The most festive place in every state over the holidays

From a Texas-shaped lazy river that glows with holiday lights to bare trees swaddled in colorful lights at botanic gardens, unexpected destinations around the country turn into illuminated winter wonderlands this time of year. If you’re looking to see some of the most magnificent holiday lights displays between now and the New Year, a new study from SmokyMountains.com shows the top-rated lights in the country as well as the highest-rated lights attractions broken down by state.

Fans attending Chicago Bulls home games this season have a chance to enjoy not only a game, but also an opportunity to win nearly 20 giveaways.

Everyone loves a new beginning—and that’s the theme we’re seeing with this season’s splashiest hotel openings. In Aspen, a town most known for over-the-top luxury, a design-forward, approachable four-star hotel (with five-star food) sets up shop. A historic, Southern Gothic mansion enters its glow-up era as a contemporary, sceney hotspot in Savannah. And the latest offering from Auberge Resorts gives a compelling reason to extend your next Texas work trip by a night or two. Here, some of the most exciting openings this winter to have on your radar.

“Once upon a time, the planets and the fates and all the stars aligned..." — Taylor Swift

With more than 115 million Americans expected to travel over the next few weeks, according to AAA, this holiday season is gearing up to be one of the busiest ones ever.

With nearly 40 million people slated to fly during the holidays this year, airlines are preparing for what could be one of the busiest holiday travel seasons on record. 

‘Tis the season for traveling, and US government officials are urging travelers to make sure they know their rights ahead of time.

The year may be coming to a close, but the night sky has at least one more major treat in store: the Geminid meteor shower, which will peak tonight into tomorrow.

This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with  The Points Guy .

Ho-ho-however you get from A to B over the holiday season, you won’t be alone. Airports and especially roads will be slightly more crowded between Christmas and New Year’s compared to last year.

December brings frigid temperatures and howling winds to the city of Boston, but fortunately, the holiday season serves as a major silver lining for winter residents. Clad in twinkling lights and a towering Christmas tree gifted from Nova Scotia, the city takes on a particularly charming ambiance that makes it well worth visiting in spite of the weather—and as an added bonus, Boston’s hottest hotels, bars and restaurants are all joining in on the festivities. As you plan your next foray into New England’s most dazzling city, don’t miss out on these holiday-themed promotions and events.

‘Tis the season for planning an epic winter getaway and Southwest is helping by offering one-way flights starting at just $39.