The Christmas season brings out the best in snowy destinations around the world, giving you the perfect excuse to take a break from decking the halls to hop on a private jet charter to the ideal snowy destination. A holiday trip is the perfect way to enhance your family’s yuletide nostalgia, as it will reward everyone with a Christmas that they’ll never forget. This holiday season, let the showcase of lights, giant Christmas trees, festive décor, the smell of cinnamon and cloves, and diverse traditions warm your spirit.
Lapland, Finland
Photo by Greenland Travel
As the northernmost region in the country, Lapland boasts the cleanest, purest air in Europe. It’s within the Arctic Circle, and the region’s official animal is the reindeer, which you’ll see an abundance of in Urho Kekkonen National Park (about 90 minutes from Helsinki in a private plane). The park is a real-life winter wonderland with its reindeer-pulled sled rides across the frosty landscape. Another way to take in the scenery is by cross-country skiing along the Saariselkä trails.
If you have young children, a private jet trip to Rovaniemi is a must. Land at the Rovaniemen Airport, Santa Claus’ official airport, and head to the Santa Claus Village. Visit Santa’s workshop, meet elves, and pet reindeer.
During your trip, stay at the Hotel Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. Book a Kelo-Glass igloo, a cabin with an attached glass igloo, so you can watch the northern lights in warmth and comfort. Your family might also enjoy the grand accommodation that the Hotel Kakslauttanen calls Santa’s Home.
Boston, Massachusetts
Photo by Jim McIntosh
Old-world Christmas meets New England charm when you visit Boston for the holidays. As you walk on the cobblestones in Beacon Hill and admire the gas lamps, your heart will be warmed with the sight of glimmering Christmas trees, especially the iconic snow-covered tree in front of Faneuil Hall. During your trip, buy tickets to celebrate the season with the Christmas Revels at Harvard’s Sanders Theater. In 2015, the Revels hail the winter solstice with Dylan Thomas’s A Child’s Christmas in Wales.
Stay cozy at the XV Beacon Hotel, a luxury boutique accommodation that’s only minutes away from Faneuil Hall and Boston Commons. The best room if you’re traveling with extended family is the 1,370-square-foot Gilbert Stuart Suite, as its two rooms have private entrances and full bathrooms, as well as a view of Beacon Street.
Québec City, Canada
Photo by Lima Pix
Situated along the St. Lawrence River, Québec City looks like a fantasyland during the holiday season. As one of the oldest European settlements in the continent, the narrow cobblestone streets lead you along blocks of romantic stone architecture lined with twinkling lights. The Marche de Noel, the German Christmas Market, will remind you of Bavaria as you stroll past street theaters and hear the clip-clops of horse-driven calèches. (Gluhwein, anyone?) The scene will make the biggest Scrooges love the holidays.
When you fly into Québec City, settle in at the Auberge Saint Antoine, located along the Vieux-Port on the St. Lawrence. The former 19th-century stone warehouse is an UNESCO world heritage site that mixes cast iron beams and grandiose ceilings with modern art. See the city in all its Christmas splendor from the view in the Panorama Suite, where you can admire Île d’Orléans, the St. Lawrence River and luxury liners cruising in the water.