The people at Walt Disney World (disneyworld.disney.go.com) work very hard to ensure that Christmas is special every year at their Orlando, Florida theme resort. Every holiday season the park is lit up even brighter than usual with the dazzling display of Christmas trees and seasonal lights. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is an annual collection of special holiday events including a fireworks show, a parade featuring Santa and a man-made snowing of Main Street, USA. Christmas visitors to Walt Disney World can enjoy premium lodging at the resort or choose to stay in one of the hotels in the Orlando area. Advance reservations are recommended for stays at the Walt Disney World Resort as crowds during the Christmas season increase every year.
Every year, Las Vegas turns things up a notch for Christmas. The casinos compete with each other to have the flashiest holiday decorations and the biggest Christmas trees. Most hotel buffets offer large discounts, and unlike many other towns in the country the stores and shops in Las Vegas are open on Christmas day. Special holiday attractions held every year include the Spring's Preserve Winter Lights Festival, the Pallazio Hotel Christmas Exhibit and the Fremont Street Experience. Christmas themed casino shows add to the festive holiday mood in Las Vegas every year.
Known for ski slopes and vacationing celebrities, Aspen, Colorado (aspenchamber.org) is also a holiday destination for many families. Every year the resort town lights up as homes, hotels and local businesses show off their Christmas spirit. Horse drawn sleighs pull carolers through town and Santa pays the kids an annual visit at the Aspen Recreation Center. The Aspen Holiday Artwalk features over 20 local art galleries on Christmas eve and Fireworks over Aspen lights up the sky with holiday colors and music. Outdoor ice skating, Christmas themed shows at local venues and many shops and restaurants are just a few of the fun things to do in Aspen, Colorado during Christmas.
In the heart of California's Napa Valley is the charming little town of Yountville. (yountville.com) Upscale restaurants such as The French Laundry and Bouchon, as well as the trendy boutiques along Washington street come alive with holiday decorations and lights during the Christmas season. Yountville kicks off it's annual Festival of Lights the day after Thanksgiving, transforming the small town into a holiday wonderland. During December there are carriage rides through town, caroling from hot air balloons, art gallery and theater events and, of course, visits from Santa. Some area wineries are open on Christmas day for tours and local churches hold services for anyone wishing to attend.
