Unearth The Voyage
Ready to trade your usual holiday routine for sparkling lights, hot cocoa, and memory-making magic? These family-friendly U.S. resorts transform December into a wonderland, blending festive traditions with standout activities for all ages. From indoor snow tubing to gingerbread villages and mountaintop sleigh bells, each escape wraps you in seasonal joy without the stress. Dive in and discover your family’s perfect Christmas getaway.
1. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee
Few places celebrate Christmas with the showstopping spectacle found at this Nashville icon. Millions of twinkling lights drape gardens, atriums, and pathways, setting the stage for ICE sculptures, indoor snow tubing, and jolly photo spots. Kids love riverboat rides under glittering canopies while parents revel in seasonal concerts, themed dining, and dazzling atrium views. With shopping, activities, and shows in one place, it’s an all-weather holiday fantasy. Even rainy days feel merry thanks to indoor attractions and festive programming. Plan ahead for timed-entry events and bundle tickets to maximize magic. It’s an unforgettable, larger-than-life Christmas experience.
2. Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & HeartSong Lodge, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
For small-town Christmas charm paired with big joy, DreamMore and HeartSong place families steps from Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas. Over six million lights, spirited performances, and a nightly parade bring the park to life. Back at the resort, festive crafts, storytime, and cozy fireplaces extend the enchantment. Complimentary park shuttles simplify logistics and let you savor more moments. Kids can write letters to Santa while adults unwind with seasonal treats. Warm Southern hospitality makes everything feel personal. Book early for parade nights and specialty dining. The Smokies’ glow makes every evening feel gently magical.
3. Gaylord Rockies Resort, Aurora, Colorado
At the edge of the Rockies, this resort reimagines winter fun with arctic slides, snow tubing, and a cheerful holiday village. Kids can enjoy breakfast with Santa before exploring dazzling light displays and seasonal shows. The expansive atrium becomes a sparkling playground, perfect for photos and memory-making. Guests appreciate on-site dining, easy access, and spacious family rooms. For extra thrills, bundle tubing tickets and plan afternoon breaks for cocoa. Everything feels festive yet convenient, even during chilly weather. The mountain views add a postcard backdrop. It’s a high-energy holiday escape with something to delight every age.
4. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, Cedar Creek, Texas
Nestled among loblolly pines, this warm Texas retreat turns Christmas into a cozy, kid-first celebration. Families hop aboard horse-drawn wagon rides, sip cocoa at tree lighting ceremonies, and craft keepsakes during Camp Hyatt workshops. The vast grounds invite nature walks between festive events, while fireplaces and s’mores set an inviting mood. On-property dining makes mealtimes easy, even with energetic little elves. Book a riverside activity or try stargazing on clear nights. With thoughtful programming and friendly staff, the pace feels relaxed and merry. It’s the kind of place where holiday traditions begin—and happily stick.
5. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Avon, Colorado
This luxe mountain lodge balances elegance with kid-friendly wonder. Families meet real reindeer, greet Santa, and gather nightly for s’mores by the fire. Guided snowshoe adventures weave through serene trails, while spa options and fine dining indulge grown-ups. The Great Room’s soaring stone hearth sets a dramatic holiday stage. Ski-in access and children’s activities streamline winter fun. Expect polished service, beautifully decorated spaces, and cozy alcoves for relaxing together. Book reindeer encounters early, as they fill quickly. It’s a refined alpine holiday that still feels warm, welcoming, and brimming with festive sparkle.
6. Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona
Red rock vistas meet Southwestern holiday flair at this serene Sedona sanctuary. Children craft keepsakes in Santa’s Workshop while families skate outdoors framed by dramatic cliffs. Culinary teams host approachable holiday cooking demonstrations, perfect for inspiring new traditions. Evenings glow with luminarias and warm desert light. The resort’s trails invite gentle hikes before cocoa by the fire. Spacious casitas welcome multi-generational stays, and stars dazzle on clear nights. Expect thoughtful touches, from local decor to festive turndown treats. It’s a sun-washed Christmas with a distinctly Sedona spirit and a generous dose of wonder.
7. The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Steeped in tradition, The Greenbrier dresses in lavish holiday finery. Families marvel at a two-story lobby tree, decorate gingerbread, and savor festive banquets capped by the storied Christmas Eve ball. Dorothy Draper design amplifies the cheer with bold colors and nostalgic charm. Ice skating, carriage rides, and boutique shopping fill the days. For quiet moments, explore historic nooks and cozy lounges. Staff orchestrate details with practiced grace, making everything feel effortless. Book early for dining and ball attire guidelines. It’s grand, glamorous, and unabashedly merry.
8. Jekyll Island Club Resort, Jekyll Island, Georgia
This coastal charmer delivers small-town magic with moss-draped oaks and shimmering lights. Families sip holiday tea, craft ornaments, and stroll past island-wide displays that sparkle against seaside breezes. The gingerbread village competition invites sweet inspiration, while bike rides connect historic cottages and beaches. Sunset carriage rides add timeless romance for multi-generational trips. On cooler evenings, gather for cocoa by outdoor heaters. The resort’s historic detailing and warm service make festivities feel intimate. Book tea service early, and plan photos around golden hour. It’s a gentle, storybook Christmas by the shore.
9. Ojai Valley Inn, Ojai, California
For a sun-dappled holiday, Ojai blends warm weather with classic Christmas traditions. Families decorate cookies, paint ornaments, and pose with Santa beneath a giant, glowing tree. Courtyards brim with poinsettias, while fireplaces and twinkle lights create cozy vibes after sunset. The resort’s serene valley views set an unhurried pace. Enjoy golf or spa escapes while kids dive into festive workshops. Local markets and citrus-scented breezes add California flair. Plan an early dinner to catch pink-tinged “Ojai Pixie” sunsets. It’s a relaxed, radiant Christmas without winter’s chill.
10. The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado
America’s grand resort shines with holiday elegance framed by mountain peaks. Families glide on the outdoor skating rink, admire intricate gingerbread villages, and indulge in lavish brunch buffets. Choir performances echo through gilded halls, elevating the seasonal spirit. Lake reflections amplify the lights at twilight. From bowling to boutiques, activities span ages and interests. Service is polished yet warm, making celebrations feel effortless. Reserve rink times and brunch early to avoid sellouts. It’s a glittering, tradition-rich Christmas with Rocky Mountain glamour.
11. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York
This Victorian castle perches above a shimmering lake, wrapping guests in nostalgic holiday charm. Crackling fireplaces, cozy reading nooks, and evergreen garlands set the mood. Families skate the pavilion, tube gentle hills, and join guided winter hikes capped with cocoa socials. Daily activities include crafts and live music, while farm-to-table meals comfort hungry adventurers. Snow-kissed trails tempt morning explorers; board games welcome night owls. Book early for lake-view rooms and skating slots. Mohonk balances old-world magic with modern comforts for a peaceful, picturesque Christmas hideaway.
12. Great Wolf Lodge, Multiple Locations, U.S.-wide
Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge transforms each property into a whimsical indoor wonderland. Families splash in an 84-degree waterpark, then wander through life-size decorations and lobby snowfall. Pajama story time delights little pups, while Santa meet-and-greets deliver classic cheer. Suites make multi-night stays easy, and dining is relaxed and kid-focused. Themed crafts, MagiQuest, and seasonal treats keep energy high. It’s perfect for a weatherproof holiday when you want guaranteed fun. Check individual locations for event calendars and packages. Expect nonstop smiles and toasty temperatures, no heavy coats required.
13. Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, North Carolina
Home to the National Gingerbread House Competition, this Arts and Crafts landmark brims with holiday artistry. Wander halls lined with intricate entries, sip tea with live music, and soak up Blue Ridge vistas. Massive stone fireplaces invite lingering with cocoa and board games. Downtown Asheville’s makers and lights are minutes away. Families appreciate spacious lounges and easy dining. Plan a late afternoon visit to see gingerbread details glow under warm lighting. Book timed exhibits early. This is a cozy, creative Christmas where craftsmanship takes center stage.
14. Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, Maryland
On the Potomac waterfront, this resort delivers a blockbuster holiday spectacle. Over a million lights and 160 decorated trees dazzle under a soaring atrium. Families zip down ice slides, lace up skates, and catch themed shows before building sweet treats at Santa’s bake shop. The harbor’s giant tree and illuminated ferris wheel add sparkle outside. Restaurants and shops make it an easy car-free escape. Time your visit for evening light shows and fireworks. It’s a vibrant, all-ages Christmas with big-city energy and waterside charm.
