Christmas vacations

Phoenix, Arizona – a holiday in the desert

Visit Phoenix this Christmas and find out the true meaning of Southwestern warmth and hospitality. Ring in the season with the annual Las Noches de las Luminarias festival, where more than 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags line the pathways of the Desert Botanical Garden. Indulge in gourmet treats and hot apple cider as you listen to Mariachis singing. For a more traditional holiday pastime, head to downtown Phoenix for the annual CitySkate Ice Rink at the CityScape complex, where you can glide through the ice, enjoy the songs of carollers, try some holiday cookies, and dine and shop. Read more and book your Phoenix vacation.

Las Vegas, Nevada – 24-hour celebrations

It’s no secret that Las Vegas is the place to go for celebrations — and Christmastime is no exception. Hotel hop and join the fun! Head to The Cosmopolitan to enjoy some holiday traditions such as ice skating and savouring s’mores by the fire, or find your way to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to marvel at their huge holiday display and impressive Christmas tree. If you’re craving something sweet, drop by the Ethel M Chocolate Factory where, aside from enjoying a bar or two, you’ll have a view of rows of cacti decorated with endless strings of Christmas lights. Read more and book your Las Vegas vacation.

Honolulu, Hawaii – parades on the beach

While the traditional luau and hula are prevalent year-round, locals usher in the holidays in early December with the Honolulu City Lights tradition of live music, parades and a 63-foot pine tree. The event features month-long festivities including fundraisers, concerts, a free milk and cookies night, children’s rides and food booths. On the second week of December, locals and guests alike can partake in the Haleiwa Christmas Parade on the North Shore, which boasts floats, bands, hula dancers and beauty queens. Perhaps the best part of spending Christmas in Honolulu is that you get to enjoy all of the holiday merriment alongside beautiful beaches and crystal blue waters. Now that’s what we call a holiday! Read more and book your Honolulu Bay vacation.

Cancun, Mexico – traditional merriment in a unique locale

In Mexico, Christmas is the time to be with family. And when in Mexico, do as the Mexicans do. Starting in mid-December, join locals in celebrating Las Posadas, a nine-day processional that includes singing and the sharing of festive foods. Or head down to Kukulcan Plaza for a free choir concert, admiring the festive lights and decorations at city hall on the way. Rest assured most restaurants and nightclubs are open on Christmas Day, so you can leave the stress of cooking and entertaining behind. Read more and book your Cancun vacation.

Los Cabos, Mexico – have a whale of a holiday

While many travel to Los Cabos to enjoy some beachside relaxation, others find that the holidays are a great time to participate in world-class sport fishing. Popular catches include snapper, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and cabrilla. During the holidays, striped and blue marlin are especially abundant in the waters of Cabo San Lucas. But if fishing isn’t exactly your thing, you may want to start a new tradition: whale-watching. Every December, locals and guests can witness whales migrating from the cold Bering Sea to the warmer waters of Baja. Five different kinds of whales can be found in Los Cabos at this time, including the humpback whale and grey whale. Read more and book your Los Cabos vacation.

Orlando, Florida – Christmas at the theme park

When we think of Orlando, we think of warm weather, beaches and, of course, the theme parks. While there’s family fun to be had year-round in the city, the theme parks are an especially magical place to be during the holidays. Walt Disney World lights up with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Candlelight Processional at Epcot and much, much more. Read more and book your Orlando vacation.

Kahului, Maui – take the leap

If your family is the adventurous type, why not celebrate the holidays doing something truly different and memorable, like skydiving in Kahului? There are multiple companies that offer skydiving trips in the area and accommodate groups for an experience you and your loved ones won’t soon forget. Of course, there are plenty of other outdoor adventures to be had in Kahului, including kitesurfing, spearfishing and helicopter tours. Read more and book your Kahului vacation.