Imagine the incredible trip that you’ll remember long taking you on Christmas and New Year’s Eve in 2024. Picture yourself surrounded by the beautiful ambiance of the vacation lights in some of the world’s most breathtaking locations. Whether you’re wandering through lovely German Christmas markets, soaking up the festive vibes in exotic paradises, or enjoying calm white landscapes, this holiday season promises real magic.
Imagine yourself inhaling the holiday spirit at locations all over the world, each with its own unique appeal and rich culture. There’s a great area waiting just for you, from bustling city streets decked out in sparkling decorations to quiet adventures nestled in beautiful natural settings. Imagine making memories that will warm your heart for years to come by sharing laughter, song, and delightful annual snacks with your loved ones and new companions.
Take this chance to create lasting memories and embark on a journey filled with discovery, renewal, and excitement. As you bid the old year adieu and welcome the new, take your time in exciting new adventures and the promise of new beginnings. Whether you’re drawn to exploring ancient traditions, savoring mouthwatering local cuisines, or simply unwinding amidst breathtaking scenery, the possibilities are endless and ready for you to explore.
Do n’t be afraid to reach out if the idea of these extraordinary experiences piques your curiosity and sense of adventure. Let’s collaborate to create a holiday escape that meets all expectations and realizes your dreams. This is your chance to take a transformative journey where every moment is enthralling and each destination invites you to create unforgettable experiences. Take in the spirit of the holidays and make the journey that will leave you with treasured memories to cherish for the rest of your life.
Northern Lights in Finland
Finland welcomes travelers to explore the enchanting Lapland, providing a magical Christmas experience. Winter sports like husky-sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling are all possible, or you can do a dog-sled tour above the Arctic Circle in the wild areas unmarred by city lights. And the nights are so long, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are very good!
I love the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, which offers cozy treehouse suites and glasshouses, each with its own private sauna. You could spend a fortune on one of their suites, which are situated in their own private, quiet neighborhood on a slope in the woods. From your bed, panoramic windows offer breathtaking views of the northern skies and midnight sun. This boutique hotel is an extraordinary blend of luxurious comfort, Arctic nature, Lapland traditions, and chic Scandinavian design.
This destination is truly otherworldly.
MUSIC IN LONDON
Nothing says Christmas quite like Charles Dickens’s London, with so much to relish! At the Warner Bros., you could see Hogwarts in the Snow. Visit the Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley during the Studio Tour. See the Christmas lights and sparkling displays such as those on Regent Street, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and more. After 17 years, ice skating on the Natural History Museum’s Christmas rink has become a tradition. Or you can watch Christopher Wren’s architectural masterpiece and get a free St. Pauls Christmas concert there.
The Langham, London, and the Royal Academy of Music collaborated this year to celebrate the joy and hope that the holiday season brings through the universal language of music. This Christmas will be remembered thanks to musical performances and music-inspired dining. This landmark hotel in west London, which dates back 157 years, makes a full-throttled Yuletide. Not so keen on musicals? The festive tea in Palm Court, created by Michel Roux Jr and executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett, is green, red, and gold. And just stunning to behold, never mind eat! Meanwhile, over at the Artesia bar – originally a 360ft well at the front of the hotel – serves custom holiday cocktails.
NATIVITY SCENES IN ROME
Rome is renowned for its exquisite nativity scenes. There is a fantastic exhibit called 100 Presepi that features creches from every continent, and my half-Italian mother collected nativity scenes from all over the world. The Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza di Spagna, both of which are near the Spanish Steps, are also noteworthy. A visit to the Piazza San Pietro in front of St. Peter’s basilica, where the annual Christmas crib is displayed, is quite an experience. Even the Vatican can host Christmas Mass. Additionally, you can find Italian candies, toys, street musicians, and artists at Christmas markets like those in Piazza Navona and Mazzini.
I love La Posta Vecchi Hotel, 35 minutes outside of Rome, which overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea. One of the most extraordinary hotels in the world, this hotel is one of the finest Renaissance hotels with exquisite Renaissance decor. It was once a residence for the wealthy Orsini family and later became the seaside residence of J. Paul Getty. You’ll enjoy jazz playlists while surrounded by Arezzo tapestries. You can also go to Cerveteri’s Etruscan tombs or the Roman ruins of a villa constructed in the second century BC. This hotel has a stunning indoor pool, spa, and beauty club, as well as delicious gourmet food that is both romantic and ultra-secular. From pastures to the Palatine Hills, they say their path is wide. I love that!
MUSIC IN VIENNA
When I think of the holidays in Vienna, I think of classical concerts. Perhaps because of the annual tradition of PBS ‘ broadcast of Great Performances” From Vienna: The New Year’s Celebration”. The Musikverein is undoubtedly the best and most prestigious classical music venue in the world. Additionally, among other things, they are giving a concert of Christmas songs in 9 different languages this year.
Vienna also hosts a number of Christmas markets that are dedicated to unusual goods, original art, or delicious food. With fragrant candles and soaps, caramel apples and roasted almonds muddle together. Do n’t miss a taste of lebkuchen ( similar to gingerbread ) or a stollen. The spekulatius are my favorite cookie because they resemble the Polish ones my mother made. Finally, Christkindlmarkt also provides a park’s romantic ice skating trail.
The Palais Coburg Residenz in the city center is now a prestigious hotel, one of the last grand palaces to be constructed in Vienna. Set just behind the Parkring with views of Stadtpark, the hotel is an era-bending blend of medieval brick walls, starkly modern elements, and antique furnishings. With only 34 suites, you know you’ll be treated like royalty. Oenophiles will appreciate their barrel-vaulted cellars that house over 60, 000 bottles and enjoy tasting some extraordinarily-prized labels in the red-leather wine bar. This hotel is also home to a two-Michelin-star restaurant by chef Silvio Nickol. This stunning retreat is very cool and chic!
ALPS WINTER SPORT
A white Christmas in the Austrian Alps is a unique experience. The magnificent alpine scenery is always in view and awe-inspiring. Lech Zürs am Arlberg ski region, which has been a favored destination for nearly a century, is the best place to ski in winter. With many awards for skiing, snowboarding, and heli-skiing, this cosmopolitan destination is a top favorite among winter sports enthusiasts. For snowshoe walkers and winter hikers, you can also enjoy 27 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails and winter trails.
Thurnhers Alepenhof is a fairytale retreat in the winter. This five-star hotel offers ski-in/ski-out access, complimentary ski instruction, and excursions. You can take a day or afternoon off and unwind at their spa. There are a variety of saunas and steam rooms nearby, as well as an indoor pool with a counter-current system. Enjoy some ski stretching and gymnastics. Enjoy some drinks in their Coco’s Lounge or a delicious fondue for Christmas Eve. Incidentally, this year, their traditional Gala Dinner is a complimentary gift for guests to welcome them back after all that we’ve been through.
TEQUILA TASTING IN MEXICO
The Baja peninsula in Mexico’s landscape is a glittering backdrop to the new year as a backdrop of blue and gold. One& Only Palmilla offers glamor, delights, sunshine, and fun over the holiday season, and yes, there is still space available for 2022. To learn how to recreate traditional Mexican dishes, take one of their numerous immersive culinary classes. As your teacher explains the various styles and flavors of tequila to you in a masterclass, you can sample some of it and learn about its history and traditions.
Slide some oysters down on Christmas Eve and Christmas day and enjoy the festivities with live entertainment, carollers, and sketch artists. You can watch movies at night or paint ornaments. Go whale-watching on your own chartered yacht. Visit a private beach cove where you can float on a bed suspended above the soft, white sands or use an ocean hammock to stretch out. With a personal waiter on hand to take care of your every need, gaze out on the serene beauty of the Sea of Cortez and its dramatic rocky cliffs. And on New Year’s Eve, see in 2023 on the beach with fireworks and music.