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Leave the Passport at Home With These Top Holiday Destinations
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America – from sea to shining sea the United States has something to offer everyone looking to enjoy the Holidays in spectacular fashion. Whether your dream vacation is to spend Christmas lounging on a sun-drenched beach, hitting the snowy slopes, or taking in the ultimate city festive break, there’s no need to pack your passport!
Best Christmas Beach Vacation
Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida – Located in South West Florida you’re almost guaranteed weather warm and sunny enough to spend Christmas Day in your swimsuit on the beach. These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers are easy to get to by booking a flight to Orlando, Miami, or Fort Myers airport. Known for their gorgeous white sand and bountiful shell collecting opportunities, the islands of Sanibel and Captiva feature quaint coastal cottages, resorts with ample amenities and some great budget options if you don’t mind a short drive to the beach. Should a random cloudy day interrupt time spent on the beach, Fort Myers and nearby Naples have lots of entertainment options including shopping outlets, Naples Zoo and the opportunity to explore the Everglades.
Best Country Christmas
If spending a down-home Christmas surrounded by Country Americana sounds like the perfect way to spend a holiday head to Nashville, Tennessee. This quintessential American town celebrates the holiday season in a huge country way with the famous Gaylord Opryland putting on their spectacular annual ‘A Country Christmas’ featuring more than 3 million Christmas lights, spectacular decorations and some great down-home entertainment. Visitors to the Country Music Hall of Fame can participate in their historic tours, which also include a look at holiday lights installed by Elvis Presley himself. Feeling hungry? The famous Monell’s Victorian Christmas Dinner is a Nashville tradition is not to be missed. Indulge in Monell’s tasty southern cooking all served family style while carolers wander through the restaurant, but be sure to make a reservation as Monell’s books up quickly.
Best Holiday Ski Spot
Looking to hit the slopes for the holidays? For your best bet head to Colorado where you’re almost guaranteed a White Christmas at Aspen, or Vail with ample opportunity to participate in skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and other winter sports. Aspen Snowmass features plenty of festive fun for the whole family, whereas Vail’s Tyrolian-inspired village offers the chance to purchase some truly extravagant last-minute holiday gifts and stellar dining choices.
Best Family Fun Spot
For families looking to indulge everyone’s inner-child there’s no better place than the most magical place on earth to celebrate the holidays. Orlando’s Disney World is full on festive fun throughout December with something for each member of the family to enjoy. Epcot offers the International Festival of the Holidays featuring the joyous holiday traditions of each of the park’s 11 World Showcase nations. Magic Kingdom features Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – a separate ticket option celebration filled with Disney characters and the man himself – Santa Claus. Each night holiday fireworks light up the sky above Cinderella’s castle and the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade brims with magic and cheer. Special complimentary holiday treats are also on offer throughout the parks. Disney Springs, formerly known as Downtown Disney, is decorated to the max for the Holidays and offers fantastic shopping and the chance to indulge in some truly festive cuisine.
Best Festive City Break
While all cities across America brim with festive cheer and holiday magic, there’s nothing like New York City over the holidays. With Fifth Avenue shop windows bursting with gorgeous decorations, Broadway shows, the famous Rockettes and of course the iconic skating rink at Central Park, it’s easy to get into the Christmas spirit in New York City. Children will love visiting Old St. Nick at Macy’s famous Santaland before catching the New York City Ballet perform The Nutcracker. No trip to NYC during December is complete without a trip to The Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree and to cap it all off a mug of delicious hot cocoa at NYC’s famous Serendipity Cafe.
