The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Real Simple|December 2024
...is, actually, all the time! Whether you're looking to venture into the wintry world, stop to smell spring flowers, soak up the summer's warmth, or swim in fall's colors, these are the places that deliver.
ERICA FINAMORE
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

WINTER

Grapevine, Texas

This spot is known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, and it's basically a real-life Hallmark movie. The town puts on more than 1,400 holiday events, displays 2 million pounds of ice sculptures, and strings up a gajillion lights. Go skating at the Peace Plaza Ice Rink or, if you can get tickets, sip wine in a vintage railcar that winds through town.

Kohler, Wisconsin

Just over two hours north of Chicago, the charming Kohler sits on the Sheboygan River and offers curling, ice skating, and a hot chocolate bar. Stay at the Inn on Woodlake (from $220 per night). If you're not into the cold, Kohler is also fantastic in the summer, with canoeing, golfing, and more!

Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Caramel, Quebec

Imagine a forest where you can ice-skate or snowshoe through the trees, stopping to feed snow-dusted sheep. That's exactly what you'll get in this city, roughly midway between Quebec City and Montreal, if you visit the outdoor adventure site Domaine Enchanteur. It features more than nine miles of peaceful trails. The scenery is the point here; the rest is just details.

SPRING

Holland, Michigan

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM REAL SIMPLEView all
Christmas in the Desert
Real Simple

Christmas in the Desert

This Palm Springs home may be low on snow, but it's big on holiday cheer.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
Treat Yourself
Real Simple

Treat Yourself

These festive sweets all start with a clever store-bought shortcut, so you can stay as cool as a...log of slice-and-bake cookie dough.

time-read
9 mins  |
December 2024
Appy Holidays
Real Simple

Appy Holidays

Not a typo! We'll be noshing our way through the season on these partyworthy nibbles. And we wish the same for you and yours.

time-read
10 mins  |
December 2024
Gift Guide
Real Simple

Gift Guide

Got a few folks who stump you every year? Who may have regifted last year's present just as soon as they could? This is for you and for them. Pretty, fun, and even fabulous stuff at any price point. Every one is a keeper.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
Now Hear This
Real Simple

Now Hear This

If closed captions have become your best friend and it sounds like everyone around you is mumbling, we've got the latest feedback on why you're having hearing trouble-and what you can do about it.

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2024
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Real Simple

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

...is, actually, all the time! Whether you're looking to venture into the wintry world, stop to smell spring flowers, soak up the summer's warmth, or swim in fall's colors, these are the places that deliver.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
A NO-STRESS GUIDE TO GIFT GIVING & RECEIVING
Real Simple

A NO-STRESS GUIDE TO GIFT GIVING & RECEIVING

It's the thought that counts, right? Right?!

time-read
8 mins  |
December 2024
5 FINANCIAL MOVES TO MAKE BEFORE 2025
Real Simple

5 FINANCIAL MOVES TO MAKE BEFORE 2025

Don't drop the ball ahead of the ball drop!

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2024
NOT-SO-TALL TAILS
Real Simple

NOT-SO-TALL TAILS

Three of the sweetest doggo adoption stories you ever did read

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
ELIMINATE PET HAIR
Real Simple

ELIMINATE PET HAIR

It's time to reclaim your sofas, carpets, and black pants.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024