Growing up in New Jersey, any winter vacations with my family were spent in the tropics. American cities have their own Christmas season allure, though, and any vacation in which families can drive or take a train (hence save on airfare) allows more of the travel budget to be put towards destinations’ attractions and activities. Urban family destinations have plenty of both for our winter vacations.

Photo by Andrianne Weremchuck

What we don’t get in terms of snorkeling opportunities is definitely made up for with exposure to museums, theater, and other cultural activities in these top U.S. cities for Christmas travel.

New York City, New York

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree, the Rockettes, Santa at the Macy’s in Herald Square… all are New York City Christmastime icons.  With all the things to do in NYC for the holiday season, it’s no wonder that this is a top city family vacation destination.  Ice skating at the Rockefeller Center ice rink is another one of the many classic NYC Christmas holiday vacation activities. Of course, no kid-friendly trip to New York City would be complete without a visit to the American Museum of Natural History and its adjacent Rose Planetarium, interesting all year ’round.

Macy's Land train. Photo by Andrianne Weremchuck

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago calls itself the Second City (second to NYC), and while it’s pretty cold here in December, there are many family-friendly holiday activities to make a vacation here memorable. There is the Second City troupe, as we know, as well as the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Daley Plaza, and Christkindlmarket Chicago. This last event is a German tradition that brings a wonderful feel to the urban destination, with gifts and art and traditional German food for sale in the market.

Boston, Massachusetts

Did you know that Christmas was once banned in Boston? It’s true. During the Puritan era, it was considered sinful. Christmas at Faneuil Hall, along with the Christmas Tree Lighting (also at Faneuil Hall), make this historic city a great choice for an urban family trip. The Boston Ballet has performed The Nutcracker during the Christmas holiday season for years. Add in the famous Boston Holiday Pops, and you’ve got a Christmas to remember. Families can feel comfortable reserving rooms at Homewood Suites Boston-Peabody. Every room’s a suite, and the complementary breakfasts help stretch Christmas travel budgets.

San Diego, California

It’s definitely warmer here than NYC, Chicago and Boston, so that wintry Christmas season feel might be missed. However, some of us actually love taking a break from cold weather, and don’t miss a “white Christmas.” San Diego is perfectly located for family-friendly winter holiday fun activities and attractions like Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, and LegoLand. Christmas vacation-specific activities can include the Holiday Bowl Parade, December Nights at Balboa Park, and the annual production of How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theater.

Photo by placesaroundflorida.com

Orlando, Florida

It’s all about Walt Disney World here, needless to say, but what a great family vacation it can be. Homewood Suites has several hotel options here to help balance out a week’s worth of Disney. The extended-stay lodgings have full kitchens so that families can prepare meals in the room rather than be charged an arm and a leg for snacks at the theme park. Universal Studios Orlando is another fun amusement park for a Christmas full of thrills, rides and popular movie and cartoon characters.

No matter where we travel for our vacations, time with our families is time well spent. These top urban Christmas destinations add experiences to add to our time together over the holidays.