Know Before You Go: Plan Your Winter Family Vacation Without Stress

Winter vacations often come at a premium. Look for less popular places so your budget can be stretched further. To find some great family-friendly spots this winter, check out this map with snowy places validated by parents.

Don’t turn your winter family getaway into a cold weather nightmare! Check this cold weather packing list.

Ski trips may be the first thing you think of when planning winter vacations for your family. But don’t forget to diversify the activities your family will be able to enjoy during all those winter months. Look for unique winter hiking experiences, charming train rides, tubing, culinary experiences, and more…

Winter season comes with its fair share of unpredictable weather. Always include a buffer in your family travel times to be ready to change things around if a snowstorm or airport closures happen.

Make sure to get full coverage travel insurance to be ready for incidents that go along with your winter adventure, since your traditional health insurance may not cover those costs. Here is how to choose your travel insurance when you travel with kids.

1. Denver Christkindl Market – Denver, Colorado

Denver’s Christkindl Market is Colorado’s only traditional German Christmas market and features nightly live entertainment. There are even special days like Krampusnacht and Canine Christmas… and an Ugly Sweater night that’s sure to make kids of all ages laugh in delight.

Key Information: Market hours are 11-7 most days – Market opens November 18 – No designated event parking

Good To Know: Kids love the hot chocolate available at the Cocoa Haus, while parents can enjoy some delicious mulled wine.

>>> Discover tons of kid-friendly places and experiences in Colorado, here.

2. Carmel Christkindlmarkt – Carmel, Indiana

Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt will remind you of the beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. This market offers traditional Christmas decorations and even has an ice rink. The Carmel Christkindlmarkt is also home to the unique Glühwein Pyramid, a structure based on a giant version of the traditional “Weihnachtspyramide,” a traditional German Christmas candle holder. 

Key Information: Open Thursday-Sunday – Market opens November 19 – Free parking

Good To Know: The market doesn’t have an entrance fee, but there is a rink fee for ice skating. You are welcome to bring your own skates, or you can rent some.

3. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair – Daly City, California

Step into the world of A Christmas Carol at the Dickens Christmas Fair! You’ll feel like you’re really on the streets of Victorian London as you listen to traditional caroling performances and interact with costumed performers. Daly City is home to one of the most special Christmas markets. This year, 2022, is the fair’s first year back since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it promises to be an amazing event for all ages.

Key Information: Tickets start at $25 for adults – Kids under 5 are free – Fair opens November 19.

Good To Know: Victorian-era costumes are welcomed, but not required. 

>>> Find more holiday fun for the whole family in California, here.

4. Union Square Holiday Market – NYC, New York

Bustling Union Square Park in downtown NYC turns into a winter wonderland every year, bringing Christmas cheer to families from all over. Home to over 160 vendors selling handicrafts, holiday gifts, and delicious food, the Union Square Holiday Market is fun for the whole family.

Key Information: Market runs from November 17-December 24 – Street parking available – Free admission

Good To Know: There’s a movie theatre right across the street from the Holiday Market– you can make a great family evening when you visit the market and then see a fun family movie together afterward.

1. Go Horseback Riding in Upstate New York

Horseback riding is a great family bonding experience, so if you find yourself in New York during your Thanksgiving vacation, we strongly recommend you visit Rocking Horse Ranch. The ranch also has plenty of other seasonal entertainment options available, including a complimentary Thanksgiving turkey dinner for all guests! 

Key Information: Rooms start at $550-$600 a night. Childcare is available at $20 for 75 min.

Good To Know: Rocking Horse also offers ice skating, hay rides, a kids club, and an indoor water park. 

2. Visit Myrtle Beach for the Turkey Trot

If you and your family enjoy outdoor activities like running, visit South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach and spend Thanksgiving enjoying the annual turkey trot! Choose a 5k or 10k route, both of which will lead you through a scenic view of the area.

Key Information: Entry for the turkey trot is $50 for the 5k route, $60 for the 10k route, and FREE for the special Gobbler Kids Dash.

Good To Know: Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach and attend some of the local live music events!

3. See the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade LIVE From the Comfort of Your PJs

As one of the biggest events in the United States around this time of year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a time-honored tradition that everyone should see in person at least once. To avoid dealing with the crowds, book a room with a view and watch it from the comfort of a luxury hotel!

Key Information: Rooms with a good view are in high demand, so be sure to book early! Rates range from $1300-$1700 a night.

Good To Know: Visit the Rockefeller Center for ice skating in the heart of the Big Apple!