If The Sound of Music is part of your holiday ritual, you’ll want to spend Christmas in Stowe, because after Maria, Captain and the children crossed the Alps at the end of the movie, they emigrated here. Stay at their Trapp Family Lodge, built to look Austrian and set on 2,500 beautiful acres. Ski out the front door, catch a sleigh ride, snowshoe out to the sugar house for a tour of where maple syrup is created, and enjoy memorabilia on display – you may even see a Trapp grandchild leading the history tour. On Christmas Eve, family members sing with guests. Stowe itself is charming, with a children’s lantern parade, a holiday bazaar and a free outdoor skating rink. A red gondola takes you to the top of the mountain for epic skiing and snowboarding.
Nearly half of Americans are planning to travel over the holidays this year—while most of us head to a family member’s house for festivites, others take advantage of the time off and use the chance to go on a vacation to a new place.;
If that description fits your thinking this holiday season, hats off to you—and we've got you covered. We have rounded up the absolute best Christmas vacations in the U.S. to fulfill all motivations. Looking for snow? Hit up these beautiful cold-weather winter destinations. Want to leave the snow behind? Check out our favorite beaches in the US. If you still want to experience the magic of Christmas, just elsewhere, consider any of these quaint and quiet Christmas towns.
Whether you want quality family time, a little romance with your boo or some solo to unwind out of office, the best Christmas vacations in the US will help you end your year on a high note.
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