5 Best Places to Vacation Over Christmas with Family: An Alternative to Traditional Gatherings
Are you tired of the same old family gatherings every Christmas? You know the drill — same conversations, same meals, and the same decorations you’ve seen a thousand times. Maybe it’s time to mix things up and take the whole crew on an unforgettable holiday adventure. Imagine sipping hot cocoa while watching the Northern Lights, or swapping snow for sun while lounging on a tropical beach. Sound tempting? Then pack your bags because I’m about to share the 5 best places to vacation over Christmas with family — all affordable yet luxurious, of course. And I’m your guide to making it happen without breaking the bank!
1. Reykjavik, Iceland: A Winter Wonderland Adventure
If your family loves the magic of winter but wants something beyond opening presents by the fire, Reykjavik is calling your name! This Icelandic capital is the perfect mix of snowy beauty, adventure, and cozy family vibes. Forget about Santa coming down the chimney; how about a family trip to witness the ethereal Northern Lights?
Where to Stay
Reykjavik offers a range of family-friendly luxury hotels that won’t leave you with a hole in your wallet. I recommend checking out deals on Skyscanner for both flights and accommodations, but don’t forget to give Agoda a peek too, especially for boutique hotels. My pick? Hotel Borg — a charming art deco hotel located in the heart of the city. It’s stylish yet cozy, with rooms big enough to fit the whole family.
What to Eat
Icelandic cuisine is a treat in itself. For a family-friendly meal, head to Icelandic Street Food, where you can dig into a hearty bowl of lamb soup. Don’t skip the skyr, a creamy Icelandic yogurt that’s perfect for dessert!
What to See
Of course, chasing the Northern Lights is top of the list. You can book a family tour through Viator to ensure you get the best guide. When you’re not hunting for the auroras, visit the Blue Lagoon for a Christmas Day soak in its geothermal waters. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like swimming in a warm, mineral-rich lagoon while snowflakes fall around you!
Flight Deals
For affordable luxury flights, use Skyscanner to snag some killer deals, especially if you plan early. Business class from the U.S. to Reykjavik? Totally possible! Oh, and remember to maximize those American Express Gold points while booking for that sweet 90K intro offer! That’s miles closer to your next adventure.
2. Honolulu, Hawaii: Sun, Sand, and Santa in Board Shorts
Not everyone dreams of a white Christmas — especially if you’ve got a family of beach lovers! If your idea of the perfect holiday involves swapping snow boots for flip-flops, then Honolulu is your paradise. It’s festive without the frost, making it the ultimate alternative to a traditional Christmas.
Where to Stay
Luxury can come at a steal if you know where to look! Again, Skyscanner and Agoda are your go-to for finding unbeatable hotel deals. For a truly luxurious yet family-friendly stay, I recommend the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. With its prime location and multiple pools, it’s the perfect place for both adults and kids to unwind.
What to Eat
While you’ll find many places dishing out traditional Christmas meals, you’ve got to try a Hawaiian Christmas Luau. You’ll feast on roasted pork, fresh fish, and tropical fruits while enjoying traditional hula performances. Duke’s Waikiki also serves up amazing seafood with oceanfront views.
What to See
Christmas in Hawaii is festive, fun, and full of unique traditions. Head to Waikiki Beach to see Santa arrive by canoe! You can also book a family tour with Viator for a snorkeling adventure or visit the famous Pearl Harbor. Don’t miss the Christmas lights at Honolulu Hale — they go all out with festive displays.
Flight Deals
Book early and use Skyscanner to find affordable flights. Honolulu is a major destination, so deals pop up frequently. With your American Express Gold, not only are you racking up points, but you could upgrade your family to premium economy or even business class for some extra comfort.
3. Vienna, Austria: A Fairytale Christmas
If you and your family want a more traditional (but way more magical) Christmas, look no further than Vienna. Picture this: twinkling lights, historic architecture, and Christmas markets that seem straight out of a storybook. This city feels like stepping into a snow globe.
Where to Stay
Vienna is full of luxury hotels that feel regal without costing a fortune. My top choice is Hotel Sacher, famous for its luxury suites and world-class service. With Skyscanner and Agoda at your disposal, you might just land a deal that makes this five-star experience feel like an affordable luxury.
What to Eat
Christmas in Vienna means indulging in seasonal treats. Head to a traditional Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) and warm up with Wiener schnitzel, roasted chestnuts, and Sacher Torte (a rich chocolate cake). Don’t miss Demel, a pastry shop where you can sample all the Christmas cookies and sweets your heart desires.
What to See
Vienna’s Christmas markets are some of the best in the world. Start at the Christkindlmarkt in front of City Hall, where you can shop for handmade gifts and enjoy ice skating. Music lovers should visit the Vienna State Opera for a Christmas concert that will leave your family with goosebumps.
Flight Deals
Once again, Skyscanner is your best bet for scoring good deals to Europe during the holiday season. And with all the points you’re earning from your American Express Gold, a free flight might not be far off. Remember to book early — Vienna is a hot Christmas destination!
4. Sydney, Australia: Christmas Down Under
Why not celebrate Christmas in summer? Head to Sydney, where you’ll trade snowy scenes for sunny beaches. This is your chance to catch some rays while the rest of the world shivers.
Where to Stay
For a family-friendly luxury hotel, I recommend The Langham Sydney — it’s got spacious rooms and a fantastic location near the harbor. And as always, check Skyscanner and Agoda for deals.
What to Eat
An Australian Christmas means seafood, and lots of it! Head to The Boathouse for a holiday feast of prawns, oysters, and fresh fish. Want something more traditional? Many restaurants serve a classic roast dinner, just like back home.
What to See
Start with a stroll through Sydney’s Botanical Gardens, then take the family to Bondi Beach for a Christmas Day BBQ. Sydney also goes big on the festive lights, so visit Martin Place for some evening sparkle. You can also book a family-friendly harbor cruise via Viator for a spectacular view of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Flight Deals
Long flights mean lots of opportunities to save! Skyscanner is the ultimate hack for finding flight deals to Sydney. And if you’ve got those American Express Gold points, it’s time to cash in for some business-class luxury!
5. Quebec City, Canada: A Cozy French Christmas
If you want a traditional Christmas with a European twist (without flying all the way to Europe), Quebec City is your best bet. The old town looks like a postcard, with cobblestone streets, snow-covered buildings, and French-speaking locals adding a bit of international flair.
Where to Stay
Check out Fairmont Le Château Frontenac — this iconic castle hotel offers cozy rooms and incredible views of the snowy city. Skyscanner and Agoda can help you find great deals, especially if you book in advance.
What to Eat
Poutine, anyone? Quebec is famous for its comfort food, and there’s no better time to indulge than Christmas. Visit Aux Anciens Canadiens for a traditional French-Canadian meal featuring tourtière (meat pie) and maple sugar pie.
What to See
Wander through Old Quebec to see the Christmas lights and visit Marché de Noël, where you can pick up handmade gifts and try festive treats like beaver tails. For the ultimate winter activity, book a family dog-sledding tour through Viator — the kids will love it!
Flight Deals
Quebec is just a hop, skip, and a jump from most U.S. cities, so finding affordable flights on Skyscanner is easy. Don’t forget to pay with your American Express Gold to collect those valuable points for your next trip.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Five incredible places to spend Christmas with the family, each offering a unique and unforgettable holiday experience. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or lounging on a Hawaiian beach, these destinations are perfect alternatives to traditional Christmas gatherings.
Until next time here’s to smooth skies, good company, a journey full of happy memories. I’m your Travel Hack Guide to affordable luxury tips. Catch you later. Peace
Travel Hack Guy
