It’s always an adventure to spend the holidays in another city or country. New York City is one of the must have experiences during the holidays. The holiday season starts as early as Thanksgiving and ends with the famous ball drop in Times Square.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

The annual pageant always has giant balloons and floats, marching bands, performances and celebrities joining in on the fun. Every last Thursday of November the streets along Central Park West, Columbus Circle, Sixth Avenue, Central Park South, 38th Street, to Herald Square is lined with people awaiting the grand spectacle.

*Central Park West to Herald Square

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting

One of the most spectacular sights you can witness is the lighting of the 78-foot, 10-ton Norway Spruce tree with over 45,000 LED lights. This yearly event is free and everyone is welcome to watch. Atrip to Rockefeller Center wouldn’t be complete with a skate at the Rink.

*Rockefeller Center on 49th St between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

New Years Eve Ball Drop at Times Square

Almost everyone turns to Time Square to witness the ball drop as we enter the New Year. The tradition has spread throughout the world and it such wonderful sight to witness.

*Times Square Manhattan, NY 10036

San Francisco is considered a hub for artists, business and leisure but even then the hustle and bustle can be much and travelers and locals alike seek a nearby getaway for rest and relaxation. We have 7 suggestions for you to try in the proximity of San Francisco.

Sausalito

A quaint small waterfront town is an idealic place to get some rest and relaxation. The main attraction here are the beautifully decorated homes that align a series of docks. Also worth visiting are the Point Bonita Lighthouse and the Nike Missle site.

Napa Valley

Take in the vast expnse of the Napa Valley which is home to wine caves and features olive oils, tomatoes, and cheeses as well.

Sonoma

Sonoma is a popular wine country and wedding destination. The Gundlach Bundschu Winery is the oldest family winery here. Also highlighted are the farm-to-table restaurants, spas, and parks.

Santa Barbara

A picturesque view is what you’ll be getting when you make a trip to Santa Barbara. Sunny skies and lush gardens and wine country welcome you as you cascade through the quaint downtown.

Carmel by the Sea

A seaside twin filled with art, wine and history, Carmel by the Sea boasts of a lovely beach side which runs fro Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach.

Half Moon Bay

The coastal town of Half Moon Bay gives you resorts and day spas for that rest and relaxation you’ve been seeking. Don’t forget to try horseback riding at Sea Horse Ranch.

Mendocino

The combination of an amazing ocean view, art galleries, hiking and whale watching on the Mendocino Coast is enough for anyone to want to make a trip here for the weekend. With only less than three hours drive from the city you’ll be far enough away to be in paradise.

Search for accommodations in San Francisco 

To experience the American holiday spirit, parades make for the best visual choice. As a cultural melting pot, the U.S. gathers the quintessence of all cultures in its parades. We are going to present to you the most famous U.S. parades. If you happen to be near any of them, you have to make sure to drop by and enjoy the festivities.

Mardi Gras Parade

It has been said if you haven’t been to the Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans, Louisiana, you haven’t been to a real parade. After you go to the Mardi Gras Parade, you may never find another one as interesting again. Mardi Gras is a traditional holiday celebrated in the South. Mardi Gras is French meaning Fat Tuesday when people have a feast on greasy food the day before fasting. Mardi Gras usually lasts for two weeks. Meanwhile there is a parade going on everyday. The parading procession walks down the road slowly with floats and performers throw beads, coins, cups and toys into the crowd, pushing the parade to a new high. Anyone who has been to the Mardi Gras Parade would say it is “the carnival of the earth”.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Speaking of the best U.S. parade, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the most nominated. It is an annual parade organized by department store chain Macy’s. Originated in 1924, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the second oldest Thanksgiving parade in America. The parade starts at 9 a.m., lasting 3 hours. It is televised live on NBC. Cartoon balloons are the distinguished feature of  Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. You will spot Snoopy, Angry Birds, SpongeBob and more among the floats. The parade also invites the cast of Sesame Street and artists like Panic！At The Disco, Train and Mariah Carey to perform.

Village Halloween Parade

New York City will host the 42nd Halloween Parade this year. It was first organized by Greenwich Village in 1974. By holding this large-scale parade, New York wishes to stimulate the imagination and creation in citizens. Monsters, wizards, aliens, pirates and cartoon characters are standard for Halloween parades, but people’s imagination is far beyond these. People always have original ideas and they try every means possible to make them true. Watching the spooky walking costumes in the street might make you think of the song “Welcome to the Black” by My Chemical Romance. Village Halloween Parade has become the most expected event in New York and is called “the carnival of New York”.

The Rose Parade

The Rose Parade was founded by the social club Valley Hunt Club in 1890. It is hosted on January 1 every year in Pasadena, California. The Rose Parade has a different theme each year, changing with the era. The best marching bands and the best floats present a fresh and novel show. The Rose Parade chooses a person or a character as its grand marshal every year who brings happiness to people and encourages people to be a better person.

Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Chicago is the best city to experience St. Patrick’s Day. When the day comes, even the Chicago River becomes green. Later, marching bands, floats and performers will raise the holiday atmosphere. The first Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in 1834. It attracts one million people every year, equivalent to half of the popularity of Chicago. The gentle green water and the furious green crowd advance side by side, forming a magnificent scene.