Home to the Matterhorn, the most sought-after ski slope in the world, Zermatt is where ski enthusiasts (and Christmas lovers) spend a unique ski vacation.
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As the holiday season approaches, many of us are thinking about planning a special trip for the month of December. From quaint New England towns to European winter wonderlands to tropical getaways, stunning destinations are waiting to be discovered this December. Whether you're drawn to festive markets, world-class skiing, or just a warm beach to relax on, these seven places promise unforgettable vacation memories.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Why not spend the month of December participating in Nantucket's most popular festive celebration: the annual Christmas Stroll. This year (the 50th anniversary of the eventth anniversary), the march will take place from December 6 to 8. You will be captivated as historic downtown Nantucket transforms into an incredible winter wonderland. The event was originally launched to encourage residents to buy local produce and enjoy their own city center rather than going to the mainland to buy gifts. From now on, the stores remain open throughout the month and proudly display elaborately designed windows. The cobblestone streets of downtown will be adorned with hundreds of seven-foot trees lit and decorated by locals. Festive outfits and ugly sweaters are encouraged – and don't miss Santa's grand arrival via Coast Guard ship. THE White Elephant Hotellocated just a short walk from the city center, is a wonderful family accommodation option.
Zurich is ideal for winter enthusiasts, offering a great mix of top cuisine and cultural activities, as well as easy access to some of the best ski areas in the world.
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Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is ideal for winter enthusiasts, offering a great mix of top cuisine and cultural activities, as well as easy access to some of the best ski areas in the world. Discover one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe with a 30-foot-tall tree wrapped in Swarovski crystals. After you finish your Christmas shopping, cozy up and cozy up by visiting Lindt Home of Chocolate for tours and chocolate workshops to discover the art of Swiss chocolate making. Stay at The Eden Reserve at the Lakea stunning Belle Époque palace on the shores of Lake Zurich, which offers sumptuous accommodation with panoramic lake views and a rooftop Peruvian restaurant offering heated dining bubbles.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna transforms into a magical winter destination in December and there's no better place to be in the middle of it all than in Almanac Palace Vienna. With its prime location on Ringstrasse, Vienna's most famous boulevard, guests can easily stroll to Vienna's legendary Christmas markets full of handmade crafts and local specialties, such as Swiss bread cookies. Lebkuchen spice. Fill your nights with song by listening to classical music with an Advent concert at St. Stephen's Cathedral or attending a performance at the Vienna State Opera. When temperatures drop, head to the hotel's two-story subterranean wellness sanctuary, which pays homage to Vienna's 2,000-year-old seaside culture with its marble-clad spa, complete with indoor thermal pool and sauna.
Oh my! Paris in December is a must!
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Paris, France
Paris attracted a lot of attention this summer as host of the 2024 Olympics, but its moment in the spotlight continues with the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in December, five years after a devastating fire. A ceremony on December 7 will precede public access from December 16. For accommodation, La Réserve Paris offers a romantic getaway near the Champs-Élysées, while La Réserve Paris Apartments caters to families and offers views of the Eiffel Tower. Alternatively, the newly opened Hotel Hana in February 2024 in the Japanese Quarter features minimalist Japanese design mixed with Belle Époque Parisian elements for a truly unique stay.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Home to the Matterhorn, the most sought-after ski slope in the world, Zermatt is where ski enthusiasts go for a unique ski vacation. But even if you don't ski, there are so many things to enjoy, including a quaint village, excellent restaurants (including a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants), and a charming car-free village. Try your hand at snowshoeing, ice skating, skiing (you can cross the Italian border) or curling. Stay at Matterhorn Palacea 170-year-old hotel that offers picture-perfect mountain views, three gourmet restaurants and a fabulous spa with indoor and outdoor pools and much more. Or stay at the Schweizerhof, an upscale and cozy ski chalet with a family-friendly kids' club.
Eleuthera, a hidden gem of the Bahamas, is home to an incredible 135 pristine beaches and is perfect for a December getaway.
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Eleuthera, Bahamas
Eleuthera, a hidden gem of the Bahamas, is home to 135 pristine beaches and is perfect for a December getaway, especially for those looking to escape the winter cold. The Potlatch Clubthe first luxury boutique hotel on the island, has just opened its doors in June 2024 after an extensive seven-year restoration. This secluded retreat features a lovely mix of historic and newly constructed whitewashed suites, garden cottages, oceanfront cottages and more.
The Cotswolds, United Kingdom
The area, made famous by the beloved film The Holiday, is just a 2-hour drive from London and is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (an official protected land designation). During the holiday period, the villages of the region are all adorned with pretty twinkling lights. To immerse yourself in the destination, there is no better place to stay than Thymea restored family estate in Southrop. The property offers beautiful hikes and resplendent gardens, as well as many interesting activities like cooking and a wreath-making workshop.
