Winter Travel Contrasts for 2025: From NYC's Holiday Glow to Hawaiian Surf and Guimarães' Eco Focus

The 2025 winter travel season promises a striking array of experiences for globetrotters, showcasing everything from the festive sparkle of Manhattan to the raw energy of Hawaiian waves and Europe's burgeoning commitment to sustainable tourism. Kicking off today, December 3rd, is the iconic lighting ceremony in New York City, setting the stage for a December packed with diverse activities, spanning gentle family outings, high-adrenaline sports, and eco-conscious explorations.

New York City, USA: The Rockefeller Center Tree Illumination

At 8:00 PM local time this evening, the annual lighting ceremony will illuminate the 75-foot-tall Norway Spruce at Rockefeller Plaza. This majestic tree, weighing approximately 11 tons, was sourced from East Greenbush, New York, having been planted in the 1920s by the Russ family. It will be adorned with over 50,000 energy-efficient LED lights strung across 5 miles of wiring, crowned by the famous 900-pound Swarovski star. This cherished tradition traces its beginnings back to 1931 when Depression-era workers decorated a smaller 20-foot tree with homemade garlands and cranberries; the official ceremony solidified its place in 1933. The legendary Rockefeller Center ice rink, operational since 1936, invites skaters beneath the dazzling lights until mid-January 2026. Meanwhile, Fifth Avenue’s storefronts, featuring spectacular displays from Tiffany and Saks, beckon shoppers and Instagram enthusiasts alike. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability right in the city's heart, the tree will be repurposed into lumber for Habitat for Humanity homes after the season concludes.

Oahu, Hawaii, USA: North Shore Surfing Season Begins December 10th

While New York twinkles, Hawaii calls travelers to the North Shore of Oahu. This famed stretch, known as the “Seven-Mile Miracle,” hosts iconic surf breaks like Pipeline (Banzai Pipeline) and Sunset Beach. Here, winter swells generated by Pacific storms routinely reach heights of 30 to 40 feet and often exceed those marks, creating monstrous barrels sought after by elite professionals. From December 10th to December 20th, 2025, this location will host the Florence Pipe Pro, a critical stage of the championship series that draws top athletes such as John John Florence and Kelly Slater. Spectators can witness the epic battles against the ocean from the beaches or from boats. The prime surf season continues through March. For general tourists, the area offers a perfect blend of beginner surf lessons, nature tours along scenic trails, and quintessential Hawaiian sunsets—ideal for capturing stunning photo and video content.

Guimarães, Portugal: A Pioneer in Sustainable Tourism Named Green Capital for 2026

Europe is responding to the call for ecological responsibility, with Portugal’s Guimarães leading the charge. Known as the “cradle of the nation” due to its pivotal role in the birth of Portugal in the 12th century, this city boasts a UNESCO World Heritage historic center. Guimarães has officially been designated the European Green Capital for 2026, successfully winning out over competitors Heilbronn, Germany, and Klagenfurt, Austria. The city will receive a €600,000 grant to fund green initiatives, ranging from expanding urban cycling paths and establishing community urban farms to implementing biodiversity projects and zero-waste programs. Their ambitious goal is achieving climate neutrality by 2030, a target already woven into the city’s tourism offerings through eco-routes that traverse medieval walls and local vineyards. Visitors will appreciate the authentic local festivals, the historic Dukes' Castle, and sustainable lodging options boasting mountain views, positioning Guimarães as a hub for slow travel and conscious tourism.

Additional US Cultural Highlights: Washington D.C. and Chicago Round Out Itineraries

The US itinerary is further enriched by Washington D.C. and Chicago. The nation’s capital offers complimentary entry to all 19 museums within the Smithsonian complex—from the Air & Space Museum to the National Museum of Natural History. Furthermore, the National Mall features massive light installations, complemented by ZooLights at the National Zoo. In Chicago, visitors can immerse themselves in the Christkindlmarket on Daley Plaza. This authentic German market offers mulled wine, sausages, handcrafted toys, and carols, running through the end of December.