Travel during the holidays
Young man in santa hat on white beach with miniature of airplane
The holiday season doesn’t end on December 25! For travelers, the stretch between Christmas and New Year’s offers some of the most ambient rich experiences of the year from historic markets and fireworks, filled skylines to warm-weather escapes that ring in January under the stars.
In Europe, the festive calendar runs seamlessly from the lead up to Christmas through New Year’s Eve. London dazzles visitors with illuminated streets, holiday markets, and seasonal theater, then to one of Europe’s most iconic New Year’s fireworks displays along the Thames. Germany’s legendary Christmas markets, including Dresden’s historic Striezelmarkt and Dortmund’s expansive city market remain open through the holidays, offering mulled wine, artisan gifts, and a deep sense of tradition before New Year celebrations take over city squares. (Expedia) (Condé Nast Traveler)
For a storybook winter experience, with ski, snowmobiling and sledding, Lapland, Finland combines Christmas mythology with unforgettable New Year magic. Visitors can meet Santa Claus, travel by reindeer sleigh, and welcome the New Year beneath the Northern Lights, a true bucket-list moment for winter travelers.(Condé Nast Traveler)
In the United States, New York City seems to remain desirable for a full holiday experience. From the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Fifth Avenue window displays to the world-famous Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop, and an array of Broadway shows and restaurants, the city delivers a nonstop seasonal spectacle. On a smaller scale, other cities, like Chicago and Boston, offer classic winter charm with vibrant New Year events, usually at more affordable price points. (Expedia).
Travelers seeking warm weather often head south. Miami or Palm Beach, Florida, St. Lucia and other Caribbean destinations blend festive dinners, cultural celebrations, and beachfront New Year’s fireworks under palm trees, offering a relaxed alternative to winter crowds. (Condé Nast Traveler)
Whether you’re drawn to snow-covered markets, iconic countdowns and theatre spectaculars, or sun and beach splashed celebrations, traveling during Christmas and New Year’s turns the calendar’s most meaningful moments into unforgettable memories.
Sources: Expedia Holiday & New Year Travel Guides:
(https://www.expedia.com/lp/b/vacations/christmas-deals) (https://www.expedia.com/lp/b/vacations/new-years-deals)
Condé Nast Traveler: December & Winter Travel:
(https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/where-to-go-on-holiday-in-december)
(https://www.cntraveller.com/article/travel-guide-lapland)
