The holiday season conjures images of houses like Kevin McCallister’s from Home Alone — houses that seem purpose-built for Christmas. Rental properties exuding comfort and coziness, and wrapped in enchanting lights, these Hallmark-esque houses often seem attainable only in the world of Hollywood. Luckily, that’s not true if you know where to look. These spacious and kid-friendly Christmas Airbnbs are big enough to accommodate the entire family while still managing to capture that cozy New England holiday vibe.
We hope you love the coolest Airbnbs in the Northeast 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.
Harry Potter style barn with silo — Morristown, Vermont
This special timber-framed barn looks like it’s been plucked from the set of Harry Potter. It’s truly magical. It sits 14 minutes from downtown Stowe in the Green Mountains on 300 privately owned acres. The unique home was built and is managed by a seventh-generation Vermont family. The main living space is open-planned. It’s ideal for entertaining as those beavering in the kitchen can still enjoy the cheer and conversation in the living and dining areas. For last-minute guests, there are extra sleeping arrangements in the spectacular attached silo. And for those who want to brave the evening chill, there’s a fire pit and a nearby treehouse in the forest with two rooms.
Accommodating three guests in one bedroom, this beautiful chalet is located next to Stowe’s Cady Hill Forest. The home is among the most ideal of Christmas Airbnbs for a small family. It blends centuries-old construction methods with a modern, energy efficient design to create a truly unique and inviting living space. The rental also just a five-minute drive from Stowe Village, where you’ll have access to a variety of family winter activities like dog sledding and snowshoeing.
Ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors, this luxury Italian-style villa has plenty of space indoors and outdoors for relaxing, socializing, and entertaining. It sits close to Attitash Mountain Resort, which offers 68 trails and eight lifts across two big, connected mountains — Attitash and Bear Peak. Wildcat Mountain is also close by. It’s known for having the most vertical (and exhilarating) drop in the White Mountains. Despite the proximity to popular New Hampshire ski spots, the villa offers guests privacy with six acres of grounds. For family members who prefer to relax indoors, the Airbnb has a movie theater, hot tub, billiards room, game room, and sauna.
This three-bedroom retreat in the Catskills of New York is classic historic on the outside but modern on the inside. Composed of a renovated barn from the 1850s attached to a more modern addition, the property has cathedral ceilings, rec room with pool table, workout area, and home theater. The barn sits on 13-acres that include a hot tub, cedar jungle gym set with swings and a slide, and tennis court — though it might be too cold to actually play — all with stunning views of Overlook Mountain.
For this price point, you’d need a large group. But this historic property sleeps 16 guests, so it’s a great option if you have an extended or blended family. The estate has an interesting past. It was built for Henri Braem, US Ambassador to Denmark in 1875, before being sold to the Winthrop family, descendants of John Winthrop, the founding governor of Massachusetts. The Airbnb has been updated with modern touches while retaining original decor and furnishings. The mansion and grounds are impeccably maintained and offer views of the Berkshire mountain ridges. It has 11 bedrooms and over 10 bathrooms, so there will be no fighting for a choice of suite. All you need to do is remember to pack a copy of A Christmas Carol, as this couldn’t be a better setting for enjoying the festive classic.
Sleeping in an old grist mill might sound a bit too rustic to actually be appealing, but that’s only because you’ve never seen this renovation in New Jersey. Once a grist mill, then a bed & breakfast, now an Airbnb, this lodging sleeps 14 guests in six bedrooms and is located close to Mountain Creek, the Adirondack Trail, and several wineries and antique shops. The property evokes the simplicity and romance of rural living with all the modern amenities you could ask for. There’s even a path leading to a small pool, which adds to the winter magic, and access to a barn for small gatherings for an additional fee.
Fourteen guests, six bedrooms Price: $600 per night
Christmas Airbnbs should be practical for everyone in the family. This two-story lakefront house in the Poconos might be right on the water, but you don’t even have to venture outside to enjoy all this place has to offer. Accommodating 10 guests in three bedrooms, this spacious house has a private deck, wood-fired fireplace, and easy access to the lake. There’s also a fire pit and a grill if you’d like to gather around the fire for dinner one night. The property is within a short driving distance of the ski slopes, Kalahari indoor waterpark for the kids, and a casino and shopping outlets for the parents.
Martha’s Vineyard probably doesn’t immediately strike a Christmas chord, but you might think again after viewing this mansion. Just steps from the beach and within walking distance of town, this six bedroom has vaulted ceilings, a cozy living room, and an eat-in kitchen big enough for the whole family. Accommodating 14 guests this epic home is decked out for game nights, lounging around movies, and preparing family feasts in the kitchen.
Fourteen guests, six bedrooms Price: $2,507 per night
This family-friendly mountain Airbnb in the White Mountains has the warm and fuzzy factor plus easy access to winter sports in New England. It’s crafted from timber and stone with fireplaces, luxurious bathrooms, and a gourmet granite kitchen. Stargaze or snow watch from the covered patio hot tub or dare to suggest a pool contest back inside. The garage has ample space for storing ski gear although you could happily spend the whole trip at the lodge.
Fourteen guests, six bedrooms Price: $648 per night
This child-friendly Airbnb in the State of New York will warm the cockles of any heart. The bedrooms and communal spaces are in the main cabin where you have two cozy screened porches for watching the snowfall. Kids can clamber up the pirate ship-inspired treehouse and there may even be an opportunity to skate on the pond. The hot tub functions in all seasons and the basement cinema is awesome for festive movie nights.
No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you – and it’s not AI, either. It took almost five years for the owner to build this fox-shaped cabin after the idea came to her in a dream. The interiors are inspired by the russet tints of a fox’s coat with woodland wildlife motifs in every crevice. The host provides snowshoes for winter wanders through the Bradbury Mountain State Park. Babies and elementary-age children are welcome, toddlers will need careful supervision.
Alas, there’s no historic value at this castle Airbnb – although younger members of your clan might argue the late 20th century is practically vintage. The castle is designed for four seasons of family fun. There’s archery and giant chess outside and a medieval escape room in the dungeon. For little ones dreaming about Hogwarts in the snow, the host has curated a Harry Potter themed scavenger hunt. The rental is between four ski resorts and has a private sauna and hot tub.
This secluded four-bedroom rental in Vermont transforms into a winter wonderland over the holidays. It has a chef’s kitchen for preparing a holiday feast and multiple lounges for movies, board games, and storytime. Plus, it’s hard to top a dip in the hot tub as snowflakes flutter around you. Woodstock and Quechee Gorge are a few miles in either direction and there’s a mudroom to stash your skiwear. One dog is welcome subject to a fee.
Choose your own holiday adventure at this ultra-fun Play Airbnb with a movie theater, sauna, and games galore. There’s a popcorn machine for Home Alone marathons, a fire pit for toasting marshmallows, and a bar for shaking up holiday cocktails. Kids will love the Monkey Mansion playground whereas adults will go crazy for the views from the hot tub – installed in one of the turrets. The host can arrange spa treatments and private chefs.
Sixteen+ guests, nine bedrooms Price: $1,812 per night
This bizarre house was built on Shoe House Road to advertise the footwear of Mahlon Haines, the so-called “Shoe Wizard.” The theme continues throughout with boot-inspired stained glass windows and a tribute to the building’s stint as an ice cream parlor. It’s kooky enough to justify the drive from Philly but the location is extremely convenient if you’re bouncing around the in-laws and extended family over the holidays.
The “Shell House” is a light-filled sanctuary on five private acres with mountain and forest views. The decor is modern mid-century and the dome shape of the building creates a homely ambiance. Safety gates and toys are provided for kids. Start your day by tobogganing in the meadow and spend evenings stargazing around the fire pit with piping mugs of hot chocolate. The location feels remote yet restaurants and stores are a 10-minute drive.
Once you’ve shrugged off your layers and unpacked the Baileys, you’ll want to hibernate in this gorgeous cabin until spring thaw. It has two gigantic bedrooms plus a trundle and crib. The lounge and deck grant panoramic views of the state park where you’ll find skiing, boarding, and tubing. There’s a hot tub to keep the frost at bay and a telescope for evening entertainment. Dogs are welcome, four-wheel drive vehicles are strongly recommended.
If your tribe is more about skiing than staying in, this Guest Favorite Airbnb is 10 minutes from Whiteface Mountain. After a run, you’ll return “home” to a cedar hot tub and barrel sauna. Besides the three-bedroom chalet, there is a studio cabin and a lean-to where in-laws or teens could sleep. Everyone can congregate in the main cabin’s lounge, game room, or around the fire pit. Sadly, the dog doesn’t come with the rental but other pooches are welcome.
