There’s something super magical about packing up the car, turning on your favorite Christmas songs, and heading somewhere festive with the family. Whether you’re hoping to see dazzling holiday light displays, explore charming Christmas towns, or spend a few days enjoying seasonal attractions, Christmas road trips for families offer plenty of opportunities to make memories together. Plus, traveling by car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, make spontaneous stops, and bring along everything the kids might need!
Planning a holiday getaway with children takes a little preparation, especially when you’re traveling during one of the busiest times of the year. Choosing the right destination, finding affordable accommodations, and keeping everyone entertained along the way can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the experience. Thankfully, some of the best Christmas road trips for families combine exciting holiday attractions with convenient places to stay, including Spark by Hilton, which offers comfortable accommodations and practical amenities for travelers.
If you’re looking for Christmas road trips for families that offer a little something for everyone, these destinations are a great place to start!
What Are the Best Christmas Road Trips for Families?
Some of the best Christmas road trips for families take you to destinations where holiday traditions are part of the experience, from historic towns covered in twinkling lights to mountain communities celebrating the season. Check out these spots:
1. Asheville, North Carolina, for a Cozy Mountain Christmas
If your family loves the idea of spending Christmas surrounded by mountain scenery and super chilly weather, Asheville deserves a spot on your travel list. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for a winter getaway, while downtown Asheville offers local shops, restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season. It’s perfect for families who want a combination of outdoor exploration and festive activities without committing to an entirely packed itinerary. There’s also a convenient Spark by Hilton location that can serve as your home base during this magical trip!
2. St. Augustine, Florida, for the Famous Nights of Lights
Not every Christmas vacation needs freezing temperatures or snow-covered streets! As a Floridian, I personally recommend St. Augustine, Florida, which offers a completely different holiday experience, with its historic downtown illuminated by millions of tiny white lights during the annual Nights of Lights celebration. The displays typically begin in November and continue into January, making this a flexible destination for families who can’t travel during Christmas week.
Walking through the historic district after sunset is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the festivities. The Plaza de la Constitución and surrounding streets are particularly beautiful, and families can explore shops, grab something sweet, or admire the waterfront along the way. During the day, there’s plenty to explore beyond the Christmas decorations. The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument gives kids an opportunity to learn about the city’s history, while St. Augustine Beach offers room to stretch their legs and enjoy the ocean air.
Make exploring the Nights of Lights a little easier by booking your holiday accommodations at Spark by Hilton St. Augustine Historic District, conveniently located near the city’s historic attractions. Explore and book Spark in St. Augustine!
3. Williamsburg, Virginia, for Historic Holiday Traditions
Williamsburg brings a sense of nostalgia to the Christmas season, particularly for families interested in history and traditional celebrations. Colonial Williamsburg is known for its seasonal decorations, including natural wreaths, greenery, and arrangements inspired by the area’s historic setting. Walking through the historic streets can feel like stepping into another era, especially when the buildings are decorated for the holidays. After a day exploring Colonial Williamsburg or Busch Gardens Christmas Town, unwind at Spark by Hilton Williamsburg Historic Area, conveniently located near both attractions.
Depending on the dates of your visit, families may be able to enjoy seasonal performances, historical demonstrations, and special Christmas programming. Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination celebrations are especially popular, although dates and activities can vary each year. Parents traveling with school-age children can also use the experience to introduce early American history in a setting that feels much more engaging than a classroom lesson.
4. Orlando, Florida, for Theme Park Christmas Magic
Orlando is an obvious contender for families who want to go all out with their Christmas celebrations. Its major theme parks embrace the season with elaborate decorations, themed entertainment, festive food, and special holiday experiences. While Orlando can be busy during December, the sheer variety of attractions makes it possible to build a vacation around your children’s ages and interests.
For a convenient place to recharge between holiday adventures, book your stay at Spark by Hilton Orlando Universal Blvd, which offers complimentary breakfast and easy access to Orlando’s major theme parks.
5. Charleston, South Carolina, for Southern Christmas Charm
Charleston is a lovely destination for families who appreciate historic architecture, waterfront scenery, and a more relaxed holiday atmosphere. During December, parts of the city are decorated with greenery, wreaths, and festive lights, giving its already charming streets an extra touch of Christmas spirit. The generally mild coastal climate also makes exploring on foot more comfortable than in many northern destinations.
One of the area’s most popular seasonal attractions is the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park. Families can drive through an impressive collection of illuminated displays, with additional activities traditionally offered at the festival grounds. It’s a particularly convenient outing for parents with younger children because everyone can enjoy much of the experience from the comfort of the car.
Downtown Charleston offers plenty to explore during the day, from Waterfront Park to the historic Charleston City Market. Families can also look into seasonal performances, local holiday events, and special activities taking place during their visit. Families looking for a comfortable home base outside the busy downtown area can book Spark by Hilton Summerville, located within driving distance of Charleston’s historic attractions and holiday festivities.
Related: Best Affordable Hotels for Family Road Trips: Spark by Hilton
How Can You Make Christmas Road Trips With Kids Easier?
Traveling during the holidays can be exciting, but long hours in the car, unfamiliar routines, and crowded attractions can test everyone’s patience. When you’re planning Christmas road trips for families, a little flexibility often matters more than having every hour scheduled. Giving kids opportunities to rest, move around, and enjoy the journey can make the entire vacation feel less exhausting.
Plan Your Driving Route Around Family Breaks
Before leaving home, take a look at your driving route and identify a few places where your family can stop comfortably. Rest areas, parks, and restaurants with space for kids to move around are often better choices than waiting until everyone is frustrated or restless. If you travel with a baby or toddler like I do, you’ll also need to account for feeding, diaper changes, and appropriate breaks from the car seat, and those can seriously add up.
Rather than planning around the shortest possible driving time, think about how long your children can realistically handle being in the car. A trip that takes six hours without stops could easily take considerably longer with young kids, especially during heavy holiday traffic. Breaking up a longer journey with an overnight hotel stay may be worth considering if it means arriving at your destination feeling rested.
Pack a Few Surprises to Keep Kids Entertained
A little variety can go a long way when you’re spending several hours on the road. Consider packing a small bag with activities your children haven’t played with recently, such as coloring books, reusable sticker sets, magnetic puzzles, or travel games. Downloading a few favorite movies or audiobooks before leaving home is another smart move, particularly if you’ll be driving through areas with unreliable cell service.
Choose Accommodations That Make Traveling Less Complicated
After a full day of driving or sightseeing, the last thing most parents want is a complicated hotel experience. Look for accommodations with convenient parking, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and easy access to the places you plan to visit. Spark by Hilton is one option worth exploring for families who prefer straightforward accommodations and practical amenities, with comfortable guest rooms, complimentary breakfast, and coffee available throughout the day.
Where Should Families Stay During a Christmas Road Trip?
Where you stay can have a surprisingly big impact on how much you enjoy your Christmas vacation!
Spark by Hilton Makes Sense for Holiday Road Trips
For parents who want a comfortable place to stay without stretching their holiday budget, Spark by Hilton is a great option. Designed around reliable essentials and straightforward accommodations, Spark provides clean, comfortable guest rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a welcoming atmosphere.
One particularly convenient feature is the complimentary breakfast offered at Spark by Hilton properties throughout the United States. Families can start their mornings with yummy bagels, spreads, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and other simple options before heading out for the day’s adventures. Complimentary coffee and tea are also available around the clock, which parents may appreciate after a long day of driving or keeping up with excited kids!
If you’re planning a Christmas getaway, now is a great time to explore Spark by Hilton and compare available accommodations for your travel dates. Booking ahead gives you more time to find a location that works for your family, review room options, and finalize your holiday itinerary before the busiest travel days arrive.
How Can Families Save Money on Christmas Road Trips?
Christmas vacations can become expensive when you factor in gas, accommodations, meals, and admission tickets. Fortunately, families don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy memorable holiday experiences. A thoughtful mix of paid attractions and inexpensive activities can help you make the most of your travel budget without feeling like you’re missing out.
Take Advantage of Free Holiday Attractions
Some of the most enjoyable Christmas activities don’t require admission tickets! Walking through decorated downtown areas, exploring public light displays, and attending homegrown community holiday celebrations can be just as memorable as visiting expensive attractions. Before leaving, I recommend you check local tourism websites, Facebook pages, and community event calendars for free concerts, tree lighting ceremonies, and seasonal activities.
Set a Budget for Food, Attractions, and Accommodations
It’s easy to underestimate how much a family road trip will cost, especially when you’re making frequent stops for food or purchasing tickets to multiple attractions! Start by estimating your biggest expenses, including gas, hotel rooms, and admission fees. Once you’ve accounted for those, decide how much you’re comfortable spending on restaurants, souvenirs, and unexpected purchases.
Consider Traveling Outside the Busiest Holiday Dates
If your schedule allows some flexibility, consider planning your getaway earlier in December rather than waiting until Christmas week. Popular destinations often experience increased demand when schools close for winter break, which can affect hotel prices and attraction crowds. Traveling on weekdays may also provide opportunities to explore busy holiday destinations at a more comfortable pace.
Keep in mind that seasonal attractions operate on different schedules. Some Christmas events begin in November, while others take place only on select December evenings.
When Should You Book a Family Christmas Road Trip?
For Christmas road trips for families, booking accommodations several weeks or even months ahead can make planning way easier, especially if you’re traveling during winter break. Popular holiday destinations attract visitors looking for festive activities, and hotel availability can become more limited as December approaches. Securing your accommodations early also gives you a clearer idea of your overall travel expenses.
Is It Better to Travel Before or After Christmas?
The best time to travel depends on the specific types of experiences your family wants to enjoy. Early December can be nice if you’re hoping to visit Christmas markets, see super elaborate light displays, or experience seasonal attractions before the busiest holiday travel dates, and families with younger children who aren’t yet in school may have more flexibility to travel during this period. Traveling right after Christmas can also work if your kids are still on winter break, since many light displays run into early January. Just be sure to check that decorations are still up before you go!
How Early Should You Reserve Your Hotel?
For popular Christmas destinations, starting your hotel search two to three months before your trip is a pretty reasonable approach. If you’re planning to travel during Christmas week, need connecting rooms, or have specific accommodation requirements, beginning even earlier may give you more options.
Before confirming a reservation, check the hotel’s distance from your planned attractions, parking arrangements, room capacity, and available amenities. Families considering Spark by Hilton can browse individual properties, compare room options, and review available rates directly through Hilton’s website. Once your hotel is booked, you’ll have one of the biggest parts of your Christmas vacation sorted out, leaving more time to look forward to the fun ahead!
Hit the Road With Spark by Hilton This Christmas Season
Whether your family loves exploring Christmas markets, admiring elaborate holiday decorations, or discovering new traditions, a festive road trip can make the season even more memorable! Each of these Christmas road trips for families offers something different, giving you plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays while enjoying some quality time together with the family.
Before heading out, take some time to research local attractions, plan your driving route, and reserve your accommodations. Choosing a comfortable, convenient hotel like Spark by Hilton can make traveling with kids easier, especially when you have a busy holiday itinerary ahead. With a little preparation and the right destination, Christmas road trips for families can become a tradition everyone looks forward to year after year!
Read Next: Best Vehicle for a Family of 5: Buyer’s Guide in 2026
