There's something magical about travelling with family during the Christmas and winter holiday season. Whether you dream of snow-covered Alpine villages, twinkling Christmas markets, meeting Santa in Lapland, or escaping the cold entirely for winter sun on a tropical beach — the winter holidays offer incredible family travel opportunities.
Planning a family trip at Christmas requires a bit more advance preparation (popular destinations book up fast), but the payoff is extraordinary. Here are the best family destinations for Christmas and winter holidays — from magical snowy wonderlands to warm winter escapes.
1🇫🇮 Lapland, Finland
Lapland is the ultimate Christmas destination for families. Meeting Santa in his official home, husky sledding through snowy forests, reindeer sleigh rides, and chasing the Northern Lights — it's pure Christmas magic that children (and adults) never forget. Rovaniemi is the gateway, but Levi and Saariselkä offer more intimate experiences.
- ✓ Meet Santa Claus in his official Arctic home
- ✓ Husky and reindeer sleigh rides through the snow
- ✓ Northern Lights viewing (December–March)
2🇦🇹 Vienna, Austria
Vienna at Christmas is pure fairy-tale magic. The city's Christmas markets are among the best in the world — especially the ones at Schönbrunn Palace and Rathausplatz, where the Town Hall transforms into an Advent calendar. Kids love the outdoor ice rinks, horse-drawn carriage rides, and hot chocolate with whipped cream.
- ✓ World-class Christmas markets with festive atmosphere
- ✓ Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market is enchanting
- ✓ Ice skating, horse-drawn carriages, and hot chocolate
3🇨🇭 Swiss Alps (Grindelwald & Zermatt)
A Swiss Alps winter holiday is picture-perfect family travel. Grindelwald offers gentle ski slopes and stunning Jungfrau views, while Zermatt has the iconic Matterhorn backdrop. Beginners and families thrive in the Swiss ski school system, and après-ski fondue by a roaring fire is the perfect end to every day.
- ✓ World-class ski schools for children of all ages
- ✓ Stunning scenery — the Matterhorn and Jungfrau
- ✓ Cosy fondue and raclette après-ski dining
4🇪🇸 Canary Islands, Spain
If your family wants to escape the cold, the Canary Islands offer reliable winter sunshine just 4 hours from most of Europe. Temperatures hover around 20-24°C in December, perfect for beach days and outdoor exploration. Tenerife and Gran Canaria have the most family-friendly infrastructure, with water parks, theme parks, and beautiful beaches.
- ✓ 20-24°C sunshine while Europe shivers
- ✓ Just 4 hours from most European cities
- ✓ Beach days at Christmas — a real treat for kids
5🇨🇿 Prague, Czech Republic
Prague's Christmas markets are legendary — and significantly more affordable than Vienna or Munich. Old Town Square transforms into a winter wonderland with a giant Christmas tree, market stalls selling trdelník (warm cinnamon pastry), and live nativity scenes. The city's fairy-tale architecture looks even more magical dusted with snow.
- ✓ Stunning Christmas markets at budget-friendly prices
- ✓ Trdelník pastries are warm, sweet, and irresistible
- ✓ Fairy-tale Gothic architecture looks magical in snow
6🇦🇹 Austrian Tyrol (Innsbruck & Seefeld)
The Austrian Tyrol is winter family travel perfection. Innsbruck combines a charming city with world-class skiing just 20 minutes from the centre. Seefeld is a gentle, family-oriented resort ideal for beginners and cross-country skiing. The Christmas markets here are intimate and atmospheric, set against a dramatic Alpine backdrop.
- ✓ City + skiing combo in Innsbruck
- ✓ Seefeld is perfect for beginner family skiing
- ✓ Atmospheric Alpine Christmas markets
7🇲🇦 Marrakech, Morocco
For a completely different winter holiday, Marrakech offers warmth, colour, and sensory adventure. December temperatures around 18-20°C are perfect for exploring the bustling souks, riding camels at the edge of the Sahara, visiting the Majorelle Garden, and staying in a traditional riad. It's a cultural adventure kids find absolutely fascinating.
- ✓ Warm winter temperatures (18-20°C)
- ✓ Sensory overload in the best possible way
- ✓ Incredibly affordable once you arrive
8🇫🇷 Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg bills itself as the 'Capital of Christmas' — and it earns the title. The city has hosted Christmas markets since 1570, making them the oldest in France. The half-timbered houses of Petite France draped in lights are impossibly charming, and kids love the giant Christmas tree, gingerbread stalls, and ice rink.
- ✓ The 'Capital of Christmas' since 1570
- ✓ Petite France district is a Christmas fairy tale
- ✓ Gingerbread, mulled wine, and festive magic everywhere
🌍 Want personalized recommendations for your family?
Take our free 2-minute quiz →Winter family holidays create a special kind of magic — whether it's the wide-eyed wonder of a child meeting Santa in Lapland, the cosy warmth of hot chocolate at a Christmas market, or the joy of building sandcastles in December sunshine. The key is deciding what kind of winter experience your family craves: snowy adventure, festive culture, or warm escape.
Winter booking tip: Christmas and winter half-term destinations book up very early — especially Lapland, ski resorts, and popular Christmas market cities. Book accommodation 4-6 months in advance for the best choice and prices. For winter sun, the Canary Islands and Morocco offer great last-minute deals.
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