From snowy Arctic adventures under the Northern Lights to glamorous seaside feasts in Mexico and cozy home exchanges across the globe, the holiday season brings a world of wonder for travelers seeking memorable getaways.
Below, discover festive celebrations and once-in-a-lifetime experiences from some of the world’s most inspiring destinations and hospitality brands:
Festive Magic Across Mexico: Velas Resorts Unveils Holiday Programming This holiday season, Velas Resorts transforms its award-winning properties in Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta into destinations of pure celebration. Thanksgiving kicks off the festivities with coastal flair, think seaside pumpkin carving contests, bourbon mixology classes, and gourmet twists on traditional favorites. Come December, the resorts sparkle with tree lightings, menorah ceremonies, and Mexican cultural touches, from Huichol solstice rituals to Santa’s helicopter arrivals. New Year’s Eve brings elegant gala dinners, live music, and fireworks over the sea, with each property offering its own spin—from Grand Velas Los Cabos’ “Fire & Smoke” feast to the “Luminus” celebration at Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos.
A Frozen Fairytale in Norway with Up Norway For those dreaming of a white Christmas, Up Norway offers immersive Arctic journeys that capture the spirit of the North. The Northern Lights in Norway at 70 Degrees North itinerary blends luxury and adventure with dogsledding, ice fishing, and stays in glass-domed igloos perfect for Northern Lights viewing. Families can step into their own Frozen Fairytale, meeting reindeer, building snowmen, and embarking on snowy adventures inspired by Anna & Elsa’s world. Meanwhile, the Lofoten Islands & Manshausen Sea Cabins journey combines nature, architecture, and Nordic tradition for an experience that’s as serene as it is striking.
Christmas by the Adriatic: Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik In Croatia, Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik offers a sophisticated seaside holiday escape steps from the city’s enchanting Christmas Market, where twinkling lights illuminate the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Guests can enjoy mulled wine and local pastries on the Stradun, return to elegant holiday dining overlooking the Adriatic, and soak up the festive spirit that transforms Dubrovnik into a winter fairytale.
Tropical Cheer in the Caribbean: Sailrock South Caicos Travelers can trade snow for sand this season at Sailrock South Caicos, where barefoot luxury and natural beauty define the holidays. Guests can indulge in festive beachfront dinners, sunset champagne toasts, and guided snorkeling excursions through crystal-clear waters. Whether celebrating Christmas Day with toes in the sand or ringing in the New Year with fireworks over the Caribbean, Sailrock offers a tranquil yet indulgent alternative to traditional winter escapes.
Parisian Holiday Glamour: Hôtel De Sers In Paris, Hôtel De Sers brings a touch of Left Bank elegance to the festive season. Steps from the Champs-Élysées and adorned with refined holiday décor, the hotel offers an intimate yet glamorous setting for winter escapes in the City of Light. Guests can savor seasonal gourmet menus crafted with French flair, warm up with specialty teas and vin chaud in the cozy lounge, or enjoy private balcony views of Paris twinkling in its holiday glow. Whether exploring Christmas markets, shopping for last-minute treasures along Avenue Montaigne, or returning for a candlelit dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Hôtel De Sers delivers a quintessentially Parisian holiday experience.
Island Festivities in the Maldives: Sun Siyam Iru Veli For those dreaming of an ultra-luxury tropical holiday, Sun Siyam Iru Veli in the Maldives offers a festive escape filled with barefoot bliss and Indian Ocean sparkle. The resort’s signature “laid-back luxury” sets the tone for celebrations that include beachfront gala dinners, oceanfront champagne brunches, and cultural moments infused with Maldivian warmth. Guests can spend Christmas snorkeling with manta rays, join sunset dolphin cruises, or relax in their private pool suite as the resort transforms with lights, music, and seasonal cheer. With its white-sand beaches, overwater spas, and endless turquoise horizons, Iru Veli turns the holiday season into a sun-soaked celebration of indulgence and tranquility.
Home for the Holidays: HomeExchange Collection For travelers seeking cozy comfort with a touch of exclusivity, HomeExchange Collection makes it easy to feel at home anywhere in the world. Members can swap luxury properties, from mountain chalets to coastal villas, for a true “home for the holidays” experience. Whether enjoying fireside dinners in the Alps, hosting Christmas morning by the beach, or gathering the family in a chic city apartment, it’s a festive season defined by togetherness, authenticity, and travel made personal.
From the Arctic to the Adriatic, Mexico to the Caribbean, these festive escapes redefine the meaning of holiday travel, inviting guests to celebrate with warmth, wonder, and a sense of place that lasts long after the season ends.
Image credit: Visit Norway
