Top Five Travel Worthy Holiday Events
The holiday season is a magical time of the year, filled with festivities, traditions, and celebrations around the world. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or someone looking to embark on a memorable vacation, these events offer a unique and enchanting experience. From stunning light displays to cultural extravaganzas, we have carefully curated a list of five holiday events that are truly worth traveling for. So, grab your passport, pack your bags, and let's dive into the enchanting world of these captivating celebrations!
1. Ice Castles in Dillon, Colorado
They couldn’t have picked a more literal name for this holiday event. The Ice Castles in Dillon, Colorado are truly a magical frozen wonderland that everyone should experience once in their life- even if you’re not a winter person. You won’t even notice that your toes are completely frozen because you’ll be too preoccupied by the lit up ice walls, giant ice slide, frozen waterfall of lights and perfectly formed ceiling of (slightly dangerous looking) icicles. Trust us on this one, it’s worth the plane ticket!
2. Fantasy in Lights in Pine Mountain, Georgia
The Fantasy in Lights in Pine Mountain, Georgia is known as the most spectacular holiday light and sound show in the south. This November will be their 26th year featuring over 8 million lights with 15 magical scenes. You can purchase tickets for $35 a person and we highly recommend all people who complain about early Christmas lights to attend and change their minds- if only for one night.
3. Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
For over 30 years, Smoky Mountain Winterfest has been creating the winter wonderland of your dreams and guests continue to travel to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to experience the magic. With light displays and holiday shows all in once place, you can feel like a child again and get into the holiday spirit on your next Smokey Mountain excursion.
4. An Old Time Christmas in Branson, Missouri
Remember your first Christmas tree? You were so small and it was so HUGE. But now you’re an adult and Christmas trees seem so blasé. Don’t worry, Ebenezer! From November 2nd to December 30th, you can travel to Branson, Missouri to see their 8-story Christmas tree! EIGHT. STORIES. Take that, blasé, pop-up wall-mart Christmas tree in the corner of your apartment. Aside from this giant beast of a pine tree, you also get all of the holiday joy and magic that you would expect from a holiday festival- Cider, Santa, gift-shops and even reindeer!
5. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade NYC, NY
You watch every year from the comfort of your couch in the comfort of your elf covered flannel holiday pajamas, but The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an American tradition that everyone should experience at least once in their lives. New York City in the fall is already magical enough without an enormous Snoopy balloon hovering over you, but something about experiencing this event in real life after watching for many years as a child is so surreal. Plane tickets around this time definitely tend to climb but even a pricier trip for this experience is worth it if you’re a hard-core holiday lover. And the real insider tip? The night before the parade, you can walk the path along the Upper West Side to see all the balloons laid out flat before they get inflated to get a real up close view of just how big those floats really are.
As we conclude our journey through the top five travel-worthy holiday events, it becomes evident that the world is brimming with awe-inspiring festivities. From the charming Christmas markets in Germany to the exuberant carnival in Brazil, each event offers a unique glimpse into the culture and traditions of its host country. Whether you're seeking a winter wonderland, a vibrant cultural experience, or a mix of both, these events provide a rich tapestry of memories waiting to be woven. So, next time you plan your holiday travels, consider these five events as potential destinations, and let yourself be immersed in the joyous spirit of these extraordinary celebrations. Happy travels!