Christkindlmarkt (Source: Getty Images)
'Tis the season to try something new.
There is no question that the holiday season feels magical and heartwarming, but that doesn't mean it has to be the same every year. With so many incredible traditions around the world - give yourself the gift of experiencing new cultures and customs. From saunas surrounded by snow to welcoming Santa on the beach - we dive into some of our favorite holiday escapes guaranteed to help you celebrate like never before.
United States
Yes, New York City is always a good idea, but especially over the holidays - after all, so many beloved holiday traditions originated from New Yorkers like the famous poem "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and even the first "official" portrait of Santa Claus.
Beyond the celebration of timeless traditions, you can experience all the feels of the holiday season on nearly every street corner. Each December, millions travel to this city from all over the world to delight in the lighting of the Rockefeller Center tree (yes, there really are more than 50,000 lights and the topper is a Swarovski star!) and admire the window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, and Macy's at Herald Square. And don't forget the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular, which has kicked off the holiday season in New York City since 1932.
If planning a holiday getaway, book a stay at InterContinental New York Barclay. From carolers in the lobby to signature seasonal cocktails at The Parlour Bar, it's sure to be a memorable and special stay for the whole family. If traveling with little ones, you can stop by the front desk and send a letter to Santa - the hotel has a North Pole mailbox - and will even take care of postage.
Finland
It's one of the northernmost countries in the world - blanketed by dense winter woodlands. Its cold climate and strong Northern European roots inform much of the country's lifestyle, and one of the most well-known cornerstones of Finnish life is its sauna culture! In fact, it's estimated there are two million saunas in the country, and the Christmas sauna is one of the most cherished parts of sauna culture. It's customary for people to spend time in a sauna on Christmas Eve to cleanse both mind and body. Families take the event very seriously - ensuring their saunas are cleaned and prepped for a holiday with candles, lanterns - even aromatherapy oils. It makes you wonder why this relaxing ritual isn't a part of every holiday.
Experience the Christmas sauna tradition yourself at the incredible Mr & Mrs Smith Artic Treehouse Hotel, where each Artic Glasshouse Suite comes with its own fireplace and sauna. The hotel also provides spa goodie bags and eco-friendly yoga mats to ring in the holiday season with some wellness. Bonus: IHG One Rewards members can use their points towards booking a stay at this (and other) Mr & Mrs Smith properties.
If your Finnish holiday includes a stay in the vibrant capital, Helsinki - look no further than Hotel Indigo Helsinki - Boulevard. In addition to its central location and modern rooms, the hotel offers guests - you guessed it - a Finnish sauna experience.
Austria
Ok - this one might not be for the youngest members of your family, but if you want to add a bit of folklore fear to balance out all the bright and merry, the Austrian Krampus Parade may be just what you need to add to your holiday season. As legend has it - deep in the Austrian Alps lives a "dark" creature named Krampus - depicted as a half-man, half-goat monster who goes after kids who misbehave or are naughty. It is no surprise that parents love to use this dark Santa story to get their children to behave, and many cities, like Vienna and Salzburg, host Krampus parades with people dressed in over-the-top eerie costumes.
Of course, the story of an evil creature running around isn't everyone's idea of holiday fun, so feel free to skip the Krampus events and come to Austria for some of the best Christmas markets in the world. There are 20 markets in Vienna alone, the most popular one being Christkindlmarkt in front of City Hall. Book a stay at Hotel Indigo Vienna - Naschmarkt and treat yourself to the ultimate Viennese holiday. The hotel is also right in the heart of Vienna and is less than 15 minutes to Christkindlemarkt. This massive market runs from November 19 through December 26 every year and is a spectacular display of lights, decor, and every Christmas joy you can imagine. There is a giant Christmas tree, ice skating, booths to decorate cookies, and fantastic food stalls from rich stews and sausages to roasted chestnuts, oversized donuts and pretzels, and mugs of spiced wine and punch. And let's not forget the holiday shopping with dozens of artisans selling exquisite pieces, including ornaments, snow globes, wood carvings, and more.
Japan Marunouchi Naka-Dori street (Source: Getty Images)
In Japan, the Christmas holiday is celebrated predominantly through secular traditions from beautiful decorations, special meals, shopping, and even a surprising cameo by a well-known fried chicken franchise.
First up - winter illumination displays! Tokyo may be in the throes of winter, but the city is at its brightest this time of year. The most well-known is the Marunouchi Illumination which starts near Tokyo Station and continues for about 1.2km along Marunouchi Naka-Dori street. In 2021, organizers chose magic as the theme to correspond with the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book. No word yet on 2022's theme, but whatever it is, you can expect dazzling visuals and endless Insta-worthy moments.
For families in Japan, one of the most popular things to do every Christmas Day is to have a fried chicken dinner, making KFC the place to visit. It's not uncommon to see lines outside KFC during this time of the year, and the restaurant markets holiday meals that can be pre-ordered as early as October. Gorgeous lights and cityscapes topped off with fried chicken - what could be better?
If traveling from America or Europe over the holidays and longing for a time-honored tradition like Christmas tea, check out ANA InterContinental Tokyo, as well as Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo. Both hotels are known for famous afternoon tea offerings that they transform throughout the holidays to fit a festive theme!
Australia
Not everyone is dreaming of a white Christmas. Some of us are dreaming of tropical drinks and sunshine - drum roll please for Yuletide Beach on the endless coastline of Australia. While many parts of the world experience winter weather during December and January, Aussies are in the middle of their summers, and Christmas coincides with school summer holidays - talk about double the joy! Aussie celebrations often include beachside revelry - think Santa Clause in board shorts and Christmas Day barbecues.
We've got you covered if you want to trade the winter wonderland for summertime Santa. There's Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach - located on the city's famed, family-friendly beach. The area is known for its pristine shores, parks, and restaurants - there's even a children's playground near the beach. For a coastal Christmas that's a bit calmer, head north and book a stay at the beautiful InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort. This Gold Coast resort is a tropical paradise surrounded by luscious blue lagoons, top-notch golf courses, and gardens. The resort goes all out for Christmas with a special menu and activities for the whole family. It's also a short walk to The Marine Village - a collection of restaurants and boutique shops perfect for purchasing last-minute gifts. If you're traveling as a party of two and looking to add romance to your summer Christmas, 28 Degrees Byron Bay, another Mr & Mrs Smith property, is just what you need. This 21-and-over hotel is a fully eco-conscious guesthouse with plants, natural light, and even a plunge pool. The hotel offers couples in-room massages and private yoga and surfing lessons.
For more festive stays from IHG Hotels & Resorts, check out more holly jolly holiday getaways here. To book your stay, visit IHG Hotels & Resorts here.
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