7 Christmas Road Trip Ideas to Channel Your Holiday Spirit

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One of my favorite holiday movies is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. There’s something about “Sparky” and Ellen’s holiday hosting disaster that is so relatable.

Since we moved to Florida this year, we’ll have to travel to make it a white Christmas, so that’s just what we’ll do!

Whether you’re wanting to stop exchanging gifts and replace with experiences or you’re just wanting to start a new tradition, a Christmas road trip is always a good idea!

7 Holiday spirit-filled places to visit this year on your Christmas Road Trip

1. Lake George, New York

My husband and I visited Lake George for a romantic getaway last November, and it was truly beautiful.

We flew into Albany’s airport and drove for around 45 minutes to get to Lake George.

We fished for salmon from the shore using cocktail shrimp from the grocery store (tip provided by a local).

We attended a street festival and tasted every single wine available at the local winery.

And I finally talked my husband into ziplining (something that was a life-long dream of mine).

Christmas in Lake George is a great idea to get away from the hustle and bustle.

2. Asheville, North Carolina

Set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a magical place at Christmastime.

There’s plenty of shopping available at local boutiques and shops.

You could visit one of the award-winning restaurants for some amazing food.

But you can’t visit Asheville during the holidays without planning a tour of Christmas at the Biltmore Estate.

3. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

The Inn at Christmas Place is a beautiful inn that is fit for a Hallmark movie! Daily activities include:

• Crafts for children
• Decor tips and Bow tying
• Making gingerbread houses
• Cookie Decorating
• Visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, and other Christmas favorites
• Stringing popcorn
• Christmas karaoke (that’s my jam!)
• Bingo and Family game night

4. Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Lake Tahoe has been a family favorite for so many and for good reason!

Here are some of the activities to enjoy while visiting Lake Tahoe:

• Dinner Cruises
• Fifty Fifty Brewing Company
• Skiing and Snowboarding (Santa even visits the slopes!)
• Heavenly Village – Ice sculptures and a huge 16-foot snow globe
• Christmas Torchlight Parade

5. Christmas in Bricktown OKC

Bricktown is located in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Located on a canal with art galleries, restaurants, and shops on both sides, it truly is a beautiful place to visit.

During the Christmas months of November and December, the canal is lit up with thousands of lights. They call it Downtown in December.

Take advantage of free water taxi rides on certain nights of the season.

6. Santa Claus, Indiana

Claiming the title of “America’s Christmas Hometown”, Santa Claus has a lot to offer.

You can:

• Drive through the Santa Claus Land of Lights at Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort, a 1.2-mile trek full of holiday spirit.
• Write letters to Santa
• Visit Monkey Hollow Winery & Distillery and pick up gifts for your work Christmas party
• Roast chestnuts on an open fire in Santa’s Candy Castle

7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

If you’re looking for an authentic, traditional cowboy Christmas, this is your place!

Jackson Hole features a Town Hall Square Tree Lighting in November, where the entire town shows up to see thousands of lights wrapped around famous elk antler arches and beautiful, stately Christmas trees.

You can also enjoy skiing and other winter activities, like cocoa and Christmas movies, stringing popcorn, and singing carols.

Whatever you do this Christmas and holiday season, be sure to be safe, and enjoy every single moment with your loved ones.