With December right around the corner, you may be considering where to head for your next holiday festivities. Luckily, with a little bit of planning, you can make the most out of each and every seasonal occasion.
1. Rome
Rome is never short on exciting things to see and do, but the city shines extra bright during the holidays. The full-service Christmas in Rome bus tour from Italy Rome Tours will cost you starting at $440, but it’s well worth it for all of the sights you’ll cover: admission to The Colosseum and Roman Forum, seeing the Nativity scene at local churches, taking in festive markets, shopping around Italy Rome’s many luxury hotels and resorts. In December and January, Waldorf Astoria Rome Cavalieri embraces the holiday season with a smattering of highlights: three-course Christmas Eve dinners at La Pietra dining at La Pergola; Festive Glow on Christmas Eve and Day; and an exclusive New Years Eve celebration featuring Moët Nectar Impérial, petit fours and canapés (or from December 24 to January 6). When you’re abroad, remember that one Italian feast is not enough. It’s time for gnocchi alla Romana, lasagne bolognese, ravioli royale with artichoke cream sauce, panettone bread table decorations from la pasticceria (choose from chestnut or chocolate), and a shot of Italian egg.
2. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is an arty, homey and cosmopolitan city that welcomes visitors all year long. There’s a lot to be in awe of during the holidays, as hotels improve their service from year-round to honor this most special time. One of the things we recommend is taking a canal cruise (Flagship Amsterdam Open Boat Canal Cruise!). From $21.15, you’ll enjoy delicious treats like the Flagship Amsterdam Christmas in Amsterdam Bar with a live guide and local flavor on board
3. Bangkok, Thailand
After a night filled with New Year’s Eve revelry and high-energy rooftop bar parties, you’ll likely feel like you need some rest. Homm Sukhumvit34 Bangkok is the perfect place to unwind from those long nights of holiday fun! Ditch the bustling downtown area for a secluded penthouse in prime Bangkok. No other hotel offers such luxurious and refreshing stays for guests on the outskirts of town. The Peninsula Bangkok is also another excellent choice: their delightful afternoon tea ritual may have you dreaming about it even when it’s cold outside during a recent stay.
4. Orlando, Florida
Here at MyTractOfLand.com, we love Orlando. It’s the No. 2 Best Foodie City in America—and it earned that status by being a finalist for WalletHub’s Best Foodie City in America 2017 ranking! But there are many other reasons to keep your eye on Orlando heading into 2023: its great restaurant scene, hotel bargains and upgrades, and many exciting things happening downtown such as the sprawl of new hotels, including JW Marriott Orlando World Center Marriott and Grande Lakes’ multimillion-dollar renovations.
5. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic? Yes! Don’t forget to hit the emblematic Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana before your departure, or check in at The Greek Casino Resorts Punta Cana on the island that is home to a plethora of other attractions. You’ll have an all-inclusive experience to enjoy while you’re there at Royalton Punta Cana. We recommend booking a golf package with La Cana Golf Course and doing a small group sailing and snorkeling catamaran tour from Happy Fish Catamarans. Check out Hoyo Azul & Scape Park Punta Cana for some swims, activities, and adrenaline-pumping thrills; depart from $129!
6. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Dubai EDITION is another great option, especially if you want to spend plenty of time at the nearby Dubai Mall, a five-minute walk or simply see everything from their base floor level. And yes, even though you can do it year-round at this world-famous mall, there is just something about skiing on its indoor slopes in the winter along with seeing the holiday decorations that feels extra special. For a distinctly Dubai experience, book the best-selling Dubai Marina Yacht Tour with Breakfast or BBQ from exclusive Yachts.
7. Cancun
Travelers flock to warm weather destinations like Mexico, especially during the holiday season. Quickly make your stamping grounds the newly-opened Waldorf Astoria Cancun. Stay amused with a facial or massage therapy at one of the spas that draw on Mayan traditions. While Cancun may have a reputation for spring breakers, December and January are most delightful months to visit for travelers, as temperatures hover in the 70s and 80s, festive decorations abound, and plenty of holiday festivals take place. FYI: For nine days leading up to Christmas Eve, Las Posadas (Spanish for “The Inns”) are assembled. Join religious festivals including nativity scenes and piñatas as well as delectable food and drink.
8. New York City
Any trip to New York City, especially during the wintertime, should include a visit to The Plaza. Treated as a timeless tradition, afternoon tea at this Washington Square landmark is right up there with some of the most sentimental and delicious experiences in New York City. Their lavish menu includes delicacies like caviar in place of sugar (kudos to them), gold-flecked desserts, and other scrumptious treats that are perfect for warming you up on these chilly days. If you’re staying elsewhere on your trip, try one of the hotels near Central Park or Madison Square Park, including Margaritaville Resort Times Square or Motto by Hilton New York City Chelsea. Before heading home to make gifts for friends and family under the festive lights of Broadway shows or Radio City Christmas Spectaculars , take the time to explore Times Square with its bright advertisements, towering skyscrapers and endless shopping possibilities!
9. Paris
Traveling to Paris is always a great time! At the Cour des Vosges, the 16th century-old mansion that’s run by the famous Michelin-starred restaurant fine-dining establishment EVOK, you can choose between more than 350 boutique suites with 17th century architectural flourishes and 1970s interior design.It’s a hybrid of a Christmas market and festive carnival – extending for nearly a half-mile with a Ferris wheel, an ice rink and a Champagne igloo. You’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for December 15th when France will embark on their first smart cost long haul airline called French bee that launches its affordable direct route from Miami to Paris-Orly starting at $300 one way
10. London
It’s clear that London is a popular destination. With new-for-2019 routes from the U.S. to London and others throughout Europe, you can now travel during the winter months with more ease than ever before and enjoy some of your favorite parts of the city in locations you’ve never been before, like Southbank Centre’s Winter Festival and Christmas Lights Tour, Wallace Collection, English National Ballet’s Nutcracker at The London Coliseum, and Festive Peter Rabbit Afternoon Tea at The Dilly & B Bakery Christmas tea bus tour. Check out these top places to get started: Montcalm London Marble Arch or Rosewood London.
