Christmas Vacation Ideas

twenty ideas for getaways in the U.S., from a New England Inn (where families can decorate a small tree in their room) to a dude ranch in Colorado, to an island in Florida, with plenty of Christmas vacation spirit at all.

Whether spending Christmas vacation at home or away, families will find plenty of festivities.

As you'd expect, this city knows how to celebrate the holiday season. New York City is a great place for a family Christmas vacation.

The theme parks and resorts light up at Disney World and major celebrations get underway in November: Magic Kingdom festivities include a Very Merry Christmas Party on multiple nights; Epcot has Holidays Around The World, and a Candlelight Processional that retells the Christmas story; Disney's Hollywood Studios has the Osborne Family...

It's the world's top family destination year-round, and Orlando at Christmas means even more fun. The added dazzle of holiday lights plus special Christmas events make all of the theme parks merrier.

Any family Christmas vacation probably includes seeing Santa somewhere, and some places are more special than others. How about The North Pole (NY), or Orlando, or Chocolate Town USA, Bethlehem CT, or Santa Claus Indiana? Check out some fine places to see the jolly guy in red.

What better time to experience the Old World traditions that charm North Americans so much? A Christmas vacation in Europe will be a time of special celebrations, decorations, and seasonal warmth. Read about German Christmas markets, London at Christmas, Italy, and France... (and enjoy low-season airfares, too.)

The Polar Express is a classic children's book (and movie) about a child's train ride to see Santa at the North Pole. At many tourist railroads in the US, families can ride a real-life train that re-creates the storybook experience.

Many scenic railroads run Christmas trains. "The Polar Express" train rides -- which recreate the classic children's story -- are the best known, but many other tourist railway companies run Christmas trains such as a "Santa Special" or "North Pole Express."

Take along some classic books on your Christmas vacation, to pass the time on plane trips or car rides, or to perhaps help imagine a snowy traditional Christmas while the family's in a tropical clime. The Grinch, Charlie Brown, and more seasonal favorites are also available on DVDs.

Kwanzaa -- a name that comes from a Swahili phrase for "first fruits of the harvest"-- is an African-American celebration of culture and family that takes place from December 26th to January 1st. Many cities have public Kwanzaa events that welcome families.

A half dozen more ideas for the holiday season, at family-friendly resorts and / or destinations with special events.

Australian families flock here - find out why! Combine beach and surfing and theme parks with a side trip to the Great Barrier Reef or inland to the rainforest. Meanwhile nearby Brisbane offers city fun, whale-watching, and a chance to get up close and personal with koalas and kangaroos. For those inclined to splurge, the Gold Coast also offers...

Wherever you are on your family vacation, track Santa's flight online at the NORAD website.