Travel

6 Best Holiday Destinations for A Christmas and New Year Eve

6 Best Holiday Destinations for A Christmas and New Year Eve

Holidays are on the way!

What’s your plan this year?

Want to go to a dreamland or a snowland?

Well, there are actually an abundance of places. 

I know when christmas holidays are near, you get puzzled with a lot of options.

And, I also know that a right guide can make a huge difference. So, that’s why I have curated a list of places that you can consider visiting these holidays. 

The list of dreamy places is vast, but what I want is to ease your things. So, I have listed those that you are surely gonna like. Let’s check.

6 Best Holiday Destinations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve

Aspen

Aspen

Image Credit: Pinterest

Few places rival Aspen as a winter wonderland. Nestled among the towering Colorado Rockies, this picturesque mountain town looks like it’s straight out of a snow globe, with charming chalets dotting the landscape. 

Aspen is famous for its world-class skiing, boasting four top-notch ski areas that cater to skiers of all levels.

Beyond skiing, Aspen offers thrilling snowmobile tours through some of Colorado’s best terrain.

But Aspen isn’t just about winter sports.

It’s a vibrant destination with upscale shopping, intriguing museums, quirky art galleries, and lively festivals. 

You might find yourself torn between hitting the slopes and exploring the town’s cultural scene.

Whatever you decide, Aspen promises an unforgettable vacation.

Where to Visit?

  • Maroon Bells
  • Independence Pass
  • Snowmass
  • Aspen Mountain
  • T-Lazy-7 Ranch
  • Silver Queen Gondola
  • Crater Lake Trail
  • Buttermilk

What to Eat?

  • Japanese Eatery
  • Sushi Haven Matsuhisa
  • Snacks and sandwich
  • Meet and cheese

Where to Stay?

The Little Nell

  • 0.3 miles to city center
  • $1649

Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection 

  • 0.1 miles to city center
  • $1240

The St. Regis Aspen Resort

  • 0.4 miles to city center
  • $1359

Viceroy Snowmass

  • 6.9 miles to city center
  • $425

Aspen Meadows Resort

  • 1.1 miles to city center
  • $998

Limelight Hotel Aspen

  • 0.3 miles to city center
  • $845

Rome

Rome

Image Credit: Pinterest

Rome, often called the city of seven hills, has a legendary beginning.

According to myth, Romulus and Remus, twin brothers raised by a she-wolf and fathered by a war god, founded this Eternal City. 

While historians debate this tale, travelers agree that Rome has a magical allure. 

Whether it’s the intrigue of Vatican City, the haunting history of the Colosseum, sipping coffee in Piazza Navona, or enjoying a hearty plate of pasta in a cozy trattoria, Rome captivates visitors.

As Italy’s capital, Rome is steeped in history dating back to the times of Octavian, Julius Caesar, and Hadrian.

The city is adorned with ancient landmarks like the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, and numerous churches rich with history.

Art enthusiasts flock to the Vatican Museums to admire its vast collection, while food lovers indulge in authentic Italian cuisine, including gelato.

Where to Visit?

  • Colosseum (Colosseo)
  • Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapen
  • St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica Di San Pietro)
  • Roman Forum
  • Trevi Fountain (Fontana Di Trevi)
  • Piazza Navona

What to Eat?

  • Cacio e Pepe (Pasta Dish)
  • Carbonara
  • Espresso drinks at Caffe Sant’Eustachio
  • Casa Manco for pizza
  • Pane e Salame for sandwiches

Where to Stay?

Hotel Hassler

  • 1.5 miles to city center
  • $904

Hotel De Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel

  • 1.9 miles to city center
  • $1534

Hotel Eden

  • 1.4 miles to city center
  • $1436

Hotel De La Ville, a Rocco Forte Hotel

  • 1.5 miles to city center
  • $1469

J.K. Place Rome

  • 1.7 miles to city center
  • $839

Salzburg

Salzburg

Image Credit: Pinterest

Salzburg is the city that truly inspired Mozart, Haydn, and Julie Andrews, and continues to captivate visitors. 

You too can fall under its spell as you wander among its Baroque buildings and Romanesque arches, hoping to catch echoes of Mozart’s piano or a melody from “Do-Re-Mi” by the Trapp Family Singers. 

While that may not happen, you can immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant festival scene, like the renowned Salzburg Festival in the summer.

During your visit, explore the Gothic fortress of Festung Hohensalzburg, visit the Dom zu Salzburg for a moment of reflection, or savor traditional schnitzel and dumplings in the charming Altstadt (Old Town) district. 

Salzburg isn’t just about music; it also boasts medieval castles, enchanting palaces, and beautiful gardens, adding to its rich history and charm.

Where to Visit?

  • Altstadt (Old Town)
  • Dom Zu Salzburg (Salzburg Cathedral)
  • Mirabellgarten (Mirabell Gardens) 
  • Festung Hohensalzburg (Hohensalzburg Fortress)
  • Schloss Hellbrunn (Hellbrunn Palace)
  • Cable Car Untersberg (Untersbergbahn)

What to Eat?

  • Austrian Food
  • German Food
  • Dumplings
  • Hearty Soups
  • Stuffed Pastries
  • Gulasch (the Austrian Hungarian goulash – it is served with bread)
  • Wiener schnitzel (known as the fried pork cutlets)
  • Marillenknödel (apricot dumplings)
  • Rindsuppe (beef soup comes with dumplings or pancakes)

Where to Stay?

Hotel Salzburgerhof

  • 34.8 miles to city center
  • $478

Hotel & Villa Auersperg

  • 0.4 miles to city center
  • $357

Hotel Schloss Monchstein

  • 0.5 miles to city center
  • $876

Hotel Sacher Salzburg

  • 0.1 miles to city center
  • $1109

Hotel Goldener Hirsch, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Salzburg

  • 0.2 miles to city center
  • $664

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City, Canada

Image Credit: Pinterest

Québec City, the capital of the Canadian province of Québec, used to live in the shadow of its neighbor, Montréal. 

However, when there was its 400th birthday celebration in 2008 brought it back into the spotlight. 

Since then, tourists have been coming here to experience the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site firsthand.

Once you step through the fortified walls of Old Québec, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a scene from a European painting: The streets are lined with 18th- and 19th-century buildings that now house bakeries, cozy restaurants, and unique shops. 

Cobblestone squares are filled with café tables, creating a lively atmosphere.

At every turn, you’ll encounter a piece of Québec City’s fascinating history, waiting to be explored.

Where to Visit?

  • Old Québec (Vieux-Québec)
  • Montmorency Falls Park (Parc de la Chute-Montmorency)
  • Terrasse Dufferin
  • Place-Royale
  • The Citadel (La Citadelle)
  • Battlefields Park (Parc Des Champs-De-Bataille)
  • Quartier Petit Champlain

Where to Eat?

  • Poutine
  • Pea soup
  • Pâté chinois
  • Cretons
  • Tourtières
  • Fèves au lard
  • Pouding chômeur
  • Grands-pères
  • St. Catherine’s taffy

Where to Stay?

Auberge Saint-Antoine

  • 1.2 miles to city center
  • $490

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

  • 1 mile to city center
  • $587

Hotel 71

  • 1.1miles to city center
  • $356

Le Bonne Entente

  • 5.4 miles to city center
  • $131

Hotel Des Coutellier

  • 0.9 miles to city center
  • $360

Auberge Saint-Pierre

  • 1.1 miles to city center
  • $323

Prague

Prague

Image Credit: Pinterest

Prague is a thriving city that’s drawing more tourists than ever before.

Behind its beautiful downtown area lies a history of challenges and triumphs. 

Founded around A.D. 870, Prague has endured many battles, invasions, fires, and floods.

Its ability to survive and bounce back from adversity is what makes it so captivating. 

Nowadays, Prague’s ancient churches, narrow streets, impressive hilltop castle, and bridges adorned with statues make it feel like something out of a fairy tale.

Even the most seasoned traveler would find it hard not to fall under the spell of this enchanting city.

In December, Prague, the capital of Czechia, transforms into a magical winter scene that you have to see to believe. 

The city’s old buildings sparkle with lights, and its Christmas markets are among the best worldwide.

What’s great is that many of Prague’s main sights like Old Town Square and the Charles Bridge don’t cost anything to visit, so you can enjoy sightseeing without spending a lot of money.

Where to Visit?

  • Old Town Square (Staromestské námestí)
  • Charles Bridge (Karluv most)
  • Prague Castle
  • Petrin Hill
  • St. Vitus Cathedral (Chrám svatého Víta)
  • National Theatre (Národní divadlo)
  • Vinohrady
  • Jewish Quarter (Josefov)

What to Eat?

  • Knedlíky (bread dumplings)
  • Svícková
  • Bramboráky (potato pancakes)
  • Ovocné knedlíky (fresh fruit dumplings topped with curd cheese)
  • Perníky (gingerbread cookies)

Where to Stay?

Mandarin Oriental, Prague

  • 0.7 miles to city center
  • $987

Four Seasons Hotel Prague

  • 0.3 miles to city center
  • $601

Alchymist Grand Hotel and Spa

  • 0.9 miles to city center
  • $187

Golden Well Hotel

  • 0.8 miles to city center
  • $225

Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel Prague

  • 0.6 miles to city center
  • $301

Mosaic House Design Hotel

  • 0.7 miles to city center
  • $158

Munich

Munich

Image Credit: Pinterest

Even though Munich is known for being one of Germany’s pricier cities, it draws a large number of visitors who are enchanted by its mix of old-fashioed customs and contemporary life. 

Besides being famous for hosting the traditional Oktoberfest, which has been going on for 200 years, Munich is also a major center in Europe for industries like publishing and technology.

Nestled near the Bavarian Alps and located alongside the River Isar, Munich offers both scenic natural beauty and lively streets filled with luxury stores and sleek BMW cars. 

Where to Visit?

  • Marienplatz
  • English Garden (Englischer Garten)
  • Munich Residence (Residenz München)
  • Nymphenburg Palace (Schloss Nymphenburg)
  • Viktualienmarkt
  • Old Tow (Altstadt)
  • Asam Church (Asamkirche)

What to Eat?

  • Weißwurstfrühstück (literally “white sausage breakfast”)
  • Croatian Dishes
  • Sweet Mustard
  • Wheat Beer
  • Uyghur dishes

Where to Stay?

The Charles Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel

  • 2.4 miles to city center
  • $605

Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor – a concept by Hyatt

  • 1.1 miles to city center
  • $248

Mandarin Oriental, Munich

  • 2 miles to city center
  • $778

Hotel Bayerischer Hof

  • 2.1 miles to city center
  • $397

Hotel Muenchen Palace

  • 1.5 miles to city center
  • $227

Louis Hotel

  • 2.3 miles to city center
  • $381

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