December Vacation Ideas

With the holiday season approaching, many towns, cities and areas are decked out. New York comes quickly to mind if you can stand the cold. Catch the New York football Giants, the New York Knicks and a Broadway show while you are getting shopping done. And don't forget to stop off at the famous Tavern on the Green for a romantic evening as you catch the dazzling lights of the season in Central Park. More New York City Vacation Ideas!

You may be tempted to stay in New York for New Year's Eve. Our choice though is Las Vegas. Warmer weather and an all out party on the Vegas Strip are too good to pass up. Try getting to Vegas a few days earlier, closer to Christmas and you'll find it considerably more quiet and more affordable and look to upgrade to those top suites before the prices skyrocket with the fireworks. More Las Vegas Vacation Ideas.

A favorite tradition celebrated on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in Portland, Oregon for over 50 years is the Christmas Ship Parade, featuring approximately 60 boats. Boats are gaily decorated with holiday lights and streamers, out on the water every night for two weeks starting December 10 through December 21. An attraction that draws thousands of people to the area, the local hotels and restaurants are prepared for this festive event, booking well in advance. Come out and feel the holiday spirit. See more Portland Vacation Ideas

Zoolights Festival. The Oregon Zoo comes alive every year between November 24 and December 31 with over a half million festive lights in celebration of the holidays. Ride the train, meet Rudolph, and enjoy the animals at 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland. See more Portland Vacation Ideas

Enjoy the beauty of Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA, a short drive from Philadelphia (about 30 miles), but well worth the trip. Open all year, but one of the favorite times to visit is in December to see a winter wonderland of beautifully lit trees, indoor gardens, and hear the Christmas carols. In the spring and summer, catch the colorful shows, the radiant flowers and plants, water gardens and illuminated fountains. Over 800,000 visitors come yearly to enjoy the breathtaking beauty at this 1,050 acre estate. Call (610) 388-1000 for year round events including concerts and plays at this spectacular horticultural showcase. See more Philadelphia Vacation Ideas

For a unique experience, visit Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, fashioned after a Mexican village, located at 336 Highway 179 in Sedona, AZ. Here you'll find art galleries and specialty shops, fantastic dining, and colorful courtyards surrounding the quaint Chapel where weddings are performed year round depicting area customs. December is a special time of year when the Festival of Lights takes place on the 13th. of the month. Six thousand luminarias brighten the festive courtyards where musicians, dancers, carolers, and other performers stroll the streets. The Living Nativity with live animals reminds us of the importance of the season. For easy travel, enjoy the scenery as you sit back and take a relaxing trip on the Sedona RoadRunner, a free shuttle from the uptown area to Tlaquepaque. Call for information at (928) 282-0938. More Northern Arizona Vacation Ideas and more Sedona Vacation Things To Do

Over 100,000 visitors enjoy the holiday spirit in Prescott, AZ as they visit the Valley of Lights. Drive through their holiday light display featuring millions of lights and animated displays, presented to you for your holiday enjoyment during the entire month of December. For directions and information, call (928) 772-8857. More Prescott, AZ Vacation Things To Do

New Orleans, LA. Celebrate Christmas New Orleans Style. A month-long celebration in December that you'll never forget. Tour the historic houses, exquisitely decorated for the holidays. Weekly free Christmas concerts performed at St. Louis Cathedral. Enjoy New Orleans traditional Creole food, jazz concerts and special holiday events. And don't forget the fabulous shopping, you'll find something for everyone on your Christmas List. Don't miss the City Park in the heart of New Orleans with its grand display of nearly 2 million lights. Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage through the park. Mingle with the historical characters as they stroll the streets. Enjoy caroling in Jackson Square, an open-air artist colony, all there to make your holidays memorable.