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Why these Holiday Getaways are Worth the Trip

We’ve tracked down towns and hotels where you can do all the Christmasy things in one place, from gaping at gorgeous holiday lights to enjoying local festivals and visiting Santa.

Everything on our list is within a 5-hour drive of NYC—and many spots are much closer. Whether you’re looking to stay in the city and enjoy the Big Apple in all its red-and-green glory, take a day trip to a beautiful Christmas town, or splurge on a weekend getaway, we’ve got you covered.

In our home, Christmastime is centered around traditions, whether we're belting out songs with Mariah or lighting our Advent candles. Taking a family trip to the Rockefeller Christmas tree, escaping the city for a winter day trip, or pulling off a weekend getaway are all great ways to keep holiday traditions alive—or start a new one.

Lace up your skates during a stay at Mohonk Mountain House. Photo courtesy of the hotel

Insider Tips for Visiting Christmas Hotels & Towns with Kids

Remember to check the weather—including nighttime temps—before embarking on your trip to these Christmas towns near NYC. The whole region gets chilly this time of year, but some of the coastal towns and New England locations can be downright frigid. Stock up on hand warmers, and don’t forget hats, gloves, coats, scarves, and a blanket or two for extra coziness.

Book early if you’re staying overnight, and check local event calendars before you go. Many of these towns host popular Christmas festivals, so time your trip accordingly. Our Mommy Poppins sites in Connecticut, Boston, and Philadelphia have the 411 on many local happenings!

NYC parents like me are used to navigating the City That Never Sleeps, and we can sometimes forget towns outside of New York can be, well, quite sleepy. You may want to arrive at your destination early in the day to take in the sights, find parking, and grab something to eat before local establishments close for the night.

Best Christmas Towns Worth the Drive

Cape May, New Jersey

I've loved Cape May since I was a teenager visiting in the summertime. And, Cape May is somehow even more gorgeous during the holidays. Stroll the walkable downtown to gape at colorful Victorian mansions all decked out for Christmas, and book a tour to peek at the gorgeous interiors.

You can also ride the trolley with Mrs. Claus or visit Congress Hall for breakfast with Santa. About 45 minutes north of downtown Cape May, the Santa Express offers festive train rides departing from Richland Village or Tuckahoe.

Newport, Rhode Island

Get a feel for what Gilded Age Newport looked like as you take in the sights of its opulent mansions, adorned with thousands of lights. Sparkling Lights at The Breakers transforms the famous Vanderbilt mansion and surrounding property into a glittering wonderland. Head to bustling Bowen’s Wharf for dining, shopping, and the annual Christmas tree lighting, where Santa arrives by boat (weather permitting) to kick off the holiday season.

What's a Christmastime visit to the Sweetest Place on Earth without a little chocolate by the fireplace? Photo courtesy of The Hotel Hershey

Hershey, Pennsylvania

“The Sweetest Place on Earth” decks the halls—and the theme park—for the holidays with its annual celebration, Christmas Candylane. Wander through the festive amusement park, meet the famous chocolatey characters, and even ride a few select roller coasters (but bundle up). The town, named after the inventor of the ubiquitous candy bars and kisses, is bustling at Christmastime.

If you're looking to stay overnight, The Hotel Hershey is beautifully decorated for the holidays, but families with young kids will probably want to stay at Hershey Lodge, which has a fantastic indoor water park, kid-friendly restaurants on-site, and its own festive décor.

Mystic, Connecticut

I still remember the wonder I felt the first time I saw a holiday flotilla. There’s something magical about watching Christmas lights sparkle on the water. Mystic's annual Lighted Boat Parade begins with a tree lighting and ends with Santa arriving by tugboat.

Do some outdoor Christmas shopping at Olde Mistick Village, which is home to dozens of shops and restaurants and transforms into a Lantern Light Village each year. And be sure to hang out for a few minutes on Main Street in downtown Mystic to watch the historic Mystic River Bascule Bridge in action—a feat of engineering from 1922 that continues to awe both kids and grownups.

Get a glimpse of Christmas in Mystic here.

Boston, Massachusetts

If you want the bustle of a big city alongside some New England charm, plan a Christmastime getaway to Boston, which is about five hours from NYC by car (on a good traffic day) and just over four hours via Amtrak. Beantown has all the holiday excitement you’d expect from a major metro area, but with less touristy chaos than New York. Check out our list of Boston’s best holiday activities for kids, which includes attractions like the tree lighting on Boston Common, a waterfront ship lighting, and festive performances by the Boston Pops.

Peddler's Village gets a glow up for the holiday season. Photo by Allure West Studios/courtesy of Peddler's Village

Peddler’s Village in New Hope, Pennsylvania

Skip the mall and do some local Christmas shopping at this year-round indoor/outdoor marketplace just two hours southwest of NYC. Peddler’s Village transforms into a Christmas wonderland and makes for a great day trip. Kids can meet Santa, ride a 1920s carousel, and take in a mouthwatering display of gingerbread houses. Five minutes away, New Hope Railroad has a North Pole Express and steam train rides with Santa.

Sturbridge, Massachusetts

This New England town is home to Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum that takes visitors back in time to late-16th-century and early-17th-century Massachusetts. About three hours from NYC, and one hour from Boston, the village’s Christmas by Candlelight event is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Take a sleigh ride, cozy up around a bonfire, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy some holiday treats. You can even sneak in a history lesson as your kids check out demonstrations of classic Christmas projects, like knitting stockings and making wreaths. The annual tree lighting ceremony features carolers, kid-friendly scavenger hunts, and more.

Koziar's Christmas Village in Bernville, Pennsylvania

The Christmas season runs from November 1 through the new year at this sparkling Christmas attraction in the bucolic Bucks County. More than 1 million lights adorn the village's buildings, barns, and landscape. A seasonal escape for generations, Koziar's celebrates 78 years of Christmas cheer this holiday season. Park your car and wander the paved, well-lit walkways. You'll need about an hour to an hour-and-a-half to explore all the twinkling sights.

A tourist trap, sure—but visiting the Rockefeller Center tree is also a Christmas tradition for countless New Yorkers and visitors alike. Photo by Jody Mercier

New York, New York

NYC at Christmastime isn’t just for tourists! Local families can experience the holiday magic, too. I love seeing my children’s favorite zoos, gardens, and museums glistening with lights. To make the most of the season, peruse our NYC Kids' Ultimate Guide to Christmas and Holiday Fun in NYC.

Whether you want to gaze up at the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, ice skate at a gorgeous outdoor rink, or snap a photo with Santa, we’ve got you covered.

My biggest insider tip: Check out Manhattan’s sites and sounds early in December during that sweet spot after the Thanksgiving crowds have cleared but before the city reaches peak chaos in mid-December.

For locals visiting from out of town, we've got an entire post on the best family-friendly NYC hotels for a holiday stay, and that list doesn't even include this "sweet" new addition: the Pillsbury-themed Let It Dough Suite at Club Wyndham Midtown 45.

Festive Christmas Hotels for Overnight Getaways

Fort William Henry Hotel – Lake George, New York

This gorgeous lakeside town in the Adirondack Mountains is already a winter wonderland, but Lake George goes all out for Christmas. The Fort William Henry Hotel is an integral part of the festivities, with beautiful lights, festive décor, and roaring fireplaces. The hotel hosts breakfast with Santa on select days inside its on-site restaurant, featuring kid favorites like pancakes, French toast, and berry smoothies. You can even take a carriage ride around the village for $5. The Village of Lake George is home to all sorts of festivities like Winter’s Dream.

Inn and Suites at Kitchen Kettle Village – Intercourse, Pennsylvania

Yes, you read the name of that town correctly, and I can promise you it’s a family-friendly destination. This quaint village of shops and restaurants is situated in the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, aka Amish Country. The locals know how to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas while going all-out with more modern festivities, like train rides with Santa.

The Inn and Suites at Kitchen Kettle Village has multiple room types to choose from, including two-bedroom suites. It bills itself as a family-friendly destination; just keep in mind that it's closer to a bed and breakfast than a typical large hotel.

Woodloch Pines Resort – Hawley, Pennsylvania

This all-inclusive hotel has frequently been ranked as the top family resort in America by USA Today. If you’re up for a serious holiday splurge, this resort in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains might be for you. Hang out with Santa and his reindeer, take a wagon ride through the Festival of Lights, and hunt for the Yule Log hidden each year on the 135-acre property—usually discovered by a determined child, according to the resort. Read our full review of Woodloch Pines Resort.

Griswold Inn – Essex, Connecticut

The Griswold Inn has been hosting travelers since Colonial times, when the riverside village of Essex (known as Saybrook back then) was a shipbuilding hub. You can get a little taste of Colonial Christmas by booking a room, suite, or—if you’re lucky—the family cottage across from the main inn. The Essex Steam Train—home to a popular Polar Express train ride at Christmastime—is just one of the family-friendly activities you can enjoy in and around the beautifully-decorated village.

Madison Beach Hotel – Madison, Connecticut

For coastal Christmas charm, the Madison Beach Hotel delivers a sweet, sparkling seaside escape. Seasonal treats abound, including Christmas tree lightings, bonfires, cookies with Mrs. Claus, breakfast with Santa, and even a princess-themed tea. This property truly shines during the Christmas season.

Don your fanciest frock for an enchanting, classic afternoon tea at The Plaza's Palm Court. Photo by Jody Mercier

The Plaza New York – New York City

For the ultimate holiday splurge, party like it’s 1992 and your last name is McCallister. Find out if The Plaza is still “New York’s most exciting hotel experience,” while soaking in the Central Park views. The hotel offers a Home Alone: Fun in New York package, complete with a limo ride around the city and an over-the-top ice cream sundae. The hotel's soaring Palm Court features an upscale menu and occasional visits from a classic, jovial Santa Claus, who has also been known to wander the property and hold special story times in the Rose Club. A seasonal afternoon tea is perfect for a fancy outing. 

Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz, New York

Step back in time for a Victorian Christmas at this towering, castle-like resort in the Hudson Valley. The property sparkles with twinkling lights and the freshly-backed scent of gingerbread wafts through the air. Tour the winners from the Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition, which call the property home, or enjoy seasonal activities like ice skating, campfires wnd s'mores, holiday movie nights, and special live performances.

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