The tradition of waiting at home for Santas visit, like all other traditions, is under going a change. No wonder then, that we find more and more American families spending Christmas away from home. To cater to the needs of those going out for a vacation before or during Christmas, there is a variety of fun holiday locations we can look into.

In upstate New York, located in the Adirondack Mountains, there is North Pole. Yes, North Pole, New York is one of the most charming places to vacation during Christmas time for both young in age and at heart.

Open for five weekends prior to Christmas, the vacation packages offer lodging and meals along with admission to Santas workshop. With live music, live glassblowers, puppet shows and other holiday entertainment it makes a perfect Christmas holiday for you and your family. To top it all the Santas Village has shops where you can look for a memento from your Christmas vacation.

The next best thing to being in this North Pole is North Pole, Alaska. The Alaskan North Pole Christmas vacation packages are keyed up to give the genuine North Pole experience by including a visit to Santas house in North Pole. Further credibility is provided in shape of an optional dog sled ride on authentic Alaskan dog sled, through the Santas village in the North Pole.

It indeed makes for a once in a life time experience. Like the North Pole, New York packages, Alaskan North Pole too offers one or two night stay over the weekend. Accommodation is available in the nearby Fairbanks and at the Chena Hot Springs Resort and also at the Santaland RV Park. Shopping for souvenirs is easy at Santa House which also houses a large store that stocks all types of gifts and mementos that you would like to take back home. Irrespective of your age Alaskan North Pole offers you the best for Christmas merry making.

Hershey, Pennsylvania is another place that you may consider for a Christmas vacation if you are traveling before or during the Christmas season. Home of the Hersheys candy, Hershey Park transforms into Christmas Candyland, a month before Christmas when one million lights are lit for the visitors.

The staff at Hersheys Park joins in to put up animated displays which are sure to enchant children and adults alike. Christmas Candyland, during Christmas and the rest of the Park through out the year, Hershey Park make for a perfect escape from repetitive routine city life.

If you have watched the Walt Disney World parade, televised ever year from Orlando, Florida, then seeing the real thing will be a out of the world experience for your children. Seeing all their favorite Disney characters adorned in Santa hats and Christmas getups during Christmas time will delight not only your children but you too.

There will not be a single dull moment during your Disney vacation with special Christmas time shows the like of Mickey Mouses Twas the Night Before Christmas and Belles Enchanted Christmas Storytelling. Thousands of Giant Christmas trees, lit up with myriads of Christmas lights ensures that no one, young or old, remains untouched by the magic of Disney World. For lots of fun at reduced prices, a visit to Disney World during Christmas time is value for money, as the rates are far lower than the peak season time.

In contrast to the cold wintry Christmas, Christmas in the Disney World is a different experience with temperatures in the mid 70s. The charm and enchantment of Disney World is sure to compensate for absence of snow and Santas sledge.