Quick December Getaways 

Miami, Florida

Christmastime brings out my inner child (especially as my heat bill rises and I long for the days when my parents paid for everything). My mind wanders to old family vacations in Florida: honestly, I’d still love to visit Disney World in December; I share the same name as a Disney princess, so it’s only natural! The adult in me, however, would recommend a weekend trip to Miami—if not for the insanity that is Art Basel, then for the pure escapism that is visiting the beach when there’s cold weather at home. Plus, there are few things that cure holiday stress better than powerful cocktails and fresh fish tacos. —Tiana Attride, Editorial Assistant

Montreal, Canada 

Maybe it’s my ancestors calling me up north to one of North America’s most Jewish cities, but this winter I’m dreaming of Montreal for a dose of real wintertime shenanigans. Winter markets, festivals like Igloofest, maybe some ice skating. (This is fake, I hate ice skating. But maybe Montreal will change me.) Other shenanigans include curling up next to a fire with loved ones, sipping cocoa, and eating a bagel or two. —Emma Glassman-Hughes; Senior Associate Editor, Print 

Bentonville, Arkansas 

My mom has been telling me for years that I need to go to the Crystal Bridges Art Museum, in Bentonville, Arkansas—just due south of my family’s house in Missouri. It seems like the perfect time to finally plan a visit, since art museums are one of my favorite winter activities. Plus, they just added Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room to the permanent collection. —Ally Betker, Editorial Director

Waynesville, North Carolina 

As a city girl in a shoebox studio apartment, I’m starved for the full Christmas tree experience this time of year—so starved that I may just go over board. The perfect quick getaway for me would be to the Boyd Mountain Log Cabins on the Boyd Mountain *Christmas Tree* Farm. All the cabins are made up of authentic hand-hewn logs and between 150-200 years old (updated with modern conveniences, of course). There’s nearby hiking and skiing and enough Christmas spirit for the whole family. —Annie Werner; Managing Editor, Digital

Dream December Destinations

Nuremberg, Germany 

I’ve always wanted to spend Christmas in Germany! While Oktoberfest in Munich gets all the glory during fall and Berlin gets year-round attention for its nightlife, Nuremberg is my top pick for a Yuletide getaway. It’s one of Deutschland’s best medieval, fairytale-like towns (a quality I love in a vacation), but it seems even more magical during the holidays. Its Christmas market is a sight to be seen and tasted: hot mulled wine, sweet gingerbread, and, of course, Nuremberg’s famous bratwurst. Fröhliche Weihnachten! —TA

Tel Aviv, Israel 

I’m the only Jew on this list and I feel I really need to represent! So…. Israel? My grandparents always describe Israel in December as this magical land where there is no incessant Christmas music all month long. I’m as big a fan of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” as the next gal, but I don’t need to hear it every waking hour of the day. The kind of holiday haven provided by someplace like Tel Aviv definitely sounds nice. As for the politics involved in a trip to Israel, I still qualify for a free Birthright trip, but instead, I’m looking into the (brand new!) alternative trip from J Street, a progressive Israel policy group. They launched their first ‘alternative birthright’ trip in July of this year, which included Palestinian perspectives, visits to the West Bank, and a focus on Israeli-Palestinian peace. —EG-H

Negril, Jamaica 

I’m not one to miss Christmas with my family, but if I was, I think I’d head down to Jamaica and ignore the rest of the world for a little while. I went to the Rockhouse Hotel a few years ago, and have been itching to get back ever since. It’s so special there, and not only because of the cliffside overlooks, delicious food and drinks, and the best staff in the game—their Rockhouse Foundation builds schools, including the first education center for children with special needs in the country. Other hotels could look to them and take note on how they put local community first. —AB

Guadalupe, Mexico

One of the most beautiful vineyards on the West Coast is the Adobe Guadalupe in Guadalupe, Mexico. With several varieties of wine to taste, delicious food, horseback riding, a top-notch spa, and mountain views, I can’t think of a better warm-weather destination to while away the holiday season. —AW

Where We’re Going in December

Atlanta, Georgia

I’m headed home to Atlanta for the first time in ages. I’ve never been one to get homesick, but honestly, I can’t wait to be back. Even brief visits take some readjustment—I have to get used to driving again and remember that folks genuinely love to smile and make small talk. (Friendliness! Can you imagine?) But all in all, I’m excited to eat Southern comfort food again (no matter what you’ve heard, we do it best), hang out with my family and childhood friends, and hopefully catch the Nutcracker at the Fox Theatre downtown. –TA

San Diego, California

I booked my flights home to San Diego using credit card points because I am 100% Adult, apparently. I’m looking forward to some quality time with my mom, who pretty much works ‘round the clock and rarely ever has days off. Other than that, I expect I’ll fall into my standard rotation of beach, craft beer, vintage shopping at La Loupe on Adams Ave, and Balboa Park with my grandma, plus (hopefully) plenty of time to catch up on some personal projects. I love PTO and you should too! —EG-H

Galapagos Islands

I am closing out this decade with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Galapagos, where I’ll be staying at Pikaia Lodge, an eco-lodge that’s carbon-neutral. Its land-based tourism model, rather than the standard cruise ships that many people take through the islands, have created non-extractive jobs and investment opportunities for 60+ residents on the islands. I can’t think of a better way to reflect on 2019 and the 20-teens as a whole than by snorkeling, walking through lava tunnels, and observing sea lions, sea turtles, and land iguanas as big as alligators. —AB

Dallas, Texas

Dallas is the place I grew up going to family reunions, and apparently, it’s a place I’ve vastly underestimated as a travel destination, specifically as it relates to food. I’m going back to see family and explore the wildly diverse restaurant scene, abundant art museums, and maybe dress up like I’m on the set of Dynasty for a night or two. —AW