Spending time together as a family is what Christmas is all about.
Sharing special moments with each other throughout the year can be hard, and the holiday season is the ideal opportunity to put family first and create those all-important shared moments.
But making sure your family Christmas vacation rental provides an unforgettable experience takes a little preparation and planning.
Our ultimate guide to planning a Christmas vacation that the whole family will love takes you through all the essential steps. From choosing the perfect setting to creating a packing list and planning festive activities, this checklist has got you covered.
The rest of the year can get busy, with school, work, and distance making it hard to spend focused family time. Christmas is the only time of the year when everyone is free, giving families a chance to spend quality time together without any distractions.
The holiday atmosphere makes every destination feel a little more unique. Whether you’re staying somewhere snowy or jetting off to a warmer climate, travelling at Christmas time makes it so much more special.
Spending Christmas away from home gives your family the chance to recreate Christmas traditions in a new place. Holiday fun, like baking cookies, can give a new meaning to Christmas when done in a mountain lodge.
Exchanging gifts by the ocean can become a core memory for years to come, whilst watching holiday movies in a forest cabin gives your family traditions a new backdrop.
The first step is to choose dates that fit everyone’s schedule. The earlier you nail these down, the better, because flights fill up fast during the festive period.
Prices can also spike the closer you get to Christmas, so aim to have your flights and accommodation booked by around October if you’re staying in the U.S. For international and European trips, consider booking up to six months ahead to get the best deal.
Once the dates are sorted, the next decision is the destination.
It can be tricky to choose the best place to spend Christmas. Some families want snowfall on their Christmas vacation, while others prefer a warm escape. Here are some of our favorite suggestions, covering a wide range of festive getaway types.
A mountain vacation rental offers the perfect blend of snowy, breathtaking peaks and cozy nights by the fire
A property like Wander Winter Park Slopes sleeps up to 10 guests and comes with a hot tub, game room, and mountain views, making it perfect for families who want adventure days and nights in.
An urban Christmas getaway is ideal for those who want heaps of fun activities on their doorstep
A base like Wander Houston Escape is the ideal choice. With five bedrooms, a private theater, and even a mini-golf course, you’ll have plenty to do at your vacation rental.
Fancy rocking around the Christmas…cactus? Set yourself apart from the rest by booking a desert escape
Wander Palm Springs Haven offers something totally different from the rest. It has a private pool and mid-century modern decor. It’s perfect for smaller families who’d rather catch a tan over the holiday period, watching the swaying palm trees and starry nights in the hot tub.
For ultimate relaxation, choose a beachside getaway this holiday season. Think endless sandy beaches, which really do put another meaning to the idea of a white Christmas!
Wander Cancun Cove sleeps up to 25 guests and has private pools, direct beach access, and a maid service. It is the ideal luxury vacation rental for growing families with grandchildren.
Pro tip: Choose the destination based on the travel time. If you only have a long weekend when the whole family is available, pick somewhere closer to home to reduce travel time.
At Wander, we offer luxury vacation rentals ideal for families of all shapes, sizes, and travel preferences. Our portfolio of homes ensures you can choose somewhere with plenty of space for everyone, and indulge in premium amenities like hot tubs, private pools, and cinema rooms.
Some of our vacation rentals even include private chef services, which helps take the stress of Christmas Day cooking and gives you more time to relax with family and friends.
Coordinating a group of any size means plans can change at short notice. To prioritize best, create a short list of must-do activities and a longer list of nice-to-do options. This way, you’ll do what matters most to everyone while leaving room for spontaneous ideas. Consider:
At-home holiday traditions include baking and decorating cookies, having a movie night, or decorating
Local experiences such as visiting Santa, going sledding, or having a family hike
A special night out as a family, visiting a restaurant or seeing a festive light show
Set up a family vacation group chat so ideas aren’t lost or forgotten. You can also share a document with flight times, addresses, emergency contacts, and a packing list. To make sure one person isn’t overwhelmed, assign roles so that you have someone in charge of:
Coordinating travel – this includes flights, accommodation, and any transfers needed
Food and drinks – this needs to cover buying supplies for Christmas Day itself and all the surrounding days that you’ll be on vacation
Booking activities – we’re talking dinner reservations and bringing any necessary supplies for crafts, game nights, and sports adventures
In our experience, delegating tasks means everyone has a job they can enjoy, and no one gets left out.
Packing for vacation can be stressful. Add Christmas into the mix, and it’s easy to overpack or underpack. Creating and sending a checklist to the whole family can avoid packing drama. Make sure to include:
Travel documents
Entertainment for the children (tablets and coloring books)
A first-aid kit
Chargers and a spare power bank
Holiday essentials (string lights, a small tabletop tree, and gifts)
December is one of the busiest times of the year for air travel. Arrive early to make sure you’re prepared for long security lines. This is especially important when travelling with young children.
You should always keep essentials in your carry-on in case of delays or luggage issues.
Christmas week is the peak travel season, so prices rise quickly, and the best rentals are booked up quickly.
Securing your spot early is the easiest way to save money and guarantee your ideal accommodation. As soon as you agree on the dates with your family, make sure you book the property that best suits you to avoid disappointment.
Winter weather can make travelling unpredictable, with a higher chance of snowstorms and icy roads. Allow time for delays and alternative transport options if needed.
You should also make sure everyone has the right clothing for wherever you’re staying. Pack warm layers, waterproof boots, and gloves if you’re headed to the mountains. Lightweight outfits, swimsuits, and sun hats are a must if you’re spending Christmas somewhere sunny.
Choosing the right vacation rental can make a Christmas to remember for years to come. Wander’s luxury stays are the ideal setting for all families, offering fun-packed locations and quiet, secluded stays to suit everyone’s needs.
Large group rentals, like Wander Smoky Peaks in Tennessee, can accommodate 12 guests and feature a hot tub, BBQ area, outdoor dining spaces, and a cozy fire pit.
Smaller rentals like Wander Stowe Falls in Vermont offer forest views and ski slopes on the doorstep, making the perfect snow-dusted backdrop for your festive stay.
If you need help finding a family-friendly rental with something for everyone, Wander has a variety of options for festive getaways.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
