September/October 2025


Christmas in The Land of Liberty


IT’S one of the most wonderful times of the year across America - and from coast to coast, countless cities are shining bright with yuletide joy to celebrate an unforgettable holiday season. From the legendary Rockettes' milestone 100th anniversary show in New York City, to Fairbanks, Alaska ringing in a return to “light” for the upcoming season with a sparkling fireworks show, and countless Christmas Markets and Menorah Lightings - ‘tis the season to be merry.


“The holiday season in the United States is celebrated in countless ways, shaped by the traditions of communities across the country,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA. “From cold, snowy celebrations in the north to festive gatherings on warm southern shores, the range of experiences


available—often just a short journey apart— is something few destinations can offer. We invite visitors to experience it for themselves and discover how the holidays come to life in meaningful and unexpected ways, wherever they choose to explore.”


East Coast Holiday Happenings


In Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, see one (or both) of the two menorah lightings taking place to celebrate Hanukkah. The Menorah Lighting at Station Plaza (Suburban Square) invites the community to gather for the traditional menorah lighting on the Lawn, along with hot apple cider, dreidel making, crafts, and more. The Lansdale Menorah Lighting at Railroad Plaza takes place on 26th December as a joyful kickoff to the last night of Hanukkah with festive music, crafts, doughnuts, and hot chocolate for all ages.


Hanukkah


in Washington, DC kicks off with a lighting ceremony of the world’s largest menorah on the White House Ellipse. Enjoy latkes, doughnuts, menorah kits and dreidels, as a new


ENCOMPASSING Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, Florida’s Paradise Coast offers far more than stunning coastlines and untamed wildlife. It’s a vibrant hub of arts, history and cultural discovery, where ancient traditions meet contemporary creativity,


and


natural beauty inspires world-class performances and exhibitions. Whether wandering through a recreated Calusa village,


admiring cutting-edge


installations, or enjoying a classic concert under the stars, this idyllic stretch of Southwest Florida offers a rich tapestry of artistic and cultural treasures waiting to be explored.


Discover the beauty of the Everglades at Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery


Discover the wild beauty of the Everglades through the lens of renowned photographer Clyde Butcher.


Featuring


striking large-format black-and-white images of the region’s stunning landscapes, the gallery showcases the diversity of Florida’s subtropical wilderness. Visitors can explore not only the stunning images, but also the 13-acre grounds that surround the space, once the Butcher family’s home. For a truly immersive experience, join a


guided swamp walk eco-tour, where you’ll wade into the wild to discover the mystical allure of the Everglades firsthand and learn about the delicate balance of its ecosystem.


Explore one of the best car museums in the world at Revs Institute


Car lovers and families shouldn’t miss a visit to Revs Institute, named as one of the best auto museums in the world. The Revs Institute houses more than 100 cars built between 1896 and 1995, as well as one of the largest specialised automotive libraries in the world. A guided tour is one of the best ways to explore The Institute’s exhibit space, which is divided into four thematic galleries: Automobility, Vitesse, Revs and Porsche.


Experience inspiring performances with the Naples Philharmonic


Founded in 1982, the Naples Philharmonic has grown from its origins as a small chamber orchestra to become a dynamic ensemble performing over 140 concerts each season. Immerse in orchestral and chamber music, enjoy opera and ballet performances, or check out special events between September and June. Boasting a rich programme that includes the Masterworks Classical Series and Pops Series, along with chamber music through the Sypert Salon and Wang Chamber Music programmes, the Naples Philharmonic engages audiences with both classical masterpieces and contemporary works. Performances are hosted at Artis— Naples, with varied ticket prices.


Explore fine art at The Baker Museum Recently


accredited by the American


Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition for museums in the US, The Baker Museum ranks among approximately the top 3% of museums in the US. Exhibiting fine art across 15 galleries over three floors, with several travelling exhibitions emphasising modern and contemporary art, The Baker Museum’s current exhibitions include “Entangled in the Mangroves” which explores aspects of the Everglades, focusing on climate change, through the lens of nine Florida-based artists, until 30 November 2025.


Uncover the region’s unique history at Marco Island Historical Museum


Look back in time and explore the rich


www.nitravelnews.com


candle is illuminated on each of the eight days of Hanukkah. Alexandria, Virginia’s beloved 54th Annual Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade takes place the first Saturday of December - a cherished tradition that honours the city’s Scottish roots with tartan-clad marchers and bagpipes echoing through Old Town. The celebration continues with the 25th Annual Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, where illuminated vessels light up the Potomac in a breathtaking riverfront spectacle.


In Massachusetts, the nostalgic Christmas Stroll on Nantucket takes place 5th- 7th December,


transforming


the historic downtown into a winter wonderland of elaborately designed storefronts cobblestone outfitted twinkling hundreds


on quaint


streets, with


lights and of seven-


foot lit trees decorated by locals. America’s most beloved holiday show, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes in New York City, will return to the Great Stage at Radio City Music Hall from 6th Novembe, 2025, through 4th January, 2026.


Midwestern Magic


The charming town of Frankenmuth, Michigan, which is affectionately known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria” (and home to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland - the world’s largest Christmas store, open year- round), transforms each holiday season


Seven Arts & Cultural Experiences Not to Miss in Florida’s Paradise Coast


culture of Southwest Florida’s Calusa Indians through informative displays and an exciting recreated village scene at the Marco Island Historical Museum. The museum features a range of permanent and travelling


exhibits that trace the


settlement back to its early roots as a fishing village, pineapple plantation and clam cannery. Seeking to preserve and share the history of Marco Island and its surrounding communities, the museum is a great stop for visitors to gain a better understanding of, and appreciation for, the rich history and heritage of Marco’s past. Admission is free.


Immerse in the buzz of downtown Naples during Evening on Fifth


Every second Thursday of the month, downtown Naples comes alive during Evening on Fifth. On 14 August, 11 September and 25 October 2025, this lively event will transform 5th Avenue South into an alfresco celebration of music, dining and shopping. Visitors can stroll beneath twinkling lights, sip wine at open-air cafés and enjoy live performances ranging from jazz and classical guitar to upbeat local bands. It’s an ideal way to experience the charm and creativity of this iconic spot in Naples at its peak after dark.


Step into Naples’ oldest home at Historic Palm Cottage


Naples’ Historic Palm Cottage, the


city’s oldest house, built in 1985, is a remarkable example of Southwest Florida’s architectural history, preserved by the Naples Historical Society. Visitors can step back in time as they tour this charming example of tabby mortar construction, filled with period furnishings and artefacts that showcase life in early Naples. Guided tours offer engaging stories and insights into the cottage’s architecture and the lives of its former residents.


Florida’s Kennedy Space Center Deemed Star-Studded Attraction in US


FLORIDA’S Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has been named the top-ranked attraction in the United States and third best rated global attraction, that’s according to Tripadvisor. With over 15,000 five-star reviews, it places Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at the number 1 spot for travel in the US list, having surpassed landmarks like the Empire State Building, Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge. On the global scale, it sits behind Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia and Paris’ Eiffel Tower. “Our guests have always been our top priority,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. “We’re thrilled that families and explorers alike are embracing the journey we offer our visitors, from past missions to future frontiers. We are constantly looking for ways to evolve and improve our guest experience, and this summer opened the Gantry at LC-39, located amidst the most iconic launch pads in space exploration.”


BITESIZE USA | 59


into a living snow globe of nostalgic cheer, festive activities, and immersive cultural experiences. From magical light displays to Santa sightings, and more - Christmas cheer is always around the corner. Santa’s gone wild in Wisconsin during the annual Santa Cycle Rampage - a fun event for participants and spectators where cyclists dressed in festive attire tour the streets of Milwaukee and Madison for a joyous


holiday need be in ride,


spreading cheer as they go. Who says Christkindlmarkts to


Europe?


South Carolina's Pendleton Christkindlmarkt in historic


Pendleton is a hidden holiday gem modelled after traditional German


markets dating back to the 13th century. Feel a sense of festive European flair on the charming Village Green every Friday and Saturday evening from late November through the second weekend of December, free and welcoming for all ages.


Pacific Northwest Holiday Cheer


In Seattle, Washington, the


48th annual Julefest: A Nordic Christmas Celebration in Ballard (a traditionally Nordic neighbourhood) brings the area alive as a Nordic marketplace,


bustling


with artisanal goods, Scandinavian apparel, and traditional cuisine. There’s


also the Seattle Christmas Market, a five- week celebration that transforms Seattle Center into a festive village marketplace from 20th November


- 24th December


under the iconic Seattle landmark, the Space Needle. In Portland,


Oregon, watching The


Portland Christmas Ships, a holiday tradition since 1954, sailing on both the Columbia River and Willamette River for 15 nights each December, is an annual favorite activity for families, couples, and friends. It's free to do—and regardless of the weather forecast, thousands of local residents and visitors line the banks of both rivers to watch the festive parade of illuminated ships.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80