Where To Go For The Perfect Christmas Vacation


There’s no getting away from it, the festive season is coming. Now is the time to start planning that great Christmas vacation.

Whether your choice is treating the family to sea, sand, and sun, or exploring quaint Christmas markets in Europe, there are plenty of perfect destinations to spend the upcoming festive season. The following are a couple suggestions of where to go on vacation this Christmas, in the Caribbean or Italy.

If the white Christmas you are dreaming of involves white sand rather than snow, the Caribbean offers many options for a Christmas vacation. According to USA Today, one such perfect Christmas vacation destination is in Grand Cayman, staying in style at Camana Bay.

Christmas vacation
Camana Bay via Flickr by goatling / CC BY-SA 2.0

Located on the north end of Grand Cayman, the planned community usually has a full calendar of Christmas activities to suit everyone, including a huge Christmas tree in the town center. Santa is on hand in his workshop and will pose with the kids in his rather more tropical gear for the traditional Christmas photo.

On New Year’s Eve there are firework shows, dancing, and a live video stream of that famous Times Square Ball Drop. All this along with warm sunshine, gorgeous beaches, and turquoise waters to swim in during the day.

Christmas vacation
Caribbean Christmas via Flickr by Connie Ma / CC BY-SA 2.0

For a different yuletide experience, head to St. Kitts and Nevis, where they traditionally throw their annual Carnival from late November right the way through the first week of January. Dubbed “Sugar Mas,” the celebration combines the normal Carnival elements along with parades, street parties, and Boxing Day activities.

Just after Christmas on December 27 and 28, the Queen and the Calypso Monarch are crowned, and the Grand Parade is held on January 1 for that unusual New Year’s celebration.

If waving palm trees, sandy beaches, and calypso music are not your perfect choice for a Christmas vacation, Europe has plenty to offer. With quaint, medieval towns, sparkling lights reflected on the snow and mulled wine on offer, what could be better for enjoying the festive season.

Christmas vacation
Colosseum, Rome via Flickr by Victoria Reay / CC BY 2.0

One such great European destination is Italy, with its charming Christmas street markets and delicious traditional food. A blog by Bridgewater’s Idyllic Italy speaks of the wonderful Italian Christmas vibe, while enjoying the gorgeous Tuscan scenery, the fascinating festive markets, or exploring the historic city of Rome.

Christmas vacation
Florence, Italy via Flickr by Any.colour.you.like / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

All over Italy, the famous Christmas markets are held, selling all kinds of hand-crafted gifts, perfect for that relative who “has everything.” Purchase hand-made items made from glass, clay, and wood, or candles, homemade soaps, ceramics, and original Christmas decorations to put on the tree back home next year.

After browsing the festive displays, all dressed up in sparkling Christmas lights, enjoy the traditional foods of Italy, like the salsiccia and cannellini bean stew, all washed down with a delicious glass of mulled wine.

If heading to Rome around Christmas time, there are several Christmas markets, but the best, and possibly most famous, is held in Piazza Navona, right in the heart of the historic city. While mom and dad browse the stalls with their traditional festive decorations, the popular nativity scenes, and tempting sweet treats, the kids can have fun watching the street acrobats and artists, plying their trade in the square.

Christmas vacation
Street performer via Flickr by zachary jean paradis / CC BY-NC 2.0

Once Christmas arrives, traditional family celebrations are the order of the day. Around the Christmas period, you can watch the children continuing the old Italian custom of carol singing, playing their tunes on shepherd’s pipes while wearing the traditional shepherd hats and sandals.

On Christmas Eve, it is normal for Italians to forgo meat, or sometimes even dairy, in their celebratory meal. The locals normally enjoy a light seafood meal before heading to the special Midnight Mass.

Christmas vacation
Panettone via Flickr by Nicola / CC BY 2.0

After they return from the Midnight Mass, you might be lucky to grab a slice of the famous Italian Christmas cake called “Panettone,” served with a cup of delicious hot chocolate, perfect to see in the early Christmas morning.

So whether planning a sun, sea, and sand experience, or a traditional Italian treat, enjoy a different Christmas vacation this year.

[Photo cropped and resized via Flickr by Hagens_world / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0]

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