Trade in the parkas and hats, scarves and mittens – you’re headed to the islands this holiday season. Save those visions of a white Christmas for another year and head for warmer weather, white-sand beaches and frothy, frozen cocktails under swaying palms. Let Santa Claus deliver swimsuits, flipflops and sunglasses and you’re good to go! After all, travel is a gift that keeps on giving, with memories and experiences. Make it even better by spending your vacation over the holidays with those dearest to you – and in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Spend your holiday budget on a travel experience you’ll relish forever, instead of the usual Christmas decorations, groceries and tree. Here’s a guide to where to go for a tropical holiday, both (relatively) close to home and around the world.
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Cozumel, Mexico
Learn about the local holiday tradition of Las Posadas, during which children go house to house, carrying decorated branches and singing. Sweet, right? Even sweeter are the white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of this Caribbean island located off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. If you find snorkeling equipment in your stocking, you’re in luck: the second largest coral reef system in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, surrounds Cozumel.
Learn about the local holiday tradition of Las Posadas, during which children go house to house, carrying decorated branches and singing. Sweet, right? Even sweeter are the white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of this Caribbean island located off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. If you find snorkeling equipment in your stocking, you’re in luck: the second largest coral reef system in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, surrounds Cozumel.
Kauai, Hawaii
We can practically guarantee balmy weather when you visit Kauai for the Christmas holidays. You’ve never seen Christmas lights quite like the ones at the Festival of Lights parade. And what better gift than whale watching – the huge, graceful humpback whales migrate in the warm waters just offshore during this time of year. Love to surf? It’s a great season for that, too.
We can practically guarantee balmy weather when you visit Kauai for the Christmas holidays. You’ve never seen Christmas lights quite like the ones at the Festival of Lights parade. And what better gift than whale watching – the huge, graceful humpback whales migrate in the warm waters just offshore during this time of year. Love to surf? It’s a great season for that, too.
Bora Bora
Spread some holiday cheer in Bora Bora – the ultimate romantic destination. Grab your favorite person and jet off to Polynesia to partake in island festivities, special holiday dinners, New Year’s Eve fireworks on the beach – plus all the sunning and snorkeling you desire.
Spread some holiday cheer in Bora Bora – the ultimate romantic destination. Grab your favorite person and jet off to Polynesia to partake in island festivities, special holiday dinners, New Year’s Eve fireworks on the beach – plus all the sunning and snorkeling you desire.
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Barbados
Santa Claus may even visit your Barbados resort, so pick this sun-dappled beauty for your family’s holiday vacation. It’ll be a white Christmas, all right, albeit it white sand! There are festivals, feasts, Great cake (made up of dried fruits, spices and liqueur), Christmas lights in the palm trees and, of course, plenty of opportunities for all those water sports in warm water you’ve been craving.
Santa Claus may even visit your Barbados resort, so pick this sun-dappled beauty for your family’s holiday vacation. It’ll be a white Christmas, all right, albeit it white sand! There are festivals, feasts, Great cake (made up of dried fruits, spices and liqueur), Christmas lights in the palm trees and, of course, plenty of opportunities for all those water sports in warm water you’ve been craving.
Puerto Vallarta
The jewel of Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta shines during the holiday season. The weather is perfect for those seeking to escape the cold. Plus, there’s an authenticity to PV that really immerses you in different holiday traditions than what you’re used to. Watch as residents process to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe during the Festival of Guadalupe. Join in a community posada celebration, with fruit punch, pinatas and sparklers. And don’t miss the many craft markets, including Marina’s Art Market, the Olas Atlas Farmers Market and the La Cruz Market. Finally, take the time to stroll along the boardwalk and take in the giant Christmas tree, with its twinkling lights reflecting on the ocean.
The jewel of Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta shines during the holiday season. The weather is perfect for those seeking to escape the cold. Plus, there’s an authenticity to PV that really immerses you in different holiday traditions than what you’re used to. Watch as residents process to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe during the Festival of Guadalupe. Join in a community posada celebration, with fruit punch, pinatas and sparklers. And don’t miss the many craft markets, including Marina’s Art Market, the Olas Atlas Farmers Market and the La Cruz Market. Finally, take the time to stroll along the boardwalk and take in the giant Christmas tree, with its twinkling lights reflecting on the ocean.
Grenada
A Caribbean gem, Grenada will provide the quintessential tropical holiday experience and introduce you to local traditions. During the Christmas season, you’ll hear local musicians – parranderos – indulge in Christmas eggnog (ponche-a-cream) and maybe even attend a Christmas masquerade, dressed in a vibrant costume. There are festive street parties and colorful dances everywhere you look.
A Caribbean gem, Grenada will provide the quintessential tropical holiday experience and introduce you to local traditions. During the Christmas season, you’ll hear local musicians – parranderos – indulge in Christmas eggnog (ponche-a-cream) and maybe even attend a Christmas masquerade, dressed in a vibrant costume. There are festive street parties and colorful dances everywhere you look.
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Grand Cayman
Make up for the lack of snow with a ton of activities in the white sand and azure waters of Grand Cayman. Stay up late at raucous beach parties, marvel at light displays and, at some resorts that pull out all the stops, a Caribbean-style Santa Claus to delight the little ones.
Make up for the lack of snow with a ton of activities in the white sand and azure waters of Grand Cayman. Stay up late at raucous beach parties, marvel at light displays and, at some resorts that pull out all the stops, a Caribbean-style Santa Claus to delight the little ones.
Orlando
OK, so it’s not as warm as, say, Bora Bora or the Caribbean, but the Orlando temps in December are a comfortable 72 – way better than minus temps you might be experiencing in the Midwest. Plus, you’ll get to spend Christmas with Mickey! There are plenty of once-a-year attractions and festivities to choose from, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas. The days are warm and the nights delightfully refreshing. Don’t miss the huge Christmas tree with two million lights at Gaylord Palms Resort.
OK, so it’s not as warm as, say, Bora Bora or the Caribbean, but the Orlando temps in December are a comfortable 72 – way better than minus temps you might be experiencing in the Midwest. Plus, you’ll get to spend Christmas with Mickey! There are plenty of once-a-year attractions and festivities to choose from, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas. The days are warm and the nights delightfully refreshing. Don’t miss the huge Christmas tree with two million lights at Gaylord Palms Resort.
Key West
Further south in Florida, you might also consider the decked-out Florida Keys for the holidays. You can ride Old Town’s trolley on a holiday lights tour, attend the annual Key West holiday parade, meet Santa at The Shops at Mallory Square, tour the charming and extravagantly decorated historic mansions in town and take a Conch Train tour. Look out to see and you might see the bright lights of the annual boat parade!
Further south in Florida, you might also consider the decked-out Florida Keys for the holidays. You can ride Old Town’s trolley on a holiday lights tour, attend the annual Key West holiday parade, meet Santa at The Shops at Mallory Square, tour the charming and extravagantly decorated historic mansions in town and take a Conch Train tour. Look out to see and you might see the bright lights of the annual boat parade!
Delray Beach, Florida
Head to one of the prettiest beaches in Florida for a small-town Christmas – but in the sunshine! There’s ice skating, a tree-lighting ceremony, a holiday parade and carousel rides.
Head to one of the prettiest beaches in Florida for a small-town Christmas – but in the sunshine! There’s ice skating, a tree-lighting ceremony, a holiday parade and carousel rides.
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Puerto Rico
Make a sandman (you know, instead of a snowman) on the beach in Puerto Rico, consistently named as a top tropical holiday destination. Festival season runs from Thanksgiving straight through until Christmas. The parrandas street parties take over Old San Juan and you can join right in – there’s singing and general merriment!
Make a sandman (you know, instead of a snowman) on the beach in Puerto Rico, consistently named as a top tropical holiday destination. Festival season runs from Thanksgiving straight through until Christmas. The parrandas street parties take over Old San Juan and you can join right in – there’s singing and general merriment!
Bali
While predominantly Hindu, Bali has emerged as one of the most festive Christmas holiday destinations you can find. There are Christmas buffets and sought-after roast and seafood specials at most restaurants, catering to Western tastes. Watch fireworks from the west-facing beaches of Kuta and Canggu. The Balinese love to throw a good party and Christmas is another excuse to liven things up with music, cocktails and dancing. The best part is that the accommodations on the island are not only stunning, but affordable – great for groups traveling together for a warm-weather winter holiday.
While predominantly Hindu, Bali has emerged as one of the most festive Christmas holiday destinations you can find. There are Christmas buffets and sought-after roast and seafood specials at most restaurants, catering to Western tastes. Watch fireworks from the west-facing beaches of Kuta and Canggu. The Balinese love to throw a good party and Christmas is another excuse to liven things up with music, cocktails and dancing. The best part is that the accommodations on the island are not only stunning, but affordable – great for groups traveling together for a warm-weather winter holiday.
Cuba
For decades, Christmas celebrations were banned in Cuba – Castro vetoed religious festivities. Take advantage of the change in heart – Christmas was made a public holiday once again after the Pope visited in 1998. Join the local residents who celebrate Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) for a traditional meal of roast pork, fried plantains, rice, vegetables and rice pudding. Head to Remedios for the huge fiesta and parade on Christmas Eve – Las Parrandas, a lively party of costumes, music and fireworks. Overall, you’ll feel a general sense of holiday cheer and enthusiasm for the year ahead.
For decades, Christmas celebrations were banned in Cuba – Castro vetoed religious festivities. Take advantage of the change in heart – Christmas was made a public holiday once again after the Pope visited in 1998. Join the local residents who celebrate Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) for a traditional meal of roast pork, fried plantains, rice, vegetables and rice pudding. Head to Remedios for the huge fiesta and parade on Christmas Eve – Las Parrandas, a lively party of costumes, music and fireworks. Overall, you’ll feel a general sense of holiday cheer and enthusiasm for the year ahead.
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Costa Rica
Pack up your swimsuit, sunglasses and snorkeling gear and fly off to the 75- to 85-degree weather in Costa Rica. Puffy jackets move over to make room for feathered carnival costumes, Santa hats are replaced with sunhats and sledding and skating shifts to swimming and surfing. There are three main parades held at Christmastime in the country, known for its wild jungles, exotic wildlife and pristine beaches. Only in December, can you also experience an array of holiday fiestas, rodeos, bull runs, street parties and dances. Come early for the Festival de la Luze in San Jose during the second week of December, with more than 1,500 musicians. Everywhere you look, Christmas lights are replaced with stunning tropical flowers as holiday décor and wreaths are crafted from red coffee berries and cypress branches instead of fir branches. Look, too, for handcrafted nativity scenes in front of homes – pasitos or portals. And while Santa Claus may make an appearance for your kiddos while you’re on vacation, tell them about the tradition of Nino dios (Child God, meaning Jesus) or Colacho (another name for St. Nicholas), who bring presents to boys and girls in Cost Rica. Finally, indulge in a traditional Costa Rican Christmas dinner of chicken and pork tamales, roast pork with rice or mashed potatoes and decadent pastries and tres leches cake.
Pack up your swimsuit, sunglasses and snorkeling gear and fly off to the 75- to 85-degree weather in Costa Rica. Puffy jackets move over to make room for feathered carnival costumes, Santa hats are replaced with sunhats and sledding and skating shifts to swimming and surfing. There are three main parades held at Christmastime in the country, known for its wild jungles, exotic wildlife and pristine beaches. Only in December, can you also experience an array of holiday fiestas, rodeos, bull runs, street parties and dances. Come early for the Festival de la Luze in San Jose during the second week of December, with more than 1,500 musicians. Everywhere you look, Christmas lights are replaced with stunning tropical flowers as holiday décor and wreaths are crafted from red coffee berries and cypress branches instead of fir branches. Look, too, for handcrafted nativity scenes in front of homes – pasitos or portals. And while Santa Claus may make an appearance for your kiddos while you’re on vacation, tell them about the tradition of Nino dios (Child God, meaning Jesus) or Colacho (another name for St. Nicholas), who bring presents to boys and girls in Cost Rica. Finally, indulge in a traditional Costa Rican Christmas dinner of chicken and pork tamales, roast pork with rice or mashed potatoes and decadent pastries and tres leches cake.
Canary Islands
Looking for somewhere off the beaten path for a tropical island holiday? Consider the Canary Islands, an exquisite Spanish archipelago off Morocco’s coast. Choose from Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Grand Canaria and other beauties. It’ll be low-70s, but that’s plenty warm to enjoy the beach scene and come home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. There are plenty of rentals right on the sand, so start dreaming today.
Looking for somewhere off the beaten path for a tropical island holiday? Consider the Canary Islands, an exquisite Spanish archipelago off Morocco’s coast. Choose from Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Grand Canaria and other beauties. It’ll be low-70s, but that’s plenty warm to enjoy the beach scene and come home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. There are plenty of rentals right on the sand, so start dreaming today.
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Thailand
Christmas isn’t a holiday in Thailand – more than 90 percent of the Thai population is Buddhist – but the country is tolerant of other religions. If you choose Thailand for your warm weather Christmas celebration, you’ll likely see hotel and restaurant staff pulling out a few western traditions – red and white Santa Claus hats, vendors selling ornaments, palm trees in lights. There are usually gala dinners and special events catering to those international travelers who are celebrating. Save your holiday shopping for Phuket, where you’ll find plenty of markets with everything from local crafts to designer bags. Best of all – this is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit Thailand and you’ll typically find good values on resort stays. Look for accommodations near Sunset Beach, White Sand Beach, Chaweng Beach and Bottle Beach – and be sure to snap a photo for next year’s Christmas card.
Christmas isn’t a holiday in Thailand – more than 90 percent of the Thai population is Buddhist – but the country is tolerant of other religions. If you choose Thailand for your warm weather Christmas celebration, you’ll likely see hotel and restaurant staff pulling out a few western traditions – red and white Santa Claus hats, vendors selling ornaments, palm trees in lights. There are usually gala dinners and special events catering to those international travelers who are celebrating. Save your holiday shopping for Phuket, where you’ll find plenty of markets with everything from local crafts to designer bags. Best of all – this is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit Thailand and you’ll typically find good values on resort stays. Look for accommodations near Sunset Beach, White Sand Beach, Chaweng Beach and Bottle Beach – and be sure to snap a photo for next year’s Christmas card.
Cairns, Australia
Pull out all the stops and go Down Under for Christmas in Australia! In northern Queensland, Cairns awaits, ready to impress holiday travelers with snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, wildlife watching and more. Explore the rain forest and relax on the beach at Palm Cove. Take a Christmas card photo with a koala or kangaroo. Take the Calvacade of Lights tour around the city – even the cars are lit up! – and go caroling by candlelight. And check out the eclectic village of Kuranda for Christmas gifts and festive holiday cheer.
Pull out all the stops and go Down Under for Christmas in Australia! In northern Queensland, Cairns awaits, ready to impress holiday travelers with snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, wildlife watching and more. Explore the rain forest and relax on the beach at Palm Cove. Take a Christmas card photo with a koala or kangaroo. Take the Calvacade of Lights tour around the city – even the cars are lit up! – and go caroling by candlelight. And check out the eclectic village of Kuranda for Christmas gifts and festive holiday cheer.
Victoria, Australia
Victorian in a non-Dickensian manner, the Victoria state in Australia will delight you with its range of outdoor activities and tropical Christmas cheer. Explore along the Great Ocean Road, go biking on the Bright Rail Trail, visit the wineries of Mount Beauty, bask on the beach or go surfing. In Melbourne, check out the intricate gingerbread houses put together by local chef/bakers. Listen to Christmas carols at Christmas Square. And shop for unique gifts on characterful Blender Lane, full of artist and designer stalls every Wednesday night.
Victorian in a non-Dickensian manner, the Victoria state in Australia will delight you with its range of outdoor activities and tropical Christmas cheer. Explore along the Great Ocean Road, go biking on the Bright Rail Trail, visit the wineries of Mount Beauty, bask on the beach or go surfing. In Melbourne, check out the intricate gingerbread houses put together by local chef/bakers. Listen to Christmas carols at Christmas Square. And shop for unique gifts on characterful Blender Lane, full of artist and designer stalls every Wednesday night.
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Honduras
When the beach calls, consider Honduras – the beaches are sandier than neighboring Belize and you can find amazing rentals on Roatan Island. Rent a villa and bring the whole family for a Christmas tropical holiday you’ll never forget. Go snorkeling and diving along the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The big celebration here is on December 24th, not 25th, so keep that in mind when making your reservations. Indulge in a traditional Christmas dinner of pork, tamales wrapped in banana leaves, traditional corn doughnuts soaked in honey (rosquillas en miel) or fried egg whites soaked in honey (torrejas). And fireworks on Christmas Eve are a given!
When the beach calls, consider Honduras – the beaches are sandier than neighboring Belize and you can find amazing rentals on Roatan Island. Rent a villa and bring the whole family for a Christmas tropical holiday you’ll never forget. Go snorkeling and diving along the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The big celebration here is on December 24th, not 25th, so keep that in mind when making your reservations. Indulge in a traditional Christmas dinner of pork, tamales wrapped in banana leaves, traditional corn doughnuts soaked in honey (rosquillas en miel) or fried egg whites soaked in honey (torrejas). And fireworks on Christmas Eve are a given!
Maldives
Consider the Maldives, strung like jewels across the Indian ocean, and famed for their crystal-clear water. Dive, snorkel, surf, swim with manta rays, go big-game fishing and more. Missing traditional Christmas lights displays? Head to the Island of Vaadhoo, in the Raa Atoll, famous for its bioluminescence phenomenon, in which zillions of phytoplankton light up in the water when touched.
Consider the Maldives, strung like jewels across the Indian ocean, and famed for their crystal-clear water. Dive, snorkel, surf, swim with manta rays, go big-game fishing and more. Missing traditional Christmas lights displays? Head to the Island of Vaadhoo, in the Raa Atoll, famous for its bioluminescence phenomenon, in which zillions of phytoplankton light up in the water when touched.
Sri Lanka
Here’s an epic holiday vacation you’ll never forget. In a glorious tropical climate, you can explore the jungle on elephant-back, visit Nala National Park and hope to see leopards and monkeys, tour centuries-old tea plantations and spend Christmas Eve watching one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. There are resorts, jungle lodges, guest houses and eco-friendly properties – and sunshine, beaches, ancient cities, rich history and a fascinating culture.
Here’s an epic holiday vacation you’ll never forget. In a glorious tropical climate, you can explore the jungle on elephant-back, visit Nala National Park and hope to see leopards and monkeys, tour centuries-old tea plantations and spend Christmas Eve watching one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. There are resorts, jungle lodges, guest houses and eco-friendly properties – and sunshine, beaches, ancient cities, rich history and a fascinating culture.
United Arab Emirates
Want the most selection for Christmas gift shopping? Consider Dubai! You’ll be able to spend hours shopping for your loved ones in the massive Dubai Mall and its more than 1,000 stores. If you need a touch of “winter,” you can go ice skating at the mall, too. Spend a day at the Dubai Aquarium, at the dazzling, dancing Dubai Fountains and kayaking in the waters of the Arabian Gulf at Abu Dhabi, nearby.
Want the most selection for Christmas gift shopping? Consider Dubai! You’ll be able to spend hours shopping for your loved ones in the massive Dubai Mall and its more than 1,000 stores. If you need a touch of “winter,” you can go ice skating at the mall, too. Spend a day at the Dubai Aquarium, at the dazzling, dancing Dubai Fountains and kayaking in the waters of the Arabian Gulf at Abu Dhabi, nearby.
Cyprus
You’ll get the best of both worlds in Cyprus – the warmth and tropical feel of the Mediterranean, with its beautiful beaches, snorkeling, sailing and swimming, as well as a more traditional winter wonderland at the Troodos Mountain villages. Most Cypriots are Greek Orthodox – yet while some still follow the tradition of celebrating and opening gifts on New Year’s Day, you’ll find plenty of festivities on December 25th. When Cypriots celebrate, that means food – so go, ahead, indulge in the melomakarona (cinnamon and orange, honey-glazed cookies) and kourabiedes (almond biscuits). Don’t miss the sweet “Christmas bread,” or christopsomo, eaten on Christmas Eve and Day.
You’ll get the best of both worlds in Cyprus – the warmth and tropical feel of the Mediterranean, with its beautiful beaches, snorkeling, sailing and swimming, as well as a more traditional winter wonderland at the Troodos Mountain villages. Most Cypriots are Greek Orthodox – yet while some still follow the tradition of celebrating and opening gifts on New Year’s Day, you’ll find plenty of festivities on December 25th. When Cypriots celebrate, that means food – so go, ahead, indulge in the melomakarona (cinnamon and orange, honey-glazed cookies) and kourabiedes (almond biscuits). Don’t miss the sweet “Christmas bread,” or christopsomo, eaten on Christmas Eve and Day.