Christmas is a magical time of year and there are so many incredible places to visit during the holiday season. It’s a very hectic time of the year, so you’ll want to plan ahead to ensure your trip is as stress-free as possible. Here are 10 of my favorite places to visit this Christmas season:
The National Christmas Tree
The National Christmas Tree is an impressive 60-feet tall and is the largest tree in North America. This tree has been a part of Washington, D.C.’s holiday tradition since 1923. If you’d like to visit this beautiful site during your travels, it’s located on 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW.
San Francisco
The gay Christmas spirit is alive and well in San Francisco. This is a city of love, so all that’s missing are the bells on the trees. The best part about visiting during this time? You’ll also have amazing views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge!
NYC
New York City is a perfect place to visit this Christmas season. You’ll enjoy the incredible shopping, iconic attractions, and delicious food that New York has to offer.
See: how to decorate Christmas tree
Whether you want to visit the amazing art galleries, look at the breathtaking views of Central Park, or check out a Broadway show, New York City will have something for you. Plus, it’s easy to get around—with public transportation being so accessible!
There are so many things to do in NYC that your trip will likely take up all of your holidays as you explore everything from Times Square to Hudson River Park.
Chicago
Chicago’s Lake Michigan is a place where you can relax and unwind. It has an amazing view of the city skyline and it’s a great place to go for a jog or walk with your dog.
The Art Institute of Chicago is also a wonderful stop on your trip. It’s home to many famous paintings, sculptures, and other works of art. You’ll find it at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Van Buren Street, which is near Millennium Park.
Boston
If you’re looking for a true Christmas experience, Boston is the place to go. There’s plenty of snow and it’s always bustling with people, which means you’ll never be able to find parking.
The city also has tons of shopping opportunities for all of your festive needs, so if you need a last minute stocking stuffer for your loved one, check out the hustle and bustle of Newbury Street or Beacon Hill.
Be sure to stop by the Freedom Trail for a bit of history! The trail starts near Faneuil Hall and leads up to 1676 Common—the site where colonists first gathered to sign the Declaration of Independence.
Seattle
The Emerald City is a must-see destination for the holidays. There are so many amazing attractions to take in while you’re here, like Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, and the Space Needle. One of my favorite things to do during this time of year is visit the Seattle Center Tree Lighting Ceremony!
Philadelphia
Philadelphia is home to some of the most iconic buildings and landmarks in the country. It’s also a great place to spend Christmas with amazing food, drinks, and entertainment.
The Liberty Bell is always a popular spot during the holidays. The Liberty Bell Center is located near Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which offer great views of the city from above. But you can’t visit Philly without checking out the City Tavern! This historic building has been a favorite stop for travelers since it opened in 1773! There are plenty of places to stay in Philadelphia as well, including my favorite hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia.
Washington DC
If you’ve never been to Washington, DC then this is the perfect time to see it. Just know that the city is very busy during the holidays, so plan your itinerary ahead of time.
One of my favorite things about visiting Washington D.C. is the museums, especially the National Gallery of Art and Museum of American History. You can also enjoy all of the Christmas decorations around town like Rockefeller Center and Capitol Hill.
Florida Keys
This paradise in the Florida Keys is a must-see location for any winter vacation. Nestled on coral reefs, you can snorkel and see some of the Caribbean’s most impressive marine life. You can also take a birdwatching tour or go on a kayak tour. If you’re not into the water, there are plenty of cultural experiences to enjoy as well, such as Key West’s Hemingway House and Ernest Hemingway’s houseboat.
Grand Canyon
As the world’s largest canyon, the Grand Canyon is a great place to visit at Christmas. While it may be crowded during certain days, it’s worth the wait.
The Grand Canyon also provides an excellent view of the Milky Way and has lodges with heated indoor swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas.
Staying in one of these hotels will help you enjoy Christmas more than anywhere else.
10 Beautiful Christmas Destinations
The Huffington Post
1. London, England
London is one of the most popular destinations for Americans during the Christmas season. There are so many amazing things to see and do in the city. From visiting famous landmarks like Big Ben to shopping at some of the best stores in Europe, there is something for everyone on this list.
2. Paris, France
Paris is another popular destination for Americans this Christmas season. With more than 2 million people packing into it every day, there are plenty of activities you can enjoy with your family. From visiting cathedrals and monuments to enjoying some delicious pastries, Paris has it all!
3. Vienna, Austria
Vienna isn’t just beautiful during the winter months but during any time of year. The architecture of this city makes it a visual masterpiece. If you have an interest in history or art, Vienna will be your favorite spot on your trip to Europe!
4. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is another fantastic destination for Christmas travel with its beautiful architecture and lovely food options. This Scandinavian city will make you feel like you’re traveling back into time even though you’re only a few hours away from home!
What to Pack for Your Holiday Trip
1. Comfortable shoes
2. A warm coat
3. Sunglasses
4. A hat for cold weather
5. Water bottle
6. Pocket compact mirror
7. Lip balm
8. Hand sanitizer or other antibacterial hand wipes
9. Sunscreen or moisturizer with high SPF protection
10. Hat, gloves, scarf, etc for cold weather
Enjoying Christmas Day with Your Family
The perfect Christmas Day is spent with family and loved ones. Spending time with those you love is what this season is all about, so make the day as special as it should be.
Here are some things to consider when planning your Christmas Day:
1) Arrive at the location early so you have time to get settled in. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready before guests start arriving.
2) Start cooking before the big day so you can enjoy a home-cooked meal during the festivities. If you’re not sure how it’s done, check out my post on How to Cook for Your Family this Christmas Season where I share cooking tips that will help you create a memorable meal.
3) Set up decorations beforehand if you want your home to look festive for the occasion. If not, skip setting anything up beforehand and make sure decorations are easily accessible after guests arrive.
4) Create a schedule for entertainment. You don’t want everyone sitting around all day with nothing to do! So, set up activities throughout the day that will keep things interesting for everyone involved.
10 Ways To Spend Christmas Eve
The Christmas Eve travel rush is the perfect time to visit some of these wonderful places.
1. Hawkshead Brewery
Located in Hawkshead, England, this brewery has been open since 1866 and makes traditional English beers. After drinking some of their amazing offerings, head on over to their on-site pub for some great food and an amazing view!
2. Sefton Park
This park was founded by Joseph Paxton in 1788 and features a beautiful grove of trees that are lit up at night with red, white, and green lights. It’s the perfect place to relax after dinner during the holiday season or take in an event like their annual Christmas lighting!
3. Santa’s Village
Located near Epcot’s International Gateway, this festive village (which is not actually affiliated with Disney) will host plenty of activities for children of all ages to enjoy while you sip your favorite drink from one of the many restaurants around them!
4. Disney World Resort Hotels
If you’re looking for a way to spend Christmas Eve at Walt Disney World Resort hotels (such as the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts), these properties will provide plenty of activities for both adults and children! If you’re staying on property,
What to Buy for Your Kids this Xmas
#1. Pajamas – Your kids are going to spend a lot of time in bed during the holidays, so make sure they have comfortable pajamas! If you decide to buy something new this year, I recommend picking out a pair of PJs that are made from 100% cotton.
#2. A stuffed animal – You can never go wrong with a teddy bear or big-eyed bunny! Stuffed animals are great for providing comfort and security during tough times, plus it’s always nice to have a little buddy by your side.
#3. A journal – Keep family memories alive with a journal! You can record special moments throughout the holidays or even write down your goals for the coming year–it’ll help keep you motivated as well as provide you with some valuable insight into how your life has changed over time.
#4. A cozy blanket – Snuggle up and watch Christmas classics with loved ones on Christmas Eve under a nice, cozy blanket! Grab one for yourself and one for every member of your family—you don’t want anyone getting cold feet on Christmas morning!
#5. A turntable – There’s nothing like listening to classic holiday tunes while