Uh, oh. Turkey. Then T-Day. Then…December??? Yea for winter! Yikes for still having not put a drop of thought into a gift for that special someone.
Not to worry! We’ve got the perfect mix of six getaway ideas to surprise your loved one with a Pacific Northwest escape. December…yea!
Bright Idea: see Leavenworth.
BRIGHTER IDEA: SEE LEAVENWORTH LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Holiday lights are something we all look forward to, but when it comes to Christmas spirit there’s one town that takes the cake. Enter Leavenworth, a miniature Bavaria, which all but radiates pure joy with the help of over half a million lights. Wander the town and you’ll find countless carolers, horse drawn open sleighs and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves.
Bright Idea: drink bubbly.
BRIGHTER IDEA: DRINK BUBBLY WITH A JAW-DROPPING VIEW
With all the festivities going on around the city it’s easy to spend an entire day out and about. In the evening, kick your feet up at the Inn at Laurel Point and soak in the view of Victoria’s idyllic Inner Harbour with a tall flute of bubbly and your significant other at your side. Hello New Years!
Bright Idea: see lights.
BRIGHTER IDEA: SEE BUTCHART HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Just before dusk is when the transition happens. Thousands upon thousands of lights click on across The Butchart Gardens, bringing life to the scenery and forming colorful, dancing displays that shimmer before your eyes. Find references to Christmas carols in each exhibit, like the five golden rings floating in the pond, or two illuminated turtledoves roosting in a tree high above. If you’re a fan of holiday lights, this is an experience you’ll never forget.
Bright Idea: take a cruise.
BRIGHTER IDEA: TAKE A REALLY FUN, FAST CRUISE
While there’s something to be said for hitting the open road, there’s nothing more immense, expansive and practical as the open sea. Hop aboard the Clipper and embark on a journey across the water for a quick escape right in your own backyard. Whether you’re exploring Victoria’s European charm or Seattle’s diverse food and arts scene (or maybe a Blue Jays game), adventure has never been this accessible.
Bright Idea: drink tea.
BRIGHTER IDEA: DRINK EMPRESS TEA
There’s nothing like warming up with a hot cup of tea on a cold winter’s day. Indulge in the Fairmont Empress‘ Festive afternoon tea and listen as carols fill the air as you sip on one of their 21 loose-leaf teas. If you’re feeling peckish, nosh on delicious seasonal treats such as mini Christmas fruit cake with marzipan butter frosting, candy cane macarons and roast turkey roulade and more!
Bright Idea: give a gift.
BRIGHT IDEA: GIVE ONE WHALE OF A GIFT
Still not sure what to give? Don’t let the panic of being caught giftless set in. Traditional gifts can be hit or miss, or even re-gifted (c’mon, we’re all guilty of it), but with a Clipper gift card you’ll remember the holidays forever. Let your loved ones choose from a variety of PNW destinations such the skier’s paradise, the snowy Whistler, BC or make a real splash with a whale watching day trip to the San Juan Islands.
This year there’s no need to worry about shopping for the perfect gift. Instead, fill your season with joy and cheer and treat your friends and family to holiday getaway. Whether you spend a day shredding the slopes or an evening soaking in the lights, adventure is out there waiting to be discovered.
