Christmas in Quebec: Best Towns to Visit in Winter

As a big fan of cold and darkness, Canada is at the top of my list in terms of holiday destinations.

But for this article, I’m not talking about the Great North in general—I’m talking about one specific province: Quebec. (Or Québec, if you speak French.)

Quebec is Canada’s French-speaking cultural isolate. Linguistically and culturally, it’s distinct from the rest of the country. Though Quebec is mostly known abroad for its metropolitan hub of Montreal, the province also borders the nation’s capital, Ottawa.

My point: It’s a bigger deal than many Americans think—both in terms of heritage and geography.

And Quebec is Canada’s largest province, meaning there’s plenty to explore. While its size makes it hard to get around, Quebec is home to dozens of quaint towns with major charm factors.

From Montreal, Quebec becomes your (winter) oyster.

Here are my top five picks for the best towns for soaking up a white Christmas. My selections are based on four factors: Christmas spirit, architectural charm, accessibility from Montreal, and blinding snowfall.

So, tire-toi une bû. (That’s Quebecois for ‘take a log’ or ‘take a seat’.) We’re going on a winter wonderland tour of Quebec.

Best towns in Quebec to visit during winter

Mont-Tremblant

This city is nestled in the Laurentian Mountains and is renowned for its Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort. It’s one of the premier spots for anyone escaping Montreal or Ottawa (located further south), especially those who like to ski or snowboard.

That being said, there’s plenty to do in this winter wonderland that’s only 80 miles north of Montreal. The area is home to thick forests with snowshoe trails cutting through them. The town center is also decked out with Christmas décor, including pubs, restaurants, and shops.

Heading to the area?

Quebec City

Surprise, surprise: Quebec City is actually the capital of the province—not Montreal. And there’s no better place than Quebec City’s downtown ‘Quartier Petit Champlain’ to get you in the mood for total Christmas cheer.

From its cobblestone streets to its decked-out shopping district, you won’t mind wandering through the winter chill for hours.

But Quebec City also offers tons of winter-themed activities. There’s a toboggan run, the famous ice hotel (hardly the only one in Canada), the Quebec Winter Carnival, ice canoeing, and all types of other hardy, outdoor winter endeavors.

Heading to the area?

Sant-Gabriel-de-Valcartier

Speaking of ice hotels, they’re a big deal in other Quebec wonderlands. Around the country, you’ll find more than a few ‘hôtel du glace’ offers.

These are exactly how they sound: larger-than-life constructions built entirely of ice. And yes, you can stay in them.

Each year, locals in Sant-Gabriel-de-Valcartier parade through town as they head to the ice hotel. It’s located just outside of town and is regularly decked out and renovated.

In a strange twist of events, Sant-Gabriel-de-Valcartier is also home to a massive, highly rated indoor water park. In winter, it opens up a few tubing lanes outside, too.

Just keep in mind that there’s no ultra-cozy downtown area to explore. This suggestion made it to the list strictly thanks to its full-scale ice hotel.

Heading to the area?

Baie-Saint-Paul

Renowned for its art history and number of galleries, the highly picturesque town of Baie-Saint-Paul might not immediately feel like a standout for winter escapes, but let me paint a picture.

Baie-Saint-Paul has many elements of an artsy, self-determining town, from its showrooms to its gourmet food and craft brewery scenes.

That means you’ll have plenty to do when the sun sets (early). And when you’re ready to leave town, you’ll also have options. In Baie-Saint-Paul, you can find things to do like dogsledding, snowshoeing, and ice skating.

I’m a huge fan of dogsledding, having experienced the thrill while in Northern Sweden last year. If you like dogs and appreciate working animals, then I highly suggest manning your own sled. The huskies are outright obsessed with pulling you through a winter wonderland.

Heading to the area?

Hotel Polaris: Welcome to the First US Hotel With Flight Simulators

One of my first big writing gigs covered gaming—and boy was I surprised by what I found when I started researching the industry.

Below the surface of EA Sports releases and battle royales like League of Legends lies a world of wildly niche gaming interests. One of the most interesting niches I covered is simulations.

Simulations cover everything imaginable—from outright weird simulations like Octo Dad: Dadliest Catch (gamers play as an octopus/father who is desperate to prevent his family from finding out he’s not human) to hardcore simulations like iRacing (gamers set up an at-home driving rig that’s highly realistic to take on other digital racers).

Some simulations actually teach you something, like iRacing. Others let you disappear into a world of nonsense, like Octo Dad.

But let’s focus on the latter for a moment: simulations that educate gamers. Some simulations are so highly realistic that they’re actually used to educate learners.

Enter the world of Microsoft Flight Simulator, a game that’s been around since the 70s and is now so detail-oriented that some pilots use it as a resource to teach students the basics.

So, how does this relate to travel?

A four-star hotel on the grounds of the US Air Force Academy just opened its doors, and it’s got two state-of-the-art flight simulators on its grounds. And yes, they’re way more realistic than the Microsoft game linked above.

Welcome to Hotel Polaris, one of the coolest new ventures in hospitality, where you can step into a simulated cockpit to man an F-16 and a 737 Max.

Hotel Polaris is taking hospitality to new heights

Hotel Polaris is located at the US Air Force Academy outside Colorado Springs, Colorado. (The academy is also home to Cadet Chapel, one of the coolest churches in the US.)

The hotel is a brand-new project from CoralTree Hospitality that opened its doors on November 14, 2024. The resort-style hotel is designed to offer guests a pathway into the Rocky Mountains while also letting them relax and engage with the Academy.

The hotel was built with family visits in mind, meaning it has a kid-friendly atmosphere and design. Not only are there six eating venues, but the hotel also organizes outdoor activities and special events for the Academy.

For example, there’s a Junior Cadets kids’ program, a glider and paper airplane program, and even a K9 cadets dog-friendly program.

But I think the coolest feature is its flight simulators. Like I mentioned up-top, it’s the only hotel in the country that offers them on the grounds.

What flight simulator programs can visitors take part in?

A look at Hotel Polaris’ flight simulator (courtesy of Hotel Polaris)

In celebration and honor of the Air Force Academy, Hotel Polaris rolled out two highly realistic flight simulators.

Above, I outlined video games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, which you can download for PC. But the offers at Hotel Polaris are a lot more realistic than a PC game thanks to their scale and realism. In other words, they aren’t video games.

Guests have access to a tactile and real-life experience thanks to full-scale flight simulators. There are three total: two F-16s and one 737 Max. They come with seats, throttles, switches, yokes, and pedals from the real-life aircraft.

To make the experience even more faithful to real-life piloting, guests learn the ropes with a 200-degree wraparound screen that immerses them 35,000 feet in the air. It’s a seriously unparalleled flight simulation experience—and it’s backed by the Air Force.

Whether or not you have an interest in earning your pilot license or joining the Air Force, that’s a pretty sweet deal.

How can you take part?

If you’re heading to Colorado Springs or the Air Force Academy, I highly suggest calling ahead of time to book a flight with the simulators. The offer is open to everyone over the age of 12 and doesn’t require any previous piloting knowledge.

The simulator programs are designed for team-building exercises, group outings, and pure fun. The programs run for a few hours, so you usually need to set aside a full afternoon to take part.

If you’re interested in taking part, check out Hotel Polaris room rates.

4 Cities in South America with Fantastic Christmas Festivities

Not everyone dreams of a white Christmas. Some want a white-sand Christmas instead.

Unsurprisingly, Caribbean countries are a top choice for Americans who want to flee the cold. But they’re far from the only option on the table for travelers in December.

If you want a temperate, warm Christmastime, then you might want to head south.

All the way to South America.

As an up-and-coming destination for tens of thousands of Americans, Christmas might be the best time to start exploring all this continent has to offer. (Again—I’m excluding the Caribbean.)

If you’re planning a Christmas escape to a warm place for this year or in 2025, then keep these capitals and popular cities on your list. Not only will you benefit from the warmer climate, but you won’t be missing out on the holiday spirit.

Remember, most South American nations are Catholic, meaning Christmas is a big deal.

Where to celebrate Christmas in South America: shortcut

Best for culture-seekers: Lima, Peru
Perfect for vibrant celebrations: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Top pick for natural wonders: Santiago, Chile
Best climate: Medellin, Colombia

Where to celebrate Christmas in South America

Best for culture-seekers: Lima, Peru

A cybernetic Christmas exhibit in downtown Lima, Peru (Getty)

Christmas meets Andes culture in Peru’s capital city. With a highly traditional and Catholic population, you’ll notice the Christmas spirit around every corner.

Noche Buena is Christmas Eve—and it’s the main appeal in Lima. Most locals head to midnight mass to ring in Christmas with family and friends.

In terms of weather, you can expect late December temperatures to hover in the 70s. Though that’s far from a warm summer day, don’t forget that this is a high-altitude city—one that will showcase clear, light-filled skies on most days.

On top of its love of Christmas and temperate climate, Lima is also one of the best places to take off on a trip to Machu Picchu.

Heading to Lima for Christmas?

Perfect for vibrant celebrations: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Want a little more fanfare with your Christmas trip to South America? Like almost every type of celebration in Rio de Janeiro, Christmas comes with tons of over-the-top festivities.

There’s a massive, decorated tree in the center of a lake, for example, that includes more than one million lights. There are also holiday-themed projections on Christ the Redeemer—literally a larger-than-life sight.

To put it simply, you’ll be celebrating Christmas in a pure Brazilian style. Along with all the recognizable decorations and celebrations, you also get to dance, parade, and otherwise enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Just keep in mind that while temperatures stay in the 80s during the day, they’ll drop into the 60s at night.

Heading to Rio for Christmas?

Top pick for natural wonders: Santiago, Chile

If you’re a little hesitant to leave behind that winter chill, then book a trip to Santiago, Chile. First and foremost, you can soak up the great mountain views.

With a dramatic mountainous backdrop, Santiago feels a little bit like Denver—and those snow-capped mountains have a classic feel to them.

You can join traditional asados or barbecues while wandering the streets and enjoying the nativity scenes, decorated trees, and treats like cola de mono (a cinnamon-infused liquor drink). Plus, there’s a massive Christmas parade with Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade-style floats. They’re massive.

But, given its proximity to the mountains and southern location, it’ll be a little cool, hovering in the high 70s during the day before dropping into the 50s at night.

Heading to Santiago for Christmas?

Best celebrations: Medellín, Colombia

A giant nativity scene shown in lights in Medellín (Getty)

Christmas light displays are basically an Olympic sport in Medellín. Known locally as el alumbrado (or ‘the lighting’ in English), this publicly funded display spans the entire city. From December 7^th until January 6^th, the lights illuminate the night.

And it’s a beautiful enough spectacle that Disney incorporated the trend into 2022’s Encanto. Seriously—I’d book a trip to Medellín just to soak up the lights.

But aside from the awesome display, you can also enjoy Christmas-themed projections at the Metro Cathedral, along with traditional goods at the city’s Christmas markets.

And did I mention that Medellín is considered the ‘City of Eternal Spring’? Temperatures hover in the low 70s in December during the day before dropping into the 60s and 50s at night.

Heading to Medellín for Christmas?

A Catalan Christmas: Top 3 Christmas Markets in Barcelona

I came home the other day to find a neighbor’s holiday guest lugging a suitcase up to the fourth floor.

I helped her carry the suitcase, then told her to knock on my door if she needed anything else. An hour later, I answered a tentative knock on the door. It turned out my new (temporary) neighbor couldn’t figure out how to turn on the heating.

Only a few days before in mid-December, Barcelona had turned from a temperate paradise into a meat locker. That’s the thing about Barcelona—most people get hung up on the lack of air conditioning in the summer.

They forget to fear the winter.

To be fair, Barcelona’s winters are mild. Temperatures hover in the 50s before sometimes dropping into the 40s or, on a bad day, the 30s. The catch? Buildings are made of stone and the vast majority don’t have heating.

Unlike most locals, my neighbors actually have central heating—but their guest couldn’t figure out how to turn it on. I dragged my spare space heater out of the closet (yes, I have two space heaters and a closet—I live in luxury) to lend to her.

I could only nod in understanding when she said, “I didn’t know it got this cold.” I didn’t know that when I first got here, either.

Still, as much as I hate how cold my apartment gets in December and January, I’m thankful that my Christmas season comes with a lil’ winter chill. Tis the season, after all—and it’s a magical one in Barcelona.

From the massive light displays hanging across avenues to the classic winter markets, it’s my favorite time in the city, even though the crowds persist.

If you’ll be spending the Christmas season in the city, here’s what you need to know and where you need to go.

Visiting Barcelona: an introduction

Let me give you a quick crash course on Barcelona. It’s the capital of Catalonia, a region where the fight for independence from Spain is still very much alive.

Depending on where you’re heading, you might hear Catalan spoken more than Spanish, or vice versa.

As a city that’s grappling with overtourism, you might feel that you’re getting the cold shoulder. You might be—but Catalans are also known for being a little cold, just like New Yorkers or Muscovites.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t kind or helpful. It just means they aren’t usually down for small talk and smiling at strangers.

Christmas in Catalonia

There are two major Catalan Christmas traditions that you’ll notice in Barcelona, Girona, and similar destinations in the region. The first is the log with the face painted on it. The second is the figurine of a man with his pants pulled down taking a poo.

The former is Caga Tió or Tió de Nadal. It’s a yule log with a face painted onto it. The log wears the traditional Catalan red sock hat (a barretina) and has sticks for legs.

During Christmastime, parents drape a blanket over the log’s lower portion. Starting on December 8, children start to ‘feed’ the log.

When Christmas comes, children beat the log until it poops out their gifts. Remove the blanket and voila… Caga Tió has produced presents for the whole family.

Think that’s weird? Buckle up.

The second tradition is the Caganer or figurine of the pooping man. You’ll notice him snuck into nativity scenes throughout Catalonia, a traditionally Catholic region, and sold as a stand-alone item.

Some say that the Caganer tradition, which began in the 18^th century, is a form of ensuring fertility and good luck. I’ve heard others say that the Caganer is a way of inserting humor into one of the most solemn and austere religious holidays of the year.

Either way, picking up a Caganer is my ultimate souvenir suggestion in Barcelona. You’ll see them sold as famous people, as well—from US presidents to Star Wars characters to famous actresses.

Best Christmas markets & events in Barcelona

Now that you know what you’re getting into with a Catalan Christmas, here’s how to enjoy the season with the best markets and events. I’ve gone to all of these spots and had a great time; I’m confident you will, too.

Also—no need to buy tickets. Barcelona goes hard on the free events.

**St. Lucy Fair (Fira de Santa Llúcia)**

Scenes from 2023’s St. Lucy’s Market (Getty)

Ah, the Christmas Market I couldn’t miss if I tried. This gorgeous and classy market is located in front of the Cathedral of Barcelona—a Gothic landmark that’s probably on your itinerary already.

You can shop around for all types of Christmas fare, from real trees to Caganers to ornaments. I’d recommend this be your first and last stop for Christmas cheer in Barcelona. This fair is the Christmas market—and it’s been around since 1786!

(Pro tip: Don’t miss out on the mural ‘The Kiss’—it’s a touristy spot but I’ll go out of my way to stop by. It’s one of my favorite pieces of street art in the world and beautifully encapsulates the warmth, creativity, and joy of Barcelona’s residents.)

**Port Vell Fair (Fira de Nadal al Port Vell)**

Scenes from 2023’s Christmas fair at Port Vell (Getty)

Unlike the market above, I usually avoid this Christmas fair at all costs thanks to my dislike of large crowds. That being said, I’m the odd one out in my friend group for this; everyone else passes through this area multiple times in November and December.

Located in Port Vell, this fair includes views of the yacht-laden harbor and includes a massive Christmas market, Ferris wheel, food and drink vendors, and even an ice rink. Some nights, there’s also live entertainment.

(Pro tip: Even if you’re not heading to Barcelona in winter, check out the Port Vell area. This spot hosts dozens of festivities throughout the year. And even if there isn’t a festival going on, it’s still a great place to people watch, sunset-watch, and otherwise enjoy the city’s ambiance.)

**Christmas fair at Sagrada Familia (Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia)**

A close-up of a shop at the 2023 Christmas fair at Sagrada Familia (Getty)

Just like the Cathedral of Barcelona, I’m sure a trip to Sagrada Familia is on your radar. From late November until the end of December, you can find a Christmas market outside the grounds of the church.

It’s a popular event that draws in people from around the city thanks to its traditional fare. Like the St. Lucy Fair, you can find shops selling all types of favorites—from ornaments to artisanal products to Caga Tió logs to desserts like torron.

I recommend booking a tour of the church around sunset (when the stained glass windows are full of light) and then heading outside to soak up the atmosphere.

A New Year’s Eve in Nashville: Best NYE Parties (2024)

When I think of Nashville, my mind jumps immediately to country music and bachelorette parties.

But did you know that this Tennessee hotspot is also high on the list for New Year’s Eve parties? That shouldn’t come as a huge surprise given the city’s proclivity for good times, great tunes, and hosting large groups of revelers.

Still, I know first-hand that the more touristy a city becomes, the more likely its best venues, events, and festivities are to go underground.

That doesn’t mean you can’t find a stellar party in Nashville for New Year’s Eve—it just means you might need to dig around a little more.

Or use this shortcut list; I’ve already done the research for you.

Heading to Nashville for NYE? These are the best NYE parties in the city, as promoted by the tourism board, the city’s top establishments, and my local friends.

Shortcut to the best NYE parties in Nashville

Biggest & baddest party: New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash
Coolest atmosphere: Twelve Thirty Club’s Vintage Circus-Style NYE Party
Tastiest celebration: Church and Union’s New Year’s Eve Dinner
Most unique NYE party: Crawl ‘Til The Ball Falls: Nashville NYE Bar Crawl

Best NYE parties in Nashville

New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash

I’m not trying to be ‘that person’, but I’ve been shouting out Shaboozey for years here in Barcelona. As an American living abroad, I see him as the paragon of our melting pot—a man of two cultures, the voice of an angel, and ties to Beyonce. You get it.

Shaboozey is performing at the New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash event, which is being thrown by Billboard and CBS, and will be streamed live on Paramount +.

He’s supporting headliners like Kane Brown, Keith Urban, and Jelly Roll, alongside other country stars like Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, Post Malone, and more.

If you like country music and want to see this star-studded lineup, hurry up and get your tickets. Because this is a televised special, tickets are limited.

Twelve Thirty Club’s Vintage Circus-Style NYE Party

A circus-style soiree? Say no more—I’m there.

This carnivalesque celebration includes circus acts of all stripes, which provide an insanely entertaining backdrop while you do your thing.

Tune in and tune out as you sample delicious snacks, enjoy live performances, and sip on unique cocktails or classic bubbly. With years of experience hosting the big party, this fete is a well-oiled and seriously cool NYE machine.

Church and Union’s New Year’s Eve Dinner

If you’re on the hunt for great NYE parties in Nashville, you might notice that circus-style parties aren’t unique to Twelve Thirty Club. The same goes for classic NYE meals.

Many locals and visitors prefer to spend their last night of the year eating in good company. If that sounds like a sweet deal to you, then you’ve got choices on choices in Nashville.

But I vote you check out Church and Union’s dinner program. It’s located in downtown Nashville, letting you enjoy a hearty American meal and some great cocktails without totally missing out on the party atmosphere.

Crawl ‘Til The Ball Falls: Nashville NYE Bar Crawl

This bar crawl kicks off at The Valentine in downtown Nashville, located right on Broadway. If you’ve got energy galore and love to check out local watering holes, this is a near-perfect NYE night out.

What I like about this bar crawl is that it’s organized well ahead of time; all bars know that their participating, meaning revelers don’t need to wait in long lines at each new venue. (Though I’m sure there’s a good amount of waiting involved.)

The crawl includes themed drinks and special cocktails, live DJs, and a special midnight toast.

Never Book a Rental in These 10 Cities—Stick to Hotels

Want to know how I choose between booking a private rental and a hotel when trip-planning?

Assuming private rentals like Airbnb are legal, it all comes down to price.

I regularly look for stays that will give me more comfort and amenities while also saving me a few dollars. (I imagine I’m not the only one who fits into that category.) While I love to splurge now and then on a great stay, I’m usually focused on staying within my budget.

And when it comes to budgeting for lodging, some cities sway heavily in one direction in terms of pricing.

Where I live in Barcelona, for example, you’re not going to find a great deal on Airbnb or hotels because the city relies so heavily on tourism dollars—but that’s not the case in places like Istanbul, San Francisco, and beyond.

In some cities, in fact, you’ll be wasting your money on a private Airbnb, VRBO, or other rental. Instead, you should be booking hotel rooms. You’ll save thousands, in some cases.

Want to know the top ten cities where you should avoid private rentals like Airbnb in order to save big? Let’s dive in.

But first… the data

In a surprise twist, the data for this article comes from Highland Cabinetry. I’m not sure what’s behind the company’s foray into travel topics, but I’ve fact-checked the study’s sources.

The company released a data report on where to book a hotel over Airbnb based on data research from TripAdvisor, Airbnb, and Euromonitor.

The report compares ten metrics in cities around the world. These include the number of total international visitors, growth in arrivals, average hotel prices for a week and a month, the number of hotels, hotels per capita, average Airbnb price for a week and a month, and the hotel-Airbnb differential for weekly stays.

Cities where hotels are cheaper than private rentals

Drumroll, please! Below are the world’s top destinations where you should book a hotel room over an Airbnb in order to save money.

Along with the city name, I’ve listed out the amount (USD) that you would save per week by booking a hotel versus an Airbnb in terms of averages.

Istanbul, Turkey – $1,490
Las Vegas, USA – $1,474
Amsterdam, Netherlands – $1,093
Sydney, Australia – $1,056
Paris, France – $995
Dubai, UAE – $961
Miami, USA – $887
Antalya, Turkey – $828
Tokyo, Japan – $826
Hamburg, Germany – $794