It’s never too early to think about holiday travel! This year, Millennials and Generation Z are looking to spend more on festive getaways than their elders. And who can blame them, especially with so many amazing destinations to celebrate the season and welcome a new year in style? The only question is where to go. We’ve curated a list of destinations that run the gamut from snowy to sandy, eggnog-soaked to tropical-flavoured, and everything in between. Pack a sweater—or a swimsuit—and enjoy the end-of-year festivities!
Chile
Chile— Chile welcomes summer (remember, it’s in the Southern Hemisphere) with warm temperatures and extended daylight, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Landscapes from the stunning Atacama Desert to majestic Patagonia offer natural beauty at every turn. December is also alive with local festivals that celebrate Chilean culture, making it an ideal time to engage with traditions and festivities. It’s also the perfect season for hiking, exploring the renowned wine regions like Colchagua Valley, and discovering less crowded attractions. Wildlife viewing is exceptional during this time, especially along the coast, where diverse species can be observed in their natural habitats for your next travel to Chile. Overall, December blends pleasant weather, rich cultural experiences, and scenic Chile’s diverse landscapes, making it an ideal holiday getaway. In the Atacama Desert, Stargazing Tourism is unparalleled due to its crystal-clear skies. Sustainable tourism initiatives offer astronomy tours that not only reveal the wonders of the night sky but also promote environmental awareness.
Greater Miami, Florida
Greater Miami, Florida—A sunny holiday destination for beach lovers, Greater Miami hosts Santa’s Enchanted Forestfrom November 9 to January 7. It’s celebrating 40 years of holiday magic at this Christmas-themed amusement park near Doral, featuring sparkling lights, 100+ games, rides, and a chance to meet Santa. That’s just the start:
- November 10 to January 7: NightGarden transforms Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden into a fairyland after sunset, showcasing technicolor flowers and projection mapping.
- November 16 to January 7: Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park offers festive displays, carnival rides, and Santa’s Village, plus story time with Mrs. Claus.
- November 17: The Downtown Miami Holiday Lighting Event features the Miami Symphony Orchestra performing a family-friendly concert at Flagler Street and Southeast 3rd Avenue.
- November 17 to January 7: Head to South Dade for The Berry Farm’s 4th Annual Winter Festival for festive activities and the Berry Bright Winter Nights light display.
- November 21 to February 28: Enjoy Luminosa: A Festival of Lights at Jungle Island, which features a stunning lantern display and live performances.
- November 23 to January 7: Experience a winter wonderland at the Snow Carnival at Aventura Mall with 350 tons of real snow for fun activities.
- November 24: Celebrate the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade on Lincoln Road, ending with Santa lighting a 30-foot Christmas tree.
- November 16 to January 7: Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park offers a festive midway with carnival rides and live shows.
- November 24 to December 30: Zoo Lights showcases the zoo illuminated with over a million lights and holiday festivities.
- December 9 to January 6: Nights of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens turns the gardens into a tropical winter wonderland with thousands of lights and festive activities.
- December 15 to 24: The classic ballet performance of The Nutcracker by Miami City Ballet provides an enchanting experience for the whole family.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri—St. Louis is a city steeped in tradition and holiday cheer, including The Polar Express Train Ride. For a nostalgic journey through holiday customs, St. Charles Christmas Traditions is a must-visit where guests are transported to a world where reindeer take flight, sugarplums dance in their heads, and international ambassadors share unique holiday customs from around the globe. The Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights on November 18 kicks off Winterfest, featuring festive performances, real reindeer, vendor booths, and a fireworks finale. Winterfest runs from November 18 to December 31 in Kiener Plaza, offering ice skating, s’mores, and a family-friendly New Year’s Eve fireworks display. The Ameren Thanks-For-Giving Parade on November 23 celebrates its 39th year with festive floats and Santa Claus. St. Louis is also big on music. Holiday performances include:
- November 21 to December 23: The Q Brothers Christmas Carol brings a hip-hop remix of Dickens’ classic.
- November 25 to December 23, showcasing the Saint Louis Ballet in “The Nutcracker.”
- November 29 to December 10: Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Twas the Night Before… brings a festive twist to the classic poem.
- December 1 to 16: The U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America performs holiday favourites.
- December 8: A Gospel Christmas comes to the Stifel Theatre.
- December 9 and 10: Home Alone in Concert is played by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
- December 13: Choose between 93.7 The Bull’s Santa Jam or Kenny G, who performs his Miracles, Holidays, and Hits Tour on the same day
- December 17: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings The Ghosts of Christmas Eve to Enterprise Center.
- December 2-: Mannheim Steamroller returns to The Fabulous Fox.
- December 23: Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, brings the beloved characters to life on stage.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria
Vienna, Austria—December is a magical and unique time to visit Vienna. The city transforms into a winter wonderland with enchanting Christmas markets, ice skating, lively ball nights, and cosy coffee houses, becoming the perfect destination to enjoy this festive month. Vienna’s Christmas markets are especially atmospheric in December, when the city’s most beautiful squares become magical markets filled with the aroma of Christmas baking, hot punch, and toasted almonds. Festive lights adorn the Old City and shopping streets, spreading Christmas cheer throughout Vienna. At City Hall Square, a tall arched gateway with candles welcomes visitors to the Viennese Christmas Market, where you can find Christmas gifts, tree decorations, handicrafts, culinary treats, confectionery, and warming drinks for your next travel to Australia. Other events include:
- The Vienna Ice World, located at the Christmas Market, invites ice skaters to glide through the romantically illuminated City Hall Park. A special attraction for couples is the tree of hearts, while children can enjoy a 12-metre-high multilevel carousel, a Christmas world with a reindeer train, a nativity scene trail, a children’s chalet, and a skating rink.
- The Advent market at Palais Liechtenstein offers a unique Christmas experience.
- The Art Advent Christmas market features creative arts and crafts, muscle-powered vehicles, street theatre, organic cuisine, and live acts like the Traditional Christmas Concert.
- At midnight on New Year’s Eve, both locals and visitors dance into the new year in the open air, accompanied by the ringing of the Pummerin, the famous bell in St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
- To warm up, visit one of Vienna’s many cosy Viennese coffee houses or explore its more than 100 Viennese museums, showcasing world-class collections.
