Christmas Destinations

Why not travel to Los Angeles and spend Christmas with Mickey Mouse and friends? Disneyland goes all out to celebrate the festive season with a Christmas parade, stunning light displays and an appearance by Santa Claus himself.

Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida also celebrates Christmas with style, as do many of the other Orlando theme parks. Universal Orlando Resort holds a Harry Potter-themed festive celebration every December which is ideal for families with older children. Even Epcot gets in on the act with Christmas-themed events and activities from around the world.

Travel to New York for a more traditional Christmas vacation. Take a carriage ride in Central Park, go ice skating on the rink in front of Rockefeller Center and take the kids shopping in some of the city's amazing toy stores, including The Lego Store on 5th Avenue and the toys and games department within Macy's.

Las Vegas is a party town all year round, so it is an obvious choice for a celebratory Christmas vacation. Many hotels and casinos put on Christmas-themed entertainments and lighting shows, while even the famous Belagio Fountains take on a more festive feel, setting the popular light and music show to favorite Christmas songs.

New Orleans is not just for Mardi Gras; The Big Easy also makes for a great Christmas vacation. Enjoy the many Creole traditions which are still observed in the city at Christmas, including the annual Levee Bonfires and celebratory Reveillon Dinners, or you can pick up some unique gifts in the boutiques of the French Quarter.

Head for New England and historic Boston if you want an excuse to cuddle up to your loved one. There is a good chance your festive break will be a snowy one, but you can always head to the bar which inspired Cheers for a warming glass of eggnog. The ice rink on Boston Common is popular with locals and visitors alike, and there are even ski resorts within an hour's drive of the city if winter sports are your passion.

Located in southern California, San Diego boasts December temperatures as high as 20°C. Perfect weather for celebrating Christmas on the beach! The city embraces all things festive, with Christmas lights, themed events at major attractions such as San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld and even outdoor ice rinks.

Key West in Florida can boast even warmer temperatures at Christmas. Each December, locals decorate their boats for the annual Lighted Boat Parade, a competitive event which is great fun to watch from land or sea, or you can just relax on the beach and forget about the snow and ice back home!

For a hot and sunny Christmas vacation with a difference, head to the desert resort of Palm Springs in California. The city decorates its palm trees with Christmas lights, and you can enjoy a fantastic view of the town and surrounding area by taking a trip on the breathtaking aerial tramway to San Jacinto Peak.