You know those odd days between Christmas and New Year’s? Everything just feels…off. Work slows to a crawl, routines vanish, and suddenly, nobody knows what day it is. Honestly, it’s no wonder folks call it “weird week”—it barely feels like regular time.
Traveling during this little pocket of the calendar comes with some real perks. You’ll often find lower prices and fewer crowds, even at places that are usually packed. Most people skip travel now, assuming everything’s shut or outrageously expensive. But, surprise: airlines slash prices after the Christmas rush, hotels have empty rooms, and cities throw special New Year’s events you’d miss any other week.
I’ve pulled together this guide because, honestly, weird week might just be the best time to travel. Whether you want to hit the beach, wander snowy streets, or just find a quiet spot to think about the year ahead, I’ve got some ideas and tips to help you make the most of these strange, in-between days.
Key Takeaways
- Weird week travel means lower prices and lighter crowds—way better than peak holiday madness.
- Destinations range from sunny beaches to winter festivals, so there’s something for every vibe.
- A little planning—think flexible bookings, early airport arrivals, and mixing chill time with adventure—can turn these days into a memorable trip.
Understanding the “Weird Week”: What Makes It Unique?
The stretch from December 25th to January 1st just feels like it exists in a bubble. Routines? Gone. Time? Slippery. Most folks, myself included, lose track of what day it even is.
Work fades into the background. Schools stay closed. The world slows down, and suddenly, nobody expects much from you.
Why the Week Between Christmas and New Years Feels Different
This week feels suspended. I’ve noticed barely anyone can answer if it’s Tuesday or Saturday.
The holiday rush has ended, but real life hasn’t kicked back in. Offices shut down, or run with minimal staff. Kids are home, and daily life gets blurry.
What makes this time stand out:
- Work and school calendars go quiet
- Social plans get fuzzy
- Routines? Out the window
- Leftovers become meals
- Pajamas pass as daywear
People end up in this odd headspace. There’s no pressure to be festive, but you don’t have to be productive either. It’s a rare pause—a little breathing room in modern life.
Common Challenges of Traveling During Weird Week
Traveling now isn’t always smooth sailing. Airports get slammed—some of the busiest days of the year, honestly.
Flights? The prices can spike hard. Hotels, especially in hotspots, hike their rates.
Weather can really mess with your plans. Winter storms can ground flights or make driving risky. In 2024, Massachusetts State Police handled 200 accidents in just one snowy Friday.
Typical travel headaches:
- Jam-packed airports and long lines
- Delays and cancellations from winter weather
- Higher flight and hotel prices
- Fewer staff at restaurants and attractions
- Odd business hours
Top Destinations For Traveling Between Christmas and New Years
Weird week opens the door to all sorts of travel adventures. You’ll find cities buzzing with decorations, quiet beaches, or cozy mountain getaways. I’ve rounded up some favorites—something for every taste and budget.
Best Cities for Festive Atmosphere
New York City keeps the holiday magic going well into January. The Rockefeller Center tree stays up, ice rinks stay open, and restaurants roll out New Year’s menus. Broadway shows book up fast, so snag tickets early if you can.
Vienna, Austria stretches its Christmas markets into the new year. Warm drinks, handmade crafts, and those famous New Year’s concerts fill the city with energy.
Edinburgh, Scotland kicks off Hogmanay on December 30th. The city erupts with street parties and torchlight processions—old traditions meet modern revelry.
Montreal, Canada hosts Fête des Neiges in Parc Jean-Drapeau starting late December. Old Montreal feels like a European postcard, with cobblestones and twinkling lights everywhere.
Underrated Winter Getaways
Prague, Czech Republic calms down after the holiday rush. The castle district looks dreamy in the snow, and pubs serve up hearty meals without the summer crowds. Hotels often drop their rates during this week.
Reykjavik, Iceland offers a shot at the Northern Lights. The Blue Lagoon stays open, and you can still join tours to ice caves and glaciers. December 30th and 31st tend to be less crowded than you’d expect.
Quebec City, Canada brings European vibes without leaving North America. The Château Frontenac and old town ooze French colonial charm. Ice sculptures and winter sports keep the city lively through the new year.
Banff, Alberta draws skiers and snowboarders to its three big resorts. The town itself is all about hot springs, wildlife, and epic mountain views. Lake Louise freezes over—perfect for ice skating on a real mountain lake.
Warm Weather Escapes for Year-End
Cancun, Mexico rolls out all-inclusive deals this week. Beaches hit a balmy 80°F, and resorts throw big New Year’s Eve parties. Direct flights from the US are quick and easy.
Hawaii—especially Maui and Oahu—offers warm weather and outdoor fun. Whale watching season kicks off in late December. Accommodations fill fast, so book early if you’re thinking about it.
Key West, Florida stays in the mid-70s. The island celebrates with the Red Shoe Drop on New Year’s Eve. Snorkeling, fishing, and sunset parties keep the good times rolling.
San Juan, Puerto Rico doesn’t require a passport for US travelers. Old San Juan’s colorful streets and beaches offer plenty of variety. Hotels in Condado and Isla Verde put you right on the sand.
Family-Friendly Travel Picks
Orlando, Florida theme parks stay open late, with Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld all putting on special New Year’s shows. Arriving before December 30th can help you dodge the biggest crowds.
San Diego, California mixes beaches, the world-famous zoo, and Legoland. The weather’s usually mild—think 60s. Balboa Park’s museums and gardens are great for all ages.
Washington DC gives families free access to Smithsonian museums. The National Mall and monuments stay open, and hotels often run family deals.
London, England hosts Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park until early January. The city’s museums—like the Natural History Museum—offer free entry. West End shows are a fun pick for teens.
Unique Experiences and Events to Seek Out
Weird week means you get to catch festivals and traditions that most travelers miss. Cities light up with special events, and some places show off their quirkiest customs.
Local Holiday Festivals and Celebrations
Kwanzaa runs December 26 through January 1 in many US cities. Expect drumming, African performances, and community events. I’ve stumbled into craft workshops and storytelling at local libraries that made for surprisingly memorable afternoons.
European Christmas markets often stay open until December 30, especially in Germany and Austria. Nuremberg and Vienna are favorites for food, crafts, and mulled wine you probably won’t find elsewhere.
Boxing Day, December 26, brings sales and festivities in Canada, the UK, and other Commonwealth countries. You’ll see charity runs, polar bear plunges, and even sporting events.
Hanukkah sometimes overlaps with weird week (like in 2025). Cities with big Jewish communities host menorah lightings, latke feasts, and dreidel games open to everyone.
Unusual New Year’s Eve Traditions
Boston and other US cities throw First Night parties—alcohol-free street festivals with ice sculptures, fireworks, and live shows. Families can celebrate together, and the vibe is genuinely festive.
Scotland’s Hogmanay lasts for days, with torchlight parades, ceilidh dancing, and “first-footing”—where the first guest of the year brings gifts for luck.
In Spain, people eat 12 grapes at midnight—one with each clock chime—for good luck. I tried this in Barcelona once, and the energy in the main square was electric.
Japan’s Joya no Kane sees Buddhist temples ring bells 108 times to cleanse earthly desires. Some temples even let visitors take a turn ringing the bell.
Cultural Activities Beyond the Holidays
Cooking classes during weird week focus on local specialties, not just holiday dishes. I’ve joined noodle workshops and pasta classes that felt more intimate thanks to smaller groups.
Museums and galleries often launch special exhibits to catch between-holiday visitors. Winter art installations and year-end retrospectives make for cozy, indoor escapes when the weather turns.
Winter sports are in full swing. Skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, or winter hikes offer a peaceful break from the crowds.
Live theaters and music venues fill their schedules with comedy shows, tribute concerts, and experimental productions. It’s a great time to catch something a little different.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Weird Week Trip
Traveling during weird week takes a different kind of planning. I focus on booking early, packing for wild weather swings, and timing activities to avoid the worst crowds.
Key Booking Strategies
I try to book flights and hotels at least three months out. Wait until December, and prices can jump 30-50%.
Best booking windows:
- Flights: Late August or September
- Hotels: September to October
- Rental cars: At least two months ahead
I watch prices on Tuesdays and Wednesdays—usually cheaper than weekends. Setting price alerts on a few sites helps me spot deals.
Flexible, refundable bookings are worth it. Holiday plans change, and the extra cost can save you money (and headaches) if you need to adjust.
Avoid flying on December 26 or January 1 if you can. Those days are crowded and expensive. Traveling December 27-29 usually means better prices and fewer delays.
Packing Essentials for Varying Climates
Layers are my best friend for weird week trips. Weather in late December is unpredictable, even in places that are usually mild.
Here’s my go-to packing list:
- One warm, packable jacket
- Two pairs of pants that work for anything
- Three shirts that mix and match
- Waterproof shoes plus a backup
- A small umbrella or rain jacket
I always bring a day bag. You’ll move between indoors and outdoors a lot, so being able to shed or add layers is key.
Medications and must-haves stay in my carry-on. Lost bags happen more during the holidays, so I keep essentials with me. I print out reservations and keep backup contacts handy.
Temperatures can swing 40-50 degrees between places. I check the 10-day forecast a few days before leaving and tweak my packing if needed.
Avoiding Crowds and Peak Times
I always try to see the big attractions before 9 AM or after 4 PM. Most tourists show up between 10 and 3, so getting an early start can save a ton of time in line.
Museums and indoor spots get slammed on December 27 and 28. I usually plan my visits for December 30 or later. Oddly enough, outdoor sites feel quieter on the actual holidays like Christmas Day and New Year’s.
When it comes to restaurants, I book my tables about two weeks in advance. During this week, places fill up fast. Eating lunch at 11 or dinner at 5? It’s a simple trick, but it really helps dodge the rush.
I’ve noticed that weekday crowd patterns flip during this week—Saturday’s crowds show up on a Tuesday. So I plan for crowds every day, just to be safe.
Mindful Travel: Rest, Reflection, and Setting Intentions
The days between Christmas and New Year’s? It’s a rare window to slow down, travel, and actually think about the year that just passed. I love using this time for a mix of adventure and personal reflection.
Journaling and Year-End Reflection Practices
I never travel this week without a journal. Something about being somewhere new helps me look at the past year with fresh eyes.
Each morning, I jot down three lessons I learned over the year. Sometimes I write about moments I’m proud of or things that really pushed me. I don’t overthink it—I just get it on the page.
Some friends use prompts to guide their reflection. Questions like, “What did I let go of?” or “When did I feel most alive?” can really get you thinking. I’ll spend maybe 20 minutes on this, usually over coffee.
Travel gives me natural downtime for reflection. I’ll read through old entries on a long train ride or during a quiet morning. It’s surprising what patterns pop up—what made me happy, what drained me.
Prioritizing Wellbeing While Traveling
I protect my rest time fiercely this week. Comfortable accommodations matter more than ever. A good bed makes all the difference when I need to recharge.
I keep my schedule light—one or two meaningful experiences a day, tops. That leaves room for naps, slow walks, or just sitting in a cafe with no agenda.
I try to stick to a few healthy routines:
- Waking up at the same time each day
- Eating real meals instead of grazing nonstop
- Limiting alcohol (even when it’s tempting)
- Heading to bed before midnight
I always block out some totally unscheduled hours. Sometimes I just need to do nothing and let my body catch up.
Setting Goals for the New Year On the Road
I never rush into New Year’s resolutions. Usually, I wait until midweek, once I’ve had a chance to unwind and reflect.
I write down three to five real goals—not just vague wishes. “Visit two new countries” feels more inspiring than “travel more.” I like to mix in personal, work, and relationship goals.
Being away from home helps me think bigger. I’ll ask myself, “What if I couldn’t fail?” and then break that idea down into steps.
Sometimes I share my goals with a travel buddy or write them in a letter to myself. Some hotels will even mail your letter back to you months later, which is a fun way to stay accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traveling this week means higher prices, bigger crowds in hot spots, and a bunch of special events you won’t catch any other time. Families can find everything from winter sports to cultural celebrations. If you’re on a budget, just be ready for peak-season costs.
New York City is a classic pick. The holiday decorations stay up into January, and Times Square turns into a madhouse for New Year’s Eve.
Ski resorts in Colorado, Utah, and Vermont are jam-packed. Aspen, Park City, and Stowe buzz with great snow and a festive vibe.
If you’re chasing the sun, Miami, Hawaii, and Southern California draw big crowds. Orlando’s theme parks go all out with holiday entertainment and longer hours.
I’ve stumbled into some amazing cultural celebrations this week. Kwanzaa runs December 26 to January 1, with performances, vendors, and community events in cities with big African-American communities.
You can find hands-on experiences that aren’t around the rest of the year. Cooking classes, craft workshops, and special tours often pop up since locals are still on vacation.
Winter festivals and light displays linger after Christmas. Ice skating, festive markets, and light shows are still open, minus the pre-Christmas chaos.
Before Christmas, New York gets wild—shopping, restaurants, attractions, everything is packed with last-minute shoppers and tourists.
After Christmas, the crowds stick around, but the energy shifts. People focus more on sightseeing and entertainment, especially with New Year’s Eve drawing another huge wave of visitors.
If you want to see the big sights, go early. Museums and observation decks are still less crowded before 10 AM, even with all the holiday action.
Boston goes all out with cultural events—Kwanzaa celebrations, Hanukkah parties, and comedy shows pop up all over town.
A lot of cities host First Night on December 31. These family-friendly celebrations offer fireworks, performances, and activities right up to midnight. Boston, Philadelphia, and Portland have some of the best.
Sports fans have plenty to do too. College football bowl games and pro hockey and basketball games fill up the week.
Indoor attractions are a win for families. Museums roll out special exhibits and kid-friendly activities during winter break. Science centers and children’s museums keep young travelers entertained.
Outdoor winter fun is everywhere. Ice skating, sledding, and snow tubing don’t need much skill, and most ski resorts have lessons and beginner areas for families.
Hands-on activities like cookie decorating, craft workshops, and cooking classes are popular too. Most places accommodate allergies and dietary needs, so everyone can join in.
Absolutely, this week usually brings the steepest travel prices of the year. Airlines hit you with their highest fares, and hotels in the hotspots? They often want you to stay longer and pay more for the privilege.
I’ve learned over the years that booking months ahead can sometimes save you a headache—and a chunk of change. If you’re flexible, you might score better deals by flying out on December 26 or 27, rather than right on Christmas Day. Funny how a day or two can make such a difference.
Rental cars? Brace yourself. I’ve seen daily rates in resort towns double or even triple during this window. It’s wild.
If you’re watching your wallet, check out hostels or vacation rentals directly from owners. These options can feel more personal and often cost less than hotels. Sometimes it’s about finding those hidden gems others overlook.
