The holidays…sometimes we love them and sometimes…not so much. But one thing is for sure – they are always interesting! They are a great excuse to travel somewhere new with loved ones. If you’re looking for a fun place to spend the holiday season without spending thousands of dollars on plane tickets to Europe or the Tropics, check out some of the most unique holiday destinations in America.
Whether you’re looking for a warm climate or a snowy one, an urban holiday or a wilderness vacation, make sure wherever you go, you leave plenty of time for enjoyment and some plain old rest and relaxation. Some of these destinations may surprise and delight you…so hold onto your hat and take this journey with me.
1. Williamsburg, Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg is something quite special during the holidays. This 18th-century town is the world’s largest living history museum, boasting over 40 sites and trades, four historic taverns, and much more. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time during the days when America was just beginning.
This year, the modern town of Williamsburg, VA will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of Christmas Town – featuring over 10 million lights, unique holiday shopping, magical Christmas shows and festive food and drink. Nowhere else can you travel the globe in just one place in the world’s most beautiful theme park. Explore traditions near and far — from Ireland and France to Germany and Italy.
To better explore this wonderland, you can take a ride on the Christmas Town Express – a train that circles the festivities and allows riders to admire all the lights from the comfort of a Polar Express-like perspective.
For the adults – wine tastings as well as wine-themed gifts and collectibles will be available at French and Italian wine shops. Ornament World, a shop which sells ornaments from all around the world will certainly brighten up your holiday tree or make one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family.
You can enjoy a walk through tradition: Stroll through Colonial Williamsburg with an 18th-century resident as your guide to the Yuletide season. Expect them to share reflections on the holidays, the news of the day, and perhaps even a little gossip about who’s been naughty and who’s been nice.
The holidays in Williamsburg are filled with the warmth of the Season where smoke billows from chimneys, flickering flames light cobblestone streets and the scent of cider and the sounds of carols wafts into the winter night. There are many special holiday festivities and events unmatched anywhere else. What better place to spend the last holiday of the year. Some folks say that Williamsburg is the THE BEST holiday destination in the country.
2. New York, New York
Even though the weather might be chilly, a holiday season in the Big Apple could not be more magical. Warm your heart with the New York Philharmonic’s Christmas show, “Holidays with the Philharmonic.” They will perform classics such as “White Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland”.
The holidays in New York look pretty much like a glowing wonderland. From the iconic Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting to all of the showstopper storefronts —the city is lit. And this winter, there’s a brand new must-see experience to add to your usual holiday rotation – a massive lights festival on Randall’s Island called LuminoCity Festival will be a paradise for folks who love the holiday. Picture 12-acres covered with massive light art installations.
On the same note, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a brilliant symbol of the holiday season. Tourists and even native New Yorkers sure do love this Norway spruce. The trees change, but the annual sense of wonder remains the same. In short…experiencing the lighting of the tree is well worth fighting the crowds.
As far as shopping goes, holiday gifts are sure to be found at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. The village will be covered in kiosks and tents selling unique, handmade and international gifts. Getting all of next year’s holiday shopping done in one place could be a huge relief.
And…if you’re in the mood for a show, the New York City Ballet will be performing “The Nutcracker” as is tradition. The holiday season isn’t quite complete without the The Nutcracker.
There’s so much to do and see in New York so you can’t really go wrong just being there. Some folks say this is the most intriguing and “alive”city in the country – alive with culture, music, performing arts, museums, restaurants, etc. After all …there’s only one New York!
3. Honolulu, Hawaii
Many of us know the Hawaiian Holiday tune “Mele Kalikimaka,” but have you ever thought about spending this winter holiday on the beach? Honolulu knows just how to kick off your Christmas. A Hawaiian Holiday may be unconventional, but the holiday is still done right in Honolulu. All through December, a live nativity will be on display at the Kawaiahao Church in downtown Honolulu and will feature live music, a queen’s blessing and keiki (children’s) fun.
Sleighs may work up north, but Hawaii’s Santa Claus is ditching his traditional mode of transportation for his arrival to the Islands. Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort invites everyone to come and welcome St. Nick as he paddles his canoe to shore, throwing shakas all along the way. You will enjoy hula dancing, a meet-and-greet and free photos with Santa himself. Families will also have another chance to meet Santa at the Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort’s breakfast with Santa – complete with a breakfast buffet, balloon twisting and body painting.
Every year, members of the Hawai‘i Kai Marina Community Association deck their boats with ornaments and lights for the annual Festival of Lights boat parade. Accompanied by music and live entertainment before and after, the Festival of Lights draws many spectators from around the neighborhood and beyond.
A really intriguing experience in a tropical locale….The Polynesian Culture Center celebrates the 12 Days of Christmas and will bring in fresh snow for a Snow Day. Visitors will be able to build snowmen, make snow angels or just frolick in the snow. The event will also feature live music, boat rides, train rides and holiday discounts inside the shopping center.
Make-A-Wish Hawaiii is a benevolent and much-appreciated activity. Everyone is welcome – walkers, joggers, children and pets—to don their best festive attire and participate in its annual 5K run/walk, which starts at the Hawaii State Capitol and takes you past the Honolulu City Lights. All proceeds help Make-A-Wish Hawaii fulfill its mission to grant the wishes of Hawaii children facing critical illnesses.
4. The Grand Canyon, Arizona
Avoid the summer crowds and unbearable heat and take a trip to the Grand Canyon for the holidays. The Grand Canyon has a little something for everyone when it comes to celebrating the Season, but kids will especially get a kick out of this destination.
The Grand Canyon is a winter wonderland from December through February. Fresh white snow often dusts the rim of the canyon but the interior stays warm year round. Its winter beauty is a unique sight to behold. Similarly, the Grand Canyon Village is especially charming during the holiday season – coated with snow and decorations. You can take all the time you want at the rim or in town because the normal crowds of the area are hibernating. If the cold is too much to bare, the Yavapai Geology Museum offers excellent views of the South Rim from its heated indoor viewing deck, or you can always grab a hot drink inside the famous El Tovar Hotel.
The Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express will be making trips from Williams, Arizona to the “North Pole” where Santa Claus will be waiting with his reindeer and a gift for all the good little boys and girls. The trip lasts approximately 90 minutes, and hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies will be available to hold you over during the journey.
The mystique of the Canyon is apparent in the warmer weather but it is still miraculous even in winter. So…during your holiday vacation, take the time to see the sights. Remember that winter conditions can be extreme, and the weather is unpredictable, so dress in layers and be prepared to feel cool even while hiking. The Rim Trail is a short, safe and scenic hike. And behold the beauty! Who needs a Christmas tree when you could have a desert winter wonderland all to yourself?
The Holidays are a magical time of year. At the Grand Canyon, cozy cottages and winter scenery set the stage for a season of love and generosity punctuated by the start of a new year. As much as we love the holidays, they can sometimes feel repetitive. So.. after years of driving to grandma’s or hosting your own holiday festivities, a different way to celebrate may sound inviting. A holiday at the Grand Canyon will give you unique memories and is an amazing way to refresh your holiday spirit.
5. North Pole, Alaska
There really is a town in Alaska called North Pole. It is a small Alaskan city, near Fairbanks. It’s known for its year-round Christmas decorations, including candy cane–striped street lights. Santa Claus House is a Christmas store with walls covered in children’s letters to Santa and a huge Santa statue outside. Streets have names like Kris Kringle Drive and Mistletoe Lane.
Come to North Pole if only to visit the Santa Claus House, an old general store and post office that has been turned into a holiday shop. Each year, over 400,000 letters arrive to the Santa Claus House addressed to, “Santa Claus, North Pole, Alaska,” and teams of community members work together to respond to each letter. You can even order a letter to be sent to your child, grandchild or another relative while you’re visiting the Santa Claus House.
In late November, you can experience the town’s “Christmas in Ice” exhibit – an ice art contest that attracts ice sculptors from around the world. The contest uses chainsaws and about 600 tons of ice from North Pole. An ice maze and ice slide will also be on display throughout December, and you can even make this a family destination on Christmas Day.
The ice contest is part of the Winter Festival, which celebrates the holidays with fireworks, activities and shopping. The Santa Claus House sells items such as clothing, jewelry, ornaments and toys. You can also have your photo taken with Santa, who will be available to meet with children every day.
What better place for the family to visit around the holidays – especially if you have small children. Being able to whisper into Santa’s ear about the gifts that they want for Christmas will no longer be from afar. They can actually go to the North Pole and sit on Santa’s lap this year….what a great experience for the family.
References:
https://www.goworldtravel.com/holiday-destinations-usa/
By Meghan Webber
https://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/trip-idea/Best-christmas-town-in-va-america
https://www.timeout.com/newyork/things-to-do/best-christmas-things-to-do-in-nyc
https://www.dothecanyon.com/christmas-grand-canyon/
