The Christmas season is an exciting time for a holiday with friends or family, especially in a new city. You can enjoy a warm Christmas in New Zealand or Australia with water sports and adventure, or you could travel to a snowy winter wonderland for traditional European Christmas events and activities. Whether you prefer sunshine and beaches or snow and crisp air, Christmas family holidays in New Zealand, Australia and Canada give you memories that will last a lifetime. Get inspiration for a Christmas holiday with the kids with exciting events in the top travel destinations around the world and plan your itinerary.
Marlborough
The Marlborough region is one of the best places for a family Christmas season in New Zealand. The region is known for its wineries and cellars that offer wine tours and tastings, as well as some of the island’s best restaurants. There’s a lot more to experience in Marlborough during the holidays, such as tours of botanical gardens, cruises on the sounds and the Marlborough art and craft trail for memories with the kids.
Lake Wanaka
The Lake Wanaka region in South Island is an adventurer’s haven, making it ideal if you want to spend your holidays outdoors finding adventure with the kids. One of the largest lakes in New Zealand, Lake Wanaka offers kayaking, canoeing, jet-skiing, fishing and more. You could also explore the outdoors of Mt Aspiring with family backpacking treks and biking tours. For the best adrenaline rush, book a skydiving excursion to take in the scenery during a thrilling aerial dive.
Auckland
The Auckland region boasts a rich mix of cultural experiences, shopping, dining and outdoor adventure. You’ll have plenty to see and do in the city, such as visiting the Auckland War Memorial Museum and taking the kids to places like SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium and the Auckland Zoo. Auckland has a lot of outdoor spaces for trekking, fishing, sailing, swimming, surfing and other outdoor fun.
Bondi Beach
If you’re looking for a Christmas holiday in Australia, Bondi Beach offers a unique experience. The beach is gorgeous all year round, but it becomes particularly festive during the holiday season. Many travellers come to the beach to take part in holiday-themed activities with festive music, kid-friendly activitiesand people dressed for Christmas.
Yarra River
Another fun destination for Christmas in Australia is Yarra River, a lovely wine and culinary region that’s home to numerous cellars, wineries and culinary trails that you can experience with the kids. You could tour the wineries and sample some of the best wines in Australia and savour delicious artisan foods with a holiday spin. Another highlight is the family Christmas lunch cruise on the river, which includes a full Christmas meal with all the trimmings as you ride past some of Melbourne’s most impressive landmarks.
Toronto
Canada has an array of thrilling Christmas experiences for a winter holiday, but few are better than Toronto. During the season, Toronto hosts Christmas events like the Toronto Christmas Market, a fun Christkindlmarkt with European influences, festive holiday treats, handmade children's gifts and family-friendly Christmas events. Another highlight is the Cavalcade of Lights, a ceremonial event with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Nathan Phillips Square.
Quebec
With snow on the cobbled streets and historic buildings, Quebec transforms into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season. The city is bathed in Christmas lights and decorations during the holiday season and hosts numerous activities and festivals. The German Christmas Market is one of the biggest events and includes a European Market with German Christmas treats like gingerbread and mulled wine as well as Christmas gifts, choral singing and musical performances for the whole family. You could also take a kid-friendly walking tour with a costumed guide that takes you to all the iconic landmarks in the city, all decked out in Christmas decorations.
Montreal
Montreal is French-speaking province that offers a European-inspired Christmas experience. The city is decorated throughout the season with festive lights, garland and Christmas window displays. Some of the events for Christmas in Montreal include a Victorian Christmas, an event with a Victorian house, children's toys and period Christmas celebrations, and Holiday Alley, a historic shopping alley decorated with lights and garland.