Exciting Holiday Destinations

Orlando, Florida

Orlando, FL’s star attraction, Walt Disney World, creates more than its usual share of wonder during the Christmas season, but the main shindig is Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a ticketed event held from 7 p.m. to midnight on select nights in the Magic Kingdom that's chockfull of fireworks, the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
 
Meanwhile, Epcot features the Holidays Around the World nightly candlelight processional and caroling choir, Animal Kingdom's daily parade includes a holiday theme, and millions of twinkling lights shine on the Streets of America at Disney's Hollywood Studios during the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Be prepared to face large crowds and higher prices from Christmas to New Year’s, though travelers will be amply rewarded with Disney's seasonal charms.

Dominican Republic

Looking to completely escape the hubbub of the holidays? Try a budget-friendly beach vacation at the all-inclusive Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach in the Dominican Republic, where packages can include airfare, airport transfers, room, meals and certain alcoholic beverages. 

If you grow tired of lounging by one of the resort's 4 pools or under the shade of a palm tree on the white-sand beach, Viva also offers a number of activities included in your stay, such as introductory dive lessons, merengue and salsa dance classes, trapeze lessons, windsurfing and kayaking. Food is also ample; the resort's 6 restaurants include the international buffet at La Terraza, Mediterranean fare at the waterfront La Roca, and La Pizzeria, which doles out slices to hungry, late-night partiers.

Sydney, Australia

Australia might not be folks' first thought of where to find Christmas cheer, but Sydney truly might be one of the most festive cities in the world. December in Australia is actually summertime, but don't be fooled by the 80-degree temperatures; Sydney spares no expense in creating a Christmas wonderland throughout the city.

Highlights include the dazzling holiday lights at Town Hall, the enormous Christmas tree at Martin Place pedestrian mall and Christmas on the Green in Hyde Park, where an appearance by Santa delight youngsters and their parents. Still, the real party takes place on Christmas Day at Bondi Beach, where the Sunburnt Christmas party draws thousands of revelers to the shore's of the city's hottest beach. International DJs provide a soundtrack for a dance party, all-day beach barbecues and even a Miss Christmas Bikini contest.

Chicago

New York isn't the only city that can throw a holiday extravaganza. Chicago's Christmas epicenter can be found at Daley Center Plaza's Christkindlmarket, a traditional German Christmas market filled with hundreds of vendors selling handmade ornaments and gifts, like cuckoo clocks and nutcrackers, as well as tasty German treats such as hot spiced wine and sausages and sauerkraut.

Take a trip to Macy's, where visitors can first enjoy the opulent, animated window displays, then take in the wonder of the season with a meal under the towering 45-foot-tall Great Tree in the historic Walnut Room. Finally, make a trip to the ice rink in Millennium Park, or check out the Museum of Science and Industry's display of more than 50 decorated Christmas trees in the Christmas Around the World exhibit. Come nightfall, take in the million-plus holiday lights gleaming along Chicago's Magnificent Mile -- magical.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

'Tis the season for ski buffs planning Christmas in Jackson Hole, WY. The season kicks off at Jackson's Town Square Lighting Ceremony, where twinkling lights wrapped around trees and the square's elk antler arches are lit, Santa arrives via dogsled, Christmas carols are sung by the Jackson Hole Community Band and Jackson Hole Chorale.

Other Jackson Hole Christmastime events include a Christmas ornament workshop, holiday chamber music concerts, a winter solstice bonfire and sleigh ride under the stars, and a Christmas Eve reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas at the village fire pit. For New Year’s, check out the annual torchlight parade and fireworks display at Snow King Resort, where participants ski down a mountain holding flaming torches, in a brilliant display.