Unusual Christmas Ornaments Make the Holidays Weird and Wonderful

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.

The most festive time of year is now and with just under two weeks left before the end of 2023, time is running out to explore some of the world's very best Christmas markets.

It’s believed that the Norwegians invented modern skiing as we know it, and the first destination ski resort was Switzerland’s St. Moritz around 1864—more than half a century before the oldest operating mountain in the U.S. opened. It was the ski loving but mountain-challenged British that popularized the very notion of the ski vacation, traveling to the Alps for food, fun and skiing.

Hot springs are thermal wonders that promise not only warmth but also breathtaking scenery that captivates the soul, and adds some magic to your feed. From the picturesque landscapes of Iceland to the serene valleys of Japan, here are some of the world’s most beautiful hot springs.

Trevor Noah has spent a lot of time on the road lately. Since wrapping up his tenure as host of The Daily Show last year, the comedian has been hopping between continents to perform standup in some of the world’s greatest and most fascinating cities, from Berlin and Tokyo to Glasgow and Paris. His travels have also, unsurprisingly, given him more material to work with—much of which he explores in his new Netflix special, Trevor Noah: Where Was I, released on December 19. Condé Nast Traveler recently caught up with Noah—who also has a new Spotify podcast, What Now? with Trevor Noah, in the pipeline and will be returning as host of the 66th annual Grammy Awards in February—to talk national anthems, South African curries, and why travel has the power to shift our perspectives.

The most wonderful time of the year is best spent with the people who make you happiest, and there’s no better place to bond than in beautiful Los Cabos. With so much to see and do, it’s the ideal setting for a family, group, or romantic getaway. 

In Strasbourg, France, throughout the holiday season, Santa-capped teddy bears festoon a restaurant’s facade. Stuffed polar bears adorn another. In a Yuletide arms race, buildings are affixed with giant, gift-wrapped packages, glittering white deer and oversize gingerbread men. Turning the central medieval quarter into a Christmas maze, curtains of lights glow above cobblestone lanes lined with food and gift stalls. And in the central Place Kléber, lights on a nearly 100-foot-tall Christmas tree flash and glow, synchronized to carols.

Ice slams into the brine. An avalanche follows like poured powdered sugar. A wave breaks with the boom of cannon fire. Moving to the safety of more remote waters, we survey the trauma from afar. The glacier growls once again. 

Finding the best walking shoes for travel can be tough. You want something comfortable enough to get you through a full day of wandering around, but not so comfortable that it screams “I'm a tourist!” And since nobody wants to tote around a bag (checked or otherwise) filled with shoes, the ones that do make the packing list cut need to be versatile enough to wear with multiple outfits.

Often seen merely as a stepping stone to the stunning Italian islands accessible via its bustling port, Naples is seldom considered a destination in itself. Contrary to this negative portrayal, Naples is a lively, culture-rich city that deserves more recognition. As the birthplace of pizza, it commands respect on culinary grounds alone. Moreover, it’s home to a wealth of significant archaeological treasures, and its unpolished streets have a beauty and authenticity that’s been washed away in other large European cities. It’s also home to a handful of excellent luxury boutique hotels offering outstanding Italian hospitality and beautiful accommodations. Here are the top hotels in Naples, Italy for a weekend getaway or extended vacation in city and around the city.

It’s shaping up to be an extremely busy winter holiday season, but semi-private air company JSX has travelers covered with hassle-free — and luxe — flights starting at just $300 one-way.

It’s been mooted as “the most divisive film of the year”, with keen discussion among cinema-goers before they’ve even emerged from screening rooms. But one thing we can all agree on about Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn is its true star (OK, aside from Rosamund Pike): Saltburn itself.