Whether or not you’re looking for heat winter sunshine, snowy mountain adventures, or Christmas magic, there’s an ideal vacation spot ready ready for us! From my most superior vacation travels, listed below are my favourite spots I’d like to share with you…
1. Leavenworth, Washington
It was a very magical expertise staying on this picturesque Bavarian-style village throughout this mont! I discovered a whole city aglow with over half 1,000,000 lights for its world-famous Christmas Lighting Pageant.
December, January and February are the snowiest months of the yr and I liked that it had a comfortable snow-covered Bavarian village ambiance full with carolers, vacation treats, sleigh rides, and visits from Santa – making it really feel like I’d stepped right into a real-life vacation postcard – critically!
There have been snow-capped peaks, Christmas markets, and it was additionally a really busy month for occasions – my favourite was the regionally well-known family-friendly Village of Lights: Christmastown wright here even Santa and Mrs. Claus made appearances and there have been super-cute gingerbread home shows too and even scary trying Krampus (from Austrian and German folklore).
I flew into Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport, drover 2.5 hours and stayed for a magical lengthy weekend. That was sufficient to gaze on the dazzling gentle shows, go snowshoeing and tubing at Leavenworth Winter Sports activities Membership, sip mulled wine at Christkindlmarkt-style stalls, take a scenic sleigh trip by means of Icicle Valley and the quirkyNutcracker Museum.
- Customer’s heart handle: 940 US Hwy 2 STE B, Leavenworth, WA 98826
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- Common temperature – 1°C to -6°C
My favourite highlights…
- Eating on a tasty vegan scorching canine and sauerkraut on the cozy München Haus.
2. Avila Seashore, California
I used to be craving a dose of Vitamin D in the course of the winter months so I headed to this small, picturesque coastal city – it truly had some some of the warmest temperatures you’ll find in the entire of the nation throughout this month.
I found that it’s one of many warmest and sunniest microclimates on the Central California coast—even in December—due to its sheltered place in San Luis Obispo Bay and was hotter than close by coastal cities. I additionally stumbled throughout enjoyable occasions corresponding to the lovable Santa’s Doggie Parade.
I drove 4 hours on the Pacific Coast Freeway from Los Angeles and stayed for a protracted weekend. I’ve to confess it wasn’t fairly heat sufficient to swim comfortably so as an alternative I relaxed on the seaside, watched the surfers, hiked the peaceable Bob Jones Path, took leisurely bike rides, soaked within the pure scorching springs at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and hunted for distinctive seasonal presents at Avila Valley Barn all with a quieter, crowd-free model of California’s Central Coast with festive lights and vacation attraction!
- Location: San Luis Obispo Bay, 160 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
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- Common temperature – 18°C
My highlights…
- Staying in a collection on the super-cute 4-star boutique inn Avila La Fonda Lodge, my room got here with a big scorching tub and a microwave full with free truffle honey popcorn.
- Going wine-tasting on the boutique Sinor-Lavallee Tasting Room – my spotlight was the velvety Pinot Noir Black Label!
3. Durango, Colorado
I took a singular December journey to this historic mountain city final yr and didn’t remorse my selection! I
found it had reworked right into a snowy alpine escape the place I went snowboarding and snowboarding on the close by Purgatory Resort, explored charming holiday-decorated downtown retailers, and loved cozy mountain-town vibes with a backdrop of Insta-worthy snowy landscapes!
I noticed the previous gold and silver mining city had actually come alive with seasonal occasions too such because the family-friendly Pageant of Timber & Wreaths on the Durango Practice Museum, and the community-wide Noel Night time celebration which featured native buying and dwell music.
- Customer Middle Tackle: 802 Major Ave, Durango, CO 81301
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- Common temperatures – 5 to -10°C
My private highlights…
- Gorging on tempeh tacos washed down with the citrusy Checkered Future IPA brew on the cool, music-inspired Ska Brewing Firm
4. Waikiki, Hawaii

I discovered that this well-known beachfront neighborhood in Honolulu made an superior scorching December trip! I discovered the climate was heat and sunny climate, with a energetic however laid-back tropical ambiance the place I simply relaxed on pale golden sands, swam in calm turquoise waters, and luxuriate in beachfront eating with views of Diamond Head.
Though I’ve to confess there have been a couple of rainfalls however they have been transient and so they have been nonetheless very heat! I preferred that once I visited in the course of the earlier a part of the month there have been fewer crowds and I discovered some good offers on lodging too.
As properly the world-class Vans Triple Crown of Browsing competitors on close by North Shore seashores there have been festive vacation occasions such because the Honolulu Metropolis Lights too!
I flew into Fly into Honolulu Worldwide Airport (HNL) and soaked up the cool vibes on Waikiki Seashore, went vacation buying alongside Kalakaua Avenue, watched world-class surfers at close by Banzai Pipeline.
- Guests Middle Tackle: 159 Kaʻiulani Ave # 102, Honolulu, HI 96815
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- Common temperature – 27°C to 29°C
My private highlights…
- Going for a dip within the scorching tub and sipping on tropical cocktails on the rooftop Na Lani Sky Lounge at Hokulani Waikiki.
- Attending the fabulous Home With out A Key accompanied by a Halekulani Hula Present on the Halekulani Lodge.
5. New York
I discovered that there was a definite magic once I visited New York Metropolis in the course of the Christmas season, which started in November and actually stepped up a gear throughout this month.
I found that the town had reworked right into a magical winter wonderland with festive lights and vacation window shows, iconic seasonal points of interest just like the Rockefeller Middle Christmas Tree and ice skating at Bryant Park, and a energetic vacation spirit.
I liked all of the seasonal reveals and occasions just like the Radio Metropolis Christmas Spectacular, Santaland at Macy’s,the vacation markets at Bryant Park and Union Sq., and the Hanukkah celebrations throughout the town.
I flew into JFK worldwide airport and stayed for a enjoyable 5 days. I checked out the festive window shows alongside Fifth Avenue, took a twirl on Rockefeller Middle Ice Rink, warmed up with a scorching apple cider on the Winter Village at Bryant Park, went for a snow-dusted stroll in Central Park after which caught a efficiency on the well-known Nutcracker Ballet!
- Guests Middle Tackle: 810 Seventh Avenue, between 52nd & 53rd Streets, New York Metropolis, NY 10019.
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- Common December temperature – 4°C to 10°C
My favourite highlights…
6. Siesta Key, Florida
I liked how this beautiful barrier island off Florida’s Gulf Coast made a dreamy scorching winter trip! I discovered that there it was the least humid month so it was extra comfy for outside actions than the recent, sticky summer time months however it was nonetheless heat and sunny so I bought a fantastic winter Vitamin D repair!
I went early December so it was nonetheless thought of low season and I discovered the powder-soft white sand seashores have been uncrowded, there have been some good offers on lodging, it was nonetheless heat sufficient to swim (nearly although I’ve to confess!) and there was a laid-back island vibe with festive vacation occasions and outside eating choices galore, however with out the winter chill!
I flew into Sarasota-Bradenton Worldwide Airport (SRQ) and spent a dreamy week kicking again on the award-winning white quartz sands of Siesta Seashore, watching festive boats gentle up the water within the Sarasota Vacation Boat Parade, exploring the charming Siesta Key Village, and having fun with outside eating, dwell music, and Insta-worthy sundown views over the Gulf!
- Vacationer Workplace Tackle: 5223 Avenida Navarra, Siesta Key, FL 34242
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- Common temperature – 21°C to 24°C
My highlights…
7. Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is an ultra-charming historic gem of a metropolis positioned in southeastern Virginia. I’m a giant fan of its well-preserved colonial homes, lovely environment, fascinating historical past and its quirky residing historical past museums!
Through the Christmas season, I like that the picture-perfect city turns into much more magical with twinkling lights and colonial-style festive decorations casting a magical spell over its streets. Blanketed in a layer of powdery snow, in my opinion it resembles a scene from a fairytale!
When right here I at all times be sure that I attend the Grand Illumination occasion (held on the primary weekend of the month), the vacation markets in Retailers Sq., the wreath-making workshops, and experiencing a tasty colonial-style Christmas dinner at a historic tavern – right here meals are served by candlelight and generally come accompanied with storytelling! For me it’s Christmas bliss!
- Vacationer Workplace Tackle: 421 N Boundary Road | Williamsburg, VA 23185
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- Common temperature – 12°C
My private highlights…
- Occurring an outstanding candlelight tour of the attractive historic residence.
- Attending an atmospheric Christmas Carol live performance at Kimball Theatre.
- Occurring a enjoyable seasonal tavern crawl mixed with a spooky ghost tour!
8. Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville
The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Conference Middle is a well-known luxurious lodge resort positioned in Nashville, Tennessee. I critically love this place! It’s an enormous place and is residence to a really spectacular glass atrium!
When you’re looking for a festive Christmas extravaganza that goes all out, then in my view look no additional!
I’m at all times captivated at how Gaylord Opryland has a wide ranging transformation at Christmas – it’s adorned with over three million twinkling lights and enchanting family-friendly seasonal points of interest corresponding to enchanting ice tunnels, an indoor ice skating rink, whimsical grottos, festive scavenger hunts and the ICE! (an interactive ice sculpture expertise).
I like exploring the remainder of the legendary ‘Music Metropolis’ and all of the festivities occurring this time of yr together with the Nashville Christmas Parade, the toe-tapping Grand Ole Opry Vacation Exhibits, the picturesque Stroll By means of Cheekwood Vacation LIGHTS and the basic vacation ballet the Nutcracker which was a really magical watch!
- Tackle: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
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- Common temperature – 11°C
My highlights…
- Going the enjoyable and fascinating Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour and studying all in regards to the whiskey-making and even how they make their very own barrels!
- Experiencing a soothing stone therapeutic massage on the European-inspired Relâche Spa positioned within the resort.
- Discovering the dwell nation musics reveals within the Honky-Tonks positioned alongside Broadway.
9. Aspen, Colorado
Situated within the Rocky Mountains, this is likely one of the most prestigious winter resorts within the nation! It at all times captivates me with its snowy slopes, unimaginable mountain surroundings, superior outside adventures, stylish upscale resorts and vibrant social scene!
Okay I’m going to be trustworthy, staying this time of yr undoubtedly isn’t budget-friendly, however if you happen to can afford it’s actually magical!
I like the comfortable log cabins embellished with twinkling lights, the air full of the scent of scorching toddies, the streets lined with festive decorations, and the merry sound of Christmas carols within the background!
I like all that they provide snowboarding for all skills, snowboarding, cross-country snowboarding, and romantic outside ice skating rinks too!
On my go to I liked sampling the well-known Après-Ski Tradition (attempt Bootsy Bellows or The Little Nell!), exploring the stylish boutiques and discovering Aspen’s high-end restaurant scene. I extremely advocate the acclaimed sushi Matsuhisa restaurant and the artistic American restaurant Aspect 47!
- Aspen Chamber Resort Affiliation Tackle: 425 Rio Grande Place 81611 Aspen
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- Common temperature – 2°C to -12°C
My private highlights…
- Having enjoyable tubing at Elk Camp on Snowmass.
- Occurring a festive snowplough tour!
- Going for festive drinks on the energetic Ajax Tavern.
10. Crystal Seashore, Texas
Situated alongside the Gulf of Mexico, Bolivar Peninsula in Texas I like this charming and peaceable coastal gem! I’m at all times captivated by the beautiful sandy seashores, fascinating wildlife, family-friendly facilities and the laid again, eco-friendly vibe it has!
I personally assume it’s a fantastic selection for a relaxing, low-key getaway that provides an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the vacation season.
This time of yr I like that there are fewer crowds, I get higher deal on lodging charges and there are nice alternatives for recognizing dolphins and migratory birds. There’s additionally actually beautiful sunsets to stare upon!
It’s not fairly heat sufficient to swim comfortably this time of yr however I calm down on the seaside, paddle, attempt the native delicacies and simply take in the laid-back coastal vibes!
- Common temperature – 17°C
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- Guests Middle Tackle: 2275 TX-87 Suite 10 #2621, Crystal Seashore, TX 77650
My favourite highlights…
- Watching superior dwell nation music at Previous Quarter Acoustic Cafe.
- Eating at Crystal Chandelier – each their wholesome energy bowls and hearty plates of fish and chips have been equally as tasty!
- Taking part in a enjoyable spherical of miniature golf at The Gulf Vary.
11. Biltmore Property, Asheville
This sprawling Gilded Age Mansion positioned in Asheville, North Carolina at all times wows me once I go to! Constructed within the nineteenth century, it’s truly the biggest privately owned residence in the entire nation and is full of lovely ornate furnishings and great gardens.
The seasonal festivities at Biltmore Property begin early November with the grand elevating of an enormous Christmas tree after which the home and I like how the grounds are full of hundreds of twinkling lights, hand-decorated timber, candles, garlands, crackling log fires and festive carols.
I loved exploring the illuminated Biltmore Vineyard at Antler Hill Village and Asheville itself with its cute assortment of retailers, cultural points of interest, wonderful eating places and seasonal markets.
- Tackle: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
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- Common temperature – 10°C
My favourite highlights…
- Going for a hearty English-style conventional festive meal at cozy Cedric’s Tavern with a aspect dish of heat home made pretzels!
- Making an attempt wreath-making and decoration crafting at their cute onsite seasonal workshops.
12. Vermont
The postcard-pretty state is positioned within the northeastern a part of the nation. I believe it’s a gem of a spot and I’m at all times gained over by its beautiful pure magnificence, fairly leafy cities, ski resorts, a vibrant artwork and cultural scene and New England attraction!
Immortalized by movies like White Christmas, Vermont has grow to be referred to as the right state to have fun the vacation season!
This month, I like that its quaint villages and historic cities grow to be adorned with wreaths, glowing lights and embellished timber, city squares bustle with the sleek glides of ice skaters and The Polar Categorical Practice sounds its horn!
I aways get pleasure from experiencing the Annual Wassail Weekend in Woodstock, which options merry carol singers, cute craft workshops, and fantastically embellished open homes, in addition to the enjoyable The Lake Morey Skate Path and the comfortable Stowe Winter Carnival.
I additionally counsel trying out the various Vacation Markets within the area – I personally assume among the finest are Burlington Vacation Market, Very Merry Middlebury and Grafton Christmas Market.
- Guests Middle Tackle: 680 North Major St., Route 2. Alburgh, VT 05440
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- Common temperature – 3.5°C
My private highlights…
- Going fats biking at The Stowe Recreation Path (which was superior)!
- Trying to find distinctive artisan seasonal gifs at Vermont Vacation Market.
- Attending the family-friendly Grafton Christmas Tree Lighting and Pageant.
13. Solvang, California
I’m massively keen on this charming European-style gem which is also known as the “Danish Capital of America.”
It’s positioned Santa Ynez Valley of California not too removed from Santa Barbara and I’m at all times captivated by its distinctive Scandi-inspired structure, unbiased retailers, cute bakeries and cozy cafes that give ‘hygge’ vibes.
I like to recommend visiting throughout this month for the unimaginable ‘Julefest’, a month-long vacation celebration the place the entire place turns right into a magical winter wonderland!
I like the embellished streets, hundreds of twinkling lights, Christmas markets, candlelight excursions, carol singing and the annual tree lighting ceremony.
I additionally counsel not lacking the annual whimsical Julefest Parade the place festive floats glide by means of the city and the family-friendly Santa’s Village the place children can meet Santa Claus!
- Customer Middle Tackle: 1637-1639 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
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- Common temperature – 20°C
My private highlights…
- Paying a go to to the legendary all-year spherical Christmas retailer Jule Hus, I particularly liked the lovable glass blown ornaments!
- Eating an natural, gluten-free Nordic-style lunch on the quaint Actor’s Nook Cafe. When you’re a wine fan I like to recommend attempting the imported Italian wine!
14. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Based by Moravian settlers on Christmas Eve within the 18th century, Bethlehem is an fascinating historic city positioned within the Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania.
As its identify suggests there’s a festive vibe all yr spherical however in my opinion, this month is an extra-special time to go to!
I like that the snow-dusted streets are aglow with twinkling lights and festive decorations and there’s the opening of the Christmas Metropolis Village. That is the place conventional wood huts promote meals, handmade crafts and artisanal treasures.
I additionally loved discovering the big Christkindlmarkt, a sprawling indoor and outside market brimming with distinctive presents and the quirky Residing Introduction Calendar, which was held each day at 5:30pm at The Goundie Home.
- Guests Middle Tackle: 505 Major St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.
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- Common temperature – 5°C
My private highlights…
- Warming up with an genuine German Glühwein and freshly roasted nuts on the native Christkindlmarkt.
- Looking for distinctive presents within the stylish and quirky Domaci store.
- Exploring the fascinating 18th-century buildings, museums and church buildings within the fairly Historic Moravian District.