The holiday season is a magical time for families, especially when shared with young children who experience the joy of Christmas with wide-eyed wonder. From twinkling lights and festive markets to visits with Santa and thrilling winter activities, there are countless destinations around the world that offer the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable holiday memories. Get ready to explore the best places around the world to celebrate a magical Christmas with your little ones.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens, by MattJP on Flickr
Copenhagen shines during the holiday season, with a cozy atmosphere and plenty of activities for families. One of the highlights is Tivoli Gardens, where the entire park transforms into a winter wonderland with beautifully lit Christmas trees, festive decorations, and seasonal markets. Kids can meet Santa Claus and his elves in his cozy grotto, enjoy fun rides, and watch Christmas-themed performances. The park also offers ice skating opportunities, making it a perfect spot for family fun.
The city also hosts various holiday events such as concerts and theatre performances as well as Christmas markets where children can enjoy sweet treats and hot chocolate. Families can also visit the Royal Copenhagen Christmas Table Exhibition, where elaborate holiday-themed table settings are displayed. Additionally, Copenhagen's famous Kronborg Castle hosts holiday events, offering historical Christmas experiences for kids.
Chicago, USA
Santa Rampage in Chicago, by realpatrickryan on Flickr
Chicago is a magical Christmas destination for families with young kids, offering a variety of festive activities to enjoy together. One of the highlights is visiting the iconic Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, where families can explore holiday stalls, enjoy traditional German treats, and meet Santa Claus for memorable photo opportunities. The city also boasts several outdoor ice skating rinks, such as the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park, where children can glide across the ice while taking in the twinkling city lights.
In addition to these festive markets and activities, Chicago hosts a range of holiday-themed events perfect for young kids. The Lincoln Park Zoo features a spectacular “ZooLights” display, where families can stroll through the zoo adorned with colorful light installations and enjoy activities like carousel rides and visits with Santa. The Museum of Science and Industry often holds holiday events, including interactive exhibits and themed activities that engage kids in a fun and educational way.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi, Wikimedia
Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus in Finland's Lapland, is one of the most magical Christmas destinations for families with young kids. Nestled on the edge of the Arctic Circle, this winter wonderland offers endless opportunities for festive fun. Families can visit Santa Claus Village, where children can meet Santa himself, send postcards from the Santa Claus Post Office, and explore Santa’s workshops. The village also hosts Christmas markets, filled with seasonal treats and handmade crafts, creating a magical atmosphere that feels straight out of a fairy tale.
In addition to meeting Santa, Rovaniemi offers activities like reindeer sleigh rides, husky safaris, and ice skating. The town organizes holiday-themed events such as light shows and snow-filled playgrounds perfect for kids. Families can also explore the Arctic wilderness on snowmobile rides, build snowmen, and enjoy festive feasts. The northern lights dancing in the winter sky add an extra layer of enchantment, making Rovaniemi an unforgettable Christmas destination for families with young kids.
Aspen, Colorado, USA
Aspen Highlands, by Chris Ford on Flickr
Christmas in Aspen, Colorado, is a picture-perfect holiday destination for families with young kids, filled with festive cheer and snowy fun. The town is beautifully decorated with holiday lights, and kids can look forward to magical visits with Santa, holiday storytelling, and Christmas-themed crafts. Aspen offers a range of outdoor winter activities perfect for families, including gentle slopes for young skiers and plenty of snow play opportunities like sledding and building snowmen. With special holiday events, ice skating, and family-friendly entertainment, Aspen creates an unforgettable winter wonderland experience for children and parents alike.
New York City, USA
Origami Holiday Tree at Natural History Museum, by Wolly Gobetz on Flickr
New York City is a magical Christmas destination for families with young kids, offering a wealth of festive activities and holiday cheer. Families can visit Santa at iconic spots like Macy’s Santaland, where kids can meet Santa Claus and enjoy the festive displays. For ice skating, the city’s famous rinks, like the one at Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park, provide an enchanting winter experience under twinkling holiday lights. The holiday season also brings delightful kid-friendly events such as the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes and the dazzling light shows at Dyker Heights.
Strolling through the holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue and visiting the Christmas markets at Union Square or Columbus Circle offer plenty of opportunities for festive fun and treats for the whole family. Don't forget to check the city's museums which always offer special holiday activities for kids during Christmas. You can find festive programs like crafting workshops, holiday-themed exhibits, holiday storytelling, and Christmas train shows.
Sydney, Australia
Festival of Lights at Sydney Opera House, by Philip Bouchard on Flickr
Sydney offers a vibrant and festive atmosphere during the Christmas season, making it a fantastic destination for families. The weather in December is typically warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities. Kids can meet Santa at various shopping centers, including the iconic Queen Victoria Building, where they can also enjoy beautiful holiday decorations.
The city hosts several Christmas markets, where families can find handmade gifts, delicious treats, and holiday-themed activities. Ice skating rinks pop up in locations like Darling Harbour, providing a fun experience for kids and parents alike. Additionally, the famous Sydney Christmas Concert at the Town Hall features live performances, sing-alongs, and festive entertainment, ensuring a magical experience for families.
Nuremberg, Germany
Nuremberg Christmas Markets, by Roderick Eime on Flickr
Nuremberg is a wonderful Christmas destination for families with young kids, offering a blend of traditional festivities and enchanting holiday experiences. The city is famous for its Christkindlesmarkt, one of the oldest and most iconic Christmas markets in Europe. Here, children can meet Santa Claus at the special Children’s Christmas Market, where they can also enjoy rides, a miniature steam train, and fun activities like cookie decorating. The market offers kid-friendly treats like gingerbread and hot chocolate, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
Families can also enjoy ice skating at the Luitpoldhain Ice Rink, which is perfect for children to experience some winter fun. The city hosts holiday-themed performances and puppet shows tailored to younger audiences, providing more entertainment options. The beautifully lit streets and historic old town create a magical Christmas setting, making Nuremberg a delightful holiday destination for families with young children.
Montreal, Canada
Santa Claus Parade in Montreal, Wikimedia
Montreal is a fantastic Christmas destination for families, offering a variety of festive activities and magical holiday experiences. One of the highlights is visiting Santa at Complexe Desjardins, where children can meet him in a charming North Pole-themed setting. The city also boasts beautiful Christmas lights and decorations, especially in Old Montreal, which turns into a winter wonderland with family-friendly activities and holiday performances.
Ice skating is a must in Montreal, with popular spots like the Old Port Skating Rink, where kids can glide on the ice surrounded by festive lights. The city hosts a range of holiday-themed events such as "La Fête des Neiges" (Snow Festival), which includes winter games, snow slides, and ice sculptures, creating an exciting and interactive experience for the whole family. With its mix of outdoor fun, festive events, and cultural activities, Montreal is an ideal Christmas destination for families with young children.
Disney World, Orlando, USA
Magic Kingdom Main Street, by Joe Penniston on Flickr
Disney World offers an unforgettable Christmas experience that captures the joy and spirit of the season for families with young children. The park is adorned with enchanting decorations, twinkling lights, and iconic Christmas trees, setting the perfect backdrop for holiday celebrations. Families can enjoy a special visit with Santa Claus at various locations throughout the park, where kids can share their wish lists and capture memorable photos.
Throughout the holiday season, Disney World hosts a range of festive events, including the popular “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party,” which features holiday-themed parades, character meet-and-greets, and spectacular fireworks displays. Kids can also enjoy holiday-themed attractions, ice skating experiences at select venues, storytelling and special performances, and seasonal treats like gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa.
Singapore
Changi Airport, by Choo Yut Shing on Flickr
Singapore offers a tropical holiday experience filled with festive cheer and exciting activities. Kids can enjoy meeting Santa at various locations, including malls like Tanglin Mall and the famous Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay, where the entire family can experience magical light displays and holiday markets. Christmas Wonderland also features carnival games, a festive fairground, and even an opportunity for little ones to enjoy "snow" in the tropics. Themed performances, holiday parades, and festive entertainment, including Christmas-themed shows at Universal Studios Singapore, make this city a fun and engaging destination for a memorable family holiday.
While Singapore doesn't have natural ice, you can still enjoy ice skating at rinks like The Rink at JCube, where families can experience a bit of winter magic. Singapore's Changi Airport is a magical Christmas destination in itself. During the holiday season, the airport transforms into a festive wonderland with impressive decorations, holiday-themed displays, and fun-filled activities.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna Christmas Market, Wikimedia
Vienna is a fantastic Christmas destination for families with young kids, offering a magical blend of festive cheer, cultural events, and child-friendly activities. The enchanting Rathausplatz Christmas Market, provide opportunities for children to meet Santa Claus, enjoy holiday treats, and explore beautifully decorated stalls. The Rathauspark turns into a winter wonderland with carousels, miniature train rides, and fun activities like crafting and baking workshops designed especially for kids. The holiday atmosphere is made even more special with sparkling lights and festive decorations throughout the city.
Vienna also boasts excellent ice-skating options, with large rinks set up in scenic spots like the Wiener Eistraum in front of the City Hall. Families can glide across the ice while enjoying views of Vienna’s beautiful architecture. Additionally, the city offers a variety of holiday-themed events, including Christmas concerts and nativity displays, children's concerts and puppet shows.