A holiday getaway shouldn’t be stressful. It should be the opposite. Escaping the hullabaloo of the festive season gives you and your family the chance to relax and reset before the end of the year. And the Southwest is an ideal region to do that. It ticks all the boxes — snow or desert, pool or sauna, hike or ski, it’s all doable here in the winter. But it’s worth getting organized in advance with accommodation, as it can be limited and cost more. So don’t waste any more time and plan your getaway this holiday season with these family holiday Airbnbs in the Southwest.
We hope you love the holiday airbnbs in the Southwest 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.
Luxury cabin in the pines near Flagstaff and Grand Canyon
Flagstaff, Arizona, is America’s most underrated small city. It’s surrounded by pine forests and mountains, nearby to skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and the famed desert of the southwest. And it’s also a major hub for accessing the Grand Canyon. This luxury cabin outside of town puts you right next to all of the above. First, there’s a toasty hot tub in which to soak. It also comes with a game room and pool table, a kids’ playground outside, and ample space to cook, lounge, watch movies and sports, and commune with the people you only see once per year. It’s at once convenient and cozy, but never crowded.
Have a truly southwest holiday at this 10 acre ranch just outside Sante Fe, New Mexico. This massive estate has room for the entire extended family and includes kivas and Spanish architecture built around spacious courtyards. There’s a fireplace and yoga studio, and a large living room. Should the youngsters receive gifts that require a bit room to enjoy, they’ll have both indoor and outdoor options here. Santa Fe is known for its holiday spirit, and the smaller town of Madrid is just up the road as well for essentials.
It’s not every year that you get to swim on Christmas. Make this the year in this gorgeous estate in Tucson dubbed The Alisa. The property features expansive views of the surrounding desert hills from large windows in the living space. Hanging in the living room here is akin to lounging in a high-end resort, especially if you have a hot toddy or, dare we say, an egg nog to raise for a toast. The chef’s kitchen is stocked and ready for your holiday meals. Iconic, clean, and emblematic of its southwest location, you won’t find a better host location for a holiday family retreat. All this with the Catalina Foothills as your backdrop.
Eleven guests, four bedrooms Price: $441 per night
This new custom home has every comfort for the festive season. With unobstructed views of Humphreys Peak from the bedrooms, kitchen, and spacious deck, you and your group can unwind with a breathtaking backdrop. The location is spot on, too. It’s three minutes to the entrance of Snowbowl, under 15 minutes to the ski lift, and a short drive from Flagstaff. Flagstaff hosts festive events throughout December, including the North Pole Experience, which invites families to join Santa, and stargazing parties at the Lowell Observatory. The interior celebrates hygge décor with comfortable modern furniture, chic soft furnishings, and natural textiles. It welcomes families and children of all ages, but perhaps this is not a rental for those with little fingers covered in Christmas cake frosting.
Christmas time in Sedona is magical, with twinkling lights adorning the streets, and the smell of pinon wood fires wafting through the air. And while Sedona may not be a traditional winter wonderland, it offers its own version of holiday charm. Families can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and biking in the crisp winter air or exploring the local shops and art galleries in the charming town center. If you’re vacationing with a large group or family, this private retreat will be your sanctuary. Geared towards those looking for a wellness vacation, the house has been designed to make sure guests are leaving uplifted, invigorated, and connected with nature. The property offers a space in which families can reconnect and unwind amidst the Red Rock Mountains. The rental is located in a secluded, quiet neighborhood. If you’re looking for a peaceful festive season, look no further.
Bring the family to Durango, Colorado, this holiday season and stay in style at this creekside retreat just outside town. Tucked between Durango and Bayfield, you’ll experience the beauty and serenity of the San Juan Mountains and enjoy warm cocktails on the deck to the sound of a flowing creek. You’ll be within an hour of the slopes at Purgatory, and 90 minutes to Wolf Creek Ski Area. Durango is also known for the Bar D Wranglers, a western cookout and show featuring live music and a chuckwagon dinner.
If you’re going to take a winter vacation to the Southwest and come from a very different landscape, why not go all out? This luxury hacienda not only has an indoor heated pool, but five of the seven bedrooms are en-suite. Everyone will have their own space in this rental but can come together in the warm living areas to reconnect and relax. The property was the former home of a New Mexico State Senator, and it comes with five acres of grounds for your private use.
Southern Utah is among the most beautiful places in the world. You have the desert, the mountains, and the water within a day’s drive. Many of the most striking natural features — including Bryce Canyon National Park and Utah’s other national parks — are within reach as well. And the home itself is a stunner. High-ceilinged living spaces hosting massive bay windows, allowing you to look out into the snow-covered forest. The kitchen is top-notch and so are the sleeping spaces. Kids have plenty of space to be themselves, and adults can do so along with them or segregate themselves for a cocktail in an entirely separate area of the house. You won’t find a more luxurious estate within this price range, making this one a win-win for all involved.
Ten guests, four bedrooms Price: From $228 per night
Unless you live in west Texas or southern New Mexico, Ruidoso might not be on your “epic mountain towns” radar. But, it should be. Ruidoso is everything a mountain town should be — think hearty dining, craft beer, shopping, and endless outdoors access — and this luxurious home gives you access to the best of it. There’s an outdoor hot tub where you can soak while soaking in the views of the pines. The home is fully equipped for family reunions, large buffet meals, and movie nights around the fire. No matter a person’s interest, there’s something for everyone here in southern New Mexico.
Nine guests, three bedrooms Price: From $254 per night
Chill in the pool. Play ping pong or pool in the game room. Cook a holiday feast in the decked-out kitchen. It’s all doable in this Palm Springs mansion. And you have the benefit of warmer weather and nearby trails. You can even work on your putting game on the private green. With all the amenities you’d expect at a Palm Springs resort, you at least won’t need to worry about the accommodations aspect of a massive family trip.
