8 Winter Wonderlands & Ice Rinks to Book Ahead

1.Rhine River Winter Cruise with Festive Music

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 676 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $28Our pick

Spend 90 minutes on a warm panorama boat cruising past Cologne Cathedral, Groß St. Martin, and the crane houses of Rheinau Harbour. Live festive music creates a cheerful, relaxed mood, while hot wine punch, hot chocolate, coffee, snacks, and other drinks are available to buy. Open-air upper-deck views are best for photos, but the indoor seating keeps you warm.

“Very pleasant gentle ride on the Rhine with a singer and table service for drinks. Lovely way to spend a morning away from the hustle and bustle of the markets.”

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2.Brooklyn Dyker Heights Christmas Wonderland Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 245 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $54

Ride from Midtown Manhattan to Brooklyn with a driver and local guide, passing major waterfront sights before a one-hour walk through Dyker Heights. Guides such as Sebastian and Steve add city stories, while a DUMBO stop brings Brooklyn Bridge and skyline views. Expect winter crowds, outdoor walking, and possible traffic delays.

“Nice easy tour to do in early evening with kids ages 6-12. Very colorful. Dress warm. Had a great time!”

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3.Branson’s Christmas Wonderland

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 97 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $55

Spend about two hours at King's Castle Theatre for a high-energy Christmas revue with singers, dancers, Santa, classic carols, holiday costumes, and big production numbers. Tickets cost $55.29 per person. You collect them at the theater box office, and a DVD and souvenir photos are available for purchase.

“Branson's Christmas Wonderland was phenominal!! This was the most amazing and memorable show to experience on Christmas eve. I would recommend it any time, but especially around the holidays. It reminds you of the reason for the season. The singer's and dancers were excellent. The show was youthful, but with a touch of soul, and 50/60 music culture and vibe. One of my favorite parts of the performance was the tribute to Active Duty and Veterans. It was heart felt and embraced by the entire staff. It was an excellent performance. It is worth the price and lifetime of memories.”

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4.Christmas at Warwick Castle – Light Trail & Ice Skating Packages

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 95 reviews · from $32

Spend about six hours at Warwick Castle after dark, following a fully accessible Christmas light trail through the grounds. Expect Nutcracker-style lights, projections on the castle walls, glowing trees, Santa’s library story, a Christmas market, festive food, and optional open-air ice skating. Your mobile ticket covers admission, but check exactly what your package includes.

“It was excellent trip, we enjoyed a lot, took so many pictures it’s worth to visit. There is so many beautiful site to see, best way to know English history, culture. You should visit at least once.”

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5.Private Tour to Christmas Winter Village, Bayshore and Hyde Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews Top rated

Ride through Tampa’s Christmas sights in a private golf cart with a licensed driver, stopping at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Hyde Park Village, Water Street, Bayshore Boulevard, the University of Tampa, and Willow Avenue. James may be your guide, with holiday music, hot chocolate, photo stops, and local dining tips along the way.

“Everything was TERRIFIC! We had such a fun time! I highly recommend this to everyone! Great experience, pretty lights and good christmas music.”

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6.Winter Spree Cruise with Mulled Wine and Christmas Stollen

★★★★★★★★★★3.4 · 15 reviews · 1h 30m · from $37

Spend 90 minutes on Berlin’s Spree, passing the Reichstag, Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, Central Station, and Nikolai Quarter. The boat has central heating, blankets for the outside deck, and seating in the salon, wheelhouse, upper deck, or VIP lounge. Mulled wine and Christmas stollen may be purchased onboard, but are not included in the standard ticket.

“De kunde ha berättat vad vi åkte förbi, vad vi såg. Pyntat båten med ljusslingor och ev spelat lite julmusik”

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7.Christmas in New York: Winter Wonderland Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 14 reviews · 1h 30m · from $180

Take a private 90-minute rickshaw ride through New York’s holiday center, starting at Central Park and ending near Times Square. Warm blankets, hot beverages, photo stops, and a guide such as Arda, Artim, or Matt keep the outing cozy and personal. Expect festive windows, Rockefeller Center’s tree, and flexible storytelling in several languages.

“I enjoyed the driver. The way he maneuvered around the city was amazing. He made the ride fun with all the music, his knowledge and he the way he accompanied the ride specifically to our wants!”

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8.Winter Combo Godafoss Christmas House and The Forest Lagoon

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · 4 hours 20 minutes (approx.) · from $161

Travel from Akureyri to snowy Godafoss, visit the Christmas House in Eyjafjordur, then spend an hour in Forest Lagoon. The Traveling Viking provides transport, an English-speaking guide, Wi-Fi, and lagoon entry. Guides including Lilja and Joanna have led warm, informative outings for families and small groups.

“This was a great value for money trip. Our tour guide Lilja was amazing. She was very knowledgable friendly & helpful. We wanted to sit outside with our lunch at waterfall & she helped us clear snow off table & chairs. Thank you Lilja you helped make our trips more special.”

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