December – A Sweet Paradise

Munich, Germany

The entrance to one of several Christmas Markets — Photo by George Nell

Traveling to Munich in the last month of the year will offer a magical winter fairytale experience filled with world-renowned Christmas markets, historic Bavarian traditions, and a cozy atmosphere. The city transforms with festive lights and bustling venues and activities such as parades, beer halls, ice skating, and take a winter stroll through the English Garden.

Cairo, Egypt

This city in Egypt will greet visitors with a blend of sunny weather and vibrant festivities. It lights up for the holidays, with restaurants and shops in Zamalek or downtown. In addition, this is when the Cairo International Film Festival takes place. Places to swing by include the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Great Pyramids of Giza, where camel rides are available!

Turks and Caicos

If you are looking for perfect weather with temperatures in the low 80s, the islands of Turks and Caicos is the ideal escape for winter. In December, New Years Eve is celebrated with fireworks over Grace Bay and bonfire parties at several resorts. After Christmas is Maskanoo as well, a large, annual street festival featuring bands, parades, and local food.

Finland

The country of Finland transforms into a snowy wonderland, with key highlights of heading to Rovaniemi for the Santa Claus Village and searching for the Northern Lights. Since December has shorter days and longer nights, there are more hours of darkness to spot the glowing skies. This experience can be elevated by sleeping in a glass igloo. Plus, reindeer sled rides, snowmobiling, ice bars, warming up in the sauna, or, contrarily, dipping into the freezing lake will make for a unique trip.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The first view of the arch of Cabo San Lucas — Photo by Andres Alvarado

Like the Caribbean, Cabo provides warm temperatures at this time of year with the lowest chance of rain. The holiday season brings the Cabo Christmas Boat Parade, featuring decorated yachts at the marina. Other forms of entertainment could be whale-watching, riding camels along the beach, snorkeling, sunset sailing, resort buffets for Christmas, or beach parties at Mango Deck.

Thanks for the read!

-xo, Nicole (:

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 (:

Tag: December

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