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Christmas is all about enjoying quality time with loved ones and embracing the holiday spirit. What better way to do that than in a fun outdoorsy location where you can play outside, then return to the cozy warmth of your resort? However, winter can be an expensive time to take a vacation, as so many people take advantage of time off and the fun that the season brings. With that being said, Christmas vacations can be attainable without breaking the bank if you know where to go and where to stay! Continue reading to discover the best destinations and resorts for cheap Christmas vacations that remain within your budget!



The Cedars Ranch in Wimberly is the perfect home base for Texas Christmas adventures. The accommodations here are cozy cabins and unique glamping tents on a Texas ranch. The lodging options here can accommodate parties of two to six. This makes it the perfect place for celebrating Christmas, whether you plan to spend your holiday celebrations on a romantic retreat or bring the whole family.
Although you may be thinking that sleeping in a tent does not seem very glamorous, these luxurious accommodations are not your typical tent. These suites feature beautiful architecture and allow you to connect with the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. Here, you can enjoy the natural winter scenery without leaving your warm bed. Or, if you prefer the atmosphere of a charming cottage for Christmas, the resort’s Deluxe Cabins are a great option. These resemble tiny homes and will still have you immersed in the surrounding nature through their oversized glass windows.
Many resorts that offer suites as unique as these may not be considered budget-friendly. However, The Cedars Ranch offers great prices for their Geodome Suites, Eco-Yurts, and Deluxe Cabins. In addition to the unique accommodations, the resort’s amenities are top-notch. Guests can utilize the walking trails, pickleball courts, yoga garden, resort-style pool, and private fire pits.



There is much Christmas magic to be found while spending the holidays in Wimberley, Texas. Whether you want to stay local and explore the town or venture beyond to the surrounding areas, everywhere will be full of Christmas spirit.
In the town of Wimberly itself, you’ll find a fun holiday tradition called Wimberly Trail of Lights. This event takes place every Friday and Saturday for the entire month of December. It features a fun walk-through light display with decorations spanning approximately 8 acres. In addition to the Christmas lights, visitors can spend their night enjoying live music and train rides. Santa also flies all the way from the North Pole to join the fun! Plus, this event is free, making it an excellent choice for cheap Christmas vacations. They even include complementary marshmallows and hot cocoa!
For more free Christmas fun, take a short drive to the winter wonderland that is Johnson City. Here, you’ll find the Lights Spectacular Hill Country Style in Downtown Square. This twinkling light display, full of Christmas trees and lit-up buildings, is one that you can’t miss. With over 2 million lights, NASA even reported seeing this display from space! Holiday visitors can also experience kiddie rides, seasonal treats, and live entertainment. Plus, there are plenty of shopping opportunities if you need last-minute holiday gifts. If you are looking for budget-friendly ways to spend Christmas, these hidden gem events are perfect for affordable family fun.
Discover more great places to explore on December trips to Texas!



If you want to experience a true white Christmas full of snowy activities, Outbound Stowe is your home for the best Christmas vacations. This resort is only nine minutes away from Stowe Mountain Resort, the gateway to ski runs for all levels and an adorable snowy village. After a trip here, Stowe will become your new favorite destination for outdoor winter sports.
Accommodations at this resort will meet your expectations for a luxurious stay in Stowe, without a huge price tag. Rooms include things like pillow-top beds, spacious layouts, high ceilings, and cozy atmospheres. There are multiple room styles, ranging from classic, cozy queens that sleep two to the three-bedroom cottage, which offers plenty of space for groups of up to eight. The most budget-friendly room options for a cheap Christmas vacation here are the classic room categories. These rooms have all the necessities and comfort you desire, but skip some of the extra frills to keep costs lower.
In addition to just a place to stay on your trip, this resort offers great amenities, including complimentary parking, an on-site recreation path, a lobby store, the Eastside Bar & Grill, and communal fire pits. It is also important to note that this resort is pet-friendly, so bring your pet along for the holidays!



During the Christmas season in Stowe, Vermont, the mountains become a paradise for winter sports lovers. This world-renowned ski resort is a magical place where skiers and snowboarders of all levels can spend their holiday embracing the cold weather.
To make things more affordable, there are ski pass options that let you bundle your days for a lower rate. You can choose your own pass, ranging from one to seven days. Select your perfect fit depending on how many days you plan to hit the slopes. Lessons are also available for beginner skiers, so a trip here might be the perfect chance to try something new.
Another fun activity to take advantage of is complimentary ice skating at Spruce Peak Village Center in Stowe. Or, take a free maple sugaring tour at Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm and witness how sap is turned into maple products. For some indoor fun (that is also free), you can explore the Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum and nearby art galleries. Since skiing can be a pricey activity, including free activities is a great way to keep your Christmas Vacation as cheap as possible.
Some other popular activities that don’t involve skiing are horseback riding and sleigh rides. While it might not be Santa’s sleigh, these scenic rides are the perfect way to slow down and embrace the season.



If you are looking for a vacation spot that is warm all year long, Florida is the perfect retreat from the cold. Westgate River Ranch is a very unique vacation experience where, from the moment you arrive, you will feel immersed in the dude ranch lifestyle. If you want to spend time in nature and enjoy fun outdoor activities, you’ll love this resort.
The accommodations at the resort are one of a kind, just like the resort itself. Guests can choose from spaces such as Luxe Conestona Wagons, Luxury Glamping Tents, Luxe Teepees, and Lodge Suites. There is also the opportunity to rent a space to pitch your own tent, which is the cheapest option. If you want to be fully immersed in the ranch camping experience, you can save a lot of money by bringing your own tent! Even if you decide on camping, you will still enjoy access to all of the resort’s amenities and fun activities.



Although it may not be cold for Christmas, it is just as festive with all of the holiday fun that you can find here. In addition to the endless activities available year-round at the resort, during Christmas time, you will find special holiday overlays. Every Friday and Saturday at the ranch, guests can experience extra holiday cheer. This includes a tree farm, Winterland Hayride, and a festive version of the Cowboy Adventure Park. To make things more affordable, Westgate River Ranch offers a special winter stay package. This package includes two tickets to Hayride and Cowboy Adventure Park, a $25 resort credit per night, a s’mores kit, and access to River Country Water Park.
With access to the Cowboy Adventure Park, you are unlocking a world of entertaining activities for families. Located in the heart of the resort, this park is home to a range of activities that will have you feeling like a cowboy. Guests can participate in activities such as river gold panning, rock climbing, mechanical bull riding, and a holiday-themed maze. Little ones will love the Cowboy Convoy Train Ride, Ranch Racer Racetrack, and Hilly Billy slides. With all of these activities included in the price of your stay, Westgate River Ranch makes for a great, cheap Christmas vacation.

Love the idea of staying in unique accommodations in world-famous destinations? Nook Outdoors is home to many one-of-a-kind resorts that offer some of the best places to stay for nature lovers. From boutique hotels on the Island of Hawaii to luxury glamping resorts in Georgia, Nook has you covered. Browse our full collection and be inspired by all that the outdoors have to offer for your next vacation.
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