Whether you are looking for an escape, a way to relax, or just want to get in the holiday spirit, Christmas is the perfect time for a vacation. There are gorgeous decorations, happiness seems to be in the air, and after all the holiday stress you could use some time away. Here are the top five destinations to make your Christmas perfect.
- New York City
New York City is arguably the ultimate Christmas destination. The city has so many things to offer during the holiday: the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center—and ice-skating there too, Christmas window displays, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular…the list goes on. Spending Christmas in the Big Apple is on top of many people’s bucket lists, and if you extend your stay long enough you can stick around for the famous New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square as well. While their department store windows are a highlight for Christmas decorations, there are some NYC hotels that go all-out as well. Whether it’s the Palace or the Plaza, you’re guaranteed a magical stay in the city.
- Boston, Massachusetts
When there is a movie called Christmas in Boston, you know the destination has to be good for a holiday vacation. Boston has everything you could want at Christmastime. There are lights and trees all over the city, along with Pops performances and a production of The Nutcracker. There’s a holiday light show at Faneuil Market and events that are just for Christmas Eve. Christmas carolers perform in the Faneuil Market and other high-traffic areas, but some travel around the city, singing in random places for anyone to hear. Boston has a ton of gorgeous hotels for you to enjoy the holiday in, including the luxury Boston Hotel Commonwealth, which is right near the famous Fenway Park and Kenmore Square.
- Reykjavik, Iceland
Named by CNN Travel as one of the world’s most Christmas-y cities, Reykjavik, Iceland is a gorgeous place to spend the holiday. Iceland’s Christmas traditions are a bit different than most, but that’s a good part of the fun. You can learn about some new customs and participate in Christmas in a different way. There are various Christmas buffets for you to enjoy an Icelandic Christmas meal and since their Christmas begins on the 24th, you get a whole extra day to celebrate. Late December is also a time when the aurora borealis are visible and Iceland’s daylight is restricted to only a few hours, giving an otherworldly look and experience. Try a Christmas walk to get the full Christmas experience in Reykjavik, or book the Icelandic Christmas package special, which offers a variety of spa skin care treatments leaving you feeling refreshed and merrier than ever.
- Taos, New Mexico
While the southwestern U.S. setting of New Mexico may not scream Christmas, you’ll definitely change your mind when you see what it has to offer. Christmas here includes many cultural traditions, like the Native American and Hispanic traditions that many may not be familiar with. The Lighting of Ledoux Street is a famous community event, with the street blocked off to cars and lit up by the bonfires. At Taos Pueblo on Christmas Day a tribe performs the native Deer Dance, a special religious ceremony. The area has many unique hotels to further your New Mexican experience, such as the El Pueblo Lodge.
- Castleton, England
Castleton is already a beautiful village itself, with small stone cottages and a gorgeous view, it’s often called “the gem of the Peak.” Christmas just adds to the town’s magic, with Christmas lights lining the streets and attracting visitors from all over the world. In the nearby Peak Cavern, Christmas carol concerts are held in the large chamber within the cavern, a truly amazing experience that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. The Losehill House Hotel and Spa is right up the road, and has a Christmas package that’s both festive and relaxing. The package includes a champagne reception, as well as a four course Christmas lunch. If you aren’t stuffed, there’s an evening buffet and a Boxing Day breakfast as well. For adventurous types, you can go on an excursion to the summit of Losehill.
Christmas is supposed to be a magical time, so why not spend it in a magical place? Go to a unique destination to have a Christmas that will be impossible to forget.
