MADRID, December 24 (PRESS EUROPE) –
The United States opens to the visitor this Christmas with a large collection of activities in different parts of the country that will help you discover the region and enjoy every corner in one of the most famous winter Christmas atmospheres on the planet.
From Chicago and Baltimore, via Belén and Santa Ynez, to Aspen and Arlington, the North American giant offers experiences for all audiences.
In Chicago, Christmas is full of light. The largest city in the Midwest knows how to celebrate Christmas the traditional way: from the rides at the Winter WonderFest and ice skating in Maggie Daley Park, to a stroll along the exclusive shopping boulevard, the famous Magnificent Mile, lit up by over a million of lights.
Also of note is the Christkindlmarket, one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in the country, attracting over a million visitors a year. Here you can taste fresh pretzels, bratwurst and a famous mulled wine, gluhwein, served in a cup that changes its design every year.
For snow lovers, the excursion to Lake Geneva is a must. An hour and a half from Chicago, this lakeside city is great for skiing, sledding and snowshoeing.
For the complete Christmas experience in Chicago, a stay at the iconic hotel The Drake becomes a classic.
Baltimore is another perfect destination to experience the holiday spirit of the United States. The Christmas Village is a space that combines a market, an amusement park and a brewery. Art lovers can enjoy a variety of vendors within the market, including local artists such as Art by Barton, with works in handmade metal frames and Kathe Wohlfahrt’s famous German Christmas decorations.
Plus, if that wasn’t enough to make you feel like you’re in a Christmas movie, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers a ride on the Polar Express accompanied by hot cocoa, cookies, and sledges. Finally, the Inner Harbor is a tourist center that from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve is decorated for visitors to enjoy the best holiday experience.
For lodging, the Renaissance Hotel by Marriott is a cozy oasis during the winter and is just a ten-minute walk from the Christmas Village.
ASPEN: SNOW AND DISCONNECTION.
And for lovers of skiing and ice skating, Aspen is the perfect place. Plus, those unimpressed by the slopes can indulge in pampering at one of the famous spas, upscale shops, or art galleries.
Aspen’s annual 12 Days celebration, complete with Victorian carols in the lobby of the Hotel Jerome and free family skating parties, takes place in the days leading up to Christmas.
Another must-see is the traditional annual tree-lighting ceremony featuring Santa and his reindeer, Christmas carols, and hot cocoa with cookies.
For foodies, Avalanche Ranch, with hot springs and located an hour from Aspen, is the popular Hickory House BBQ restaurant, which appears on the American Food Network show, “Diners, Dive-Ins and Drives.” .
Plus, travelers can get a truly seasonal experience by camping in one of the yurt tents at Basalt Mountain Gardens, an Airbnb nestled on the gorgeous mountainside.
And even the USA surprises with a German Christmas in the heart of Texas. A sister city to Bad Königshofen in Germany (Texas has about three million people who claim German ancestry), Arlington hosts an enchanting German-inspired Christmas market each year.
The bustling traditional market is packed with activities for all the family, including a Bavarian-themed petting zoo and puppet theatre. Six Flags theme park is located in this same city, which offers different immersive experiences.
Other of the many activities that Arlington offers are: board the Holiday Express train to see all the lights in the park, or go every night to see Santa Claus lights up a giant Christmas tree while enjoying delicious food at the “Taste Of Vacation in the Park’.
A very popular hosting option is Live! of Lowes, a vacation community offering unparalleled views of Globe Life Park and AT&T Stadium.
CHRISTMAS TOWN IN PENNSYLVANIA.
Known as the City of Christmas, Bethlehem or Bethlehem in Spanish, Pennsylvania welcomes more than a million visitors during Christmas to experience the Christkindlmarkt celebrations.
Under the canopy of outdoor tents and the twinkling Star of Bethlehem, visitors can shop for gifts from artisans around the world or sample succulent Pennsylvania Dutch nibbles (pierogie, funnel cake, and a batch of sausages) while listening to local musical performances .
Another must is a Shady Brook Farm Tour for an open-air carriage ride with an unforgettable light show. Also worth a visit is the bar, The Bookstore Speakeasy, with a 1920s theme, classic cocktail list, and live jazz on the weekends.
When it comes to accommodation, Sayre Manor is a hidden gem; It is a charming bed and breakfast ideal for enjoying an activity-packed holiday.
And finally the Solvang Julefest. Each year, the city’s week-long Christmas celebration lights up the region, making this Danish-American village one of “America’s Most Christmas Towns.”
Perfect for all family members, you can seek out Jule Nisse, mischievous Danish leprechaun figures hidden throughout the city, join the tree lighting ceremony, annual windmill lighting and parade.
The annual Solvang Holiday Food Tour adds a taste of the flavors of the wine region. Plus, Santa Barbara is a 40-minute drive from Santa Ynez, a perfect excursion for any winter vacation day.
For staycations, travelers can enjoy warm Danish hospitality at the Wine Valley Inn and Cottages, with several suites, castles, and private cottages to choose from.
