We can’t think of a better way to experience the holidays than a quick trip, keep reading for our top 5 Christmas Getaway choices. Not only are the Lucky Bugs travel fanatics, but we also love the holidays and Christmas time, so it only makes sense that we would try to combine these two loves as much as we possibly can. This has lead us to some pretty awesome festivities over the years. Note: this post will focus on North American destinations, however if you’re looking for some European holiday magic, check out my Christmas Markets post here.
The Lucky Bug’s definition of a getaway is a short trip (2/3 nights or less) and either drivable from home or under 2-3 hours flight time. Because the holiday season is such a busy time, this is the perfect time for a getaway and we probably shouldn’t tell you all of our secrets… but there is a small window of time between American Thanksgiving and Christmas where we are usually able to grab some great travel deals. So not only are there deals to be had, but we can’t think of a more magical time to travel than right before the holidays.
5. Las Vegas – When thinking of Las Vegas, you don’t often picture “Christmas,” but if you’re a regular reader of our blog, you will already know that the Lucky Bugs are big fans of Las Vegas. Christmas time is a great time for a visit, normally the month of December (leading up to Christmas, but before New Year’s Eve) is a little on the quiet side so there are great hotel deals to be found. The temperatures are a bit cool but the hotels are decked out from top to bottom. The holidays can be enjoyed by checking out a show, and just walking around and enjoying the decorations. Must sees: the Christmas display in the Conservatory at the Bellagio, and ice skating at The Venetian and Cosmopolitan hotels.
4. Disney World – you’re probably thinking…what? isn’t Christmas time the busiest time to travel to Walt Disney World? Yes, and no are the answers to this question. The closer you get to Christmas the more crowded, in fact we highly recommend avoiding the week before Christmas and the week after if you can, there are days that the Magic Kingdom actually closes early during this time period due to crowds being at capacity. Our idea of fun does not involve waiting in 3+ hour lines. But how can you get the holiday Disney magic? In our experiences, the two – three weeks after American Thanksgiving are a little less busy and are oozing with that Disney “magic.”
If you’re a fan of the holidays, you will love experiencing Walt Disney in full blown Christmas mode. The Christmas decorations are over the top everywhere you look – in the parks and in the resorts. Highlights of Walt Disney World at Christmas: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – a separate ticket is needed to attend this event but in our opinion the price of admission is worth it to see it snowing on Main St., while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies and the extra special Christmas parade. “Resort hopping” is free and also a lot of fun as well – and be sure to check out The Grand Floridian’s life size gingerbread house!
3. Nashville – though downtown Nashville has it’s share of Christmas cheer and festive decorations, approximately a 15-20 minute drive away is where you will find the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and this is where you will find a Christmas wonderland. Enjoy more than 3,000,000 lights, as well as a long list of holiday activities, so much to do – both indoor and out! Tips: We highly recommend the Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt and the 12 Days of Country Christmas boat ride.
The outdoor area of the hotel, complete with a beautiful nativity scene is a great place for a horse and carriage ride. There is also a huge outdoor family fun area complete with tubing, skating and ice sculptures. 
2. Quebec City – Quebec City has everything you picture when you think Christmas – a quaint downtown area with unique shops and restaurants, gorgeous historical buildings with twinkling lights, Christmas markets and most importantly – snow (not always, but quite often). You will truly feel as though you are in another world and yes, the experience of Quebec City at Christmas time is just as magical as the picture below.
- New York – There really is no place like New York at Christmas. There are many reasons that so many of our favourite holiday movies (Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street and many more) have New York as a backdrop. There are Christmas Markets set up all over the city, the store windows on 5th Avenue that come to life, the huge, decorated tree at Rockefeller Centre, ice skating at Central Park, the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall and the list goes on and on. This is definitely some place you have to see during the holiday season. But beware, you will want to plan ahead – hotel room prices can get crazy high because people come from all over the world to experience it.
Whether you prefer to spend your holidays at home, or you’re looking for a Christmas getaway to enjoy the season – the Lucky Bugs wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!
