From storybook Christmas festivities to New Year's Eve spectacles, these destinations, near and far, offer holiday celebrations to remember.
Vienna, Austria
With its opulent palaces, horse-drawn carriages parading down cobblestone streets, and rich culture, Vienna, Austria, is dreamy any time of year. During the holidays, the historic city truly shines with an array of Christmas markets, including the renowned Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz square — where angelic concerts fill the air, stalls sell delicious treats and shiny baubles, and over-the-top surprises delight guests at every turn. Soak up the imperial splendor of Schönbrunn Palace, where a towering tree anchors a magnificent Christmas market that also morphs into a New Year’s Market. Vienna boasts a rich heritage of attracting musical greats from Mozart to Beethoven, so make time for a classical or seasonal concert that take place from churches to palaces. On New Year’s Eve, locals waltz into the new year while fireworks burst above the grand city as church bells chime at midnight. In true grandiose form, Viennese ball season begins in winter; buy tickets ahead of time and bring formal attire to attend one of these enchanting events.
Budapest, Hungary
Another nucleus of over-the-top holiday celebrations can be found in Budapest, Hungary. Set along the Danube River, a fairytale scene comes alive in the medieval city known for its castles and incredible architecture, with snowy landscapes and streets dressed in festive lights and dotted with Christmas trees. Budapest is home to some of Europe’s best Christmas markets, particularly in Vörösmarty Square and in front of Saint Stephen’s Basilica, where you’ll shop handmade gifts and devour Hungarian specialties like sugary chimney cakes. Enjoy an unforgettable evening at the stunning Hungarian Opera House to watch the Nutcracker ballet, then swish around the ice-skating rink in City Park. Winter is perfect for enjoying a soak at one of Budapest’s thermal bathhouses like the Szechenyi Baths, with steaming outdoor and indoor pools in a grand setting. On New Year’s Eve, embark on an elegant dinner cruise down the Danube or join the array of street parties to watch the fireworks that pop up in neighborhoods around the city.
Sydney, Australia
For those who wish to escape the typical snowy setting, there’s no better place to mark the new year than Sydney, Australia, where pleasant summer breezes are the best gift. The greatest show of the year happens when the world-famous fireworks dramatically explode over Sydney Harbour and the arched bridge, and there are plenty of places to watch the spectacle. Take a harbour cruise for unobstructed views, make reservations at a ritzy rooftop bar, or simply bring a blanket to free vantage points like Observatory Hill or Blues Point Reserve. Keep the celebrations going at the iconic Sydney Opera House for a special performance, and enjoy balmy days at abundant beaches.
CLOSER TO HOME
Aspen, Colorado
The glitz and glamour of Aspen, Colorado, only escalates during the holiday season as the chic alpine town transforms into a living snow globe. The veritable winter wonderland creates the perfect backdrop for a storybook horse and carriage ride and incredible skiing and snowboarding that’s followed by an elevated, and often rowdy, après-ski scene. Join a fashionable crowd that indulges in Champagne-fueled parties at the bottom of the slopes, people-watch on the patio of the glamorously casual Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell, or cozy up at J-Bar in the landmark Hotel Jerome. Head to downtown, lined with snow-cloaked trees and dangling lights, for a hub of luxury shopping — whether you’re customizing a Stetson hat at legendary Kemo Sabe or picking up a designer coat or handbag. Ring in the New Year watching the fireworks erupt in an array of colors over Aspen Mountain for the ultimate Rocky Mountain high.
Charleston, South Carolina
Yuletide spirit reigns supreme in Charleston, South Carolina, with gilded mansions, storefronts, and churches draped in holiday finery and a 40-foot tree holding court in the Market Street Circle. Celebrate the season with guided holiday walking tours that take guests past beautifully adorned homes and landmarks, and snow magically falls on Market Street Circle nightly until the end of the year. At the epicenter of the festivities is The Charleston Place, downtown’s landmark hotel and holiday headquarters, which will transform into a Nutcracker-themed world with appearances by ballerinas from the Dance Conservatory of Charleston through New Year’s Eve. Bask in the wonder of the season with the cherished pastime of afternoon tea at the Thoroughbred Club, and don’t miss the hotel’s beloved train display in the lobby. A longtime family tradition in Charleston, drive through the Holiday Festival of Lights in James Island County Park through Dec. 31., 2023 to peep two million dazzling lights.
Cape May, New Jersey
Gas-lit streets, opulent Victorian-style homes, and the sounds of carolers wafting through the air — the small coastal town of Cape May, New Jersey feels as if it’s been ripped from a Dickens tale during the holidays. As America’s only National Historic Landmark City, relish in its holiday lights and old-fashioned traditions with tours and events presented by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) that run through the new year. Zip around on open-air trolley rides to see the twinkling lights or choose from different tours that roam through Victorian homes, inns, bed and breakfasts, and churches that are decked out for the holidays. The most popular is the Christmas Candlelight House Tour, which has been a staple for 50 years and offers an authentic taste of Cape May.
