Happy December! We have officially reached that time of year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s when work becomes a blur, and our minds become clouded by the joy of the season, cocktails, and wrapping paper.
No matter what you celebrate, December marks the end of yet another year and what better way to bid farewell to 2022 than with some travel plans?
There are so many places you can travel to, but which are some of the best holiday destinations to use your PTO on and relish in the spirit of the season?
Helen, Georgia
When I lived in Atlanta, Georgia, a few years ago, one of my favorite holiday traditions was driving to Helen, Georgia.
Helen is a small, German-inspired town in the Blue Ridge Mountains — a small piece of Europe right here in the southern United States.
The architecture resembles traditional Bavarian-style buildings with all sorts of shops and restaurants. The whole town is decorated during the holidays with a plethora of Christmas trees, lights, and nutcrackers — you name it. Helen hosts an annual Christmas parade (this year on December 10th), a Christkindlmarkt (German Christmas Market), and a New Year’s Eve celebration you won’t want to miss.
Rovaniemi, Finland
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, Rovaniemi is the perfect destination for those who love Christmas. Rovaniemi is located in Finland and has been dubbed the “official” hometown of Santa Claus.
Located on the Arctic Circle, this is truly a winter wonderland. From viewing the beautiful Northern Lights from glass igloos, reindeer rides, and snowmobile tours, there is something for everyone. The best part is you can even meet Santa Claus and his helpers in his home — the perfect activity for those with children or still a kid at heart.
Puerto Rico
For those wanting to escape the cold weather during the holidays, look no further. Puerto Rico is chock full of holiday traditions. According to Discover Puerto Rico, Christmas celebrations last for more than a month, with their end marked not on New Year’s but actually in mid-January.
Puerto Ricans sure know how to celebrate, and this can be seen with their extensive festivities. From el Dia de Reyes festival, “octavitas,” the eight days filled with parties and celebration, to the “Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian” to culminate the holiday season, Puerto Rico has an event for everyone.
Want to stay away from the large festival crowds? You can visit one of the many beautiful beaches on the island and visit the artisanal markets for some authentic souvenirs.