6 Holiday Events Worth Planning a Getaway Around in 2026

Some holiday traditions are worth taking on the road. An evening beneath millions of lights, fireworks over a coastal park or a festive weekend in the mountains can turn a few days away into something everyone remembers.

This season, make room for a trip that comes with its own holiday plans. From Florida to Idaho, these six destinations offer celebrations worth adding to your calendar—and iTrip vacation rentals give you a comfortable place to settle in between outings.

Panama City Beach, Florida: Beach Home for the Holidays

November 27–28, 2026

Keep Thanksgiving weekend going with a trip to Panama City Beach. Beach Home for the Holidays brings live music, a Christmas tree lighting, Santa visits and fireworks to Aaron Bessant Park for two days of seasonal fun.

Spend the daylight hours walking the beach or lingering over lunch, then head to the park for the festivities. It’s an easy way to work a holiday celebration into a beach getaway without filling every hour of your trip.

A vacation rental gives your group room to gather, enjoy leftovers and ease into the holiday season together.

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St. Augustine, Florida: Nights of Lights

November 21, 2026–January 18, 2027

St. Augustine’s historic downtown takes on a warm glow during Nights of Lights, when millions of white lights brighten its streets and landmarks.

Make an evening of it. Head downtown before dark, find a spot for dinner and take your time exploring as the lights come on. The historic setting makes even a simple walk feel like an occasion.

With the celebration continuing into January, there’s room to plan around your holiday commitments. Choose a weekend before Christmas or start the new year with a few days exploring the city.

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Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Winterfest

November 6, 2026–January 31, 2027

Pigeon Forge Winterfest brings millions of twinkling lights and colorful seasonal displays to the Smokies. Pair an evening admiring the lights with dinner and a holiday show, or leave your plans open and see where the night takes you.

The long season makes Winterfest a flexible choice for a mountain trip. Visit during the holiday rush or save your getaway for January, when you can still enjoy the displays after the decorations at home have come down.

Back at your rental, slow mornings and breakfast together give everyone a chance to recharge before the next outing.

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Telluride, Colorado: Mountain Village Holiday Prelude

December 12–13, 2026

For a holiday weekend in the mountains, plan around Mountain Village Holiday Prelude near Telluride. Mountain Village transforms into the North Pole for a family-friendly celebration surrounded by Colorado’s alpine scenery.

Build your trip around the two-day event, with time to explore Telluride and enjoy an unhurried meal along the way. The detailed event schedule is still forthcoming, so check the official listing as your visit approaches.

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Boise, Idaho: Winter Garden aGlow

Select nights, November 27–December 30, 2026

Bundle up for an evening at Idaho Botanical Garden, where Winter Garden aGlow features nearly 900,000 holiday lights. Illuminated trees and winding pathways lead visitors through the garden, with the new Lake of Lights installation adding another reason to linger.

This is a celebration best enjoyed at a walking pace. Give yourself time to explore, take pictures and appreciate the displays together.

Tickets require a selected entry time, and the event is closed on some nights. Choose your evening before building the rest of your Boise itinerary.

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Ocean City, Maryland: Winterfest of Lights

November 19, 2026–January 2, 2027

Ocean City’s holiday season shines at Northside Park during Winterfest of Lights. Sparkling displays and a towering musical Christmas tree bring a festive atmosphere to this coastal destination.

Grab a hot chocolate and spend an evening exploring the lights with your family. Between holiday outings, leave time for a meal together and a little fresh air by the ocean.

It’s a different way to experience a familiar seaside favorite—and a reason to visit beyond the summer season.

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Come for the Celebration. Make It a Getaway.

Pick the event that sounds like your kind of holiday, then give yourself a little extra time to enjoy the destination around it. A weekend of lights and festivities is even better when there’s no rush to head home.

Explore iTrip vacation rentals and find a stay for your holiday plans.

Event dates, schedules and activities are subject to change. Check official event websites for current details and ticket requirements before visiting.