December snowflakes don’t dampen families who desire to travel. Celebrating Christmas abroad can be as thrilling as a reindeer-drawn sleigh ride. Imagine trading gingerbread houses for sun-soaked sandcastles, carolling beneath the Southern Cross, or unwrapping exotic presents within ancient ruins. But with little elves in tow, planning the perfect yuletide escape requires a sprinkle of extra magic. This article will explain the best Christmas activities for travelers with kids.
Fear not travelling parents! This guide unlocks a treasure trove of festive experiences that will have your kids wide-eyed with wonder, from baking gingerbread koalas in Down Under to spotting Santa surfing the waves in Hawaii. So, pack your stockings with wanderlust and create Christmas memories that will outshine even the most dazzling fairy lights.
Let’s go on board on a whirlwind journey through some of the best Christmas activities for travelers with kids:
- Dive into Sun-Kissed Festivities
- Unwrap European Enchantment
- Embrace Down Under Delights
- Chase Winter Wonderlands
- Light Up Cityscapes
This is just a peek at the treasure trove of Christmas adventures awaiting your travelling family. So, grab your passports, pack your pyjamas (Santa might be dropping by), and get ready to embark on a yuletide journey that will have your kids saying “ho ho ho” all year long. With careful planning and a sprinkle of Christmas cheer, you can create unforgettable memories that will have your little ones begging for another adventure next December.
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Best Christmas Activities for Travelers with Kids
Stay tuned as we explore these exciting Christmas activities, providing practical tips, tour suggestions, and insider knowledge to help you craft the perfect festive escape for your travelling fairies. Let’s have a look at the Best Christmas Activities for Travelers with Kids:
1 Sun-Kissed Festivities
- Tropical Wonderland in Hawaii: Ditch the snow boots and grab your swimsuits! Hawaii offers a festive twist with hula-dancing Santas, ukulele carols echoing through palm groves, and sandcastle-building competitions adorned with seashells and starfish. Imagine your kids decorating miniature Christmas trees made of coral and collecting colourful Christmas ornaments washed ashore by the waves. You can even join a festive luau on the beach, feasting on delicious Hawaiian dishes and swaying to the rhythm of island music under the twinkling stars.
- Caribbean Cheer in the Bahamas: Swap gingerbread houses for colourful beach huts and Christmas stockings for seashells. In the Bahamas, you can snorkel among vibrant coral reefs adorned with festive decorations, meet Santa scuba diving beneath the turquoise waters, and build sandcastles shaped like jolly snowmen. Take advantage of the Junkanoo parades, where vibrantly costumed locals dance to pulsating beats, creating an unforgettable Christmas spectacle.
2 European Enchantment
- Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt: Experience the magic of a traditional European Christmas market. Nuremberg in Germany boasts one of the oldest and most beloved, with rows of wooden stalls overflowing with handcrafted ornaments, gingerbread cookies, and steaming mugs of Glühwein (mulled wine). Watch your kids’ eyes light up as they meet the Christkind (Christ Child), a golden-haired angel who distributes gifts on Christmas Eve.
- Rovaniemi, the Home of Santa: Take your little ones on a pilgrimage to Santa’s official hometown in Rovaniemi, Finland. Meet the jolly man in his festive Arctic village, ride on a reindeer-pulled sleigh through snowy forests, and send postcards from Santa’s post office. The town bursts with Christmas cheer, making it a winter wonderland experience.
3 Down Under Delights
- Aussie Beach Bonanza: Celebrate Christmas with a Barbie (Australian barbecue) on the beach! Imagine your kids decorating a surfboard instead of a Christmas tree, singing carols infused with didgeridoo melodies, and learning to surf alongside Santa’s Aussie elves. Take advantage of the Boxing Day test cricket match, a unique Aussie Christmas tradition that’s sure to be a hit with sports-loving families.
- Wildlife Wonders: Go on a Christmas safari in Australia! Witness koalas and kangaroos adorned with festive hats, visit a wildlife sanctuary where orphaned joeys receive special Christmas treats and learn about the unique Aboriginal traditions of celebrating Christmas in harmony with nature. This will be a Christmas adventure your kids will never forget.
Looking for the best places to visit during Christmas in Europe? Click here!
4 Chase Winter Wonderlands
- Lapland’s Arctic Dream: Embark on a magical adventure in Rovaniemi, Finland, the official home of Santa Claus. Take a reindeer-drawn sleigh ride through snow-dusted forests, meet Santa in his cosy cabin, and learn the ways of the Arctic elves. Imagine your kids crafting reindeer cookies in Mrs. Claus’s kitchen, sending letters from Santa’s Post Office, and singing carols around a crackling fireplace under the shimmering Northern Lights.
- Canadian Chalet Retreat: Immerse yourselves in the rustic charm of a Canadian Christmas. Picture cosying up in a log cabin amidst snow-capped mountains, sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace, and building snowmen taller than the towering pines. Explore frozen lakes on ice skates, take a dog sledging tour through enchanted forests, and witness the dazzling fireworks illuminating the night sky.
5 Light Up Cityscapes
- New York City’s Dazzling Display: Witness the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree towering over the bustling crowds, marvel at the vibrant light displays along Fifth Avenue, and skate beneath the glittering lights in Central Park. Imagine your kids’ awe as they hop on a double-decker bus decked out for the holidays, sing carols with street performers in Washington Square Park, and witness the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live.
- London’s Enchanting Winter Wonderland: Immerse yourselves in the festive magic of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. Ride the Giant Wheel for breathtaking city views, explore the magical Christmas market nestled amongst towering trees, and let your kids squeal with glee as they navigate the thrilling ice rink. Take advantage of the enchanting puppet shows, captivating live music, and delicious festive treats that make this a truly unforgettable Christmas experience.
Remember
- Choose activities that cater to your kids’ ages and interests.
- Research opening hours and book tickets in advance, especially for popular attractions.
- Pack winter essentials like warm clothes, snow boots, and sunscreen (even in snowy destinations!).
- Embrace the local traditions and celebrations to create authentic Christmas experiences.
- Above all, relax, have fun, and let the festive spirit guide your adventure!
These are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Remember, embracing the local culture and traditions is the key to a magical Christmas adventure. So, pack your sense of wonder, sprinkle in some festive cheer, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime for your little explorers! With careful planning and a sprinkle of Christmas magic, these winter wonderlands and sparkling cityscapes will transform your Christmas travels into treasured memories for your little explorers.
Planning Your Travelling Christmas Adventure
With your festive journey filled with enticing activities, it’s time to dive into the practicalities of making your travelling Christmas adventure a reality. Here’s a roadmap to help you navigate the planning process:
1. Choose Your Destination
Consider your family’s preferences and interests. Do you crave sun-kissed beaches, snowy landscapes, bustling cityscapes, or quaint European charm? Research visa requirements, travel advisories, and weather conditions for your chosen destination.
2. Book Flights and Accommodation
Start planning early, especially for popular destinations during peak season. To save time and money, consider flying to smaller airports near your chosen activities. Look for family-friendly accommodation options with festive decorations and amenities like babysitting services or kids’ clubs.
3. Pack Smart
Think layers! Pack warm clothes, comfortable shoes, and rain gear for winter wonderlands. For sun-kissed destinations, pack swimwear, sunscreen, and hats. Remember essential travel documents, medications, and entertainment for the journey. Consider packing a few festive props, like Santa hats or jingle bells, to add to the holiday spirit.
4. Embrace Local Traditions
Research local Christmas customs and traditions. Learn a few basic phrases in the local language to enhance your experience. Enjoy local festivities, from attending church services to enjoying traditional Christmas markets and parades.
5. Plan Your Activities
Create a loose itinerary with a mix of planned activities and free time. Book tickets for popular attractions in advance, especially if travelling with young children. Leave room for spontaneity and exploration, allowing your family to discover hidden gems and unexpected adventures.
6. Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Pack light: Airlines have baggage restrictions, and lugging heavy suitcases can be stressful with kids.
- Plan for layovers: Break up long journeys with fun airport activities, like game nights or scavenger hunts.
- Stay hydrated: Traveling can be dehydrating, especially for children. Carry reusable water bottles and keep them topped up.
- Embrace the unexpected: Things don’t always go according to plan. Be flexible, stay calm, and remember that the most important thing is creating happy memories together.
7. Sample Tour Ideas
Here are some inspiring tour ideas to get you started
Sun-Kissed Christmas in Hawaii
Spend a week basking on Waikiki Beach, snorkelling in coral reefs with Santa’s helpers, and attending a festive luau with hula dancing and ukulele carols. Take a day trip to the Big Island to witness the volcanic spectacle of Kilauea at night.
European Enchantment in Germany
Explore the charming Christmas markets of Nuremberg and Rovaniemi, meet Santa in his cosy cabin, and take a magical sleigh ride through snow-dusted forests. Spend a few days in Berlin, marvelling at the Brandenburg Gate decked in lights and enjoying festive treats at the Christmas markets.
Down Under Delights in Australia
Celebrate Christmas with a Barbie on Bondi Beach, learn to surf alongside Santa’s Aussie elves, and visit a wildlife sanctuary to meet adorable koalas and kangaroos. Take a road trip along the Great Ocean Road to admire the iconic 12 Apostles rock formations.
City Lights, Big Sights in New York City
Witness the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, skate beneath the glittering lights in Central Park, and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live. Explore the vibrant museums, catch a Broadway show, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Times Square.
Winter Wonderland in Lapland
Go on a reindeer-drawn sleigh ride through snow-dusted forests, meet Santa in his cosy cabin, and learn the ways of the Arctic elves. Then, take a snowmobile tour across frozen lakes, witness the breathtaking Northern Lights, and enjoy cosy evenings by the fireplace in your traditional log cabin.
Remember, these are just starting points! Feel free to mix and match, add unique touches, and let your family’s imagination guide you. With a sprinkle of planning and a lot of Christmas cheer, your travelling adventure will surely be a magical experience that will last a lifetime.
Bonus Tip: Create a unique Advent calendar for your kids, filled with small gifts, activities, and Christmas-themed surprises. This will help build excitement and anticipation for your festive escape. So, pack your bags, grab your passports, and get ready to embark on a Christmas adventure that will have your little explorers saying “ho ho ho” all year long!
Best Christmas Activities for Travelers with Kids-Final Thaughts
As the final notes of Jingle Bells fade and the last twinkle of fairy lights dims, your globetrotting Christmas adventure draws close. But the memories, oh, the memories will shimmer like tinsel long after the decorations are packed away. You’ll see them reflected in your kids’ eyes as they recount reindeer encounters and sandcastle-building contests with Santa. You’ll hear them echo in their laughter as they reminisce about snowball fights in Lapland and sing-alongs with street performers in New York.
And you, dear traveller, will carry a warm glow within you, knowing that you’ve gifted your family an experience far richer than any toy under the tree. You’ve shown them the world in its festive finery, from sun-drenched beaches to snow-kissed forests, from bustling cityscapes to charming European villages. You’ve opened their hearts to new cultures, traditions, and ways of celebrating Christmas. Also, you’ve woven a tapestry of laughter, wonder, and adventure that will forever be etched in their hearts.
Are you ready to enjoy the Best Christmas Activities for Travelers with Kids?
So, as you unpack your suitcases, reminisce over gingerbread crumbs and reindeer dust. Remember this: the greatest gift you gave this Christmas wasn’t wrapped in ribbon or hidden under the tree. It was the gift of travel, exploration, and creating memories that will outshine even the brightest star on top of the Christmas tree.
We thoroughly tried to tell you the best Christmas activities for travellers with kids. Let this be your travel mantra, not just for Christmas, but for every adventure to come:
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”
Go forth, explore, and keep unwrapping the world’s wonder with your loved ones. Bon voyage, globetrotters! And Merry Christmas!
Here are some final thoughts and prompts to inspire your future festive travels:
- Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Savour the anticipation, the shared excitement, and the unexpected moments that make travel magical.
- Keep a travel journal or scrapbook. Collect souvenirs, photos, and ticket stubs to create a tangible reminder of your adventure.
- Plant the seeds of wanderlust in your children. Please encourage them to learn about different cultures, languages, and traditions. Let them dream of future adventures!
- The world is your oyster! Feel free to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. Embrace the unknown and let the spirit of exploration guide you.
May your travel bug never be squashed, your wanderlust never wanes, and your Christmas spirits remain merry and bright all year!
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