Christmas Travel Secrets 🎄 Snap-Worthy Tips from a Holiday-Obsessed PhotographerWinter Wonderland in New York City and Quebec City:
- Susanne Kremer
- Oct 30, 2024
- 6 min read
With November here, I can already feel the holiday spirit pulling me back to two places that truly shine in December: New York City and Quebec City. Each city dresses up for Christmas in its own way, with grand lights and quiet, snow-covered streets that seem touched by magic. This past December, I captured these cities in their festive glory, braving the winter chill (not something this Miami gal is used to!) to share a bit of holiday warmth with you.
The crisper November air swirling around, I can already feel the holiday pull tugging at me, back to two of the most festive destinations I’ve ever photographed: New York City and Quebec City. If you’re someone who craves that holiday wonder—the kind that seems to sparkle from every street corner, wrap you in twinkling lights, and douse you in a chilly thrill—these two cities are absolute treasures in December. Their magic beckons, with everything from bustling Christmas markets and iconic ice rinks to peaceful, snow-dusted streets that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Braving the icy cold is part of the adventure, especially for someone from Miami like me, and each year, I count down to the moment when I can wrap myself in layers, tuck a camera under my scarf, and wander the streets, snapping away as holiday scenes come to life.
New York City: A Christmas Dream that Sparkles All Day and Night
New York City in December isn’t just a city; it’s an experience that tingles all the senses. My first stop is always Rockefeller Center. Even before the sun rises, this place is already gleaming, the massive tree glittering with thousands of lights that feel like the heart of the city. Picture this: It’s just before dawn, the sky an inky blue, and there’s barely a soul around. The security guard nods (..sometimes..-) in understanding as I set up my camera, the cold nipping at my fingers, and for a fleeting moment, it feels like this iconic holiday wonderland belongs solely to me. The chilly air is invigorating, making each breath feel like a spark, and that early-morning stillness is one of my favorite holiday “secrets” to savor.
From there, later on..I wander to Bryant Park’s Winter Village, an enchanting little market that feels like a touch of Europe right in Manhattan. The smell of roasting chestnuts and sweet cocoa hangs in the air, and I’m instantly warmed, clutching a steaming cup as I explore the twinkling market stalls. The rink here is quieter than Rockefeller’s, with just a few early skaters testing the ice as holiday music gently plays in the background. The lights, the laughter, and the sparkle of skates on fresh ice make this spot utterly magical, a cozy little world that unfolds as the city awakens. I take my time here, camera in hand, moving from stall to stall, drawn in by the laughter and charm that make this market such a holiday gem.
One morning, I rose at dawn and ventured out, bundled in layers to catch Central Park after a surprise snowfall. The whole park looked like it was blanketed in marshmallow-like snow, softening every tree and pathway. Bow Bridge was nothing short of enchanting, arching elegantly over a lake that was beginning to freeze, the snow dusting it like icing sugar on a cake. As I made my way to the bridge, a horse-drawn carriage appeared, its wheels crunching through the snow, the driver smiling as I snapped what felt like the perfect holiday moment. In that quiet, snowy morning, it was just me, the bridge, and the gentle crunch of snow underfoot—a slice of calm that lingers, even now.
Later, I drifted down Fifth Avenue, where holiday magic spills from every store display. Cartier’s famous holiday “gift box” with its giant red ribbon glittered against the bustling cityscape, drawing everyone’s gaze. I couldn’t resist staying a while, capturing the opulent displays before the midday rush. And as night fell, I made my way to Radio City Music Hall, where towering red ornaments glowed against the city lights, making for the perfect New York moment. Each sight, sound, and shimmer adds to the city’s unique holiday energy, one that I carry with me long after I leave.
Quebec City: A Snowy Fairytale in North America
After embracing New York’s Christmas dazzle, I set off for Quebec City—a place that feels like a European dream, especially when it’s cloaked in snow and holiday decor. Quebec City’s Old Town is like something out of a Dickens novel, with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and the warm scent of mulled wine wafting through the air. Here, holiday cheer has a distinctly cozy feel, with candlelit windows, garland-wrapped lampposts, and a sense of timeless beauty.
My mornings in Quebec began in Place Royale, a historic square that becomes a serene wonderland under a layer of snow. I was met with an untouched blanket of white, where every stone building and lamppost seemed frozen in perfect holiday harmony. Standing in the square, camera in hand, the early light glistening on the snow, I felt a deep sense of peace. The Christmas tree here, nestled in the center, stands tall and proud, like it’s holding court in the snowy silence. There’s an almost sacred beauty to this spot before the city fully awakens, and capturing it alone felt like a quiet triumph.
Next, I made my way to Petit Champlain, a charming neighborhood that’s normally bustling with visitors. But in those early hours, it felt like my own personal Christmas scene. Snow dusted each storefront, holiday lights twinkled in the windows, and the street was lined with wreaths and garlands, creating a timeless festive charm. I wandered slowly, savoring the solitude, snapping photos of twinkling shop windows, and marveling at the decorations that seemed to cast their own gentle glow. In these quiet moments, it was like the entire neighborhood held its breath, preserving the holiday magic for just a bit longer.
When night fell, I headed to the German Christmas Market, where the air was filled with laughter, holiday treats, and the cozy scent of warm cider. I sipped hot mulled wine, taking in the twinkling lights and the joy that radiated from every stall. Vendors sold everything from handcrafted gifts to local holiday specialties, and I could feel the festive warmth even as my nose reddened from the cold. The market’s energy, with its cheer and camaraderie, was a lively contrast to the stillness of the mornings, and I lingered, capturing the holiday spirit that seemed to flow as freely as the mulled cider.
Of course, I couldn’t leave without visiting the Château Frontenac. As luck would have it, a light snow began to fall as I stood on Terrasse Dufferin, capturing the grand hotel framed by twinkling lights and the gentle snowfall. There’s nothing quite like watching the lights come on against the Château’s towering silhouette, especially with the icy St. Lawrence River just beyond. I took my time here, watching as the city transitioned from day to night, the Château glowing warmly in the cold evening air.
Before leaving Quebec City, I stopped by La Boutique de Noël, a year-round Christmas shop tucked away in Old Quebec. It felt like a treasure trove of holiday cheer, with ornaments and decorations from floor to ceiling. It’s a place where you can savor Christmas any day of the year—a hidden gem for those who, like me, find joy in the little moments of holiday magic
Behind the Scenes: Braving the Cold for Holiday Magic
For someone used to Miami’s warmth, capturing these holiday scenes meant layers upon layers of scarves, gloves, and warm socks. Each early morning and frosty night, I’d stop for hot chocolate or Gluehwein to keep my fingers warm enough to hold the camera. These behind-the-scenes adventures are just as memorable as the photos themselves, from icy fingers to the thrill of watching snow fall on some of the most enchanting cityscapes. There’s something profoundly magical about experiencing Christmas in two of North America’s most festive cities, and each image holds the memory of these frozen yet heartwarming moments.
Bring the Holiday Spirit to Your Projects
Feeling inspired by these holiday scenes? Every image I captured is available for licensing, perfect for bringing a touch of festive charm to your own projects. You can explore the entire collection at www.susannekremer.com under Portfolio and let the magic of the season inspire you, wherever you are.
All images and content in this newsletter or Blog Post are created or owned by Susanne Kremer. Please note that usage rights are required for any form of reproduction, distribution, or use. Thank you for respecting the work and creativity that goes into each piece!
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