our favorite winter getaways: winter wonderlands
The weather outside is getting frightful! But travel deals are so delightful. Lots of families are looking at last minute winter getaways. Are you a snow bird looking for warm weather wanderings or a holiday elf looking for a winter wonderland? We have ideas for both!
The weather on the east coast is starting to cool down and as we get ready for the holiday season, I know many families are planning trips! Trips around this time of year fall into one of two categories:
We hate the cold! Dream up a balmy escape for our family → check out our “Warm Weather Wander” post.
We love all things winter and holidays! Where can we go to get even more into the spirit? → check out our “Winter Wonderland ideas” below!
Be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more travel ideas!
winter wonderlands
Winter is the perfect excuse to chase a little magic—whether it’s twinkling lights, snowy mountain views, or cozy hideaways that feel straight out of a storybook. This list rounds up the most enchanting winter destinations to help you spark wonder, stay warm, and make the season unforgettable and bonus, they are all direct flights from DC airports.
European holiday markets are a wonderful way to get festive with family!
Frankfurt, Germany
How far is it? 8 hour direct flight
Who is it for? Quick‑Hop Festive Explorers — families who want a genuine European winter market experience with minimal travel hassle, easy flights, and a city that’s walkable and rich in holiday charm.
Tell us about it! Frankfurt combines old‑town charm and urban convenience — perfect for a family Christmas‑market getaway in Europe. Stroll through cobblestone streets lit with twinkling lights, wander the many wooden‑hut stalls of the Christmas market, and sample festive treats while soaking in the historic architecture and cozy winter atmosphere. Take a high speed train to other German towns, like Nuremberg, for even more holiday fun.
Quebec: Quebec City, Montreal or Mont Tremblant
How far is it? 2 hour direct flight
Who is it for? Snow Loving Adventurers - Festive charm, kid-friendly activities, and easy winter flights from the Mid-Atlantic make Quebec a top pick for a magical winter escape.
Tell us about it: Quebec is a magical winter escape where snow-covered streets, festive lights, and cozy charm delight the whole family. Kids can skate on outdoor rinks, explore the ice hotel in nearby surroundings, ride toboggans, and wander charming cobblestone streets in Old Quebec. With winter festivals, snowy outdoor adventures, and warm local treats like maple taffy and poutine, Quebec offers a picture-perfect family-friendly winter wonderland just a short flight from the Mid-Atlantic. Different options…
Quebec City – Cobblestone streets, festive lights, horse-drawn sleighs, and charming Old Town for a storybook winter experience.
Montreal – Vibrant city with ice skating, holiday markets, and family-friendly museums, plus snowy parks for outdoor play.
Mont Tremblant – Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cozy Alpine-style villages perfect for kids and teens.
Vienna, Austria
How far is it? 8 hour direct flight
Who is it for? Culture & Festivity Seekers – families who love holiday lights, seasonal treats, skating, and immersive European winter traditions.
Tell us about it: Vienna is a magical winter city where imperial architecture, sparkling Christmas lights, and festive markets delight the whole family. Kids can ride carousels at Rathausplatz, ice skate in scenic squares, explore kid-friendly holiday markets, and enjoy cozy cafés serving seasonal treats like hot chocolate and pastries. From historic palaces to twinkling streets, Vienna offers a perfect mix of culture, winter fun, and festive cheer.
Seattle, Washington
How far is it? 6 hour direct flight
Who is it for? Families who want a little magic, a little adventure, and a lot of cozy - A kid-friendly winter wonderland trip in the Seattle area can blend the magic of Leavenworth, the snowy fun of Snoqualmie Pass or Crystal Mountain, and the cozy comforts of Suncadia Resort.
Tell us about it! Start in Leavenworth, where the Bavarian village lights, easy downtown sledding, and gentle tubing hills create a storybook setting for families. Add a day of mountain adventure at Snoqualmie (perfect for tubing and beginner skiing) or Crystal Mountain (great for older kids who want bigger terrain and gondola views). End the trip at Suncadia, where families can unwind with ice skating, snowshoeing, tubing, and evenings by the fire. It’s the perfect mix of festive charm, kid-friendly snow play, and relaxing resort downtime.
Stowe, Vermont
How far is it? 1.5 hour drive from Burlington, VT (2 hour direct flight)
Who is it for? Active Snow Lovers – families who enjoy skiing, snow play, and cozy village charm in a safe, scenic mountain setting.
Tell us about it! Stowe is a charming mountain town surrounded by snow-covered peaks, perfect for families seeking classic New England winter fun. Kids can ski, snowboard, or take lessons on gentle slopes, go tubing and snowshoeing, or explore festive village streets decorated for the holidays. Quaint lodges, cozy restaurants, and winter festivals make Stowe a picturesque spot for family memories.
qUIZ: Which Winter Wonderland Trip Fits Your Family Best?
1️⃣ What kind of winter vibe is your family after?
🎄 Festive & Charming → Christmas markets, lights, cozy streets
⛷️ Snowy & Active → Skiing, tubing, skating all day
🏙️ City + Culture → Museums, cafés, twinkly streets, seasonal treats
🏔️ Snow + Relaxation → Mountain air, resorts, fireplaces, slow pace
2️⃣ How far do you want to travel?
✈️ Long & Worth It → 8+ hours for a true European winter escape
⏱️ Quick Hop → 1–3 hours for easy family travel
🌍 Moderate → 5–6 hours for a mix of adventure + convenience
🚗 Stay Closer to Home → Prefer shorter flights and simple logistics
3️⃣ What kind of winter activities excite your kids most?
🎢 Markets + Lights → Caroling, treats, carousels, holiday magic
⛸️ Ice Fun → Skating rinks, sledding, tubing hills
⛷️ Ski & Snowboard → Big terrain or gentle beginner slopes
🛷 Snow Play & Cozy Time → Toboggans, snowshoeing, hot cocoa
4️⃣ What type of setting feels most “you”?
🏰 Storybook Old Town → Cobblestone streets, European charm
🎇 Festive City Buzz → Lights, museums, markets, winter shows
🎿 Alpine Mountain Village → Ski-in, ski-out, snowy peaks
🌲 Cozy Resort + Nature → Cabins, fireplaces, snow trails nearby
5️⃣ What’s your ideal daily pace?
🧳 Explore All Day → Markets, museums, and winter adventures
☕ Balanced → One big activity + cozy downtime
🔥 Very Chill → Fireplace, snow play, slow winter days
🏔️ Adventure-Focused → Skiing or snow excursions every day
❄️ RESULTS: Where Should Your Family Go?
Mostly 🎄 / Festive Answers → Frankfurt, Germany
"Quick-Hop Festive Explorers"
A walkable European Christmas market dream with twinkling lights, wooden stalls, hot cocoa, and historic charm—plus easy day trips by train for even more holiday magic.
Mostly ⛸️ / Ice & Snow-Play Answers → Quebec (City, Montreal, or Tremblant)
"Snow-Loving Adventurers"
Magical streets, outdoor rinks, toboggan runs, the ice hotel, winter festivals, and snowy fun everywhere you look—just a quick hop from the Mid-Atlantic.
Mostly 🏛️ / Culture + Festivity Answers → Vienna, Austria
"Culture & Festivity Seekers"
Imperial palaces, glittering lights, charming markets, kid-friendly skating, cafés, pastries, and rich holiday traditions—all wrapped in a winter fairytale.
Mostly 🌲 / Cozy + Snowy Adventure Answers → Seattle Area (Leavenworth + Snoqualmie + Suncadia)
"Magic + Mountains + Cozy Time Families"
Bavarian lights in Leavenworth, tubing and beginner-friendly slopes at Snoqualmie, big-kid terrain at Crystal Mountain, and warm resort nights at Suncadia.
Mostly 🎿 / Ski & Village Charm Answers → Stowe, Vermont
"Active Snow Lovers"
Quaint New England streets, family-friendly skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and cozy lodges surrounded by postcard-perfect snowy peaks.