How does the Christmas season feel for you? Is it the epitome of joy or a painful reminder of times gone by? While some people jump for joy the moment they plug in that first strand of twinkly lights, others suffer the remnants of a broken heart. So, we have a solution for you – whichever way the wind blows – a Christmas getaway.
If you’d like to try something new this season with friends and family, why not consider a getaway to a European Christmas market or a ski town in snowy Colorado? Perhaps you’ll have a new tradition in the making. Similarly, if you’re trying to escape those pangs of pain, an escape to the snowy mountains of Mt. Esja in Reykjavik could be just the ticket. Consider our list below an effort to help your heart experience a full measure of joy or, at the very least, simple contentment this holiday season.
New York, NY
Once the Thanksgiving Day parade commences, it’s all about the sparkle and shine in New York. To get a full blast of Christmas cheer, all you need to do is head to Midtown Manhattan for all sorts of festive feelings. Stroll down Fifth Avenue, especially between Bryant Park – for their very own version of a Christmas Market – and Rockefeller Center – where the Christmas tree lives. Then, you can give your ice skating skills a test run in Central Park before indulging in some afternoon tea at the nearby Plaza Hotel.
Colmar, France
Next up, we have a town in France that’s pretty enough to belong in a snow globe. With its colorful half-timber medieval houses lining the canal in Little Venice, it’s picture-perfect any time of year. But, it particularly springs to life when they trim the streets with glittering strands of garland, and you begin to realize why this palace inspired Disney’s Beauty & the Beast.
Paris, France
Similarly, the City of Lights deserves a nod if we’re talking about sparkling and shining. Parisians may have their own feelings about the lights on the Eiffel Tower at night. But, as a visitor, feel free to savor every minute of it. With a glass of champagne in hand, you’ll be delighted to see such a beautiful city glisten like a diamond tennis bracelet as it embraces the spirit of the season.
Berlin, Germany
Of course, if it’s Christmas markets you’re after, few places can beat out Berlin. While there are several to choose from, the Lucia Christmas Market at Kulturbrauerei might catch your eye. Named after the Nordic goddess of light, it will dazzle and delight you with its host of local goods from nearby Scandinavia.
Bergen, Norway
Continuing with the theme of cold northern nights, Bergen will be happy to wrap you up in its warm embrace. The moment you see Old Town or Bryggen, you’ll be happy you flew this far north. The colorful timber buildings that line the harbor tell stories of old while the market below delivers some of the freshest fish this side of heaven. You’ll quickly see that all of the locals will be happy to direct their Christmas cheer in your direction.
Odense, Denmark
While we’re in the area, let’s put a pin next to Odense on our world travel maps. While Copenhagen might be the obvious choice for a Danish getaway, Odense is also a magical gem. As the largest city on the island of Funen, it’ll be happy to provide you with an idea of what the North Pole feels like while Santa and his elves are busy at work. As you browse the downtown shops in the Latin Quarter, you can give Santa an assist by purchasing any number of lovely trinkets from the beautiful boutiques that line the streets.
Helsinki, Finland
From islands to peninsulas, let’s sail further north to Helsinki. The snowy season starts early here, so you’re all but guaranteed a White Christmas. By the end of November, the beautiful Christmas lights along the Aleksanterinkatu shopping street are already ablaze. As you dip in and out of the shops, you’ll also gaze in wonder at all the strands of lights and candles that burn brightly in people’s doorways. To no surprise, their Christmas Market is also top-notch, with over 100 stalls offering a potpourri of Christmas crafts.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Often touted as one of the safest cities in the world for female solo travelers, Reykjavik could be the spot for either a family getaway or a solo traveler looking to escape the norm and make some new memories. Can you imagine indulging in a Christmas cup of mulled wine, luxuriating in a geothermal pool while waiting for the Northern Lights to put on their majestic display? All that and more is a possibility when you come here during the Christmas season.
Edinburgh, Scotland
It won’t surprise you at all that the land that inspired the creation of Harry Potter knows how to get festive around the holidays. While you’ll certainly need to take a walk up and down Victoria Street – rumored to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley – you’ll want to head to the East Princess Street Gardens Christmas Market. All the local, fresh goods will set your soul on fire. While you’re here, indulge in a few royal affairs, as well, by visiting Edinburgh Castle and then walking down the Royal Mile to The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s seat when he’s in Scotland. You might also enjoy a token visit to The Writers’ Museum if you have a love of prose.
Galway, Ireland
So many of our Western traditions, like Halloween and Christmas, have Celtic roots. So, let’s hop from Edinburgh to the West Coast of Ireland. Live Irish music floats through the air on a regular basis in Galway, making this a magical place any time of year. But, at Christmas, when the bunting that trims the streets is set aglow with twinkle lights, there’s a special kind of magic sailing in from the Atlantic. Be sure to take aim at Quay Street, the pedestrian-only lane brimming with those music notes and a host of shops to make small purchases for all your loved ones.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Let’s head back to America and make our way to the Wild Wild West. Ski towns like Breckenridge are always on the edge of the holiday season, but they sure know how to take things up another notch in December. As a smaller version of Aspen or Vail, Breckenridge always seems more manageable for a winter getaway. If you book early, you won’t find a shortage of chalets to rent out for the week. Or, if you can snag a suite at Grand Colorado on Peak 8, you’ll have it all – easy access to the slopes, spa services galore, and a hop, skip, and a jump to the Hallmark-esque Main Street brimming with shops, pubs, and restaurants.
Bozeman, Montana
Bozemna is another mountain town that knows how to do it right. Their annual Christmas Stroll is a longtime tradition that invites locals and visitors to embrace the magic of the season. Santa himself works his way from the Emerson Cultural Center all the way down Main Street, singing Christmas carols and setting the downtown holiday lights aglow. If you’re looking for a Christmas getaway early in the season, then this is your ticket to joy.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Nearly four hours northwest of New Orleans, you’ll find another snow globe Christmas town. Since 1927, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival has been spreading Christmas cheer far and wide. With more Christmas lights than you’ve ever seen in your life and evening firework displays, you’ll never see so much Christmas color ever again. Whether the kiddos bake cookies with Santa or you tour the Craft Mall, this is a special town that takes things to new heights when the holiday season rolls around.
Savannah, GA
Like Colmar, Savannah is beautiful all year round. It’s a city that epitomizes the meaning of a true Southern Belle. With places like Forsyth Park and countless smaller parks or squares, it’s impossible to deny the glistening, glittering beauty of this sweet city around the holiday season. One of their best streets for shopping, Broughton, also knows how to do it up with all their Christmas lights. When you’re there, be sure to dip into The Paris Market for any number of Christmas prezzies, from plateware to jewelry, to perfume, to stationery items, and more.
Bethlehem, PA
Oh, come, all ye faithful. How could we not end with a town named Bethlehem? As a beautiful city brimming with festivals and fairs all year long, they sure know how to embrace their namesake around the holiday season. Main Street is brimming with local boutiques and bookstores regularly, but they certainly up the ante around the holiday season with a host of new goods for passersby to purchase. With a long list of Christmas events, carriage rides, holiday tree tours, and more, you’ll be able to embrace the true spirit of the season the moment you arrive.
‘Tis the Season
Whether Christmas is the season of joy or a bit of a struggle for you, we hope one of these destinations will bring rest to your soul. If Christmastime is your time, these cities and villages will deliver wave upon wave of joy. Conversely, if you’re a little leery of the season, we hope they’ll still find a way to send healing waves your way.
Whether you’re headed to Europe or America, we have a destination guide to help you design the perfect itinerary for your Christmas getaway. Until we meet on the misty streets of Edinburgh, we wish you a happy start to the season of – what we hope will be – tremendous joy.