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The holiday season is a magical time to travel with grandkids, offering a chance to create joyful memories in festive destinations worldwide. Are you looking to explore winter wonderlands or warm, sunny escapes? These spots outside the USA have activities for all ages to enjoy the cheer of Christmas and New Year’s together.
- Rovaniemi, Finland – Meet Santa Claus in his official hometown, with magical reindeer sleigh rides and Northern Lights sightings that make the season unforgettable.
- Vienna, Austria – Enjoy Vienna’s famous Christmas markets, dazzling lights, and classical holiday concerts in a storybook European city.
- Banff, Canada – Dive into a winter wonderland with snowshoeing, ice skating, and cozy lodges nestled in the Rockies, perfect for a white Christmas.
- Cape Town, South Africa – For a warm-weather holiday, enjoy festive beach picnics, Christmas carols in botanical gardens, and summer vibes.
- Quebec City, Canada – Discover a charming Christmas village in Old Quebec, with snow-covered streets, festive decorations, and holiday markets.
Continue reading to discover more exciting and fun destinations to visit during the holidays with the kiddos.
Family-Friendly Destinations
These destinations bring a festive spirit that all ages can enjoy. This holiday season, enjoy quality time with your kids and grandkids and soak in the special magic of the season around the world.
Banff National Park, Canada
Why It’s Festive: Banff turns into a winter wonderland during the holidays, complete with snow-covered mountains, cozy lodges, and Christmas lights everywhere.
Holiday Activities for All Ages: Take a sleigh ride through snowy trails, enjoy ice skating on Lake Louise, and warm up with hot cocoa at a charming chalet. Families can also attend the Banff Christmas Market, featuring local crafts and festive treats.
Vienna, Austria
Why It’s Festive: Vienna’s holiday season is marked by its famous Christmas markets, classical concerts, and beautiful decorations that give the entire city a storybook feel.
Holiday Activities for All Ages: Stroll through the magical Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, visit the Schönbrunn Palace’s market, and take the grandkids to see the Vienna Boys’ Choir or a performance of The Nutcracker. Don’t miss the New Year’s Concert and festive events around St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Cape Town, South Africa
Why It’s Festive: Celebrating Christmas and New Year’s in summer, Cape Town offers a unique holiday experience filled with beach days, outdoor concerts, and festive parades.
Holiday Activities for All Ages: Head to the beach for a Christmas picnic, visit Kirstenbosch Gardens for their annual Carols by Candlelight, and watch the Cape Minstrel Carnival for New Year’s. The V&A Waterfront lights up with holiday decorations and features a giant Christmas tree that kids will love.
Rovaniemi, Finland – The Ultimate Holiday Destination!
Why It’s Festive: Known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi in Lapland offers an unforgettable holiday experience for children and adults alike.
Holiday Activities for All Ages: Visit Santa Claus Village, meet Santa himself, take a husky sled ride, and watch the Northern Lights. Stay in a glass igloo for a magical night under the Arctic sky, and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere at every turn.
Gold Coast, Australia
Why It’s Festive: If you prefer a warm holiday season, Australia’s Gold Coast offers sun, sand, and a festive atmosphere with family-friendly events.
Holiday Activities for All Ages: Celebrate Christmas with a beach barbecue, attend the Christmas Lights Trail at SeaWorld, and watch the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s Christmas event. New Year’s brings fireworks and beach celebrations that all ages will enjoy.
Quebec City, Canada
Why It’s Festive: Quebec City’s Old Town transforms into a charming Christmas village, complete with snow-dusted streets, horse-drawn carriages, and festive decorations.
Holiday Activities for All Ages: Visit the German Christmas Market, skate at Place D’Youville, and explore the beautifully decorated Quartier Petit Champlain. New Year’s Eve is celebrated with fireworks over the St. Lawrence River, adding a magical end to the year.
Costa Rica
Why It’s Festive: Costa Rica offers a blend of tropical warmth and holiday cheer, with unique holiday traditions and activities for all ages.
Holiday Activities for All Ages: Enjoy Christmas Eve dinners featuring tamales, attend holiday parades in San José, and explore lush rainforests. Many resorts have special holiday programs for kids, and you can kick off the New Year with beach fireworks.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Why It’s Festive: Iceland’s holiday season includes unique traditions like the 13 Yule Lads, bringing a touch of whimsy to the winter wonderland.
Holiday Activities for All Ages: Wander through the illuminated streets of Reykjavik, visit the Christmas Village at Hafnarfjörður, and take a dip in the Blue Lagoon. The Northern Lights often appear, creating a truly magical experience. Ring in the New Year with bonfires and fireworks around the city.
Auckland, New Zealand
Why It’s Festive: Christmas in New Zealand offers summer vibes with a unique Kiwi twist, from beach celebrations to holiday parades.
Holiday Activities for All Ages: Explore Auckland’s beautiful beaches, visit the Franklin Road Christmas lights, and enjoy festive events at the Auckland Zoo. New Year’s Eve fireworks from the Sky Tower create a colorful display for all ages to enjoy.
Barcelona, Spain
Why It’s Festive: Barcelona’s holiday season brings lights, markets, and unique Catalan Christmas traditions that will captivate grandkids.
Holiday Activities for All Ages: Visit the Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas market, explore the light displays at Plaça de Catalunya, and take a festive stroll along La Rambla. For New Year’s Eve, join in the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck.
Holiday Travel Tips for Families with Grandkids
Plan for Festive Activities
Check each destination’s holiday schedule for markets, concerts, and kid-friendly events.
Book Ahead for Popular Spots
Many of these destinations are popular for holiday travel, so make reservations early to secure your accommodations and tours.
Celebrate Local Holiday Traditions
Kids will love learning about new customs, from Santa sightings in Lapland to eating grapes for good luck in Spain.
Dress for the Climate
Some destinations will be chilly, while others are warm, so pack accordingly to make sure everyone is comfortable.
Read Traveling with Grandkids – Tips for Fun and Memorable Adventures.
Also read These Amazing Travel Programs Will Help You to Connect with Your Grandkids.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you visited any of these destinations during the holidays with your grandchildren? Are you planning an international family getaway during the holidays? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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