December Dreams: Top Winter Getaways

As the holiday season ramps up, many of us start longing for a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. Luckily there are ample places, both near and far, to unwind. Here are five top spots that allow you to bask in the magic of the season. Twinkling lights, festive sights, and seasonal delights await in abundance during the most wonderful time of the year. From European Christmas markets to tropical island resorts, December dreams inspire our imaginations and offer the perfect atmosphere to relax and recharge. Read on for vivid vignettes of five winter wonderlands guaranteed to spark your holiday spirit. These destinations will transport you through their enchanting decor, cherished traditions, warming meals, and abundance of magic this joyous season.

New York City

Listen to melodic Christmas carols while gazing at elaborate holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue. Soak up the energy of the spectacle that is the Rockefeller Center tree lighting. Indulge in a sled ride through snow-dusted Central Park and warm up afterward with a cup of hot chocolate. Don’t miss The Nutcracker, performed by the New York City Ballet. Stay at budget-friendly hotels in New Jersey and take the bus or train into the city each day to save money.

In addition to the iconic Rockefeller Center, check out the Grand Central Terminal light show and Christmas fair. Stroll through the underground halls as laser lights dance across the celestial ceiling. The Grand Central Holiday Fair has ornament-making, photos with Santa, and delicious hot beverages. Stay warm with a ride on an old-fashioned horse carriage through Central Park. At night, take in a Broadway festive show like A Christmas Carol.

Hear bells jingling overhead as you gaze up at the towering Norway spruce glittering with 50,000 multi-colored LED lights at the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The crisp winter air carries scents of roasted chestnuts and hot pretzels from street vendors while crowds of ice skaters swirl figure eights below the rink’s Art Deco statues. Best Places to Ice Skate In New York City

Afterward, warm up with a creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream at the plush Palm Court inside the Plaza Hotel. Their head pastry chef will tempt your taste buds with a special Yuletide dessert like baked Alaska Christmas Tree cake or sugary sweet gingerbread houses that look almost too perfect to eat. Best Parks in New York City

London

Meander the festive streets of London aglow with twinkling lights. Browse the Christmas markets at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland for handcrafted goods and tasty treats like mulled wine and minced pies. Check out dazzling light displays at attractions like the London Eye and Trafalgar Square. Look for hotel deals across the river in South London or stay in a house rental to get better nightly rates.

Don’t miss the famous department store light displays on Oxford and Regent Streets. Gaze at the grand Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square and pop into classic pubs for a pint and some fish and chips. Take photos in front of Big Ben and the London Eye Ferris wheel glowing blue and white for the holidays. Be sure to ride the festively decorated double-decker buses to see the city in style. Famous Landmarks to See in London

Emerging from the underground tube station, you are immediately surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. The aroma of candied nuts and cider wafts through the chilly air as carnival rides like the thrilling Sonic Spinball whirl excited screams around you. Day Trips From London

For a cozy afternoon, head to Fortnum and Mason department store’s tea room and indulge in finger sandwiches, scones, and clotted cream paired perfectly with their signature Royal Blend tea. Enjoy a traditional British pantomime stage show at night – family entertainment full of laughter, absurd costumes, and playful holiday spirits. England Tours

Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland’s tiny, colorful capital dazzles even brighter under the ethereal glow of The Northern Lights of Iceland stretching across ink-black skies. Wander narrow lanes lined with quaint cafes, art galleries, and boutiques all decked out for Christmas. Things to Do in Reykjavik, Iceland; Iceland Tour Vacations

See creativity abound at charming Christmas markets, then soak away the chill in geothermal springs and mineral pools under a stunning Aurora light show. Embrace the cold by trying unique Icelandic winter sports – like snowmobiling across a glacier or venturing inside a sparkling ice cave below the surface. Sites Along Iceland’s Southern Coast; Iceland’s Must See Sites

Salzburg, Austria

In the birthplace of Mozart, classical concerts and Sing-Alongs bring the hills alive with joyful music. The Christkindlmarkets overflow with artisanal gifts and hearty Austrian fare like bratwurst and potato pancakes. Dustings of snow blanket Baroque church domes and Old Town squares. Save by staying outside the city center and buying a tourist card for free public transportation and museum discounts. 5 Most Beautiful Castles in Austria

In the birthplace of Mozart, the musical history permeates you with cheer all season long. See where The Sound of Music was filmed and tour the Mirabell Gardens grounds. Take the funicular to Hohensalzburg Castle overlooking the city and bask in panoramic Alpine views. Warm up from the winter air in cozy cafes serving Sachertorte chocolate cake and Melange coffee. 10 Local Foods to Try in Austria

The peal of bells from the Glockenspiel Delicatessen fills the air, signaling that their world-famous rum-soaked, brown sugar-dusted Austrian snowball pastries are freshly baked and ready for tasting. Crisp snowflakes land gingerly on your nose as you meander through Christmas markets collecting local goodies. Austria Tour Vacations

The alluring sounds of an Alpine horn ring out across the city, beckoning you to follow the music. You arrive to find Father Christmas stroking his wooly, long white beard while merrily entertaining families from an enormous wooden chair carved with reindeer and stars. Beautiful Cities of Austria

Maui, Hawaii

Trade snow for sun on Hawaii’s second-largest island. Watch the sunrise from Haleakala crater and see lava flow to the sea at Haleakala National Park. Golf along coastal fairways, take surf lessons on gentle waves or chill on Kaanapali beach. Savor fresh island catches like mahi mahi and sip tropical cocktails at sunset. Find savings in condo rentals and opt for included breakfast at moderately priced hotels. Hawaii Tour Vacations

From snorkeling with sea turtles to watching for whales, Maui offers nature in abundance. Tour the Road to Hana with its cascading waterfalls and black sand beaches. Enjoy Polynesian entertainment and a traditional pig roast Luau. Trek through Haleakala National Park’s bamboo forests and volcanic landscapes. End the days with Mai Tais during colorful Hawaiian sunsets by the gentle Pacific tides. Places to Visit: Maui

Faint hints of plumeria and coconut suntan lotion mixed with the salty sea air. Palm trees overhead sway gently, providing pockets of shade as you stroll barefoot on Kaanapali’s soft white sand beaches. The only sound is the hypnotic crashing of aqua-blue waves rushing gently to the shore. Maui: Island of Natural Wonders

Later, the aroma of a traditional Imu roast fills the air – tender kalua pig and juicy pineapple chicken slow-cooked all day in an underground earth oven. You feast alongside pulsating Polynesian drums and swaying hula dancers spinning glowing fireballs as the sun sets behind the Pacific horizon. Things to See & Do in Maui

Cancun, Mexico

Lounging poolside under swaying palms, warm Caribbean waves lapping the powdery white sand. December offers optimal weather, fewer crowds and lower rates along the famed Hotel Zone strip. Go all-inclusive to keep costs fixed or find a hotel deal that credits resort fees and meals. Wander the restaurants, art galleries and shops of downtown Cancun for a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine and culture. Mexico Vacation Packages and Mexico Tours

In Cancun, venture away from the hotel zone to Isla Mujeres, an island with small Caribbean vibes. Take the ferry to stroll the quiet streets, visit sea turtle conservation centers and snorkel with whale sharks. At night, find live music offerings downtown and open air markets to try tacos al pastor and street food specialties. The weather allows endless beach days and exploring Mayan ruins nearby like seaside Tulum.

Turquoise waters lap at your toes as you recline on a sun-kissed beach, the gentle song of steel drums in the distance adding to the dreamy mood. Nearby laughter draws you to a lively beachside bar, offering frosty piña coladas served right inside halved pineapples. Cancun: Exotic Fun at Affordable Prices

As night falls, follow the savory smells of street tacos sizzling on grills topped with thinly sliced carne asada steak, cilantro, and lime squeezed over the top. Locals invite you to an impromptu concert, eager to share their city’s vibrant musical spirit through upbeat mariachi songs. All-Inclusive Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean & Mexico

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague captivates in a dreamy frosting of snow and ice. Take in fairytale vistas of the Charles Bridge’s towering spires and Prague Castle high on the hillside. 12 Best European Christmas Markets We Love. In Old Town Square, nativity scenes and Tomas the Clock’s animated figures entertain with delightful antics on the astronomical clock. Featured Destination: Prague, Czech Republic

Indulge in festive sweets like trdelník – Christmas cake roasted over open fire, wrapped around a stick and dusted in sugar and walnut mix. At night, concerts from the likes of Mozart and Vivaldi echo from ancient churches and concert halls for a classical Christmas extravaganza only Prague can deliver. Prague: City of 1000 Spires; Czech Republic Tours

Québec City, Canada

Québec’s European ambiance sparkles under blankets of crisp white during Carnaval de Québec, one of the world’s largest winter festivals. See the majestic Château Frontenac hotel glow with tiny white lights as you zip down the snow slide or skate across the Dufferin Terrace ice rink. Discover December Winter Magic in Canada

Sip vin chaud (mulled wine) and warm up with a heaping plate of poutine – fries and cheese curds smothered in hot gravy. Don’t miss the night parade with floats, dancers and Bonhomme, the beloved snowman mascot waving to crowds along snow-lined streets. Carnaval De Quebec; Romantic Getaways: Quebec

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam makes the perfect winter wonderland getaway with its idyllic canals dotted with colorful canal houses glowing under twinkling light displays. Skate hand-in-hand with a loved one down the UNESCO-listed waterways or wander the Albert Cuypmarkt Christmas market sampling sweet delights like oliebollen doughnuts, poffertjes mini pancakes, and warming erwtensoep split pea soup.Netherlands Tours; Things to Do in Amsterdam

Snow dusts the storybook architecture of the Begijnhof courtyard and the vondelpark woods. Enjoy seasonal concerts at exquisite cathedrals or cozy into a cafe tucked off a quiet side street with hot chocolate and seasonal speculaas spice cookies.Free Things to Do in Amsterdam

Wherever you choose to go, may your December travels be merry and bright! Let me know if you would like any additional details on these destinations or recommendations. Whether unwinding beachside with gently lapping waves, strolling market stalls under dusting snow, or meandering big city streets illuminated with lights, December provides ample opportunity for creating special memories with loved ones. Take advantage of vacation planning discounts and incentives this time of year when crowds dissipate after the holidays. No matter which magical destination calls out to awaken your inner winter wanderlust, set your sights on traveling somewhere new to finish the year refreshed and renewed. The only question remains: where will your December dreams take you this year?

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