It’s never too early to start getting excited about the holidays, and it’s never too early to start planning them either. Winter is a beautiful excuse for snow-filled adventures, twinkling lights, delicious hot beverages, and treasured memories with loved ones, whether you’re into Christmas, Hanukkah, or simply enjoy layering up.
It’s time for that perfect winter escape. (Photo Credit: @kimptoncharlottesquare)
And since airfare prices are at an all-time high during the holidays, booking ahead for the perfect winter escape — to make it worth the cost — is a must. Not sure where to start? Here are five fun-filled — yet picturesque — cities around the world to make some holiday magic happen.
Because the cold never bothered you, anyway.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh’s iconic castle is a Christmas card portrait atop Castle Rock. One of the oldest fortified places in all of Europe, any visit to the former royal residence is an enchanting one, especially during the holidays when the Castle of Light illumination series takes place.
You can rest easy at Kimpton Charlotte Square in Edinburgh. (Photo Credit: @kimptoncharlottesquare)
Cheers to winter travel. (Photo Credit: @kimptoncharlottesquare)
Love whisky? You’re in the right place and company in Scotland. Winter parties are aplenty including the St. Andrew’s Day’s music and ceilidh dancing, and the Hogmanay (New Years) street party and fireworks festivities.
Where to stay: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
Toronto, Canada
We’re not going to lie: Winter is brutal in Toronto, but that’s why the city boasts a slew of indoor activities, sure to get you in a jolly holiday spirit. The National Ballet of Canada returns with The Nutcracker in December, a beloved family favorite, and Fever has Candlelight Concerts throughout the city.
Want to stay in? We get it. (Photo Credit: @saintgeorgetoronto)
Ready to brave the cold? Nathan Philips Square hosts DJ skating parties, as well as the annual Cavalcade of Lights display. Ready to stay in? Yorkville’s Kimpton Saint George is sure to keep your bellies warm with treats and cocktails from their cozy gastropub, The Fortunate Fox. Yes, please.
Where to stay: Kimpton Saint George Hotel
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This Dutch destination has all the ingredients for a festive visit — and did you know that Santa Claus was actually based on a Dutch figure known as Sinterklaas? Naturally, that means the city goes all out for all things Christmas, placing a huge tree in Dam Square each year, alongside winter markets, canal lights, a winter parade, and so much more.
Winter in the Dutch capital? Yes, please. (Photo Credit: @kimptondewitt)
And it’s somehow even better with breakfast in bed. (Photo Credit: @kimptondewitt)
Stroll on over from Kimpton DeWitt Amsterdam, our splendid boutique offering in the walkable city center, and see the sights aboard a cruise with drinks and Dutch cheese from Viator, where the bookable city experiences are always stellar.
Where to stay: Kimpton DeWitt Amsterdam
Tokyo, Japan
Though Christmas is not a religious holiday in Japan, the country sees it as a way of uniting families and celebrating all things festive and cute (kawaii). Come to Tokyo starting November 1st, and you’ll find Halloween decorations replaced with snowmen, tinsel, fairy lights, and trees — literally everywhere.
Japan is particularly magical in the winter. (Photo Credit: @kimptonshinjukutokyo)
Marunouchi is the best place to catch the annual display of illuminations, and Mitsui Fudosan hosts a huge ice rink in Tokyo Midtown. When you’re done, mosey over west for holiday shopping in Shinjuku, before grabbing a nightcap amidst the lights at 86 Hours and retiring at Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo.
Where to stay: Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
New York City, USA
No holiday destination list is ever complete without New York City. The Big Apple has festivity in its veins — from the Radio City Rockettes to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, to simply walking down 5th Avenue amidst the towering holidays displays and the giant tree at Rockefeller Center.
After a long winter’s day, rest easy at Kimpton Hotel Eventi. (Photo Credit: @neevenr)
And don’t forget the fur babies. (Photo Credit: @cocobabyssii)
Do your holiday shopping on Black Friday, then hit one of the many ice rinks in town (our pick is Bryant Park). Go sightseeing via a Holiday Cruise where street performers, music, and comedy will dazzle, or do it the luxe way on Viator’s NYC Lights Tour by Limousine.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Eventi or Kimpton Hotel Theta
