1. Mendocino, California
Why: You love the idea of a New England–style Christmas but hate the snow.
What to Do: Take a tour of this village’s quaint country inns. Many are within walking distance of each other, and all are festooned with wreaths, candles, and strands of lights. Also check out the tasty-looking contenders in the annual gingerbread-house contest at Cowlick’s Ice Cream parlor, in nearby Fort Bragg. On Christmas Day, stop by the open house at the historic Ford House Visitor’s Center for homemade cinnamon buns, coffee, and spiced cider served in front of the fire. Or head to the craggy coastline and try to catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales.
For More Information: www.gomendo.com.
2. St. Augustine, Florida
Why: You’re a history buff who is craving a picturesque setting.
What to Do: Explore the nation’s oldest continuously settled city, founded by the Spanish in 1565. Beginning well before the holidays and lasting into January, more than 2 million glowing white lights illuminate the streets and buildings in the historic downtown district. Take in events such as the Holiday Regatta of Lights, 18th-century–style caroling in the Plaza de la Constitución, a Holiday Pops concert, or a performance of Handel’s Messiah. Or visit the brand-new St. Augustine Amphitheatre’s Winter Wonderland, featuring classic festivities such as ice-skating and s’mores making.
For More Information: www.nightsoflights.com or
www.getaway4florida.com.
3. Hermann, Missouri
Why: You’re looking for a European experience, sans jet lag.
What to Do: Visit one of the two area wineries that host Kristkindl Markt, a Teutonic Christmas fair, which features traditional German food, music, and crafts. The Deutschheim State Historic Site, which honors the heritage of the 19th-century Germans who settled in Missouri, celebrates Weinachtsfest, a Christmas festival with baked goods, music, table trees, period decorations, and antique toy displays. The town boasts more than 150 mainly Greek Revival and neoclassical buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and is the self-proclaimed sausage capital of Missouri, so don’t leave without trying some locally produced bratwurst.
For More Information: www.hermannmo.info..
4. Cape May, New Jersey
Why: You admire all the Victorian-era holiday trappings, even if you were born a century too late.
What to Do: Go on the self-guided Christmas Candlelight House Tour (now in its 34th year), which visits homes, inns, hotels, and churches, all seasonally decorated. Stop in at the 19th-century Emlen Physick Estate and admire the vintage Santas, model trains, trees, and toys. At the Washington Inn, partake in a Victorian feast that Tiny Tim could have only dreamed of: oyster stew, roasted duck with chestnut-and–dried-cherry bread pudding, and English fruitcake with lemon curd: It’s part of the popular annual Dickens Christmas Extravaganza.
For More Information: www.discovercapemay.com.
5. Woodstock, Vermont
Why: You want the quintessential bucolic setting straight out of Currier & Ives.
What to Do: The 19th-century Wassail Weekend kicks off the season with a costumed equestrian parade through town, caroling, and holiday music concerts. Billings Farm & Museum, a working dairy grange, offers horse-drawn sleigh rides, a traditional ornament-making program, and tours of the authentically decorated 1890 farmhouse. Or just go for a drive and check out Woodstock’s covered bridges; snow-dusted village green; and Federal, Georgian, and Greek Revival homes, many of which have been converted to inviting fireplace-warmed inns.
For More Information: www.woodstockvt.com.
