Air Canada Welcome Home for the Holidays
TOP HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS
CELEBRATE UNDER THE SUN, INCANADA, Europe OR THE U.S.
'Tis the season for cozy, colourful sweaters, catchy jingles, and celebrating with family. This year, we're all making up for lost time. Why not spend it travelling together? Here are our holly-jolly picks of destinations where you can spend the most wonderful time of the year with the ones you love most.
THE CARIBBEAN, MEXICO & CENTRAL AMERICA
Best for: escaping the forecast on the world's best beaches
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Replace the white snow with white sand and you'll have a winter wonderland in the Cayman Islands. There are endless holiday-themed events for families and merriment-seekers of all ages across Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Check out Camana Bay's Parade of Lights, where spectators can see hundreds of boats lit with festive lights sail through the harbour. Can't get enough twinkle? Rent a car and drive around to see locals' homes decked out in dazzling lights and famed lawn decorations. When it comes to festive food you can enjoy a traditional holiday meal of Christmas beef and turtle stew, or put your cookie architecture skills to the test and join in a gingerbread house workshop.
Costa Rica
If you're looking to escape cold, wintry landscapes, Costa Rica is as wild as you can get, bursting with tropical rainforests that border idyllic beaches. Fly to
Liberiato spend the holidays along this Central American country's northwestern coast (December surfing in Tamarindo!). To infuse your holidays with a touch of adventure, go hiking in Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park or Santa Rosa National Park and admire the country's legendary bio-diversity!
MEXICO (CANCÚN & LOS CABOS)
There's no fiesta quite like one in Mexico. Say goodbye to the year in the country's famous oasis, Cancún. Calm and relaxing by day and party paradise by night, this resort-town is the perfect place to reset, refresh and refill your cup for the new year ahead.
On the other side of the country is the star of Mexico's gorgeous west coast, Los Cabos, where you can do yuletide seaside. There is no better way to forget the last 12 months than on a golf course or in a beach chaise. Don't have a New Year's resolution yet? How about learning to scuba dive or surf in the warm Pacific waters
CARIBBEAN CRUISE
This year start a new holiday tradition at sea with island hopping, warm winter days and epic memories. All December long,
Royal Caribbean Line is bringing your holiday favorites onboard. Red, green and ocean blue. Take a stroll down the Royal Promenade where Snowy Days on Deck will transport you to a winter wonderland as carolers delight with timeless favorites. And a grand tree lighting ceremony will put you right in the mood for a nautical Navidad.
Canada
Best for: epic winter thrills
Banff & Jasper
Jingle all the way to two of Canada's greatest national parks. At Banff National Park, add merry-making to days out on the slopes with Fairmont Banff Springs' Christmas at the Castle or take the Banff Gondola to meet Santa for a Mountaintop Christmas. Meanwhile, Jasper National Park makes winter dreams come true. Skate on the lit-up Beauvert or Mildred lakes, carve your way down Marmot Basin or dash through the snow on a horse-drawn sleigh around Pyramid Lake.
WHISTLER
Ever dream of living inside a snow globe? Because that's pretty much what Whistler feels like in December, decked out in sparkling lights and décor. Catch the Fire and Ice show at Skier's Plaza for top skiers and riders jumping through giant burning hoops and the Family Après in Olympic Plaza for free, post-ski outdoor activities. Warmed by buzzing winter nightlife, Whistler is also the perfect spot to ring in the new year.
Mont-Tremblant
A breathtaking winter wonderland just under two hours away from Montreal, Mont Tremblant delivers colourful village vibes nestled amid the dreamy snowy scenery of Quebec's Laurentians region. Recognized as the leading ski resort of eastern North America, hitting the slopes here comes with endless views of the forested mountains that define this beloved region. End your days in the cobbled streets of the picturesque pedestrian village, completely decked out for the holidays.
EUROPE
Best for: fantastical Christmas markets in romantic locales
London
London truly lights up for the holidays. Festive fairs and sprawling markets take over the city's legendary parks and historic streets. Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland wins with fairground rides, gift kiosks, a Santa grotto, themed bars and the UK's largest open-air ice rink. Festive fun carries on at other merry markets like the Southbank Centre Winter Market or Christmas by the River for festivities by the Thames.
Zurich
This superb Swiss city hosts one of Europe's largest indoor Christmas markets: the Christkindlimarkt at the Zurich Main Train Station where a 50-foot tall Christmas tree stands decked out in Swarovski crystals. Sample mulled wine at the city's oldest market in Old Town's Niederdorf quarter, or attend one of the daily concerts held at the Werdmühleplatz market where you'll find a Singing Christmas Tree (decorated with… a choir!).
LISBON
If you want to do the holidays in Europe but also want the weather to be merry and bright, look no further than sunny Lisbon—the Portuguese know how to do Christmas. Gather around a roaring neighbourhood bonfire and snack on bolo rei, a traditional treat shaped like a wreath made with port wine, candied fruit and nuts. As you stroll towards the beach on cobblestone streets be sure to wish everyone you see "Feliz Natal."
UNITED STATES
Best for: all of the above
NEW YORK CITY
There's no place like New York City around the holidays, from the Rockefeller Center tree lighting to witnessing the Times Square Ball Drop on New Year's Eve. Go window-shopping to judge the best holiday display: Bloomingdale's or Saks Fifth Avenue? Holiday markets also pepper the city, like Union Square Holiday Market, Winter Village at Bryant Park, or the indoor Grand Central Holiday Fair.
HAWAII
You know what we say: you can never have enough beach options! On the Hawaiian Islands, holiday traditions get a tropical twist (think Santa in an aloha shirt and ukulele-lead carols). On Oahu, the Honolulu City Lights festival kicks off with a festive parade and brightens the capital with family-friendly events. On Kauai's Poipu Beach, fireworks light up silky shores for New Year's Eve and food trucks serve Hawaiian faves. Finally, no matter which island you're staying on, don't miss out on a holiday luau!
LAS VEGAS
The perfect spot for a festive friends' getaway, Las Vegas amps up the party vibes for the holidays. A prime example? The Great Santa Run! Imagine the Strip overrun by thousands of runners dressed up as Santa. The Bellagio Hotel and Casino's iconic fountain dances along to blaring holiday classics, while The Cosmopolitan transforms its pool into an ice rink. Of course, there's no party like a Vegas New Year's Eve party: the entire Strip shuts down for one, gigantic and unforgettable street party… choreographed firework display included.
ORLANDO
The Most Magical Place on Earth is unsurprisingly even more magical during the most magical time of year. That's right, triple magical. Enjoy everything you love about
Walt Disney World with holiday-themed parades, sing-alongs, fireworks and festive treats. No one knows how to ring in the new year like Mickey and his pals.
WHAT'S NEXT
If you haven't planned your vacation yet, check out our
dealsfor the best prices on packages. Remember that, wherever you're celebrating, we're always keeping your safety top of mind—find out about our
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Travel Ready Hubfor everything you need to know before you go on ho-ho-holiday!
Need more inspo? Explore our complete list of destinations to deck the halls your way!
See all our destinationshagenauersorpathey1961.blogspot.com
Source: https://vacations.aircanada.com/en/travel-guide/all-destinations/top-holiday-destinations