Christmas In July: Top Tips For Planning A Winter Getaway

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While it might sound strange, there is something about the hot July sun of summer that makes me yearn for Christmas. As a little girl, when I would get tired of the heat, I would turn on Christmas music and use my free time to make homemade Christmas gifts for my family. While I don’t quite let myself listen to Christmas music in the summer months anymore, I do still frequently have the longing to be able to bundle up, have hot chocolate and sit around a fire. As that is the opposite of what you are able to do during a South Carolina summer, the best I can manage in letting myself down the winter road is to begin planning for a getaway in which all my winter wonderland dreams can come true. For the past two Decembers, Charlie and I have left our balmy weather and had the opportunity to take trips out west (either just together or with my family) and I have to say, if you are in a wintery Christmas mood, I highly recommend it. Now is the perfect time to plan your winter getaway this year, so I hope that these next tips, tricks and ideas will persuade you to try something new this Christmas. 

Establishing Your Location

While much of our country has a much fuller experience of winter than we do in the South, it can be helpful to determine what kind of winter vacation experience you are hoping for. Are you hoping for an idyllic Hallmark-esque Christmas vacation or a wild snowy winter wonderland vacation? Despite having taken two wonderful winter vacations recently in December, they provided very different experiences. Our time in and around Denver, Colorado brought us many magical Christmas memories like snowy sleigh rides, downtown Christmas lights, Christmas lights through botanical gardens, Christkindl markets and holiday candy making. On the other hand, our experience in and around Jackson Hole, Wyoming gave us a sense of wintery wonders with both alpine and Nordic skiing, backcountry snowmobiling, wildlife museums, game filled meals, snowshoeing and dog sledding. Both vacations were absolutely wonderful and each vendor along the way was tremendous, but it is helpful to know which direction you are hoping to go in. 

If you are hoping to have a trip to the Denver or Jackson Hole area, head over to our Denver In December: How To Plan A Hallmark Movie Winter Vacation article and 10 Amazing Excursions To Discover Jackson Hole In Winter article to see our trip itineraries, activities and favorite stops!

While I would highly recommend each of these locations, below are a few more locations that are known as phenomenal Christmas towns or winter vacationing spots. 

Planning Your Travel

Once you have established where you want to go, or if you are needing help deciding where you want to travel to, you can turn your attention to planning the transportation options. I frequently will narrow my destinations down to a couple of options and then let the cost of flights or lodging determine my final destination. Typically for a winter trip, it is recommended that to get the best deals, you book your flights around 80 to 95 days in advance OR surrounding a holiday deal. As we have just passed the 4th of July, it is a great time to start scouting out ideas so that you might be able to capitalize on any deals offered around Labor Day which would be in the time frame recommended. Similarly, by researching any flight mileage deals, credit card perks or company options, you might even be able to score a trip that is virtually free of transportation expenses.

While many people take their winter vacations after Christmas, I have found that the first weeks of December leading up to Christmas is also a fabulous time to go. Typically at the beginning of December, towns are gearing up for Christmas with a variety of offerings in addition to this time of year normally being the official start of their winter season. While coming at the beginning of the winter season can have a little unpredictability in the weather, this time frame also can allow you to have cheaper rates and fewer crowds than are seen in the remainder of the winter season. To find more helpful tips and tricks on finding inexpensive transportation, check out our article Travel Tips: How To Travel On A Tight Budget. 

Winter Vacation Activities

If you have never taken a winter vacation or if you are looking for additional ideas for your upcoming trip, these next activities are some of our favorites. 

Sleigh Rides

Whether sleigh riding through an Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole or through the snowy woods to a fire with smores in Colorado, sleigh rides are both a great romantic and family friendly activity to include in your next winter vacation. 

Snowmobiling

Unlike sleigh rides, snowmobiling may not be a great fit for young children. That being said, both of our snowmobiling experiences have been a blast and certainly give you a feel for this winter sport. 

Christmas Lights Tours

This is a must if you are hoping for a Hallmark-esque vacation. Whether watching lights downtown or out in a botanical walk through, taking a Christmas Lights Tour is such a blast. 

Skiing – Both Alpine & Nordic

Whether you are a novice or have skied your whole life, adding in a day at the slopes can be a wonderful family activity. Despite not being a phenomenal skier, we all enjoyed experiencing the challenge of learning something new. 

Chocolate / Candy Making Tour

Hammonds Candy is a great company to tour in Denver, but we have found other wonderful tours in Asheville and Raleigh, so if you do a little research, likely there will be more to find in your desired location as well. 

Hiking

Whether you are out west or up north, I highly recommend checking out both national and state parks in the area. Hiking through the snow, up a rocky mountain or trekking with snowshoes can be a great way to add in some physical activity while exploring the glorious creation of our country. 

Christmas Markets

Regardless of your location, but especially if you find yourself in one of the “Christmas” towns above, you likely will be able to integrate a Christmas market into your vacation. As a huge self proclaimed Christmas lover (clearly! haha), I absolutely loved finding dinner, dessert or a handmade gift at the local Christkindl markets in Denver or a small mountain town. 

Local Museums

Now some might not be thrilled about a trip to a local museum, but I have to say, if you have the chance to visit the National Wildlife Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole or another local gem similar, I would highly recommend it. Both the exhibits and restaurant at the National Wildlife Museum are absolutely wonderful and I believe you would be missing out if you are in the area and didn’t stop in. 

How To Pack 

Regardless if you are going for a predominantly city vacation or if you are looking to experience the wild outdoors, being prepared with the proper attire is a must. For me, I have found that layers are the best choice for either environment, so that you will prevent sweating and getting a chill. These have been my favorite pieces (/ similar items if mine have been discontinued) or items I wish I had had in the cold, so I hope this will be helpful (especially for my southern friends!).

• Heavy coat – A waterproof down coat is typically going to be your best friend to both repel water and provide sufficient warmth against the cold and wind. 
• Thermals – Whether using thermal leggings under your pants or a thermal shirt under your sweater, using a tight layer to keep your body heat next to you is crucial. 
• Snow Bib – If you plan on doing any skiing or outdoor snow activities, a snow bib is a great item to have. Frequently, snowmobiling tours come with their own gear, however having a bib just in case is great. 
• A Hat – Having at least one hat, if not more, is a must as well. I found that a hat that was lined and covered my ears was best  to help break the wind and keep my head warm. I have several very cute chunky knitted hats, but if they aren’t lined, they do not keep out the cold wind very well. 
• Gloves – While there are many cute gloves out there, having a pair that also is waterproof is a plus.
• Socks – While this might seem simple, having several pairs of warm wool socks that provide warmth and breathability is very important to keep your toes from freezing. 
• Waterproof Shoes – In conjunction with the proper socks, it is important to have waterproof shoes, especially if you are doing any hiking or snowshoeing, as you will need your shoes to maintain warmth for the length of several hours. If your shoes do get soaked, beware of placing them too close to a fire to dry out, because too much heat can loosen the glue on the sole and then you are without shoes completely (lol just speaking from experience here!). 
• Crampons / Hiking Spikes – If you are going to be hiking later in the winter season, crampons might not be as needed (instead you might need snowshoes), but especially if you are hiking steep terrain in December (such as at Rocky Mountain National Park), any additional traction is very helpful to combat icy and rocky patches of trail. There are shops that rent these as well, but if you are looking to take multiple trips, it is not a bad idea to invest in a pair. 
• Hiking Poles – Along a similar vein as the crampons, having a set of solid hiking poles can be very helpful for hikes of any prolonged distance. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you are dreaming of trekking out into the wilderness or sitting around a cozy fire singing carols, I hope that these tips and encouragements will inspire you to explore the world and all it has to offer this coming winter season. Even now, you can have the Christmas season in your heart and prepare for many wonderful wintery memories ahead. 

Happy planning!

Chloe

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