There’s a lot to be excited for in 2025—and travelers know that. Research is already predicting international travel will rise above pre-pandemic levels finally, signaling a full comeback. Now the question is: where is everyone going?
From sandy Caribbean beaches to austere European palaces and everything in between, we’ve got a list of some unbeatable destinations to keep in mind. Americans will be clamoring for the events and experiences awaiting them in 2025—so consider the following for your upcoming coverage:
Alexandria, VA—Discover Alexandria in 2025, where history, culture, and waterfront charm gather along the Potomac river. In 2025 visitors can explore the revitalized Old Town, featuring an array of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The development of the Torpedo Factory Art Center will showcase even more local artists and interactive exhibits. Just minutes from Washington, D.C., this city boasts cobblestone streets lined with historic sites like George Washington’s childhood home. The city’s revitalization projects, including new parks and cultural spaces, offer fresh experiences for visitors, while events like the Alexandria art Festival and film festival celebrate local creativity. Don’t miss the chance to stroll along the vibrant King Street, where visitors can enjoy outdoor dining and seasonal festivals that celebrate the city’s diverse culture. For outdoor lovers, the nearby waterfront parks and scenic trails provide perfect spots for leisurely walks and bike rides with stunning views of the water.
Baltimore, MD—Baltimore celebrates cultural tastemakers and creative entrepreneurs while honoring its rich history. As noted by The New York Times, Baltimore is one of the “52 Places to Go”—and the city invites everyone to see why. For next year, one of the standout events on the horizon is the 14th Annual Red Shoe Shuffle 5K Run and Walk, taking place on April 27, 2025. This family-friendly race showcases the strength of the community, beginning at the Big Red Heart at Ronald McDonald House. Additionally, from February 25 to March 1, 2025, Baltimore will host the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament. Since 1981, the National Aquarium has been a must-visit destination in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, consistently ranked among the best aquariums in the country. Visitors can create a unique experience with customizable programs, including daytime tours, virtual activities, or overnight sleepovers. The aquarium recently opened its newest exhibit, Harbor Wetland, featuring a $14 million outdoor space designed to replicate the Chesapeake Bay tidal salt marsh. Officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, this 10,000-square-foot “living habitat” includes over 32,000 native shrubs and marsh grasses, providing a home for various microorganisms, fish, crabs, birds, and small mammals.
Barbados—When it comes to tropical elegance, it’s hard to beat the beauty of Barbados. The island hosts several events a year.
– Run Barbados Marathon is the largest marathon in the Caribbean, held in December and has become one of the island’s premier sporting events. Celebrating its 42nd anniversary in 2025, the event promises a unique and memorable experience.
– Crop Over Festival, dubbed the “Sweetest Summer Festival” in the Caribbean, honors a 200-year-old tradition marking the end of the sugar cane season. This six-week festival offers a rich showcase of Bajan culture with dusk-to-dawn parties, arts and craft markets, and culinary street fairs. The festivities culminate on Grand Kadooment Day, where masquerade bands parade in sequined costumes, dancing along a guided route behind music trucks and mobile bars. As the island’s most exhilarating day, locals often say, “Crop Over it sweet fuh days!”
– Barbados Food and Rum Festival is a series of culinary and beverage events designed to delight food enthusiasts with the finest Barbadian cuisine. Featuring renowned international and local chefs alongside expert mixologists, the festival is a celebration of high-quality, authentic gastronomic artistry. The 2025 edition in October promises a delectable experience for all.
Among other headlines, Elegant Hotels is undergoing extensive renovations. Colony Club’s renovations began in Summer 2024 with a planned reopening in March 2025 as part of The Luxury Collection, offering enhanced luxury experiences. Tamarind closed on July 15, 2024, for a year-long renovation, reopening on July 25, 2025, as part of the Autograph Collection with a blend of modern elegance and local charm. Crystal Cove & Turtle Beach hotels will remain open through 2024, with renovations starting in early 2025 to bring new and enhanced guest experiences.
Chattanooga, TN—Touted as Tennessee’s Scenic City, Chattanooga announced that it will be the new home of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) annual World of Bluegrass for the next three years. The inaugural multi-day event will take place September 16-20, 2025, and features a convention, tradeshow, awards show, artist showcases throughout downtown plus a two-day live music festival with top bluegrass artists. Chattanooga is also the birthplace of the Medal of Honor, which began on April 12, 1862, with Andrews’ Raid and the Great Locomotive Chase which ended just outside the city. The acts of valor on that historic day resulted in establishing the nation’s highest honor. For the first time in Chattanooga’s history, the annual gathering of living Medal of Honor recipients will take place starting September 30, 2025, at the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, which opened in 2020 in downtown. Meanwhile, the Chattanooga Lookouts, a minor league baseball team and Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, broke ground on a new stadium to replace the older AT&T Field – umpires are expected to bellow “play ball” in 2025. or baseball team and Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. March 1-2, 2025, the Erlanger Chattanooga Marathon will celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Chile—Notable international media coverage highlighted new tourist routes set to launch soon and the nation’s commitment to environmental conservation. This includes an ambitious plan aimed at protecting the country’s penguin colonies, reaffirming Chile’s dedication to sustainable tourism. The plan includes measures to safeguard the habitats of these iconic animals and address environmental threats, establishing Chile as a leader in eco-friendly travel. Visitors can’t miss the chance to experience Chile in all its splendor and explore various options to find the perfect events tailored to your interests. Chile invites visitors to immerse themselves in its tranquil natural landscapes, ideal for solo travelers seeking peace and a profound connection with the environment. With its remote and pristine settings, Chile provides the perfect escape for those looking to disconnect from city life. For those eager to explore untouched forests and diverse wildlife, Chile offers unique opportunities for solo travel that focus on nature and intimate group experiences. Here, you will find essential activities and places to visit that emphasize the beauty of solitude and the richness of nature.
Cincinnati, OH/Northern Kentucky—This destination along the Ohio River will kick off the U.S.’s 250th birthday with America’s River Roots, a celebration of inland river culture, October 9-12, 2025. The Ohio River has played an instrumental role throughout U.S. history, not only as a means of transport and hub of energy and industry, but also a beacon of hope for freedom seekers crossing from the south to the north. River Roots will showcase the region’s multicultural art, history, music and cuisine that has come from the river connecting people to the destination.
– The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame, which opened in the summer of 2022, holds its annual induction ceremony to coordinate with the museum’s July opening anniversary. This new interactive outdoor park, located across from the NFL Paycor Stadium where the Cincinnati Bengals play and the Cincinnati Music Festival takes places, features stars commemorating Black musicians from Cincinnati who have made lasting contributions in music worldwide.
– The Cincinnati Music Festival, held July 24-26, was first held in 1962 and billed as the Ohio Valley Jazz Festival. It has since grown and evolved into a spectacular three-day event on Cincinnati’s riverfront.
Cincinnati is home to the largest Oktoberfest outside of Munich, Germany. Zinzinnati, held for three days in mid-September, first debuted in 1976 and has grown into the largest U.S. Oktoberfest celebration attracting more than 575,000 guests.
– The 26th annual Flying Pig Marathon (a reference to Cincinnati’s historical nickname “Porkopolis”) gets underway the first weekend of May and is now one of the top major marathons in the country with 40,000 participants with a particularly challenging course as Cincy is known for being a city of seven hills.
– Bourbon & Belonging: Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week, which launched in 2024, will take place in October 2025 with events happening in Covington and Newport – just across the Ohio River from Cincy. The event includes tastings, drag brunches and parties celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, the B-Line (tasting trail) and the state’s bourbon scene.
Greater Louisville, KY/IN—Exciting events are on the horizon in Louisville, including the 2025-27 ASUN Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships, hosted at Bellarmine University and the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center from 2025-2027. Louisville will host the Meeting Professional International’s World Education Congress from June 10-12, marking its first return to the southeastern U.S. in over a decade. Churchill Downs will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a $90 million renovation ahead of the 151st Kentucky Derby, while the Kentucky Derby Museum marks its 40th anniversary with a $2.3 million upgrade to its popular film and a new fashion exhibit. Louisville will also host the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby’’ in April 2025, its connections to Louisville are highlighted, including F. Scott Fitzgerald’s time at the Seelbach Hotel, which also celebrates its 120th anniversary.
In early 2025, a new six-story Canopy by Hilton hotel will open near Whiskey Row, featuring 168 rooms, a rooftop pool, and the Bourré Bonne Steakhouse led by Kevin Grangier. Several outdoor projects will be completed, including the expansion of Waterfront Park, a $5 million upgrade to Yew Dell Gardens, and a $22 million renovation of the Speed Art Museum, introducing a park and sculpture garden. Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom will debut in November 2025, featuring over a million lights and a snow tubing hill. Other holiday attractions include Lights Under Louisville and the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour.
Greater Miami, FL—This vibrant city invites exploration, offering stunning beaches, rich culinary scene, or dynamic arts and culture, making it a cosmopolitan destination where everyone feels at home.
– In 2025, Greater Miami & Miami Beach will host the MDRT Annual Meeting at the Miami Beach Convention Center from June 22 to 25, showcasing the area’s beaches and dining options.
– Sports enthusiasts can look forward to the Capital One Orange Bowl College Football Playoff Semifinals at Hard Rock Stadium on January 9, featuring teams from the ACC and SEC.
– Art Deco Weekend, from January 18 to 20, will celebrate the architectural legacy of the Art Deco Historic District with guided tours, lectures, and classic car exhibitions, all organized by the Miami Design Preservation League.
Music lovers won’t want to miss the Ninth Annual South Beach Jazz Festival from January 9 to 12, featuring Grammy-winning artists and discussions on accessibility in the arts.
– On February 2, the Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon will attract athletes and spectators.
– From February 12 to 16, the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show will showcase over 1,000 exhibitors across six locations, including a VIP showcase of luxury yachts at Watson Island.
– The Coconut Grove Arts Festival, celebrating its 60th year from February 15 to 17, will feature over 280 juried artists, culinary demonstrations, and live music.
– Food enthusiasts can indulge in the 23rd annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One from February 20 to 23, a four-day celebration of culinary excellence across Greater Miami and Miami Beach.
Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation Attractions (Ozarks, MO)—The Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation Attractions (JMCF), established by Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance wildlife and nature conservation by educating and connecting guests with nature through fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation.
– WOW, named the Best Aquarium in the Country for 2024 by USA Today’s 10Best, will take part in a sea turtle rescue in early January. The turtles will arrive aboard the “Turtles Fly Too” flight and will be nurtured and rehabilitated until they’re healthy enough to be released back into the ocean. The space is interwoven with galleries of original artwork, sculptures, Native American artifacts, a replica of Teddy Roosevelt’s cabin and fishing vessels that once belonged to legendary authors Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey.
– Dogwood Canyon Nature Park spans 10,000 acres and is almost likened to a national park with its herd of elk and bison, waterfalls and ponds, hiking and biking trails, trout fishing, caves and treehouse. A gristmill produces flour and grains that are available for sale in the gift shop. Flowering dogwoods create a white canopy during the spring.
– Top of the Rock is home to the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail as well as the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum. Lost Canyon Cave offers self-guided golf cart tours that meander past waterfalls, spectacular cliffs and the Bat Bar, a drive-thru refreshment center located within the cave. During the holidays, a light installation features illuminated animals across the landscape.
– The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum features galleries of Smithsonian-quality artifacts that include a lock of George Washington’s hair, Sitting Bull’s vest, Abraham Lincoln’s desk, an American flag that was draped across Lincoln’s coffin and many other Native American, Civil War and early American treasures.
Kissimmee, Florida—The city is known for its proximity to world-class theme parks as well as being the vacation home capital of the world—and that won’t change in 2025. The debut of Universal Orlando Resort’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, will be a place where guests can explore enchanting locations like wizarding Paris and the British Ministry of Magic through groundbreaking attractions like “Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry” and the captivating “Le Cirque Arcanus.” Walt Disney World Resort will also unveil its largest expansion ever at Magic Kingdom Park, introducing a new land dedicated to Disney Villains and revamped areas themed around Pixar’s Cars. Animal Kingdom will feature Tropical Americas, allowing guests to explore the fictional Pueblo Esperanza with attractions inspired by Indiana Jones and Encanto, while Hollywood Studios will debut a Monsters, Inc.-themed land with the Laugh Factory.
Enhancing the experience, Kissimmee’s culinary scene will flourish with restaurants including Adega Gaúcha, offering gourmet selections with tableside service, and Maw’s Mountain Moonshine, showcasing handcrafted moonshine and authentic Southern flavors. Sports fans can catch the excitement of the Osceola Magic’s NBA G League which will include games at the Osceola Heritage Park and two neutral-site games. Meanwhile, the nearby Dr. Phillips Center For the Performing Arts will host an impressive lineup of Broadway hits, including “The Lion King” and “The Book of Mormon.” Committed to sustainability, Kissimmee will also introduce Green Trails, an extensive network of eco-friendly bike and walking paths that highlight the city’s dedication to preserving its natural beauty.
Loudoun County, VA—As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Loudoun emerges as a key destination for commemorating the American Revolution with special events and lectures. This year-round destination offers something for every season: spring’s horse racing and flower festivals; summer’s outdoor concerts and July 4 fireworks; fall’s wine tastings and pumpkin picking; and winter’s enchanting Lighting of the Vines. DC’s Wine Country®—fresh off the 40th anniversary of its wine scene—also features vineyard classes, harvest dinners, and spa treatments.
Areas like Leesburg, Middleburg, and Ashburn each boast distinct characteristics in Loudoun County. Guests can dine in excellent restaurants, savor award-winning wine, craft beer, and artisanal coffee, while enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and equestrian adventures. Cultural enthusiasts will appreciate live music, harvest festivals, and art tours that celebrate the region’s creative spirit. Historic attractions allow visitors to experience key moments in American history, while shopping at farmers markets and antique stores showcases local artistry. Loudoun hosts numerous annual events that draw visitors from across the country, including the Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival, Middleburg Spring Races, and Purcellville Wine and Food Festival.
North Carolina—Art lovers can immerse themselves in the highly anticipated Andrew Wyeth exhibition at the Reynolda House Museum of American Art in Winston-Salem, showcasing a stunning collection of his masterpieces from February 13 to May 25. Foodies will be thrilled by the return of the Asheville Bread Festival, featuring workshops and tastings from notable James Beard winners. For racing fans, the historic Rockingham Speedway is back in action over Easter weekend, reviving its legacy with NASCAR events that will get your adrenaline pumping. Adventure seekers can hit the slopes at the revamped Prime ski area near Asheville, offering modern amenities and breathtaking views for all skill levels. North Carolina’s hospitality scene is also booming, with unique accommodations like Durrant Farms‘ luxurious glamping experience and the vibrant Hotel Lela in Wilmington. Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in new dining, including Asheville’s soul food revival at Areta’s and Charlotte’s innovative Leluia Hall in a repurposed church.
Oklahoma City, OK—Spring will see the grand opening of the spectacular OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark, a $400 million venture from the Chickasaw Nation. This new facility will feature a riverfront hotel, a luxurious day spa, an outdoor adventure lagoon, and an indoor waterpark, alongside a vibrant Native American Marketplace and delicious dining options.
The Asian District of Oklahoma City is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon with a boat art installation called “We Have Arrived”. The installation is set to be unveiled in 2025 in Military Park. Love’s Planetarium at Science Museum Oklahoma will debut, offering a breathtaking viewing experience of the night sky like never before, free from light pollution. Audiences will also enjoy live feeds from NASA databases, making this a truly unique experience. Plus, the transformative OAK entertainment destination will enhance the fairgrounds complex, ensuring OKC retains its title as the “horse show capital of the world.”
Mid-2025 will see the completion of the new OG&E Coliseum, seating up to 8,500 visitors and featuring a Made In Oklahoma retail space, perfect for picking up local treasures. And for outdoor enthusiasts, the expanded Oklahoma Trailhead and Bike Park at riversport will include a bike plaza, outdoor classroom, community garden, and more, all designed with accessibility in mind. With its dynamic attractions and rich offerings, Oklahoma City is set to steal the spotlight in 2025.
Pennsylvania—The Quaker State’s many charming villages and hamlets are known for their leaf-peeping and pumpkin-spiced events, including the Peddler’s Village Apple Festival and the Fall Festival Weekends at Charlann Farms in Yardley. Bucks County was even named the #1 spot for leaf peepers by Priceline. Pocono Foliage Express ferries passengers on a scenic 20-mile train ride through the Northern Pocono Mountains, providing views of fall foliage and a chance to spot wildlife like bald eagles along the river. Hersheypark, the sweetest and largest amusement park in Pennsylvania, has more than 70 attractions and will usher in a new attraction, Twizzler’s Twisted Gravity, the tallest swing in the world. April 9, 2025, marks the 160th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and April 19, 2025, is the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution. Pennsylvania’s many battlegrounds, including Gettysburg, played an instrumental role in both conflicts. Punxsutawney Phil, the world’s most famous groundhog, makes his annual prediction every February 2 as to whether spring will come early or be delayed. He and his mate, Phyllis, recently welcomed two adorable offspring, a girl and a boy.
Redding, CA—California’s sunniest city boasts an average of 300 days of rays a year. It is also the state’s more affordable, least crowded destination for outdoor adventure. With more than 200 miles of groomed and rugged trails, Redding has been lauded as the Trail Capital of California as well as the Unofficial Kayak Capital and is known for having some of the most pristine waters for fly fishing with an abundance of rainbow trout swimming in the Sacramento River and steelhead trout and salmon in the Trinity River.
– Redding Bike Park is slated to open in 2025 and will include a paved pump track and multi-skilled jump line for multiple levels and skill sets.
– The Swasey Expansion Project, one of Redding’s top trail systems, is getting an upgrade with six additional miles of trail that include flowy beginner to double black diamond for experts only.
– Shasta Bike Depot, housed in a former brothel, is slated to open downtown in 2025. With all the trappings of a clubhouse, the depot is the “start here” spot for biking in and around Redding as well as the North State and features everything a cyclist may need, including a cafe to fuel up before hitting the road.
– After an 85-year hiatus, the Redding Regatta returned this past summer and will once again become an annual event.
– Redding’s historic downtown will welcome the Redding Market Center in the spring. This public market, modeled after similar destinations such as Oxbow Market in Napa and the Ferry Building in San Francisco, will be on the ground level of the Market Center building and is 100% leased. In addition to its indoor space, a large outdoor temperature-controlled beverage garden will beckon guests for a glass of beer, wine or a handcrafted cocktail.
– This year’s “Golden State Winery of the Year,” New Clairvaux Vineyards, doesn’t hail from Napa or Sonoma, but rather from the small town of Vina, California, located halfway between Sacramento and Redding. New Clairvaux is a collaboration between Trappist-Cistercian Monastery and a multi-generational winemaking family that decided to open their first and only satellite tasting room in Redding. This has kicked off a culinary renaissance in this Northern California town.
San Antonio, TX—San Antonio is at a crossroads of luxury and culture with the arrival of several new hotels, inclusion in the inaugural Texas MICHELIN Guide. This is noteworthy since San Antonio is one of only two U.S. cities deemed a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and is also the Culinary Capital of Texas.
The St. James AMEC Culture Crossing is slated to open in February 2025 at the site of the city’s first A.M.E. church – the foundation was uncovered by archaeologists during the restoration of San Pedro Creek Cultural Park in 2020. The cornerstone was laid in 1875 – the site later became the Alamo Ice and Brewing Company.
After breaking ground nearly two years ago, the UNESCO World Heritage Center will open near the start of the new year and will highlight the four of the city’s five Spanish Missions, which include Missions Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan and Espada. The center will offer a world-class experience that will include a public orientation center and exhibit space. The UNESCO World Heritage Center will serve as a gateway to the San Antonio Missions allowing visitors to gather for educational opportunities and avail themselves to the history, art and culture of the mission community. In addition, the Center will also share the stories and history of those that lived and worked in the Missions. Alamo Plaza, the expansive area that fronts the historic Alamo Church, will be complete at the end of this year along with the recreation of the Mission Gate and Lunette, which were once a part of the original design but dismantled decades ago. Alamo Plaza, part of the extensive Alamo Plan, will transform the area framing the historic attraction. Those who want to visit San Antonio to see the historic Alamo church will want to arrive before June as the church will close at the end of May for 18 months to undergo a roof replacement.
St. Louis, MO—The city boasts festivals and irresistible food and drinks to keep visitors energized from sunrise to sunset. One major highlight is the 2025 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four, taking place at the Enterprise Center on April 10, 2025. The semifinals will kick off on this date, with the NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship following on April 12. St. Louis is also thrilled to host the Meeting Professionals International World Education Congress in 2025. This event promises to be a fantastic opportunity to explore the city’s top restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and attractions. Among the unique attractions in St. Louis are Forest Park, home to world-class destinations like the Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Science Center and the Missouri History Museum. Don’t miss a stroll through the Missouri Botanical Garden or a tour of the iconic Gateway Arch. For theater enthusiasts, “Six: The Musical” will be performing at The Fabulous Fox Theatre from January 21 to February 2, 2025. This original musical celebrates the six wives of Henry VIII, blending historical heartbreak with a modern twist and empowering themes. With 23 awards, including the Tony Award for Best Original Score, it has become a global sensation since its Broadway debut.
Additionally, the city will unveil the revitalized Powell Hall, the home of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, offering a fresh live music experience in the St. Louis region. Another exciting development is the reopening of the Old Courthouse, which has undergone significant renovations, making it a must-see historical landmark. These enhancements further enrich the city’s vibrant cultural scene, ensuring there’s always something new to discover in St. Louis.
Toronto—When it comes to business events, such as conferences, meetings and trade shows, planners turn to Toronto for a turn-key experience to engage attendees.
– In 2025, the Toronto Black Film Festival immerses attendees in a world of powerful narratives and groundbreaking cinema from February 12-17. This annual event showcases the richness of Black filmmaking talent, providing a platform for storytellers to share their unique perspectives and experiences.
– Toronto Pride in June 2025 is a month-long celebration of 2SLGBTQ+ programming, capped off with a vibrant festival weekend from June 28-30. The festivities include the Trans March, Dyke March, and the iconic Pride Parade, all contributing to the support of Toronto’s queer community through the Pride Toronto non-profit organization.
– Canadian Music Week is slated for June 2025, acting as a major industry conference that brings together music professionals for daytime sessions, trade expos, and nighttime performances featuring almost a thousand artists across 25 of Toronto’s best music venues. Since 1981, it has been a landmark event for the music industry and fans alike.
– The Toronto International Film Festival celebrates nearly 50 years of cinematic excellence, returning in September 2025 at the TIFF Lightbox and various venues across Toronto. The festival also hosts influential TIFF Industry Conferences, offering panel discussions and talks from top screen professionals.
– The Legacy Awards honor both established and emerging Black Canadian talent in 2025 (dates TBA). Co-founded by Scarborough natives Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, this awards show features performances, tributes, and award presentations that celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians in the arts.
U.S. Virgin Islands—US travelers can skip the passport and head to paradise in the USVI in 2025. The islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix boast some of the most breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear waters in the world. From the sands of Magens Bay to snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs of Trunk Bay. Beyond the beaches, the islands are steeped in rich history and culture, making them a fantastic destination for both relaxation and exploration. Take part in a Cruzan rum distillery tour or head to the floating bar, Lime Out.
One of the highlights of visiting the US Virgin Islands in 2025 will be the vibrant festivals that showcase the unique spirit of the islands. Experience the energetic Carnival celebrations in St. Thomas, complete with colorful parades, live music, and local delicacies. The St. John festival hosts pageants, a festival village, historical presentations and a food fair. In December immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of St. Croix at the Crucian Christmas Festival, featuring parades, dancing, art and music.
Vienna—Visitors can explore picturesque vineyards, charming taverns, lush parks, and engaging zoos while indulging in outdoor adventures, cultural activities, and culinary delights of Austria’s capital. Whether hiking through autumn landscapes, enjoying playgrounds, or visiting the House of the Sea on a rainy day, Vienna’s vibrant atmosphere provides a feast for the senses.
– In 2025, Vienna will celebrate the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II, the Waltz King. This milestone will be honoured throughout the city in ballrooms, on stages, and in exhibition halls highlighting Strauss’s lasting impact on Viennese culture. An overview of events and exhibitions that have been confirmed for 2025 can be found here.
– Notable events in 2025 include the Rainbow Ball on January 25, a celebration for the LGBTIQ+ community at Parkhotel Schönbrunn, where attendees are encouraged to wear their finest attire and enjoy a night of waltzes.
– In June, the Vienna Fetish Spring festival will feature various events, including the election of “Mr. Leather Austria,” alongside the 29th Rainbow Parade celebrating LGBTQ+ rights.
– The Vienna Opera Ball, the season’s most glamorous event, will transform the Vienna State Opera into a spectacular ballroom, attracting artists, politicians, and enthusiasts and reaching millions through TV broadcasts.
– The “Sunken City” project at Pier 22 will continue to take shape, with construction on kiosks, fitness areas, and other amenities continuing through 2025. The project better connects the waterfront and provides families with outdoor recreation opportunities.
– In 2025, a listed court building will open as the new Mandarin Oriental Hotel and a luxury hotel at Palais Schwarzenberg will open in a Baroque palace from 1697.
With numerous exhibitions enhancing the cultural landscape throughout 2025, Vienna promises an exceptional year for music, art, and celebration, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
Western Massachusetts—This region is the perfect getaway for tri-state residents.
– Bright Nights at Forest Park (December 2024 – January 5, 2025) celebrates its 30th season and features breathtaking displays of over 675,000 lights along a three-mile drive. Visitors can explore Santa’s Magical Forest, pick up souvenirs, and take a spin on the carousel. Special themed nights include pet photo sessions, face painting, and live musical performances.
– Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 23 marks its 72nd year and is one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the United States, drawing a crowd of 400,000 spectators. Festivities take place throughout the weekend, culminating in the grand parade on Sunday, March 23.
– IRONMAN 70.3 Western Massachusetts is the triathlon challenge for athletes and a captivating event for spectators. Participants start with a 1.2-mile swim in the Connecticut River’s clean, downriver waters, followed by a 56-mile bike ride through scenic rural roads, passing charming New England farms and landscapes.
– The Eastern States Exposition, known as The Big E, is New England’s largest fair and one of the country’s most impressive. Dates are TBA but it will feature a wide range of attractions, including delicious food stalls, live music, parades, agricultural exhibitions, carnival rides and cultural displays. This multi-day event is a celebration of the region’s rich history and diverse offerings, providing an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
