Travel writers get a thrill from exploring new place and embarking on new adventures. However, just like every one else, we agree there’s nothing like coming home for the holidays. Find out where each of our writers call “home” and learn about the best holiday attractions in their hometown!
My home town is Boston. Nothing makes you feel like you’re home for the holidays in New England like a fresh dusting of snow! Thankfully, during most winters here in Boston we get plenty of it to give Boston a really beautiful look during the holiday season. One of my favorite things about winter in Boston is how pretty it looks. All along the Boston Common and Public Gardens trees are decorated with colorful sparkling lights and red bows. It’s so nice to wander through the common to the frog pond which is turned into an ice skating destination, complete with holiday music and hot coco to warm you up.
via BUoutingclub.com
My hometown of Winter Park is a wonderful place to celebrate the holidays. The downtown district, also known as “Park Ave”, is lined with brick streets, quaint boutiques and some of Central Florida’s best restaurants. During the holiday season, Park Avenue transforms into a brilliant display of lights, most notably exemplified by 350 colorful globes that hang from the beautiful Oak trees along the avenue. The City also celebrates the holidays with an annual Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony. My personal favorite is the holiday boat parade event that takes place annually on the Winter Park Chain of Lakes.
I consider
Amherst, New Hampshire my hometown. It’s your classic New England small town, with a quaint village center and lots of historic charm. The winter weather certainly helps it to feel like the holidays, but residents really go all out this time of year with lights and decorations to make it truly special. It’s also the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, so you’re guaranteed to run into someone you grew up with while you’re running around town! One of the coolest events is the Historic Holiday House Tour, which allows you to tour some of Amherst’s most notable old homes and marvel at the fancy decorations.
Via Yankee Magazine
For me, home for the holidays is Orlando, FL. Being from Orlando, my family and hometown friends being here makes it feel like home the most. Wherever my family is, is where home is. Orlando is also the theme park capital of the world, so we have a lot of fun events and holiday light displays at the parks and certain resorts in the area.
Living in Orlando, we have so many different options to enjoy what “home for the holidays” means. Many area churches offer Christmas concerts—one of our favorites is at
Mary Queen of the Universe basilica near Downtown Disney, which draws crowds of 16,000 to hear the Basilica Choir and orchestra. There is an open house at the wonderful gift shop at the basilica, where they offer you cookies and punch and appetizers. For years we have enjoyed the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, which has a guest star narrator and wonderful music. Those who miss snow can find it at Celebration.
The Morse Museum does a great display in the park in Winter Park, of their Tiffany windows. We love the Christmas events at our church,
Wekiva Presbyterian in Longwood, especially the Live Nativity that is offered to the community outdoors every evening the three nights before Christmas Eve.
Via Morse Museum
