Holiday Honeymoon Ideas

Spending the holidays at home with friends and family is nice, but sometimes it's fun to explore a new destination for the holiday season. Plus, taking your honeymoon during the holidays is a great way to form new and lasting traditions, just for the two of you. Although many places decorate and offer special events, some destinations have become synonymous with holiday travel – so why not for a holiday honeymoon? Among these are:

New York City

From Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, New York City is one big celebration. There's the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade; the big, lighted tree at Rockefeller Center (pictured above); the timeless Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall; the animated department store windows; and the excitement that is New York in December. For a little romance, take a horse and buggy tour of Central Park or go ice-skating at Rockefeller Center.

New York also offers the most diverse holiday shopping in the world. If you can't find it here, you just aren't trying. Splurge, if you can, and stay in one of the several hotels overlooking snow-covered Central Park, such as the Ritz Carlton or the Essex House.

Williamsburg Virginia

For a historic Christmas honeymoon, you can't beat Williamsburg. This restored 18th century town adorns itself with fruit wreaths, sings traditional carols, and welcomes in the season just as America's forefathers did. You can even get an 18th century Christmas dinner at one of the restored inns. Plan early and stay in one of the restored houses within the village or indulge yourselves at the elegant Williamsburg Inn.

Edinburgh

Christmas time in Europe takes on a more subtle, yet still festive, atmosphere than in the United States. The emphasis is somewhat less commercial (could it possibly by more so), with an almost Dickensian air to it. Few places are as special during the holidays as Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh. The 600-year-old Giles Cathedral is the place to be on Christmas Eve, for carols and services. The traditional German open-air market is a great place for holiday shopping and the vendors sell mulled wine to keep you toasty. Stay at the elegant Caledonian, if you can.

Orlando

Don't laugh. Mickey and his friends know how to throw a party and Christmas time is no exception. Although not balmy, the weather in Orlando is much warmer than in the Northeast or Midwest. Plus the Magic Kingdom puts on a Christmas Day parade that rivals Macy's Thanksgiving Day affair, with name entertainment, lots of carols, and–of course, Mickey.

EPCOT Center's World Showcase gets into the act with exhibits and decorations illustrating how the holiday season is celebrated around the world. It's also a great place to pick up unique gifts for the people on your list. For Christmas Dinner, make reservations at the Victoria and Albert Restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort. You'll be treated to a seven-course Victorian meal, served by costumed servers and accompanied by period chamber music.

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