Skip Hosting Christmas: 5 Magical Places to Spend the Holidays Instead

Hosting Christmas can be a wonderful tradition, but it can also come with a hefty price tag and a long to-do list. Between grocery shopping, preparing holiday meals, decorating and making room for overnight guests, it's easy to spend more time managing the festivities than enjoying them. This year, why not leave the cooking and cleaning behind and celebrate Christmas somewhere new?

I'll never forget walking through the thick holiday crowds in New York City toward Rockefeller Center and catching my first glimpse of the massive Christmas tree. Below it, skaters glided around the ice rink, surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights. For a moment, it felt like time stood still in one of the busiest cities in the world. What made that experience even more special was sharing it with people I love. It's a Christmas memory I'll always cherish.

Of course, traveling for Christmas isn't cheaper than hosting at home, especially when you factor in airfare, hotels and dining out. But there's something to be said for spending your holiday budget on shared experiences rather than entertaining. Whether you're looking for familiar traditions or something entirely different, here are five destinations where you can enjoy the magic of Christmas without having to do it all.

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New York City: Experience the magic of a classic Christmas

There's something magical about New York City during the holidays. I've spent time in the city around Christmas, and it never disappoints. What I love most is watching one of the busiest cities in the world slow down just enough to embrace the season. If you've only visited New York for business, experiencing its holiday traditions can give you an entirely new appreciation for the city.

Start with the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, then stroll along Fifth Avenue to take in the elaborate holiday window displays at department stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue. For more festive fun, visit Bryant Park's Winter Village, where you can browse holiday vendors and enjoy seasonal treats and hot cocoa. Admission to the market is free, making it an easy stop for families looking to enjoy the holiday atmosphere without spending a fortune.

For an even bigger dose of Christmas cheer, head to Brooklyn's Dyker Heights neighborhood, famous for its extravagant residential light displays. Families willing to splurge can catch the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes or a Broadway show. Just be sure to book tickets well in advance, as popular performances and holiday dining reservations can sell out weeks or even months ahead.

Where to stay: Location matters in New York, especially when traveling with children or older relatives. The New York Hilton Midtown puts you within walking distance of Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue and Central Park. Tempo by Hilton Times Square is another convenient option, particularly for families interested in Broadway shows and the excitement of Times Square. Staying centrally can help reduce transportation costs and make it easier to return to your room for a break between activities.

What to know before you go: December temperatures typically range from the mid-30s to low 40s, so pack warm coats, gloves and scarves. Expect heavy crowds, particularly between December 20 and New Year's Day. While hotels and holiday attractions can be expensive, many of the city's most memorable Christmas experiences, including the window displays, Rockefeller Center tree and neighborhood light displays, are free to enjoy.

Chicago: Explore Christmas markets and dazzling holiday lights

Chicago knows how to celebrate Christmas, and the city's festive markets and holiday traditions make it a great destination for families. From the bustling Magnificent Mile to the towering Christmas tree in Millennium Park, the Windy City offers plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit. And while Chicago winters can be chilly, there's something special about bundling up, sipping hot chocolate and exploring the city together.

Start at the Christkindlmarket Chicago, a German-inspired outdoor Christmas market at Daley Plaza, open from November 20 through December 24, 2026. Admission is free, so you can browse handmade ornaments, holiday gifts and traditional European crafts without spending a dime.

Of course, it's hard to resist the festive food, including German sausages, pretzels and warm spiced drinks. There's also a Wrigleyville location scheduled to run through December 31. Afterward, visit Millennium Park to see Chicago's official Christmas tree, on display from November 20, 2026, through January 10, 2027.

For a holiday experience that brings generations together, visit the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry's Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit, featuring a towering four-story Christmas tree surrounded by dozens of trees decorated to represent cultural traditions from around the globe.

Families can also enjoy a performance of A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre or The Nutcracker by the Joffrey Ballet. These ticketed experiences will add to your holiday budget, but they're memorable ways to celebrate the season.

Chicago also has plenty of free holiday entertainment. Take a walk along Michigan Avenue to admire the festive storefronts and decorations. For family-friendly dining, Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza restaurants offer a casual alternative to an expensive holiday dinner, while neighborhood restaurants provide plenty of options for different tastes and budgets.

Where to stay: The historic Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, offers a convenient base for exploring downtown attractions, including Millennium Park and the Museum Campus. Its magnificent lobby, with an ornate frescoed ceiling, glittering chandeliers and timeless elegance, is an attraction in itself, especially during the holidays.

ACME Hotel Chicago, Outset Collection by Hilton, is another option, located in the River North neighborhood near Michigan Avenue's shopping, restaurants and holiday displays. Both locations make it easier to explore the city without relying on a rental car.

What to know before you go: December temperatures in Chicago often hover around freezing, and snow, wind and icy sidewalks can make outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable. Pack warm layers, waterproof boots, hats and gloves.

Admission to Christkindlmarket and viewing the Millennium Park Christmas tree are free, but museum admission, holiday performances and seasonal dining can add up quickly. Book popular shows and restaurant reservations early, especially if you're visiting during Christmas week.

Santa Fe: Celebrate Christmas with Southwestern traditions

For a warm and cozy Christmas filled with culture and tradition, Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a holiday experience unlike anywhere else. With its adobe architecture, snow-dusted mountains and streets illuminated by glowing farolitos (small paper lanterns), the city feels magical during the holidays. It's a great destination for families who want to slow down, explore local traditions and celebrate Christmas without the crowds of a major city.

One of Santa Fe's most beloved traditions is the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, held on Christmas Eve from 6 to 9 p.m. Visitors stroll along the historic arts district, where thousands of glowing farolitos line the streets, piñon bonfires provide warmth and carolers fill the air with holiday music. The event is free and is a memorable way for families to experience the city's Southwestern holiday traditions together.

The historic Santa Fe Plaza is another must-see, with thousands of colorful holiday lights illuminating the trees and surrounding buildings through early January. Families can also visit the Santa Fe Botanical Garden for La Luz de las Noches, a seasonal evening event featuring illuminated garden paths and festive displays.

Between holiday activities, explore the city's art galleries, browse local shops or enjoy traditional New Mexican dishes such as posole, tamales and red or green chile.

Where to stay: Santa Fe's smaller size makes it a great alternative to larger holiday destinations. The Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza, housed in a 350-year-old hacienda, offers traditional Southwestern charm just a five-minute walk from Santa Fe Plaza, the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Art.

For families looking for more of a resort experience, Hilton Santa Fe Buffalo Thunder is located on Pueblo of Pojoaque land and features a golf course, spa and casino. It's a good option for multigenerational families who want opportunities to relax and enjoy activities beyond the holiday festivities.

Hotels with on-site dining can be especially convenient for families spending Christmas Day in Santa Fe, when many local businesses are closed. Look for properties with suites or connecting rooms if you're traveling with a larger group.

What to know before you go: Don't let Santa Fe's desert setting fool you. December daytime temperatures typically range from the upper 30s to upper 40s, while overnight lows can dip into the teens.

Pack warm layers, especially for outdoor evening celebrations. Many shops and restaurants close on Christmas Day, so make dining reservations well in advance. The Canyon Road Farolito Walk and Plaza holiday lights are free to enjoy, making Santa Fe a good option for families who want to spend more on shared experiences and less on expensive attractions.

Las Vegas: Discover a different kind of Christmas magic

Las Vegas might not be the first destination that comes to mind for a family Christmas, but the city knows how to put on a holiday show. From extravagant light displays to festive attractions and over-the-top decorations, Las Vegas offers a different way to celebrate the season. And with plenty of entertainment beyond the casinos, families can enjoy Christmas together without worrying about cooking a holiday dinner or cleaning up afterward.

Start at the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, where elaborate seasonal displays transform the space into a holiday wonderland. Admission is free, making it one of the best ways to experience Christmas in Las Vegas without spending a fortune. Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds or later in the evening.

Families can also explore the Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden Lights in nearby Henderson, where thousands of lights illuminate the desert landscape.

For a bigger holiday adventure, head to Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a drive-through experience featuring millions of lights along a 2.5-mile route. Another option is Enchant Christmas, a seasonal attraction featuring an illuminated maze, ice skating and a holiday market. These ticketed experiences can add to your holiday budget, but they offer activities that children, parents and grandparents can enjoy together.

Where to stay: Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World offers convenient access to the Strip, with on-site dining and entertainment options that can make a multigenerational holiday trip easier to manage.

Staying at a resort with multiple restaurants can be particularly helpful on Christmas Day, when families may prefer a festive meal without traveling across the city. Look for connecting rooms and compare resort fees, parking charges and dining costs before booking.

What to know before you go: December temperatures in Las Vegas typically reach the upper 50s during the day but can drop into the 30s at night, so bring a jacket for outdoor holiday attractions. While the Bellagio Conservatory is free, major light shows and seasonal events often require paid admission.

Book popular attractions and Christmas Day dining reservations ahead of time, and confirm event dates before planning your itinerary.

Orlando: Celebrate Christmas beyond the theme parks

Orlando is famous for its theme parks, but you don't have to spend your entire Christmas vacation riding roller coasters or waiting in long lines to enjoy the holiday magic. Beyond Disney World and Universal Orlando, the city offers everything from holiday markets to wildlife encounters. With so much variety, it's a destination where everyone in the family can find something to enjoy, whether they're 5 or 75.

For free holiday entertainment, head to Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando for the Eola Wonderland Christmas Tree Show, scheduled from December 4, 2026, through January 6, 2027. The towering tree comes alive with synchronized lights and music during nightly performances.

Families can also visit Promenade at Sunset Walk for its Holiday Nights Celebration, featuring seasonal decorations, entertainment and holiday festivities. Another favorite is Now Snowing in the town of Celebration, where visitors can experience hourly artificial snowfall, strolling carolers and festive street decorations without paying theme park admission.

If you enjoy the holiday window displays in New York or Chicago, Orlando has its own version of Christmas shopping traditions. The Florida Mall, Mall at Millenia and ICON Park offer seasonal decorations and opportunities to meet Santa, although professional photos and special experiences may cost extra.

For something different, visit the Orlando Museum of Art's Festival of Trees, featuring more than 50 designer-decorated Christmas trees and holiday displays.

My family loves nature and wildlife, and Gatorland never disappoints. During its Holiday Ho Ho Ho-Down, the longtime Orlando attraction adds a festive twist to its wildlife experiences with holiday music, seasonal decorations and characters like Gator Claus and Krampus Croc. It's a fun alternative for families who want a distinctly Florida Christmas without spending the day at a theme park.

Where to stay: Orlando has accommodations for nearly every family size and budget. The Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista – Disney Springs Area is an Official Walt Disney World Hotel with a pedestrian skybridge connecting guests to Disney Springs. With six on-site dining options, two heated pools and a 24-hour arcade, families have plenty to enjoy without visiting a theme park.

For larger families, Hilton Vacation Club Polynesian Isles Kissimmee offers spacious one- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, making it easier to prepare meals and save on dining costs. The resort also features two pools, tennis courts and shuffleboard, and is about a 10-minute drive from Disney World.

Before booking, compare parking charges, resort fees and transportation options, as these extra costs can add up during a holiday stay.

What to know before you go: Christmas is one of Orlando's busiest travel periods, and airfare, hotel rates and theme park tickets can be especially expensive during the final two weeks of December. Book accommodations and popular attractions early, and consider mixing one or two paid experiences with free holiday events to keep costs down.

December temperatures typically reach the low to mid-70s during the day, although evenings can be chilly. For families who want to trade snow shovels and holiday hosting duties for sunshine and shared experiences, Orlando offers plenty of ways to celebrate.

Make holiday travel part of your family traditions

My family has traded hosting duties for holiday getaways a few times, and being able to enjoy new traditions and spend quality time together without the usual responsibilities has made those trips especially memorable.

For us, making holiday travel more affordable starts with a year-round strategy for earning credit card rewards. Earning hotel points, taking advantage of loyalty programs and watching for deals throughout the year can help offset some of the higher costs of traveling during the holidays.

For example, the free Hilton Honors program allows travelers to earn points toward future stays, while eligible stays booked entirely with points come without resort fees. Hilton also offers a Price Match Guarantee that matches qualifying lower rates and takes an additional 25% off when its conditions are met.

Whether you celebrate Christmas in a big city or somewhere unexpected, stepping away from the usual holiday responsibilities gives you more time to enjoy what matters most: being together, experiencing something new and creating memories that last long after the decorations come down.

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