Christmas Eve is a magical time for many families. It’s a night to be together, to relax and enjoy each other’s company, to share traditions and make memories. Many of those traditions are about home—decorating the tree, cooking family recipes, opening gifts, and popping Christmas crackers. However, more families are now choosing to spend Christmas Eve on the road, in a hotel or at a holiday destination. The perfect mix of Christmas spirit and travel can create a night of fun unlike any other. This guide has ideas and inspiration for celebrating Christmas Eve with family while traveling, from simple party ideas for kids to bigger events for the whole family.
Why a Travel Christmas Eve Family Party?
A travel Christmas Eve party can be a unique, fun, and rewarding experience for many reasons:
Escape the Stress
For some families, the days before Christmas are not the most relaxing, and a holiday away from home is a chance to escape the stress of shopping, cleaning, cooking, and hosting.
Create Memories
A Christmas Eve away from home is an opportunity to create special, unique memories that the children and adults will talk about for years to come. Think of how magical a Christmas Eve could be in the middle of the desert under a starry sky, in a cabin on the slopes under a blanket of snow, or at a beach resort enjoying the sunset over the ocean before opening presents.
Experience Different Cultures and Traditions
Travel gives families the opportunity to experience how other people and cultures around the world celebrate Christmas. Children are fascinated to learn about different foods, music, and crafts, and it adds an element of education and excitement to a holiday celebration.
Bonding Over Travel
Travel, by its nature, is a shared adventure. Whether on a road trip, flying, or staying in hotels or cottages, the family is spending quality time together that would usually be interrupted by other aspects of home life, like work, chores, and TV or screen time. Travel Christmas Eve celebrations are a chance to really focus on the joy of being together.
Planning a Family Travel Christmas Eve Party
Hosting a successful family travel Christmas Eve party requires some forethought and preparation. Follow these steps to make sure you plan the perfect holiday celebration while on the road:
Step 1: Choose a Family-Friendly Destination
Choosing the right destination is the first and most important step in planning a family Christmas Eve on the road. While you can celebrate Christmas Eve at any family-friendly location, there are several popular types of destinations you may want to consider:
Snowy Winter Wonderland: Families who love skiing, snowball fights, and cozying up by the fireplace after a long day of outdoor fun can choose a snowy destination. Possible options include the Swiss Alps, Aspen, Vermont, and Lapland.
Beach and Tropical Destinations: These are great for families looking for warmth, sunshine, sandy beaches, and a low-key, laid-back Christmas.
City Destinations: Cities, particularly in Europe, can offer their own festive atmosphere with holiday markets, light shows, concerts, and family attractions. Some examples include New York City, London, Paris, and Vienna.
Countryside Retreats: Less crowded, more quiet cabins, mountain lodges, or cottages in the countryside can also offer a cozy and intimate setting for families.
Step 2: Find Family-Friendly Accommodations
Accommodations for your family Christmas Eve are key to success. Look for:
Vacation Rentals or Cabins: Rentals or cabins can offer the space, privacy, and home-like atmosphere for families to spread out, have a home-cooked meal, and decorate their temporary “home” for Christmas Eve.
Hotels and Resorts: Hotels and resorts are an option that provide family-friendly features such as pools, kids’ clubs, holiday-themed activities and entertainment, and often convenient dining options.
Cruises: Cruises can be a great choice for families who want to combine travel and celebration and don’t mind structured activities and dining. Christmas Eve celebrations on cruises include family-friendly activities, festive meals, and often exciting destinations and ports.
Travel-Friendly Christmas Eve Party Ideas for Families
When celebrating Christmas Eve on the road, you’ll need to be creative and flexible. While many Christmas Eve traditions and decorations from home might not work, there are still plenty of family-friendly ideas for celebrating together on the go:
1. Decorations
Add Christmas decorations and festive touches where possible:
Portable String Lights: Battery-powered or USB lights are great to decorate hotel rooms, cabins, or RVs.
Mini Christmas Trees: Little tabletop trees can be dressed with lightweight ornaments and tinsel.
Travel Ornaments: Bring a few special decorations or ornaments and hang them in your temporary accommodations.
Festive Tableware: Disposable or reusable holiday-themed plates, cups, and napkins.
2. Family Activities on the Go
Christmas Movie Night: Bring a laptop or tablet with downloaded or rented family favorites for the whole family to enjoy together.
Storytime: Read Christmas stories, tell holiday tales, or encourage the children to make up their own Christmas-themed stories.
Scavenger Hunt: Adapt a holiday-themed scavenger hunt to your destination. For example, hunt for shells on a beach or for holiday lights in the city.
Crafting: Pack travel-friendly crafts, such as coloring sheets, ornament decorating kits, or DIY Christmas cards.
Games: Bring card games, travel board games, or holiday-themed trivia.
3. Holiday Meals on the Road
Food is central to Christmas Eve, and there are ways to recreate the familiar tastes and flavors while on the road:
Picnic-Style Meals: Bring sandwiches, fruits, and snacks if your hotel room is small or you’re staying at a cabin with a kitchenette.
Cook in Your Hotel Room: If you have a kitchenette, prepare your own meals or simple holiday desserts and hot chocolate.
Local Cuisine: Don’t forget to try the local food. Order a traditional Christmas dish or a favorite regional recipe.
Dine at a Resort or Restaurant: Take advantage of your location. Many resorts, cruises, and hotels have special holiday menus and festive decorations. Book in advance for the best choice and view.
4. Incorporate Local Traditions
When staying somewhere else, it’s fun and educational for the children to try out local culture and customs:
Eat local Christmas foods or desserts.
Listen to local Christmas songs or carols.
Make local crafts.
Travel Christmas Eve Activities by Destination Type
The activities you’ll do as a family on Christmas Eve also depend on where you travel:
Snowy Winter Destinations
Make a snowman or go on a snowball fight.
Go skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing.
Roast marshmallows or s’mores around the fireplace.
Decorate a small tree or stockings indoors.
Beach or Tropical Destinations
Walk on the beach at sunset.
Build sandcastles with a festive twist.
Set up a beachside picnic or BBQ dinner.
Do shell or driftwood craft projects.
City Destinations
Explore local holiday light displays and decorations.
Visit a Christmas concert, show, or church service.
Go shopping at a Christmas market for treats or gifts.
Take a family photo in front of a festive landmark.
Countryside Retreats
Gather around a campfire for storytelling.
Stargaze on Christmas Eve in the countryside, with minimal light pollution.
Go on nature walks or wildlife observation.
Bake or make holiday treats if your accommodation has a kitchen or kitchenette.
Christmas Eve Travel Family Party Themes
Christmas Eve travel parties for families are a great opportunity to incorporate party themes:
1. Cozy Cabin Christmas
Fuzzy blankets, hot cocoa, and comfort food.
Play board games and tell stories.
Simple decorations with pinecones, fairy lights, and cinnamon sticks.
2. Tropical Holiday Escape
Bright, colorful decorations and tropical holiday-themed treats.
Holiday-themed beach outfits or swimsuits.
Sunset dinners or bonfires by the ocean.
3. Christmas Around the World
Try international recipes and listen to global music.
Learn about and practice different cultural traditions.
Make crafts inspired by other countries.
4. Adventure Christmas
Focus on outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, or skiing.
Make each activity a festive game or competition.
Family photo competitions with holiday-themed poses or props.
Travel-Friendly Gifts for Families
Gifts can be a challenge when on the road, so choose wisely:
Practical Gifts: Travel games, reusable water bottles, travel journals, small travel accessories, and gadgets are all good choices.
Experiential Gifts: Gifts that include experiences, such as tickets to local attractions or excursions, make the most of being on the road.
Sentimental Gifts: Personalized ornaments or gifts, handwritten letters, photo books, and other gifts that have special meaning to the child are perfect for families on the road.
Creative Gifts: DIY kits, coloring sets, or small creative craft supplies for the children to enjoy during the trip are also a good idea.
Safety and Travel Tips for a Christmas Eve Family Party
If you’re traveling at the holidays, make sure you follow these tips:
Plan Ahead: Book your accommodations and any activities well in advance. Holidays are busy for travel and tourism in many destinations.
Pack Appropriately: Bring layers and weather-appropriate clothing, along with your holiday essentials and traditional Christmas Eve items to help you feel at home.
Travel Insurance: Make sure to have travel insurance that covers any medical emergencies, and in the case of a canceled trip.
Keep Kids Entertained: Travel time, especially flights, can be boring for the kids. Pack games, books, or devices with movies to keep them entertained.
Emergency Preparedness: Have an accessible list of important contacts, medications, and documents that the family may need in an emergency.
Sample Travel Itinerary for a Christmas Eve Family Party
Here’s an example of how a family might spend Christmas Eve on the road:
Morning: Wake up and have breakfast together. Spend some time exploring your surroundings or enjoying something special about your destination.
Afternoon: Do some family crafts or baking, or go sightseeing, shopping, or visit a local Christmas market or holiday event.
Evening: Eat a festive meal. Dine at a resort or hotel restaurant, order in, or do a picnic or BBQ-style meal if your accommodation has a kitchen or kitchenette.
Night: Open gifts, tell stories, and play family Christmas games or quizzes.
Late Night: Calm down with quiet activities, stargazing, or enjoying the scenery and atmosphere of your holiday destination.
Final Words
Traveling with your family on Christmas Eve can be a unique, fun, and memorable experience for all of you. Holidays don’t have to be about location; they’re about being together and sharing in the magic and spirit of Christmas, however and wherever you can. There are many family-friendly options for places to travel to, from snowy mountains to tropical beaches, city lights to rural retreats, and each setting can make your family’s Christmas Eve experience special.
By planning in advance, decorating, and incorporating festive activities in ways that work on the road, a Christmas Eve family travel party can become your new favorite holiday tradition. Families can enjoy the best of Christmas and combine it with the excitement of discovering new places, meeting new people, and creating unique memories. A travel Christmas Eve party is not only about celebrating on the road, but also about creating those special times to remember, full of laughter, warmth, and the spirit of family.
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