The only thing better than unwrapping a great gift? Skipping the holiday stress—crowded stores, hosting duties and the pressure to make everything feel festive. If you’re craving a break, a last-minute Christmas getaway might be the simplest solution. We’ve rounded up five easy escapes within driving distance of major cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami, so you can enjoy the season without dealing with airport chaos.
From snow-dusted mountain towns to laid-back coastal spots, each destination offers its own version of holiday charm and a chance to unwind—no planning marathon required.
Bellevue, WA
Closest city: Seattle (20 minutes)
Just across Lake Washington from downtown Seattle, the charming city of Bellevue turns into a full-on holiday stage thanks to Snowflake Lane, a nightly parade that runs from Black Friday through Christmas Eve. Expect drummers, dancers, snow princesses, illuminated floats, live music and a burst of “snowfall” every evening as thousands line Bellevue Way to watch the show. It’s one of the West Coast’s most impressive Christmas displays—and it’s completely free. Beyond the parade, holiday programming spreads across the entire city: The Garden d’Lights festival transforms the Bellevue Botanical Garden with more than half a million lights, while seasonal performances like The Nutcracker fill the Meydenbauer Center. Finally, on Christmas Day, tuck into a festive brunch at Solarium Kitchen to cap off the holiday celebrations.
Where to Stay: The W Bellevue is one of the trendiest places to stay in town—and it’s just steps from all the holiday fun. The property leans into the season with festive programming like hot chocolate hour, ugly sweater breakfasts and fireside sips in the cozy Living Room bar, making it an easy home base for anyone who wants to stay immersed in the celebrations from morning to night.
Newport, RI
Closest cities: Boston (1.5 hours), NYC (3.5 hours)
This coastal New England city embraces the season with full Gilded Age grandeur, and this year, there’s a literal Hallmark twist. Newport stars in Hallmark’s 2025 holiday film A Newport Christmas, a time travel romance that showcases the city’s iconic mansions dressed for the season. Equally cinematic is the real-life Christmas in Newport: Founded in 1971 as a celebration of noncommercial holiday traditions, the monthlong festival features tree displays, cookie and gingerbread decorating, holiday markets, themed cruises, live music, Santa photo ops, and festive brunches and dinners. At night, thousands of clear, candlelight-inspired bulbs illuminate the harbor, wharves and historic neighborhoods, an intentionally nostalgic nod to the candlelit holidays of old. Finally, for added drama, the Newport Mansions turn up the spectacle with glimmering lights, florals and towering trees.
Where to stay: The Chanler at Cliff Walk is housed in a restored Gilded Age mansion and exudes luxury at every turn. Guests can expect sweeping ocean views, elegant on-site dining, and individually designed accommodations—many with fireplaces, soaking tubs and even outdoor Jacuzzis. Don’t miss the gourmet hot chocolate bar, which draws locals and travelers alike to mingle by the sea in style each weekend.
Cape May, New Jersey
Closest major cities: NYC (2.5 hours), Philadelphia (1.5 hours)
Cape May already resembles a Victorian snow globe with its historic district, twinkling gas lamps and gingerbread-trimmed houses. And while it’s often thought of as a summer-only vacation destination, the town transforms into a Dickensian village for the holidays, draped in fragrant garlands and lit by glowing gas lamps. Don’t miss Congress Hall’s Winter Wonderland, which runs through the end of the month, boasting a carousel, train rides, Santa’s workshop and a candy-striped vendor village. Meanwhile, Cape May MAC adds holiday house tours, Christmas concerts, trolley rides and its beloved Dickens-style walking tours. Visitors can dive into the festive spirit through numerous seasonal events, including a self-guided evening tour of B&Bs and private homes decked out for the holidays, plus admission to the “Old-Fashioned Christmas” exhibit at the Physick Estate’s Carroll Gallery.
Where to stay: Settle into the heart of the action at Congress Hall for the full Winter Wonderland experience. Coastal-inspired rooms and suites feature classic decor—many with views of the lawn where the carousel, holiday train and candy-striped vendor village come to life. The resort’s robust holiday calendar includes Breakfast With Santa, crafts in Santa’s Workshop, evening train rides around the property and festive pop-ups throughout the month. Guests also enjoy access to the nearby Sea Spa, plus on-site shops, restaurants and cafés decked out for the season.
Carlsbad, California
Closest major cities: San Diego (35 minutes), LA (1.5–2 hours)
Carlsbad brings beachy cheer to the holidays with a lineup that’s far more festive than you might expect from a laid-back coastal town. Families flock to Holidays at LEGOLAND California Resort, where giant LEGO trees, live shows, Santa meet-and-greets and nightly Santa’s Christmas Magic fireworks turn the park into a full-blown winter wonderland. Around town, festivities continue with nightly Christmas Tree Wonderlights synchronized to music. The full lineup of events runs the gamut from Santa photos and carolers to blowing your own glass ornaments, as well as elaborate multi-course Christmas brunches and dinners—plus a festive next-day brunch to keep the celebrations going.
Where to stay: The posh Park Hyatt Aviara sits at the center of Carlsbad’s holiday programming, hosting the immersive Stocking Full of Christmas experience—an interactive, family-friendly adventure where kids collect treats, crafts and surprises as they make their way through themed holiday stations. The resort also offers tea with Santa, a holiday market and festive feasts. Spacious, upscale rooms make it an easy home base, while the decorated grounds—glittering lights, garlands and glowing walkways—give the entire property a warm, holiday glow.
Kohler, Wisconsin
Closest cities: Milwaukee (1 hour), Chicago (2 hours)
Just outside Milwaukee—and only two hours from Chicago—Kohler, Wisconsin shines especially bright in winter. Visitors can explore snowy trails and nature escapes, or simply stroll the manicured resort grounds, dressed in twinkling lights for the season. Seasonal favorites include Frozen Fairways, a whimsical winter playground with fat-tire biking, curling, skating and more. There’s also the Annual Gingerbread Festival at the historic Waelderhaus, a popular free exhibition running through December that showcases elaborate gingerbread creations. Holiday week brings a full slate of family-friendly programming—from balloon artists and magic shows to ice carving, carolers, glitter henna and festive brunches. Hours extend into New Year’s Eve, with special events rounding out the final week of December.
Where to stay: For the most enchanting holiday experience, check into the American Club, Kohler’s storied five-star resort. The landmark property goes all-in on seasonal décor—twinkling lights, garlands, glowing fireplaces and elegant trees—giving the entire hotel a warm, old-world holiday glow. Guests can retreat to the sprawling Kohler Waters Spa for winter hydrotherapy rituals, savor festive dining across the resort (including champagne sabering and an indulgent seafood buffet), and enjoy effortless access to all of Kohler’s seasonal programming.