23 Places to Travel During the Holidays
23 Places to Travel During the Holidays
By: Hailey Layne
According to PwC’s Holiday Outlook survey, 47% of Americans plan to travel during the holiday season. Whether traveling to see family and friends or escape their routine for a bit, travelers are constantly looking for different things to do while away from home. Featuring an array of activities and cultural offerings, the destinations below are some of Square’s favorites for the holiday season.
1. Park City, Utah
Tucked into the Rocky Mountain range, this ski town features a main street district with shopping, dining, and plenty of winter activities. Besides the extensive skiing and snowboarding options, Park City has Christmas parades and snowshoeing tours throughout the season.
2. New York City, New York
From ice skating in Bryant Park to watching the tree lighting in Rockefeller Plaza, New York offers the perfect setting to enjoy the holidays. As storefronts seek to outdo one another, shoppers are able to view the elaborate window displays down Fifth Avenue through Herald Square.
3. Reykjavík, Iceland
Across Europe, holiday markets spring up around late November; Reykjavik is not exempt from this tradition. In the capital city of Iceland, Hlemmur Matholl Food Hall serves all kinds of European street food and holiday treats. In Ingolfstorg, a man-made ice skating rink is set up in the middle of town surrounded by shops. For those looking for a more nature-filled experience, Heiðmörk forest features Christmas trees and book readings by Icelandic authors.
4. Rothenburg, Germany
The medieval town of Rothenburg is located in the Bavaria region of Germany. Before the celebrations of the holidays can commence, the Rothenburger Reiterle takes place. It is believed that the “Horseman of Rothenburg” must glide over the town with the spirits of the departed. This ceremony typically takes place before the first advent Sunday. Following the spirit’s departure, a beautiful Christmas market is set up complete with mulled wine and roasted almonds.
5. Burlington, Vermont
Church Street Marketplace becomes a hub during the holidays, filling with students, tourists, and locals seeking to enjoy the historic bookstores, restaurants, and entertainment.
6. Florida Keys, Florida
For those looking for a more mild winter during the holiday season, the Florida Keys offers all the festivity without much of a chill. Visitors can enjoy the swaying palms and relax poolside as many resorts offer Christmas vacation specials.
7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Views of the Teton mountains allow travelers to feel the vastness of the land in Jackson Hole. Along with skiing and snowboarding options, several ranches offer sleigh rides, snowshoe treks, and dog-sledding.
8. Alexandria, Virginia
Old town Alexandria is located on the Potomac waterfront close to Washington D.C. Their Christmas boat parade allows for a twist on the classic Christmas tradition. Shopping along the cobblestone streets is a mix of local boutiques and large-name stores.
9. Savannah, Georgia
Featuring numerous local bed and breakfasts, Savannah is typically decorated for the holidays by mid-November. River Street is covered in string lights and is a convenient walk to restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
10. Sydney, Australia
December is the first month of summer in Australia, so the holiday season in Sydney can be celebrated on the beach. In the historic district of The Rocks, live music is played throughout the holiday season.
11. Stockholm, Sweden
Swedish Christmas dinner is something to be experienced if staying in Stockholm over the holidays. There is typically a spread of ham, sausage, gubbröra, pickled herring, lutefisk, and lussekatter. The annual Santa Run also is held in Stockholm for anyone looking to get active while supporting a good cause.
12. Lapland Region, Finland
In the northernmost region of Finland, travelers can explore the arctic wilderness and encounter the Northern Lights. Home to reindeer and husky farms, the Lapland region offers endless opportunities to explore.
13. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago features numerous places to view holiday light displays. The ZooLights experience at the Lincoln Park Zoo features more than 2.5 million Christmas lights. Outside of the city center, the Chicago Botanic Garden features several installations crafted around the nature.
14. New Orleans, Louisiana
Honoring a Cajun tradition, the city of New Orleans seeks to guide Santa Claus/Papa Noel to the city each Christmas Eve by lighting bonfires along the Mississippi River. Some groups even prepare gumbo for the event and share with the watchers.
15. Seattle, Washington
Popular tourist sites like Pike Place Market, the Seattle Great Wheel, and Seattle center are decorated for the holiday season. Several shows and performances ranging from the Nutcracker to Winterfest happen in December throughout the city. A special show from the Needle is held to celebrate the New Year.
16. Whistler, Canada
Whistler contains all the natural beauty of the holidays with plenty of outdoor activities. Covered in snow by December, the town is reminiscent of a snow globe. Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and snowmobiling are just a few of the highlights Whistler has to offer.
17. Salzburg, Austria
Mozart’s city comes alive during the holiday season; the Christmas market located in the Cathedral Square features strange displays of Krampus and the Perchten as well as an Advent Brass concert.
18. Miami, Florida
In South Beach, one might catch a glimpse of a surfing Santa Claus. With less traffic than in the summer, Miami celebrates the holidays in a laid back fashion. Many travelers enjoy the beach and the Winterfest Boat Parade.
19. London, England
In Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland features an ice castle for visitors to explore and various circus shows throughout the season. Windsor Castle is decorated for the holidays and available to tour.
20. Prague, Czech Republic
Head to one of the theaters around Prague to experience the rich musical history of the city. The National Theatre of Prague, Estates Theatre, and Karlin Theatre are typically filled throughout the holiday season with offerings of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.
21. Brussels, Belgium
Located in central Europe, Brussels offers travelers the opportunity to explore its Christmas markets with over 200 stalls. The offerings range from foods like oysters to crafts and jewelry. The Grand Place is illuminated in shades of gold and royal blue in the evenings.
22. Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida
Walt Disney World offers holiday-themed events that begin November 11th. The parks are decorated in garlands and lights and a special light show and parade feature all your favorite Disney characters.
23. San Francisco, California
Shopping in Union Square and Pier 39 features a variety of local boutiques. The San Francisco Symphony performs shows almost nightly throughout December and the Botanical Gardens offers free admission on Christmas Day.
Whether you are staying home for the holidays or venturing across the globe, keep reading Square Magazine to keep up with the latest gift guides and seasonal content.
Images courtesy of Hailey Layne.