People say there's no place like home for the holidays, but we think there's something extra special about discovering a new place during the holiday season. Whether it's touring historic homes by candlelight, sipping holiday cocktails in a new setting, or lacing up ice skates for the first time in years, here are six festive destinations offering a little holiday cheer. travel in December.
Longwood Gardens
The more than 1,000 acres Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is a seasonal favorite given its grounds' annual transformation into a winter wonderland. Marvel at more than 18,000 Christmas plants, more than 67,000 Christmas tree decorations and half a million lights illuminating the park. New this year is a glass conservatory filled with Mediterranean plants that will brighten up even the gloomiest winter days. End your visit with a celebratory meal at Longwood's new fine dining restaurant, 1906.
Bath County
Bath County has been attracting travelers since the 18th century due to its natural mineral springs. Today, the springs continue to attract visitors, as does the town's original resort, the Omni Property. The Omni is pulling out all the stops for the holidays and this year, the famous refuge is launching a pop-up and festive holiday bar, Bar Blitzenthat will make retro cocktails shake and stir with decor worthy of A Christmas story – think floor lamps, neon signs and lots of garlands and cocktail umbrellas. Throughout the season, the hotel will show Christmas films in its 1920s theater, as well as host breakfast with Santa and story time with his elves. Don't leave without bathing in the on-site hot springs to banish the winter chills.
Middleburg
In the heart of Virginia's horse and wine country, Middleburg is a bustling and festive vacation destination. Come to Tony Town the first weekend of December for the Christmas parade full of red-haired fox hunters, horses and hounds. Being a parade watcher is a perennial favorite, as is holiday shopping the old-fashioned way: in small stores in person. Middleburg is full of small business gems like Cream of the Cream, Middleburg Books,Clothier Highcliffe, Federal and blackAnd The Christmas sleigh.
The Biltmore
Christmas at The Biltmore will take on new meaning this year after the Asheville Estate area suffered from Hurricane Helene. The North Carolina attraction, however, is very open for the holidays and offers a full lineup, including candlelight night tours of the historic mansion. Buy your tickets early (they'll definitely sell out) and plan to spend more time wandering the decorated gardens.
Philadelphia
There's nothing like playing tourist in a neighboring town during the holiday season. Come to Philadelphia and enjoy the city's wealth of museums like the Barnes FoundationTHE Philadelphia Museum of Artand the Rodin Museum. Finish your tour with a festive afternoon tea at the Historical Museum Hotel in Rittenhousea skate session at Dilworth Parkand a city tour 50 foot tall Christmas tree at the Town Hall where you can go shopping Philadelphia Christmas Villagean annual German holiday market.
Williamsburg and Jamestown
Nostalgia and vacations go hand in hand, and nowhere is the past more alive than in Colonial Williamsburg. In December, you can experience colonial-era music, holiday tea at Williamsburg Innand programs ranging from workshops on making candle centerpieces for your holiday table to discussions on what colonial brides wore during the holidays. Nearby in historic Jamestown, you can discover how ” Christmas “ was celebrated in 17th– and 18th18th century Virginia. There will be interpretive programs, cooking demonstrations and musical performances (including Christmas carols) to bring holiday past to life.
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Featured image of Longwood Gardens by Holden Barnes
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