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  Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka . Hawaii offers a tropical atmosphere with touches of Christmas traditions for your holiday vacation. You can enjoy the sun, beaches, umbrella drinks, Christmas decorations, a Hawaiian Santa, and even a little snow. So don’t hesitate to choose Hawaii as your holiday vacation destination. History of Christmas in Hawaii Before the introduction of Christmas in Hawaii in 1837, Hawaiians celebrated Makahiki, a four-month festival honoring the god, Lono , and the earth by resting and eating. Like Christmas, Makahiki focuses on peace on earth. During the four-month celebration, warring between factions was forbidden. Protestant missionaries introduced Christmas around 1820. However, sailors ate the first Christmas dinner in Hawaii in 1786 aboard the Queen Charlotte anchored in the port of Kauai. The dinner featured roast pig. King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma held the first official celebration in 1856 as a day of Thanksgiving, and Mary Dominis hosted the firs...

  In the South, you can enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas with southern charm and hospitality. Some southern cities have snow. However, even without snow, the historic buildings decorated for the holidays create a picture postcard atmosphere. You will also enjoy holiday foods that are Southern favorites, such as sweet potato pie and pecan pie. You can select several of the seventeen suggested vacation spots to experience a Southern-style Christmas. Childersburg, Alabama In Childersburg, Christmas in the Desoto Caverns offers tours, a laser light show, synchronized music, and carolers. You can also enjoy activities above ground. Fayetteville, Arkansas Fayetteville sponsors the Lights of the Ozarks Festival in the downtown area. Enjoy the lights, pony and carriage rides, other festivities, a craft show, and food. Key West, Florida Key West is a fun vacation with its pastel houses and a special vibe. However, palm trees with holiday lights create a different holiday atmosphere. You can...

  With snow, pine trees, and the charming Early American and Pennsylvania Dutch influence, New England is a special place to visit during the holidays. Besides the quaint annual Christmas celebrations, many towns also include the opportunity to indulge in outdoor winter sports, such as ice skating, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, tubing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. In addition, you will find unique Christmas gifts and enticing food. So, pick one or more of the 19 suggested locations and enjoy Christmas in New England. Mystic, Connecticut In Mystic, Connecticut, you can enjoy the lighted boat parade from either bank of the Mystic River. Then, you can gather at the Mystic River Park to observe the judging. Santa arrives on a tugboat and proceeds to the tree lighting at the Mystic River Park. The Lantern Light Tours provide the feel of a Victorian Dickens Christmas. Enjoy the luminaries when participating in the Ghosts of Christmas Pasts Strolls along the Olde Mistick Vill...