Ash's Holiday Hang-outs (Top 5)
Honorable Mention
Los Angeles,CA
5. Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas is my favorite U.S. City and I couldn't leave the Westcoast (best coast) out of the holiday spirit list. When I went to Las Vegas for Christmas a few years back I got all the best parts of Christmas but with warm weather...and that felt like warm apple pie. Every year the Cosmo has an ice skating rink on the roof with fire pit included and it is the most gorgeous and festive thing I've seen. You can skate, hang out by the big Christmas tree or rent a fire-pit and have hot chocolate with friends. Along with Cosmo and new this year is Enchant at Resorts World which will also give a lovely holiday feel but like x20.
2 of the most visually stunning experiences I've had in the city...click links for details.
4. Vienna, Austria
The full Vienna breakdown can be found in my travel blog section but I will call out the Christmas parts first as that was the biggest reason for coming to this gorgeous wonderland. A few years back I had heard that Vienna had one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe so naturally I had to challenge that comment. I am happy to say it did not disappoint...from the hot wine to the strategically gorgeous placed lights and the shopping I couldn't pin-point what I loved more. More importantly this was the birth place of the Wien Christmas Market and the Opera House so taking a tour of both was a wonderful little gift. You can find great stocking stuffers and lovely keep-sakes at any Christmas Market around the world but if you're looking for one of the best Markets in Europe make sure to put Vienna at the top of your list.
3. Sydney, Australia
This was my Las Vegas of Christmas with the warm weather just in a different part of the world. Going to Sydney in November was the better choice but their summer officially happens in December so plan accordingly if you're looking for the warm weather choice. The city was decorated beautifully and felt incredibly festive down every street and turn. To be honest I think Sydney is fabulous no matter what time of the year it is but again if you are a person who does not want to experience snow but still wants the holiday feel that 20 hr flight (or14 if you're West-Coast living) is well worth the beauty you will land in.
2. London, England
I've made it no secret that London is my favorite place in the world along with Singapore for some reason but when you add Christmas to the mix....it's a totally different animal. Harrods on it's own is magical but throw some Christmas lights around it and there is nothing like it (outside of the #1 location) in the world. From Oxford Circus to Bond Street you will find an array of amazing lights, sights and so many hidden holiday treasures I can't ever possibly begin to name them all. I have been to London towards the end of Holiday season but admittedly have not been there during the heart of it so next year I'll be sure to make that the highest priority on my list
1. New York, NY
As if I didn't shove NYC enough down your throat last year, here I am in 2023 to do it again! Bryant Park was just as lively, lit up and lovely as I always remembered it but this year I actually took some time to roam the halls. The tree was gorgeous, the night sky mixed with the festive lights kinda felt like Batman was gonna drop out of the sky at any second but regardless it looked bad ass. All the shops were perfectly designed and stocked with lots of goodies but my favorite stop was the Smore Shop. @Smorenmorenyc took me 2 1/2 hours to get my smore and hot chocolate but I've waited in line for worse things in my lifetime. Above all I would book one of those Igloos ASAP as they were so cool and had everyone mesmerized that walked by.
Ok I openly admit I have a love hate relationship with NYC. I worked in Manhattan for 7yrs and though I will admit being in the city for dinners, work and events was always fun...anything else I can leave behind. The one thing I will give NYC full credit for however? The best place to be in the world during Christmas (YES I SAID THE WORLD). I've been all over and there is no denying the people, the decorations, the shopping, I mean all of it. It is unlike anything I've ever experienced and every year my mother and I go see the Rockettes then head out for dinner near Rockefeller Plaza. In conclusion, if you want to catch the tree and experience all the best parts of Christmas...NYC is your final destination.