Top Places to Go for a Family Christmas Vacation
Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Las Vegas are the most booked destinations for American families traveling this Christmas. Orlando leads the market with a 15.1% share, and at least 88% of families flying to these top hubs choose low-cost airlines.
Planning a family holiday feels overwhelming when you have many options across the country. This guide helps you narrow your choices and find a location that suits your family. We built these insights using our proprietary eDreams booking data. We analyzed exactly where families traveled during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 Christmas seasons between December 20 and January 6.
These real-world numbers reveal clear preferences for specific American hubs. You can use these trends to see where other travelers find festive activities and easy transport links. This guide covers the most sought-after spots in the United States, from snowy mountain escapes to warm coastal beaches. Review the top eight destinations below to see how long families typically stay on their winter break.
Family Christmas Travel Trends
Compare family travel trends across the 2024/25 and 2025/26 Christmas seasons to see where American travelers are heading.
| Destination | Share of market family bookings | YoY (2025/26 vs 2024/25) | Avg trip length (days) | Top departure cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando | 15.1% | -45.2% | 6.3 | Boston (10%), Philadelphia (8%) |
| Fort Lauderdale | 7.1% | -14.0% | 7.1 | Atlanta (11%), Indianapolis (9%) |
| Las Vegas | 6.7% | -38.7% | 5.5 | Dallas (10%), San Francisco (8%) |
| Atlanta | 4.9% | -51.0% | 6.6 | Houston, TX (14%), Philadelphia (12%) |
| New York City | 4.5% | -41.9% | 7.0 | Atlanta (19%), Orlando (12%) |
| Miami | 4.4% | -11.4% | 6.7 | New York City (17%), Houston, TX (12%) |
| Denver | 3.9% | -56.1% | 6.4 | Austin (10%), Washington (8%) |
| Dallas | 3.8% | -45.9% | 7.6 | Baltimore (19%), New York City (9%) |
Top 8 Family Christmas Holiday Spots
Explore the most booked cities for a festive family break and discover what makes them so popular.
Orlando
Best for: World-famous theme parks and warm winter days
Orlando dominates the charts for American families planning a Christmas getaway. The city captures a massive 15.1% share of all family bookings in our dataset. The world-famous theme parks go completely all out for the holidays with incredible parades, massive trees, and seasonal treats that children absolutely love.
Families traveling from cities like Boston and Philadelphia make up a huge chunk of the arrivals here. They trade the freezing northern temperatures for sunshine and an average trip length of 6.3 days. A staggering 98.6% of these travelers fly on low-cost carriers to keep their vacation budget in check.
Despite a drop in year-over-year bookings, Orlando remains the most booked destination for winter breaks. You can spend your days riding roller coasters and your evenings swimming in heated hotel pools. It provides the perfect mix of high-energy fun and relaxing downtime for parents and kids alike.
Fly to OrlandoFort Lauderdale
Best for: Sunny beaches and relaxed coastal vibes
Fort Lauderdale takes the second spot on our list. It draws families who want a laid-back beach vacation. The Florida coast offers beautiful white sands and warm waters in December. Families can swap their snow boots for flip flops and enjoy a relaxing 7.1-day stay soaking up the sun.
Travelers from Atlanta and Indianapolis lead the charge down to the sunshine state. We see a massive 98.1% of these families choosing low-cost flights to make the trip. The city has a slightly older and more relaxed feel compared to neighboring Miami. This makes it a highly attractive choice for families wanting a quiet escape.
The local holiday boat parades are a fantastic local tradition you simply cannot miss. You get to watch yachts decked out in Christmas lights cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway. It provides a uniquely Floridian spin on the holidays that kids find completely mesmerizing.
Fly to Fort LauderdaleLas Vegas
Best for: Spectacular holiday shows and desert adventures
Las Vegas surprises many as a top family destination. It secures a strong 6.7% share of the holiday market. The massive resorts along the strip build incredible seasonal displays. The Bellagio Conservatory transforms into a winter wonderland full of flowers and polar bears.
Families flying in from Dallas and San Francisco make up the biggest portion of the arrivals. Visitors spend an average of 5.5 days enjoying the entertainment capital. You can find family-friendly magic shows, circus performances, and incredible buffets that cater to every possible taste.
A solid 93.5% of families rely on low-cost airlines to reach Nevada for the holidays. Beyond the bright lights of the city, the surrounding desert offers fantastic daytime excursions. You can rent a car and drive out to the Valley of Fire or the Grand Canyon for an unforgettable nature walk.
Fly to Las VegasAtlanta
Best for: Family attractions and true southern hospitality
Atlanta is a major hub for families reconnecting over the holidays. The city captures 4.9% of the booking market and has a variety of indoor activities. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the massive Georgia Aquarium or the interactive World of Coca-Cola with the kids.
Travelers from Houston and Philadelphia represent the top inbound markets for this destination. Families typically stay for 6.6 days to enjoy the southern food and mild winter weather. A massive 97.3% of these trips are booked on low-cost carriers. This proves that value is a huge priority for families heading south.
The city shines during the holidays with beautiful light displays at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. You can grab a warm drink and walk through the glowing exhibits for a magical evening. It provides a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere that makes every family feel right at home.
Fly to AtlantaNew York City
Best for: Iconic window displays and classic winter walks
New York City delivers the quintessential American Christmas experience. You can view the tree at Rockefeller Center or walk past the window displays along Fifth Avenue. Families love bundling up for a walk through Central Park or ice skating right in the heart of Manhattan.
We see families from Atlanta and Orlando flocking here to experience a true winter chill. They trade the southern heat for a 7.0-day stay in the bustling metropolis. About 88.2% of these visitors choose low-cost airlines to manage their travel expenses in a notoriously pricey city.
While the crowds are certainly large, the magic in the air is undeniable. You can catch the Radio City Rockettes or browse the holiday markets at Bryant Park for unique gifts. It creates lifelong memories for kids who get to experience the city at its absolute brightest.
Fly to New York CityMiami
Best for: Tropical weather and vibrant local culture
Miami provides families a warm getaway from the winter gloom. The city has a 4.4% share of the holiday booking market. You can spend your Christmas Day building sandcastles on South Beach or exploring the incredible street art in Wynwood.
Families from New York City and Houston drive the bulk of the arrivals here. They head south for an average stay of 6.7 days to enjoy the tropical climate. Roughly 89.1% of these travelers utilize low-cost flights to reach the Florida coast efficiently.
The city provides a fantastic blend of relaxing beach time and cultural exploration. You can take the kids to see the incredible wildlife at the Everglades or enjoy authentic Cuban food in Little Havana. It is a dynamic destination that keeps everyone entertained from morning to night.
Fly to MiamiDenver
Best for: Snowy mountains and outdoor winter sports
Denver calls to families who want a guaranteed white Christmas filled with outdoor adventure. The Mile High City has easy access to some of the best ski resorts in the country. You can hit the slopes, go tubing, or simply enjoy the crisp mountain air in a stunning alpine setting.
Travelers from Austin and Washington lead the inbound traffic for this snowy escape. Families pack their heavy coats for an average 6.4-day stay in the Rockies. A strong 93.2% of visitors book low-cost carriers to offset the costs of ski passes and equipment rentals.
The downtown area looks beautiful under a blanket of snow. The Denver Christkindlmarket provides a cozy spot for warm drinks and festive treats. You get the perfect mix of city amenities and rugged natural beauty. It is the ultimate playground for active families who love the winter weather.
Fly to DenverDallas
Best for: Big city excitement and massive holiday lights
Dallas rounds out our top eight list with a 3.8% share of the family travel market. The Texas metropolis goes big for the holidays with massive light displays and festive parades. You can explore the incredible Dallas Arboretum, which transforms its gardens into a spectacular holiday village.
Families flying from Baltimore and New York City make up the largest chunk of the inbound flights. They enjoy the longest average stay on our list at 7.6 days. About 89.5% of these visitors take advantage of low-cost carriers to reach the Lone Star State.
The city offers a fantastic array of museums, parks, and world-class shopping to keep everyone busy. You can enjoy incredible Tex-Mex food and experience the famous southern hospitality firsthand. It provides a welcoming environment for a long holiday break.
Fly to DallasPractical Advice for Festive Family Travel
Enroll in TSA PreCheck before you fly
Navigating American airports during the peak December travel rush is incredibly stressful for families. Standard security lines often stretch through the terminal and require everyone to remove their shoes, belts, and light jackets. This process takes a massive toll on tired kids and slows down your entire travel day.
Enrolling your family in TSA PreCheck saves you a significant amount of time and frustration. The dedicated lanes move much faster because you can keep your shoes on and leave laptops packed in your bags. It transforms the start of your holiday from a chaotic shuffle into a smooth breeze straight to your departure gate.
Book early morning cross-country flights
Winter weather across the United States causes major disruptions during the holiday season. Snowstorms in the Midwest or heavy rain on the East Coast frequently trigger cascading delays that affect flights nationwide by the afternoon. When you travel with children, sitting in the terminal for hours waiting out a delay is the last thing you want to do.
Booking the first flight out in the morning gives your family a massive advantage. These early departures are significantly less likely to face weather delays because the aircraft usually arrives the night before. You also beat the worst of the holiday traffic heading into major hubs like Atlanta or JFK.
Ship your bulky gifts ahead of time
Packing for a family winter vacation already requires stuffing bulky sweaters and coats into your suitcases. When you try to squeeze beautifully wrapped gifts into the mix, you risk crushed boxes and overweight baggage fees. Domestic airlines charge hefty fees for checked bags, and bringing presents along quickly eats into your holiday budget.
Save yourself the hassle by shipping your gifts directly to your destination a week before you travel. You can order items online and have them delivered straight to your hotel or family member's house. This frees up valuable luggage space for your winter gear and makes navigating the airport with kids much simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Christmas Travel
Orlando takes the top spot for American families. Our data shows it captures a massive 15.1% share of all family holiday bookings, driven by its world-famous theme parks and warm weather.
Trip lengths hover around a week for most major US destinations. Families spend about 6.3 days in Orlando, while trips to Dallas stretch out to an average of 7.6 days.
Yes. Low-cost carriers dominate family travel during the holidays. Our data shows that 98.6% of families flying to Orlando and 93.5% of those heading to Las Vegas book low-cost flights to manage their budgets.
Fort Lauderdale is an excellent choice and ranks second on our list. It claims a 7.1% share of the family market. It attracts travelers looking for sunny beaches and a relaxed coastal vibe.
Las Vegas is known for spectacular seasonal displays and affordable travel options. It secures a 6.7% market share. Families stay an average of 5.5 days to enjoy the desert scenery and major resort attractions.
Denver is the top choice for families wanting a classic white Christmas. Visitors from cities like Austin and Washington flock to Colorado to enjoy winter sports and snowy mountain views.
Our data shows that travelers from Atlanta and Orlando lead the arrivals into New York City. They trade the southern heat for iconic window displays and cold-weather walks through Central Park.
Families flying to Miami typically stay for 6.7 days. This provides plenty of time to enjoy the tropical weather, explore the Everglades, and relax on South Beach.
Atlanta is a major hub and a popular destination in its own right, holding a 4.9% share of family bookings. Families travel from places like Houston and Philadelphia to enjoy the city's mild winter and family attractions.
Dallas is a top contender, with the city putting on massive holiday light displays. Families spend an average of 7.6 days exploring the city. This makes it the longest typical stay on our top eight list.
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