The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Travel
Fly west for winter as the US opens up
With restrictions about to ease, it’s time to get reacquainted, says Emma Featherstone
The United States is ranked among the top five favourite holiday destinations for British travellers. Around 3.8 million of us visit each year. So after 18 months of exclusion, many will be rushing to American shores after Nov 8, when the travel ban is set to lift.
A shopping trip in New York City may feature at the top of many winter wish lists. And while Christmas cheer may have been in short supply last year, this year the festive season will reach its full potential in the form of the city’s ice rinks, beautiful window displays and seasonal markets. Yet, upstate also deserves a closer look in the coldest season.
In fact, it can be argued that several states are at their best as a (relative) chill sets in. Skiing, natureseeking, theme park hopping: activities abound among our selection. If you wish to be within the first cohort to reunite with our Atlantic neighbour, here’s where to go for a wintertime fix.
MAKE MAGICAL MEMORIES
Florida
Where better to get children excited for the frivolities of Christmas than in bejewelled theme parks? Disney World’s festivities kick off on Nov 12. At Magic Kingdom, young-at-heart visitors will enjoy Disney Very Merriest After Hours – which includes a parade and fireworks – on select nights from Nov 8-Dec 21.
Orlando is easily combined with a couple of nights in Miami. Quieter beaches and milder weather make the party city a winning winter prospect (particularly for New Year’s Eve).
Families could layer the two, together with a sweet filling of Palm Beach on a 13-night self-drive trip for four with Scott Dunn (020 8682 5099; scottdunn.com), from £5,300pp. Alternatively, the Florida Keys can be tacked on to a Disney sojourn. Key West excels at community events such as The Lighted Boat Parade, where locals pretty up their boats with yuletide paraphernalia then present their efforts while sailing through Key West Bight Marina.
SHOP, SIP AND SPARKLE
New York
Head to the city itself to begin your Christmas experience. To catch the start of the season, ensure your visit coincides with Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade (Nov 25). Otherwise, soak up pleasingly gaudy decorations, such as those at Dyker Heights and Brooklyn, as well as traditional displays at Central Park and Saks Fifth Avenue. Beyond the city – as long as you prepare for icy temperatures – a trip upstate will open up a frosted wonderland. The frozen-over Lake Placid, the Catskills and Letchworth State Park turn into postcardperfect settings with a coating of snow (a hire car will be required).
If you’d prefer a quick hit of the city, Trailfinders (020 7084 6500; trailfinders.com) offers five nights at the Hotel 50 Bowery on the Lower East Side with direct flights from London for £649pp, based on two adults sharing. Its rooftop bar is the perfect spot from which to drink up the drama of the skyline – preferably with a Manhattan in hand.
TAKE THE SKIS OFF ICE
Colorado
If you’ve put your skis on ice over the past couple of years, it’s time to warm up for the slopes. Crystal Ski Holidays (020 8610 3123; crystalski.co.uk) has a week’s self-catering holiday at the Pine Ridge Condominiums in Breckenridge, Colorado, for £1,870pp, based on two sharing, including flights. This departs on Jan 12 and must be booked online. The resort has five peaks, some 2,908 skiing acres and 187 trails.
Meanwhile, there are plenty of alternative activities which still rely on Breckenridge’s ample snowfall – pick from dog sledding, snowmobiling, fat biking and tubing. Further afield, thermal springs, including Orvis Hot Springs, Strawberry Park Hot Springs and Pagosa Springs, are among the state’s natural assets.
Seeking a smidge of hedonism? Then see in 2022 in Las Vegas. Start with a crawl of hotel Christmas displays: the Bellagio Conservatory is among the best. It features a 40ft-plus tree and a menagerie of animal decorations (think polar bears and penguins).
For something a little different, head to the Botanical Cactus Garden, a mere 15-minute drive from the strip. Wander around the three acres of cacti, which are lit up with over a million twinkling lights, while sipping hot chocolate (from the onsite Ethel M Chocolate Factory). Cast your holiday net beyond the state’s main draw to find delight in its quirkier corners. Winter fairs are popular in Nevada, such as the Fire and Ice Winter Festival in the city of Ely (Jan 15–17).
Virgin Atlantic (0345 454 1111; virginatlantic.com) offers five nights at the Aria Resort and Casino with return flights from Heathrow, departing Dec 28, from £1,856pp.
HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Massachusetts
We’d be remiss to discount New England and when it comes to a battle of the states, Boston clinches it for Massachusetts. Christmas markets spring up all
over the city come December, with European-style offerings and American craft fairs in the mix. Attending a seasonal service – such as Hanukkah or Midnight Mass – in one of the historic synagogues or churches can imbue you with a sense of community and calm. British Airways Holidays (0344 493 0787; britishairways.com) offers four nights at the Royal Sonesta Boston from £1,529pp, travelling on selected dates in January, including return flights.
Rent a car to explore further. The Mohawk Trail State Forest is around two hours and 20 minutes drive from the city. Try a hike on MohicanMohawk Trail, best timed at sunrise or sunset. Quaint towns, filled with wood-panelled houses and sprinkled with seasonal shimmer, should also feature on the itinerary. How about Shelburne Falls? It’s a sleepy spot on the Mohawk Trail and its streets will be chock-full of lights and candles.
TRIP THE LIGHTS FANTASTIC
Texas
If you’ve already experienced the classic New York Christmas, the Lone Star state’s traditions may entice. Galveston, for example, turns into a Winter Wonder Island with some 50 days of events between November and January. Highlights include Dickens on the Strand (during which a city street is turned into Victorian London), a schedule of seasonal performances at The Grand 1894 Opera House and an ice sculpture event at Moody Gardens.
The drive-through Austin Trail of Lights is also quite the spectacle, and runs from Nov 27-Dec 31. It will feature two million lights and 70 displays to enjoy. Meanwhile, in Dallas, the Christmas Parade takes place on Dec 4, with dancers, floats and plenty else to enjoy. Tickets range from £18–£72. British Airways (0844 493 0787; britishairways.com) offers return flights to Dallas and seven days of car hire from £879pp.
Overseas travel is currently subject to restrictions. See page 5