365RoadWarrior

I haven't had a block of time off in several years. My only opportunity this year comes in the week before and few days after Christmas. Starting point: probably Western US.

Last year, I had a three days off at Christmas; I spent them in Las Vegas, and it was okay. There were places to eat open on Christmas Eve and Day. There were a few people around that were alone (outcasts, heathens, vagrants...), so I could strike up a few conversations. (I'm NOT a casino guy, and I don't drink.)

I don't really have the time/money to go to a far-off destination where Christmas is a non-event, or to, say, New York City, where distractions exist 24/7/365. Weather is a secondary concern: I don't want to freeze my butt off, but I don't need a beach/resort place. (Note: I'm a city guy.)

I've been just about everywhere, so I combed through memories for some thought - none of which I know anything about at Christmas:
- Mexico City
- Other Central America (Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala? Not Costa Rica)
- Santa Fe/Albuquerque
- Toronto, Vancouver, Seattle (I like these cities and might "suffer through" the cold - esp. Toronto - if they are otherwise attractive)
- Berlin (same rationale, but probably too expensive)
- Austin/San Antonio?
- Australia is mighty expensive
- Hong Kong (Shenzen) is cheaper, but...?

Any thoughts appreciated.

CMK10

Ever explored Arizona? There's a lot of fun to be had out there...Phoenix, Tucson, Sedona, several beautiful national park and monuments and it will be warm. Plus you can tack on San Diego, LA, Vegas etc. pretty easily to a trip out there.

I might add that I'm Jewish and I spent several Christmases in AZ and it didn't seem like too big a deal there.

chrisl137

It may be different now (or different in Berlin) but Germany has a tendency to mostly close down for holidays. I spent a year there as a student (it was way back in the mid 80's) and kept being surprised by how much things closed over holidays. Berlin is a pretty awesome city though, and was very different from the rest of what was at the time West Germany.

The Los Angeles area might be a reasonable destination at xmas-- there are enough people and cultures that there will be stuff going on, even on xmas day, but it's generally much less expensive than NYC. It's also much warmer. You can get yourself into as dense or sparse of a populated area as you want-- the desert and mountains can be remarkably quiet, despite their proximity to a huge metro area.

Bttc

Asia can be a good choice if you're out by new years. Since they don't really celebrate Christmas, it's mostly the same as any other day.

IceTrojan

Have you been to Belize?

Redhead

It's cold, but Quebec City is gorgeous in the snow. I just loved wandering around the old city. With some research, you'll find some restaurants open for Christmas. One year we did dinner at the Frontenac - probably too formal for what you want.

ft101

I've been in Asia for the past few years at Christmas and New Year. In a tourist area, they've celebrated both as much as anywhere else.

pinniped

I second LA/SD for an easy trip. So much outdoor stuff you could do even on Christmas Day when most restaurants and shops are closed.

Also: when I travel solo for work and don't want to eat lousy barfood, I gravitate towards sushi, as sushi bars almost always welcome a solo diner. SoCal would be heaven for me compared to most other alternatives.

I'd also second Hong Kong, plus add Tokyo, if you're up for a long-haul flight.

I'd probably avoid NYC at that time of year, but that's just me.

Belize is great, but that's max-peak season there and it might not be great for a solo traveler unless you jump in with a diving group or something.

Jeannietx

Have you considered New Zealand? http://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealan...d-climate.htmlMy most beautiful place, and much less land mass than Australia.

Dieuwer

A couple of years ago I was in San Antonio for Christmas (solo). Great time to go with all the lights around the Riverwalk. Nice weather as well.
And last year I was in Mexico City during the Christmas Holidays. It will be a bit slow, with many sights closed on Christmas Eve/Day, but still pleasant weather during the day. Chilly at night.

Other suggestions:

• NOLA
• Miami
• Madrid
• San Juan, Puerto Rico

rubesl

I would recommend Bangkok - it's a Buddhist country, but they celebrate all the non-religious aspects of Christmas to the max, and the weather in Thailand in December is great.

IceTrojan

Southern California is a good choice, especially since many of the ethnic areas will mostly be open for business on the 25th.

derelict

Very true... The first Christmas I spent in Monterey Park I was amazed, it was just like any other day...

Also a few things that are open on Christmas: Golf courses and Movie Theaters..

IceTrojan

Little Saigon will be alive and kickin' as well.

Gamecock

I was in Hong Kong last year and they celebrate Christmas Eve in the streets with great passion.

Very interesting to walk down Nathan Road and soak it all in.