in a hot air balloon to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the South Island’s incredible scenery – great for every member of the family. Not to mention the breathtaking family-friendly hotels we’re checking you into, including a stunning lakeside lodge in Lord of the Rings territory, laced with creeping plants up its walls. We can’t wait to help you tick off those bucket list moments.
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Australia

Australia's summer welcomes northern hemisphere families seeking refuge from winter's chill. This journey along the sunshine coast balances Sydney's urban energy with Queensland's natural wonders. Children track prehistoric cassowaries through Daintree Forest with indigenous guides, while marine biologists lead family expeditions to the Great Barrier Reef's vibrant coral gardens. In the Whitsundays, transparent kayaks reveal manta rays gliding beneath the surface. For families who thrive on movement and discovery, Australia's dynamic landscapes transform December into an endless summer adventure.
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Canada

Winter transforms Whistler's peaks into Canada's ultimate alpine laboratory. Professional guides adapt each mountain experience to match your family's skill level, whether carving fresh tracks through backcountry powder or learning the basics on gentle slopes. Helicopter pilots reveal hidden valleys while sharing tales of local geology, and traditional mushers introduce their Arctic dogs before teaching families the commands that guide these remarkable animals through snow-laden forests. Even teenagers typically glued to their phones find themselves captivated by Whistler's raw mountain energy and authentic outdoor challenges.
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Sweden

Sweden's winter landscape sets the stage for extraordinary family experiences beneath the Arctic sky. Skilled guides lead snowmobile expeditions across frozen lakes, and dog sledding through silent forests. At the heart of this northern adventure, a day with a Sami family reveals centuries-old traditions of reindeer herding and Arctic survival. As evening approaches, the sky often ignites with the Northern Lights, nature's own theater above the snow-covered wilderness. A family trip to Europe has never looked so festive.
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Frequently Asked Questions

about our Luxury Christmas & Winter Vacations for Families

What are the best Christmas vacations for families?

The most memorable Christmas vacations for families combine magical, once-in-a-lifetime experiences with thoughtful planning tailored to your family’s preferences. Popular choices include Finnish Lapland – where your children can meet Santa in his Arctic home, ride huskies through snow-dusted forests, and chase the Northern Lights – or Costa Rica, where families explore rainforests with private naturalist guides before unwinding on pristine Pacific beaches. For a traditional European Christmas, the Alpine villages of Switzerland offer horse-drawn sleigh rides, fondue by the fire, and world-class skiing. Our experts design every detail around how your family wants to feel, whether that’s adventure, togetherness, or pure relaxation.

What are the best winter vacations for families?

The best luxury winter vacations for families extend beyond the festive season, offering unforgettable experiences from December through February. For snowy adventures, consider Japan – where families can ski uncrowded powder slopes, soak in private onsen baths, and discover snow monkey sanctuaries. Those seeking winter sun might escape to the Maldives for overwater villa stays with calm, child-friendly lagoons, or explore New Zealand’s summer landscapes with private guides. Whether your family craves alpine thrills or warm-weather escapes, we’ll craft an itinerary around your ideal winter experience.

Where should I take my family for New Year?

New Year family vacations work best when they balance celebration with recovery time – the last thing you want is exhausted children (or parents) on January 1st. For a festive yet relaxed experience, consider the Maldives or Mauritius, where resorts host family-friendly countdown events followed by lazy beach days. Adventure-seeking families love South Africa, combining safari game drives with vineyard lunches and coastal escapes around Cape Town. For something closer to home, a luxury ranch stay in Montana or Wyoming offers horseback riding, stargazing, and cozy fireside evenings far from the crowds. We’ll plan the celebration and the downtime so your family starts the year recharged.

How far in advance should I book a Christmas family vacation?

For luxury Christmas travel, we recommend inquiring 9–12 months ahead, especially for high-demand destinations like Lapland, the Maldives, or popular safari lodges. Prime dates (December 20–January 5) book up quickly at the best family-friendly properties. That said, we maintain strong relationships with our partners and can sometimes secure late availability for flexible families. The earlier you start the conversation, the more options we’ll have to craft your perfect trip.

What's included when I book a Christmas vacation with Black Tomato?

Every Black Tomato trip is fully bespoke. Your dedicated expert handles all the details: flights, transfers, accommodation, private guides, and curated experiences tailored to your family’s interests and pace. For Christmas trips, that might include private Santa meetings, family cooking classes, skip-the-line access to attractions, or a personal photographer to capture the memories. We’re available throughout your journey and handle any adjustments on the ground, so you can focus entirely on being present with your family.