Best Christmas getaways from Boston

We all know that Nantucket is amazing year-round, but there is something special about visiting the Grey Lady when the crowds are gone. And even if you weren’t able to make it down for the Stroll earlier this month, the island will be nice and festive through the new year.

Stay at: While many of the hotels on the island will be closed for the season over the winter, many homes will be available for rent via Airbnb or VRBO—so if you were looking for a change of pace from Boston this winter, take a look at a short-term rental on Nantucket.

Getting there: What makes Nantucket not only one of the most convenient getaways from Boston, but also one that feels far flung is the fact that the best option for getting there is an airline called Cape Air. Operating out of Logan, passengers truly get the best of both worlds—it feels as if you have chartered a private plane, without the cost. These daily commuter flights from Logan to Nantucket operate all year round and you really do get the best view the whole way down to the island! Prices are around $350 RT in the off season.

Another classic New England destination to add to your list this holiday season is Vermont. With picturesque villages to winding mountain roads to cozy cabins, Vermont is a Kinkade painting come to life—especially during Christmastime.

Stay at: The Hermitage Inn recently reopened after a beautiful renovation by new owners, Mary Lou Ricci and Tim Hall. This historic inn has plush rooms, a pub, a fine dining restaurant and a stunning wine cellar that can be reserved for parties or private dining. Book the carriage house if you are coming with the whole family because you will feel as if you are staying in your very own ski house, complete with a hot tub, game room and fire pit. The Hermitage Inn is just a few minutes from Mt. Snow and actually has its own lift to the private ski mountain, the Hermitage Club (but you need to be a member or the guest of a member to use it).

Getting there: Located in West Dover, VT, the Hermitage Inn is just shy of a three-hour drive from Boston. But don’t worry the last hour or so is through picturesque Vermont countryside, so it is a delight as long as you don’t hit too much traffic on the way out of Boston. And if you have an EV there are two chargers on site that are complimentary for guest use—so no need to worry about running out of juice!

If you are looking to shed some layers, rather than pile them on, Miami remains a convenient choice from Boston due to frequent flights out of Logan.

Eat at: Inspired by Art Basel? Head to Wynwood for an amazing dinner at MaryGold's Florida Brasserie. Having just opened in November, this stylish eatery helmed by Chef Brad Kilgore is a must for any foodie trip to Miami. Try the beignets and the steak au poivre and be sure to save room for dessert as the carrot cake is amazing! As we all know, any trip to Miami has to include at least one night out and if you are already in Wynwood, head to Mayami for a night of craft cocktails and dancing. Trust us, Mayami is one of the coolest new spots in Wynwood and with the open-air dancefloor, it is the perfect change of pace from the chill of Boston. And it is one of those restaurants that turn into a club once the clock strikes 11pm so if you are up for a bit of dancing but don’t want to stay out until 4am, this is a great option for early birds (by Miami standards!). If you will be swinging by Brickell, Osaka is always a smart choice, especially for sushi lovers as this Nikkei spot serves up expertly prepared nigiri, sashimi and lots more and if you are up for it the omakase is the most fun way to go. Last but not least, pay a visit to South Beach and enjoy brunch at Cecconi’s at Soho Beach House. On Saturdays and Sundays, they offer something decadent called the “Feast” and that is an accurate description because this is one of the most decadent brunch buffets you will see in Miami.

Stay at:  the St. Regis Bal Harbour. For a true escape from the cold New England weather this time a year, head to the St. Regis Bal Harbour for a special getaway. Located right on the beach, the hotel offers guests sweeping views of the ocean and plush accommodations. Make time to soak up some sun at their perfectly manicured beach and insta-perfect pools. Oh, and enjoy some pretty amazing cocktails at the St. Regis Bar as well.

If you are in the mood for classic Christmas markets and mulled wine, Europe is the place you need to visit. Fly into one city, bounce around on the amazing train network and then fly home from another city to maximize your trip. For Bostonians Icelandair makes this quite doable. Operating daily flights from Logan to Reykjavik, Icelandair is an affordable, yet comfortable method of accessing continental Europe this time of year—especially because you go through EU customs in Iceland’s small yet efficient airport and get to avoid the long lines at the other Euro hubs. Consider upgrading to the premium cabin, i.e. “Saga Class,” for complimentary checked bags, premium food and beverages, priority boarding and lots more!

Start or end a European adventure this time of year in London as the city absolutely sparkles during the holidays. An under-the-radar hotel to check out is One Aldwych. Located in Covent Garden near lots of theaters, shopping and dining, this is a convenient, funky, luxe hotel worth checking out. And they are going all out for Christmas. This year the theme is the Nutcracker. Just steps from the Royal Opera House where The Nutcracker will be performed; the hotel has been transformed into a winter wonderland, with all the fantastical characters from the ballet represented. When you visit be sure to make time to check out the fab lobby bar as well—the cocktail list is always creative, and the small plates do the trick when you need a snack before or after the theater.

Is there anything like Paris during Christmas? From the over-the-top store fronts to the millions of lights on the Champs-Élysées Paris is a Christmas-lovers dream. And the place to stay this time of year is the Mandarin Oriental Paris. Located smack dab in the center of the world’s best shopping district, i.e Rue Cambon and Rue Saint-Honoré, the Mandarin Oriental is the place to be if you want to soak up the beauty of the festivities and shop till you drop. Obviously, there are quite a few amazing restaurants nearby as well—we particularly recommend visiting the Insta-famous Angelina (think hot chocolate so think you won’t need to order anything else for lunch). The Mandarin Oriental goes all out when it comes to Christmas décor as well—this year they have dozens and dozens of Christmas trees lining the entire lobby and their whole courtyard is a winter wonderland, which is also heated by the way, so you can enjoy it in comfort.