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TOP 10
HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS »
Top 10 best
holiday destinations web sites rated by the LoveToKnow editors. |
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Top 10 List how we choose |
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Rockefeller Center, New York City
The setting is one that has been seen in many movies and talked about in
books. Rockefeller Center knows how to create an amazing Christmas tree. The tree has appeared each Christmas at Rockefeller
Center for more than 75 years. Each year, there is a tree lighting ceremony
which many stars and local politicians attend. While there, you'll want to
lace up your ice skates and hint the rink with the backdrop of city and
holiday lights. The ice skating rink will hold around 150 skaters at a time, but people are
always coming and going, so you likely won't have to wait at all. |
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Ice
Hotel
An unusual place to stay for the holidays is in an ice
hotel. The Ice Hotel is located in Jukkajarvi, Sweden. This was the first
ice hotel in the world and is also the biggest. The hotel is rebuilt each
winter, making it different and unique from season to season. Building
of the hotel starts about mid-November, so the hotel is ready in time
for the holidays. Construction is ongoing, but guests begin arriving around
December 10th. If you're thinking about having a winter wedding, you might
want to consider sharing your nuptials in the ice church. |
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Honolulu City Lights
A Hawaiian Christmas can be a refreshing and relaxing break from life's
hectic pace. Visit the island of Oahu and have a Mele Kalikimaka or
Merry Christmas. Honolulu celebrates Christmas with this annual festival,
which includes a parade and lighting ceremony which adds holiday flare to
City Hall and the downtown area of Honolulu. You can even take a trolley ride through the area after dark to get a good look at the
sights. The rides start the first week of December and run right up to the
23rd of December. Rides are about 30 minutes each. |
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Trafalgar Square Christmas Tree
This London event has been going
on since 1947. Each year Norway gifts London with a Christmas tree as a
thank you for their help during World War II. If you want to be there for
the tree lighting ceremony, that occurs the first Thursday each December.
The tree is left lit until January 6th. Other events in Trafalgar Square
include Dedication of the Crib and groups performing Christmas carols
throughout the season. You'll find many art galleries and museums as well as architectural must sees situated
around the square. |
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Indianapolis Circle of Lights
Monument Circle in downtown
Indianapolis, Indiana is a great tourist spot any time of year, but during
the holidays it is transformed into a circle of lights and activity. The Circle of Lights tree lighting
ceremony is held the day after Thanksgiving each year. There is also live
entertainment and a party atmosphere at the lighting ceremony where the
switch is thrown on this 284 foot tower of lights, but the lights can be
viewed throughout the holiday season as you drive your car around the
circle. Other holidays activities in the area include ice skating at Pan Am
Plaza, sledding down the Alpine slide at the Children's Museum, the lights
at the Indianapolis Zoo and a drive down Meridian Street to see the huge
mansions decked out in lights. |
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Disney World at Christmas
Every year during the holidays
Disney hosts Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World in
Kissimmee, Florida. Not only is the entire park decked out with lights and
decor, but even the characters wear holiday themed clothing. You are certain
to spot Santa once or twice and Disney even manufactures fake snow as you
walk down Main Street U.S.A. Don't try to taste the snow flakes, though!
They aren't real and taste like soap. AllEars offers some tips on where to eat and how the other Disney parks
in the area celebrate the holidays. |
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Christkindlmarket in Chicago
Among the many things to do in
Chicago, Illinois at Christmas, such as the Mile Lights Festival and Zoo
Lights at Lincoln Park, Christkindlmarket may be one of the most unique
holiday destinations. During the holidays, Daley Market is transformed into
Christkindlmarket. Visit from the day after Thanksgiving until December
24th. The market was originally a way to promote goodwill between Germany
and the United States, this open air market has grown to be a Chicago
tradition. In addition to shopping and German foods, you'll find various events, which change from year to year. |
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Holy Lands: Bethlehem and Jerusalem
Many people choose to
celebrate Christmas with a visit to the Holy Land. There are many places
within Bethlehem and Jerusalem which have religious meaning. While it is
probably best to stick to a tour for safety reasons, one site you will want
to visit while there includes Manger Square. A visit to Jerusalem wouldn't
be the same without a stop at the Wailing Wall, the Church of the Holy
Sepulchre and a visit to nearby John the Baptist Cave. |
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Santa Claus Village, Finland
If you don't mind going to the Arctic Circle, then you'll enjoy Santa Claus
Village in Finland. There are many Christmas exhibits here, including an elves' toy factory and Santa's
house. You'll also find exhibits that focus on Finnish Christmas traditions
and other traditions from around the world. You can visit Santa Claus' Office any day of the year and meet with the big elf
himself. Read the story about the legend of Santa Claus before you go. This is a fun trip
for kids that are old enough to appreciate Santa but still young enough to
believe in magic. |
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12 Days of Christmas Market in Dublin, Ireland
Each year Dublin's Docklands are transformed into the 12 Days of Christmas
Market. The market is traditional European with holiday foods, Christmas
crafts and even holiday decorations. The market runs from December 12th to
December 23rd (for 12 days before Christmas). The market is open each day
from noon to 8 p.m. You can get news on upcoming events on the website as well as a daily calendar. Also
located in the market is Santa's Grotto, where youngsters can meet Santa Claus and his elves. |
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