8 Great Family Beach Resorts for a Christmas or Winter Vacation in the Sun

We kicked off our Winter Break & Christmas Travel series with “Myth Busted: If I Travel During Christmas, It Will Ruin the Holiday for My Kids”—because let’s be honest, kids love adventure just as much as they love stockings. Then we shared why “Christmas Markets Are the Perfect Gateway to Holiday Travel with Kids”—because twinkling lights and hot cocoa make any destination feel magical.

Now, we’re taking it a step further with something even sunnier: a great variety of family beach resorts for a Christmas vacation. If your dream is to trade snow for sand while still keeping the holiday spirit alive, these eight destinations deliver sunshine, spacious accommodations, and plenty of kid-approved fun.

GoldenEye – Jamaica

One of Jamaica’s most iconic resorts, GoldenEye blends luxury with family fun. Families can stay in spacious lagoon cottages or beachfront villas, where kids can swim and snorkel just steps from their door. With calm waters, water sports, and endless outdoor adventures, it’s a perfect Caribbean escape for families during the holidays.

The Boca Raton – Florida

For families who want a mix of relaxation and activities, The Boca Raton is a top choice. This historic resort offers a private beach club, multiple pools, and family-friendly dining. Parents can recharge at the spa while kids enjoy supervised programs. It’s one of the best family resorts in Florida for Christmas vacations.

Finest Playa Mujeres – Mexico

Finest Playa Mujeres is one of Mexico’s most family-focused all-inclusive resorts. Families love the oversized suites (some with swim-up options), 12 restaurants catering to every taste, and kids’ clubs designed for all ages. It’s easy, worry-free, and one of the best all-inclusive family beach resorts in Mexico for a sunny holiday.

The Don CeSar – St. Pete Beach, Florida

Nicknamed The Pink Palace, The Don CeSar offers both history and holiday magic. Families can enjoy Gulf-front fun, festive décor, and activities designed for kids of all ages. With direct beach access and plenty of family dining options, it’s an excellent choice for a Christmas beach getaway in Florida. I got married here, so I may be a little biased, but it truly is a wonderful spot for families. We’ve brought our kids as well, and they loved the pools, beach, and town. If you’d like, you can even combine it with a trip to Disney World—it’s only about a 90-minute drive to Orlando, making a split stay in Florida very doable.

Oil Nut Bay – British Virgin Islands

For families who crave privacy and luxury, Oil Nut Bay is unmatched. Its villa-style accommodations are perfect for larger groups, and the calm turquoise waters make swimming safe for kids. Families can also enjoy nature trails and water sports. This makes it one of the best luxury family beach resorts in the Caribbean. You may recall seeing this property on my Instagram this summer. This was one of the amazing places I stayed at on my BVI trip & a trip to the BVI will not disappoint (at any time of year).

Las Terrazas – Belize

If you’re looking for a laid-back island vibe, Las Terrazas in Belize is perfect. Families love the spacious condo-style accommodations with kitchens and plenty of room to spread out. From paddleboarding to reef adventures, it’s a relaxed and family-friendly Christmas vacation spot in Belize.

Hotel Enotel – Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is famous for its stunning scenery and holiday lights, and Hotel Enotel makes the perfect home base. With an all-inclusive plan, oceanfront views, and pools, families can relax while enjoying festive holiday events. It’s one of the great family resorts in Madeira for a holiday getaway and if you want you can pair it with Porto Santo, a neighboring island.

Rancho Santana – Nicaragua

Rancho Santana is a 2,700-acre private ranch and community on Nicaragua’s stunning Pacific coast, designed for families who love adventure, nature, and quality time together. With exclusive access to five distinct beaches—some virtually private—children can safely explore sandy coves, play in gentle waves, or watch surfers ride the Pacific breakers. Beyond the beaches, families can enjoy horseback riding along scenic trails, hiking through rolling hills, or simply relaxing while taking in breathtaking ocean views.

Why Book Your Family Beach Resort Now?

Holiday travel is one of the busiest times of the year, and the most popular family suites and villas always sell out first. Booking your winter family beach vacation early means you’ll:

• Save money with early-bird offers.

• Secure the perfect room setup for your family.

• Avoid the stress of last-minute holiday planning.

This Christmas, skip the snow and trade it for sunshine, palm trees, and family adventures. Whether you’re looking for luxury in the Caribbean, all-inclusive ease in Mexico, or adventure in Nicaragua, these eight resorts are some of the best family beach resorts for Christmas vacations.

Since this post is part of our Winter Break & Christmas Travel series, stay tuned for what’s next—we’ll be diving into how to make long-haul holiday travel with kids less stressful (and even fun!). We’ll also be sharing a post on cold weather and snow destinations for families who prefer cozy cabins, ski slopes, and snowy magic to go with their holiday cheer. When it comes to creating magical holiday memories, there’s no “one right way”—just the way that works best for your family.

I’d love to work with your family on planning a memorable winter vacation—whether that means sun, snow, or a little bit of both. Let’s create holiday memories that last a lifetime. Email me or get on my calendar to schedule a chat, and let’s start creating holiday memories that last a lifetime.