CHRISTMAS SEASON
Five great options to kick-start your holiday spirit,
Whether you start decorating for the holidays weeks in advance or need some well-spiked eggnog to get you through the season, there’s no denying that adding a dash of travel at this time of year can turn even a Grinch into a believer. These five spots offer opportunities to indulge in the spirit. By Heather Greenwood Davis
Vancouver
Vancouver’s authentic, European-inspired Christmas market aims to capture the sentiments and flavours closer to home. Expect one-of-a-kind food and gifts on sale from more than 50 vendors. An “X-mas Factor” singing competition, gingerbread decorating activities, Santa’s Workshop on top of Grouse Mountain and scavenger hunts round out the family-friendly offerings. Take in the Bright Nights Christmas train in Stanley Park or the 10th annual Canyon Lights celebration at the Capilano Suspension Bridge, including the new VocaLites — a voice-activated, interactive light display in the rainforest. Vancouverchristmasmarket.com, Capbridge.com
Asheville, N.C.
If the holiday of your dreams smells like gingerbread, the National Gingerbread House competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn will be right up your alley. Winners were announced in November, but the masterpieces will be on display through January 3. You’ll also find 80 themed Christmas trees inside the hotel, but the city of Asheville has plenty of cheer to offer, too. From the Polar Express at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad to the local artisans in the Historic Arts District, tours and streetscapes all take on a festive feel this month. Omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park
New Orleans, La.
For some, the holidays bring to mind visions of ice and snow, but for others it’s the family time and incredible eats that win the day. While you won’t likely get your snow fix in New Orleans, their annual indoor ChristmasFest (December 18 to 27) will get the family in the spirit with an indoor ice skating rink, a walk-through maze and other rides and games. Feed your wintry wonderland needs inside and then head out to enjoy the fun, food and fervour that only New Orleans can deliver. Don’t miss indulging in a “Reveillon” dinner, the 1800s-era, Creole traditional four-course holiday feast is offered at restaurants across the city throughout the month of December. Nolachristmasfest.com
Heather Greenwood Davis is a Toronto freelance writer.
New York City
It’s an iconic holiday destination. Whether you take in the tree in front of Rockefeller Center, the giant Menorah in Grand Army Plaza, sing along with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall or attend a concert at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, the holiday season is when the city that never sleeps shines best. From the festive feel of Broadway to the shop windows at Macy’s; from a skate rink in Central Park to last-minute shopping in SoHo, you won’t run short of ways to enjoy the city at this time of year. NYCgo.com
Grapevine, Texas When they say that everything is bigger in Texas they are definitely including holiday celebrations. Grapevine is referred to as the Christmas capital of the United States and the community’s annual, no-holds barred holiday love fest is bound to get you into the mood. Millions of twinkling lights, Christmas Wine Trains, two million pounds of ice sculptures to look at (and slide down!) and more than1,400 Christmas events come together to turn the city into a holiday wonderland for more than 40 days each season. GrapevineTexasUSA.com/Christmas