The post Festive Hotels in the United States to Get You into the Christmas Spirit appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>French Quarter Inn, Charleston, South Carolina
Located in the historic city of Charleston, this charming hotel decorates its entire lobby with sparkling decor and gingerbread houses. For those looking for constant Christmas cheer, there’s the opportunity to book the festive Sleigh Bell Suite.
The Roosevelt New Orleans, Louisiana
This Waldorf Astoria hotel decks its halls with bows, lights, garlands, and bells, making for a spectacular light show for all visitors. In addition to its Old-Fashioned for adults, this glamorous establishment hosts an annual Teddy Bear Tea for its younger guests.
The Resort At Paws Up, Greenough, Montana
Located in the lush mountains of Montana, this ranch resort offers guests the opportunity to explore its grounds using by snowmobile, dogsled, or sleigh. Other Christmas activities include participating in the gingerbread house-building contest.
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]]>Windsor
Taking place from 30 November until 1 January, Windsor Castle hosts a magnificent display that will surely get you in the Christmas spirit. This year, the decorations are also expected to pay tribute to the recent Coronation of King Charles III.
Mousehole
This quaint town in Cornwall will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Mousehole Harbour Lights; a display that lights up the entire town with 10,000 Christmas lights. You’ll see festive lights ignite the entire village landscape, including a Loch Ness monster display in the river.
Ludlow
With its centuries-old cathedral, brick buildings, and old, traditional British pubs, Ludlow is a magical place to visit at any time of year. Still, the snow adds to its charm, along with its magnificent Christmas Fair.
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]]>Prague, Czech Republic
Often called “The City of a Hundred Spires,” winter transforms the Czech capital into a picture-perfect scene straight out of a fairytale. The city’s historic architecture, including the iconic Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, becomes even more beautiful under a dusting of snow. Cozy up with a cup of hot mulled wine at a cafe, or check out the local Christmas markets to shop for handmade gifts.
Interlaken, Switzerland
The Swiss town of Interlaken in the heart of the Alps is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking a more adventurous retreat. Go skiing or snowboarding against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks, or go off the beaten path with activities like curling and snowshoeing.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna’s grand palaces and classical music heritage take on a special charm when accompanied by festive lights and traditional Christmas markets. The city has an almost magical quality that can only be improved by listening to some Mozart with a rich cup of hot chocolate.
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]]>The post Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in the US appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>With Christmas just around the corner, many of us are enjoying annual traditions like looking at Christmas lights. Exactly what these traditions look like will vary from family to family and city to city, but it is safe to say that there’s no shortage of spectacular Christmas light displays around the United States. Here are some of the best.
East Coast – Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
The Bronx Zoo is one of the best zoos in the entire US, and its annual light show does not disappoint. The show features lanterns made to look like popular animals as well as traditional light displays and entertainers who roam throughout the park. This year, Holiday Lights will run through January 8.
West Coast – Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Light
Just outside of Los Angeles, the Descanso botanical garden puts on a holiday light show that can only be described as a magical experience. The show utilizes the natural features of the forest alongside specialty lights to create an “enchanted” experience for all. Forest of Light also runs through January 8 this year.
Central – Denver Botanic Gardens Blossoms of Light
Denver Botanic Gardens actually has two light displays—one at its downtown Denver location on York Street and one outside the city. They’re both worth a visit, but if you can only make one, we recommend checking out Blossoms of Light on York Street. Its twinkling bright colors create a fun, romantic environment perfect for a date night. ‘Blossoms’ runs through January 7.
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]]>If your holiday plans include European travel or you’re feeling up for a last-minute adventure, here are the markets we recommend checking out—and be sure to grab a cup of mulled wine, while you’re at it.
Colmar
Colmar is a small town located near the German border, and its fairytale-like quality is only enhanced by the annual Christmas market. Or, technically speaking, six Christmas markets. Every week from late November through December features a different theme ranging from food to decorations to a dedicated children’s market.
Eguisheim
Located in the historical region of Alsace, Eguisheim hosts an annual Christmas market with a focus on tradition. Stalls offer products made by local artists and craftspeople as well as food and beverages sourced from the region.
Strasbourg
Known by locals as Christkindelsmärik, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is the oldest and largest in France. It includes over 300 stalls and thousands of lights centered around one of the country’s most magnificent cathedrals.
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]]>Christkindlmarkt
Located in front of the Vienna City Hall, the Christkindlmarkt is one of the most popular and well-known Christmas markets in the city. It features over 150 stalls selling a variety of traditional holiday treats, gifts, and decorations. The market also has a range of festive activities, including live music, storytelling, and a traditional nativity scene.
Adventmarkt am Spittelberg
This charming Christmas market is located in the trendy Spittelberg neighborhood and features a mix of traditional and modern holiday items. In addition to the usual festive treats and gifts, the market also has a range of artisanal products and local crafts. The Adventmarkt am Spittelberg also has a range of live music and entertainment, making it a festive and lively place to visit during the holiday season.
Wintermarkt Schloss Belvedere
Located in the beautiful Belvedere Palace, the Wintermarkt Schloss Belvedere is a festive and elegant Christmas market that offers a variety of holiday treats and gifts. The market is located in the palace’s courtyard, and visitors can enjoy a range of festive activities, including live music and a traditional nativity scene. The market also has a range of culinary treats, including hot drinks and traditional holiday sweets.
These three Christmas markets are just a small sample of the many festive and fun events that the city has to offer. Whether you’re looking for traditional holiday treats or unique gifts, these markets have something for everyone.
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]]>The post Uber is Offering Free Sleigh Rides in Finland appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>As amusing as it sounds, that’s exactly what can be done in the Nordic country this festive season, all thanks to Uber. Instead of ordering a car or van, users can request a sleigh straight out of a Christmas fairy tale that will take them to Santa’s hometown!
“At Uber, we’re always looking at ways to bring a little magic to every trip, and with just the tap of a button you could be on a once-in-a-lifetime tour of one of the most beautiful places on earth,” said Anabel Diaz, vice president and general manager of EMEA Mobility at Uber. “We’re delighted to bring Christmas dreams to life with the launch of Uber Sleigh in Lapland.”
The unique Uber Sleigh experience is free, but works on a first-come, first-served basis so best be quick when booking. Those who are interested in taking the joy ride will be able to choose between going at 10AM or 2PM between December 12 and 18.
The 2-hour journey will venture through snow-covered forests to Rovaniemi which has been declared as Santa’s official hometown. And don’t worry—each sleigh ride includes a blanket!
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]]>Copenhagen, Denmark: Tivoli
Tivoli is actually a historic amusement park, with lots of rides and show venues as well as sites to see. Over Christmas and new year’s, it transforms into a beautiful Christmas market with regional Christmas displays, shows, and fireworks.
Stockholm, Sweden: Skansen
This open-air museum in Stockholm has many fun and family-friendly features when it becomes a Christmas market over the weekends. You can sample house-made Christmas dinners, let your kids make handmade decorations, and even participate in bonfires! You can also buy traditional handicrafts and local cuisine in this historic market.
Oslo, Norway: Norwegian Folk Museum
For the first two weeks of December, the Folk Museum’s historic houses and buildings are decorated in accordance with their era and region, so you can learn a bit about Christmas all over the country. You can also view reenactments of historical times and sample the local marzipan.
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]]>Edinburgh Christmas Markets
The Scottish capital is famous for its Christmas festivities, a central part of which is the local Christmas markets. The Scots start early, with Christmas celebrations starting in November and continuing all the way to the beginning of January. There are a few major markets in different locations across the city, featuring numerous stands and different attractions for all ages like bars for the grownups, carousels and a Ferris wheel for the kids, and even an ice rink.
Amsterdam Christmas Markets
Another great place to soak in some of that holiday magic is Amsterdam. A popular tourist attraction all year long, this European capital turns even more enchanting come Christmas time. Much like Edinburgh, Amsterdam also has quite a few different Christmas markets spread out across the city. From food trucks and live music to skating rinks, amusement park rides and gift stands, the Amsterdam market really gives you the full winter wonderland experience.
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]]>Nuremberg Cristkindlmarkt in Germany
One of the largest Christmas markets in Europe, Nuremberg Cristkindlemarkt includes hundreds of stalls selling tons of gifts, decorations, and German classics like bratwurst and mulled wine. Get there on the Friday before the first Advent to watch the market’s opening ceremony!
(@viagensemenus)Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco
Go back in time at this Victorian-inspired Christmas Fair located in California. While this market does require a ticket purchase, you’re sure to be entertained by plenty of carolers dressed straight out of the 1800s as you explore all of the shops and old-fashioned pubs.
Red Square Christmas Market in Moscow, Russia
Located in the center of Moscow, the Red Square Christmas Market features an ice skating rink and even a small amusement park! Pick up a babushka ornament and snack on some caviar, just be sure to bundle up! Temperatures in Moscow can dip well below freezing.
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