Ever planned a holiday trip that felt more like a second job? Between flight delays, overpacked schedules and the stress of trying to make everyone happy, most people return from “vacation” needing… another vacation. There’s this pressure to make the holidays bigger, brighter and busier each year. But somewhere between the matching pajamas and marathon cooking sessions, the actual rest gets lost.
That’s why more people are skipping the crowded airports. And, of course, overbooked itineraries in favor of something different. Something calm, cozy and meaningful. Enter the rise of the relaxed holiday getaway. The goal here isn’t to squeeze in every light show on the map, but to slow down, enjoy the season and make space for connection.
Take Pigeon Forge, TN, for example. It’s become one of the country’s top festive destinations. Not just for its location in the Smokies but for how well it blends holiday spirit with laid-back energy. People go there not to check off a list, but to actually feel the season.
In this blog, we will share how to plan a getaway that’s both festive and refreshing, why less can lead to more joy and what to look for when choosing a destination that delivers the mood without the madness.
What a Slower Holiday Really Looks Like
The idea of a relaxed holiday isn’t about skipping celebration. It’s about setting a different pace. Imagine trading the rush of mall parking lots for a crackling fireplace and warm cider. Swapping crowded city sidewalks for a quiet mountain view. That’s what more families and couples are leaning toward: calm that still feels festive.
The choice of accommodation, in particular, is often viewed as a key part of the experience. And booking Christmas cabins in Pigeon Forge TN is widely considered a favorite option. Here, snowy peaks, cozy interiors and some of the country’s best holiday lights are enjoyed throughout the season.
For those hoping to get it just right, the perfect mix of holiday charm and peaceful surroundings is provided by Hearthside at the Preserve. Here, you’ll feel everything magical about Christmas has been carefully tucked into a mountaintop home.
But the magic isn’t just in the decorations or the views. It’s in what these types of places allow people to do. Or rather, not do. You don’t have to dress up for dinner – unless you want to. There’s no rush to beat traffic or find parking. And that slow pace is exactly what gives the holiday its joy back.
Festive Without the Frenzy: Why This Trend Keeps Growing
So why are relaxed getaways gaining traction? Because we’re tired.
Really, collectively tired.
Between back-to-back work schedules, rising costs and endless digital noise, people are craving rest in a real, physical way. They want holidays that feel good. Not just look good. And they’re no longer interested in burning themselves out trying to “do it all.”
That’s why this trend isn’t a fluke. It’s a shift. In fact, travel data shows that off-the-grid destinations and cabin stays surge every winter. Families are swapping gift overload for memory-making. Couples are choosing solitude over spectacle. And friends are replacing holiday bar crawls with game nights and pancake breakfasts.
There’s also a growing awareness that time (not stuff) is what people remember. Kids might forget what toy they unwrapped two years ago. But they’ll remember watching snow fall from a hot tub or baking cookies in a cabin kitchen with grandparents. Adults remember the quiet, the pause and the lack of pressure.
It’s all about experience, not excess.
What Makes a Getaway Feel “Festive Enough”
You don’t need a sleigh ride or snowfall every hour to feel holiday spirit. In fact, sometimes less is more. The secret is picking a destination that brings the season to life in simple, immersive ways.
Look for places that:
Offer built-in seasonal touches: Think decorated cabins, local light festivals, or fireplaces that actually get used. It helps if you don’t have to do all the decorating yourself just to feel festive.
Keep you close to nature: Mountains, trees and fresh air naturally slow the pace. Imagine waking up to a frosty view! It can do more for your holiday mindset than five lattes and a carol playlist.
Have space to stay in: Sometimes the best moments happen when you don’t go out. Look for cabins or lodges with cozy living areas, kitchens for holiday meals. And maybe even a hot tub or game room to enjoy without leaving.
Planning With Purpose (and Without Pressure)
So how do you actually plan a relaxed but festive getaway? The trick is to decide what matters before the trip starts. Not everything needs to be scheduled. In fact, the best itineraries leave room for change.
Here’s how to keep it calm:
Pick a vibe, not a checklist: Maybe your goal is family downtime. Or maybe it’s recharging after a chaotic year. Let that purpose guide your choices.
Book early, then stop overplanning: Once you’ve got your stay locked in, resist the urge to fill every hour. Block out space for simply doing nothing.
Involve everyone in one shared tradition: Decorating cookies? Watching a holiday movie? Or are you just going on a short hike? One small activity can carry a lot of warmth.
Limit screens: Not entirely but enough to enjoy where you are and who you’re with. Holiday joy tends to live outside of inboxes and scrolls.
Pack with comfort in mind: Bring the good socks. The books you haven’t read. The pajamas that make you feel like a marshmallow. You’re not here to impress. You’re here to relax.
When Less Really Does Mean More
There’s a reason people remember the quiet parts of vacations. It’s when the mind slows down and the body catches up. It’s when the senses wake up again. The smell of pine. The sound of firewood cracking. The taste of cocoa that isn’t from a paper cup.
These aren’t extravagant moments. But they’re the ones that stick.
Planning a relaxed getaway doesn’t mean lowering the bar for the holidays. It means raising it in a different way. Prioritizing peace over pressure. Choosing space over spectacle. Making room for real connection.
The world already moves fast. Let your holiday be the time it doesn’t have to be that way. And when that moment comes (when the tree glows, the snow settles and no one’s rushing) you’ll know you planned the season just right.
