Christmas Family Vacations 2025/2026 | Luxury Winter Travel 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.

Top Destinations for Family Winter Vacations

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, while traditional mushers share the art of dog sledding through silent forests. Children learn ice fishing techniques passed down through generations, before retiring to architectural treehouses that blend seamlessly into the snow-draped canopy. 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.

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