Today I thought we'd take a break from resort reviews and vacation recaps to talk about upcoming holidays. As you're dressed in shorts, headed to the pool, and snacking on watermelon allow yourself to indulge in dreams of stunning winter landscapes.
The holiday season holds a certain allure that we can't deny. New experiences and cherished traditions blend together as we form new memories each season. We all remember the year that "..." happened and we still laugh about it to this day. As you look back at holidays past, do you see a trend of new people all gathered in the same nostalgic location, or do you see visits to new places surrounded by those you’ve loved for years?
As you lounge by the ocean or lake this summer, begin thinking about the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. What are the benefits of booking early? Stays at sought-after locations, great event seating, and of course expanded options when it comes to long flights, are a few of the reasons to plan early. Below are a few of my top suggestions for Holiday escapes this winter!
Enjoy a European Christmas Markets River Cruise! Experience timeless holiday traditions and true European pageantry as you awake to a new city each morning. Imagine the scent of freshly baked gingerbread and cinnamon-dusted almonds wafting through the air. Wander local Christmas markets filled with steamy gluhwein and glittering Christmas trees. You can even experience two holidays in one!
Budapest, Hungary, Vienna, and Austria open their markets as early as mid-November. Select sailings in November will allow you to experience Thanksgiving and kick off Christmas festivities in the following days onboard.
What's special about a river cruise? Every day is a "see" day rather than a "sea" day; unpack once for your entire stay, cruise through the heart of historic destinations, and dock near city centers where you’ll easily disembark for a day of cultural immersion.
Visit Undiscovered Christmas Markets! Located in the northernmost part of Italy, bordering Switzerland and Austria, you’ll find South Tyrol. Stunning views of the Dolomites and Italian Alps serve as the backdrop for Christmas markets in Bolzano, Brunico, Merano, and Vipiteno. The scents of Balsam and freshly bakery creations fill the air as visitors stroll under the Christmas lights, meandering in and out of stalls brimming with handicrafts. Sounds of Christmas music float in the background as children join the programs designed for their ages and later visit with Saint Nicholas.
Please note that Krampus can be a part of certain European Christmas festivals. These creatures can be quite scary for children, so if you’d like help in selecting activities that won’t include Krampus visits, let me know and I’ll be glad to help.
Excitement seekers can participate in a nighttime tobogganing adventure. In the daytime, guests will find the area ideal for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and sledding. Thanks to the area’s alpine location and higher elevation there is a greater chance of snowy landscapes throughout your stay. These charming towns have an intimate feel, exceptional cuisine, and alluring lodging options.
Head to the Hawaiian Island of Mauii to watch Santa arrive by outrigger canoe at Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort! Escape the cold for an average 70-degree day and a relaxing treatment from the spa’s special holiday menu. Enjoy a pre-fix locally sourced gourmet Christmas meal. Children will love the movie night at the pool, slippery rides down lava tube waterslides, as well as other children’s programming. On December 16th enjoy a touch of European charm while shopping the resort’s Christmas Market, featuring goods from local vendors. Join the Kamehameha School Hawaiian Ensemble as they share their Hawaiian culture and music with resort guests on December 23rd. This resort is gorgeous and it’s tough to find a better fit for families!
For a more traditional Christmas experience consider a wintery escape to Stowe, Vermont. This area is ideal for a stay in the first weeks of December. Many of the festivities, including the children’s lantern parade and tree lighting, the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, ice skating with Santa, and the Go Stowe Holiday Stroll, take place December 2nd through 4th. Stroll, shop, and dine in the town’s early 19th-century New England village. At Stowe Mountain Resort, you’ll find the famous Alpine skiing. Take your whole family on a sleigh ride through Vermont’s beautiful winter landscape. For something more exhilarating, check out the dogsledding options available in Stowe. There is so much for couples and families to enjoy in the gorgeous area of the country. You’ll surely experience a classic American holiday in your choice of lovely accommodations.
So, there are my top suggestions for you! I hope this information has been helpful and that it inspires you to begin dreaming about your upcoming holiday vacation. If you would like to learn more about these or other holiday destinations, don’t hesitate to reach out to me! I’d love the opportunity to help your family find the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas journey!
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