Toronto Christmas Market. Credit: Toronto Christmas Market
The holiday season is upon us, which means that it’s time to start thinking about where you can go to soak in some Christmas cheer. Whether you’re looking for a grand vacation packed with fun or a cozy cottage escape perfect for silent night snuggles, these delightful destinations have got just the thing to make your holidays extra bright.
Toronto
With just a breezy trek across the Canadian-U.S. border, you can revel in a classic Christmas market complete with festive performances and an art show all about holiday trees. The outdoor festival takes cues from Germany’s famous attraction serving up shortbread, giant mugs of hot chocolate and plenty of shops for holiday trinkets.
For a glimpse into Christmas circa 1867, go to Black Creek Pioneer Village, where the historic celebration has been replicated with traditional carols, roasted chestnuts, horse-drawn wagon rides and more.
After a busy day of merry making, rest at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, where you’ll find holiday treats (like a Nutcracker-themed afternoon tea and seasonal spa treatments) all over the Five-Star property.
Salt Lake City. Credit: Adam Baker
Salt Lake City
Start feeling festive in Utah’s capital with a day packed full of holiday revelry. Begin with a trip to This Is The Place Heritage Park for a German-inspired Christmas celebration before heading to Ballet West’s production of The Nutcracker. Top off your magical afternoon with an enchanting evening at Hogle Zoo’s annual Zoo Lights holiday display.
Even more merriment awaits back at your home base, The Grand America Hotel. Imagine teatime with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a whimsical window tour complete with cookies and an endless breakfast buffet, all of which can be had during your stay at this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star beauty. The vast property also looks the part with colorful lights cascading down the building and golden decorations throughout the hotel.
And, if you get an itch to add a skiing excursion to your Christmas vacation, you are just a 40-minute car ride away from Park City’s popular slopes.
The Lodge at Glendorn’s Dining Room. Credit: The Lodge at Glendorn
Bradford, Pennsylvania
Escape the holiday hustle with a cozy retreat to The Lodge at Glendorn in Pennsylvania’s rural woodlands. With oodles of classic decorations, including wreaths and a 16-foot tree, this charming stay roughly 155 miles from Pittsburgh is perfect for those looking for a quiet Christmas getaway.
Get into the spirit of the season with wreath-making classes every Saturday, red wine or hot cocoa sipping in front of one of the property’s 45 wood-burning fireplaces, ice skating on Skipper Lake and taking in 360-degree winter-wonderland views of Allegheny National Forest.
For an extra special getaway, book the hotel’s Home For the Holidays package, which includes a four-course dinner for two and breakfast. It’s cute, homey and packed with just the right amount of jolly spirit.
Bermuda
Travel somewhere tropical that warms your body and soul with equal gusto. Bermuda is just a quick hop from the United States, making it the ideal place to melt into the joy of relaxation and festive happenings.
Catch some Christmas cheer with a walk around the town of St. George, a UNESCO World Heritage site complete with gorgeous historic buildings decorated to the holiday extremes. Enjoy the baubles and carolers before hitting the beach for the ultimate Christmas party. Every December 25, Elbow Beach fills up with locals and guests alike for a garland-laced gathering full of sparkling wine, good food and live music.
When you’re ready to get tucked into bed so you can wait for Santa, retire at the island’s vibrant Elbow Beach Bermuda. The Forbes Travel Guide Recommended darling makes you feel like you took a secluded vacation, but it’s close enough to the action that you won’t miss a thing.
Reserve the special holiday offer now to receive sumptuous accommodations, daily breakfast, a $150 spa credit and a complimentary third night for stays through January 2.
The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge. Credit: The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge
Charlotte
Enjoy Christmas with a side of Southern hospitality at Four-Star The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, A Luxury Collection Hotel. Here you’ll indulge in a merry treatment from the Four-Star spa — the just-debuted Stress Relief Therapy could really come in handy after elbowing your way through mall congestion — before diving into a decadent brunch or an elegant prix fixe lunch on December 25 at the hotel’s Four-Star Gallery Restaurant.
The Ballantyne also boasts a championship golf course for those looking to unwind on the greens, which, since it doesn’t usually snow much in Charlotte, should be decent this time of the year.
As a bonus, the property is also offering 15 percent off rooms for the holidays.
London
Celebrate the dickens out of the holiday season by heading to the British capital, where tradition and tasty treats can be found all over the city. Wander the brightly lit markets, hear live carols and go ice skating at the Natural History Museum.
Usher in the season with a stylish stay at Four-Star Corinthia Hotel London. Through December, cuddle up by the fire, nosh on lavish meals and write an elegant letter to Santa. Each day the best note to Saint Nick will win a prize, but for those staying overnight on Christmas Eve, a special surprise will be waiting for them come morning.
