How to Spend Your Time in America's Merriest Cities This Holiday Season
As we savor the last golden moments of summer, it’s time to start dreaming about twinkling lights, warm evenings by the fireplace, and the joy of the holiday season. Whether you're eager to start a new tradition, escape the usual holiday hustle, or create special memories with loved ones, nothing gets you in the spirit like exploring one of the world’s most festive destinations.
Our Celebration Series is designed to include the city’s iconic attractions while capturing all the wonder this time of year holds – intricate light displays, lively shows, and mouthwatering seasonal treats. What makes these tours truly special is the balance of unforgettable guided experiences, like Broadway performances, and time at leisure to create your own holiday memories. If you want to linger a little longer at a charming Christmas market, get cozy in a local café with a warm drink, or browse unique shops and window displays for one-of-a-kind gifts, this leisure time is yours to fill with whatever delights you most.
Your expert Tour Director will be there every step of the way, ready to offer personalized suggestions based on your interests. And for inspiration, we’ve also gathered a few ideas from our Destination Managers. Unwrap some festive ideas to make the most of your getaway below!
Nashville Holiday Extravaganza – 6 days
Time at leisure: A full morning and afternoon on day three, giving you plenty of time to explore the city as you choose before regrouping for the evening’s planned festivities. The evening on day four is also free.
- Dive into automotive history at the Lane Motor Museum.
- Discover the powerful musical stories waiting at the National Museum of African American Music.
- Browse brand-name deals at Opry Mills, conveniently located near our gorgeous resort hotel.
- Venture downtown to The Gulch, Nashville’s trendy district packed with upscale boutiques and vibrant street art.
- Spend a playful afternoon at SoundWaves, the fun-filled indoor waterpark attached to our resort (admission not included), where you can kick back and enjoy some fun before the evening’s holiday festivities.
Gaylord Opryland Resort
Lane Motor Museum
Chicago at Christmastime – 5 days
Time at leisure: All of day four before gathering as a group for dinner. Plus, day two includes time to browse the dazzling shops along the Magnificent Mile before spending a few hours at Navy Pier to explore its beautiful light displays and iconic features!
- Stroll Michigan Avenue to admire the famous Macy’s holiday window displays, then warm up with a hot beverage at Ralph’s Coffee.
- Lace up your skates at Millennium Park or Maggie Daley Park.
- Catch a performance of The Nutcracker by the Joffrey Ballet.
- See masterpieces at The Art Institute of Chicago.
- Board the whimsical CTA Holiday Train as it makes its rounds through the city.
Chicago at Christmastime
Chicago River Festivities
Ice skating at Millennium Park
Pasadena Rose Parade – 6 days
Time at leisure: Afternoon and evening on day two, as well as some time in the afternoon on day four.
- Spend some time shopping for unique finds in Old Pasadena or along the famous Colorado Boulevard.
- Settle in at a local sports bar to watch the excitement of the Rose Bowl game unfold.
- Head up to the Griffith Observatory for sweeping views of Los Angeles and the iconic Hollywood Sign.
- Wander the impressive collections at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), home to everything from classic masterpieces to modern installations.
- Attend the Rose Bowl or another exciting event! (Guests are responsible for purchasing their own tickets and arranging transportation.)
- Walk through stunning themed gardens or explore world-class art and rare books at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
Rose Bowl Game
Hollywood Sign
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Smoky Mountain Christmas – 6 days
Time at leisure: The afternoon in Dollywood on day three, early afternoon in Asheville and mid-afternoon at the Biltmore Estate on day four, and the afternoon in Charlotte on day five.
- Visit the Discovery Place Science Museum, NASCAR Hall of Fame, or Museum of Illusions in downtown Charlotte.
- Embark on a peaceful stroll through the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens.
- Catch a holiday performance at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or head to the classy Middle C Jazz club for live music.
- Attend Christmas shows, embark on a train ride to see the twinkling holiday lights, indulge in delicious food, or enjoy the thrill of amusement park rides in Dollywood!
- Stroll through the downtown area, head to the many quaint shops to shop for souvenirs, and grab lunch at Grove Arcade in Asheville.
- Visit Woolworth Walk, an old Woolworth store converted into the largest local artist gallery in Asheville! Enjoy seeing a mix of artistic mediums on display from over 160 artists.
- Enjoy a self-guided stroll through the Biltmore Estate’s grounds and visit the Farmyard, Winery, or shops for holiday gifts, specialty treats, and other keepsake souvenirs prior to our dinner and candlelight tour.
Smoky Mountains
Dollywood Train
The Biltmore Estate
New York City at Christmastime – 5 days
Time at leisure: The afternoon on day three is yours to explore before the New York City Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker™, and the afternoon and evening are free on day four.
- Savor the flavors of the city at one of the many incredible eateries found around every turn.
- Spend time shopping at Macy’s Herald Square, the largest department store in the United States and one of the largest in the world at 2.5 million square feet!
- Embark on a charming carriage ride through Central Park.
- Reflect and learn at the impactful 9/11 Memorial & Museum, where powerful exhibits honor the lives lost and detail the aftermath of that historic day.
- Feed your curiosity at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Explore Bryant Park’s Holiday Shops, a unique wintertime bazaar of over 150 vendors!
- Take in panoramic views of the city from the “Top of the Rock” Observation Deck at the Rockefeller Center.
- Enjoy a festive meal at Rolf’s German Restaurant.
- Walk through history where millions began their American story: Ellis Island.
Carriage ride through Central Park
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Bryant Park’s Holiday Shop
Ellis Island
Ready to celebrate the holidays like never before?
No matter which adventure you book, the balance of expertly planned festivities and time to explore as you choose will make it a getaway to remember. All you have to do is book the trip and pack your bags – leave the rest to us. Click the button below to browse our entire Celebration Series and reserve your spot before it’s too late!