Christmas – A Sweet Paradise

New York City

Stopping in New York City during Christmastime is a must-do once in your lifetime. I have and despite the cold, really enjoyed the atmosphere. There are massive Christmas trees and ice rinks at the Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park. There, you can find a festive winter village with shops and food. Other holiday markets are found at Columbus Circle and Union Square. Holiday light displays are put up at Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where you can find a train show as well. Go to Radio City Music Hall to watch the Christmas Spectacular or Central Park for horse-drawn carriage rides. You can also take a trip over to Hudson Yards for the shopping center that is beautifully draped with lights.

Leavenworth, Washington

The city of Leavenworth transforms into a festive, Bavarian Christmas village, with holiday lights, shopping, and sleigh rides. Stroll through the town to the Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival every weekend in December, the Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt to experience a traditional German Christmas market, and The Gingerbread Factory for cookies and espresso. Icicle Gorge Trailhead is a pretty spot for winter walks, the Nutcracker Museum has thousands of nutcrackers from around the world, and skiing and snowboarding are available at Mission Ridge.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui offers a great combinations of festive, island-style Christmas celebrations such as the Lahaina Banyan Tree lighting or beach luaus, while also being able to still enjoy surfing on the north shore at Kanaha. Though not as hot as the summertime, an average of 77 degrees makes it ideal for swimming in the ocean and sunbathing at Ka’anapali Beach. Haleakalā National Park displays the diverse landscape of Hawaii, with the volcano and natural pools within the bamboo forests. You also must travel down the Road to Hana, being the world’s most scenic drive of waterfalls, the rainforest, the sea, and lava tubes.

Fort Myers, Florida

In Fort Myers, visitors can enjoy mild temperatures in the 70s while still enjoying the warm Gulf waters in December at Estero Island. This weather is suitable for shelling, kayaking, and soaking in the vibrant downtown culture. Holiday festivities include the Christmas Boat Parade, the Luminary Walk, and the Festival of Trees. Attractions there consist of visiting Manatee Park, taking dolphin cruises, and walking through nature trails at Lovers Key State Park. While there, it would be worthwhile to stop by Times Square, full of beachfront retail shops and restaurants, frequently featuring live music.

Southern California

Christmas Castle — Photo by Michael Saechang

Though a big colder, with weather being in 50s and 60s, southern California is still a nice place to add to your list. In Anaheim, you can visit Disneyland for some holiday magic or take a short drive down to the Santa Ana Winter Village. In Laguna Beach, you can celebrate Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival or hike along coastal trails at Heisler Park. In Santa Barbara, you can see the annual Parade of Lights on the harbor, take a tour through the wine region, and walk the pier at Stearns Wharf for ocean views and fresh seafood.

Thanks for the read!

-xo, Nicole (:

Not sure where to travel to in the U.S. in the late fall? Here are a few recommendations for you to consider.

Sedona, Arizona

Pleasant weather for hiking at Devil’s Bridge or Cathedral Rock on top of less crowds makes Sedona attractive during the month of November. Red Rock State Park makes for a scenic walk while Centennial Trailhead makes for a good spot for stargazing. Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon are common day trips (3 hours one way) taken from Sedona, as they are only a 12 minute drive from one another. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is a location for browsing galleries and boutiques, designed to feel like a traditional Mexican village.

Tampa, Florida

Busch Gardens Tampa — Photo by Jeremy Thompson

Visit Tampa in November if you’re looking for the perfect weather, warm days and cool nights. Fall events, food festivals, and walking or biking the Riverwalk are fun activities to do. Beaches including Clearwater or St. Pete can be ideal for swimming and tanning, with weather in the mid-70s. Busch Gardens (pictured above) and ZooTampa with an open-air safari are good choices for families! And if you come at the beginning of the month, you can attend Hulaween, a electronic music festival less than three hours away!

Telluride, Colorado

If you want early access to skiing and snowboarding, mixed with crisp mountain air before winter sets in, November is a good time to go to Telluride. It has a free gondola that you can ride from the city to Mountain Village, as it gives passengers outstanding sights of the San Juan Mountains. Horse-drawn sleighs are available at the Aldasoro Family Ranch and the ice skating rink is found at the Telluride Town Park. Hiking at Bear Creek Falls and Bridal Veil Falls still may be possible, if you prepare by dressing in layers.

North Pole, Alaska

The town of North Pole in Alaska is as unique as it sounds, hosting a Christmas-themed Santa Claus House and viewing for Northern Lights. At the Antler Academy across from the Santa Claus House, people can meet live reindeer. Streets such as Santa Claus Lane and Candy Cane Lane are festively decorated, with candy cane-striped lampposts and elaborate light displays. Events such as Winterfest & Holiday Bazaar, with local vendors, food, and fireworks, starts near the end of November.

Los Angeles, California

The City of Angels has absolutely perfect weather year-round, so why not escape the cold and go there? The average temperature during this month is 73 degrees and therefore, a good time to walk the Runyon Canyon, see the festive lights at The Grove, or attend the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Other events include the LA Zoo Lights or the Avenue 26 Night Market for food trucks. For a less basic experience, the Valley Relics Museum, the Venice of America Canals, St. Vincent Court, or taking the Angels Flight railway to the Grand Central Market.

Thanks for the read!

-xo, Nicole (:

Tag: Christmas

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