Did you know that if you plan your PTO just right, you can turn Christmas break into a 10-day getaway with only a few days off? This year, let’s ditch the old holiday traditions and make new ones with a vacation in a new city to explore. Whether you’re flying solo, traveling with your favorite people, or bringing the whole family along, these U.S. cities are the perfect destinations for a Christmas getaway.
Best Destinations for a Christmas Getaway in 2025
Christmas Magic in Orlando, FL Wonderlands
Orlando goes all in for the holidays. From Holidays at Universal (Nov 21–Dec 31) featuring Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Grinchmas, to snowy shows at SeaWorld, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, there are plenty of seasonal shows for the whole family. Not into the theme parks? The holiday festival Lake Nona’s “Oh, What Fun!” brings snowfall, food trucks, and nightly cheer.
Where to stay in Orlando:
- Estates at Park Avenue is just a 12-minute drive from Universal Studios, with two swimming pools, a movie theater, a fully-equipped fitness center, and full kitchens perfect for short stays or holiday meals.
- Vintage Horizon West is just a 9-minute drive from Disney World with private poolside cabanas, outdoor games, and a fitness center with a virtual trainer. Each fully-furnished apartment includes a full kitchen and is designed for short-term stays.
Christmas Lights Safari in San Antonio, TX
The San Antonio Zoo Lights (Nov 15–Dec 31) is a local tradition. Expect miles of glowing LED displays, candy cane forests, and music that follows you through the exhibits. Plus, downtown San Antonio lights up with River Walk displays and hot cocoa strolls. And nearby, visit the JW Marriott Hill Country RESORT ICE! (Nov 22–Jan 4), themed “Frosty the Snowman” comes complete with ice slides, snow tubing, and reindeer ridge activities.
Where to stay in San Antonio:
- If you want to be close to the festive Riverwalk celebrations, lights, and holiday strolls, Agave in downtown San Antonio is the place to be. Enjoy sweeping city views from the rooftop lounge, recharge in the yoga, pilates, and barre studio, and cook up seasonal favorites in your full kitchen, perfect for short stays.
- For a more suburban resort-style retreat, La Tierna offers a private clubroom with shuffleboards, fireplace, and TV, a sports lounge, a state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio, and a fully-equipped kitchen.
Christmas Charm in Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital becomes a Christmas card come to life with the National Christmas Tree Lighting, the DowntownDC Holiday Market (Nov 21–Dec 23), ice skating in the National Gallery Sculpture Garden, and historic homes decked out in wreaths and ribbons. Add world-class museums (many free!) and you’ve got a cultured, cozy holiday break.
Where to stay in D.C.:
- Just minutes from the Capitol’s Christmas tree, festive markets, and ice skating on the National Mall, 1335 Penn Ave comes complete with in-unit laundry, a full kitchen, and walkable access to Eastern Market and H Street’s holiday buzz.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” in Nashville, TN
Can’t miss “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Gaylord Opryland, a holiday spectacle with ICE! sculptures, indoor snow tubing, a gingerbread decorating corner, and larger-than-life decorations. Pair that with seasonal shows at the Ryman and downtown’s Broadway lit up with wreaths and twinkle lights, and you’ve got yourself a honky-tonk holiday to remember.
Where to stay in Nashville:
- The Flats at Walden Grove offers the perfect short-term stay with a year-round pool, 24-hour clubhouse, fitness center, and full kitchen, great for relaxing after a night exploring downtown’s Christmas markets. Want something quieter?
- Just outside the city, Preston at Hillwood in Murfreesboro lets you cook holiday meals in the outdoor gourmet kitchen or your own full kitchen, work out in the fitness center, or enjoy family games in the lounge.
Christmas Desert Lights in Phoenix, AZ
Who says Christmas needs snow? Desert Farm Lights (Nov 21–Dec 28) brings 13 acres of glittering lights, ice skating, and a candy cane maze to the Arizona desert. Add in local markets, live music, and stunning sunsets, and Phoenix becomes a holiday retreat for those seeking a 70° holiday.
Where to stay in Phoenix:
- Brix Warehouse District in downtown Phoenix is just minutes from holiday markets with a rooftop deck for sunset views, a cold brew bar, and a speakeasy-style lounge for cozy nights in perfect for short-term stays with a full kitchen.
- The Lotus in Glendale is perfect for relaxing between light shows and zoo nights, with a resort-style pool, hammock garden, spin room, an outdoor yoga yard, and fully-furnished apartments with full kitchens built for any length of stay.
Christmas Train Tales in St. Louis, MO
St. Louis takes Christmas to another level. Take the little ones to the St. Louis Polar Express Train Ride (Nov 14–Dec 30) to meet Santa, drive-thru one of the largest Christmas light shows at WonderLight’s Christmas, explore Garden Glow at Missouri Botanical Garden (Nov 15–Jan 3), and, for the adults, there are plenty of pop-up Christmas bars to visit.
Where to stay in St. Louis:
- Ballpark Heights is just steps from downtown’s dazzling holiday light shows, markets, and ice skating rinks. Unwind on the rooftop deck overlooking Cardinal Stadium, cozy up in the indoor lounge with a bar, squeeze in a workout at the on-site fitness center, or cook up a meal in your in-unit full kitchen.
Christmas Tree Glow-Up in Indianapolis, IN
Circle of Lights turns Monument Circle into a 284-foot-tall Christmas tree. Indianapolis also shines with Christmas at the Zoo (Nov 22–Jan 4), charming holiday markets, and ballet performances of The Nutcracker. Expect cozy city strolls, historic architecture, and plenty of warm drinks.
Where to stay in Indianapolis:
- 9 on Canal is just steps from downtown lights, holiday pop-ups, and Mass Ave nightlife. Cozy up in the rooftop community lounge, stroll the canal, or hit the 24-hour fitness center, perfect for a short stay.
- Prefer a quieter scene? Lake Castleton offers peaceful lakeside walking trails, a fitness center, plenty of green space to stretch out, and full kitchens in every unit.
Christmas Nights in Fort Myers, FL Waterfront
If your idea of a perfect Christmas involves palm trees, boats, and flip-flops, Fort Myers is your spot. The annual Holiday Boat‑A‑Long (Dec 20) lights up the marina with decked-out boats, live music, food trucks, and a visit from Santa. Plus, explore the Holiday Lights at Calusa Nature Center (Dec 5–Dec 28), complete with fire pits to enjoy a hot cocoa and roast marshmallows, and stroll the decorated Pine Loop Trail.
Where to stay in Fort Myers:
- At Colonial Commons, you can unwind by the resort-style pool, enjoy a session in the yoga studio, or let the kids play in the game room and playground. Each apartment features a full kitchen and is ideal for short stays.
- For a lakeside retreat with plenty of green space, The Vistas at Eastwood offers peaceful open-air cabanas, a private lake, and a dog park, perfect for holiday strolls, cozy evenings in the hot tub, and fully-equipped kitchens ready for your seasonal cooking.
White Christmas in Detroit, MI
Detroit comes alive for the holidays. The Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo (Nov 22–Jan 4) is a must, with millions of sparkling lights, massive animal lanterns, and festive snacks that make it feel like a glowing winter safari. For more holiday dazzle, hit the Wayne County Lightfest (Nov 20–Dec 24), a five-mile drive-thru light show that winds through trees, tunnels, and over-the-top displays, perfect for post-dinner cruising in your coziest sweats.
Where to stay in Detroit:
- eXchange offers easy access to downtown’s holiday events and vibrant nightlife, with a cozy clubroom lounge, a 24-hour fitness center to keep your routine, and pet-friendly perks, and full kitchens that make short stays feel just like home.
Christmas Town Dreams in Charlotte, NC
Have an adrenaline-rush holiday at Carowinds WinterFest (Nov 28–Jan 3), where you can enjoy roller coasters, an ice rink, holiday parades, and hot cocoa. Drive-thru Speedway Christmas (Nov 21–Jan 4) for a jaw-dropping holiday light show with more than 5 million lights. But the real showstopper? McAdenville, a tiny town just outside the city, transforms into Christmas Town U.S.A. with half a million lights and the most charming stroll you’ll take all season.
Where to stay in Charlotte:
- 8 Metro Station offers direct access to the LYNX Blue Line, plus a stylish clubroom, yoga lawn, and pet-friendly perks like a bark park and paw spa. Each fully-furnished apartment comes with a full kitchen perfect for holiday cooking.
- If you prefer a cozy vibe near outdoor grilling and fireside lounges, Ventana Northlake features a 24-hour fitness center, dog park, and inviting fireside lounge, plus full kitchens designed for stays of all lengths, perfect for unwinding after exploring the city’s holiday lights.
Stay with Landing for the Holidays
This year, skip the hotel hassle. Landing’s fully-furnished stays come with everything you need to feel right at home. Enjoy a fully-stocked kitchen to bake cookies, host a holiday dinner, or reheat leftovers. Sink into a comfy couch for holiday movie marathons, and relax in private bedrooms that give everyone space to recharge. Keep your routine on track with access to an on-site fitness center, and yes, your pets are welcome, too!
Whether you’re coming home from ice skating in D.C., snow tubing in Nashville, or strolling through Christmas Town U.S.A., Landing has your stay covered. Happy holidays and safe travels!
Feel right at ho-ho-home!
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