Feeling stressed by the tree trimming and neighbors’ home décor? It time to plan a holiday family adventure — whether it’s an affordable vacation or a day’s outing to see holiday lights.
We all know what’s great about family vacations, whether you go now or wait till spring. But public holiday light shows are also fun and affordable outings guaranteed to brighten the season. Read on for some ideas to harvest holiday cheer:
H AWAII, CHEERS TO THE ISLAND OF MAUI
Maui is many families’ favorite Hawaiian island, the place to create meaningful, lifelong connections across generations. There are many resorts of course, but the Aston Kaanapali Shores, Hyatt Vacation Club at K?‘anapali Beach, and The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas stand out for their homey accommodations. Find affordable space with kitchens, balconies, and living areas to comfortably accommodate a big family.
H ERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA WINTER CELEBRATIONS
Drive or hop on the Sweet Lights Trolley to cruise two miles past hundreds of animated displays along forested trails. Hershey Park Christmas Candylane features dancing lights synchronized to Christmas music, theme park rides, a fabulous collection of trees and all of Santa’s reindeer.
O RLANDO’S HIDDEN GEM: WINTER PARK
We love Orlando as much as you do, but there’s something so chill about Winter Park, an O.G. and still very classy village nearby that just oozes elegance. There’s fine dining, some tiny museums, a delightful sightseeing cruise and Flagler College, where you can kayak after class. Check out offers at the Grove Resort and Water Park Hotel, where you can practice surfing, go fishing or lounge in their on-site waterpark. Or keep it simple and ship your clubs so you can work out on the golf course!
O RLANDO, FLORIDA HOLIDAY CHEERS FOR BUDGET TRAVELERS
Orlando, voted one of the country’s most affordable entertainment zones, shines with free holiday celebrations. There’s much more to enjoy than the crazy theming at Walt Disney World or the Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks.
L AKE PLACID, NEW YORK TOASTS TO WINTER SPORTS
Sports enthusiasts, cozy cabin lovers, fireplace fans and Smores addicts should head to the picturesque village of Lake Placid. Home to two past Winter Olympics, this town oozes winter charm. Check out the holiday happenings at the High Peaks Resort.
L AS VEGAS, NEVADA GLOWS AT THE HOLIDAYS
As it turns 120 this year, ever-young Las Vegas boasts holiday lights along Fremont Street, by the Bellagio (fountains and greenhouse), and in hotel lobbies. Most of it is free and all of it is fabulous. Here’s the Vegas.com calendar of holiday events.
I CE SKATING IN CHICAGO: HOLIDAY STYLE
Ice skating is the new basketball court, a pop-up facility we can find in most US downtowns, public parks and even many malls. One of the most beautiful public rinks is in Chicago, a helluva place to be in winter! Winter WonderFest at the Navy Pier boasts plenty of ice, plus dining, live performances, a carousel, Ferris wheel and Santa.
I DAHO’S THEME PARK HOLIDAYS
The lakefront Coeur d’Alene Resort runs several nightly “Journey to the North Pole Cruises” past the biggest on-the-water display in the U.S. Package up a cozy hotel room, dinner in an igloo, prancing reindeer, and carolers in the lobby for a lot of bang for your buck.
D ANUBE CAPITALS ALIGN WITH CHEER
Whether it’s Vienna, Bratislava or Budapest, there’s more glamour in the cities on the banks of the Danube than any other part of Europe. And if you know Austria and Hungary, there’s a good chance you haven’t been to Slovakia, one of the continent’s lesser known gems. Sail with CroisiEurope in early spring and save with their holiday specials.
D ENVER, COLORADO FOR MILE HIGH LIGHTS
Savor the holidays by the Mile High Tree, at the Denver Zoo, at the Elitch Gardens theme park and browsing the Civic Center’s Christkindl Market.” Catch a 110 foot-tall immersive art installation — made from sustainable LED lights — at, the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Blossoms of Light. If the music is too much, check their calendar for sensory-friendly performances.
A IRBNB FOR HOLIDAY TIME WITH ROOM TO EXPAND
Airbnbs remain many families’ preferred accommodation and they’re especially great — and affordable — for multigenerational travels. Did you know that 80% of US families surveyed by Airbnb are choosing suburban and rural destinations for their winter getaways? The avoid-overtourism message is finally getting through! Places like McCall, Idaho and Anna Maria Island, Florida are currently Airbnb hotspots!
A USTIN, TEXAS GLOWS THIS SEASON
The Trail of Lights has illuminated Zilker Park for more than 60 years and it’s going strong. Count the 2,000,000 lights, 90 lighted trees and more than 70 other holiday displays.
Y OUR THRILLS, YOUR WAY IN PARK CITY
Take your life into your own hands this winter in Park City, Utah, home to the 2022 Winter Olympics. Among the many extreme and unusual athletic facilities, there’s a bobsled run, a tremendous mountain coaster, zip lining and a Ski Jump (ok, the pro’s do that one!)
Y ORKTOWN, VIRGINIA FOR VINTAGE CHEER
Throughout December, the fascinating historic triangle of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown celebrates the holidays, culminating in live performances and 17th century holiday traditions at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
S TOWE, VERMONT FOR COZY, CHEERFUL
The East Coast’s favorite ski mountain tops Stowe, Vermont, one of New England’s most picturesque towns. Go for the sublime winter sports, pizza, elegant boutiques and fine dining, not to mention the exquisite local spas. One of our favorite retreats is TopNotch, a tennis mecca that turns heavenly retreat in winter.
S AN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
If you travel pre-holidays (the best value time in terms of flights and hotels), you’ll enjoy the annual “Mission Bay Parade of Lights” Dec. 13. Over at the Port of San Diego, parades of 80 lavishly decorated boats sail by Dec. 14 and 21. Choose from dozens of free and paid events: see the San Diego holiday calendar.
Please tag your finds and photos with #starrylights or #winterwow when you post to social media so we can take a look. Cheers!
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