Christmas has always been associated with traveling. Whether you’re going home or “escaping” home, holidays afford a break from work and school that make traveling ideal. Some folks like to plan a vacation far from any reminders of winter while others want to dive into the winter wonderlands. For the sake of this discussion, the winter wonderland concept will be embraced. Here are some terrific destinations for your holiday trip:
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a genuine “Norman Rockwell” kind of Christmas, then you have to head to Stockbridge. In 1967, Rockwell actually painted the “Stockbridge Main Street At Christmas (Home for Christmas).” Each year since then, the town holds festival where they recreate that picture and bring it to life complete with period cars and cosplay. During this time, you can tour historic homes all decorated for the holidays. It’s a true Christmas town.
Park City, Utah
When thinking about winter wonderlands, you have to consider Park City. It is a town nestled in the shadow of snowcapped mountains where the skiing and snow boarding is always awesome. Throughout December there are all kinds of holiday pop up markets that are perfect for festive shopping and snacking. On Christmas Eve there is a torchlight parade down the slopes with skiers and snow boarders carrying torches to light up a trail for Santa.
Christmas Town USA, North Carolina
You can imagine that any place that calls itself Christmas Town knows how to celebrate the holidays. For the rest of the year, this is really McAdenville. But come December, they switch to Christmas Town USA where you’ll find over 375 decorated outdoor Christmas trees. Every night is a festival with free hot chocolate and kettle corn.
Chicago, Illinois
New York City might have its Rockefeller Center tree but Chicago also has their own version of the giant Christmas spruce set up in Millennium Park. There is also a traditional German Christmas market where you can get authentic wood toys and other holiday crafts. Over on the Magnificent Mile you can take in the millions of lights on bright display.
Santa Claus, Indiana
Like Christmas Town, Santa Claus is a holiday-inspired name for a tiny burg but they are Santa Claus all year round. During December, things really get kicking in Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Museum & Village and the Santa Claus Christmas Store. There are festivals every weekend and plenty of milk and cookies to go around.
No matter where you land for the holidays, make some great memories. No pressure!
