How to Celebrate Christmas at an Airbnb (11 Festive Tips)
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This article is all about how to celebrate Christmas at an Airbnb. Pro Tip – #11 is the most important.
Let’s face it, you might be worried that Christmas won’t feel the same if you’re traveling. But have no fear, Christmas at an Airbnb can be amazing. I’ve found myself at an Airbnb for more than one Christmas. And in truth, the holiday season is all about what you make it, and it can be special, wherever you are in the world.
These 11 best tips will bring Christmas right to your Airbnb if you’re traveling for the holidays.
How to Celebrate Christmas at an Airbnb
Little touches go a long way in making Christmas at an Airbnb really special. Putting up a small Christmas tree and holiday decorations, wrapping a couple thoughtful gifts, making a Christmas meal, and even joining a holiday tradition during your stay will go a long way.
Plus, short-term rentals are easy to stay in for Christmas. You can get all the cozy home vibes even if you’re across the country (or globe). Keep reading for 11 best tips to make your short-term rental feel just like you’re home for the holidays.
11 ways to celebrate Christmas at your Airbnb
Try all 11 ideas, or pick your favorites to make the holidays magical, even away from home. Hint: #11 is my favorite tip.
1. Add a tiny Christmas tree to your space
This is the easiest way to bring the Christmas spirit to an Airbnb. Pack a super small tree, and add fairy lights or a few decorations.
2. Add Christmas decorations around your Airbnb
Even if you’re out exploring, opening the front door to your Airbnb and seeing holiday decorations is a major serotonin boost at the end of the day.
Bring your favorite Christmas decorations along for a little holiday cheer. Or, pick up something fun from a local store.
Want to find out how Airbnb’s top rated hosts are preparing for Christmas? Superhost Air and Away shares everything you need to know here!
3. Start (or keep) Christmas day traditions
If you’re thinking about how to celebrate Christmas at an Airbnb, remember the easiest way is often by keeping your yearly traditions alive. Or, starting a brand new one!
Keep an annual tradition: Maybe it’s board games, Christmas movies, or opening gifts a day early. Sometimes the easiest way to celebrate Christmas at an Airbnb is keeping a couple routines.
Start a new tradition: Buy a new ornament while you’re out and about, or watching a new Christmas flick you’ve had your eye on.
4. Make sweet Christmas treats together
Your Airbnb doesn’t need to have a chef’s kitchen in order to make holiday treats.
Try this super easy no-bake recipe from Frugal Family Times (works super well if you don’t have a full kitchen). If you do have an oven or stovetop, make your favorite holiday cookie, candy, or beverage.
5. Pack Christmas mugs for festive sips
As a coffee lover there’s nothing that gets me in the Christmas spirit more than a holiday mug (cute Santa Claus or Reindeer are the best).
Pack your favorite holiday mug. If you’re worried about breakage, purchase a festive holiday mug as a keepsake during your travels. Or, bring a Christmas travel mug and use it while you’re out and about.
6. Cozy up in Christmas pajamas
Comfy Christmas PJs are so fun for an easy way to bring festive joy to your travels. Flannels, silks, or your favorite knit can keep you in the holiday spirit even without decorations.
Christmas jammies are great for a movie night or Christmas morning too!
7. Pack (or purchase) small gifts to unwrap on Christmas day
Small keepsakes from your travels, tickets to a local event, or thoughtful cards make a perfect gift that won’t weight down luggage.
Gift ideas can be really simple but special. They’re also a great memory to keep after you’re back home!
8. Create a Christmas meal together
Savoring a delicious meal on Christmas Day is one of the best ways to bring Christmas to your Airbnb.
You can prepare a meal and enjoy it in your dining room. I frequently travel around the US and find that many American grocery stores sell Christmas meal packages with all the fixings (turkey, ham, sides, baked rolls, holiday desserts).
If you’re staying at a rental space without a kitchen, search local restaurants that are serving Christmas meals. You can order takeout and relax at home, or celebrate at the restaurant.
Add a bottle of wine or festive apple cider to your meal to make it more decadent.
9. Message your Airbnb host merry Christmas
This one takes 15 seconds, but it adds a major boost to the Christmas spirit.
It’s a good idea to message your Airbnb host and wish them happy holidays during your stay. I bet it will bring a smile to their face!
Positive reviews are gold on Airbnb, and Airbnb guests only boost their chances of a 5-star review by wishing their host happiness and health for the holiday season.
10. Attend a local Christmas event
Holiday travel is a great way to enjoy unique local experiences wherever you are. It’s so fun to see how other places and cultures celebrate the holidays.
There are sure to be holiday activities in your area, from Christmas brunches to markets and festivals.
Check Airbnb Experiences, search Christmas events in your area, or visit the town’s social media pages to see what’s happening.
Spending the holidays in the South? See my guides to Helen GA in December, Christmas in Dahlonega, Atlanta in December, Christmas in Charleston SC and the best Christmas lights in Georgia.
11. Schedule time to celebrate Christmas morning
Most importantly, set aside time to celebrate Christmas morning. This is the number one easy way to bring the holiday spirit to your Airbnb stay.
Hang out by the tree, open gifts, enjoy a meal, watch a Christmas movie in your jammies.
Whatever you do, setting aside this time will create beautiful memories. Avoid overstuffing your itinerary to the point that you can’t slow down for Christmas day.
Things not to do if you’re traveling for Christmas
- Overstuffing your itinerary with too many activities (leave room for holiday celebrations and a slow Christmas morning if that’s your style).
- Skipping your normal celebration traditions and timing (like Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas morning by the tree).
- Leaving the holidays out entirely (if you normally celebrate, don’t make an exception just because you’re traveling. Bring Christmas with you wherever you go).
Reasons to travel during the Christmas season
Traveling during the Christmas holiday is perfect if you want to experience this time of year in a different city or even country.
Whether traveling with a group of friends, family, or as a couple, you’ll experience a different Christmas just by being in a new location.
Vacation rental hosts are super thoughtful and often go the extra mile during this season, and you’re likely to have a festive stay wherever you travel in the United States.
How to celebrate Christmas at an Airbnb: wrapping up
These 11 simple holiday activities will make your Christmas at an Airbnb super special.
If you’re nervous about messaging your Airbnb host and want a template to guide you click this handy guide.
New to the world of Airbnb? Browse all my Airbnb guides, from checking in early to messaging your host.
Planning more of your trip? Find more seasonal getaways in my Holiday Travel guides.
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