For couples
Romantic Christmas Getaway
Think historic inns, candlelit dinners, carriage rides, and quiet streets glowing with white lights — the kind of place where you actually slow down and breathe.
Explore romantic towns →
Home › Ideas & Inspiration
🎄 Christmas trip ideas, all in one place
Ideas & Inspiration for Your Christmas Getaway
Not sure where to go yet? Use these trip ideas, themes, and sample itineraries to help you plan a Christmas that feels magical — whether you love twinkling lights, snow globes, ghost stories, or hot cocoa on a small-town main street.
Browse the ideas below, then tap “Browse by State” or jump straight into a state page to start picking specific tours and events.
✨ Trip Themes
Pick a vibe, then match it with a state or city.
For families
Storybook Family Christmas Weekend
Santa trains, gingerbread villages, kids’ light shows, and hot chocolate after a Christmas parade — a trip built around little-kid wonder (and big-kid nostalgia).
Find family-friendly states →Girls’ trip
Girls’ Christmas Shopping & Lights Trip
Mix outlet shopping, cute downtown boutiques, festive bars, drag shows or pub crawls, and one big, over-the-top Christmas light experience.
Plan a girls’ weekend →Spooky & fun
Ghosts of Christmas Past Adventure
Combine haunted Christmas walking tours, Victorian downtowns, cemeteries by lantern light, and old-world Scrooge vibes — perfect for people who like their Christmas with a twist.
Browse spooky Christmas cities →🎄 Big Lights & Famous Christmas Towns
Use these as anchors, then build your trip around them.
Bucket list
Over-the-Top Christmas Light Displays
Drive-through tunnels, zoo lights, botanical garden shows, and waterfront displays that feel like stepping into a Christmas movie set.
Find light festivals by state →Hallmark vibes
Small-Town “Hallmark Movie” Christmas
Think main streets with garlands, hot chocolate walks, carriage rides, holiday markets, and local parades where the whole town turns up.
Explore small-town Christmas →Mountains & snow
Snowy Mountain Christmas Escape
Ski towns, mountaintop villages, alpine-style streets, and cozy cabins — ideal if your perfect Christmas includes snow, fireplaces, and views.
Browse snowy mountain states →Warm-weather
Flip-Flops & Christmas Lights
Palm trees wrapped in lights, beach boardwalk displays, boat parades, and rooftop bars — Christmas where you don’t have to wear a coat.
Find warm Christmas destinations →🎁 Quick Idea Starters
Pick one, then search that theme in a state you love.
Santa train + downtown lights in the same night
Christmas market + historic ghost tour
Afternoon shopping + evening harbor lights cruise
Daytime mountain views + nighttime village lights
Brunch with Santa + kid-friendly light walk
Spa day + romantic carriage ride
Christmas pub crawl + drag show holiday special
Holiday tea at a historic hotel
Ice skating + city Christmas parade
Christmas at the zoo + cocoa and s’mores fire pits
🕯 How to Use This Site
Simple steps to turn an idea into a real trip.
Step 1
Choose Your Home Base
Decide which state (or two) you’re willing to travel to. Start with where you’ll be spending the holidays with family, or pick a destination state from your bucket list.
Browse all 50 states →Step 2
Pick 1–3 “Must-Do” Experiences
Once you’re on a state page, look for your non-negotiables: a light festival, a special tour, a Santa train, or a dreamy downtown. Build your trip around those anchors.
Step 3
Fill in the Cozy Gaps
Add in hot chocolate stops, brunch spots, local shops, and one night where you don’t schedule anything — just wander under the lights and enjoy.