This year, instead of staying at home or running around to multiple different relatives’ and friends’ houses, why not get away for the holidays? There are some fabulous vacation rentals, some of which will already be filled with Christmas decor and even a tree. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy snow sports like skiing or just want a remote cabin nestled in the woods among a winter wonderland, these are some of the best vacation rentals for the holidays in the U.S.
Gnome Home - North Pole, Alaska
It just doesn’t get more “Christmasy” than a stay in the North Pole for the holidays, as in North Pole, Alaska. The Gnome Home is a bit easier to reach than the actual North Pole, a short drive from Fairbanks International Airport, while the Santa Claus House is only minutes away. The customized log home is done up in whimsical decor inside and out, with plenty of modern features like Wi-Fi, a TV, and a kitchenette that comes complete with a Keurig coffee maker, an air fryer, and microwave.
The Christmas Cabin on a Real Christmas Tree Farm - Ozark, Arkansas
The Christmas Cabin sits on a working Christmas tree farm, nestled among thousands of trees. It’s Christmas year-round here, but it’s especially ideal over the holidays when many guests take the opportunity for photo shoots and a wealth of festivities too. The interior has a rustic feel with all sorts of winter-related items on the walls like ice skates and sleds. Enjoy walks among the trees and then come back to relax in the master bedroom that has an en-suite bath with a Jacuzzi tub. The wrap-around porch is a popular spot to hang out, and you’ll have all the essentials too, with an open living room/dining room that has a 55″ HDTV, Wi-Fi, a full kitchen, and a washer/dryer.
Red Door Getaways Presents "Moonlight Obsession" - Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is a wonderful place to be over the holidays with its Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, Festival of Trees, arts and crafts shows, and even a New Year’s Eve Ball Drop with fireworks. This cozy, pet-friendly log cabin is just five miles from downtown and has an atmospheric gas fireplace that’s double-paned to enjoy from the living room and a bedroom. There are two Master King Suites, both of which have their own Jacuzzi tubs and flat-screen TVs. Enjoy warming up in the bubbling hot tub and a full kitchen for cooking up holiday meals too.
Dome Sweet Dome - Bend, Oregon
This two-bedroom Geodesic Dome is just down the road from the Wagona Snow Park for sledding and tubing, while Mt. Bachelor is only 10 minutes further for world-class skiing and snowboarding. It accommodates up to four and sits on its own tranquil lot, heavenly to come back to, cozying up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. There’s a full kitchen, TV, Wi-Fi, and a washer/dryer too.
The Chalet - Leavenworth, Washington
It’s not easy to find a rental that will put you just steps from the center of the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, but this chalet does just that. And it’s perfectly suited for the holidays, dressed in red and green. You’ll be in the heart of a virtual snow globe of magic at Christmas time, with the town’s Christmas Lighting Festival featuring old-fashioned caroling, holiday characters and endless twinkling lights. The chalet itself sleeps up to four and includes cable TV, Wi-Fi, and a full kitchen, all for a very affordable price.
SKI/IN-SKI/OUT Large & Spacious + Game Room and Spa - Big Bear Lake, California
Southern California’s closest option for skiing, this ski-in/ski-out cabin offers plenty of room for the whole family and then some with 3,000-square-feet of living space for up to 14 guests. A great place to spend the holidays for anyone who wants to play in the snow and then come back to soak in a hot tub beneath a canopy of stars. It includes a long list of luxuries like a chef’s kitchen, fireplace, and large SmartTV. There’s an assortment of video games, board games, foosball, air hockey, and Ping Pong tables. All bedrooms have their own flat-screen cable TVs with Netflix and Blu-ray/DVD players.
Christmas Cottage - Santa Claus, Indiana
With a name like Santa Claus this Indiana town should be on every Christmas lover’s bucket list. Every December it hosts a special celebration over three weekends, plus you can hand-cancel holiday mail with a Santa Claus Postmark from the world’s only post office with the Santa Claus name. Of course you’ll want to stay in the Christmas Cottage, just a block from Holiday World Theme Park and other attractions. It sleeps up to 10 in three bedrooms and has all the necessities, including Wi-Fi and a 42″ HDTV. If it’s not too snowy out, you might even make s’mores around the fire pit with firewood supplied.
Sleepy Creek Antique Log Cabin - Fleetwood, North Carolina
This rustic cabin is located in North Carolina’s High Country, providing a secluded feel while being close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and multiple towns like Boone and Blowing Rock. It was built from the hand hewn poplar and oak logs of two authentic 1800s log cabins which were re-assembled and joined to make this unique retreat. Nestled on more than four acres of wooded land with a stream running through, it’s especially picture perfect during the holidays. There’s even a soap stone block fireplace (with some newer components) that provides a fabulous ambiance and a warm spot to cozy up to.
Cottonwood Chalet - Brighton, Utah
Spending the holidays at Cottonwood Chalet typically means being surrounded by a winter wonderland while being just four minutes from Solitude Mountain Resort and under seven from Brighton Resort and Nordic Center. An A-frame with two bedrooms, accommodating up to four, it’s both rustic and contemporary, complete with a full kitchen and Wi-Fi. As this time of year tends to bring plenty of snow, the hosts recommend an all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive vehicle with snow tires.
Meadowlark Treehouse at Montana Treehouse Retreat - Columbia Falls, Montana
Talk about enchanting. This treehouse sits on a 5-acre property, impressive in any season, but under a blanket of snow it’s particularly appealing. Open up the presents or ring in the New Year and then enjoy skiing down the slopes at nearby Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort. Or, if you prefer, hit the cross-country trails that wind through the woods only steps away. It sleeps up to four guests and includes many luxurious amenities. The grand entrance is a spiral staircase that was custom crafted around a giant Douglas fir tree. There’s a full kitchen, cable TV, and a washer/dryer. The master suite loft leads out to the second story deck where you can sip your morning coffee surrounded by the magnificent scenery.
Mountaintop Cabin - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
An adorable tiny house, the Mountaintop Cabin accommodates two guests with a sleeping loft and picture windows showcasing the spectacular winter views. It sits just outside of Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls, ideal for a romantic couples’ stay with multiple options for playing in the snow, including sledding hills at Cherry Hill Park in Coeur d’Alene or Black Bay Park in Post Falls. It has a kitchenette with a hot plate, microwave and refrigerator, a shower, and Wi-Fi.
Gorgeous Cabin Close to Skiing & Main Street + a Hot Tub - Breckenridge, Colorado
This gorgeous three-bedroom log cabin is located four miles from the heart of Breckenridge, often named among the country’s top Christmas towns. During the holidays, you’ll feel as if you’ve gone back to Victorian times with an old-fashioned Christmas painting that begins with the Lighting of Breckenridge on the first weekend in December. Throughout the season there are carriage rides, holiday treats and plenty of shopping opportunities. Enjoy it all and then come back to a “piece of heaven” complete with a gourmet kitchen, wood-burning stove, and multiple TVs.
The Loft Romance for 2 - Sequim, Washington
While you might see a dusting of snow here on the northern Olympic Peninsula, The Loft offers an idyllic retreat for romance seekers who want to enjoy the holidays with panoramic mountain and sea views. It sits at the head of Sequim Bay providing incredible vistas of not only the bay but the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the San Juan Islands and snow-capped Mount Baker. Binoculars are provided if you want a closer look at the ships which come and go in the Strait. Other highlights include a fireplace, 42″ HDTV with Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Roku, and standard cable – plus, you’ll have your own private patio with a hot tub. If you’re up for some skiing, Hurricane Ridge Ski Area is just an hour away in Olympic National Park.
Magical Winter Wonderland near Lake Wenatchee and Leavenworth - Leavenworth, Washington
It truly is a magical snowy wonderland in the Central Cascades. If you want to be close enough to enjoy the many festivities in the Bavarian town of Leavenworth while being nestled in the mountains next to Lake Wenatchee State Park, near two sledding hills and skiing at Stevens Pass, this three-bedroom rental for up to six is ideal. It overlooks the 18th Fairway of the Kahler Glen Golf & Ski Resort which is transformed into groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter too. You’ll have a fully-equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, and a wood-burning stone fireplace.
Octagonal Glass Treehouse in Berkshires - Otis, Massachusetts
A stay in this chic octagonal treehouse means enjoying unobstructed views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, yet in total privacy. A wood-burning fireplace serves as the living room’s centerpiece and is surrounded by large windows, which in the winter are likely to showcase the picturesque landscape covered in snow. Plus there are three skiing areas nearby.
Master Suites at Rock Canyon Resort - Branson, Missouri
Enjoy an Ozark Mountain Christmas with lots of holiday light displays, events and attractions while staying in this private condo in Rock Canyon Resort, the former home of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Legend, Bill Medley. You’ll be within walking distance to the strip while enjoying high-end features like a master bedroom with its own den, fireplace, and a master bath with an oversize tub, TV, fireplace, and steam shower. Plus for the holidays, a Christmas tree and decor are added too.
