N※N

Cameron - New York City: A Magical Winter Wonderland

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. n-new-york-city-a-magical-winter-wonderland.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 7:53 GMT by Travel + Leisure

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-07 224 x 224 / 19645 Bytes

2025-12-07 179 x 224 / 9488 Bytes

2025-12-07 224 x 224 / 9123 Bytes

2025-12-07 179 x 224 / 13650 Bytes

Holiday Season Highlights: What Travel Experts are Saying About Their Favorite Festive Get‑to‑gos

In the latest feature from Travel + Leisure, the magazine’s own panel of travel insiders – from editors and reporters to seasoned bloggers and influencers – were asked to reveal the one place they’d choose to spend the holiday season. Their answers paint a picture of a world that still delights in traditional winter charm, yet also embraces new ways of celebrating, from star‑studded city lights to intimate beach sunsets. While the article itself is a brief, bite‑size snapshot of each expert’s pick, a few of the links that accompany the stories add extra depth, pointing to destination‑specific guides, seasonal attractions, and behind‑the‑scenes details that help readers turn those headlines into real itineraries.

Below is a roundup of the experts and their top‑notch holiday destinations, along with key quotes that explain why these places rank high on the experts’ wish‑lists. The summary is followed by a few brief digests of the linked content that offers additional insight.

1. Cameron, Travel Editor – New York City, USA

Cameron’s favorite holiday spot is the city that never sleeps, but for the winter, it transforms into a luminous holiday wonderland. “The lights on Fifth Avenue, the ice‑skating rink at Bryant Park, and the sheer scale of the seasonal décor make New York the perfect backdrop for a magical holiday,” Cameron notes. The link that accompanies her recommendation leads to a Travel + Leisure guide on “NYC’s Best Christmas Markets,” which details the hidden gems of the Lower East Side’s holiday markets, the “Tree of Hope” in the East Village, and the classic Rockefeller Center spectacle, complete with insider tips on avoiding the crowds.

2. Leila, Feature Writer – Kyoto, Japan

Leila’s pick is Kyoto, a city where tradition and modernity coexist. “The winter illuminations in Kyoto’s temples, coupled with the chance to witness the early snow on the city’s iconic bamboo grove, create a serene, almost cinematic backdrop,” she writes. A link in her story points to an article on Travel + Leisure’s “Kyoto in Winter: The Ultimate Guide.” That guide provides a calendar of temple illumination events, details on the city’s traditional “Yukata” rentals for the season, and suggestions for the best local winter cuisine, such as yudofu (tofu hot pot) and grilled eel.

3. Javier, Travel Blogger – Reykjavik, Iceland

Javier loves the dramatic contrasts of Iceland’s winter – the aurora australis against a snow‑blanketed backdrop. “Reykjavik’s nightlife is surprisingly lively during the holidays, and the nearby glaciers provide a natural playground for adventurers who want to combine culture with outdoor activities,” he says. The link in his post directs readers to a Travel + Leisure feature on “The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland.” That article offers a comparison of guided tours, cost estimates, and practical tips such as booking a car rental for the best aurora viewing locations outside the city’s light pollution.

4. Maya, Lifestyle Editor – Santorini, Greece

Maya’s chosen holiday destination is the Aegean paradise of Santorini, where whitewashed architecture glows under a winter sun. “The low crowds, the mild temperatures, and the spectacular sunsets over the caldera make it a unique holiday experience,” she explains. The accompanying link leads to Travel + Leisure’s “Santorini in Winter: Travel Guide.” It covers the best places to stay during the off‑peak season, details on local winter festivals, and an overview of the island’s culinary specialties, such as smoked octopus and feta cheese.

5. Tom, Food Writer – Oaxaca, Mexico

Tom’s recommendation is Oaxaca, Mexico, for those who want to celebrate Christmas surrounded by rich culture and delicious food. “The city’s holiday markets, the vibrant Christmas lights, and the chance to sample traditional tamales and mole make it a must‑visit,” Tom writes. The linked article titled “Oaxaca’s Holiday Traditions” highlights the city’s annual “Posadas” processions, the popular “Café de Olla” beverage, and offers practical travel advice such as the best time to book flights and where to find local artisan markets.

6. Nina, Digital Nomad – Chiang Mai, Thailand

Nina’s holiday pick is Chiang Mai, where the Buddhist tradition of “Loy Krathong” is celebrated every year. “The lantern‑filled sky, the relaxed pace of the city, and the chance to immerse in local spiritual practices make Chiang Mai a perfect winter getaway,” she says. Her link leads to a Travel + Leisure guide on “Chiang Mai’s Best Winter Activities.” It includes a schedule of the Loy Krathong festival, advice on how to join the celebration respectfully, and information on nearby trekking routes that are still accessible in the cooler season.

7. Rohan, Adventure Traveler – Patagonia, Argentina

Rohan is drawn to Patagonia’s raw winter landscape. “The contrast of snow‑capped peaks against the turquoise Lake Gondola is breathtaking, and the quieter season means you can explore the area without the summer crowds,” he says. The link in his article references Travel + Leisure’s “Patagonia’s Winter Essentials” guide, which covers weather expectations, essential gear for hiking in the region, and tips on booking guided tours that are available only during the winter months.

8. Sofia, Luxury Editor – Amalfi Coast, Italy

Sofia recommends the Amalfi Coast for those seeking a Mediterranean winter escape. “The coastal towns still glow with festive lights, the cooler weather is perfect for strolling the cliff‑side streets, and the local markets offer a taste of seasonal Italian cuisine,” she notes. The linked content is a Travel + Leisure feature on “Winter on the Amalfi Coast,” providing insights into the best times to visit for off‑peak travel, recommended luxury villas, and a curated list of holiday events such as the “Christmas in Positano” fireworks display.

Digging Deeper: A Few Highlights from the Linked Content

NYC Christmas Markets Guide
The article linked in Cameron’s story is a practical, all‑in‑one itinerary for visitors to New York City’s holiday markets. It lists each market’s opening hours, suggests the best food stalls (like the famed hot chocolate at Bryant Park), and provides a transportation plan for navigating the city during peak holiday periods.

Kyoto Winter Illumination Calendar
Leila’s linked guide is essentially a calendar of Kyoto’s temple illuminations. It includes dates for the “Kiyomizu‑dera Lantern Festival” and the “Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Glow,” along with a map of recommended viewing spots and a brief explanation of each temple’s historical significance.

Northern Lights Tour Comparison
The link in Javier’s post offers a side‑by‑side breakdown of aurora‑watching tours, including pricing, duration, and the likelihood of seeing the lights based on the time of year. The guide also explains the science behind the auroras, making it both an informative and entertaining read.

Chiang Mai Loy Krathong Guide
Nina’s link is a how‑to for the Loy Krathong festival, detailing the proper way to create and float a krathong (a small basket decorated with flowers and candles), the timing of the festival each year, and the cultural significance behind the tradition.

Final Takeaway

The Travel + Leisure article is a short, visually engaging list that showcases the diverse ways travel experts view the holiday season. Whether they’re attracted to the shimmering lights of a big city, the quiet serenity of a snow‑covered temple, or the vibrant cultural celebrations of a far‑off country, each expert’s pick is supported by a link to a richer resource that can help readers plan their own winter adventures. These links deepen the reader’s understanding of each destination’s unique holiday appeal and provide practical tools—schedules, travel tips, and insider advice—that turn a headline into a tangible itinerary. If you’re looking for your next holiday destination, take a page from the experts’ books and dive into the linked guides for a more thorough, customized planning experience.