Holiday tradition usually dictates staying home for a large gathering with the extended family. But celebrating away can be an exciting prospect. You might not think it, but spending the holidays somewhere else can be much less stressful than hosting or staying with relatives. A vacation rental provides a neutral territory and a much-needed break from your normal holiday routine. All you need to do is to choose a festive place to go. A good place to start is with the country’s most popular Christmas cities. New York City, Santa Claus, Williamsburg, Park City, and Santa Barbara are the most sought-after destinations in the US for the holidays, and these are the best family-friendly Christmas Airbnbs perfect for a Yuletide gathering.
We hope you love the Christmas Airbnbs we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
New York City, New York
Photo: lazyllama/Shutterstock
Come winter, New York might be one of the most festive places in the world, never mind the country. Decorations adorn every street corner, and magic fills the air. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is on many a bucket list; the towering spruce, with thousands of twinkling lights and topped with a sparkling Swarovski star, has become a beloved tradition for millions of visitors each year. The Winter Village at Bryant Park and Union Square Holiday Market also come to life with ice skating, holiday shopping, and delicious Christmas food and drink stalls. Of course, the crackdown on Airbnbs in the state means you must book a rental in advance, and many have a minimum stay of five nights. If you’re organized, you can still find options for those who’d rather have a more local stay than an overpriced hotel room.
Historic 1870s shipbuilder’s home in Brooklyn
If you’d rather stay in Brooklyn, there are still a few options. The neighborhood is simply stunning at Christmas. There’s Dyker Heights Christmas Lights with over-the-top decorations, inflatable characters, and festive displays that rival professional light installations, The Brooklyn Winter Village at Prospect Park for ice skating, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts a popular holiday light display, transforming the gardens into a magical winter wonderland. This historic Airbnb was built in the 1980s and was once a shipbuilder’s home. It’s situated on a quiet, tree-lined block in the heart of Greenpoint.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $405 per night
West Village renovated 1-bedroom
If you’re looking for a bit of luxury for your stay in New York, this one-bedroom in the West Village is a superb base. Here your family will be surrounded by holiday lights, world-class decorations, excellent shopping, and the holiday city buzz. Comfortably sleeping two guests, the impeccably renovated suite is spacious and beautifully decorated. The kitchen is also fully stocked with everything you’ll need to cook a celebratory meal. It’s steps away from the some of the most famous restaurants, cafes, jazz clubs, comedy cellars, museums, and speakeasies in the neighborhood.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $640 per night
Camp Stardust lakefront cabin in Piseco
The name of this property makes it sound pretty magical, and luckily, it doesn’t disappoint in person. For families looking to fully escape the stressful grind of the city, the Camp Stardust cabin is located a healthy four hours north of New York City in the woods of Piseco. You’ll be right on the water with only wildlife for neighbors. The cabin has an open and spacious floor plan, cathedral ceilings, a TV room, fireplace, and both indoor and outdoor speakers. The cabin’s walls are almost entirely composed of windows, so you’ll always have impeccable views of the surrounding winter wonderland. And of course, you could always venture into the wilderness by going snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $354 per night
Williamsburg, Virginia
Photo: Christopher W Becke/Shutterstock
Nothing captures the spirit of the holiday season like traveling back to a simpler time. We can decorate our homes all we like for Christmas, but nothing beats going back to the 1700s and strolling around Williamsburg’s cobbled streets in the snow.
Cottage from 1900s
Photo: Airbnb
This Williamsburg cottage is equipped with modern amenities but sits just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg and the Jamestown Settlement, where your family can really plunge into the ghosts of Christmas past. It sleeps six guests and is one of Airbnb’s top five percent homes awarded for excellent guest reviews and host management.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $164 per night
Custom built colonial on 6 private acres
The listing for this lavish house states that the owners specialize in hosting large multigenerational family vacations. And it gets better. The retreat sits on six private acres under 20 minutes from the major attractions of Williamsburg. The open-planned ground floor was custom-designed for events. So whether you’re sitting down to a holiday feast or entertaining in the living room, those in the kitchen won’t miss out on the fun. The master bedroom has an attached nursery with a train and dress-up box. This room also features French windows that open onto a covered deck and a heated jacuzzi tub. Bedrooms on the second floor have en-suites and a second nursery with a play area and a doll house. There’s a bonus room above the garage, perfect for last-minute guest arrival, a home gym, and an enormous covered back deck overlooking the forest.
13 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $699 per night
Cozy Williamsburg cabin
Photo: Airbnb
This cabin combines the rustic coziness of rural life with the joys of living in a historic city center. Just minutes away from Colonial Williamsburg in a wooded setting, the cabin sleeps six guests, with bunk beds for the kids. There’s also a heated pool, a deck, plenty of outdoor space, and access to nearby nature trails.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $208 per night
Leavenworth, Washington
Photo: Mark A Lee/Shutterstock
Leavenworth, the charming Bavarian-themed village in the Cascade Mountains, goes all out at Christmas with streets draped with twinkling lights, garlands, and traditional German ornaments. The Christmas Village, which runs throughout December, is a family favorite. There are festive stalls, German seasonal eats, a gingerbread village display, a Christmas parade, and you can see the Nutcracker ballet held at the Leavenworth Performing Arts Center.
Cabin 2000 feet above sea level in the foothills of Cashmere Mountain
This cabin, called Camp Howard, was built in 2018 and offers a modern, luxurious stay with a rustic ambiance. The home sits 2000 feet above sea level, perched on top of five acres of ponderosa forest in the foothills of Cashmere Mountain. Nearby, there’s skiing at Stevens Pass, and it’s a short 20-minute drive to Bavarian Christmas treats in Leavenworth. Outside, there’s a barrel sauna, a fire pit, and a two-car carport.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $450 per night
4-bedroom river chalet
When staying in Leavenworth, you need to book a chalet or a cabin. This four-bedroom downtown Airbnb looks out over the Wenatchee River and mountains. The wood stove is the Airbnb’s centerpiece in the living room, which has huge windows allowing for natural light and epic views. Or you can sit back and enjoy the scenery from the private hot tub.
Six guests, four bedrooms
Price: $206 per night
Taking a trip over the holidays? Check out Matador’s holiday accommodation guides:
- These large, family-friendly Airbnbs in the Southwest make the perfect holiday getaway
- 10 Big Family Airbnbs for the Holidays in the Northeast
- The Best Resorts in Hawaii for a Family Vacation of a Lifetime
- 9 Charming Small Towns That Look Just Like a Hallmark Christmas Movie
- From Cozy Cottages to Autumnal Cabins, These Are the Best Airbnbs in the US for Fall
- The 18 Most Spectacular US Hotels That Go All Out for Christmas
Park City, Utah
Photo: Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock
Park City is renowned as one of the country’s most popular ski destinations, so it should be no surprise that families are flocking here around Christmas. If visiting on Christmas Eve, keep an eye out for the ski and snowboard instructors led by Santa Claus as they descend the mountain carrying torches. And check the dates of the annual Park City Christmas Market. The outdoor market on historic Main Street has handcrafted gifts, delicious treats, and live entertainment.
Cozy log cabin south of Park City
Located just south of Park City in the more affordable Brighton, and nestled among the pine trees, this ski-in/ski-out log cabin has a huge fireplace that will make you think you’re in a ski lodge, a balcony, outdoor fire pit, and books and toys for children. It’s also just a 10-minute walk from the Brighton Ski Resort.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $299 per night
Fully refurbished home at the top of April Mountain
If you’re a family or group who wants to hit the snow over the holidays this stunning townhouse is ideal. The home has gorgeous views of two of the most popular ski destinations in Utah, Deer Valley and Park City. The four-bedroom has all new furnishings and appliances throughout, and a state-of-the-art hot tub with a lovely view. It’s worth noting that there is a one-week minimum stay, and if you want to stay longer, a discount is available.
10 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $893 per night
Modern and chic condo near the shuttle to Deer Valley Snow Park Lodge
This modern condo combines all the benefits of contemporary living with a rustic mountain aesthetic. Accommodating eight guests in three bedrooms, the condo has a massive pitched skylight that bathes the spacious living room in natural light. There’s also a white stone fireplace, a full kitchen, and convenient door-to-door shuttle service from Deer Valley Snow Park Lodge.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $400 per night
Santa Barbara, California
Photo: Gang Liu/Shutterstock
California doesn’t exactly scream Christmas, but that’s kind of the point, right? Not everyone wants a white Christmas. Some of us just want to leave our ugly sweaters at home and escape to the beach. It’s no wonder, then, that Santa Barbara is one of the country’s most popular Christmas vacation destinations.
Home in the heart of Santa Barbara
This ideally-located home is right in the heart of the city, sleeping seven people in three bedrooms, and is just a block away from the beach. It’s within easy walking distance of Santa Barbara’s main attractions, including the popular Funk Zone boutique dining district.
Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $375 per night
100-year-old stunning 5-bedroom house
Located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, this epic five-bed, five-bath house is one of the most splendid Airbnbs in California. The gourmet kitchen alone is worth booking this Christmas Airbnb. The five-bedroom en-suites, huge backyard, and luxury interior are also worth mentioning. The home is a 100-year-old bed and breakfast, but you and your group can buy out the entire property for your holiday stay.
11 guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,401 per night
Classic and colorful Santa Barbara cottage
This cottage truly captures the colorful, artsy, and independent vibe of California. Built in 1915, the Victorian cottage has an intimate feel yet comfortably accommodates six people in its cozy, eccentric rooms. The interior is defined by African Colonial decor reflecting the owner’s trips to Africa, and it’s conveniently located just a block from the Saturday Farmer’s Market, and two blocks from the cafes, shopping, and theaters of State Street. There’s also a game table with chess, backgammon, and a decks of cards, and a TV equipped with Netflix to keep the family entertained.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $303 per night
Santa Claus, Indiana
Photo: Santa Claus Indiana/Shutterstock
Santa Claus is indisputably one of the most Christmassy towns in the country. It’s home to the Santa Claus Museum and Village, the 1880 Santa Claus Church, and the Santa Claus Post Office, which fields thousands of Santa letters each year.
Christmas cottage in the heart of town
This three-bedroom home is the ideal base from which to explore the holiday-themed town. Sleeping six guests, the house is large enough for the whole family and located conveniently close to all the town’s Santa attractions. It’s also one of Airbnb’s top 10 percent listings.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $260 per night
Log cabin with waterfront views
If you prefer a little distance from the Santa Claus gimmick, while still having easy driving access into town, this cabin on the Ohio River is perfect. Just 30 minutes from Santa Claus, this cozy cabin sits right on the waters edge and offers your family a more intimate holiday experience. It has all the amenities you’d expect and sleeps six people.
Six guests, one bedrooms
Price: $150 per night
Anchorage, Alaska
Photo: TripWalkers/Shutterstock
Anchorage’s winter wonderland setting, with snow-capped mountains, crisp, cold air, the northern lights, and a host of festive events, makes for an unforgettable Christmas getaway. Think festive markets, fireworks, and sledding competitions with the jaw-dropping Alaskan backdrop.
Cottage with Denali views and a sauna
Chugach State Park sits immediately east of Anchorage, making it convenient for locals and tourists looking for outdoor winter adventures without straying far from urban amenities. It is one of the largest state parks in the nation, covering approximately 495,000 acres of land. This cottage sits against the park with forests on two sides. The front of the property opens up onto a deck, lawn, and meadow with spectacular mountain and northern lights views. The two-bedroom sleeps five, with a roll-away twin cot for the fifth guest on request. After a day in the snow, you can enjoy the new barrel sauna in the front yard.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $280 per night
Stunning family home for northern lights spotters
This beautiful home is located in a quiet neighborhood a mere five-minute walk from the Glen Alps and Flattop Trailhead, and the park. It’s a comfortable and affordable option for a large family or group of adults. From the deck and living room couch, you can take in a view of Anchorage’s skyline and the spectacular Mount McKinley. The home is a labor of love and has been fully renovated. There’s an outdoor sauna, a lovely deck, two living rooms, and a timber playhouse for the kids — just make sure they wrap up warm. 
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $450 per night