A Dozen Favorite Cold Season Family Favorites
Sun or snow or stay close for your family winter getaway? Maybe you want to take that long-delayed trip to Orlando, go on a cruise with extended family or experience Rome during its Jubilee Year. You have plenty of affordable winter getaway options, (especially before or after the holidays), whether traveling in the US, North America or abroad.
In our 24/7 society, the winter holidays now begin the day after Halloween! Instead of rushing in, take your time to relax, enjoy some candy and prepare mindfully. Keep your values top of mind for the onslaught of chores around Thanksgiving and whichever December and January holidays you celebrate. Will your family skip material gifts and support causes?
MONTREAL, THE ULTIMATE WINTER AND SPRING BREAK DESTINATION
From Feb. 27 to Mar. 9, 2025, celebrate 26 years of lighting up winter! For the past quarter century, the legendary Montréal en Lumière festival has welcomed nearly 600,000 visitors yearly to experience Montreal’s winter to the fullest through a unique program combining performing arts, gastronomy, free outdoor family activities, and a whole night of original surprises.
Skating is at the center of the festival. The Skating Loop overlooking the Place des Festivals in the heart of Montreal, allows festival goers to enjoy an extraordinary sound and light experience on the ice. Nearly 150 free activities are also offered to entertain the whole family, no matter the age or snow sports skills. Bundle up to experience the Ferris wheel, DJ Booth, animations, illuminated art and much more.
Discover everything the festival has to offer at montrealenlumiere.com MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE | FEBRUARY 27 TO MARCH 9, 2025 | GASTRONOMIC PROGRAMMING STARTING FEBRUARY 20
CELEBRATE WITH HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND CHEER
It’s holiday time in many households, with preparations underway for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s and other events. This could be your year to go green by picking your own holiday tree. Don’t miss a family outing to a local holiday lights celebration — or include one wherever you’re traveling. Our guide to the top public lights displays and holiday decorations should get you started planning your own joyful adventure.
Make Your Holidays A Family Adventure
We’re excited that 2025 travel trends are all pointing to more affordable and meaningful family vacations in the months to come. If you’re intrigued by vanlife or the idea of a spa retreat — maybe a bucket list trip to Alaska — there are many new opportunities ahead.
Companies like RVshare.com, for example, connect you to RV and campervan owners in your area or at a dreamed of destination. You don’t need to go all in now; just rent a campervan or RV and try it! It doesn’t take long to appreciate the simplicity of the ‘tiny’ lifestyle and the beauty of the great outdoors in winter. A taste of vanlife may even be your spark to try homeschooling or worldschooling with the kids.
Keep Kindness in Mind
Add kindness to the menu to keep everyone in the holiday spirit. Help your block put up Christmas lights or plan a school toy drive to share the season’s bounty. Bring tins of home baked cookies to the elderly in your community or send to those you won’t get to see. Volunteer to respond to Santa letters or do work in your community. When you have time to sit down with a cup of tea, join us in exploring the dozen, very best, affordable, fun and safe family winter vacation ideas with our partners at The Family Travel Forum and Little Family Adventure.
GO GREEN BY PICKING YOUR HOLIDAY TREE
Go green for real by picking your own holiday tree. Get a permit and head to a national forest to help groom firebreaks. Alternatively, spend a day supporting local agriculture at a small business tree farm. Our directory of U-Pick Christmas tree farms is packed with resources for all 50 states and explains how to do it.
Add kindness to the menu to keep everyone in the holiday spirit. Help your block put up Christmas lights or plan a school toy drive to share the season’s bounty. Bring tins of home baked cookies to the elderly in your community or send to those you won’t get to see. Volunteer to respond to Santa letters or do work in your community. Help a neighbor or make decorations for your tree.
Plan an outing to a local holiday lights celebration or include one wherever you’re traveling between Thanksgiving and the first week in January. Our guide to the top public lights displays and holiday decorations should get you started planning your own joyful adventure.
Here are our 12 favorite trip ideas re-imagined with partners at The Family Travel Forum and Little Family Adventures.
BAJA CALIFORNIA AND THE LOS CABOS PENINSULA
Follow the social buzz to Baja or Cabo this winter. . The long, skinny Baja California peninsula boasts 1,900 miles of coastline split between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez.
Escape to any of the resort areas of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and Todos Santos, all in the south.While the beaches and glittering sea are equally beautiful, the vibe in each town will appeal to different travelers.
Our guide to Los Cabos and where to stay, dine and play should help you decide where to go. The Hilton Los Cabos, for example, near Cabo San Lucas on the Sea of Cortez, has a swimmable beach and access to four world-renowned golf courses. Rates through Dec. 6, 2024 start at $239/N — 40% off with a three-night minimum stay. The family-friendly and all-inclusive Solmar Playa Grande Resort is taking 30% off in booked by Dec. 1.
And with hotels from under $200/night throughout the winterseason, smart shoppers will still find a bargain.
JUBILEE MARKS THE HOLY YEAR OF 2025 IN ROME, ITALY
Pope Boniface VIII began the Jubilee tradition in 1300, calling it a Holy Year for Roman Catholics to reaffirm their faith in God by making a pilgrimage to the Roman Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul. Holy Years were celebrated every century and by 1470, Pope Paul II proclaimed them every 25 years. Thus, 2025 is a Jubilee year and Rome is ready for an expected 35 million visitors.
The Vatican’s new Via della Conciliazione entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica has been enhanced with technology to welcome every pilgrim, including those with disabilities, in their own language. Multimedia VR and augmented reality displays designed for families introduce the basilica complex. Masterworks such as the newly restored “Baldachin” by Bernini are highlighted. A new app will give pilgrims access to a network of outside clergy, while in-person dialogue will take place at the Basilica. Visitors to Rome should expect a merchandise blitz with a new Piazza San Pietro magazine plus souvenirs of the occasion.
Note that pilgrims who participate in the Jubilee are granted a plenary indulgence. In addition to visiting St. Peter’s, make the 25 kms ‘Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches,’ and visit the Holy Door. Check the official Vatican Giubileo calendar for more information on special events throughout 2025.
You don’t have to be Catholic to appreciate the refreshed face of Rome, where enhancements to infrastructure, museums, historic sites, hotels and more have just been completed. Unless you are traveling with a church group, you need the services of a local tour operator such as Tourist Italy to facilitate your Roman holiday. According to
Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Rome, , “The hope is that the millions of pilgrims will have a remarkable, unforgettable experience, a great spiritual experience; that the Jubilee of Hope will have extraordinary spiritual value in a world that is emerging from a terrible pandemic, that is ravaged by wars.”
And if you’ve got Paris in your sights soon, here’s a 7-day itinerary that may suit your needs.
BLACK AMERICANS AND OUR SHARED HISTORY
Black History Month, celebrated each year during February, is a chance for Americans to learn details of their nation’s history thatare far too often neglected. Fortunately, there are more opportunities to do that, available year round.
Start, if you can, at the terrific Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in DC. The sweeping panorama of Black history provides a rich overview of Black American culture. There’s so much to see and do in DC. The capital is #3 on WalletHub’s list of Top 10 Winter Getaways, and has the lowest price for a three-star hotel room of any of them, especially on weekends when government offices close, The homey Hotel Lombardy has spacious rooms from just $117 per night; while the compact, hipper Motto by Hilton starts at $95 and features bunk beds.
The National Park Service has added new listings to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Take a self-guided audio tour of the Underground Railroad in Boston. Visit the Douglass Family South Street Home Site in Rochester, NY. Look deeper into the Underground Railroad as you bike in stages up to 1,997 miles of the Adventure Cycling Association’s Underground Railroad Bicycle Route. Five itineraries follow freedom seekers from Mobile, Alabama to Owen Sound, Ontario. Jackson, Mississippi is a beacon of civil rights activism, dedicated to keeping the story alive including the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, which pays homage to Medgar Evers, the first secretary of the NAACP.
Minority stories are now highlighted at sites of national significance. Road trip along Route 66 or across Wyoming and learn how the indigenous peoples who lived there reacted when white settlers moved in.
CARIBBEAN RESORTS ATTRACT EVERYONE ALL WINTER
Barbados is known for its sophisticated African/British heritage and history (it gained independence from Britain in 1966) and white sand beaches. Enjoy local cuisine at Friday night’s Oisten Fish Fry and sample rum in its birthplace. Combine that with adventures from caving to surfing at t. he Mount Gay Rum History Museum in the central uplands. Part of the Eco-Adventure Park at Harrison’s Cave, you can tour the nearly 1.5-mile long stream cave system at one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island. Opt for an all-inclusive resort as well as condos at the luxury Sea Breez Beach House. See the swimming horses if you can get to Pebbles Beach at 6 am when the trainers exercise the racehorses.
An elegant yet affordable, all-inclusive resort in Dominican Republic is The Finest Punta Cana. Your group can split up into the separate adults-only wing known as The Excellence, or opt for The Finest (family) wing. Take advantage of extensive and spacious kids’ facilities including a kids’ spa, well-spaced loungers and cabanas, and gourmet dining.
The ABC islands — Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, are part of the Leeward Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. It’s tough to find winter deals in the Caribbean, but the new, super family-welcoming Embassy Suites By Hilton Aruba has suites including sofabed, balcony, full breakfast, nightly cocktail reception, WiFi, and kids’ activities at rates from $359/N. Plus, the beaches are gorgeous.
Curacao, just 40 miles from the Venezuela coast, is a true gem. We loved the European vibe and less-touristy feel of the island. In fact, most of those staying at our beachfront 137-unit Lions Dive Beach Resort were Dutch families. Don’t miss the Barrio Urban Street Food patio that serves up dishes from six different street food stands. They include Lionfish Mango where Chef Heinrich Hortencia makes Lionfish fish and chips and Lionfish ceviche. Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are also excellent bets for midweek, non-holiday vacationers. These islands are served by low-cost carriers Sun Country and Frontier.; have myriad vacation rentals and don’t require passports from US citizens. You can luxuriate at Puerto Rico’s super posh Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reservein a suite or residence. Enjoy the West or East Beaches, a first-class golf course, private pools, gourmet restaurants, and an ultra-luxurious spa. Or , check into the Residence Inn Isla Verde where four can sleep and have breakfast for $229/N.
COZY UP WITH PANDAS AND FRIENDS AT ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS
Pandas are back at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! Bao Li and Qing Bao have arrived and starting in late January, you can visit them in their renovated habitat on Asia Trail. Meanwhile, there is also plenty else to see and do. Meet animal keepers and see demonstrations throughout the day. Visit the Great Ape House and the Reptile Discovery Center. Laugh at the orangutans.
The Atlanta Zoo has four pandas, including the first twins born in the U.S. in more than a quarter century. This year, the San Diego Zoo made a new commitment with China Wildlife Conservation Association and welcomed two Pandas once again—YU Chuan and Xin Bao—who live in the Zoo’s Panda Ridge. The newly refreshed and expanded area takes inspiration from the breathtaking, lush landscapes in and around giant pandas’ native habitats in China’s Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi provinces.
You may not think winter is the time to visit a zoo or aquarium but think again. Immerse yourselves in an animal habitat for a low cost, enriching escape from the ordinary. Animal and marine life conservancies in colder climates must provide warm habitats for the species (and visitors) that need them. The Oregon Coast Aquarium opens its renovated Connected Coasts gallery and new Sea Jelly gallery to the public in winter. Until February 2, see the Wildlife Rescue Interactive Exhibit at Zoo Miami where kids can climb, play and learn about the animals that need our help.
DOOR COUNTY, UNEXPECTED SIDE OF WISCONSIN
Door County, Wisconsin offers a variety of fun and exciting winter family activities. From skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing to snowshoeing, sledding and tubing, Door County has something for everyone. You can enjoy the cozy warmth of a fire in a wood stove and the breathtaking beauty of sparkling snow-covered trees while drinking hot cocoa by an outdoor bonfire. For those wanting to explore beyond the snowy terrain, visit any of Door County’s state parks for hiking, guided tours or educational programs. Explore the unique shops in Fish Creek or take an exciting sleigh ride through winding wooded trails. Whatever your family desires, you will find it in our perfect three-day Door Countywinter itinerary.
If the weather is too rugged for some family members, the county also has several museums with fascinating exhibits. Learn more at the Maritime Museum which offers insight into the history of the Great Lakes. There are plenty of indoor activities as well including bowling or curling at Sister Bay Bowl. Stay warm visiting one of their many art galleries where you can purchase handmade souvenirs to remember your winter adventure in Door County.
SPANISH HERITAGE REVEALED IN THE PALM BEACHES
Palm Beach County is so much more than a visit to grandma’s, the Mar-a-Lago Club or grand hotels. Families in the know flock to horse shows in Wellington, the natural beauty of Lake Okeechobee and the quaint Yesteryear Village, a living history museum about early 20th-century Florida. Culture hounds plan ahead for the Japanese garden at Boca Raton’s Morikami Museum, and regional productions at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Thanks to support from the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, the region’s rich Spanish culture will thrill snowbirds and visitors this winter.
The Boca Raton Museum of Art features Splendor & Passionthrough March 25, 2025.Masterworks from the Baroque era coming from the far reaches of the Spanish empire include 57 paintings loaned by New York’s Hispanic Society Museum & Library (HSM&L.) Art lovers can revel in paintings by Velazquez, Goya and other stars that highlight conquistadors and the region’s Spanish history. Families should book events that provide context for kids, such as live flamenco (Dec. 13) and Spanish Guitar (Jan. 26) performances. Kid-friendly, inspiring Creation Station crafts and sm(ART) programs run each Saturday morning among other events. Museum open Wednesday to Sunday.
The Norton Museum of Art features more riches from the HSM&L in Sorolla and the Sea . through April 13, 2025. Painter Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida from Valencia was hailed by Monet as a “master of light.” Don’t miss their Saturday 30-minute tours of the exhibit and other family programs included with admission. The selection of Sorolla’s paintings showcase Spain’s beaches and his love of the sea – a perfect complement to the Palm Beaches.
Speaking of beaches, usually warm and sunny all winter, you’ll need this local’s guide to those free Palm Beach oceanfront parking spots your grandparents may remember.
WHAT’S IN A NAME? ICELAND NOT AS COLD AS YOU FEAR IN WINTER
Aurora trackers make Iceland as popular in winter as in summer for views of the Northern Lights. Winter visitors also love to soak in geothermal hot springs, explore ice caves and glaciers, and participate in plenty of other winter sports. The majority of people in Iceland live in the Reykjavik area. Only 370,000 people live in Iceland and about 63% – some 236,000 – live here, many in the suburbs.
This is the center of Iceland’s culture, economy and government. If you plan to take in some of Reykjavik’s major museums, including the National Museum of Iceland, the Reykjavik Art Museum, the Reykjavik Zoo, the excellent Maritime Museum and Family Park, as well as many of the city’s thermal pools, invest in a City Card, as it also includes Reykjavik City Buses and Videy Island ferries, as well as discounts at various restaurants and tours. Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, once a department store, fit the bill. It was walking distance to the compact city’s major museums, restaurants, and shopping and best of all Baejarins Beztu. It’s the oldest hot dog stand in the city that has been in operation since 1937 and has served everyone from Bill Clinton to Kim Kardashian.
MELLOW OUT OR THE CHILL IN HOT SPRINGS, SOUTH DAKOTA
Step into the winter wonderland of Hot Springs, South Dakota with your family for an extraordinary cold-weather adventure. Choose from an unusual variety of winter experiences that highlight the charm and uniqueness of this historic town. Hot Springs is the southern gateway to South Dakota’s Black Hills.
Many visitors come to see the iconic Mount Rushmore and you can certainly enjoy the presidents’ profiles sprinkled with snow. But there’s also soaking in natural hot springs surrounded by snow, and exploring the mysteries of Wind Cave National Park. Different than in summer, this winter-themed journey promises an array of memorable activities for all ages at bargain prices.
Explore the enchanting landscapes of Hot Springs, best seen on the hiking trails. Local museums feature the region’s history, including information on the famous wooly mammoth who once embraced winter with open arms. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, there’s an affordable family winter getaway the heart of the Black Hills, South Dakota.
GO BIG ON SNOWSPORTS: THINK SMALL
Family ski trips are among our favorite winter vacations, but travel with the required gear can seem more stressful than gleeful. Enter ShipSkis. This company will pick up your family’s ski gear and luggage at your home and seamlessly deliver it to your destination. Read more about their affordable, easy-peasy service here.
We highlight our top large and small mountain resorts in the annual Family Ski and Snowsports Directory. Families already hooked on snowsports will appreciate the many on-mountain improvements being made this season. You know to save money on lift tickets at the major resorts with an EPIC (Vail Resorts) or IKON (Alterra Mountain Co.) Pass.
If you’re new to the sport, consider one of the smaller mountain resorts closer to home. It’s more economical to opt for a smaller ski resort your first time out. Extend your budget by driving rather than flying to your destination. Pay less for lodging near the slopes instead of on them. Save on lift tickets and ski school classes with regional passes.
Many states such as Idaho, Michigan, New York, Utah and Vermont have kids’ ski free deals for certain grades, often starting for third graders, even for non-residents. Besides free lift tickets — a significant savings that can add up to hundreds of dollars – many Kids Ski Free passes encourage lifelong learning with discounts on rental gear, outerwear and more.
Hardy families should head to Mount Rainier National Park to sample Washington’s best snowshoeing and winter camping free of charge. Utah’s Bryce Canyon will likely have less snow, so winter is a great time to tour the Hoodoos (rock spires) the park is known for. Browse the National Parks Foundation Travel Guides for more free fun ideas for winter getaways.
SCOTTSDALE TO GRAND CANYON ROAD TRIP SHOWCASES WINTER
Embark on an unforgettable winter road trip with your family from Scottsdale to the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. From admiring the striking red rock formations of Sedona to the breathtaking vistas of the Grand Canyon itself, this winter-themed excursion offers an array of activities for all ages.
One of the best parts is finding so much less traffic than you would during the busy summer season. That makes it easy to explore the enchanting landscapes of Arizona, and pull off to hike trails or appreciate scenic vistas whenever you want. Once you reach Flagstaff and higher elevations, hints of snow in the high desert remind you of the winter season’s unique and serene beauty.
Sedona’s spiritual attractions such as the Native American vortices, Flagstaff’s buzzy brew pubs and the small, charming Western towns with cozy boutiques are well worth spending a night. Of course, you’ll want to spend a few days bundled up for the scenic hikes through the Grand Canyon’s stunning natural wonders. The lack of crowds, bargain-priced accommodations and wonder of seeing cactus and ice co-exist make it a memorable family winter getaway.
IT’S ALWAYS FAIR WEATHER IN LOS ANGELES
There are few cities in the US that combine gorgeous beaches and sunshine with attractions and hotels for every budget. In our opinion, LA beats out Miami and San Diego, other places that come to mind. Why? Because the City of Angels boasts a sophisticated green urban infrastructure to promote sustainable travel. World-class art museums (several free) illuminate modern art, movies and cars. Treat the kids to award-winning cuisine from every culture at every price point. Easily discover walkable historic districts, viewable Hollywood celebrities and a diversity of one-off shops.
Plan a day at one of LA’s famous beaches. You’ll need a wetsuit for swimming but the sand-castle building, strolling and sunbathing can’t be beat. Start at the Santa Monica Pier, the Western end of Route 66, accessible by the new Metro system. Board a vintage Ferris Wheel and midway rides, try fishing or people watching.
Teens love rollerblading and biking (many rental shops) along the beach’s 27-mile concrete pathway. Head south to Venice Beach, with its artsy boardwalk cafes, tattoo parlors, street performers and muscle builders. Shop the craftspeople, have a vegan meal, watch graffiti artists, and have your portrait done.
Los Angeles also boasts famous surfing spots for novices and experienced riders. Talk to locals about the day’s conditions before you dive into the surf at legendary Zuma Beach , Surfrider Beach or Topanga Beach are in Malibu. There’s so much more in store, you’ll need our Guide to Los Angeles Top Family Attractions to plan your adventure.
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