When I first considered writing about Christmas in July, I really fought the idea. I hate that Christmas has taken over Thanksgiving and the overall feeling of being rushed through our lives. But then again, with busy work schedules, school calendars and responsibilities some people can only get away during the Christmas Break. Others, who live abroad only have Christmas break to spend time with their families, so with that said, let’s get planning for Christmas in July. Honestly, if you don’t already have plans or a good idea of what you want to do for Christmas this is your wake up call…it’s less than 6 months away so you better get booking today! Planning Christmas destination travel can revolve around family traditions or opportunity to visit a new location or better climate.
Each different place I lived around the country seemed to have its traditional holiday things to do, see and visit. Out in Colorado we have North Pole and Polar Express train experiences in the snow. In Philadelphia it was the Mummers Parades and seeing the houses on Boathouse Row lit during the season. In Germany we lit advent wreaths and visited Christmas Markets around the country. In Florida we had boat parades and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas at Disney World. This was the event of the Advent season as a Floridian family, especially with so many Disney lovers. Of course our season passes didn’t cover Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas, but did allow us to make a long weekend out of the trip or go to a park earlier in the day. My suggestion is not to kill yourself or your family and do another park that day. Our best trips were when we slept in, spent the day lounging in the pool or shopping at Disney Springs and then were rested for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas in the late afternoon, it goes late!.
Our family loved to stay at the Wilderness Lodge or the cabins at Fort Wilderness during the Christmas events to try to give it the feel of a cooler climate. One year we even got our wish, it was freezing in the upper 30’s! For Floridians, it is almost too cold to go outside. But we bundled up and froze our way across the lake on the boat and on the golf carts in the resort. It was a good memory for us Floridian’s back then, today we would not be as impressed with the snow. The event is magical and gets everyone in the holiday spirit. The park is decorated and that in itself is a spectacular sight every year and worth the visit. They literally transition all the parks overnight between Thanksgiving and Black Friday morning. Good Morning Christmas! There are character greetings in their Christmas costumes, great for pictures and Christmas cards. Hot chocolate and cookies are located around the park, in addition to all the other sweet treats Disney has to offer. Bubbles are used to simulate snow, and almost turned into it that one very cold year. Mickey’s Very Merry Chirstmas brings a smile to our family’s nostalgic Christmas. It’s something to do once, when your kids are young and I’d say the same for Mickey’s not so Scary Halloween Party, it’s a once in a young childhood experience, but doesn’t need to take up precious traveling space in the calendar every year. The Disney moms are fighting mad already, but there are so many amazing destinations around the world to visit at Christmas time. Here are a few to think about near and far!
Domestic Destinations
New York City is often pictured at Christmas time to be the dream setting for a white Christmas and snow blanketing Central Park, but it rarely snows before Christmas in NYC, mostly in January-March. Despite the lack of snow, NYC is typically chilly and decorated to the nines starting in November. One of the best parts of decorations in NYC is enjoying the window displays on 5th Ave. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes kick-line and tree lighting is the most associated Christmas event with NYC, but far from its only celebration. Many markets pop up around NYC including the Union Square Holiday Market and the Winter Village in Bryant Park where you can also go ice skating. There are lots of outdoor ice skating spots that go up during the holiday season including Rockefeller Center, Wollman rink in Central Park, Manhattan West, Brookfield Place, Brooklyn Bridge Park and Riverbank State Park. Traveling through New York’s Little Italy, you can stop at the Christmas Shop on Mulberry Street for seasonal fun any time of year. Be sure to pick up some delicious cannolis after your latest holiday decorations. Another fun event held each year is Santacon, a boozy bar crawl where everyone dresses up as Santa or Santa’s helper and drinks across a tour of fun Manhattan bars. The Bronx Zoo hosts a Winter Wonderland event great for kids or take them to see the Dyker Heights lights. Take the long subway ride to Brooklyn for the famous Christmas flea market, then stay until dark to stroll through a neighborhood’s over the top holiday light display. There are inflatables, life-size santa statues and choreographed light displays. These neighbors really get festive! If you’re willing to go all-the-way-to-Brooklyn, I suggest taking the ferry to Hoboken, NJ too. I lived in Hoboken for a short time and loved how they decorated the main streets with lights and decorations and walk along the waterfront path, looking across the Hudson at the Manhattan skyline.
Ashville, North Carolina is a Christmas destination in the American South mainly due to the beautiful Biltmore Estate. There is no better season to enjoy this iconic French Renaissance style chateaux. The 2-month long holiday experience is unique each year due to the different color scheme chosen, but the grounds completely transform to holiday charms. Begin the season with the raising of the Christmas tree ceremony where the 35-foot locally grown tree is brought in by horse-drawn carriage. Reserve a special afternoon tea, in English high tea tradition. Enjoy an assortment of tea sandwiches, scones and hand-made pastries with your favorite flavor of tea. Enjoy the illumination display at Antler Hill Village and try the Christmas wine at the Winery. Experiencing the Biltmore during their candlelight evening tour, see the holiday blooms in the gardens and elaborate floral displays throughout the mansion. Enjoy seasonal dishes and craft cocktails at one of the many restaurants at the estate including The Bistro, Deerpark Restaurant, Stable Cafe, Cedric’s Tavern or in the Dining Room at the Inn on Biltmore Estate.
The Biltmore is far from the only thing to do in the Asheville area in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Smith McDowell House is Asheville’s first home/mansion and is decorated for a traditional Victorian holiday each year. Enjoy holiday shopping at independent boutiques and galleries in the downtown arts district. Try the eggnog-glazed donut with a chegg (hybrid of chai and eggnog) from Vortex Doughnuts. The National Gingerbread House Competition is held each year and the winners are all displayed at the Omni Grove Park Inn. Visitors can enjoy hot chocolate or gingerbread Ale by the huge fireplaces that the hotel is known for and that make great backgrounds for holiday photos. The Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum are an open-air, walk-through holiday light display. Another option for a 2-mile drive-through light display is the Christmas Wonderland Lights at Tryon or take your own tour driving through 11 small towns and villages near Ashville that go all out with holiday lights. For an Appalachian Santa and Highland Experience head to Montgomery Sky farms to see the holiday dressed cows and mini-goats. A Polar Express train ride experience in the Great Smoky Mountains is another fun option for kids to get into the holiday spirit. There are traditional performances of the Nutcracker ballet, but what about trying the contemporary dance called the Nutcracker and the Mouse King at the Wortham Center for Performing Arts. Or if dance isn’t your thing, the Asheville Community Theater does Elf the Musical. If your trip allows, stay in Asheville for New Year’s Eve too, it’s a great place to ring in the New Year.
Park City, Utah certainly has the winter weather to feel like it is Christmas time. There are also a wide array of community events during the holiday season and snow and twinkle lights that decorate the historic downtown. Kick off Christmas celebrations with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Canyons Village even have a fireworks display. Celebrate the holiday spirit aboard Heber Valley Railroad’s North Pole Express, a 90 minute version of the Polar Express, including milk and cookies. Another option could be to take a professionally piloted ride down an Olympic bobsled track or go snow tubing at Woodward Park City. Another fun event is to attend a holiday singalong show at the iconic Egyptian Theatre. But the event of the season is when Santa rides down the Town Lift to Park City’s historic Main Street. Main street is the location for many events including the Electric Parade and Snow Globe Stroll, which features 7 life-size snow globes each with a different holiday song featured like “Frosty the Snowman” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
Located just 14 miles from Fairbanks Alaska, the city of North Pole feels like winter all year round, especially with the decorations and holiday lights whether it’s summer time or sub-zero temperatures in winter. The community of 2,700 residents keep the Christmas spirit all year year and you can drive down streets called Santa Claus Lane, Kris Kringle Drive and Mistletoe Lane. North Pole is home to the Santa Claus House, where visitors will find a 42-foot tall statue of Santa, mail Christmas cards with a North Pole postmark and visit a team of reindeer. The town gets into the spirit with a tree-lighting ceremony, a candlelight ceremony and Winterfest and Holiday Bazaar. Stay in the fancy Santa Suite at the Hotel North Pole or enjoy Alaska’s remoteness and arctic beauty at Chena Lake Recreation Area. You can find beaver, muskrats, otters and mink, plus the fishing is amazing, ice fishing in the winter.
European Christmas Spirit
German Christmas is like no other Christmas celebration that you will ever experience! Many secular Christmas traditions we use to celebrate Christmas all over the world come from Germany. The most famous is the Christmas tree… old tannenbaum! The season of Advent and Advent wreaths (circular wreaths that hold 4 wide pillar candles that are lit on every Sunday of Advent. There are also Advent calendars that remind me of my own childhood Christmas, with 25 small wooden doors of miniature presents to countdown to Christmas Day. This is also where I saw adult themed Advent calendars with prizes like small schnapps bottles and delicious bites of cheese! In addition to Advent, the St. Nikolas Day tradition on December 6th is thanks to the Germans. On the evening before December 6th, children put their shoes outside of the door and good children receive clementines, nuts, sweets and other treats in them. There is a darker side to tradition with Krampusnacht. Where a character called Krampus (a horned, goat monster with claws and a long tongue) punishes naughty children by beating them with birch rods or sticks. Needless to say, German children are typically well behaved before Christmas and clean their shoes well for St. Nikolas Day. Germans typically go to church late on Christmas Eve and hang stockings or socks on the fireplace in hopes that small presents will be found in the morning. We can thank the German’s for all these fun holiday traditions.
By far, the best part of a German Christmas are the Christmas Markets (Weihnachstmärkte). They are open during Advent and often even open starting in mid-November in some big cities. Shopping for gifts, wooden toys, decorations and speciality products in addition to eating and drinking in a well lit, festive square or park with tons of small tented stalls. Treats in the Christmas markets are the best part by far! Flammkuchen (white pizza with bacon), Glühwein (mulled wine) and Feuerzangenbowle (rum-soaked sugarloaf is set on fire in a cup of Glühwein) are my personal favorites. Stollen is a traditional fruit cake with spices and nuts that are popular during the holidays. Lebkuchen, Honigkuchen and Pfefferkuchen are all types of German cookies and cakes sold at Christmas Markets along with chestnuts roasted on an open fire or warm sugared nuts in a paper bag. Some of the best cities to visit traditional German Markets include:
- Nuremberg Christkindlesmarket
- Munich Christmas Market
- Dresden Striezelmarket
- Cologne Cathedral Christmas Market
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber Reiterlesmarkt
- Frankfurt Christmas Market
- Stuttgart Christmas Market
- Berlin Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace
Prague, Czechia (or the Czech Republic as Americans know it) is a hidden gem of a city that often gets overshadowed by its western neighbors like France, Italy and Spain. Its churches, narrow streets, hilltop castle and statue-lined Charles Bridge create an urban fairy tale that is enhanced with a little winter dusting of snow. Prague is now attracting more tourists than ever before, mainly for all its charm at half the price of those flashy European cities. Hotel rooms are cheaper, restaurant bills less and top attractions are free or low cost, making it more popular with younger European travelers. Christmas markets aren’t just for Germany, Prague has stalls and markets dotted around the city, but their biggest market is the Old Town Square Christmas Market. Be sure to climb to the top of the Old Town Tower for a great view of the festivities. There is also a smaller group of stalls up on Castle Hill on the other side of the Charles Bridge. You’ll have one of the best views of Prague on a clear day from the top of the hill. Indulge in hot chocolate or Svařák, the Czech version of Gluhwein or mulled wine with citrus flavors.
Vienna & Salzburg are two cities in Austria that are very famous for their Christmas Markets and Christmas spirit. The German roots of Christmas traditions and markets are particularly similar in German Speaking countries, each with their own take and treats of the season. Vienna has 18 or more markets (some are open for the duration of Advent and others are only open for a specific week). In addition to markets, all the main shopping streets and hotels put on Christmas light displays. The light displays are typically classic and simple white, red or green colors and not the elaborate displays of choreographed lights and set to music that we see in the States. With Motzart being only one of many musical composers Austria can claim, classical music is deeply rooted in traditions. Vienna host’s a televised special each year called Christmas in Vienna musical gala held in the Konzerthaus, as well as many Advent concerts in venues around the city throughout Advent.
Salzburg does not have lots of separate markets, rather it has the famous Salzburg Christmas market that dates back to the late 15th century. Originally called the Tandlmarkt, by the 17th century the Advent market was called Nikolaimarkt and held for 4 weeks a year. Today’s Salzburg Christkindlemarket has been around since 1974 and opens on the 1st Sunday of Advent. There are over 100 stalls for shoppers, but also events such as guided Christmas tours, choral concerts and even a Krampus parade.
Paris in winter or (Christmas) is often considered a best kept secret for European travelers. In addition to the beauty of the lights, most of the tourists are gone until next summer and the Parisians are in a good mood during the festive season. The most magical part of the city is around Place du Vendome, the lights on the Champs Elysees and the Place du Concorde. Get tickets to see the Paris City Ballet perform the Nutcracker and dress up for the special occasion. The Galeries Lafayette Christmas light display has been said to be even better than New York City’s display and you can even go ice skating on a rooftop rink with incredible views of the Eiffel Tower. A famous dessert called the Busche de Noel (yule log) is a chocolate hazelnut dessert. You could also schedule a class to learn to make the famous holiday dessert or to make popular baguettes and croissants before you leave Paris. There are 15-20 markets that pop up during the holiday season starting in mid-November. Some of the most famous Christmas Markets around Paris include the March Marchés de Noël, the Tuileries Christmas Market (lots of international food stalls) and the Notre Dame Christmas Market, just to name a few. I might have to tack on a few days in Paris on my next Christmas European trip, I’ve been wanting to go to the German Christmas Markets and festive Amsterdam at Christmas anyway!
Christmas in London, England is an enchanting time that is felt throughout December. The city’s attractions look even more beautiful in the illumination of the season and many areas look magical in their classic lights and Christmas displays. Visit Kew Gardens to enjoy it decorated for the holidays, go ice skating at The Queen’s House or get tickets to the Nutcracker to make the most of the Christmas spirit. Enjoy the festive season taking a day trip to Bath or stay in the city to enjoy a pub lunch in front of a warm fireplace or dress up for a fancy English tea service. If you or the kids are interested in Harry Potter, Christmas is the perfect time to visit the Warner Bros Studio Tour. The Great Hall is transformed into the Yule Ball and snow blankets Diagon Alley and Hogwarts. Take a train ride through the snowy countryside and see it during the best season of the year.
Edinburgh, Scotland is the second most-visited city in the UK (after London) due to the tourism attraction to Edinburgh Castle. Every year, the Scottish capital is transformed into a week-long Christmas festival with markets, lights and a giant Advent calendar. What makes this market different is the amusement park rides for families to enjoy. In addition to roller coasters and carousels there is a Christmas tree maze, Santa’s Grotto and illuminated Castle of Light. Or you can go the formal direction and indulge in an afternoon tea at the Balmoral. Shoppers will enjoy the retail shops in New Town and art aficionados will enjoy the Scottish National Gallery. Don’t forget to try to see as many castles as possible.
Helsinki, Finland does not see the sun’s light during the Christmas season until after 3pm, but the Finns claim this is one of the most peaceful and cozy times of the year. Lights and window displays illuminate the popular shopping streets and there is a Christmas parade where Santa and his elves travel from Aleksanterinkatu to Finnish Lapland. The best way to get your Christmas shopping done is by going to any of the Christmas markets and bazaars throughout Helsinki. The food yard has some of the leading chefs and the seasonal treats and steaming cups of mulled wine. There are two popular days celebrated during the holiday season, Independence Day on December 6th and Lucia Parade on December 13th. On Independence Day there is a celebratory torchlight parade, Ball at the Presidential Palace and numerous concerts. The Lucia Parade is a beautiful parade to celebrate the Lucia Maiden crowned for that year. Christmas saunas are a Finnish tradition, originally on Christmas eve to help you relax before the celebrations begin, but today often are popular for weeks before and after Christmas to enjoy with friends and family.
Tromsø, Norway is considered one of the best places to see the northern lights, because this city doesn’t see the sun in December! However, that does not make this city dark during Christmas. Tromsø’s sparkling lights, cheerful atmosphere and Stortorget’s famous Christmas tree all allow the town to sparkle throughout the season. Take a reindeer sledding tour, see the city lights from the Fjellheisen cable car or stay overnight in the Tromsø Ice Domes, a hotel, bar and restaurant made completely of ice. Tromsø also has Christmas Markets from mid-November through December to keep the cheer going extra long in this dark city located above the Arctic Circle.
Italy’s capital city of Rome is known for their famous historical past, structures like the Pantheon, Colosseum and the Roman Forum and the art of Italy’s great painters like Raphael’s frescoed ceilings or the Sistine Chapel done by Michelanelo. Vatican City is technically its own country, but it is located completely inside of Rome so there is no way to go to one without the other. Vatican City is most well known for being the world’s smallest country, but it’s also known for its festive Christmas celebrations.There are secular activities like Christmas Markets, decorated Christmas trees and lively carolers, a Christmas Concert hosted for charity since 1993 and their holiday character, La Befana (an old witch who flies on a broom) who gives children presents. Christmas is a magical 21-day tradition in Vatican City with a different Nativity scene created by artists and displayed in St. Peter’s Square. Midnight mass takes place inside St. Peter’s Basilica, but if you are planning to attend this iconic celebration be sure to book tickets early. They are free, but tricky to get and must be secured in November at the latest and bring binoculars to mass to see the Pope’s address from the balcony. Public transportation is difficult during this season since it is peak tourism time during Christmas. At best, taxis and public transport are “flaky.” At worst, they are nonexistent. Keep this in mind when booking your hotel, it is a time to spend a little more for a close location because you may have to walk about to your hotel, after mass in the middle of the night in the cold. This isn’t the time to save money by choosing a hotel outside of the city.
Warm Weather Destinations
Key West, Florida has always held a special place in my heart, since hubby and I got married there 10 years ago. Key West is warm and wonderful in the winter and the best part of Christmas in the Keys is that it’s not hurricane season. Temperatures are typically in the mid-70’s with clear skies, perfect for boat parades. There is a Harbor Walk of Lights, festive night trolley tours and the Key West bright before Christmas celebration. Private holiday sails to pet pictures with Santa are holiday tradition in Key West. Winter is a great time to enjoy typical Key West activities like sunset cruises, dolphin watching, golf, water sports and celebrating sunset on Duval Street.
Saint Augustine in Northern Florida is a great warm weather destination to visit during the Christmas season. St. Augustine is known for its holiday light display called Nights of Lights. There are over 3 million white lights that glow through 20 city blocks in the Historic District. This is considered one of the top light displays in the world and you can even enjoy it on an evening tram ride. There is a tree lighting ceremony, boat parades and holiday shows. St. Augustine really is the most festive place in all of Florida, but this little historic town has received the top 10 places in the world to see at Christmas by NatGeo. Ponte Vedra beach is the more tropical next door neighbor to Saint Augistine and is a mecca for golfers. What could be better than history, lights and golf for Christmas Day.
Honolulu, Oahu in Hawaii blends cosmopolitan attractions with gorgeous scenery more than any island. The area of Honolulu offers Waikiki beach and all that ocean lovers enjoy from surfing to snorkeling with cultural and historic sites in the city. Two royal palaces can be toured, as well as the Polynesian Cultural Center can be visited for a traditional Luau experience and hula dancing. History enthusiasts can visit the Pearl Harbor museums and USS Arizona Memorial. In the North Shore, hiking and surfing are the best ways to experience what Hawaii has to offer. Every Friday night, the Hilton puts on a free fireworks show and is a great way to celebrate holiday cheer or ring in the New Year in the warm Hawaiian islands.
Caribbean Christmas Cruise or All Inclusive Resort… enough said!
Cape Town, South Africa is another great choice if you are looking to spend Christmas time in balmy, warm weather. It is separated from the rest of the continent by a ring of mountains. Cape Town’s glittering metropolis, beautiful beaches, vineyards & cuisine, exciting nightlife and of course Table Mountain. It might have taken a soccer tournament to show the world its charms, but now travelers’ attention has been piqued. The festive season in Cape Town welcomes many visitors, from students, families and tourists. The days are long and almost always beach perfect this time of year or you can visit the penguins on Boulders Beach. While in Cape Town, a day or afternoon should be reserved to learn more about the time in history called apartheid. Visiting Nelson Mandela’s jail cell on Robben Island and seeing the exhibits in the District Six Museum tell the story of decades of racial and economic oppression dividing this country. Since getting to Africa is no easy (or cheap) task, consider adding on a Big 5 safari segment to your trip. Many savannah countries like Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania or Kenya are an easy flight away for a bucket list of a lifetime experience.
If you like white sand rather than snow and are looking for a non-Christmas experience the Maldives might be the perfect spot for you. The island nation of the Maldives is one of travelers ‘Island Bucket List’ for its beautiful resorts and overwater bungalows. This archipelago of islands in the Indian ocean is popular with honeymooners and scuba divers for its untouched marine life. Family and adventure tourism has started to pick up, offering visitors more options to engage with their family and the environment around them. Being a Muslim nation, the Maldives does not celebrate Christmas, however the big resorts typically offer a Christmas dinner menu for those who want to save some of the traditions. Typically, pork and chicken is not eaten in the Maldives, however the resorts do have some access, but the meal might look a bit different than you expect. Resorts often invite Santa to visit the children on the island on Christmas Day, before he puts the sled away until next year. During your stay in the Maldives be sure to take part in the big 3 S’s, snorkeling, sailing and visit the spa! Sounds like a relaxing Christmas to me…but remember that it is not easy to get to these islands. There are no direct flights, so you need to make your way to the island of Sri Lanka (south of India) and then take seaplanes to your actual resort island destination. The trip will be well over a day of travel and sounds like a much better place to spend a Christmas Honeymoon rather than family Christmas in my opinion.
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