The 7-acre property includes heated patios and decks, a tennis court, a pool with a hot tub, a waterfall and a koi pond.

WSJ: Private Properties��WSJ Mansion

Its beach is lovely, and the neighbouring Sesachacha Pond offers an alternative to chilly ocean temperatures, but the hot journey and lack of lunch options made the children overheated, cranky messes.

BBC: The kid-friendly perfection of Nantucket

On the other side of the pond in Munich, travelers and locals alike look forward to the traditional crafts and hot spiced wine in the Marienplatz Christmas market.

CNN: Spectacular Christmas destinations