For many people, the holidays are the best time of the year to spend with family. Whether it snows or not where you are going, you should take the opportunity to have a wonderful Christmas holiday with your loved ones if you can. Every family has their own holiday traditions, and every city has theirs. Whether you are traveling to New York City, Washington DC, Atlanta, or Chicago, make sure to take advantage of local holiday traditions and festivities with your loved ones.
New York City
Every year in New York City, thousands of people flock to Rockefeller Center to watch the lighting of the 80-foot-tall Christmas tree. The tree is definitely a sight to behold, covered with more than 30,000 twinkling lights and decked out with hundreds of ornaments. After taking pictures by the tree, head to Bryant Park and pick up a pair of rental skates, then hit the 170-by-100-foot ice rink. After ice skating, be sure to check out some of the boutique shops in Bryant Park’s Winter Village before making your way to Radio City Music Hall to see the Rockettes perform in their annual musical holiday stage show. If you need to finish some Christmas shopping, stop by FAO Schwarz before finishing your day with a frozen hot chocolate from Serendipity 3.
Washington, DC
Nothing says Christmas in Washington, DC like a live performance of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” performed at Ford’s Theatre. Following the show, be sure to stop in to one of the area’s local bars or restaurants for a meal. If shopping is something you enjoy, be sure to stop by the open-air Downtown Holiday Market at the intersection of 8th and F Streets, where you will find everything from antiques and handmade knitwear to retail goods and art. Other holiday performances you don’t want to miss include “The Nutcracker” performed by the Washington Ballet and Handel’s “Messiah” performed by the National Cathedral’s chorus.
Atlanta, Georgia
Start your Christmas holiday off right with the lighting of Macy’s Great Tree located in Lenox Square, or stroll through the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where each year more than one million dazzling lights brighten up the cold winter night. If you want to see a show, don’t miss one of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concerts, and stop by the Children’s Christmas Parade sponsored by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. If you prefer to stay inside, sip on a holiday cocktail at the Hard Rock Café or try out Der Biergarten for plenty of beer and festive holiday specials.
Chicago, Illinois
If your holiday travels take you to Chicago, don’t miss out on the chance to see the giant Christmas tree lit up in Millennium Park. You also don’t want to miss the dancing lights in the Symphony Woods at Morton Arboretum. Finish up your holiday shopping at the Christkindlmarket, Chicago’s largest open-air market, then head to the skating rink at Maggie Daley Park or Parson’s for a spin around the rink. Get yourself in the holiday spirit with a performance of “White Christmas” at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace or the Music Box Christmas show at the Music Box Theatre. After a busy day, relax and unwind with a mug of hot mulled wine called Glogg at Simon’s Tavern.
Orlando, Florida
You won’t see much snow in Orlando over the Christmas holiday, but there is no shortage of holiday cheer. For an unforgettable experience, celebrate international holiday traditions at Disney’s Epcot Park or head to the Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. If you are in the mood for a show, don’t miss the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and be sure to check out SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. For a holiday meal out on the town, head to Chez Vincent & Hannibal’s on the Square for Christmas Dinner or try the Rosen Center Christmas Holiday Buffet.
Miami, Florida
Beautiful, sandy beaches aren’t the only reason to spend the holiday in Miami; there are also plenty of Christmas events to enjoy. Pay a visit to the giant Christmas tree in Bayfront Park or view the living nativity at Miami Shores Presbyterian Church. If you are looking for evening entertainment, don’t miss the Jazz Roots holiday show or the Miami City Ballet’s performance of “The Nutcracker.” Take a stroll through Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Tropical Park or take in the beauty of the Winterfest Boat Parade.
No matter where you choose to spend your Christmas holiday, be sure to make the most of your time by taking part in local holiday festivities. If you choose to travel for the holidays, make iLIKEBUS.com your first stop for affordable bus tickets, with routes to cities all across the United States. With iLIKEBUS.com doing all the work for you, you can relax and enjoy your holiday season surrounded by your closest friends and family.
