With the upcoming break from December 21st to January 3rd, you may be asking yourself what to do with eight days off of school. From skiing with friends, baking delicious Christmas cookies, or just binging Netflix the whole week, there is no lack of things to do. However, if you want to switch it up this Christmas break, I recommend packing your suitcase and taking a vacation from the freezing Wisconsin weather. Here are five fun holiday destinations that will make this Christmas truly unforgettable.
If you want a warm getaway surrounded by luscious beaches instead of winter snow, Hawaii is the place to go! Not only will you enjoy the many typical activities like hiking volcanoes, snorkeling with native fish, and trying unique Hawaiian dishes, but many Christmas festivities are also happening on the islands. There is the Honolulu City Lights event, Kaimuki Christmas Parade, Nutcracker Ballet performance, and many more. Hawaii will definitely offer a fantastic Christmas vacation!
If you are looking for more of a Christmas-focused vacation, hop on a plane to New York City. The city is lit up by a wide array of Christmas lights, and the holiday magic is palpable in the air. You can take a walking tour around the city, go see one of the many plays, skate under the tree at Rockefeller Center, or even find the Plaza Hotel where the iconic Home Alone 2 took place. If you are willing to stay a few extra days, you can also stand in Times Square as the ball drops on New Year’s.
While staying in the United States presents many good destination options, don’t forget to look outside the country! Besides being a stunning city, Edinburg, Scotland brings Christmas cheer. You can visit the East Princes Street Gardens Market to buy handmade gifts, try unique Scottish drinks and snacks, or even ride Scotland’s largest ferris wheel. St. Giles Cathedral also hosts the Christmas Films Candlelight Concert, an amazing musical performance lit with thousands of candles.
Aspen, Colorado is a skier’s dream destination for this holiday season. The four ski hills, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass offer various trails, from easy greens to steep black diamonds. You can also take a sleigh ride through town if you want a more laid-back activity. After a long day outside, head to the popular Element 47 for a luxurious four-course meal.
The Florida Keys is the last holiday destination on this list! In the Florida Keys, you can forget about your snowmobile at home and hop on a jet ski instead. There is also a Christmas Lighted Boat Parade, which includes an assortment of boats moving along the Historic Seaport waterfront. Say goodbye to staying indoors this Christmas break if you head down to the Keys because the December weather is around 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
While these five destinations would offer an excellent Christmas vacation, the list could go on forever! Here are six more vacation destinations that students at HHS want to travel to this Christmas:
