Plan Ahead: Three Holiday Family Getaways Worth Every Memory
We are just welcoming fall in Cache Valley, but if you want to plan for a holiday getaway for your family, now is the time to do it! As my children are getting a bit older, I am finding that vacations and time together feel like a better way to spend gifting dollars than more “things.”
Big trips, especially for big families, take a lot of planning and always go smoother when you learn from experience, so here I am sharing ideas for three very different getaways, whether your family dreams of snowy sparkle, sunny shores, or fantasy magic.
New York City:
I don’t know if there is a more iconic place to visit for the holidays than New York City. It has been on my bucket list for over a decade to take my children there for the holidays, and I am hoping to check it off soon. At the top of my list is taking them to see the legendary Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall—the largest indoor theater in the world. The Christmas Spectacular is very appropriately named. Absolutely spectacular, this show is festive and unforgettable for the whole family.
Of course, that’s just the beginning. Broadway shows, Central Park strolls, 5th Avenue lights, and plenty of world-famous eats make NYC a holiday trip like no other.
TOP NYC TIPS:
1. Book Radio City Christmas Spectacular tickets early. Prices get higher closer to Christmas.
2. See a Broadway show. Our picks: Wicked is a classic but also very current, Hamilton is celebrating its 10th anniversary (with its only remaining original cast member being Utah native Thayne Jasperson), or MJ the Musical feels like a concert and Broadway show all in one.
3. Eat iconic NYC foods: Katz’s pastrami, Pick-a-Bagel, Carmine's, and Junior’s cheesecake ore our must-eats.
4. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for a great photo opp and grab a slice at Grimaldi’s Pizza.
5. Bundle sightseeing with a CityPASS for major savings on attractions, including the Empire State Building observatory, American Museum of Natural History, Top of the Rock, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and ferry access to the Stature of Liberty.
6. Wander Central Park — ice skate, walk, or row a boat. We also like to look for landmarks familiar in movies.
7. Stop by Grand Central’s Whispering Gallery and the NY Public Library.
8. Walk the High Line starting at Chelsea Market for a completely different view of the city.
Sarasota, Florida:
If your family craves warmth and sunshine over snow, Sarasota is a perfect holiday escape. With the whitest, powdery sand beaches I’ve ever seen, a vibrant food scene, and a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural attractions, this Gulf Coast gem has something for everyone.
Our favorite family tip? Head to Siesta Key. You could spend your whole trip at this one beach. We like to park at beach access four for a less touristy spot with the same incredible sand. After the beach everyone will want a treat. Don’t miss Meaney’s Mini Donuts in Siesta Key Village — they are tiny, fresh, and unforgettable!
TOP SARASOTA, FLORIDA TIPS:
Spend time at Siesta Key Beach.
1. Eat Italian at Cassariano’s Italian Eatary for fine dining or casual beach seafood at The Old Salty Dog.
2. Day trip south to Venice Beach or Casperson Beach to hunt shark teeth (rent a sifter right at the beach and spend the entire day searching — it’s the shark tooth capital of the world!).
3. While in Venice eat at Sharky’s on the Pier (try the seafood nachos!).
4. Visit Mote Marine Aquarium, Selby Gardens, or the Ringling Museum for education and natural beauty.
5. Adventure at Myakka State Park — you can see alligators in the wild and walk a canopy bridge.
Disneyland:
From fall through Christmas, Disneyland transforms into a wonderland of lights, parades, and magical touches around every corner. Families of all ages and interests can find something to love, from classic rides to seasonal treats and shows.
The key to a great Disney day? Have a plan, but keep it flexible. The park can be overwhelming, especially during the holidays, so use tech wisely, pace yourself, and don’t forget the whole point is to soak in the joy of being together.
TOP DISNEYLAND HOLIDAY TIPS:
1. Use the app — assign one person to manage Genie+, reservations, and mobile passes.
2. Don’t try to do it all (it's actually impossible). Have everyone choose their top must-dos and prioritize those.
3. Take breaks between park days if you’re staying for multiple days. On your day off, hang out at the pool or head to Huntington or Newport Beach.
4. Stay late for fireworks. If you can’t last all day, consider taking a break in the middle of the day and coming back at night to enjoy the lights and fireworks.
5. Try seasonal foods — peppermint churros, gingerbread Mickey cookies, and candy cane beignets are famous for a reason!
6. Ride “It’s a Small World” Holiday and Haunted Mansion Holiday. These attractions are extra special and unique during this time of year.
7. Use Rider Switch if you’re traveling with babies or singlerider lines for faster access to avoid long lines.
Whether you’re strolling through snowy Manhattan, beaching in Sarasota, or singing “It’s a Small World” in California, holiday trips are about more than destinations. They’re about slowing down, making memories, and celebrating together.
Start planning now and by the time the holiday season arrives, you’ll have your dream trip mapped out, your family excited, and plenty of memories waiting to be made.