Finals to Flights: Where to Travel this Winter Break

By Claire Weston

Edited by Taylor Morgan

ADITYA CHINCHURE / Unsplash

Staying in the States

There are plenty of gorgeous cities to explore this winter in the States. Whether you are wishing to flee cold temperatures or fully embrace them, here are a few recommendations for winter travel:

Embracing the Cold:

Indianapolis, Indiana

Winter in Indianapolis is magical. There is a Festival of Trees, the Indianapolis Zoo has Christmas lights and the Athenaeum hosts a Christkindlmarkt each year. 

Chicago, Illinois 

Chicago offers many wintertime festivities, from its own Christkindlmarket, to ice skating at Millennium Park near the Bean to shows at the Chicago Theatre. 

Gatlinburg, Tennessee 

Bring hiking boots and warm jackets if you plan to visit Gatlinburg. Ober Mountain has skiing and tubing, the Great Smoky Mountains have plenty of scenic routes and even snowy mountain views and downtown has beautiful Winter Magic lights.

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Escaping the Cold:

Phoenix, Arizona

Though winters in Phoenix are significantly warmer than Ohio’s, it’s still refreshing to experience cooler temperatures in the desert. You can hike or hit the slopes at Camelback Mountain, visit the Desert Botanical Garden or take a trip to Sedona, a town built inside the canyons. 

San Diego, California 

San Diego is bursting with festive charm and energy each winter. Visit Balboa Park for December Nights, watch the Holiday Bowl Parade or visit Legoland California for its festive show and decor.

Traveling to Europe

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If you have the time and money, international travel to Europe this winter would be magical. Here are some winter activities in three of the most popular cities in Western Europe: 

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin during the wintertime is full of cozy charm and twinkling lights. See the Wild Lights at the Dublin Zoo, visit the Christmas at the Castle market or visit Marlay Park’s Magic of Winter light trail. 

London, UK

Get into the winter spirit in London by attending the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, ice skating at the Glide Battersea or viewing Christmas lights on Oxford Street. 

Paris, France 

Paris is full of festive spirit and fun activities. Visit the many Christmas markets spread out through Paris, like the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market, view the Galeries Lafayette holiday windows or cruise along the Seine on a River Lights cruise.

Whether you want snow or sunshine, winter break is the perfect time to explore somewhere new. Wherever you choose to go, make sure you plan ahead and enjoy your time, embracing the winter festivities as you go.