Snow, Sand, and Seashore: Your Ultimate Holiday Escapes

Stuck between a white Christmas and a warm winter getaway? This year, you don’t have to choose! Whether your holiday dream involves sipping cocoa by a coastal fireplace, skiing down fresh mountain powder, or celebrating with cowboys in a mild climate, we’ve found three unique destinations to make your season unforgettable.

Park City, Utah

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In the Wasatch Mountains, you will find Park City, a location that fosters community and is a travel destination. This accessible year-round mountain is home to the Deer Valley resort, a ski-only resort; skiing and snowboarding at Park City Mountain, Utah Olympic Park; and a 400+ mile trail network. 

This winter, Park City will elevate your experience with Deer Valley’s Expanded Excellence program. One of the largest in ski industry history. Presenting a range and selection to the mix for every type of skier. 

On the other hand, Park City Mountain is launching its brand-new 10-passenger Sunrise Gondola, offering better space and even better access to the slopes. 

Outside of all the thrilling experiences and a fun day in the snow, you can warm up with over 150 cozy bars and restaurants, shop through Historic Main Street, or immerse yourself in the lively winter atmosphere that makes Park City a top winter getaway.

Once you’ve experienced the winter mountain destination of Park City, here is how to make the most of your visit.

From Nov. 7th through Jan. 3rd, take a joyful walk down Main Street and experience a winter wonderland with their Snow Globe Stroll. Enjoy the final year of the Sundance Film Festival in Park City from (Jan. 22- Feb. 1), or embrace the 16th annual Utah Gay Ski Week from (Feb. 25th-Mar. 1).

Retreat to the Westgate Park City Resort & Spa, offering over 300 villas to relax and enjoy luxurious facilities to ensure a day of pure relaxation and a fresh dining experience.

Also, Chateaux Deer Valley offers luxury hotel suites that span about 900 square feet, intimate dining, and their Stein collection of rental homes, ensuring your stay is a mix of a luxury hotel and resort experience and a welcoming home.

Whether you’re in for snowy thrills, festival buzz, or fireside charm, Park City wraps it all up in a winter experience that is both elevating and inviting.

Bryce Canyon Country, Utah

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For a truly tranquil escape, Bryce Canyon offers a winter landscape unlike any other. Here, the famous orange-red hoodoos unique rock spires are capped with pure white snow, creating a stunning visual contrast best seen during a ranger-guided snowshoe hike along the rim. Bryce is a destination for solitude and grand scenery, offering quiet elegance and dramatically fewer crowds than in summer. You can rent snowshoes, cross-country skis, or even take a guided snowmobile tour in the surrounding Dixie National Forest for an exhilarating day before retreating to a cozy, high-end stay just outside the park entrance.

Teneya at Yosemite (Fish Camp) , California

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Tucked into the Sierra National Forest just south of the Yosemite entrance, the luxurious AAA Four-Diamond Tenaya at Yosemite resort is the ideal base for a high-end winter adventure. Tenaya takes the hassle out of snow travel with a wealth of on-site activities, including a covered outdoor ice skating rink, a private sledding hill, and complimentary snowshoes for guests exploring the pristine forest trails. Inside, the lodge embraces the holiday spirit with roaring fireplaces, festive décor, and the indulgent Ascent Spa, offering the perfect spot for après-snow relaxation after a day of exploring Yosemite Valley’s famous sights.

Rhode Island

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Known for its charming shores and seaside colonial towns, Rhode Island transforms into a coastal wonderland around the holidays. Streets potentially covered with snow, festive lights around every corner, and historic locations decked in seasonal flair give ‘Little Rhody’ a picture-perfect holiday vibe.

You can make the best of your experience by exploring attractions like Holidays at the Newport Mansions, Newport Illuminated Boat Parade, a Holiday Lights Spectacular at the Roger Williams Zoo, and more!

Encompass yourself in festive and historical splendor with Holidays at the Newport Mansions. The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, and Chateau-sur-Mer are all decked in holiday dazzle with nearly 30 Christmas trees and hundreds of garlands, wreaths, and floral arrangements. Be sure to seek out The Breakers’ magnificent 15-foot poinsettia tree. It’s a true Holiday Highlight!

For a unique coastal celebration, enjoy the Newport Illuminated Boat Parade this holiday season. Observe and watch a twinkling parade of lights as festively wrapped boats compete for ‘best decorated’ against the backdrop of the shimmering harbor.

Finally, for a full dose of pure Christmas magic, head to the Holiday Lights Spectacular at the Roger Williams Zoo. With over 3.5 million gleaming bulbs spread across 40 acres, you can wander, sip hot cocoa, or toast s’mores as you enjoy a trail of sparkling lights and whimsical displays that truly bring the holiday to life!

When you’re ready to wind down and relax, locations like The Chanler at Cliff Walk, where you can lounge in their private oasis and enjoy their breathtaking ocean vistas. The lively and stylish destination of The Vanderbilt, and embrace your island resort life with culinary celebrations, immersive activities, and personalized luxury at the Newport Harbor Island Resort.

If you are still down for some experiences, you can stroll through Wickford Village and enjoy one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants, and visit many Colonial and Federal period homes. Enjoy some fun ice skating at the Providence Ice Rink or tour rooms and learn about the adventurous experiences of the Van Wickle/McKee family at the Blithewold Mansion.

Pack your warmest scarf and get ready to experience a Christmas season full of coastal charm, Gilded Age splendor, and memories that will shine for years to come.

Fort Worth, Texas

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If you’re seeking a comfortably warm escape for the holiday season, head down South to Fort Worth, Texas. This destination perfectly blends mild winter weather with authentic Texas charm, offering sunny days ideal for walking, shopping, and enjoying the city’s vibrant downtown. To make the most of your experience, here are some unforgettable holiday events:

The Nutcracker by Texas Ballet Theater

Create beautiful family memories with Ben Stevenson’s timeless production of The Nutcracker. Known for its lavish costumes and spectacular sets, this is a true holiday tradition that brings pure magic to the air. (Nov. 28–Dec. 7 & Dec. 12–28)

Fort Worth Symphony “Home for the Holidays”

Experience a beloved holiday tradition as the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, along with special guest artists, brings the season to life. Enjoy classic holiday carols and tunes, and grab a photo with Santa at this festive event. (Nov. 28–29)

GM Financial Parade of Lights

Don’t miss the sparkle, dazzle, and shine of Texas’s largest illuminated holiday parade (Nov. 23). Along the route, starting near the intersection of Weatherford and Throckmorton Streets, you’ll witness over 100 entries, including floats, cars, and costumed groups covered in hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights for a truly celebratory night with friends and family.

Christmas in the Stockyards

Enjoy a truly Western wonderland by experiencing a southern twist on the traditional holiday. Santa and Mrs. Claus come dressed in cowboy hats and boots for events like “Giddy Up and Glide” (ice skating near the rodeo arena), the championship rodeo, and the “Trinity River Christmas Train,” a 45-minute scenic train ride down to Trinity Park and back. Gear up in your holiday best and cowboy swag for this southern delight.

The Worthington Renaissance

When you are ready to wind down, The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel will make your stay worthwhile. This historic fixture in downtown perfectly blends classic elegance with modern amenities for a luxurious experience. You can celebrate vibrant flavors and the dining culture of Central and South America at Toro Toro, a restaurant by Chef Richard Sandoval. It offers a contemporary steakhouse experience with Pan-Latin flavors, featuring Rodizio-style Churrasco and innovative dishes that take your taste buds on an exciting ride.

This holiday season, trade the winter chill for genuine Southern hospitality and embrace the unique Western spirit that makes Fort Worth a truly warm winter escape.

Carlsbad, California

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For a holiday where the sun shines as bright as the decorations, Carlsbad is the ultimate Southern California escape. This coastal haven happily swaps snow boots for sandals, offering a sophisticated retreat defined by stunning ocean bluffs and world-class resort living. During the season, the city glitters with festive lights along the coastline, drawing visitors out for crisp evening walks by the Pacific.

While the days are perfect for hitting a championship golf course or indulging in a luxurious spa day, don’t miss the charming, traditional cheer at the Holiday at the Rancho historical park celebration. Carlsbad is the destination that lets you indulge in seaside elegance, boutique shopping, and a dose of California sunshine all wrapped up in holiday charm.