10 festive destinations for the holiday season

Cologne, Germany

If your celebrations aren’t complete without a postcard-perfect festive market – complete with glowing lights, (potentially) snowfall and overpriced mugs of mulled wine – Cologne is a getaway ideal rest.

The German city sparkles with life in the last month of the year thanks to its numerous Christmas markets. There are three large, themed markets that run until December 23 (as well as many other, smaller ones) and evoke that warm, fuzzy carnival feeling. Perhaps the most famous is the Weihnachtsmarkt am Kolner Dom, named for the 774-year-old Gothic church that overlooks it.

Costa Rica

Sunseekers hoping to spend the holidays in a mild climate will enjoy Costa Rica. As the rainy season fades away, December’s temperature fluctuates around 80 degrees. Best of all, you won’t have to struggle to find beautiful (though busy) beaches to soak up the pleasant weather.

As a largely Catholic country, Christmas carnival traditions are widely celebrated and often include carols, decoration with local flowers and nativity displays. The celebrations culminate with La Misa del Gallo (Midnight Mass of the Rooster) on Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) – followed by a family meal of tamales, hams, traditional Christmas cakes and rompope (a type of custard usually laced with rum) and gifts.

San Jose, the capital city, is an ideal place to be in December, when its residents celebrate the Festival de la Luz with parades, concerts, and carnivals on December 27. San Jose is also the best bet for travel from the US as there are many direct flights from Los Angeles, Charlotte, New York, Miami and many more cities.

New York City

New York City during the holidays can be just as magical as you’ve seen in the movies – that is, if the point and mile collector in you can see through the (possibly) increase in hotel rates just once this.

Your to-do list will never end, but some classic must-dos include stopping at 5th Avenue for last-minute shopping, Rockefeller Center glittering tree views, the carousel Frozen on Wollman Stadium after a carnival stroll through Central Park, performances of “Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes,” holiday markets and a visit to the Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn to see trinkets Really impressive festival decoration of local residents.

Switzerland

Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, turns into a winter wonderland with numerous Christmas markets running until December 23 or 24; There are also lights that decorate the streets of downtown, a singing Christmas tree (yes, really) and the chance to try out traditional candle making.

Basel is another festival destination, with more markets, a gospel night at the church, and plenty of theater and diverse performances taking place throughout the month. However, if you’re looking for snowy skies, ski slopes and tobogganing, a trip to the village of Zermatt, below the snow-capped Matterhorn, might be for you. Thanks to its quaint traditional houses, Zermatt looks ravishing year-round.

Gothenburg, Sweden

The largest Christmas market in Sweden is held in Gothenburg (which is sometimes referred to as the country’s “Christmas city”) at the nearly 100-year-old famous Liseberg amusement park. According to Visit Sweden, there are more than 1,000 Christmas trees on site and an opportunity for visitors to sample julbord – a buffet of hot dishes, cold dishes and traditional drinks (including mulled wine and seasonal beer). ).

Like most major European cities, there is more than one market; one of the best is in the Kronhuset district (some of which date back to the 1700s). There is also a remarkable site a 35-minute drive away at the incredible country manor house Tjoloholm Castle. Add the usual fun of exploring the islands of the Gothenburg archipelago, dining at the vast Feskekorka seafood market and checking out the Volvo museum, and it proves to be a great choice for a festive break.

Oaxaca, Mexico

For travelers who shudder at the thought of a holiday getaway, Mexico is a great choice. The resorts in Playa del Carmen and Cancun are sure to be packed (and at their peak prices) because December through New Year is the perfect time to travel – and the average temperature is 75 degrees.

A cultural break awaits in the city of Oaxaca in the southwestern region of the country. Las Posadas (reimagining Mary and Joseph in search of an inn) runs from December 16-24; These events are followed by midnight mass and a family meal. A unique event on December 23, called Noches de los Robanos (Night of the Turnips), brings locals and visitors to the city’s main square to admire the exquisitely carved turnips. craft, transform into elaborate creations like people, religious figures, animals, and more.

You can fly non-stop to Oaxaca from several US cities including Los Angeles, Houston, and Dallas. If that’s not convenient for you, choose a connecting flight to Oaxaca or fly directly to Mexico City and then drive to Oaxaca.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Deep in the north of Finland, at the entrance to the Arctic Circle, is the city of Rovaniemi. This is the official home of Santa Claus, so the Christmas appeal is obvious. Not to mention, there’s a Santa’s Village just north of the city, as well as a similar theme park, which is especially ideal for families with young children.

Of course, as you might expect, December in Rovaniemi is very snowy, icy and cold. Temperatures fluctuate between 12 and 19 degrees, so keep warm, a thick coat, and warm gloves. Without them, it would be difficult to enjoy other activities in Finland’s Rovaniemi and Lapland around the holiday time. Such activities include meeting reindeer and truskies, skiing, ice fishing, and going to a traditionally themed Christmas market. Also, although it may not be possible to be right in the heart of the city, those outside the city have a chance to see the Northern Lights.

As you might expect, a trip to Finnish Lapland probably won’t come cheap – although you might well be worth staying in a cozy cabin, forest lodge or an unusual glass igloo. If you book early, there are cheap direct flights from many central European cities with low-cost airlines easyJet and Ryanair.

Boston

If you roll your eyes at the thought of New York City during the holidays just a few blocks away, consider visiting its smaller but very festive neighbor. Boston offers plenty of activities and you’ll feel a bit like running on a very well rated trail.

Look forward to the great city-wide ceremony lights, including more than 50,000 blue and white bulbs illuminating all of Columbus Park’s 260-foot truss, along with some of the greenery dotting the surroundings, including at Boston Common. Skating rinks, Christmas markets and even a host of restaurants opening on December 25th might entice you. Perhaps the most festive performance takes place at the Citizens Bank Opera House, where you can catch a performance of the Boston Ballet classic “The Nutcracker”.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic’s dry season begins in December with plenty of sun and heat (86 degrees on average), which is a popular time to travel. Stay at a resort hotel in Punta Cana, La Romana or Puerto Plata if you want to lounge by the pool or beach for your vacation. If you want more action, head to the historic capital of Santo Domingo to see the UNESCO Colonial City, or head further afield to discover rich rainforests.

Wondering what a Caribbean holiday might look like? As you explore, you may spot charamics – the Dominican version of a Christmas tree, essentially, made of wood and branches and sometimes painted in bright colors. Here, locals can also follow the tradition of La Misa del Gallo (midnight mass) and family party on Christmas Eve – despite the way you celebrate and share your holiday traditions. yourself is up to you.

You can fly non-stop to the Dominican Republic from many US cities. Many people choose to fly to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) but there are other airports dotted around the island as well.

Canary Islands, Spain

Consider a trip to one of the Canary Islands, about seven hours off the East Coast of the United States.

Part of Spain, the archipelago actually lies off the north coast of Africa, with pleasant December temperatures averaging between 68 and 79 degrees. The warmer islands are usually Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, although you won’t freeze in Tenerife and La Palma. Whichever island you choose, you’ll struggle to find yourself bored. It’s certainly possible to have vacations – with a wide range of hotels to choose from and golden beaches to roam – but there are also plenty of adventurous activities like visiting volcanoes, traversing national parks and try your hand at water sports.

In Gran Canaria, you can visit Las Canteras Beach to see the incredible, 16-foot-tall Nativity sculpture made from sand by local artists. On January 5, all of the Canary Islands welcome the Parade of the Three Kings – commemorating the return of the three wise men – before an island-wide holiday on January 6.