Depending on your interests and preferences, there are a variety of places to visit after Christmas. These are some varied suggestions.
Trips after Christmas
Winter Wonderland in Europe
Visit cities like Vienna, Salzburg, or Munich for charming Christmas markets that often extend into the first week of January. Experience the festive atmosphere and enjoy winter activities.
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a charming city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. Here are some highlights and recommendations for a visit to Vienna:
Explore Vienna’s historic landmarks, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Schönbrunn Palace, and the Belvedere Palace, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the opulent rooms and gardens of the former imperial summer residence. The Vienna State Opera offers world-class performances and is a masterpiece. The vibrant Naschmarkt offers local and international delicacies and unique finds. Immerse yourself in Vienna’s coffee culture by visiting traditional coffeehouses and enjoying Sachertorte, a famous Viennese chocolate cake.
Salzburg, Austria, is a charming city with a rich cultural heritage, offering a variety of attractions such as the Old Town, Hohensalzburg Fortress, Mirabell Palace, Mozart’s birthplace, and the Salzburg Cathedral. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Salzach River. The Old Town features narrow medieval streets, museums, gardens, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress, while the Salzburg Marionette Theatre offers puppetry performances. Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and lively atmosphere. Visitors can explore Marienplatz, the English Garden, Nymphenburg Palace, Viktualienmarkt, Munich Residenz, BMW Welt and Museum, Deutsches Museum, Glyptothek and Antikensammlungen museums, St. Peter’s Church, and Asam Church. Beer gardens in Munich combine historical charm, cultural richness, and modern amenities.
Warm Beach Destinations
Head to tropical locations such as the Caribbean, Mexico, or Southeast Asia for sun and warmth. Relax on the beach and start the new year in a more laid-back setting.
Warm beach destinations include the Maldives, Bora Bora, Maui, Thailand, Cancún, Seychelles, Barbados, Fiji, Aruba, The Bahamas, Costa Rica, and Mauritius. These tropical paradises offer stunning coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and unique experiences. The Maldives offers overwater bungalows, turquoise waters, and pristine white-sand beaches, while Bora Bora offers luxury and romance. Maui offers volcanic craters, lush rainforests, and golden beaches. Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, is known for its nightlife and beaches. Cancún, Mexico, is known for its powdery beaches and Mayan ruins. Seychelles, Barbados, Fiji, Aruba, The Bahamas, Costa Rica, and Mauritius offer diverse experiences and attractions.
Ski Resorts
If you enjoy winter sports, consider going to a ski resort. Destinations like Aspen (Colorado), Chamonix (France), and Zermatt (Switzerland) offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
Ski resorts in Aspen, Colorado, Chamonix, and Zermatt are known for their stunning alpine landscapes and world-class skiing experiences. Aspen offers four ski areas with diverse terrain suitable for all skill levels, while Chamonix is a mecca for mountaineers with challenging slopes and a lively atmosphere. Zermatt, part of the Swiss Alps ski network, offers breathtaking Matterhorn views and a car-free village.
Terrain variety is a key consideration for each resort, with Aspen offering challenging slopes, Chamonix offering advanced options, and Zermatt catering to various skill levels. The cultural atmosphere of these resorts is rich and diverse, while Aspen combines outdoor adventure with a luxurious mountain town atmosphere.
Accessibility is another factor, with Aspen accessible from Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, Chamonix from Geneva Airport, and Zermatt by train from various Swiss cities. These ski resorts provide a perfect blend of challenging slopes, breathtaking scenery, and unique cultural atmospheres, making them ideal for avid skiers, snowboarders, and winter wonderland enthusiasts.
Cultural Exploration in Asia
Explore cities in Asia like Tokyo, Seoul, or Bangkok, where you can experience unique cultural traditions, try local cuisine, and enjoy a different kind of holiday season.
Cultural exploration in Asia offers a unique journey through diverse traditions, history, and vibrant communities. Some popular destinations include Kyoto, Japan, Varanasi, Laos, Bagan, Nepal, Xi’an, Ubud, South Korea, Phnom Penh, and Jerusalem. Kyoto is known for its historic temples, shrines, and tea houses, while Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Luang Prabang, Laos, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved Buddhist temples, traditional architecture, and daily almsgiving ceremonies. Bagan, Myanmar, is home to thousands of ancient temples and pagodas, while Bhaktapur, Nepal, is renowned for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant culture. Xi’an, China, is known for its Terracotta Army and ancient city walls, while Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, blends ancient and modern elements. Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is known for its history and contemporary life, while Jerusalem, Israel, is a city of significant religious and historical importance. Each destination offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Asian cultures.
African Safaris
Consider going on a safari in Africa. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania offer incredible wildlife experiences, and the weather is often warm and dry.
African safaris provide an unforgettable experience to witness diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. Some iconic destinations include Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, known for the Great Migration, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Kruger National Park in South Africa, Chobe National Park in Botswana, Okavango Delta in Botswana, Etosha National Park in Namibia, Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania, Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa, and Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania.
These parks offer a unique perspective on wildlife, traditional Maasai culture, and the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros). Game drives, guided walks, and immersive wildlife experiences are available at these parks. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site with waterways, islands, and diverse wildlife. Etosha National Park in Namibia is characterized by a vast salt pan and is a prime location for game viewing. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania offers breathtaking views and an array of wildlife.
Australian Adventure
Explore Australia during its summer season. Visit cities like Sydney or Melbourne, relax on the beaches, or venture into the Outback for a unique adventure.
Australia offers a diverse range of adventures for those seeking unique experiences. Highlights include exploring the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge in New South Wales, the awe-inspiring Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory, the Outback and Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, the ancient Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, Tasmania and Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, Kangaroo Island in South Australia, the Kimberley region in Western Australia, the Australian Alps in New South Wales and Victoria, and the Gold Coast in Queensland.
These destinations offer a variety of landscapes, activities, and wildlife, making Australia an ideal destination for adventure, nature, and cultural experiences. Whether exploring vibrant cities or immersing oneself in natural wonders, an Australian adventure promises unforgettable memories.
Northern Lights in Scandinavia
If you’re interested in witnessing the Northern Lights, consider destinations like Tromsø in Norway or Abisko in Sweden. January is a good time for Northern Lights viewing.
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a breathtaking sight that attracts travelers to the Scandinavian region. Some prime locations for viewing the Aurora Borealis include Tromsø, Norway, Abisko, Sweden, Reykjavik, Finland, Rovaniemi, Sweden, Kiruna, Norway, Alta, Lofoten Islands, Faroe Islands, Svalbard, and Kemi. Tromsø offers stunning landscapes, dog sledding, and dog sledding tours, while Abisko is known for its clear skies and minimal light pollution.
Reykjavik serves as a gateway to the Aurora, offering tours to the countryside and relaxation in the Blue Lagoon. Rovaniemi, Finland’s official hometown of Santa Claus, offers Arctic wilderness experiences and Santa Claus Village. Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost city, offers unique winter experiences and dog sledding excursions. Alta, Norway, is known for its Northern Lights Cathedral and offers dog sledding excursions. Lofoten Islands, Denmark, offer rugged landscapes and coastal beauty. Svalbard, Norway, offers polar nights and Arctic wildlife. Kemi, Finland, offers Northern Lights experiences and icebreaker cruises.
New York City
Experience the festive atmosphere in New York City, especially around Times Square and Central Park. The city’s decorations and events continue into the New Year.
New York City, known as “The Big Apple,” is a vibrant and iconic city with a variety of attractions to explore. Some of the most popular attractions include Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), Broadway Shows, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Grand Central Terminal, The High Line, Brooklyn Bridge, 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and Chinatown and Little Italy.
Times Square is a symbol of the city’s energy and is especially lively at night. Central Park offers a green oasis for walking, biking, or picnicking. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island offer a glimpse into the city’s immigrant history and offers stunning views of the skyline. The Empire State Building offers panoramic views of the city.
The High Line, an elevated park built on a former railway track, offers beautiful views of the city. The Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, offering stunning views of the skyline and the East River. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum provides a poignant look at the events of September 11, 2001.
