Recently on Level Up with Winnie Sun, Jeanette Ceja joined as a guest and shared one of her best pieces of advice – broaden your idea of what the holidays look like. When it comes to family-friendly holiday destinations consider traveling locally, maybe even internationally. She’s traveling to Mexico City this year to make memories with her Mom and remember her loved ones lost. The holiday season is a magical time of year when people from around the globe pack their bags and plan travel to experience and make new memories. While the choice of destination may vary depending on your individual preferences and interests, some places consistently make the list as super popular holiday travel destinations.
🔴LIVE: Travel Tips for the rest of 2023! Travel Expert Joins Us @JeannetteCeja! ✈️ #LevelUp w/ #WinnieSun https://t.co/0WAW9AdsF1
— #WinnieSun ☀️ (@winniesun) December 7, 2023
If you’re traveling this holiday season with your family, here are some places that offer delightful experiences for kids and parents alike:
New York City, USA: The Big Apple’s Festive Allure
According to NYC & Company, the official tourism organization for New York City, millions of visitors flock to the city during the holiday season. In 2019, the city welcomed a record-breaking 62.8 million visitors, with a significant portion arriving during the holidays.
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Family-Friendly Activities: Visiting Times Square around Christmas is an experience like no other. The iconic “Crossroads of the World” transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland, with its massive electronic billboards adorned in festive lights and holiday-themed displays. The atmosphere is electric, filled with the infectious joy of the season.
From the world-famous New Year’s Eve ball drop to the lively street performances and carolers, Times Square exudes the holiday spirit in every corner. Strolling through this bustling hub, you’ll be feeling the holiday spirit in the heart of Manhattan’s holiday celebrations, with numerous shops with holiday decor, theaters and Broadway shows, and legendary restaurants offering special seasonal delights. It’s a chance to witness the magic of New York City during one of its most enchanting times of the year, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
If your schedule is flexible, try staying until the new year. Staying in New York for New Year’s Eve is an irresistible choice for many reasons. Firstly, there’s the iconic Times Square ball drop (maybe even see Ryan Seacrest and a celebrity or two!), a global spectacle that draws millions of viewers from around the world. Being right there in the midst of the countdown, with the exciting energy of the crowd and the dazzling display of city lights, is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Paris, France: A Romantic Holiday Haven
Paris, often regarded as the “City of Light,” draws travelers with its romantic ambiance during the holidays. In 2019, the French capital welcomed over 50 million tourists, with a considerable influx during the festive season.
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Family-Friendly Activities: Paris during the holidays is a dreamlike destination filled with enchanting experiences. One must-visit location is the Champs-Élysées, where the entire avenue is adorned with sparkling lights and a magnificent Christmas market offering unique gifts and festive treats.
Another iconic spot is the Eiffel Tower, which dazzles with its nightly light show, creating a magical backdrop for a romantic evening. The Notre-Dame Cathedral, with its stunning architecture and midnight mass, embodies the spirit of the season. For a touch of artistic wonder, the Louvre Museum’s collections and special holiday exhibitions are a captivating treat. Finally, Montmartre’s charming streets, crowned by the majestic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, offer breathtaking panoramic views of the illuminated city. Paris during the holidays is an unforgettable experience, blending culture, romance, and festive cheer in the heart of the City of Light.
London, United Kingdom: A Charming Winter Wonderland
London is another incredible destination to explore during the holidays. The city’s streets come alive with festive decorations, and you can’t miss a visit to the iconic Trafalgar Square, where a massive Christmas tree is gifted by Norway each year.
Family-Friendly Activities: Take a stroll through Covent Garden’s cobbled streets to enjoy the enchanting holiday displays, street performances, and boutique shopping. Ice skating at the Natural History Museum’s ice rink is a quintessential London winter experience, with the museum’s stunning architecture as a backdrop. And don’t forget to warm up with a cup of mulled wine and a mince pie at one of London’s charming traditional pubs.
From the sparkling lights along Regent Street to the magical Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London offers a festive and joyous holiday atmosphere that’s sure to leave you with cherished memories. London is renowned for its enchanting holiday displays and markets. The British capital attracts millions of visitors during December, contributing significantly to its annual tourism numbers.
Vienna, Austria: Christmas Markets Extravaganza
Vienna, Austria, transforms into a fairytale destination during this time of year. The city’s grand architecture is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and festive decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. A visit to Vienna’s famous Christmas markets, such as the Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, is a must, where you can savor warm chestnuts, mulled wine, and exquisite handcrafted gifts.
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Family-Friendly Activities: The Vienna State Opera hosts enchanting performances of classic holiday operas like “The Nutcracker,” adding a touch of elegance to your visit. The Belvedere Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral are breathtaking landmarks that become even more spectacular illuminated at night. Vienna’s rich musical heritage is celebrated with special concerts and performances, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a harmonious and festive holiday experience.
Vienna’s Christkindlmarkts (Christmas markets) are legendary, drawing visitors from across the globe. The city’s tourism data reflects a notable surge in December arrivals.
Taipei, Taiwan: A Magical Winter Playground
Visiting Taiwan during the holiday months is an exceptional idea for various reasons, and one of the key factors that make it a great destination is its favorable weather. From November through February, Taiwan experiences its cool and dry season, making it an ideal time to explore this beautiful island nation. With temperatures ranging from 59°F to 73°F in many parts of the country, it’s the perfect climate for outdoor adventures, from hiking lush mountains to cycling along picturesque coastal paths.
Family-Friendly Activities: For shopaholics and gift-hunters, Taiwan is a treasure trove during the holiday season. The vibrant night markets, such as Shilin Night Market in Taipei, are a shopper’s paradise, offering a wide array of unique souvenirs, local handicrafts, and delicious street food. Taiwan’s bustling metropolis, Taipei, is also home to some of the world’s best shopping districts, like Ximending and Zhongxiao East Road, where you can find everything from high-end fashion to quirky boutique stores.
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When it comes to cuisine, Taiwan is renowned for its delectable street food and diverse culinary scene. During the holiday months, traditional dishes like tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) and rice cakes take center stage, offering a taste of the island’s rich cultural heritage. Exploring night markets and local eateries becomes a delightful food adventure, and with Taiwan’s reputation for food safety and hygiene, you can indulge in culinary delights with confidence. So, if you’re considering a holiday getaway, Taiwan’s pleasant weather, shopping extravaganza, and mouthwatering cuisine make it a top choice for a memorable and fulfilling vacation for families with kids.
Prague, Czech Republic: A Fairytale Christmas
Visiting Prague, Czech Republic during the holidays is an enchanting experience that transports you to a winter wonderland straight out of a fairytale. The city’s historic Old Town Square, adorned with dazzling Christmas lights and a towering tree, is a sight to behold.
Family-Friendly Activities: As you wander through the cobblestone streets, the aroma of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air, adding to the festive ambiance. The centuries-old architecture, including the iconic Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, becomes even more captivating when dusted with a layer of snow. You can explore the Christmas markets that dot the city, where you’ll find unique handicrafts, delicious traditional treats, and hand-painted ornaments.
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The rich cultural traditions and warm hospitality of the Czech people make Prague an ideal destination to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit and create cherished memories. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa at a cozy café or enjoying a classical concert in one of the city’s stunning churches, Prague during the holidays is a magical experience that promises both beauty and charm. Prague’s Old Town Square transforms into a festive wonderland, attracting a significant number of tourists during December. The city’s tourism board records a surge in holiday-related activities.
Tokyo, Japan: A Unique Festive Experience
Tokyo offers a different kind of holiday experience, with vibrant illuminations and celebrations. The city’s tourism data reflects an increase in December arrivals, with a unique cultural twist.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visiting Tokyo during the holidays is an extraordinary idea that promises a unique blend of modern festivities and traditional charm. The city’s numerous theme parks, such as Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, undergo stunning holiday transformations, with dazzling decorations and special events that captivate visitors of all ages.
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Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods come alive with colorful illuminations, creating a breathtaking backdrop for evening strolls and festive photo opportunities. As for food enthusiasts, Tokyo’s famous ramen shops offer the perfect warm and savory treat to savor in the winter chill. Whether you’re indulging in a steaming bowl of ramen in a cozy noodle joint or admiring the spectacular holiday illuminations in the city’s bustling districts, Tokyo during the holidays promises a memorable and culturally rich experience that blends tradition, innovation, and culinary delights.
When visiting Japan, exploring the city’s renowned ramen scene is a must. One standout recommendation is “Ichiran,” a world-famous ramen chain that allows you to customize your bowl to perfection. Their signature tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen is a beloved favorite, and the dining experience is unique, with individual “flavor concentration booths” that provide an intimate and personalized ramen experience.
Another top choice is “Afuri,” known for its refreshing yuzu shio (salt-based) ramen. The delicate balance of flavors in their broth, coupled with the use of high-quality ingredients, creates a memorable culinary experience. Whether you opt for the classic or seasonal variations, Afuri’s commitment to excellence ensures a delightful ramen adventure that’s perfect for warming up during Tokyo’s winter holidays.
Banff, Canada: A Winter Wonderland
Banff, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is yet another location that offers visitors of all ages a winter wonderland like no other during the holiday season. Its stunning natural beauty is accentuated by a blanket of pristine snow, creating a picturesque landscape.
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Family-Friendly Activities: Families can enjoy a variety of winter activities, from skiing and snowboarding in the world-class resorts of Banff National Park to ice skating on the frozen lakes surrounded by towering peaks. The town of Banff itself is adorned with festive lights and decorations, and its cozy shops and restaurants offer warm respite from the cold.
For a truly magical experience, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered forests, or soak in the rejuvenating Banff Upper Hot Springs while surrounded by the snowy wilderness. Banff’s holiday charm and outdoor adventures make it a dream destination for those seeking a white Christmas in the great outdoors. Banff National Park experiences a boost in tourism during the winter months, with travelers flocking to the Canadian Rockies for snowy adventures.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A Tropical New Year’s Eve
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a vibrant and exciting destination that offers a unique holiday experience for families with kids. While it’s famous for its samba-filled Carnival, Rio also knows how to celebrate the festive season with enthusiasm.
Family-Friendly Activities: The city’s beaches, including Copacabana and Ipanema, offer a relaxed and sunny Christmas atmosphere, where families can build sandcastles and enjoy picnics under the sun. The Lagoa Christmas Tree, a massive floating tree in the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, is a breathtaking sight, lighting up the night sky. Families can also explore the RioZoo, which hosts special holiday-themed events and offers a chance to see exotic animals up close. Additionally, the city’s botanical gardens and Tijuca National Park provide opportunities for outdoor adventures and scenic hikes.
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Rio’s festive spirit, combined with its natural beauty and family-friendly attractions, makes it a fantastic holiday destination for kids and parents alike. Rio de Janeiro’s famous Copacabana Beach New Year’s Eve celebration, known as “Reveillon,” draws millions of visitors to the city during the holiday season.
Reykjavik, Iceland: A Unique Winter Experience
Reykjavik, the charming capital of Iceland, offers a unique and enchanting holiday experience for families with kids. During the winter season, the city is blanketed in snow, creating a magical winter wonderland. Reykjavik’s cozy cafes and bakeries serve up delicious holiday treats like gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate, perfect for warming up after a day of exploration.
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Family-Friendly Activities: The city’s streets come alive with festive lights and decorations, and the annual lighting of the Reykjavik Christmas Tree at Austurvöllur Square is a must-see event. Families can also visit the Reykjavik Zoo and Family Park, where children can interact with Icelandic farm animals and enjoy a winter sleigh ride. And don’t forget the incredible natural wonders just outside the city, such as the mesmerizing Northern Lights and the soothing geothermal pools. Reykjavik’s combination of holiday charm, outdoor adventures, and unique experiences makes it an unforgettable destination for families during the holiday season.
Iceland’s tourism industry has been on the rise, and Reykjavik offers a unique winter holiday experience with its stunning landscapes and opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.
While these destinations have consistently proven popular for holiday travel, it’s essential to consider factors such as travel restrictions, safety, and personal preferences when planning a trip. Additionally, the impact of the health and global travel advisories has influenced travel trends, so travelers should stay informed about the latest guidelines and requirements.
Such a great post with some fast details to get you started. We have only been to NYC on this list but we hope to see them all!!!
Family holidays are the highlight of the year for us! It’s not just about where we go, but the memories we create together. Whether we’re exploring new destinations or revisiting old favorites, every moment is filled with laughter, adventure, and the joy of being together. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post—it’s a great reminder to cherish these precious family moments!