Do the holidays have you feeling jittery? Well, if it’s not due to downing all those Peppermint Mochas at Starbuck’s, then you must just be nervous about your holiday plans – or the lack of them. It’s time to get started on your getaway! Escape to a tropical island, feel the icy rush as you glide down a ski slope, enjoy a harmonious advent concert or get a glimpse of the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. It’s all up to you.
No doubt about it, almost everyone’s favorite getaway, winter or not, is the beach. Indulge in sunshine and sand, instead of snow and ice, but get there the best way … on a cruise. Cruises to the Bahamas are the perfect getaway and can be planned effortlessly, with all-inclusive options that include meals, room service, activities, AND entertainment. With so many packages available for the holiday season, possibilities are endless. Leave from Ft. Lauderdale, enjoy the private island of Coco Cay and make a pit stop at Paradise Island, all in a quick 3 days. Or, if you’d like to prolong your trip a little longer, you’re welcome to extend your stay on the island as long as you like. www.carnival.com/cruise-to/bahamas.aspx
Heading on a skiing adventure to the mountains over the holidays is a favorite for many. Log cabins, chalets and warm drinks around toasty fires are simply tradition. Aspen, Colorado offers many resorts and mountains to fulfill your frosty fantasies, one being Snowmass, with over 76 trails to enjoy. If you’re not one for skiing, no worries, just enjoy the beautiful setting while watching fireworks on New Year’s Ever or hear live music at the Hyman Avenue Mall.
www.friasproperties.com/aspen/top-10-list-of-12-days-of-aspen-christmas/
With Advent starting November 25th, the city of Vienna is in full swing, preparing for annual concerts and the Christmas Carol extravaganza. The grand gala concert on December 17 features more than 150 artists such as the Vienna Academy, Vienna Boys Choir, and Radio City Orchestra and it’s taking place at the Weiner Konzerthaus. The International Advent Cantata, held on the Ringstrasse, is a succession of performing choirs from various European countries and the U.S. that runs from November 25th through December 24th with free admission. Also, on specific days, both St. Stephen’s Cathedral and St. Anne’s Church offer festive holiday music ranging from chamber ensembles to trumpet players to classical carolers to get folks in the spirit.
www.helloonline.com/travel/201111236624/vienna-advent-concerts-christmas-2011/
Families are rooted in tradition and tradition is key during the holidays. What greater tradition is there than one that’s lasted 75 years? New York City’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lures individuals, couples, and families from all over the world with its glistening lights and fragrant smell. Take a tour around Central Park in a horse-drawn carriage, go ice skating at Wollman Rink, Bryant Park or in Rock Center and don’t miss the annual Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall starring the one and only Rockettes. Fun fact: the tiny Rock Center rink was originally created in 1936 to draw a bigger audience and was not meant to be permanent.
www.rockefellercenter.com/tour-and-explore/
Another unique live event is the Three Bears Holiday Bash playing in Central Park at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater. This show is perfect for kids, offering them a full plate of entertainment in song, dance and puppetry that draws from Hanukkah, the Night Before Christmas and Kwanzaa.
So, don’t stay home this holiday season! You can still kick back those peppermint mochas in at least two of the four above places so shop for a new bathing suit, get out your ice skates and get those skis polished. And best of all, let go of your anxiety.