Quick answer: The best getaways for December 18 to January 3 are the Rose Parade in Pasadena, New Year’s Eve in Key West, and holiday lights in Tampa, Hershey, McAdenville, and Branson. You can also try Las Vegas, Bellevue, Solvang, and Nevada City. Eight weeks out is a sweet spot to plan, so pick one trip and start this week.
By Jax Stys, certified life coach
Hey you. I’m so glad you’re here.
Do you want a trip this winter, but don’t know where to start? I’ve got you.
I’m Jax, a certified life and wellness coach. I share trip ideas on my podcast every Friday. In this week’s Friday Glow Report, I shared 10 brand-new getaways for Christmas week and New Year’s. Here they are, with simple tips to help you plan.
Want to hear it out loud? Listen to the Friday Glow Report from October 30 on my podcast. Let’s get into it.
Here are 10 real events from December 18 to January 3. Dates come from each event’s website as of October 29, 2026. Always confirm before you book.
When: Friday, January 1, 2027, at 8am.
Pasadena is just outside Los Angeles, so most women fly into Los Angeles or Burbank and drive in. This year’s theme is “Welcome.” The floats are covered in real flowers, so it is a big, bright way to start the year.
Why go: A bucket-list start to the new year. Book your hotel early, because Pasadena fills up fast around January 1. Event details
When: Thursday, December 31.
Key West is the very last island at the end of the Florida Keys. You can fly in or take the long, pretty drive down the Keys. At midnight, Sloppy Joe’s drops a giant conch shell for the 33rd year, and the Red Shoe Drop happens down the street.
Why go: Warm weather, a party feeling, and a story you will tell for years. Event details
When: Thursday, December 31.
Las Vegas has a big airport and easy flights from many cities. On New Year’s Eve, fireworks go off from the rooftops of 10 resorts, and last year added a drone show. The 2026 details are not posted yet, so check again closer to the date.
Why go: A fun girls’ trip with lots to do in one place. Event details
When: Select dates, November 13 to January 3.
Hershey is in central Pennsylvania. It is a sweet, easy drive from Ohio. Candylane is a holiday event at Hersheypark with lights and treats.
Why go: A short road trip with no flights. Good for a mom and grown kids or a parent trip. Event details
When: Select dates, November 13 to January 4.
Tampa is on the warm Gulf Coast of Florida. Busch Gardens turns on holiday lights, and you can add a beach day in St. Petersburg.
Why go: Christmas lights without the cold. Pack sunscreen. Event details
When: December 1 to 26, 5:30 to 10pm, and it is free.
McAdenville is a small town near Charlotte. The whole town is covered in holiday lights, and it costs nothing to see. It is an easy add-on to a Charlotte weekend.
Why go: Great for a budget trip. Go early, because the evening can be busy. Event details
When: Nightly at 7pm through Christmas Eve, and it is free.
Bellevue sits right next to Seattle. Every night there is a small parade with drummers, dancers, and falling “snow.” Check the 2026 schedule before you go.
Why go: A cozy, free night out. Pair it with a day in Seattle. Event details
When: Through January 3.
Solvang is a little Danish-style town in sunny California wine country, not far from Santa Barbara. It has windmills, bakeries, and a big Christmas festival called Julefest.
Why go: A sunny Christmas that feels like a storybook. Good for a slow weekend. Event details
When: December 20 is the final night.
Nevada City is a Gold Rush town in the Sierra foothills of Northern California. You can walk the old streets with carolers and roasted chestnuts. Since the final night is December 20, plan this one early.
Why go: A small town with old-time charm. Bring a warm coat. Event details
When: November 7 to January 2, at Silver Dollar City.
Branson is in the Ozark hills of Missouri. Silver Dollar City has a brand-new parade this year. It is a good pick for a trip with grown kids or parents.
Why go: A family-friendly trip with lots of lights and shows. Event details
Start with one question: What do I want to feel? Cozy? Warm? Fun? Calm?
Then pick one trip that fits. Here is a quick guide:
Try this: Write down your top two trips. Then text one friend and ask, “Want to go?”
Set your trip number first. Then add up flights or gas, a place to stay, food, and tickets. Two of these trips are free to watch, so they are a great place to start.
Book early when you can. Prices and rooms change fast around the holidays. I’m a coach, not a travel agent or financial advisor, so please check prices and rules yourself before you book.
Great options include the Rose Parade in Pasadena, New Year’s Eve in Key West, and Christmas lights at Busch Gardens in Tampa. For a short drive, try Hershey, McAdenville, or Branson. Pick the one that matches your budget and your energy.
Eight weeks out is a sweet spot for planning. Popular places like Pasadena and Las Vegas fill up fast around January 1. Always confirm dates on each event’s website before you pay.
Christmas Town USA in McAdenville and Snowflake Lane in Bellevue are both free to watch. You still need to pay for travel and a place to stay, so plan your budget first.
Key West and Tampa are both in Florida, so they tend to be warm. Solvang in California is usually mild and sunny too. Check the weather before you pack.
Yes. Branson, Hershey, and Tampa are good picks for a family trip. They have lights, shows, and easy walking areas. Always check the event website for rules and tickets.
Want more ideas? Read my other lists: 10 Christmas week getaways, 10 Christmas getaways for Dec 11 to 13, 10 December getaways.
You’re not behind. You’re awake.
Pick one trip.
Pick one date.
Text one friend.
Then take the free Midlife GlowGetter Glow Assessment to find your next glow-up step. Which getaway are you texting your bestie about? Tell me.
With love and confidence, Jax.
Dates and details come from each event’s website as of October 29, 2026, and can change. Please confirm before you book.
