Christmas is a time of magic, joy, and togetherness. But when you’re celebrating the holiday away from home, it can feel challenging to recreate that festive spirit—especially with kids. Whether you’re spending Christmas at a cozy cabin in the mountains, a sunny beachside resort, or a bustling city abroad, it’s entirely possible to make the day extra special and magical for your little ones.

Here are some creative and practical ways to ensure your family enjoys a holiday season filled with wonder, no matter where your travels take you.

1. Bring Holiday Traditions with You

Traveling doesn’t mean leaving your cherished family traditions behind. Pack a little holiday magic in your suitcase and recreate your favorite rituals wherever you go.

Miniature Decor

  • Pack Small Decorations: String lights, mini stockings, or foldable ornaments can instantly transform a hotel room or rental into a festive space.
  • Portable Tree: Bring a small tabletop Christmas tree or craft one together using paper, found materials, or even lights on the wall.
  • DIY Crafts: Create ornaments or decorations from local finds like seashells, pinecones, or cultural souvenirs to reflect your destination.

Traditional Activities

  • If you always bake cookies at home, bring a few key ingredients and bake together in your vacation rental. If that’s not possible, visit a local bakery and let your kids pick out treats.
  • Read your favorite Christmas stories before bed or watch holiday movies as a family on Christmas Eve.

2. Create a Christmas Morning to Remember

Christmas morning is the highlight of the day for most kids, and you can make it magical even when you’re on the road.

Pack Stocking Stuffers

  • Bring small, lightweight gifts or stocking stuffers like travel games, snacks, or local souvenirs to surprise your kids on Christmas morning.
  • Use items from the trip—like postcards or a pressed penny from a local attraction—to make stockings extra special.

Hide a Few Gifts

  • If space allows, pack a few wrapped presents from Santa and hide them in your luggage. Sneak them under the tree or in a stocking for your kids to find on Christmas morning.
  • Pro Tip: If you can’t bring physical gifts, consider gifting experiences, like tickets to a nearby attraction or a special outing.

3. Celebrate Local Holiday Traditions

One of the most exciting parts of traveling during Christmas is immersing yourself in the local culture. Show your kids how Christmas is celebrated in your destination.

Attend Local Festivities

  • Look for holiday markets, Christmas parades, or festive events in the area. For example:
    • In Germany, visit charming Christmas markets with hot cocoa and handcrafted gifts.
    • In Mexico, experience Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration leading up to Christmas with caroling and candlelit processions.
    • In tropical locations, join local beachside Christmas festivities, like sandcastle competitions or bonfires.

Try Local Holiday Foods

  • Explore traditional Christmas dishes from the region you’re visiting. Let your kids try something new, like stollen in Germany, tamales in Latin America, or yule log cake in France.
  • If your kids are picky eaters, balance local dishes with familiar holiday treats you’ve brought from home.

4. Plan a Special Christmas Day Activity

Create unforgettable memories with an activity that’s unique to your destination and adds a festive twist to your Christmas.

Winter Wonderland Adventures

  • If you’re in a snowy destination, plan for sledding, snow tubing, skiing, or building a snowman. A Christmas morning snowball fight could become a new family tradition.
  • Take a sleigh ride or visit a holiday light display to soak in the winter magic.

Beachside Christmas

  • Spending Christmas in the sun? Decorate a “sand tree” instead of a snowman, or have a family swim in the ocean or pool. Bring festive beach towels or hats to set the mood.
  • Plan a picnic or barbecue by the water, complete with holiday music.

City Escapes

  • In urban destinations, take a holiday-themed tour or explore festive landmarks. For example, see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York or ice skate at an iconic rink.
  • Spend the afternoon visiting museums or cultural attractions, many of which offer special holiday events.

5. Capture the Magic with Family Photos

While traveling, Christmas offers the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories with festive family photos.

Set Up a DIY Photoshoot

  • Use your phone or camera to capture family moments by the Christmas tree, at the beach, or in the snow. Pack a small tripod or selfie stick for group shots.
  • Dress in coordinated outfits, such as matching pajamas or festive sweaters, to add extra holiday charm.

Send Virtual Holiday Cards

  • Since you’re away from home, create a digital holiday card with your travel photos to send to friends and family. Include a message about your travels and holiday wishes.

6. Teach Kids to Embrace Flexibility

While it’s important to make the holiday special, traveling at Christmas is also an opportunity to teach kids about the value of adaptability and finding joy in new experiences.

Set Expectations

  • Let your kids know that Christmas will look a little different this year, but that’s part of the adventure. Highlight the unique aspects of the destination and how they’ll make this Christmas extra memorable.

Involve Kids in the Plans

  • Ask your kids what they’d like to do to make Christmas special. Whether it’s a small tradition or an activity, involving them ensures they feel excited and included.

Celebrate the Adventure

  • Remind your kids that being away from home doesn’t mean missing out—it means adding a new layer of excitement to the holiday. Focus on the positives, like exploring a new place and creating new memories together.

7. Make Giving a Priority

Christmas is about more than receiving gifts—it’s a time for giving and sharing joy. Traveling offers unique opportunities to instill this value in kids.

Spread Kindness Locally

  • Volunteer at a local charity or participate in community events like toy drives or food donations. Many destinations have opportunities for visitors to give back during the holidays.

Give Experiences

  • Instead of physical gifts, focus on experiences that your kids will remember for years. Whether it’s riding a gondola, snorkeling, or exploring a historic castle, experiences can be even more meaningful than traditional presents.

8. Prepare for the Unexpected

While traveling during Christmas is exciting, it’s important to be ready for potential hiccups to keep the holiday spirit alive.

Pack Essentials

  • Bring holiday snacks, small decorations, and a few comfort items from home (like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal) to make the trip feel cozy.
  • Pack layers and versatile clothing to prepare for varying weather conditions, especially if your destination includes both indoor and outdoor activities.

Have a Backup Plan

  • If plans fall through (like bad weather canceling outdoor activities), keep a few backup ideas ready, like a movie night, board games, or an indoor holiday craft session.

Conclusion: A Christmas to Remember

Celebrating Christmas while traveling with kids may look different from a traditional holiday at home, but it offers a unique chance to create magical memories as a family. By blending cherished traditions with new experiences, staying flexible, and embracing the spirit of adventure, you can turn your holiday travels into an unforgettable celebration.

Whether you’re waking up to snowy mountain peaks, warm tropical breezes, or the glow of city lights, this Christmas will be one your family cherishes for years to come. Wherever you’re spending the holidays, may your day be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Merry Christmas and Happy Travels!