Welcome back world travelers to the starlight blog! Can you believe the holidays are here? Eek, me neither. It comes fast and faster every year!
With the Christmas season fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about where the most magical time of year will happen. If you were not able to see family or travel last year, now is the perfect time. And just because international travel is still up in the air doesn’t mean you can’t have an adventure somewhere brand new!
The U.S. has some truly breathtaking places that have to be seen to be believed. Here are eight magical cities to consider cozying up with your family this holiday season.
North Pole, Alaska
Named after the holiday capital itself, this idyllic city celebrates Christmas year-round, which comes to life in winter when the snow starts to fly. Explore a maze carved out of ice during their winter festival, take in the natural wonder of Alaska’s amazing lakes and trails, and spend the holidays in the glow of the Northern Lights.
2. Orlando, Florida
Spending the holidays in classic greeting card style with snow and ice sounds nice in theory, but it just isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a vacation rolled into your holidays, consider Disney World’s amazing holiday festivities. It’s one of the busiest days of the year for Disney parks for a reason, and with parks operating at a smaller capacity at the time of writing this, 2021 may just be the year you won’t want to miss.
3. Durango, Colorado
For adventurous families, the mountains are the ultimate winter getaway. Imagine winter sports on the mountain by day, warming up in your lodge’s jacuzzi with a warm drink by night on Christmas Eve. Plus, this picturesque mountain town is known for its gorgeous railways, which host a Polar Express train ride from November 19th through January 1st.
4. Leavenworth, Washington
Known for its Bavarian-style architecture and sitting at the foot of a mountain, this town looks like it’s straight out of the pages of a storybook. For those looking for more simple, traditional holiday fun, consider this swoon-worthy village. From shopping local to gingerbread house making, there’s something for every age during this December-long celebration.
5. Williamsburg, Virginia
Considering a themed getaway but not wanting the rigor (or the heat) of a Disney Christmas? The historical town of Williamsburg, Virginia invites you to step back into the simpler times of colonial America with their world’s largest living history museum. Or, simply enjoy the surrounding town on its own. During the holidays, it lights up with festive markets, lit Christmas trees, and enough New England charm to make up for the chilly weather.
6. New York City, New York
When neither small-town charm, nor mountain skiing, nor palm trees sound like your family’s dream, consider the excitement of a big city holiday. Christmas in New York City is the ultimate destination for city dwellers. In a city as dynamic as NYC, there are too many highlights to list them all, but some iconic sites include ice skating at Bryant Park, seeing the famous tree at Rockefeller Center, and shopping at Turnstyle Underground Market.
7. Woodstock, Vermont
Nestled in the mountains, this town is just as historic as it is picturesque. Their famous Wassail Weekend during the second week of December harkens in the season with costumes, carriage rides, and plenty of small-town cheer! Booking a cozy inn or a luxury resort in one of America’s prettiest towns is the best way to live your Hallmark Christmas movie fantasy.
8. Honolulu, Hawaii
Then again, why lace-up boots to hike through snowbanks when you could kick off the shoes altogether and sink your toes in white sands? Say “Aloha!” to a green Christmas, basking poolside with a frozen hot chocolate. Featuring an extensive craft fair, the Honolulu City Lights, and Ballet Hawaii’s annual performance of The Nutcracker with a Hawaiin flair, the holidays in paradise put a twist on the traditional.
From small towns straight out of a snow globe to dazzling city lights, there’s a whole world of ways to celebrate the holiday season in just the U.S. alone. Consider these ideas just the start of what you can make of your own holiday--and maybe even begin a new tradition!
When you’re ready to chat holiday plans, connect with me for even more winter suggestions.
Until then, toodles!
-- Kim