The time of the year most awaited by all is here. Christmas is just around the corner and this is the ideal time to plan your holiday and choose your destination this year.
Here are some great unconventional getaways you could choose from for your vacation.
1. Taos, New Mexico
This remote village turns magical on the Christmas Eve. Though small and quaint, it offers the best of facilities and places for fun. For Christmas, the main historic Ledoux Street is lit up with paper lanternscalled luminarias and there are ceremonial enactments called Posadas. The entire population of this Native American town gathers at the main square in Taos Pueblo. Those who associate winter vacations with skiing need not return disappointed. Being a high desert plain, there is enough snow to house a ski resort – Taos Ski Resort, situated 18 miles away. For the gastronomes, trying out traditional Christmas menu of this town is a must. Do not forget to pick up Native American folk art collectibles for Christmas gifts.
2. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
This quaint little town of Central Mexico comes alive with music, dancing, Posadas and theatrical processions at Christmas. The main town square – El Jardin is the most happening place in the town. Stay at one of the Spanish colonial mansions turned hotels and just walk around the town to get the flavor of a Spanish Christmas. Food is one of the highlights of this place during Christmas. Traditional Mexican delicacies like Ponche, local brews made of brandy and fruits, sweet bread and specialty crepes are the delicacies to try. During the day, visit the curios and antique shops that dot the town and collect your stocking stuffers.
3. Tromso, Norway
If northern lights are on your charts for this year’s Christmas vacation, then Tromso is the place to visit. You can view them between 6 pm and midnight. This sparsely populated snow city bares its wide open skies to give you the perfect views of the northern lights. Apart from this, one can also enjoy dog sledding, cable car rides and of course the great food. You can pick up blown glass collectibles and hand woven sweaters as part of your shopping.
4. Castleton, England
This Christmas Travel destination is the one for food lovers. The eight-course Christmas dinners of Castleton start off with a bang at the strike of mid-night. Do not forget to get the unique purple-orange luminous stone called Blue John, found only at the caverns of Castleton’s caves.
5. Kaikoura, New Zealand
This peninsula is a good break for a summer Christmas. The coastline is teeming with wildlife from the sea – fur seals, whales, dolphins, albatross and all. You could extend the wilderness and stay in tree houses along the bay that gives you spectacular views of the Kaikoura mountain range. Local art galleries, textile stores and cultural centers are great haunts for gifting and souvenir solutions.
