Best US Resorts and Hotels for Kids at Christmas and the Holidays

Soak up the holiday spirit at The Windsor Court in New Orleans. Photo courtesy of the hotel

Want a holiday getaway with your family without giving up any of the magic and sparkle of the season? We've found some of the best Christmas resorts for kids and families across the US. Whether they're snowy mountain retreats, sunny beachside getaways, thrilling theme park vacations, or jolly city escapes, these kid-friendly holiday hotels go all out with over-the-top decor, Santa sightings, festive meals, and seasonal activities for all ages.

Here are 17 of the best US resorts for families at Christmas. For even more ideas for Christmas family getaways, visit our Family Travel Guide, and check out our lists of family resorts that will sell out for the holidays and magical Christmas towns.

Cirque du Soleil's Gorgeous Luzia Comes to Atlanta

Jump into the magic and beauty of Cirque du Soleil's Luzia, in Atlanta through January 26, 2026. Photo by Matt Beard, courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

Step into Cirque du Soleil's newest world of fantasy with Luzia, which entertains Atlanta families now through January 25, 2026. This amazing show takes guests through a make-believe Mexico, with stunning colors, breathtaking acrobatics, and South of the border inspirations. Keep reading to find out more about Luzia and if you should bring kids to the show before it rolls out of Atlanta.

A Guide to The Florida Mall for Orlando Kids

The Florida Mall offers endless things to do for kids, including enjoying a meal at the American Girl store. Photo by author

My kids and I recently spent an afternoon at The Florida Mall, and it quickly reminded me why this spot remains a favorite for Orlando families. Between hands-on attractions, interactive stores, and delicious treat stops, the mall hits that sweet spot of "getting things done" while keeping kids genuinely entertained.

Visiting in December adds an extra layer of sparkle, with holiday décor, festive photo ops, and Santa sightings, creating an easy, low-stress way to celebrate the season without the theme park crowds. But even outside the holidays, The Florida Mall is packed with family-friendly experiences year-round. Whether you’re escaping the heat, avoiding a rainy afternoon, shopping for back-to-school essentials, or squeezing in fun between theme parks, The Florida Mall delivers plenty of entertainment for kids of all ages.

New Jersey's Unusual and Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities

Holland Ridge Farms blooms with tulips in all seasons thanks to its holiday light show. Photo courtesy of the farm

New Jersey is brimming with unusual—even downright weird—holiday events and experiences, and we are here for it. From the edgy holiday punk-rock flea market to the world’s largest model train exhibit, and a scuba diving Santa, we rounded up 12 offbeat and creative ways to enjoy the holidays with your family in New Jersey.

Find more seasonal fun in our New Jersey Kids' Guide to Christmas and the Holidays, where we've got curated lists of fun, FREE holiday activities, drive-through holiday light shows in New Jersey, and many more seasonal must-do's.

Christmas at Gaylord National Resort with Kids: ICE! and More Holiday Fun Near DC in National Harbor

You don't need to go outside to make and throw snowballs! Photo by the author

There is nowhere in the DC area that has more Christmas in one place than Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor. From the annual ICE! event to visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus to over-the-top lights and decorations, there are activities to suit all ages. You'll truly feel like you've stepped into a holiday movie.

My family has come to experience Christmas at Gaylord National nearly every year since moving to the DC area 11 years ago, and it only seems to get more magical each year. One year we even stayed overnight to ensure we'd get to do everything!

This year, only my 11-year-old daughter was able to attend with us. Read on to learn all about our 2025 visit to Christmas at Gaylord National, all the holiday activities the resort is offering, and my tips and tricks for getting the most out of your experience. Then check out our Christmas Activities and Holiday Guide for DC Kids for more holiday fun!

LA's Unusual and Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities

Sock skating is a unique holiday activity in LA. Photo by Jamie Pham

When you think of LA, it most likely conjures images of sunshine, palm trees, and Hollywood. But did you know there are dozens of amazing family-friendly holiday activities in Los Angeles? As your resident Los Angeles mom of four (ages 2 - 9), I've tried them all and curated a list of the best and most unique holiday activities in LA.

We're not talking your average overpriced light display or kitschy Santa experience. We're talking genuine, quality fun that the kids will talk about for years to come. So skip out on the mall Santas and pass on Candy Cane Lane (it's become too commercialized for my taste, and the parking is a nightmare); this list of unique Christmas events for kids in LA will set you up for the best December ever. 

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