Five Festive Destinations For Your Holiday Travels

The holidays are upon us, meaning it’s time to plan trips to festive, far-off destinations.

Europe

Journey through the festive Christmas markets in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Russia. Christmas markets are a cherished tradition full of storybook Yuletide delights: twinkling Christmas trees, gingerbread castles, steaming Glühwein, cheerful carolers and stalls teeming with sparkling baubles. Insight Vacations is offering four dedicated Christmas Markets Regional Journeys, plus eight additional tours that visit multiple markets along the way; insightvacations.com.

Saint Lucia

Celebrate this holiday season on this tropical island at Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort. The Chocolate & Local Treats class will satisfy a sweet tooth as you learn how to make delicious dessert alongside a professional pastry chef. Revel in the spirit of Christmas with a highly anticipated visit from Santa. Sugar Beach is located between the stunning UNESCO World Heritage listed Pitons. Enjoy a Reggae BBQ brunch on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day, complete with a hangover recovery station; viceroyhotelsandresorts.com.

Nantucket

Experience the 44th Christmas Stroll from Dec. 1 to 3 in New England. Carolers will wander through cobblestone streets singing holiday tunes, and The Whaling Museum will host its annual Festival of Trees, which features 80 brilliantly decorated trees designed by local artists. The island’s boutiques will offer special sales, and Santa is set to arrive via coast guard; jaredcoffinhouse.com.

Lausanne

Swiss splendor awaits at the renowned Beau-Rivage Palace, as it unveils “holiday bubbles” nestled in the hotel’s 10-acre garden. The transparent igloos invited guests to delight in a moment of magic while looking out over Lake Geneva and the distant snow-capped Alps. Enjoy fondue, mulled wine and gingerbread; brp.ch/en/home.

Zurich

Last year, Baur au Lac unveiled its “Chalet au Lac,” a traditional alpine restaurant, offering guests a taste of winter in the Swiss Alps. Built especially for the hotel in its lakeside park, the “pop-up” wooden chalet will create the perfect cozy atmosphere for a Christmas party or romantic dinner. The menu includes cheese fondue, raclette and a festive cocktail list with mulled wine and Fire Tongs Punch (red wine, rum, oranges, lemons, cloves, cinnamon, sugar) served in a fireproof bowl; bauraulac.ch/en.