How Families Can Create Meaningful, Magical December Memories

For most families, the holidays are a time to slow down, reconnect, and celebrate the moments that matter. But as life gets busier and routines get tighter, it’s easy to let the season slip by in a blur of obligations, events, and to-do lists. Many people are craving something different — something memorable, intentional, and meaningful.

That’s why more families are choosing holiday travel as a new tradition.
Whether it’s a trip right before Christmas, after the gifts are unwrapped, or sometime between Christmas and New Year’s, travel gives families something far more valuable than another present under the tree: shared experiences.

At KTC, we believe travel shouldn’t be saved for “someday.” It should be woven into the fabric of your life — especially during the holidays, when connection matters most.

This guide will help you imagine new traditions, explore the best December travel ideas, and design a signature family getaway your loved ones will look forward to every year.

Why Holiday Travel Is Becoming a New Family Tradition

Holiday travel is growing in popularity for a number of reasons:

1. Families want memories, not more things

Minimalism. Simple living. Experience-based gifting.
All of these trends point to the same idea: memories matter more than material items.

A trip creates:
• Shared laughter
• Inside jokes
• New experiences
• Photo-worthy moments
• Conversation starters that last all year

These become the stories families remember — long after toys and gadgets lose their appeal.

2. December gives most people a natural pause

School breaks, PTO, closed offices, and holiday schedules create the perfect window to get away without disrupting routines.

3. Holiday stress is real

The shopping…
The scheduling…
The hosting…
The expectations…

Travel helps families step out of their everyday environment and reconnect in a more relaxed atmosphere.

4. Many destinations have special holiday events

Cities decorate, resorts offer festive entertainment, and global celebrations create travel experiences that don’t exist in any other season.

5. Travel builds family bonds

When families travel, they naturally:
• Talk more
• Explore more
• Try new things
• Unplug from screens
• Play, rest, and laugh

Travel brings out fun versions of people — especially kids — and helps families grow closer.

Types of Holiday Travel Traditions You Can Create

There’s no single “right” way to make travel part of your holiday rhythm. Families all over the world are creating traditions that fit their style, schedule, and budget.

Here are some ideas to help spark your own tradition.

1. A Pre-Holiday Getaway (Early December)

This is one of the most underrated times to travel.

Early December offers:
• Lower travel prices
• Fewer crowds
• Beautiful Christmas décor in most cities
• Festive experiences without peak-season chaos

This is great for families who want to enjoy the magic of the season before the responsibilities hit.

Best pre-holiday trip ideas:
• A weekend in a decorated downtown (NYC, Chicago, Nashville, Dallas)
• A Christmas market getaway (Canada, Europe, mountain towns)
• A ski weekend in Utah or Colorado
• A warm-weather escape to get refreshed before the holidays begin
• A “parents-only getaway” while grandparents watch the kids

Early December creates a calm, meaningful holiday build-up.

2. A Christmas Week Escape (December 20–26)

More families than ever are choosing to skip the stress and celebrate somewhere beautiful.

Pros:
• Resorts go all-out with decorations
• Kids think it’s magical
• No need to cook or clean
• Built-in memory-making

Cons:
• Higher prices, unless you book early
• Busier crowds

That’s where KTC shines — members often find better rates even during peak weeks.

Best Christmas-week destinations:
• Disneyland or Disney World
• Hawaii (December is stunning)
• All-inclusive beach resorts
• Mountain towns with snow
• Orlando for theme parks
• European Christmas markets

Some families open gifts before leaving; others bring a few with them. It creates a Christmas no one forgets.

3. A Post-Holiday Tradition (December 26 – January 10)

This is quickly becoming one of the most-loved options.

After the holiday rush, families want:
• Rest
• Sunshine
• A change of scenery
• Something to look forward to

A post-holiday trip gives you space to recover, reconnect, and start the new year with intention.

Best post-holiday trip ideas:
• A warm-weather trip to Cancun, Cabo, or the Caribbean
• A ski trip for New Year’s
• A family cabin getaway
• A “start the year relaxed” trip to Florida or California

This is also ideal for families who want to celebrate New Year’s in a fun destination.

4. A “Just Us” Tradition for Couples or Empty-Nesters

Travel traditions aren’t just for families with young children.

Couples love creating their own holiday rhythms:
• A romantic cabin weekend
• A luxury hotel staycation
• A tropical getaway for two
• A New Year’s Eve trip to a city they’ve never visited

Empty-nesters often use this time to reconnect after years of raising kids.

5. A Friends & Family Holiday Gathering Trip

Imagine gathering your extended family somewhere beautiful instead of everyone crowding into one house.

This is perfect for:
• Families in different states
• Multi-generational trips
• Groups who want quality time without chaos

Destinations like Orlando, Gatlinburg, Phoenix, or all-inclusive resorts make hosting easy and fun.

How to Choose the Right Holiday Travel Tradition for Your Family

The best tradition is the one that’s sustainable — something your family can look forward to each year, not something that feels stressful.

Here are the key factors to consider.

1. Timing

Ask yourself:
• Do you prefer pre-holiday calm?
• Christmas-week excitement?
• Post-holiday recovery time?

Each offers something unique.

2. Budget

Holiday travel can be as budget-friendly or luxurious as you want:

Budget-conscious options:
• Local weekend trips
• Off-peak early December travel
• Road trips
• Great Escapes (KTC members love these for affordability)
• Cruise deals if booked early

Higher-end options:
• International Christmas markets
• Hawaii
• Big ski resorts
• Caribbean luxury resorts

KTC rates often make even premium destinations more accessible.

3. Family Preferences

Does your family love:
• Snow?
• Sunshine?
• City lights?
• Theme parks?
• Quiet nature escapes?

Choose something everyone will get excited about.

4. Ease of travel

For families with small children, staying within the same time zone may make the trip easier.
For adventurous teens or adults, long-haul flights become part of the fun.

25 Holiday Travel Tradition Ideas Your Family Can Steal

Here are some creative, practical, and fun traditions you can start this year.

1. Spend the first weekend of December exploring a new city decorated for Christmas.

2. Take the kids to a different Christmas market every year — domestic or international.

3. Celebrate Christmas Eve in a snowy cabin with hot cocoa and board games.

4. Do a “Beachmas” — Christmas on the beach in Florida, Puerto Rico, Cancun, or Hawaii.

5. Make December 27–30 your annual family getaway window.

6. Book a cruise every year during winter break (kids LOVE this).

7. Visit a new U.S. city every December — Nashville, Chicago, Dallas, NYC, etc.

8. Stay at a resort with over-the-top holiday décor (Disney, Great Wolf Lodge).

9. Do a “Parents Only” tradition the week before Christmas.

10. Make skiing your annual family winter adventure.

11. Visit themed holiday festivals in different states each year.

12. Travel to see extended family somewhere central instead of everyone traveling separately.

13. Take a luxury staycation at a hotel in your own city.

14. Spend New Year's in a different destination every year.

15. Rent a big cabin with family friends and rotate hosting responsibilities.

16. Fly somewhere warm on Christmas night and wake up to sunshine on the 26th.

17. Build a holiday tradition around food — New Orleans, Austin, Mexico, Italy.

18. Give kids one “travel gift” each year — a passport stamp, photo book, or new luggage.

19. Create a December volunteering trip tradition as a family.

20. Visit a National Park every December (winter lodging is magical).

21. Do an annual holiday road trip exploring small towns and their lights.

22. Create a holiday tradition around hotel holiday tea services (amazing in big cities).

23. Visit a new island every December — Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Aruba, Puerto Rico.

24. Make December your “mother-daughter” or “father-son” travel month.

25. Choose one big family bucket list destination every 3–5 years.

How to Make Your Travel Tradition Stick

A tradition becomes powerful when it’s predictable, meaningful, and something everyone looks forward to.

Here’s how to make it last.

1. Pick a consistent time of year

For example:
• First weekend of December
• December 20–23
• Post-Christmas every year
• New Year’s getaway

This creates anticipation.

2. Keep it simple

You don’t have to fly internationally every year.
A local trip or drivable weekend can be just as magical.

3. Involve everyone in the planning

Ask your family:
• Where would you love to go?
• What did you enjoy most last year?
• What’s one new thing you want to do?

Kids love participating.

4. Prioritize connection, not perfection

A holiday trip isn’t about doing everything.
It’s about being together.

Focus on the simple moments:
• Hot chocolate
• Sunsets
• Long walks
• Game nights
• Slow mornings

These are the moments your family will treasure.

5. Capture your memories intentionally

Ideas:
• A yearly travel scrapbook
• A family photo in the same pose each trip
• A “trip interview” where kids answer fun questions
• A travel ornament from each destination

These build legacy.

What Would Your Perfect Post-Holiday Tradition Be?

Here are some ideas to dream about:

A beach getaway every December 26th

Wake up on the 26th, pack your bags, and fly to paradise for a week of warmth.

A snowy mountain escape every New Year’s

Ski during the day, watch fireworks from the lodge at night.

A family reset in early January

A trip focused on rest, clarity, and starting the year grounded.

A friends-and-family tradition

Your family + your closest friends — every year, same time, new destination.

A “surprise trip” tradition

Each year, pick a destination but keep it secret from your kids until the airport.

Your tradition can be as simple or spectacular as you want — the goal is joy, connection, and memories that last.

How KTC Helps Families Build Holiday Travel Traditions

KTC members have two major advantages when planning holiday travel:

1. Access to exclusive savings

Holiday travel can get expensive, but members often book:
• Hotels at wholesale rates
• Resort stays at up to 70% off
• Cruises with 10% back in Trip Coins

This makes annual traditions much more sustainable.

2. Loyalty Coins make the tradition more affordable

Every month, members receive Loyalty Coins they can use to buy down Great Escapes — including winter and spring trips.

Even families on a budget can build incredible annual traditions with these savings.

Traditions Aren’t About Perfection — They’re About Connection

The holidays come and go fast. But the memories you create through travel?
Those last forever.

Whether it’s a snowy getaway, a warm beach escape, a big-city holiday adventure, or a simple family road trip, holiday travel traditions strengthen families and create unforgettable moments.

This year, consider crafting something new — something meaningful — something your family will look forward to every December.

And with KTC by your side, it becomes easier, more affordable, and more exciting to make these traditions come to life.