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.
10 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $877 per night
Timber frame home on Cady Hill — Stowe, Vermont
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.
Three guests, one bedrooms
Price: $279 per night
Luxury villa at Bear Creek — Bartlett, New Hampshire
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.
16+ guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,454 per night
Taking a trip over the holidays? Check out Matador’s holiday accommodation guides:
Catskills chalet with mountain views — Saugerties, New York
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.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $593 per night
Winthrop Estate manor — Lenox, Massachusetts
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.
16+ guests, 11 bedrooms
Price: $3,172 per night
Sunapee overwater cottage — Newbury, New Hampshire
The interior of this four-bedroom cottage directly on Lake Sunapee is covered in shiplap, evoking that classic New England lakefront feel. The house comes with a paddleboard and kayak, though winter visitors will enjoy the close proximity to the ski slopes at Mt. Sunapee. There’s also a fire pit for those cold winter nights. Two bedrooms are located on the main floor and an additional two upstairs in the loft, which is perfect for kids. The large, open-concept kitchen and living room allow plenty of space for big family gatherings with unparalleled views of the lake. Undoubtedly one of the quaintest Christmas Airbnbs in the Northeast.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $271 per night
Stunning former dairy barn conversion — Waterbury Center, Vermont
When it comes to idyllic winter getaways, does it get any better than a historic barn in Vermont? Yes, it actually does: when that barn is located next to the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory. This two-story former dairy barn sleeps up to 10 guests in five bedrooms, and sits just down the road from the iconic Ben & Jerry’s headquarters. In case that’s somehow not a big enough selling point for your kids, the barn also has two living rooms with flat screen smart TVs, and it’s just 10 minutes from the ski slopes.
Ten guests, five bedrooms
Price: $299 per night
Mill with waterfall access — Vernon Valley, New Jersey
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
Cabin at Pocono Lakeside — Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
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.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $455 per night
Edgartown mansion near beaches, town, dining — Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
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