This season, many families are planning an affordable getaway – close to home — for a winter family vacations. You might be chasing sun or snow or relaxing with a cruise or resort stay. Perhaps you’re searching for a long weekend at an offbeat winter festival in a town you’d never see otherwise.
The good news is there are plenty of affordable winter getaway options, (especially before or after the peak Hanukah / Christmas / New Year’s holidays.) And it’s especially if you snag a Black Friday through Travel Tuesday deal online.
According to AirBnB data, winter travel is taking an exciting turn this year. Italy is emerging as a top destination because of growing anticipation for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Their analysis (Airbnb trends details here) highlights a notable increase in searches in the Olympic host regions. Globally, travelers are gravitating toward places that offer both easy access to city amenities and natural beauty. On the other hand, Airbnb found many U.S. travelers are choosing between snow and sun for winter family escapes. Families lead the way in domestic and close-to-home winter travel in the U.S., with 80% selecting suburban and rural destinations for their getaways.
Will yours be a hidden gem ski town or a sunny waterfront retreat?
CELEBRATE WITH HOLIDAY LIGHTS, CHEER AND FAMILY VALUES
When you have time to sit down with a cup of tea, join us in exploring the very best, most affordable and fun family winter vacation ideas with our partners at Taking the Kids.
The 44-day government shutdown really tested our community values. Yet we have so much to be thankful for! Turn the focus to family this season. Save by swapping material gifts for supporting causes. Food banks, legal aid, and our local cultural groups all need our support. Pick your own holiday tree, add homemade ornaments, go green, too.
Don’t miss a family outing to a local holiday lights celebration — or include one wherever you’re traveling. Most open the day after Thanksgiving and stay illuminated each night till early January. Many have entry fees that fund local charities.
Our guide to the top lights displays and holiday decorations should inspire your own joyful adventure.
FESTIVALS ARE FABULOUS, AFFORDABLE WINTER BREAK TRIPS FOR LARGE FAMILIES
Pigeon Forge Winterfest (Nov. 6, 2025-Feb. 15, 2026)boasts six million lights illuminating the city, a drive-through light show, music, holiday performances and winter shopping events.
Frostival Boston (Nov. 29-Dec. 20) features holiday-themed drone shows lighting up Boston Common. All February, ride the Ferris wheel on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, snuggle up in an immersive lodge in Copley Square and take part in Snowport, the Wasabi Fenway Bowl, First Night Boston, and Dine Out Boston.
The St. Paul Winter Carnival (Jan. 22-Feb.1, 2026) is known for its impressive snow and ice sculptures, curling, treasure hunts, ice carving competitions and more.
The International Snow Sculpture Championships (Jan. 24-Feb. 3, 2026) in Breckenridge, Colorado is the place to watch international artists create spectacular huge sculptures from blocks of ice.
The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival (Feb. 6-15, 2026) in New York’s Adirondack mountains revolves around parades, fireworks and a huge ice palace.
WINTER FAMILY VACATIONS IN PARK CITY, UTAH FOR SKI AND NON-SKI
If you’re not flying in for the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 starting Feb. 6 in Italy, experience Olympic sports closer to home. Park City is home to Utah Olympic Park, home to the 2002 Winter Olympics. Today, the site is a top attraction with zip lining and other unique family experiences. Try the amazing bobsledding run with a professional driver down the Winter Games Sliding Track (suitable for ages 13+ and more than 100 lbs.) Be sure to catch the Fly Aces ski jumping show, visit the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center and explore the region.
Park City Utah is home to Park City Mountain Resort, the largest ski resort in the country. This charming mountain town can also boast about Deer Valley Resort, one of the few that doesn’t permit snowboarders.
Save on this year’s snow sports vacation by booking a winter vacation package. Book a three-night stay at participating Park City, Utah, lodging companies and get a $400 Delta Airlines electronic gift card (though there are blackout dates).
Park City is also famous for its historic and picturesque downtown (ski right to town!) Take advantage of many fine restaurants and off-the-slope activities. Shop their fashion-forward outdoors boutiques. You’ll be geared up for snow tubing, dog sledding, ice skating, fat tire biking and snow shoeing.
COZY UP WITH ANIMAL FRIENDS AT ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS
Visit a zoo or aquarium, even if you haven’t seen the new “Zootopia”! Immerse yourselves in an animal habitat for a low cost, enriching family escape from the ordinary. Animal and marine life conservancies in colder climates must provide warm habitats for the species (and visitors) that need them. Zoos across the country have fantastic holiday light displays (for a fee). At most, you can meet animal keepers and see feedings or demonstrations throughout the day.
There’s also a lot going on in the field to support animal wellness. The Oregon Coast Aquarium, for example, opens its renovated Connected Coasts gallery and new Sea Jelly gallery to the public in winter.
New York’s Bronx Zoo opened the new World of Darkness this summer, featuring 25 nocturnal species in special, tech-enabled, day-into-night habitats emulating tropical forests, wetlands, deserts, caves, and subterranean environments. Each allows kids to learn how these species thrive in darkness without staying up all night!
Pandas are back at the free Smithsonian’s National Zoo in their renovated habitat on the Asia Trail. The Atlanta Zoo has four pandas, including the first twins born in the U.S. in more than a quarter century. The San Diego Zoo also has two Pandas. Their refreshed, expanded Panda Ridge area was inspired by the giant Panda’s native habitats in China.
ESCAPE TO SUNNY EUROPE ON MID-WINTER RIVER CRUISES
Enjoy southern Europe’s sunshine without the crowds! It’s true: you need sunblock if you head south to Italy’s Mediterranean coast and Malta. Special winter discount rates are now available. As an example, save $700 pp on a luxury, eight-day Naples, the Amalfi Coast and Sicily itinerary over the Christmas week. Or, save up to $950 pp on a January 8-day cruise through the Canary Islands.
CroisiEurope offers Winter Cruise Family Offers timed to February and early March holidays. Discover six distinct Canary Islands with wonderfully mild weather. Celebrate the best of Andalucia, Spain with the kids and practice your Spanish.
The celebrated France-based river cruise company welcomes all ages on their well-priced river adventures. Experience CroisiEurope’s exceptional service, impeccable French cuisine that kids love, intimate-sized ships, and immersive itineraries at an exceptional value. Don’t forget family perks include children under 16 cruising free (up to 2 kids per cabin with at least one paying adult). Additionally, enjoy a free single cabin supplement sharing with a child under 16 yrs cruising free.
Check out these family cruise reviews on the Mekong River in Southeast Asia and in Southern Africa.
- Plan Ahead for a Couples Escape! For 2026 Early Booking incentives, take 10% off France’s Legendary Wine Region cruises with code BOOKING2026.
Contact the knowledgeable CroisiEurope agents today for the best river cruise options for you and your family.
TROPICS AND CARIBBEAN WINTER BEACH VACATIONS
The allure of sun and sand is hard to resist. Alas, the only way to save is to travel in mid-December or after the first week in January. Or, fly someplace warm and stay with family and friends and splurge on activities.
Seeing family in southern Florida over the holidays? Try a fabulous Safari with the WILD in the Palm Beaches Tour. In just a half-Sunday, encounter Florida’s indigenous wildlife at the Manatee Lagoon, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, and Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Go between Nov. 30-Mar. 1; proceeds benefit animal care at each organization.
The Dominican Republic is our top pick for affordability. The Excellence and adjacent family-focused The Finest outside Punta Cana are ideal all-inclusives for multigenerational groups. The Luxury Bahia Principe Fantasia is for those who want more service.
Or go Dutch in the “ABC’s” of the Leeward Antilles, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Embassy Suites By Hilton Aruba has four-person suites including sofabed, full breakfast, nightly cocktail reception, WiFi, and kids’ activities from $359/N. The Harbour Village Beach Club is a good, tranquil Bonaire option. European families favor the beachfront 137-unit Lions Dive Beach Resort on Curacao.
Luxuriate at Puerto Rico’s Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve. Enjoy two beaches, the golf course, and an ultra-luxurious spa. Deal Alert! From Nov. 25-Dec. 2, Marriott Bonvoy members save 25% off when booking through the app.
GO BIG AT FOREVER CAIRO, THE NEW ART CAPITAL OF AFRICA
European families know Cairo as an affordable, culturally rich long weekend destination. And, in this year of tight budgets, there are long distance flight deals to be had. When you consider what a bargain Egypt is for luxury hotels and fine dining, the airfares start to look reasonable.
Plan four-days to experience Cairo and Giza, site of the famous Pyramids of Giza, located 20 miles south. It’s the perfect time to go because the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum finally opened (in full) on Nov. 1, 2025. Go now to see the entire treasury — more than 5,500 items — discovered in King Tut’s tomb. They are united at last. Additionally, Giza is hosting the fifth edition of Forever Is Now, the world-renowned contemporary art exhibition Nov. 11 to Dec. 6, 2025. Artists such as Emilio Ferro, Carol Feuerman, and Zeinab Al Hashemi reinterpret the Pyramids through light, geometry, sound, and sculpture: merging myth and modernity, sand and steel, history and futurism.
Both the Ramses Hilton in Zamalek and the Hilton Heliopolis by the airport are full service, luxury budget options with large swimming pools, extensive amenities, and several restaurants and easy access to Cairo attractions. Check out Family Travel Forum’s top Cairo and Egypt itineraries whether you have 4 days or 15! And if you’re experienced cyclists and want to dive in, check out BoatBikeTours new 13-day overland itinerary on e-bikes. There’s a 20% discount on their February ’26 departures.
WHY WE LOVE NEW ENGLAND SNOW COUNTRY
Winter arrives early in the Northeast and stays a while. The best way to enjoy it is to be there as favorite villages like Lake Placid, New York and Stowe, Vermont transform into a world of snow-covered peaks and timeless charm. Choose from a variety of winter adventures and attractions suitable for all ages. Grab a calendar and get ready to shop Northeast travel deals with great Cyber Monday deals!
High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid and Topnotch Resort in Stowe make perfect home bases for exploring. Both feature indoor heated pools, fireplaces, on-site restaurants, and breathtaking mountain views. Keep the family busy with world-class skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice skating, plus seasonal events. Take advantage of the warm, cozy opportunities for locally sourced dining, relaxing spas, museums and more. The sites at HighPeaksResort.com and Topnotchresort.com illustrate how different and beautiful each resort is, and showcase the latest packages and offers.
Another savings tip: If you plan a ski and snow vacation regionally, a pass such as the Northeast Value Pass offers access to 21 Vail resorts in the Northeast. Check out Stowe (10 days per season), Okemo and Mt. Snow in Vermont, plus Hunter in New York State. These ski passes also offer deals on food, lodging and gear.
MAKE YOUR FAMILY WINTER ADVENTURE A ROAD TRIP ON ROUTE 66
Get your kicks early on the “Mother Road,” celebrating its centennial in 2026. According to a recent Chase Travel survey, 94% of Americans say they are interested in a road trip for 2026. A top pick, of course, is Route 66, which stretches from Illinois to California, spanning 2,400 miles through eight states. Whether your great grandparents fled the Dust Bowl in the 1930s or your grandparents remember watching WWII troops driving by, there’s a lot of history. While I-40 covers much of the old roadway, there are still many parts to see and even places where the original Route 66 parallels a highspeed “highway” for a quick drop in.
The original boasts ca. 1950s teepee-shaped motels and oddities such as frozen custard stands, reptile farms and vintage fast food. This generation knows it best from the animated “Cars” movies. (Spoiler alert: Walt Disney World is getting a new Cars Land with a national parks twist.)
When Eileen Ogintz and her family visited recently Albuquerque recently, they stayed at the ARRIVE hotel downtown, right on Route 66. Affordable Albuquerque has the longest urban stretch of neon signs, restaurants, shops and places to stay. Don’t miss the 66 Diner for fries smothered in cheese, chili eggs, Frito pie and every variety of ice cream concoction.
CHOOSE CHICAGO IN WINTER
Chicagoans never let winter cramp their style — cold is good! There are holiday markets and spectacular light displays. Feast on culinary celebrations (Chicago Restaurant Week Jan. 23-Feb 8), Chicago Theatre week (Feb. 4-15), Chicago Auto Show (Feb. 7-16) and much more. There are terrific smaller museums and famous, world-class ones. The Windy City has just been named one of the best places to go in 2026 by Frommer’s. And for the ninth consecutive year, Chicago was recently voted the Best Big City in the U.S. by readers of Conde Nast Traveler.
Chicago’s free Lincoln Park Zoo is open for exploration 365 days a year. In the colder months, admire majestic polar bears, penguins, and snow monkeys as they play outside. Bundle up and take a walk along frozen Lake Michigan on the Lakefront Trail. Rent skates and come skate at Millennium Park’s free rink!
Get an amazing view from 1,353 feet above the city at the Skydeck at Willis Tower. The Ledge features glass balconies that extend more than four feet! Don’t miss the interactive museum at the Willis Center that is a combination history museum, children’s museum and more.
Sample deep dish Chicago pizza, a Chicago-style hot dog, Italian beef sandwich, or Flaming Saganaki (a Greek-style fried cheese) in Greektown. Have you binged on Garrett Mix popcorn, a popular mix of cheddar and caramel popcorn? Of course, there are plenty of places offering upscale experiences for family celebrations.
Whatever the weather, ask locals about “The Bean” so you can pose with the sculpture in Millennium Park. The 33-feet-high Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor weighs 110 tons! It’s one of the world’s largest permanent outdoor art installations, and one of Chicago’s most popular sights.
WARM UP IN SOUTH AFRICA – MORE THAN A SAFARI DESTINATION
From Cape Town to Johannesburg, politics to music, South Africa has a big reputation. Celebrities like the late president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela, the famed DJ Black Coffee and even Oprah Winfrey have homes there.
Because of its location on the very southern tip of the Southern Hemisphere, the North’s winter is a popular time to visit. While some areas like the safari destination of Kruger National Park get very toasty, other places may just experience some rain. Enjoy the popular surfing beaches of Cape Town, tour Johannesburg and check out some of the regions highlighted in our “An Offbeat South Africa Road Trip.”
SAIL INTO WAVE SEASON WITH BIG DEAL CRUISE BARGAINS
Multigenerational travelers and parents with children of different ages enjoy cruising because there’s always so much for every age and interest to do on board. It’s easy, too! Room, board and supervised activities are included in rates. (That surfing machine or parachute simulator the kids saw on TV usually cost extra!) Some lines offer shore excursions, Broadway-caliber shows and more in the basic price. Check out our annual Cruise with Kids family guide for more details on each line.
Save this winter by sailing from homeports, since lines like Carnival have extended their footprint to every coast. The harbor administration websites for Boston, New York, Brooklyn, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Charleston, Baltimore, Virginia Beach, New Orleans, Galveston, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Deago or Seattle highlight which ships sail from which port. If you want expert help, search for a registered CLIA travel advisor who based on your zip code.
January to March is traditionally “Wave Season.” Discover the year’s best offers, perks and discounts. You may find kids sail free sharing a cabin with parents, especially with MSC Cruises. Search CruiseDirect.com for amazing Black Friday offers or shop now for last minute cruise deals
all winter. Current bargains include Celebrity Cruises’ Early Black Friday Sale! Take up to 75% off the 2nd guest in your cabin, take advantage of up to $800 in instant savings, and receive bonus onboard credit.
LEAN INTO SNOWSPORTS: PLAN YOUR FAMILY SKI TRIP BUDGET
Family ski trips are among our favorite winter vacations. But, they can be (super) pricey. If you’re new to the sport, head to a smaller mountain resort near home. Drive, rather than fly to your destination. Sleep near the slopes instead of on them. Save on lift tickets and ski school classes with regional passes bought in advance. Some deals:
Many states have kids’ ski free deals starting at third or fourth grade, even for non-residents. Some more current bargains:
From Dec. 6-Dec. 12, 2025, kids get up to 7 free lift tickets at 15 of Alterra Mountain Company’s mountain destinations for Kids Ski Free Week. Test the kids’ geography knowledge by shopping for deals in CO, CA, VT, WV, WA, ID, UT or ON.
Keystone offers a free day on the slopes for kids 12 and under with a two-night stay and an additional day of free skiing for each day booked.
At Killington, lift tickets are discounted with a lodging package. And with a five-day adult lift ticket, you can get a free lift ticket for kids 12 and under, not available on peak days.
In Aspen Snowmass, rent kids equipment (ages 7- 12) at Four Mountain and get complimentary kids lift tickets for the same number of days.
Jackson Hole touts up to $500 per person off airfare when flights, lodging and a qualifying activity (like lift tickets) are booked through Jackson Hole Resort Reservations by Dec. 31, 2025.
Sun or snow? Let us know what you choose!
This special FamilyTravelConsulting.com travel section has been brought to you by our sponsors, Airbnb, Choose Chicago, Croisieurope, High Peaks Resort, Lake Placid, New York; Topnotch, Stowe, Vermont; and Visit Park City, Utah. All other content and opinions are based upon the authors’ actual travel experience and knowledge.
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