The best family Christmas vacations are the ones that let you spend time with your loved ones in a beautiful part of the world, but with so many areas to choose from, it can be hard to decide which trip might be best for you. Family-friendly Christmas destinations include luxury ski resorts with traditional holiday celebrations available for guests, cruises through the Caribbean islands, and unique local celebrations across the US.

If you’re looking for a scenic setting and difficult ski runs, some of the best family Christmas vacations can be had in the Austrian Alps or in Swiss ski resorts such as St Moritz. These beautiful destinations are known for their old-fashioned chateaus and beautiful hotels, as well as amazing slopes. For ski vacations in North America, it’s worth looking into Banff in Canada, Colorado resorts such as Vail and Aspen, and even smaller ski resorts in New England and the Adirondacks, which are less difficult to ski but also less expensive.

Caribbean islands are also popular during the holiday season, with Christmas cruises and Christmas beach vacations being two of the most popular trip options for anyone looking to just relax and get away from the stress of everyday life. The US Virgin Islands are popular all year-round, and they’re also one of the top places to spend Christmas. The many resorts on St Thomas, St John, and St Croix offer packages to fit couples, single adults, and families, so with a little research and planning, you can even personalize your trip.

Some of the top places to spend Christmas in the US for families include great local celebrations and are well worth checking out. One of the best is the spectacular festive light show at Stone Mountain Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Families will enjoy a Christmas parade, Snow Angel fireworks and snowfall celebration, visit with Santa, sing-a-long with strolling carolers, and experience the parks signature Christmas event with a spectacular laser light show.

In Branson, Missouri, you can see millions of twinkling Christmas lights as Silver Dollar City becomes a winter wonderland with the lighting of the five-story special effects Christmas tree, which comes alive with more than 250,000 lights that are set to sparkle in time to classic Christmas music at this annual sound and light show. Similarly, the Trail of Lights celebration in Austin, Texas displays a mile long Christmas trail depicting over 40 holiday scenes including Santa's house, Yule Log and the lighting of the 155-foot tall Zilker tree.

Another of the festive family-friendly Christmas destinations is the stunning Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina. Stroll through this fabulous mansion filled with candle and firelight casting a warm glow over the mansion's priceless antiques, paintings, treasures, and 35-foot Fraser fir. Get into the holiday spirit as you walk through rooms decorated with wreaths, beads, tinsel, garland, poinsettias, dozens of trees and decorative trees adorned with intricate ornaments.

One of the most popular options for a family Christmas getaway is a Disney vacation. At the Disney parks, Christmas is celebrated with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party that features the Christmastime parade with Santa, a snowfall of Main Street, live entertainment by Disney characters, a festively decorated Cinderella Castle, holiday fireworks, and for ticket holders, a holiday treat of cookies and luscious hot cocoa.