Our family of 8--ages 24-85--has talked of spending Christmas away from home.....too many fresh and painful memories of loss this year at Christmas time. We have discussed just staying put, Cloudcroft/Ruidoso, hill country, resorts etc. I'm simply looking for Christmas getaway suggestions and recommendations. Cross posting to outdoor board.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss and certainly understand the desire to get away!

Can you share some more information on the types of trips you've taken or would like to take as a family, if you're looking for domestic or international recommendations, do you want a relaxing trip or activity based, are there any must haves or deal breakers?

Charleston
Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge

After my MIL died we spent the next couple of Christmas away. We did and Santa Fe. Enjoyed both. I enjoyed Santa Fe more. I think because I have been going to Ruidosa my entire life.

In Santa Fe we stayed at La Fonda which is on the plaza downtown. The food there was great. The Christmas buffet, where they fed around 600 people in 3 different sittings, was very, very good. On Christmas Eve the tradition there is to go to Canyon Rd. The art galleries are open and are serving hot chocolate and wassail with cookies, etc.

And on Christmas Eve La Fonda had a good band in their bar playing good country music. Never thought my wife and I would go dancing on Christmas Eve.

It is a longer drive, so that may factor in.

We've done Banff at Christmas several times. I love it. Snow, but usually good weather, tons of outdoor activities that aren't skiing, and relatively not crowded (compared to other times of the year). Lots of decorations and Christmas spirit to get you in the mood.

We've done Christmases in Hawaii, Mexico, California, Jackson Hole, Telluride, Lake Tahoe, New Orleans, London, Paris, and many Christmases in Florida.

We did Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge last year and really enjoyed it. We have done Branson multiple times and I love it - especially Silver Dollar City at Christmastime.

Cruise is always fun and something for everyone - but availability may be somewhat slim at this point.

If you like cruises, I would look into that.

After my dad passed 4 years ago, we have been taking a cruise over Christmas each year. You don't need to worry about putting up Christmas decorations or cleaning/cooking. There's plenty of entertainment on the ship to keep both the adults and kids occupied.

murphyag said:

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We've done Christmases in Hawaii, Mexico, California, Jackson Hole, Telluride, Lake Tahoe, New Orleans, London, Paris, and many Christmases in Florida.

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Out of the mountain venues, which one did you like best?

Got a Natty! said:

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murphyag said:

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We've done Christmases in Hawaii, Mexico, California, Jackson Hole, Telluride, Lake Tahoe, New Orleans, London, Paris, and many Christmases in Florida.

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Out of the mountain venues, which one did you like best?

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I like both Jackson Hole and Telluride pretty equally for different reasons. But, Jackson Hole will be a safer bet for dependable snow in December compared to Telluride. Both, are decorated nicely for Christmas and feel festive.

I find that when I want to free myself of grief and/or stress, experiencing a warm weather/coastal environment is a good remedy. It forces one to focus on outdoor fun activities. It truly takes your mind away, at least momentarily.

On the other had, cold environments, particularly during winter, offers some fun activities (ski, snowboarding) but not enough sun.

In any event, hope you find what's best for you and your family.

JMac03 said:

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We did Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge last year and really enjoyed it. We have done Branson multiple times and I love it - especially Silver Dollar City at Christmastime.

Cruise is always fun and something for everyone - but availability may be somewhat slim at this point.

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Can you drive to Branson over the Christmas holiday from Texas? I want to do that but I don't drive in the snow...ever. I literally take an uber every time I'm in an area with snow. And I don't want to fly over the holidays. Got stuck a couple times.

TyHolden said:

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JMac03 said:

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We did Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge last year and really enjoyed it. We have done Branson multiple times and I love it - especially Silver Dollar City at Christmastime.

Cruise is always fun and something for everyone - but availability may be somewhat slim at this point.

---

Can you drive to Branson over the Christmas holiday from Texas? I want to do that but I don't drive in the snow...ever. I literally take an uber every time I'm in an area with snow. And I don't want to fly over the holidays. Got stuck a couple times.

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There has never been snow between BCS and Branson when I went. One time there was some snow on the ground in Branson but not enough to impact driving. I wish it had snowed to make it more like Christmas. It's never even been unbearably cold when we went.

JMac03 said:

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TyHolden said:

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JMac03 said:

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We did Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge last year and really enjoyed it. We have done Branson multiple times and I love it - especially Silver Dollar City at Christmastime.

Cruise is always fun and something for everyone - but availability may be somewhat slim at this point.

---

Can you drive to Branson over the Christmas holiday from Texas? I want to do that but I don't drive in the snow...ever. I literally take an uber every time I'm in an area with snow. And I don't want to fly over the holidays. Got stuck a couple times.

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There has never been snow between BCS and Branson when I went. One time there was some snow on the ground in Branson but not enough to impact driving. I wish it had snowed to make it more like Christmas. It's never even been unbearably cold when we went.

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so you are saying I could drive it? This was my ultimatum to my daughter that it was not possible. Now I'm getting nervous.

TyHolden said:

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JMac03 said:

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TyHolden said:

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JMac03 said:

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We did Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge last year and really enjoyed it. We have done Branson multiple times and I love it - especially Silver Dollar City at Christmastime.

Cruise is always fun and something for everyone - but availability may be somewhat slim at this point.

---

Can you drive to Branson over the Christmas holiday from Texas? I want to do that but I don't drive in the snow...ever. I literally take an uber every time I'm in an area with snow. And I don't want to fly over the holidays. Got stuck a couple times.

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There has never been snow between BCS and Branson when I went. One time there was some snow on the ground in Branson but not enough to impact driving. I wish it had snowed to make it more like Christmas. It's never even been unbearably cold when we went.

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so you are saying I could drive it? This was my ultimatum to my daughter that it was not possible. Now I'm getting nervous.

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I drove from College Station the 2 years (maybe 3) that we went. And when there was snow on the ground in Branson, it was minor and wouldn't have kept me from driving.

I can't speak for every year but we had zero issues.