131. Winter Holiday Travel Guide: Top Holiday Destinations for Christmas, Hanukkah & New Year’s Eve

Ready to make your winter holiday travel plans truly unforgettable? In this episode, I share my insider tips and inspiring ideas for festive season adventures—from Orlando’s magical theme parks and Europe’s enchanting Christmas markets, to vibrant Hanukkah celebrations in NYC and Miami, festive holiday cruises, and breathtaking New Year’s Eve fireworks in Sydney Harbor. 

Connect with Michele on IG: @jetsettingwithmichele or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/MMTinsiders

Contact Michele to plan your next vacation: www.makinmemoriestravel.co/contact, michele@makinmemoriestravel.co, or schedule a 15 minute consult: https://tidycal.com/texasmfs/15-minute-meeting

This episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.

Transcript

Hello, jet setters. Happy Halloween. Can you believe it? It's actually the Christmas season. Although I really feel like Christmas started in middle October this year. Like Black Friday was a black month. And we've been talking about Home Depot Christmas decorations now for a bit. But it is truly for reals now. Halloween is tomorrow, trick or treaters.

It's my birthday day. It's really pretty much my favorite day of the year. And then we're in it. We're up to holiday travel. So considering winter travel is overwhelming with all the options. And so today's episode is going to help you create those memorable holiday travel plans, but with confidence and with style. So get ready. We're going to unwrap the best festive season adventures that are waiting to just for you.

As the season shifts and the neighborhoods begin to glow with all the holiday lights, it is truly the perfect moment to talk about making winter and New Year's travel truly unforgettable. The travel industry right now knows that you want to take shorter but more experiential vacations, micro vacations, as we say. And winter travel is the perfect time to do that, especially since this year, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and yeah, they all fall on like Thursdays or Fridays, whatever, long weekends, perfect time to get away. Whether you want something warm or maybe you want to get cozy in a winter wonderland, or you need that festive city break to see the world biggest menorah. Winter holidays have a treasure trove. And we're going to explore those top destinations and those unforgettable experiences that are going to inspire your travel plans. So it's time to pour yourself your favorite cozy drink. Got my coffee.

Get comfortable. And here we go. First up on the list is really truly the bucket list destination. The European Christmas markets. They book fast. So if you're still thinking, hey, let's take a quick trip to Europe over winter break, let's go. Get on the phone. DM me.

You don't have much time to plan. And if you've got a soft spot for the glowing lights and the mulled wine, that would be my soft spot. European Christmas markets should be very high on your bucket list. I myself can't wait to do that. Having explored Vienna, Strasbourg, Prague, Munich and Budapest and other seasons, I can only imagine how those charming streets transform into twinkling winter wonderlands. Picture those cobblestones lined with the handcrafted ornaments. This is personally my favorite. The scent of fresh gingerbread.

I don't even like the taste of it, but the scent of the Fresh gingerbread that mingles with those roasted chestnuts. And then Christmas carols filling the air. I mean, what doesn't scream winter holiday if that doesn't? Each city has its own unique holiday flavor. Vienna is famous for their buttery pastries and Munich's delicious gullwein. That would be the mulled wine. There is tons for your culinary palate. Now, again, I haven't explored those markets covered in holiday cheer just yet, but just knowing they are there, so full of the culture and warmth, makes me more excited as I plan to go next year. Ready to lose yourself in the magic? Trust me.

Hashtag IKnowBecause I go, it still applies, even in my own anticipation. What better time for you to come with me? You've got a whole year to plan with me. Now, let's bring things a little closer to home and step into the enchanting world of Orlando's theme parks during the holiday season. Season. Spoiler alert. This is where my family and I are spending Thanksgiving, which also happens to be our 15th wedding anniversary. So I've spent plenty of time behind the scenes at Disney World and Universal Orlando. And I can tell you firsthand, these parks transform into winter wonderlands.

Even though it's warm, they have all the joy, all the magic, all the music, all the food, and definitely unmistakable festive vibes. So Cinderella's castle will look more like Frozen, and it'll glow with millions of sparkling lights. The air is definitely scented. Yes, Disney does have scents that they pump up from underneath in the. It's called the tunnel system, but they're really not tunnels because they're on the first floor and the Magic Kingdom's on the second floor. But they pump the air and. And this time of year, it's got cinnamon and peppermint. And of course, who can resist Mickey, Minnie, Chip and Dale, Donald and Daisy, Pluto and Goofy in their holiday finest, Mickey's very Merry Christmas party seasonal event.

It's got the Christmas parade with the toy soldier, the march of the toy soldiers, got great fireworks, exclusive entertainment. It truly is Christmas with pixie dust. But not to be outdone, Universal Orlando also has some great holiday cheer. It's got some dazzling decor as well, some specialty shows and some festive takes on favorites like Hogsmeade Village, Harry Potter. You can warm up with a cup of warm butterbeer. PS I have tried butterbeer. Cold frozen hot fudge ice cream. There's other ones, too.

My favorite is the warm butterbeer. Even in the summer, I crave warm butterbeer but let's not forget there are twinkling lights too. And they've got Merry Grinchmas. You can have Christmas with the Grinchmas. Now here's the pro tip those holiday crowds are given. So let's find ways to enjoy the VIP experiences using Lightning Lanes or shared VIP VIP tours. Or if you really want to go extra af, that private VIP tour is great. I'm always happy to help you craft your itinerary so that you get the most sparkle for your time and your budget.

And of course, we can't forget the bonus. It is warm there. You will be soaking up some Florida sunshine while everyone else except where I live might be bundling up. There's something pretty special about celebrating the holidays with palm trees and those theme park thrills. Orlando could be calling your name if you want that festive holiday that blends the rides, the shows, the unforgettable theme park charm with the warm weather. Now I can't go without talking about Hanukkah. Let's light it up with some of the best Hanukkah celebrations you can experience right here in the US and beyond. First stop, New York City.

It's the undisputed heavyweight champ of Hanukkah festivities in the United States. Now here's a fun tidbit. Did you know there's almost a friendly quote menorah battle going on between Manhattan and Brooklyn? That's right, Manhattan usually claims the spotlight with its iconic giant menorah lighting and Grand Army Plaza or Central Park. It draws crowds. They have lively concerts. It's like a Hanukkah fest. There's dancing and of course, the unmistakable spark of that community joy. But Brooklyn, not to be outdone, fights back with its own vibrant events packed with music and celebration.

It's truly a festival of lights. And whether you choose to join in with New York City's rich Jewish culture or the amazing kosher eats, festive buzz make New York and Brooklyn, the city and the boroughs, an unforgettable holiday. Now next up, it could be cold there. So if you're dreaming of celebrating Hanukkah with some sunshine on your shoulders, then Miami might just be the place for you. Beachfront menorah lightings, spirited parties, cultural events that blend tradition with Miami's infectious energy and the warm weather. It is a joyful escape. Who for those who want Hanukkah with a little extra vitamin D. But not to be outdone, we can always jet set across the pond to London.

This city lights up Hanukkah In a classic cosmopolitan style, that is. That's where I should go. Massive public menorah lightings and spots like Trafalgar Square. Vibrant Jewish neighborhoods that burst with the festive events. London has a perfect mix. History, culture, holiday sparkle. So whether you're enjoying the traditional foods, concerts or the family friendly activities, celebrating Hanukkah amid London's iconic landmarks is the place to be. Okay, up next, we're heading into the cozy winter wonderlands.

Think snow, Santa, and all the festive feels. Let's wrap ourselves in that magic for a minute. Those destinations that make you want to sip that hot cocoa, or if you're me, that fabulous coffee. You can hear all about my coffee addiction in the previous episode about the best places to get coffee. I did it in honor of National Coffee Day. But if you want to sip your hot cocoa or your coffee by the fire and breathe in the crisp, snowy air, and I will tell you this, after living in Texas, where it's 100 degree weather all the time, this is really truly what I want to do. I want to soak up festive charm and breathe in the crisp, snowy air. There is no bad weather.

There is only bad clothing. So first up is Quebec City. I was in Quebec City, it was May and it was cold. So I can only imagine how cold it would be in November, December or January. But that city is Chef's Kiss. It's got cobblestone streets that looks like they have been dusted with sugar, which, AKA snow. They do have the twinkling lights overhead. Actually, they have those year round.

They do have a European style Christmas market where you can taste flaky pastries. You know, the French culture and their French history. Those pastries are going to melt in your mouth. The cities, as I said, has a rich history and they combine that with its holiday atmosphere. And it is, as I said, Chef's Kiss. But it's a storybook setting. And because I am the one with the Rolodex, the know before you go, girl. I happen to know many people in the visitors bureau for Quebec City.

And we can plan you an itinerary that takes you to places the locals go off the beaten path. That would truly be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Then of course, there's Lapland. A real winter fantasy. I got to go in January, but it still felt like Christmas because you can still go and meet Santa. You can visit his village. It is always snowy and you get to take the reindeer sleigh. And of course, if you're lucky, like we were, you catch the breathtaking Northern Lights and I'm beyond excited for my own group trip there in February 2026.

And guess what? I have one room left. So if you're interested in what I just described as the real life winter fantasy, you should contact me for that trip information. Of course, we can't forget Vienna. It's got the elegant city that pulls out all the stops. It has New Year's concerts, It has grand winter balls right out of the Sound of Music. You can picture yourself swirling across a glittering ballroom floor, looking up into the captain's eyes, feeling yourself blush. Oh wait, that is the Sound of Music. But it really is truly an unforgettable day.

You get festive markets, historic sites, and of course there is a Sound of Music tour. But you can dress up in your holiday finery for it. So if that sounds like a journey that you're interested in, then just wait because I've got holiday wine country tours that will also combine festive cheer and the culinary hashtag. Travel with your taste buds. Indulgence, wine lovers. This one is for you. I have done this at Holiday Wine Country Escape. Again, perfect for a long weekend.

You get festive tastings, seasonal menus, think red wine that pairs well with pumpkin or apple pie. Cozy vineyard charm. So from Napa to Sonoma and including Burgundy in France, wineries will host special holiday events that give you flight tastings. But they're perfect for indulging in world class flavors and your culinary palette amidst beautiful winter landscapes. So a wine country holiday does actually combine. Oh did I mention the world class spas in those places. It combines relaxation and gourmet delight, which is an ideal festive season treat. Now let me share some fast and fabulous tips to help make your holiday travel as smooth and joyful as possible.

Because planning your dream getaway should be just as magical and unstressful. Holidays are stressful enough, right? So book early. As in now. The holiday travel, it does fill up fast. Especially right now when there's staffing shortages and uncertainty. Especially for those festive flights, special events, holiday cruises. The earlier you lock in your plans, the better your chances are of snacking, that perfect itinerary and those sweet, sweet upgrades. Speaking of upgrades, always ask me about those special holiday packages.

VIP experiences off the beaten path. Who do you know in the area, the exclusive theme park parties to the private tours of the Christmas markets. I've got the inside scoop on it. All these little touches can take your trip from great to really truly unforgettable. And of course, don't forget to travel with versatility. You want to pack layers for those winter escapes. Wear your heaviest clothes on the plane, but if you're heading somewhere sunny, throw in your coziest holiday sweater for the ugly sweater party that may or may not be happening, or to wear to any one of the Christmas parties. They make for perfect photos, but my favorite tip, as always, is to leave room for the unexpected.

Some of those best memories happen when you stumble upon a hidden market stall, a local holiday concert, or a surprise snowfall. Finally, when the planning starts to feel overwhelming, that is where I come in at making memories Travel. I am here to handle every detail, so you just get to enjoy the magic. Because your best holiday trip, it always starts with my expert help. So that's a wrap on your ultimate guide to festive season travel magic, sparkling theme parks, cozy Christmas markets, and of course we couldn't forget sunny Hanukkah celebrations and unforgettable holiday cruises. I hope you're feeling inspired. Start dreaming. Contact me to start planning.

All my info is in the show notes and let's have an extra AF holiday adventure. Don't forget next week's episode. I'm going to take you behind the scenes on my recent scouting trip to London for next year's Bridgerton Spring Soiree. Tell you all about who I met, what pictures I took, and what's going to be fun on that trip. Expect the insider tips, the exclusive experiences, and all the Regency magic that you will not want to miss on that trip. Until next time, make every journey a memory worth savoring.