Dazzling light installations, ice skating, festive musicals, small artisanal markets selling specialty chocolates and handmade scarves, and ample outdoor activities that celebrate the dip in temperatures — the holidays are officially here.
This year, visit a destination that exudes holiday wonder — because we could all use some joy right now — while embracing the festivity of the season with open arms.
It’s time to embrace the holiday season. (Photo Credit: Andre Benz)
From New York to Dallas, get into the holiday spirit this year with these five American cities that really embrace the best of the season.
New York, New York
First things first, stroll along Fifth Avenue where the windows of iconic stores are filled with sparkling props and ornate displays. Then, head over to Rockefeller Center where ice skating and that giant, fabled Norway spruce tree are situated.
Starting in late November, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts Lightscape — an after-dark, mile-long illuminated trail made of dazzling lights that are created by design collectives. Meanwhile, the New York Botanical Garden has its own Holiday Train Show, and out on the Conservatory Lawn, there are scaled versions of famous landmarks made of materials like bark and leaves.
Welcome to New York — it’s been waiting for you. (Photo Credit: Heather Shevlin)
Rockefeller Center is a sight to behold during the holiday season. (Photo Credit: Wesley Tingey)
While Central Park remains iconic for its ice skating, you can also glide around Winter Village at Bryant Park, which has an open-air holiday market with crafts and specialty gifts. You can also visit the go-to, popular holiday markets at Columbus Circle and Union Square.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Eventi or Kimpton Hotel Theta
New Orleans, Louisiana
Treat yourself to a tradition dating back to the mid-1800s by booking a Réveillon dinner, a famed multi-course (read: indulgent) meal inspired by Creole families that runs from early December to New Years Eve.
City Park’s month-long Celebration in the Oaks transforms the park into a winter wonderland by decking out its centuries-old oak trees with twinkling lights. There are also niche vendors, food, and drink options — meaning you can sip a Sazerac cocktail as you shop.
Cheers to decadent, festive dinners with loved ones. (Photo Credit: @ourwhiskyfoundation)
In mid-November, LUNA Fête combines illuminated costumes, art, and film into a multi-day festival around Lafayette Square Park. The towering bonfires on the banks of the Mississippi River on Christmas Eve are also a sight to behold.
Or, enjoy a choral concert at St. Louis Cathedral, one of America’s oldest churches. And in Central City, Ashe Power House Theater is a hub rooted in the civil rights movement that features an array of African diaspora genres, including Cuban jazz, Haitian folk, gospel, and soul music.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Fontenot
Chicago, Illinois
Once in Chicago, lace up your skates at the Millennium Park ice rink and take in the panoramic views of Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”) and a 50-plus-foot holiday tree. Nearby, Maggie Daley Park is known for its Ice Skating Ribbon, an icy path curving through a magical outdoor landscape.
What’s more festive that ice skating at Millennium Park in the heart of Chicago? (Photo Credit: Nimisha Mekala)
Twinkle lights set the tone for a magical evening. (Photo Credit: Jannet Serhan)
Meanwhile, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry hosts its annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light which represents a variety of global holiday traditions including Chinese New Year, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, and Diwali. Or, score tickets to coveted shows at the Lyric Opera House, American Blues Theatre, and Strawdog Theatre Company.
For unique handmade arts and jewelry, check out the Renegade Craft Fair and the Kwanzaa Market at Africa International House. After-dark, explore the immersive Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden, or enjoy the aptly-titled Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum followed by tasty s’mores at the concessions tent.
Where to stay: Kimpton Gray Hotel
Dallas, Texas
Every year, the gardens at Holiday at the Arboretum are transformed into a winter village with millions of twinkling lights and a towering tree animated to music. In the evening, drive through the Dallas Zoo Lights where oversized animal displays and holiday-themed exhibits are on display in ZooNorth and Wilds of Africa.
After a day of festivities, knock out all of your holiday shopping. (Photo Credit: Danny Lines)
The world-renowned Dallas Symphony Orchestra returns each year with a week-long holiday show, often including classics and sing-along carols. A beloved local tradition, The Trains at NorthPark showcases an array of miniature trains rolling across a 1,600-foot stretch of track amongst a backdrop of scenic American city landscapes.
When it’s time to break out the skates, head to Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center followed by some good old fashioned holiday shopping where you can knock out every name on your list.
Where to stay: Kimpton Pittman Hotel
Denver, Colorado
Inside Skyline Park, the Downtown Denver Rink is home to winter in the city with ice skating and hot chocolate, while nearby you can’t miss the Mile High Tree — which is 10 feet taller than the aforementioned tree at Rockefeller Center — at the 16th Street Mall.
Grab your bestie and witness the dance of the sugar plum fairies. (Photo Credit: Kazuo Ota)
In the heart of downtown, the Colorado Ballet hosts its timeless, elegant Nutcracker performance for those that want a taste of the classics. And the kaleidoscopic Blossoms of Light in the Denver Botanic Gardens is ideal for eye-popping visuals, warm drinks, and tasty treats.
Meanwhile, the Christkindlmarket in Civic Center Park morphs into a charming German village with wooden huts selling artisan gifts alongside Bavarian-style pretzels, mulled spice wine (Glühwein), biers, and hot chocolate. Alternatively, get into the spirit with fire-torched tiki cocktails, Polysenian fare, and an icicle bar at Adrift, where you’ll also find a heated outdoor patio.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver or Kimpton Claret Hotel
