Best Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts for Canadians Over Christmas and New Year's 2026/2027

Escape the Cold: Top All-Inclusive Resorts for Canadian Families This Holiday Season

Let's be honest — another December of shovelling driveways and scraping windshields is nobody's idea of a holiday. If you've been dreaming of trading your parka for a beach towel and celebrating Christmas with a piña colada in hand, you're not alone. More and more Canadian families are choosing to spend the holidays at all-inclusive resorts, and with good reason. Sun, sand, unlimited food and drinks, kids clubs, and resort-wide New Year's countdowns? Yes, please.

Whether you're flying out of Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver, there are incredible family vacation packages available that make holiday travel easier — and more affordable — than ever. Here's a look at the best destinations and resorts to consider for Christmas and New Year's 2026/2027.

Why All-Inclusive Is Perfect for Family Holiday Travel

Travelling with kids over the holidays can feel overwhelming, but an all-inclusive resort takes so much of the stress out of the equation. Everything is taken care of — meals, snacks, entertainment, and activities — so parents can actually relax. Many resorts also go all-out for the holiday season with festive décor, visits from Santa Claus, special Christmas dinners, and family-friendly New Year's Eve countdown parties that end before midnight (because let's face it, toddlers don't do midnight).

From a budget standpoint, all-inclusive pricing in Canadian dollars helps families manage costs without surprise charges. And with cheap flights available from major Canadian airports, the total package can be more reasonable than you'd think — especially if you book early.

Top Destinations for Canadian Families at Christmas

Cancun & Riviera Maya, Mexico

Mexico remains the number one choice for Canadian families over the holidays, and it's easy to see why. Direct Toronto to Cancun flights make it one of the most accessible sun destinations from YYZ, with flight times of under four hours. Resorts along the Riviera Maya offer world-class kids clubs, lazy rivers, multiple pools, and teen zones designed to keep every age group happy. Look for resorts that offer swim-up suite options and dedicated family beach areas. Booking all-inclusive Mexico packages through ShopTravel lets you compare pricing in CAD across dozens of properties, so you can find the right fit for your family and your budget.

Punta Cana & Dominican Republic

Punta Cana is another favourite with Canadian families heading south for the holidays. The Dominican Republic resorts in this region are known for their expansive water parks, sprawling beachfronts, and excellent kids' programming. Many resorts host elaborate Christmas Eve dinners and New Year's galas — some with fireworks right on the beach. It's a magical way to ring in the new year with your family. Check out the latest Caribbean packages on ShopTravel for bundled flight-and-resort deals departing from YYZ, YUL, and YVR.

Jamaica

For families looking for something a little different, Jamaica brings incredible culture, lush scenery, and some of the friendliest resort staff in the Caribbean. Jamaica all-inclusive resorts offer everything from waterslides and snorkelling to beachside Christmas parties and live entertainment for the whole family. It's an especially great pick for families with teens who want a bit more adventure mixed in with their relaxation.

Varadero, Cuba

Cuba continues to offer some of the best value for Canadian families, and Varadero is a perennial favourite. The beaches are stunning, the resorts are large and well-equipped for families, and the holiday atmosphere is warm and festive. If you're flexible on timing and looking for last minute deals, Cuba can offer exceptional value. You can also browse flights to Cuba directly on ShopTravel to find the best fares from your home airport.

Tips for Booking Your Holiday All-Inclusive

• Book early: Christmas and New Year's weeks are the most popular travel dates of the year. The best resorts and room categories sell out fast — often by late summer.
• Look for family room categories: Suites with connecting rooms or swim-up access make a big difference in comfort during longer stays.
• Check resort holiday programming: Not all resorts do Christmas equally. Look for properties that advertise Santa visits, festive dinners, and NYE family events.
• Price in CAD: Always compare packages priced in Canadian dollars to avoid currency surprises.

Start Planning Your Holiday Escape Today

The holidays are meant to be memorable, and there's nothing quite like celebrating Christmas morning with your kids on a warm beach. Whether you're drawn to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, or Cuba, ShopTravel has you covered with the best all-inclusive deals for Canadian families.