Several years ago my family started doing xmas vacation trips instead of a bunch of gifts. In the past we have focused locations within a 2-3 hr drive from our house in NW Houston. So far we've done San Antonio, Austin, New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, day trips within an hour of home.

This year we have a bit more flexibility with how xmas falls in relation to the kid's break so we are considering bigger options but need some recommendations.

- Willing to drive further than we have in the past. Maybe up to 8ish hours
- Willing to fly if SW (i have points) flies direct from Houston
- kids do not have passports and dont think there is time to get them.
- kids dont really care about snow

Given that criteria, where would you go and why?

Hot springs Arkansas

or Destin area

Ideas that My wife or I have discussed....

Orlando - Disney/Universal
Nashville - daughter's friend moved there last xmas but she is out of town when we will be travelling
New York - wife & daughter interested

Briefly talked about FL panhandle but wasn't sure that going to the beach in Dec/Jan would be worth it. Decent chance we will go to FL in the summer.

Guess I should add.... 2 kids.... 15 & 10.

May check out this thread - I started in awhile back, but some things are farther than 8 hours (my threshold was 12). I LOVE Branson. It's pretty affordable and multi-day tickets to Silver Dollar City are a bargain.

I really like South Padre - but not sure about winter time.

This is the busiest time of the year at Disney and it may already be sold out on certain days.

New York and Nashville would be fun, but you are going to get hosed on airfare if you are just now booking your Christmas trip 2-3 weeks out. Driving is probably your best bet at this point. Nashville is doable. Maybe Broken Bow, Hot Springs, Mississippi/Bama beaches?

chjoak said:

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Ideas that My wife or I have discussed....

Orlando - Disney/Universal
Nashville - daughter's friend moved there last xmas but she is out of town when we will be travelling
New York - wife & daughter interested

Briefly talked about FL panhandle but wasn't sure that going to the beach in Dec/Jan would be worth it. Decent chance we will go to FL in the summer.

Guess I should add.... 2 kids.... 15 & 10.

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Florida Panhandle will be cool/cold and the days are short. Would not suggest.

I'm taking my daughter to Big Bend.
I've never been before so I've got to test/update my camping gear and vehicle.

Puerto Rico

Milwaukees Best Light said:

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Puerto Rico

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I looked that one. Airfare is a bit pricey around Xmas. If we had a bit more flexibility we could likely make it work.

Big bend

How about Dan Diego; zoo is great, Legoland, etc.

Thanks for the responses. Lots of good ideas that unfortunately wont work on short notice. Family opting for staycation with a bunch of activities.

We are driving up to Broken Bow. Never been, no agenda so far except some fishing.

Nothing wrong with staying home. Question though, how old are the kids? If they have had or about to have Texas History in school (7th grade?) how about a Texas History trip?

Goliad
San Jacinto
Alamo
Etc

Take them on a no gambling trip to Vegas.

There is a ton for families to do

we had a last minute cancellation for our house in Port A if that interests you. Brand new place in town and a 2 minute ride to the beach. Great time to be down there.

let me know if you're interested

My daughter, son-in-law and grand boys and us are spending 2.5 days in New Orleans doing historical stuff,
2.5 days in Atlanta- manly at the Aquarium. The boys watch the Aquarium's tv show regularly and have always asked to go there. My daughter has booked a number of back stage tours to feed fish, pet fish, train fish, etc.
2.5 days in Memphis. We are staying at the Peabody. The boys will be duck masters for the day and either bring from the home on the roof and lead them to their pond in the lobby or take back up to the roof. We were there in October before the Ole Miss game and it is quite the production. They will do high tea, eat ribs, see the historical stuff around the Memphis area, etc.

@TresPuertas that's a really generous offer for the house in Port A! @chjoak have you considered that option? The beach over Christmas could be a really unique experience.

I know you mentioned potentially wanting to save Florida for summer, but this could be a last minute chance to try something new. And with young kids, I'll bet they'd love playing in the surf no matter what time of year. What do you think - any interest in checking it out further? Could be a Christmas you all remember.

chjoak said:

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Ideas that My wife or I have discussed....

Orlando - Disney/Universal
Nashville - daughter's friend moved there last xmas but she is out of town when we will be travelling
New York - wife & daughter interested

Briefly talked about FL panhandle but wasn't sure that going to the beach in Dec/Jan would be worth it. Decent chance we will go to FL in the summer.

Guess I should add.... 2 kids.... 15 & 10.

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Florida Panhandle weather will be basically the same as what it is in Dallas over the Christmas holidays. So, not good beach weather. If you want warmer weather head farther south down to the Keys, Naples, or Marco Island. Ft. Myers and Sanibel are still a No due to rebuilding from the hurricane last year.

The two busiest weeks of the year at Disney/Universal are the two Christmas break weeks. I will never do it again.

New York is great over the holidays. Everything is decorated. Feels very festive.

New Orleans is also a good winter trip. The Ritz Carlton and Roosevelt hotels have gorgeous lights and decorations. Good food. Several good museums to tour. Swamp boat tours, plantation tours, etc.