Top Christmas Break Destinations
Christmas break is the time of year where college students return home, grade school kids pester their parents seven days a week instead of two, and parents anxiously await the arrival of the new year. If you find this is your point of view of Christmas break then you may need a change of pace.
Perhaps this Christmas break you need to take a trip and shake things up a bit. Now, this isn't a trip to grandma's house or to Santa Land at the local amusement park, this a trip that you wouldn't normally take any time else but Christmas. Basically, you will be looking for a Christmas "hot-spot" so-to-speak to get away from the normal Christmas you have each year.
By no means is this article stating that your Christmas traditions are humdrum or boring but if you find you need a break from the normal, then look to one of the spots below for some eye-opening fun and a way to throw a Christmas curveball at your family and friends!
Hershey, Pennsylvania
The city known for its world famous chocolate factory is also a great place to spend the holidays. Not only are the factory tours still going on with a bit of a Christmas spin, the theme park is open as well in an event known asHersheypark Christmas Candylane.
If hot chocolate, Christmas-themed rides, and shopping aren't your thing, then you can always take a drive through theHershey Sweet Lightsdisplay. With nearly 600 hundred lighted displays; and music to go along with it; you can enjoy the holiday season from the warmth of your car.
Of course you can buffet your Christmas break in Hershey by staying at the two main resorts in town:Hershey LodgeorThe Hotel Hershey. Both resorts offer unique Christmas experiences to include breakfast with Santa, ice skating, and making s'mores by the fire in addition to the already chocolate themed activities each has to offer.
Charleston, South Carolina
If chocolate isn't your thing but carriage rides through the quintessential Revolutionary War city is, then you must go down to Charleston, South Carolina during your Christmas break. Of course you will be without snow but where the city lacks the white stuff, it makes up for it with lights, activities, and southern charm.
The city is known for its great carriage rides during the summer that give you tours throughout the streets steeped in history. These tours don't stop just because it gets cold (by South Carolina standards) and an added element of amusement is the thousands of Christmas lights one can see along the way.
Don't stop with a carriage ride though because there are dozens of other parties,festivals, and experiences to be had at Christmas in Charleston. Of course if you feel up to it, you can head down to the beach; but you most likely will be the only one there.
Hawaii
If you want to go to a beach at Christmas and actually be able to enjoy it, then you can always head over to Hawaii! Of course this may seem to be the opposite of what most people are looking for at Christmas but the 50th state has everything that any other state has to offer; even snow!
That's right, most people don't realize that Hawaii has snow, but of course it is on top of volcanoes. You could easily go to the beach during the day and at night take a trip up to see and play in the snow; or even switch it up and do the snow during the day and the beach at night.
Hawaii really has everything for everyone when it comes to Christmas: beaches, snow, Christmas trees, light displays, parades, everything! All it takes is for you to get the plane tickets, load up the family, and enjoy it for yourself.
North Pole, Alaska
If you want the full Christmas experience and aren't afraid of the cold, then you need to head up to North Pole, Alaska where it is Christmas all year long! That's right, the residents and businesses of this small Alaskan town just outside ofFairbankskeep the holiday cheer going all year long!
You can take your kids toSanta Claus' house, stay atHotel North Pole, and guarantee them that Santa will be delivering presents because he lives right down the street! Now, don't be discouraged, this won't be likeThe Santa Clause 3movie withTim Allen;Jack Frosthasn't perverted this tiny town into a commercialized nightmare.
Of course this destination isn't the most thought of spot for a Christmas break but it is definitely one the family will never forget and the kids will be talking about for years!
If none of these destinations tickle your Christmas stockings, then you can always try Rio down in Brazil, or Beijing, China. The Christmas season in those places are supposed to be pretty good as well. All it takes is for you to shake things up and get out there!
