Christmas getaways are a big part of annual holiday plans. On the whole they fit into one of two camps; winter love or sunshine escapes, so here’s a quick run-down of ten of the best Christmas Getaways.
10. Ski breaks
Ski breaks definitely fit into the first category with a massive combination of snow, the chill of the mountain air, winter clothing and log cabins. For anyone that loves nothing more than a marshmallow packed hot chocolate next to a roaring fire in the ski lodge after a day on the slopes they’re winter lovers through and through.
9. Christmas shopping in New York
Another seasonal favourite is the shopping trip to New York. Movies have made New York almost as close to Christmas as the North Pole and a trip to the Big Apple to get presents has become the candy cane of Christmas getaways. With snow a regular feature, along with the twinkling lights and decorated shop windows you can’t go too far wrong with a wintery visit to New York if you’re filled with seasonal cheer.
8. The beach getaway
Not everyone loves snow capped, icy mountains or decorated frosty streets. For these, the beach getaway is the perfect break. Getting a good helping of sunshine in the winter months can give you the vitamin D boost needed to kick back the winter blues for long enough for spring to return. For sunshine all year round look towards Thailand, The Maldives or equatorial African and South America.
7. A trip to the North Pole
If you’ve got your own child, or you’re a bit of a kid at heart yourself, a trip to the North Pole at Christmas to see Uncle Nick in his own back yard has got to be up there in your top ten winter getaways. Jack Frost everywhere, accompanied by traditional decorations, real Christmas trees and a present from Chris Cringle’s own fair hand makes this trip a dream for many.
6. Christmas Markets
Another big tradition for winter lovers is to soak in the cheer with Christmas markets. Originating in Europe, in particular in Germany, Christmas markets are another great place to visit for a bit of Christmas shopping or as a wintery getaway treat. Flame-grilled German bratwurst sausages, mulled wine, craft presents for sale and the hearty glow of stalls on a snow kissed morning have firmly cemented visits to Christmas markets as a fan favourite winter getaway.
5. Christmas in Australia
Christmas in Australia has become a bit of a cult classic in terms of winter breaks. While they’re completely unconventional there’s definitely a certain random charm to the idea of having a BBQs on the beach for Christmas dinner. If you’re a bit of a fan of Crocodile Dundee or The Rescuers Down Under, this could be the winter break for you.
4. Alaskan Northern Lights
A week trapped away in a log cabin or rustic Alaskan town won’t be to everyone’s liking, but for anyone looking for a complete hideaway at Christmas, this has got a lot of potential. Bringing in your own wood to keep the fire going and tucking up tight to keep the 21-27 degrees Fahrenheit average at bay is pretty Christmassy. However, the most spectacular views of the Aurora Borealis (the Northern lights) can also be seen from the wilderness plains of Alaska.
3. Escaping the cold in Mexico
However, for sun bunnies, escaping to the hot hot sun of Mexico might be more appealing. Spicy food, poolside living and tequila sunrises make Mexico a great location for a Christmas getaway. Cancun’s mid to high 70 degrees during the winter months speaks for itself.
2. Frozen in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is stunning all year round, but in the heart of winter, the falls begin to freeze, creating of the most breathtaking Christmas postcard scenes you’ll ever get to witness. With the falls just a few dozen metres away from the closest hotels, you don’t even need to catch a cold to see the stunning spectacle of the frozen cascade.
The classic family winter trip
Getting away in the winter months is always a lot of fun, however, when you can combine it with a visit to your relatives, wherever they are, you probably feel the Christmas cheer even more strongly. Travel can be a bit of a drain, but there’s nothing better than getting there, seeing your relatives and settling down for a big family feast.
The Top 10 Christmas Getaways was written by Gerard Harris on behalf of German Christmas markets specialist, Dertour. Images by Voyageur Quest and the Algonquin Log Cabin
