The holiday season conjures images of houses like Kevin McCallister’s from Home Alone — houses that seem purpose-built for Christmas. Rental properties exuding comfort and coziness, and wrapped in enchanting lights, these Hallmark-esque houses often seem attainable only in the world of Hollywood. Luckily, that’s not true if you know where to look. These spacious and kid-friendly Christmas Airbnbs are big enough to accommodate the entire family while still managing to capture that cozy New England holiday vibe.
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Sunapee Overwater Cottage — Newbury, New Hampshire
Photo: Airbnb
The interior of this four-bedroom cottage directly on Lake Sunapee is covered in shiplap, evoking that classic New England lakefront feel, The house comes with a paddleboard and kayak, though winter visitors will enjoy the close proximity to the ski slopes at Mt. Sunapee. There’s also a fire pit for those cold winter nights. Two bedrooms are located on the main floor and an additional two upstairs in the loft, which is perfect for kids. The large, open-concept kitchen and living room allow plenty of space for big family gatherings with unparalleled views of the lake. Undoubtedly one of the quaintest Christmas Airbnbs in the Northeast.
Six guests, three bedroomsPrice: $271 per night
Historic barn — Waterbury Center, Vermont
Photo: Airbnb
When it comes to idyllic winter getaways, does it get any better than a historic barn in Vermont? Yes, it actually does: when that barn is located next to the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory. This two-story former dairy barn sleeps up to 10 guests in five bedrooms, and sits just down the road from the iconic Ben & Jerry’s headquarters. In case that’s somehow not a big enough selling point for your kids, the barn also has two living rooms with flat screen smart TVs, and it’s just 10 minutes from the ski slopes.
Ten guests, five bedroomsPrice: $299 per night
Five-bedroom mountain chalet — Stowe, Vermont
Photo: Airbnb
Accommodating eight guests in four bedrooms, this three-level chalet is located on three acres of private wooded land. This home is among the most ideal of Christmas Airbnbs because it has a hot tub, reading loft with mountain views, a wraparound deck, open-concept living and dining room, and family room with a TV, Blu-Ray/DVD player. It’s also just a five-minute drive from Stowe Village, where you’ll have access to a variety of family winter activities like dog sledding and snowshoeing.
Twelve guests, five bedroomsPrice: $1,891 per night
Chalet with mountain views — Saugerties, New York
Photo: Airbnb
This three-bedroom retreat in the Catskills of New York is classic historic on the outside but modern on the inside. Composed of a renovated barn from the 1850s attached to a more modern addition, the property has cathedral ceilings, rec room with pool table, workout area, and home theater. The barn sits on 13-acres that include a hot tub, cedar jungle gym set with swings and a slide, and tennis court — though it might be too cold to actually play — all with stunning views of Overlook Mountain.
Six guests, three bedroomsPrice: $593 per night
Grist Mill with waterfall access — Vernon Valley, New Jersey
Photo: Airbnb
Sleeping in an old grist mill might sound a bit too rustic to actually be appealing, but that’s only because you’ve never seen this renovated grist mill in New Jersey. Once a grist mill, then a bed & breakfast, now an Airbnb, this lodging sleeps 14 guests in six bedrooms and is located close to Mountain Creek, the Adirondack Trail, and several wineries and antique shops. The property evokes the simplicity and romance of rural living with all the modern amenities you could ask for. There’s even a path leading to a small pool, which adds to the winter magic, and access to a barn for small gatherings for an additional fee.
Fourteen guests, six bedroomsPrice: $600 per night
Woods End Cabin at Pocono Lakeside — Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Photo: Airbnb
Christmas Airbnbs should be practical for everyone in the family. This two-story lakefront house in the Poconos might be right on the water, but you don’t even have to venture outside to enjoy all this place has to offer. Accommodating 10 guests in three bedrooms, this spacious house has a private deck, wood-fired fireplace, and easy access to the lake. There’s also a fire pit and a grill if you’d like to gather around the fire for dinner one night. The property is within a short driving distance of the ski slopes, Kalahari indoor waterpark for the kids, and a casino and shopping outlets for the parents.
Ten guests, three bedroomsPrice: $455 per night
Edgartown Beauty near beaches, town, dining — Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Photo: Airbnb
Martha’s Vineyard probably doesn’t immediately strike a Christmas chord, but that’s only because you haven’t seen this cottage that looks like it was baked by your grandmother. Just steps from the beach and within walking distance of downtown, this home from the late 1800s has Gothic-style windows, vaulted ceilings, a cozy living room, and an eat-in kitchen big enough for the whole family. Accommodating eight guests in four bedrooms, the cottage is decked out for game nights, lounging around movies, and preparing family feasts in the kitchen.
Eight guests, four bedroomsPrice: $421 per night