Christmas can be the perfect excuse to experience someplace new. With school out and many businesses encouraging employees to take some vacation time, it isn’t hard to escape for a few days around the holiday. However, deciding where to go can be a challenge. Many U.S. cities really embrace Christmas and go all-out for the holiday, and it can be tough to determine which destination has the right combination of activities and festivities for your family to enjoy.
Looking to experience someplace new for Christmas? You won’t go wrong with a trip to one of these U.S. cities:
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK.
If you’re looking for the storybook Christmas experience, this is it! The city goes all-out as it embraces the spirit of the season, and you’ll be hard-pressed to squeeze everything you want to see and do into your visit, whether you’re there for a long weekend or in town for a week. Ice skate at Wollman Rink in Central Park, catch the world-famous Rockettes at the Radio City Music Hall, and marvel at the Christmas tree erected every year in Rockefeller Center. Whether you’re on a mission to squeeze in some last-minute holiday shopping, find a fancy restaurant for your Christmas dinner, or admire an endless array of holiday lights and displays, you’ll find what you’re looking for in NYC.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA.
For a somewhat non-traditional approach to Christmas, consider spending the holiday in Orlando! Located in central Florida, there’s virtually no chance you’ll experience a white Christmas – but that may not be a bad thing, especially if you’re craving some warm weather. Disney World and Universal Studios really celebrate the holiday season with festive decorations, themed shows, Christmas parties and more!
BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO.
On a mission to see snow this Christmas? Plan a trip to Breckenridge, and you’re virtually guaranteed to see some of the white stuff. This ski town truly loves to celebrate Christmas! The festivities begin with the Lighting of Breckenridge, a celebration that occurs at the start of December and continues through the rest of the month. Aside from the world-class skiing and snowboarding available in the area, you’ll find charming carriage rides, sledding hills for the little ones, and plenty of shopping opportunities to take care of everyone on your list! Rent a condo with easy access to the slopes for skiing, or find a cabin through a vacation rental service for a more intimate experience.
GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE.
For a cozy Christmas getaway, consider renting a cabin near Gatlinburg for a rustic holiday getaway. Gatlinburg boasts plenty of parades, great light displays, and easy access to Smoky Mountain National Park. You can travel to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle for breathtaking views of the holiday lights below. Also, for an experience you can’t find anywhere else, catch a seasonal performance, like Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Adventures or Christmas at the Smoky Mountain Opry.
As long as loved ones surround you, there’s no wrong place to spend the holidays. A trip to one of these destinations, however, will guarantee a Christmas everyone will remember for years to come.
