Still Travels

“Plan the perfect Christmas getaway with tips on festive destinations, cozy accommodations, holiday activities, and dining ideas to make your winter holiday magical!”

1. Choose the Right Destination

When it comes to Christmas destinations, your options are endless. You can embrace the winter wonderland vibe, escape to a sunny locale, or head to a city known for its festive atmosphere. Here are a few popular holiday travel destinations to consider:

• New York City, USA – Famous for its Christmas lights, ice skating in Central Park, and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, NYC is the ultimate urban holiday destination.
• Lapland, Finland – Home to Santa Claus Village, reindeer sleigh rides, and Northern Lights, Lapland is a winter wonderland straight out of a Christmas storybook.
• Vienna, Austria – With its grand Christmas markets, twinkling lights, and classical concerts, Vienna offers a romantic European holiday atmosphere.
• Quebec City, Canada – If you’re looking for a charming old-world Christmas, this Canadian city has a European feel, with snow-draped streets, festive lights, and cozy restaurants.

2. Book Your Accommodations Early

During the holiday season, hotels and rentals book up quickly, so it’s essential to secure your accommodation early. When choosing where to stay, consider whether you want to be in the heart of the festivities or in a more peaceful area. Here are some recommendations for popular Christmas destinations:

• New York City: Stay at The Plaza Hotel for a luxurious experience or book a room at Lotte New York Palace for stunning views of the Rockefeller Center tree.
• Lapland: Opt for a unique stay at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, where you can sleep in glass igloos under the Northern Lights.
• Vienna: Choose the elegant Hotel Sacher Vienna, located near the famous Vienna State Opera, or stay at the charming Hotel Bristol for a cozy, festive vibe.
• Quebec City: The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is an iconic choice, offering luxury accommodations and breathtaking views of the old city. For a more boutique experience, try Auberge Saint-Antoine.

3. Plan Festive Activities

To make the most of your Christmas getaway, plan a mix of activities that highlight the local culture and holiday traditions. Here are some ideas for each destination:

• New York City: Take in the holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue, go ice skating at the Rockefeller Center, or catch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
• Lapland: Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, go on a reindeer sleigh ride, or book a husky sledding adventure. Don’t miss the chance to see the Northern Lights!
• Vienna: Stroll through the city’s famous Christmas markets like Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz, attend a classical concert at the Vienna State Opera, and warm up with a mug of mulled wine.
• Quebec City: Wander through the charming Petit Champlain District adorned with holiday decorations, visit the German Christmas Market, and take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic streets.

4. Where to Eat: Savor Holiday Delights

Indulging in local cuisine is a must during your Christmas getaway. Be sure to make reservations in advance as restaurants tend to fill up quickly during the holiday season. Here are a few recommendations:

• New York City: Enjoy a holiday dinner at The River Café, with its stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge, or head to Rolf’s for German-inspired Christmas decor and hearty dishes.
• Lapland: Experience traditional Lappish cuisine at Restaurant Nili in Rovaniemi, where you can try reindeer, Arctic char, and cloudberry desserts.
• Vienna: Have dinner at Figlmüller, known for its famous Wiener schnitzel, or indulge in festive treats like Sacher Torte at Café Sacher.
• Quebec City: Enjoy French-Canadian specialties at Le Continental, or savor a holiday meal at the cozy Aux Anciens Canadiens, which offers traditional Quebecois dishes.

5. Budgeting for Your Christmas Getaway

The holiday season can be an expensive time to travel, but with proper planning, you can make the most of your budget. Here are a few tips:

• Book early to get the best rates on flights and hotels.
• Look for holiday deals on travel packages that include flights, accommodations, and activities.
• Opt for public transportation in cities like New York and Vienna to save money on taxis and car rentals.
• Plan a mix of free and paid activities—many holiday markets, light displays, and public events are free to attend.

6. Packing Essentials for Christmas Travel

When traveling during the winter holiday season, packing smart is crucial to ensure you’re prepared for cold weather and holiday festivities. Here’s a list of essentials to include:

• Warm layers: Be sure to pack sweaters, thermals, and a heavy coat to stay cozy during winter activities.
• Comfortable shoes: You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking, especially in cities like Vienna and New York, so bring comfortable, waterproof footwear.
• Festive accessories: Pack a cozy hat, gloves, and a festive scarf to stay warm and get into the holiday spirit!
• Gifts and souvenirs: Leave extra room in your luggage for holiday gifts and souvenirs from local markets.

Final Thoughts

Planning the perfect Christmas getaway is all about choosing the right destination, booking accommodations early, and enjoying the festive activities and local cuisine. Whether you’re seeking a snowy wonderland in Lapland or the twinkling lights of New York City, these tips will help you create a magical holiday escape filled with joy and unforgettable experiences. You can also check at Christmas destinations in the United States.

For more holiday travel ideas, feel free to check out our itineraries or reach out to one of our travel experts for personalized recommendations!