Family-Friendly December Destinations: Top 8 Picks

Looking for the perfect family getaway this December? Here's a quick rundown of 8 top spots:

1. Orlando, Florida: Theme park magic
2. San Diego, California: Beaches and wildlife
3. U.S. Virgin Islands: Tropical paradise
4. Leavenworth, Washington: Snowy wonderland
5. Vail, Colorado: Winter sports heaven
6. North Pole, Alaska: Christmas central
7. Williamsburg, Virginia: Historical charm
8. Nashville, Tennessee: Music and lights

Each destination offers unique experiences for families:

Destination	Main Draw	Key Activity
Orlando	Theme Parks	Disney World
San Diego	Beaches	Zoo visits
U.S. Virgin Islands	Beaches	Snorkeling
Leavenworth	Bavarian Village	Light shows
Vail	Skiing	Family lessons
North Pole	Santa's Workshop	Meet Santa
Williamsburg	Living History	Historical reenactments
Nashville	Music Scene	Family concerts

Remember: Book early, pack smart, and be flexible. Whether you're building sandcastles or snowmen, you're in for quality family time this December.

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Orlando, Florida

Orlando's a hit for families in December. Why? Mild weather and holiday cheer.

Here's the scoop:

Weather: Comfy temps for outdoor fun.

Average Temps	High	Low
Early Dec	75°F	58°F
Late Dec	71°F	53°F

Theme Parks Go Festive:

Disney World's Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (Nov 9 - Dec 22, 2023). What's in store?

• Minnie's Christmastime Fireworks
• Mickey's Christmastime Parade
• Club Tinsel Dance Party

Heads up: Grab tickets ASAP. They're hot sellers.

Universal Orlando's "Grinchmas" brings movie magic to life with floats, parades, and shows.

Beyond the Parks:

1. Oh, What Fun in Lake Nona (Dec 7-23)

   • Free entry, ice skating ($15/30 min)
   • Holiday flicks

2. Now Snowing in Celebration (Nov 25 - Dec 31)

   • Free entry, nightly "snow"
   • Christmas tunes

3. Winter Park Old Fashioned Christmas Cruise

   • $32 per person
   • Nighttime light show on the lake

Pro Tip: Early December's your best bet. Less crowds, better deals before school's out.

2. San Diego, California

San Diego's a family favorite in December. Here's why:

Weather: Mild temps mean outdoor fun.

Average Temps	High	Low
December	65°F	48°F

Family Fun:

1. San Diego Zoo's Jungle Bells (Dec 9, 2023 - Jan 1, 2024)

Holiday decorations, special music, and food. Kids who love animals will have a blast.

2. SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration (through Jan 7, 2024)

A 30-foot Christmas tree, holiday shows with music and fireworks, and fake snow for that winter feel.

3. LEGOLAND Holiday Celebration (through Jan 7, 2024)

A giant LEGO Christmas tree, LEGO Santa and Snowman meet-and-greets, and the Jingle Jamboree show.

Beach Time:

Yep, even in December. La Jolla Shores Hotel offers surf lessons for kids 5 and up.

Festive Events:

• Balboa Park December Nights (Dec 1-2, 2023): Free museum entry from 5-9 PM
• San Diego Bay Parade of Lights (Dec 10 & 17, 2023): 80+ decorated boats

Cool Experience: Ice skate by the beach at Hotel del Coronado (Nov 17 - Jan 7).

Heads Up: Book hotels early. It gets busy and pricey in December.

Nature Watch: Mid-December kicks off gray whale watching season. Over 20,000 whales swim by the coast.

San Diego's mix of holiday cheer and warm-weather fun makes it a hit for families in December.

3. U.S. Virgin Islands

Want a Caribbean getaway without the passport hassle? The U.S. Virgin Islands are your answer. Here's the scoop:

No passport? No problem. As a U.S. territory, you're good to go with just a state ID.

You've got three islands to choose from:

1. St. Thomas: The busy one. Think Coral World Ocean Park and shopping sprees.
2. St. John: Nature central. Home to Virgin Islands National Park.
3. St. Croix: Culture hub. Rum distilleries and art festivals galore.

Beach bums, rejoice:

• Magens Bay (St. Thomas): Caribbean's finest
• Trunk Bay (St. John): White sand paradise
• Sandy Point (St. Croix): Where sea turtles nest

Family fun? You bet:

• Coral World Ocean Park: Get up close with marine life
• Virgin Islands Children's Museum: Hands-on learning
• Tree Limin' Extreme: Zip through St. Thomas
• Waterfall hike near Skytsborg Tower (St. Thomas)

Where to crash? Options for every wallet:

Resort	Nightly Rate (family of 4)
Emerald Beach Resort	$209
Secret Harbour Beach Resort	$408
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas	$744

Pro tips:

• Book early for December
• Rent a jeep for easy exploring
• Try island hopping for variety

Bottom line: The U.S. Virgin Islands serve up tropical bliss with a side of family fun. Perfect for your December escape.

4. Leavenworth, Washington

Imagine a Bavarian village in the Cascade Mountains, covered in snow and lit up with 500,000 lights. That's Leavenworth in December.

This town becomes a winter wonderland that families love. Here's what you'll find:

Lights Everywhere

The Village of Lights runs from Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day. Lights are on from 6 AM to 11 PM daily. It's free to see and enjoy.

Fun for Everyone

• Snow tubing at Leavenworth Ski Hill (get there early!)
• Sleigh rides through snowy fields (book ahead)
• Snowmobile tours for thrill-seekers
• Snowshoeing for a quiet winter walk

Downtown Must-Sees

• Kris Kringl Christmas store: Two floors of holiday stuff
• Nutcracker Museum: 9,000+ nutcrackers from 50 countries
• Front Street Park: Great for sledding (bring your sled)

Holiday Happenings

The Christmas Lighting Festival runs weekends from Thanksgiving to mid-December. They light up the town Saturdays and Sundays at 4:30 PM. You'll hear choirs, bands, and carolers at the Gazebo (Fri 4-8 PM, Sat-Sun 11 AM-7 PM). Kids can meet Santa at the Gazebo and Festhalle.

What to Do	How Much	Good to Know
Nutcracker Museum	Adults: $5 Seniors: $3.50 Kids: $2	Open 11 AM - 5 PM every day
Reindeer Farm Tour	From $25	Book early
Sleigh Rides	Prices vary	50 minutes, hot apple cider included

Weather Heads-Up

December is SNOWY. Average snowfall: 17.4 inches. Pack warm clothes and good boots.

Where to Stay

Try the Leavenworth / Pine Village KOA Holiday campground. Kids love the playgrounds and bounce house.

Leavenworth in December is a snowy playground. From tubing to twinkling lights, it's a holiday trip your family won't forget.

5. Vail, Colorado

Vail transforms into a snowy paradise in December. Here's why it's perfect for families:

Snow Adventures

Vail boasts 5,300 acres of ski terrain for all levels. But skiing's just the start:

• Snowcat rides for thrill-seekers
• Dog sledding through forests
• Starlit sleigh rides
• Snowmobile tours
• Guided snowshoe hikes

Family Fun

Epic Discovery offers the Little Eagle Zipline for kids 3+, plus a Mountain Coaster and mini-golf.

At Adventure Ridge, you'll find a playground and more coaster rides.

Imagination Station in Lionshead has play spaces and virtual reality rooms.

Holiday Spirit

Vail goes all-out:

• 500,000 lights at Magic of Lights Vail
• Tree lighting ceremonies
• Kris Kringle market
• New Year's Eve Torchlight Parade and fireworks

Cool Events

• Vail Snow Days (Dec 2-5)
• Powabunga Music Festival (Dec 9-12)
• "The Nutcracker" at Vilar Performing Arts Center (Dec 10-12)

Join Vail Astronomy Nights on Dec 23 and 30 to stargaze with experts.

Tasty Treats

Try the "Haute Chocolate" at Four Seasons Resort or enjoy family fondue at Swiss Chalet.

Pro Tips

1. Book activities early
2. Buy lift tickets in advance
3. Pack warm clothes and good boots

Vail in December isn't just skiing - it's a winter wonderland for unforgettable family memories.

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6. North Pole, Alaska

North Pole, Alaska is Christmas on steroids. This town doesn't just celebrate the holidays - it lives and breathes them 365 days a year. But December? That's when things get REALLY wild.

Here's why families can't resist this festive hotspot:

Santa Central

The Santa Claus House is where the magic happens. Since 1952, it's been THE place to:

• Meet the big guy himself
• Hang out with his reindeer
• Snap a pic with a giant Santa statue (we're talking 40 feet tall!)

Paul Brown from Santa Claus House spills the beans:

"Airmen from nearby bases would ask 'Santa' to sign postcards for their families. Instant North Pole street cred."

Shop 'Til You Drop

Santa's pad isn't just for selfies. It's a 9,000 square foot Christmas shopping extravaganza:

• Alaska ornaments? Check.
• Local gifts? You bet.
• Holiday stuff you never knew you needed? Absolutely.

Fun fact: This place ships more Christmas goodies than any other business in Alaska.

Town-Wide Christmas Fever

North Pole doesn't do anything halfway:

• Candy cane street lights? Of course.
• Christmas murals everywhere? Duh.
• Santa Claus Lane light show? You know it.

Beyond the Tinsel

When you need a break from all that ho-ho-ho:

• "Christmas in Ice": Massive ice sculptures (December only)
• Chena Lake: Winter sports galore
• Letters from Santa: Kids get personalized notes from the North Pole

Quick Tips

1. Check Santa's schedule online (he's busy, you know)
2. Make it a day trip from Fairbanks (it's close)
3. Bring a camera (or risk major FOMO)

Bottom line: North Pole, Alaska in December is like mainlining Christmas spirit. Even the Grinch wouldn't stand a chance.

7. Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg transforms into a winter wonderland in December. It's the perfect spot for families who want a mix of history and holiday fun.

Colonial Christmas

Colonial Williamsburg goes all out from December 16-31. Their "Christmastide" event brings old-school holiday traditions to life:

• Make your own ornaments
• Watch how people cooked back in the day
• Join in some caroling

Busch Gardens Christmas Town

From November 10 to January 7, Busch Gardens becomes a holiday playground:

• They've got over 10 million lights (that's A LOT)
• New shows like "Wisemen" and old favorites
• 25+ rides, including a brand new one called DarKoaster™

You can even have dinner with Santa. He'll tell you a story while you eat!

Markets and More

There are two big Christmas markets:

• Williamsburg Christmas Market (Dec 21-23): It's free to get in, and they've got 40 little shops, music, and train rides.
• Christmas Market on Main (Dec 2-3): This one's bigger, with over 100 artists selling stuff.

Outdoor Fun

• Want to go ice skating? Check out the Liberty Ice Pavilion.
• Feel like a hike? York River State Park has tons of trails.

Lights, Lights, Lights

• On December 2, boats covered in Christmas lights parade down the river.
• You can also drive around and see over 100 houses all lit up.

Museums

• The DeWitt Wallace Museum has cool old stuff and live music.
• The Virginia Living Museum has animals and holiday science shows from Dec 27-29.

Quick Tips:

1. Book early to save money
2. Get a Good Neighbor Pass for free museum entry
3. Don't miss the fireworks on Dec 2, 9, and 16

Williamsburg in December is where history and holidays come together. It's perfect for making family memories that'll last a lifetime.

8. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville transforms into a winter wonderland in December. Here's what families can enjoy:

Zoolumination at Nashville Zoo From November 17, 2023 to January 7, 2024, the zoo sparkles with over 1,000 silk lanterns. Kids can visit Santa at the North Pole Village from November 24th to December 24th. Tickets: $19-$26.

Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024. Imagine over a million lights across 55 acres. It's a magical family stroll.

Christmas at Gaylord Opryland November 10, 2023 to January 1, 2024. Opryland becomes a holiday playground with:

• 3 million+ lights
• Ice skating
• Ice tubing
• Gingerbread decorating

Dancing Lights of Christmas A drive-thru light show from November 10 to December 31, 2023. $30 per car.

Indoor Fun When it's chilly outside:

• The Monkey's Treehouse: Indoor playground ($15/child)
• Sky Zone: Trampoline park ($24-$34/person, $10 Tuesdays)
• We Rock the Spectrum Franklin: Sensory gym ($16/child)

Holiday Shows

• Nashville's Nutcracker (December 8-24)
• The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas In Tennessee Dinner Show at Opryland

Nashville in December? It's a holiday hit. Lights, indoor play, and festive shows make it perfect for families seeking seasonal magic.

Tips for Family Travel in December

Planning a December family trip? Here's how to nail it:

Book early

December's crazy busy. Book 10-12 months ahead. You'll get:

• Better prices
• More room choices
• Your preferred dates

Pack for winter

Cold weather? Pack smart:

Family Member	Must-Haves
Kids	2 base layers, 2-3 tops/pants, 2 sweaters, 2-3 wool socks, 1 warm coat, 1-2 gloves
Adults	Same as kids, plus extra layers

Pro tip: Wear bulky stuff while traveling. Saves space.

Expect delays

Winter can mess up schedules. So:

• Book early flights
• Add time between connections
• Pack snacks and fun stuff

Bring the holiday vibe

• Pack mini decorations
• Bring Santa's special items
• Plan festive activities at your destination

Stay flexible

Plans might change. No biggie. Consider:

• Travel insurance
• Refundable rates
• Backup plans

Remember: It's about family time and new experiences. Keep it positive, and you'll make awesome memories.

Wrap-up

December family travel is about making memories. Here's a quick rundown of our top 8 picks:

1. Orlando, Florida: Theme park paradise
2. San Diego, California: Beach and wildlife fun
3. U.S. Virgin Islands: Tropical getaway
4. Leavenworth, Washington: Snowy wonderland
5. Vail, Colorado: Ski central
6. North Pole, Alaska: Christmas magic
7. Williamsburg, Virginia: Living history
8. Nashville, Tennessee: Music city vibes

Each spot has its own flavor. But here's the thing: it's not just about where you go. It's about the time you spend together.

Check out what makes each place special:

Destination	Main Draw	Family Activity
Orlando	Theme Parks	Disney World adventure
San Diego	Beaches	Zoo exploration
U.S. Virgin Islands	Beaches	Snorkeling fun
Leavenworth	Bavarian Village	Christmas light show
Vail	Skiing	Family ski lessons
North Pole	Santa's Workshop	Year-round Santa meet
Williamsburg	Living History	Chat with historical actors
Nashville	Music Scene	Family-friendly concert

Pro tip: Plan ahead. Book early, pack smart, and be ready to roll with the punches.

So, sandcastles or snowmen? Either way, you're in for some quality family time. Pick your spot, pack up, and get ready for a December to remember.

FAQs

Where is the best place to go in December outside the US?

Want a family-friendly December trip abroad? Here are some top spots:

1. Rome, Italy

Cold but magical. 4°C to 13°C. Explore ancient ruins without summer crowds.

2. Scottish Highlands, UK

Chilly but stunning. 2°C to 7°C. Cozy fires, snowy mountains, maybe even Northern Lights.

3. Maldives

Sun-seeker's dream. 25°C to 30°C. Dry season - perfect for snorkeling and beach time.

Destination	Temp (°C)	Main Draw
Rome	4-13	Ancient sites
Scotland	2-7	Winter beauty
Maldives	25-30	Beaches

Pro tip: December's busy. Book early. Pack smart - layers for Rome and Scotland, sunscreen for Maldives.