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Christmas destinations in the U.S. featuring family-friendly holiday travel scenes with lights, skating, and winter attractions

Top 5 Family-Friendly Christmas Destinations in the U.S. for 2025

Beginner | December 21, 2025

✨ Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

Why These Spots Made the List

If you’re planning a Christmas trip with kids, you want two things: fun and no stress. The good news is you don’t have to guess. A recent WalletHub ranking looked at the 100 largest U.S. cities using 28 holiday-related factors—things like holiday traditions, shopping, generosity, and costs. In 2025, the top five cities were Atlanta, San Francisco, Seattle, Orlando, and Las Vegas (Newsweek) (CBS News Atlanta) (WalletHub data).

In other words: these places aren’t just “pretty.” They’re built for holiday energy, family activities, and plenty to do when the kids still have 110% battery (LiveNOW from FOX).

1) Atlanta, Georgia: Lights Everywhere (And Lots of Easy Wins)

Atlanta ranked #1, and part of the reason is that it hits a sweet spot: lots of holiday options without the “my wallet is crying” vibes (Newsweek). Want a classic family night? Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Atlanta Botanical Garden runs Nov. 15 to Jan. 11 and is famous for its big, choreographed light displays (Atlanta Botanical Garden).

For a full “holiday theme park” feel, Stone Mountain Christmas runs Nov. 8, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026 (select dates), with more than two million lights and family attractions like the scenic railroad (Stone Mountain Park).

2) San Francisco, California: Big City Christmas With Classic Activities

San Francisco took the #2 spot, and it’s great for families who want a Christmas trip that feels like a movie—ice skating, holiday markets, and a little adventure (Newsweek).

A simple, kid-approved plan is skating at the Union Square Holiday Ice Rink, which is open Nov. 5, 2025 to Jan. 19, 2026 (Union Square Ice Rink).

If your family likes costumes, music, and “wow, this is different,” the Great Dickens Christmas Fair runs on weekends from Nov. 22 to Dec. 21, 2025 and turns a massive indoor space into Victorian London—with plenty of kid-friendly moments too (DickensFair.com) (San Francisco Chronicle).

3) Seattle, Washington: Cozy Winter Energy (Even Without Snow)

Seattle landed #3, and it’s a strong pick if you want a Christmas trip that feels warm, cozy, and easy to plan (Newsweek).

A central hub is Seattle Center Winterfest, which runs Nov. 28 to Dec. 31, 2025 with lights, entertainment, and seasonal fun in one place (Seattle Center).

For families who love “walk-through lights,” WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo runs Nov. 14, 2025 to Jan. 18, 2026, which makes it a great evening activity after dinner (Woodland Park Zoo).

4) Orlando, Florida: The Christmas Capital for Theme Park Families

Orlando is basically built for family travel, so it’s no surprise it showed up in the top five (CBS News Atlanta).

For a true “core memory” trip, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom happens on select nights from Nov. 7 to Dec. 21, 2025 (Walt Disney World).

And if your kids love the Grinch, Grinchmas at Universal Orlando runs Nov. 21, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026 and is included with admission (with some pass blockout dates) (Universal Orlando).

5) Las Vegas, Nevada: Surprisingly Great for Families (Yes, Really)

Las Vegas sounds like “adult city,” but it ranked #5, and during Christmas it has a surprisingly big family-friendly menu—especially if you plan it right (Newsweek).

One easy family night is Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a drive-through light show that runs Nov. 7, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026 and says it features over six million lights and three miles of displays (Glittering Lights) (News 3 Las Vegas).

For a calmer daytime option, the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens changes its massive indoor garden display each season, which is perfect for families who want a “wow” moment without needing a full-day ticket (Bellagio).

So… Which of These Family-Friendly Christmas Destinations in the U.S. Fits Your Family?

Here’s the simple way to choose:

No matter what, these family-friendly Christmas destinations in the U.S. are popular for a reason: they make it easier to build a trip your kids will remember—and easier for you to enjoy it, too (Newsweek). (CBS News Atlanta) (WalletHub data)

Vocabulary

  1. Destination (noun) — a place you travel to.
    Example: We chose Orlando as our holiday destination.
  2. Family-friendly (adjective) — good for families, especially kids.
    Example: The event is family-friendly, so children are welcome.
  3. Ranking (noun) — a list that puts things in order from best to worst.
    Example: Atlanta was #1 in the ranking.
  4. Factors (noun) — important parts or reasons that affect a result.
    Example: Cost and activities were two key factors.
  5. Select dates (phrase) — only some dates, not every day.
    Example: The show runs on select dates in December.
  6. Choreographed (adjective) — planned with timed movements (often music and lights).
    Example: The lights were choreographed to music.
  7. Tradition (noun) — something people do every year.
    Example: Ice skating is a holiday tradition for many families.
  8. Admission (noun) — the price or ticket needed to enter.
    Example: Grinchmas is included with park admission.
  9. Display (noun) — something set up for people to look at.
    Example: The garden display changes each season.
  10. Nonstop (adjective) — continuing without stopping.
    Example: Orlando feels like nonstop fun for kids.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

  1. Which city sounds most fun for your family, and why?
  2. Which activity would your kids enjoy the most?
  3. Do you prefer a “cozy” trip or an “exciting” trip?
  4. What is one thing that would make a trip stressful for you?
  5. If you had only one day in each city, what would you do?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

  1. What makes a travel destination good for families?
  2. Is it better to travel during Christmas or stay home? Why?
  3. How do you keep a family trip within budget?
  4. What are your favorite Christmas activities in your city?
  5. What’s one travel memory you still remember from childhood?

Related Idiom / Phrase (Simple + Slight Stretch)

“Worth the trip” — good enough to travel for.

Example: “Garden Lights in Atlanta looks worth the trip if you love Christmas lights.”

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