Would rather NOT be 'Home for the Holidays'?
One of my favorite holiday movies is “Christmas with the Kranks”. If you’ve never seen it, this comedy shares about empty-nesters hoping to skip the Christmas hassles and get away to a warm-weather paradise. Through a series of wild events, they actually don’t end up going. But what if they did?
Getting away for a Christmas trip can be a unique and memorable experience. If you’re not feeling all the holiday chores and the tasks involved in prepping the home, consider a winter wonderland elsewhere. Consider not being home for the holidays!
Explore a Christmas Village
If you want to fully immerse yourself in Christmas culture, visit Solvang, California. With a month-long holiday celebration called “Julefest”, there are events, concerts, shopping and music in a picture-perfect village all December long.
On the other side of the country, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is Helen, Georgia. This one-of-a-kind Bavarian village offers a storybook-style Christmas celebration. Mr. and Mrs. Claus come to visit regularly to see the beautiful display of lights.
Santa in a Swimsuit
We normally see the big guy in a big red suit — but not a swimsuit! Does your family enjoy swimming and watersports? These spots will definitely bring warm water instead of cold snow:
Key West Christmas
https://keywestchristmas.org/
With colorful boat parades, lights in the palm trees, and festive holiday drinks, you’ll enjoy this tropical oasis island. There’s lots to do during December (and the winter in general). Check out their holiday website to learn more.
Frosted by the Sea in Coronado, California
Hotel del Coronado is known for its extravagant Christmas tree and lighting displays within this historic hotel. If you’d like to watch the sunset over the western horizon to say goodbye to the year (literally), visit this quaint town near San Diego.
Cruisin’ for Christmas
If you want to see even more places on your winter vacation, consider taking a Caribbean cruise. Not only will you get to experience some of the most breathtaking Caribbean islands, but cruise ships also do an excellent job of bringing the spirit of the season onboard the vessel.
Whether you’re looking to explore new places or stay close to home this year, the magic of the season comes from not where you’re at, but who you’re with.
May the joy and celebration of Christmas bring you warmth. Safe travels!
