Where to Go for Christmas Vacation: Celebrate in Style with Families and Friends

Discover the best places to go for Christmas vacation with family and friends. From cozy mountain retreats to tropical villas, celebrate the holidays in style with expert tips for planning the perfect festive getaway.

Where to Go for Christmas Vacation: Celebrate in Style with Families and Friends

 

The holiday season is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing traditions, and creating cherished memories. While many families spend Christmas at home, more and more are choosing to celebrate in extraordinary destinations. From snowy mountain retreats to sun-soaked beaches, the right destination transforms Christmas from a routine holiday into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you’re wondering where to go for Christmas vacation this year, look no further than the world’s most luxurious holiday villas. With space to bring everyone together, personalized service, and festive settings in the most beautiful corners of the globe, these homes offer the perfect backdrop for your holiday. Whether you dream of skiing down powdery slopes, lounging on a beach with turquoise waters, or gathering around a holiday table with the entire family, a villa is your key to an unforgettable celebration.

Here are our top destinations and tips for planning your perfect Christmas escape.

 

Tips for Choosing The Perfect Christmas Villa

Finding the right villa for Christmas celebrations begins with your family’s vision of the holiday. Do you want to trade snow for sunshine, or are you hoping for a storybook white Christmas by the fireside? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Size Matters

For families traveling together, the best option is a large vacation rental with ample bedrooms and gathering spaces. Look for expansive dining rooms, great rooms with fireplaces, or outdoor terraces with room for the whole group.

Multi-Family Friendly

If you’re coordinating a multi-family rental, seek layouts with separate bedroom wings or guest houses so everyone enjoys both togetherness and privacy.

Holiday Amenities

Villas often offer extras that make holiday celebrations seamless: private chefs who can prepare festive feasts, concierge teams that can arrange Christmas trees, decor, last minute wrapping supplies, and heated pools or hot tubs to gather in after a day of activities.

Destination Fit

Consider the experience your group wants for the holiday. Whether it’s skiing down snowy slopes, snorkeling in vibrant waters, exploring quaint holiday markets, or simply taking time to rest and reconnect with yourself.

Choosing the right villa sets the tone for a Christmas your family will remember for years to come. Check out some of our favorite locations for holiday delights that will suit your wish list.

 

Our Favorite Warm Christmas Destinations

Not every Christmas needs snow. For many families, the best gift is celebrating together in warm weather. These tropical destinations are some of the best places to visit in winter for sun, sea, and seasonal cheer.

US Virgin Islands 

The U.S. Virgin Islands offer the perfect mix of convenience and island beauty — no passport required for U.S. travelers. Villas here range from hilltop estates with sweeping views to beachfront homes with direct sand access. Celebrate with a traditional Christmas feast prepared by a private chef, then spend Christmas morning snorkeling in turquoise bays or lounging under the sun. For Christmas trips for families, the islands offer calm beaches, hiking trails, and historic towns to explore together.

Explore All USVI Villas

Dominican Republic

Known for its warm hospitality, lively culture, and stunning beaches, the Dominican Republic is a festive destination for Christmas. Villas here often come fully staffed, so families can enjoy chef-prepared meals, housekeepers, and butlers while they focus on quality time. Christmas brings local traditions such as “Aguinaldos” (caroling with instruments) and festive lights in the towns, adding cultural flair to your holiday.

Explore All Dominican Republic Villas

Mexico 

From the Riviera Maya to Los Cabos, Mexico is a vibrant setting for Christmas. Villas provide direct access to white-sand beaches, infinity pools, and outdoor living spaces ideal for multi-generational gatherings. Families can embrace both traditional Mexican holiday customs and their own celebrations, with piñatas, festive tamales, and beachfront bonfires. It’s one of the most joyful answers to where to go for Christmas vacation.

Explore All Mexico Villas

 

Spend Christmas on the Slopes

For those who dream of a white Christmas, there’s nothing like spending the holidays in a cozy chalet tucked into the mountainside. With ski-in/ski-out access, roaring fireplaces, and après-ski hot tubs, these destinations are perfect for snowy festivities.

Colorado

Colorado is a classic for Christmas ski trips. Think luxury chalets in Aspen, Vail, or Steamboat Springs complete with gourmet kitchens, great rooms with vaulted ceilings, and slopes right outside your door. It’s one of the best Christmas vacations for families who want both adventure and relaxation with shopping, dining, and seasonal events nearby.

Explore All Colorado Villas

Montana

Montana offers a quieter, rustic-chic Christmas experience. Villas near Big Sky deliver panoramic mountain views, wood-burning fireplaces, and plenty of space for large group vacation rentals. Families can ski during the day, then return to decorate cookies, sip cocoa, and share stories by the fire.

Explore All Montana Villas

Japan

For a unique cultural twist, Japan’s ski resorts like Niseko offer world-class powder skiing alongside a distinctly different Christmas atmosphere. Villas blend sleek design with traditional elements, and families can spend their holidays skiing by day and enjoying Japanese hot springs or festive local meals by night.

Explore All Japan Villas

 

Spend Christmas on the Beach

If trading snowflakes for seashells sounds appealing, a beachfront villa makes the perfect holiday setting. Here are some of the best places to visit in winter for a Christmas filled with sun and sea.

Jamaica

Jamaica is synonymous with warmth and hospitality, making it a favorite for Christmas trips for families. Villas here often include a full staff — chefs, butlers, and housekeepers — so you can enjoy a stress-free holiday. Imagine a traditional Jamaican Christmas feast of roast chicken, rum cake, and sorrel, all enjoyed poolside or overlooking the glittering Caribbean sea.

Explore All Jamaica Villas

Hawaii

Hawaii blends tropical beauty with festive traditions. Families can enjoy beach days and surf lessons, then attend holiday luaus or parades in the evening. Villas here are ideal for multi-family rentals, with expansive living spaces and oceanfront lanais where you can toast to the season. It’s one of the most magical answers to where to go for Christmas vacation.

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Turks & Caicos

For pure luxury, Turks & Caicos offers stunning villas with direct beachfront access, private pools, and world-class service. Families can spend Christmas snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, enjoying a seafood feast, or simply relaxing together under the sun. These villas will redefine the best Christmas vacations for families.

Explore All Turks & Caicos Villas

 

Why Choose a Villa for Your Christmas Celebrations 

When it comes to holiday gatherings, villas offer something truly special. Unlike hotels or resorts, a villa is a private sanctuary where your family can celebrate on your own terms.

One of the greatest benefits is space for everyone. From grandparents to toddlers, each family member has room to spread out and relax. Villas are designed for large vacation rentals, with expansive living areas and plenty of bedrooms so the whole group can feel at home.

Villas also make it easy to enjoy personalized celebrations. Many can be decorated for the holidays, complete with twinkling lights, festive table settings, and even Christmas trees. With the help of a private chef, your family can savor a holiday menu that reflects your traditions without anyone needing to spend hours in the kitchen.

At the same time, villas strike the perfect balance between togetherness and privacy. Multi-family rentals feature shared gathering spaces for meals and activities, along with private bedrooms and guest houses for when guests want quiet time.

Finally, the luxury services set villas apart. Concierge teams can arrange everything from Christmas Eve caroling to customized holiday excursions, ensuring your celebration feels magical from start to finish.

A villa isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a way to turn Christmas into a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

 

Planning Tips for Christmas Vacations

Christmas is one of the busiest travel times of the year, so planning ahead is essential. Here are a few tips to make your holiday seamless:

  1. Book Early – The best Christmas vacations for families are in high demand, so plan ahead. Reserving your villa months in advance ensures you get the ideal space, layout, and amenities for your holiday celebration. Early booking also gives you time to request special touches, like festive décor or a private chef.
  2. Plan Flights Wisely – Holiday travel can be hectic, so book flights as early as possible. Flexible dates or alternative airports can help you avoid crowds and peak-day stress. Planning ahead ensures you arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy your villa from day one.
  3. Pack for the Destination – Your packing list will depend on your holiday setting. Ski trips call for layers and winter gear, while beach escapes need swimsuits, sun protection, and festive outfits. Being prepared makes settling into your villa easy and stress-free.
  4. Bring Traditions Along – Family traditions make a Christmas vacation feel like home. Stockings, favorite board games, or cherished recipes help maintain the holiday spirit no matter where you are. These personal touches create lasting memories for everyone.
  5. Leverage Concierge Services – One of the benefits of a villa is having expert support at your fingertips. Villas of Distinction can arrange wrapping supplies, holiday decor, festive meals, and curated activities. This lets you focus on celebrating together without worrying about the details.

With a little preparation, you can ensure your Christmas vacation is filled with joy, comfort, and unforgettable memories.

 

Celebrate Christmas in Style with Villas of Distinction

This year, make Christmas extraordinary by celebrating in a villa that brings your family together in a stunning destination. Whether you’re dreaming of snowy slopes, sandy beaches, or sunny islands, Villas of Distinction offers the world’s best collection of homes for large vacation rentals and multi-family gatherings. From festive meals prepared by private chefs to personalized holiday décor and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, every detail is designed to make your Christmas unforgettable. 
 

Discover where to go for Christmas vacation with us, and give your family the gift of a holiday they’ll never forget. Explore All Villas with Christmas Availability or inquire with one of our villas specialists by phone at (800) 289-0900 or email today.