By Jessica Montevago

The Danish word hygge translates roughly to "coziness," but it’s really a way of life. Pursuing happiness, relaxation, and togetherness through small, simple everyday pleasures life has to offer. While it’s become trendy here in the states, embrace it as the Danes do in Copenhagen at the peak of hygge season: Christmas. The Danes foster this feeling of comfort with illuminating candles, snuggly blankets, and plenty of mulled wine (known as gløgg to the locals). It’s an ideal backdrop for the holidays, complemented by baubles and twinkling lights that decorate the Christmas Markets across the city. Here, visitors can find traditional Yuletide treats like gingerbread, marzipan, and aebleskiver, a fluffy Danish pancake ball that’s covered with sugar and a dollop of jam. Or, they can pick up handcrafted knitwear and woolen socks. Sixty stalls are set up at Tivoli Garden amusement park–one of the most visited Christmas markets–where families can also enjoy rides and an ice skating rink. In the heart of Copenhagen, Højbro Plads Christmas village is surrounded by historic buildings, complete with reindeer and Santa’s sleigh. Take a step back in time at the Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market, where each stall is named after one of his fairy tales. Visitors can take a picture with the Danish storyteller before meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus.

After taking in all that Nordic Christmas has to offer, travelers can retreat to their hotel and indulge in special offerings for the festive season.

Tivoli Gardens

Here are a few highlights:

Villa Copenhagen

Originally opened in 1912, Villa Copenhagen’s historic accents provide a backdrop for contemporary Nordic designs such as high ceilings, herringbone floors, and gold accents. The 390-room luxury hotel will host decadent holiday dinners at its on-site restaurant Brasserie Kontrast. Specially crafted menus for Christmas and New Year’s Eve are a showcase of local ingredients across three courses, complete with wine-pairings. Guests can ring in the New Year with champagne at the hotel courtyard and bar, or for something more intimate, in-room champagne and oysters.

Nobis Hotel Copenhagen

A member of the Design Hotels collection, Nobis Hotel Copenhagen boasts a contemporary aesthetic after a recent redesign. The 77 rooms and three suites are outfitted with minimalist Scandi design elements, from steel four-poster beds, soft leather chairs, and custom-made desks. Guests can unwind at the ground-floor spa, with a gym, plunge pool and heat treatment rooms. A tradition at Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, the property welcomes the Danish girls' choir to perform Christmas carols on the staircase to commemorate the building's history, which once served as the home of the Royal Music Conservatory. The Christmas concert is scheduled for December 3rd at 5:00 PM. End the evening at European restaurant NOI, where the head chef has put together a Christmas menu featuring traditional Smørrebrød and glazed beef short rib.

Marriott Copenhagen

The Copenhagen Marriott Hotel is located on the scenic waterfront. With 406 rooms, it’s the city’s largest five-star property – and boasts some of the biggest hotel rooms as well. Guests can take in the harbor views from the lobby lounge and bar area or the outdoor terrace. The hotel is offering a Tivoli Gardens package for the holiday season that will include entrance tickets to the amusement park, just a short walk from the hotel, as well as breakfast.

Christmas Shopping in Copenhagen

Comwell Copenhagen Portside Dolce By Wyndham

A perfect way to close out the holiday festivities, The 484-room Comwell in Trælastholmen's Nordhavn district is pulling out all the stops for New Year’s eve. Sip on bubbles as they play the King’s New Year’s Speech, a Danish tradition since 1942. Dine on stuffed quail and oysters as part of a decadent six-course menu, accompanied with a matching wine menu, finishing off with a Danish apple dessert. Then, it’s time to put on the dancing shoes to welcome the DJ as the bar opens. The hotel will put up a New Year’s Day breakfast buffet to nurse any ailments.

Travelers in Copenhagen this holiday season can embrace the coziness and indulge in the festivities the city and its hotels have to offer, creating cherished memories that resonate long after the holidays have ended.

Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.

Banner photo: Nyhavn Port

In December and January, The Crescent City glistens with twinkling lights and bustles with exciting activities.
By Patricia Harrison

Everyone should stroll the historic cobblestone streets of New Orleans at least once in their lifetimes. While the city is a wonderful place to visit any month of the year, December and January are particularly lovely times to visit. That’s when the Crescent City bustles with holiday magic, including festive events and activities worth planning a trip around, and the temperature is cooler. The highs are often in the low to mid-60s, ideal for exploring with a light jacket or sweater. Add the following yuletide experiences to your winter itinerary.

Exciting Celebrations

In December and January, New Orleans’ events calendar is packed with unique happenings. Sing along to your favorite holiday tunes at Jackson Square on December 22, when thousands gather to carol by candlelight in front of St. Louis Cathedral. At St. James Parish on Christmas Eve, join in on bonfires on the levee bordering the Mississippi River, built to guide Papa Noël (Santa Claus) to homes in the area. Or marvel at the 600-year-old live oak trees in City Park, which are blanketed with twinkling lights. For those who celebrate the Festival of Lights, the Jewish Community Center’s Community Chanukah Celebration on December 19 features a menorah lighting, live music and delicious treats. On New Year’s Eve, a fleur de lis (a symbol of New Orleans) drops from a 25-foot pole at JAX Brewery in the French Quarter as fireworks fill the sky.

Carriage in the French Quarter

Immersive Tours

One of the best ways to learn about New Orlean’s storied past is under the care of a knowledgeable guide. Embark on a yuletide-themed ghosts and legends tour through the French Quarter — aptly titled Fa-La-La-Fright! — with New Orleans Secrets. Or opt for a culinary excursion with New Orleans Food Tours, which will give you the opportunity to try local delicacies such as pecan pralines, muffulettas and crawfish etouffee. If you love architecture, consider the Holiday Home Tour with the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans. On December 14 and 15, the organization will lead tours of several beautiful and lavishly decorated homes in the Garden District; the festivities also include live music and a pop-up boutique.

One-of-a-Kind Shows

Catch the New Orleans Ballet Theatre’s rendition of “The Nutcracker” at The Orpheum Theater, which brings the show to the stage for nine days in December. Or watch a thrilling adaption of “A Christmas Carol” by the talented group behind The Crescent City Stage at the Marquette Theater on the campus at Loyola University New Orleans. To catch sights of the city from the water, board the Creole Queen to enjoy a Creole buffet while you listen to music from a live jazz band. Or take the kiddos to NOLA Christmasfest, an attraction with an ice-skating rink, carnival rides, a gingerbread village and live stage shows.

Réveillon Dinners

Dozens of restaurants across New Orleans host Réveillon suppers. The meal has origins in the early 1800s, when New Orleans residents of French descent would feast after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. The tradition has evolved into decadent multi-course dinners made by talented chefs, often throughout the month of December. Book a table at the legendary chandelier-bedecked Commander’s Palace, which has served fine Creole cuisine since 1880. Other options include The Bower, which is known for its dazzling vegetable-centric dishes, and Couvant, a romantic candlelit eatery at The Eliza Jane Hotel.

Historical Home in the Garden District

Where to Stay

The Eliza Jane New Orleans
This ultra-stylish 196-room property is situated in a collection of former 19th-century warehouses. That includes the building where its namesake — Eliza Jane Nicholson — made history as the first woman publisher of a major newspaper, The Daily Picayune.

Selina Catahoula New Orleans
Selina Catahoula is a 35-room boutique beauty tucked on a quiet street in New Orleans Central Business District. The rooms have charming historical features, including restored plaster and exposed brick walls, as well as modern options like bunk beds and rainfall shower heads.

The Omni Riverfront New Orleans
Situated within walking distance of the Mississippi River and the quirky Warehouse Arts District, coveted amenities at this Omni property include a 24-hour fitness center, Junior Chefs program for kiddos and a bistro-style restaurant and bar known for its cocktails.

The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
A swanky hideaway in the French Quarter, The Royal Sonesta has cozy rooms, some of which have balconies facing Bourbon Street, located within minutes of famous Crescent City attractions such as Jackson Square and Aquarium of the Americas.

Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.

Banner photo: St. Louis Cathedral

A Very Nordic Christmas: Embrace Hygge in Copenhagen this Holiday Season