The mountain hut in Goshen, VT
Photograph: Airbnb | The mountain hut in Goshen, VT
Photograph: Airbnb

The 10 best Christmas Airbnbs in the U.S.

From the modern terraced house to the unbelievable tiny home, put adventure back on the menu this Christmas

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The mammoth Christmas dinner clear-up, shredded tinsel making its way into just about every corner of your home—or even your underwear—and the long drives with screaming toddlers. Of all our least favorite traditions, we’d happily skip that last one. Come to think of it, the holiday season is kind of the perfect time to do just that – go on holiday. So, if you fancy knocking back the eggnog somewhere a little different this year, keep scrolling because we’ve rounded up the best festive Airbnbs in the US. 

The best Christmas Airbnbs in the US, at a glance: 

RECOMMENDED: ☀️ Check out the best warm weather Airbnbs in the U.S.

Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we’ve based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Frequently asked questions about booking a Christmas Airbnb

How far in advance do you need to book an Airbnb for Christmas?

As early as possible, ideally three to six months out for the most in-demand cabins and lake houses. The best-reviewed properties, especially ones with a hot tub or a fireplace, tend to get snapped up by late summer for the Christmas week, so don’t wait until December and expect much choice.

Do Airbnb hosts decorate the properties for Christmas?

Some do, and it’s worth checking individual listings. A number of hosts add seasonal touches like a tree, string lights, or even a full ‘snow globe’ transformation for the season, but plenty of others leave decor as-is year-round, so if festive styling matters to you, look for it mentioned explicitly in the listing or message the host to ask.

Are minimum night stay requirements different during the holiday season?

Often, yes. Many hosts bump up their minimum stay over Christmas and New Year, sometimes to five or seven nights, to avoid single-night turnovers during their busiest week. It’s worth checking this before you fall in love with a place, since a property that’s normally a two-night minimum the rest of the year might not be bookable for just a weekend over the holidays.

Christmas Airbnbs across the US

1. Best for a real-life snow globe: Campfire Hollow, Ozarks

Neighborhood: Eagle Rock, Missouri, near Table Rock Lake.

From November through January, this cosy geodesic dome in the wooded Ozarks transforms into a snow globe experience, with festive décor, a hot cocoa bar, and snow falling past the panoramic window while you watch from bed. Tucked among towering trees and natural rock formations, the 300-square-foot dome has a plush queen bed, a swinging chair and a projector for cozy movie nights, with a private hot tub just outside for soaking beneath the stars. Two private trails lead straight from the property, one rugged path down to the Table Rock Lake shoreline, the other a flatter walk to a scenic bluff overlook.

Time Out tip: There’s no wifi here deliberately, so cell service is your connection to the outside world. Download anything you want to watch on the projector before you arrive. Friendly neighbourhood dogs tend to wander by too, which is part of the charm rather than a nuisance, according to regular guests.

Sleeps: One bedroom, two beds (a queen plus a queen air mattress). Sleeps 4 guests.

Perks: Private hot tub, two private hiking trails to Table Rock Lake, fire pit and hammock, separate Wash House with hot shower and washer/dryer, pet friendly.

2. Best for snowy escapes: the cozy barn in Saugerties, NY

Neighborhood: High Woods, Saugerties, in the Catskills near Woodstock.

Set on two acres, the barn is a peaceful retreat in Upstate New York with nearby swimming, hiking trails and skiing slopes. Inside you’ll find an ultra-calming oasis that sleeps up to four guests. We dig the blend of natural wood and cool-toned neutrals throughout, giving the home a cozy but current feel. Enjoy mealtimes in the very stylish kitchen while enjoying woodland views, toast marshmallows on the wrap-around porch, or our personal favourite enjoy an audiobook in the tub. Dreamy.

Time Out tip: It's just eight minutes to Woodstock and five to the village of Saugerties, so you get the total-seclusion feel of the long private driveway through the pines without actually sacrificing easy access to dinner and shops. Just in case you were dreaming of a white Christmas, the surrounding woodlands look magical when it snows.

Sleeps: Two bedrooms, two beds, one bathroom. Sleeps 4 guests.

Perks: Spa-style bathroom with soaking tub and double vanity, front-yard fire pit and propane grill, wraparound porch, meadow and woodland views, hiking and skiing minutes away.

Price: From $199 a night.

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3. Best for large family holidays: the terrace house in Logan Square, IL

Neighborhood: Logan Square, near Mozart Park.

How about a kicking back with the fam in this classic two-bed terrace in Logan Square? We picked it because it’s quite the character; it’s what the Brits might term a bish-bosh of antique and modern design. We like to keep it eclectic. Roomy enough for seven, this apartment rental is a great option for short and long stays.

Time Out tip: Mozart Park is a five-minute walk away, a solid pick for burning off energy before or after a day out, and the neighbourhood'’s restaurants and bus stops are all close by too. Fast wifi makes this a good option if you need to work during a longer stay.

Sleeps: Three bedrooms, four beds, one bathroom. Sleeps 7 guests.

Perks: Keurig coffee station with pour-over and frother, back garden with fire pit and BBQ, baby gear available on request, in-building washer and dryer, free street parking.

Price: From $161 a night. 

4. Best for coastal retreats: the tiny home in West Seattle, WA

Neighborhood: West Seattle, near Alki Beach.

Just five minutes from Alki Beach is this extremely idyllic tiny home complete with a private patio. Boasting a minimalistic layout, this place gives off total Scandi vibes and we’re here for it. Every inch of this place is custom-built for a relaxing wintry retreat for up to four. There are lots of thoughtful design elements handcrafted from reclaimed timber like the bedroom door, light fixture and ladder, all of which bring so much warmth and character to this small but cozy space. 

Time Out tip: The Elliott Bay Water Taxi whisks you from Alki Beach into downtown Seattle in just 10 minutes, arguably one of the best views of the skyline you’ll get on the whole trip. There’s a stash of board games, books, a Nintendo in the loft and a Bose speaker to enjoy too.

Sleeps: One bedroom plus a sleeping loft, three beds (a queen, a twin, plus a Japanese futon). Sleeps 4 guests.

Perks: Private patio with fire pit and gas grill, full-size washer and dryer, reserved on-site parking, dedicated workspace, walkable to five grocery stores and the Alaska Junction farmers market.

Price: From $207 a night.

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5. Best for a Swiss chalet vibe: the mountain hut in Goshen, VT

Neighborhood: Goshen, Vermont, within Green Mountain National Forest.

Now this four-bed Swiss-inspired mountain hut is what we call a total suntrap. Surrounded by serene woodlands courtesy of having the National Forest on your doorstep, this secluded home is ideal for those wanting a cozy, intimate winter getaway with the fam. Inside, you’ll find relaxing honey-coloured interiors constructed from maple plywood and a beautiful back garden area with log firewood outside.

Time Out tip: Guests are welcome to take a walk over to the neighbouring sugarhouse, and it’s worth asking the host about maple season if your trip lines up. Watching syrup being made is an only-in-Vermont experience. Winter visitors should plan for a steep, sometimes slick driveway, AWD or snow tyres are worth having.

Sleeps: Two bedrooms, two beds (a full on the first floor, a king in the loft). Sleeps 4 guests.

Perks: Free Level 2 EV charging, gas wood stove, screened porch with fire pit and hammock, high-speed fibre wifi.

Price: From $366 a night.

6. Best for holiday lights: the contemporary cottage, TN

Neighborhood: 12 South, Nashville.

If you fancy heading down to Tenessee, we recommend cozying up in this modern cottage in 12-South. Just a stone’s throw from downtown for shops and restaurants, this snug one-bed is perfectly situated for a small family of four. Equipped with a full kitchen, living room, a decent-sized bedroom and a back garden, the cottage makes the ideal home from home. 

Time Out tip: Nestled in a quiet residential street, the cottage provides a peaceful retreat, ideal for Christmas Eve, while still being just a six-minute drive or Uber from the Gulch and Downtown if you fancy joining the festive buzz.

Sleeps: One bedroom, two beds, one bathroom. Sleeps 4 guests.

Perks: Claw-foot tub, gated yard with private parking, screened-in porch, in-unit washer and dryer, dishwasher.

Price: From $218 a night.

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7. Best for waterfront nature: the riverfront cabin near hot springs in Vida, OR

Neighborhood: Vida, Oregon, on the McKenzie River.

Aside from being right by the highway (a bit of a bummer, we know), this place is pretty neat. It’s built on the banks of the McKenzie River, meaning you get the most incredible views of the water while hanging out on the deck. Head inside and you’ll find a two-story space: a cozy lounge, kitchen area, and full bathroom at the bottom, and a large bedroom and half bathroom up top. Roomy enough to sleep four and some of the most dramatic landscapes right on your porch. Not bad after all. 

Time Out tip: Cougar Hot Springs is less than 30 minutes away, a geothermal soak worth the $10 pass. The river itself isn’t safe for swimming though, so save that for Cougar Reservoir or Clear Lake instead, both a short drive away.

Sleeps: Two bedrooms, two beds (both king), 1.5 bathrooms. Sleeps 4 guests.

Perks: Riverfront deck with fishing access, indoor fireplace, dedicated workspace with river views, Bose sound system, free on-site parking.

Price: From $1,153 a night.

8. Best for access to a private lake: the peaceful homestead in Bee Branch, AR

Neighborhood: Bee Branch, Arkansas.

Christmas day by the lake anyone? Waking up to these mesmerizing views is quite the occasion even without the ceremonious unwrapping of gifts. Not to mention this homestead has a very spacious layout—we’re taking big enough to host seven, so it’s a good thing there are two bathrooms. Style-wise, the rooms are simple, yet tastefully decorated for a classic modern feel.

Time Out tip: There’s a private hiking trail with a seasonal creek right on the property, plus horseshoes and a fire pit with wood provided, so you don’t need to leave for a full day of activities. If you do venture out, Greers Ferry Lake and Fergersons Choctaw Marina are just 16 minutes away.

Sleeps: Two bedrooms, three beds (two fulls, one king, plus a foldable mattress), two bathrooms. Sleeps 6 guests.

Perks: Private lake with dock, kayak and pedal boat, fire pit with wood provided, dedicated workspace, single-level with no stairs, free on-site parking.

Price: From $242 a night.

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9. Best for bucket-list group adventures: the rustic treehouse in Kirbyville, TX

Neighborhood: Kirbyville, Texas, East Texas piney woods.

If your idea of an ideal getaway includes hiking trails, paddle boarding, and farm animals, then stop scrolling immediately. This wooded countryside escape is pretty much yours for the taking at this gorgeous rustic-modern treehouse in Kirbyville. Fully kitted out with modern amenities including a full kitchen and a wood-heated hot tub, the treehouse is a literal haven for up to seven happy campers.

Time Out tip: The 20-acre open homestead area has a stocked pond with a pedal boat, paddleboard and kayak, plus farm animals and a covered pavilion, so you can build a full day there before you retreat to the treehouse. 

Sleeps: Two bedrooms, two beds, one bathroom. Sleeps 5 guests.

Perks: Private wood-heated hot tub open year-round, outdoor fireplace and brick BBQ pit, stocked pond with watersports gear, hiking trails and creek access, one small dog welcome with pre-approval.

Price: From $308 a night. 

10. Best for creek-side strolls: the charming apartment in Peach Botton, PA

Neighborhood: Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania.

Looking for a country escape? Just two miles away from Osbornia Farm, this Peach Bottom guest suite is a picturesque stay for up to four guests. Surrounded by scenic walking paths, pastures, and hiking trails, there are plenty of ways to unplug and spend quality time with the fam. Indoors, meanwhile, you’ll find snuggly country cottage vibes, roomy enough for four.

Time Out tip: Guests are welcome to take a dip in Conowingo Creek via the mowed paths that wind down from the house, and there’s always a hammock strung up for a nap in nature when the weather’s good. 

Sleeps: One bedroom, two beds, one bathroom. Sleeps 4 guests.

Perks: Creek access with hammock and mowed trails, in-unit washer and dryer, dedicated workspace, single-level and fully handicap accessible, 30 minutes from historic Lancaster City and its Central Market.

Price: From $185 a night.

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