The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, giving, and celebration.
However, it can also be a period of excessive waste and environmental impact.
This year, why not make your Christmas vacation both festive and sustainable?
By choosing an eco-friendly destination, you can enjoy the beauty of the season while minimizing your carbon footprint.
From historic towns to bustling cities, these top eco-friendly Christmas destinations offer unique holiday experiences that are kind to the planet.
For van lifers like us, boondocking and dispersed camping are the perfect ways to explore while minimizing our environmental impact.
Use apps like iOverlander to find the best free overnight parking spots and enjoy the freedom of the open road.
For more information on essential apps for van lifers, check out my post on must-have van life apps.
Here are five destinations that offer sustainable holiday experiences, with options for both van lifers and those preferring traditional accommodations.
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1. Burlington, Vermont
Why it’s great:
Green Initiatives: Burlington is one of the greenest cities in the U.S., with a commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.
Holiday Highlights:
- Holiday Markets: The Burlington Winter Market offers locally made, sustainable gifts.
- Festive Displays: Church Street Marketplace is adorned with beautiful holiday lights and decorations, creating a festive pedestrian-only area.
- Walkable Neighborhoods: Downtown Burlington is highly walkable, allowing you to explore shops, restaurants, and the waterfront with ease.
Where to Stay:
- Van Life: Boondocking spots near Lake Champlain or along the Winooski River. Free overnight parking is also available in some city areas.
- Green Accommodations: For those preferring a hotel, Hotel Vermont uses locally sourced materials, offers bike rentals, and participates in various green initiatives.
Where to Eat:
- Pingala Cafe: A vegan cafe offering a variety of plant-based dishes in a cozy setting.
- Daily Planet: A Burlington landmark for over 30 years! Known for its classic comfort food and creative mix drinks using local ingredients.
2. Portland, Oregon
Why it’s great:
Sustainable Living: Portland is famous for its eco-friendly lifestyle, extensive bike paths, and public transportation options.
Holiday Highlights:
- Holiday Markets: The Portland Saturday Market features many vendors offering featuring local, sustainable, and handmade gifts.
- Festive Displays: Peacock Lane is known for its stunning holiday light displays on historic homes.
- Walkable Neighborhoods: Explore the Pearl District and Alberta Arts District, both vibrant and highly walkable.
Green Spaces: Explore Forest Park or the many urban gardens and parks that remain green even in the winter.
Where to Stay:
- Van Life: Industrial areas and residential streets offer free overnight parking. Nearby forest areas provide dispersed camping options.
- Green Accommodation: The Nines and Jupiter NEXT are both eco-friendly hotels with modern amenities and sustainability practices.
Where to Eat:
- Blossoming Lotus: “100% plant-based, organic whenever possible, fresh from local farms, made with love.”
- Epif: A vegan restaurant inspired by South American cuisine, focusing on sustainable and organic ingredients.
3. Aspen, Colorado
Why it’s great:
Sustainable Skiing: Aspen Snowmass is committed to renewable energy, waste reduction, and conservation.
Holiday Highlights:
- Holiday Markets: Aspen’s Holiday Market features local artisans and sustainable products.
- Festive Displays: The town’s holiday lights and decorations create a magical winter wonderland.
- Walkable Neighborhoods: Downtown Aspen is compact and walkable, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and ski lifts.
Where to Stay:
- Van Life: Dispersed camping spots in nearby national forests like White River National Forest offer natural beauty without any fees.
- Green Accommodation: The Little Nell and Limelight Hotel are known for their green practices, including energy efficiency and recycling programs.
Where to Eat:
- Spring Cafe: A vegetarian cafe with many vegan options, focusing on organic and locally sourced ingredients.
- Bangkok Happy Bowl: Thai cuisine and sushi in a bistro atmosphere. Menu includes vegan section.
4. San Francisco, California
Why it’s great:
Green Transportation: Excellent public transportation and walkable neighborhoods make it easy to explore without a car.
Holiday Highlights:
- Holiday Markets: The Renegade Craft Fair features eco-friendly and handmade gifts.
- Festive Displays: Union Square and the Embarcadero Center are known for their energy-efficient holiday light displays.
- Walkable Neighborhoods: Explore neighborhoods like North Beach, Chinatown, and the Mission District on foot.
Where to Stay:
- Van Life: Certain areas of the city allow boondocking. Dispersed camping can be found in nearby locations such as the Marin Headlands or coastal areas.
- Green Accommodation: Hotel Nikko and The Orchard Hotel are green-certified hotel with a focus on sustainability.
Where to Eat:
- Shizen: A vegan sushi bar offering innovative plant-based Japanese cuisine.
- Golden Era: A vegan restaurant serving a variety of Asian-inspired dishes made with organic and local ingredients.
5. St. Augustine, Florida
Why it‘s great:
Historic and Sustainable: St. Augustine blends historic charm with sustainability, maintaining eco-friendly tourism practices.
Discover the charm and history of St. Augustine in my post, The Ultimate Travel Guide to St. Augustine, Florida: Discover It’s Timeless Charm.
Holiday Highlights:
- Holiday Markets: The St. Augustine Night Market features local artisans and sustainable products.
- Festive Displays: Nights of Lights uses energy-efficient LED lights to create a stunning display throughout the historic district.
- Walkable Neighborhoods: The historic district is highly walkable, with attractions, shops, and restaurants all within easy reach.
Where to Stay:
- Van Life: Boondocking options around Anastasia State Park and other free overnight parking spots in and around the city.
- Green Accommodation: The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens and Casa de Suenos are green-certified accommodations with a focus on sustainability.
Where to Eat:
- The Floridian: Offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes using local and seasonal ingredients.
- Crave Food Truck: Known for its healthy, organic, and locally sourced vegan menu.
Travel Tips for an Eco-Friendly Christmas Vacation
- Pack Light: Reduce your luggage weight to lower your carbon footprint.
- Use Public Transportation: Opt for buses, trains, or bikes instead of renting a car.
- Support Local Businesses: Shop at local markets and eat at locally owned restaurants to support the community and reduce transportation emissions.
- Reduce Waste: Bring reusable bags, water bottles, and utensils to minimize single-use plastic waste.
Resources
- Eco-Friendly Travel Guides: Websites like Ecotourism.org, GreenGlobalTravel.com, and GreenTraveller.co.uk offer tips and guides for sustainable travel.
- Vegan Food Apps: Apps like HappyCow can help you find vegan dining options in various cities.
Share Your Eco-Friendly Christmas Experiences!
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you traveled to any of these eco-friendly Christmas destinations, or do you have your own favorite green holiday spots?
Share your experiences, tips, and recommendations in the comments below.
Let’s build a community of eco-conscious travelers and inspire each other to make this holiday season more sustainable.
Join the conversation and spread the holiday cheer with your stories and ideas.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an eco-friendly Christmas destination allows you to enjoy the holiday season while caring for the environment.
Each of these locations offers unique festive experiences combined with sustainable practices, proving that a green holiday can be both joyful and impactful.
Embrace the simple bliss of walking through pedestrian-friendly towns, enjoying vegan meals, and supporting local artisans. Revel in the spirit of “dolce far niente” as you relax and immerse yourself in the beauty of these eco-conscious destinations.
Celebrate Christmas 2024 with a commitment to sustainability, making memories that are kind to both you and the planet.
Happy travels!
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What are some eco-friendly Christmas destinations in the USA?
Several eco-friendly Christmas destinations in the USA include Burlington, Vermont; Portland, Oregon; Aspen, Colorado; San Francisco, California; and St. Augustine, Florida. These cities are known for their sustainable practices, green accommodations, and festive holiday celebrations.
How can I have an eco-friendly Christmas vacation?
To have an eco-friendly Christmas vacation, choose destinations that prioritize sustainability, stay at green accommodations, enjoy plant-based dining, use public transportation or walk, and support local artisans and markets. Minimizing waste and opting for eco-friendly activities also contribute to a green holiday.
Photo Credits:
- “christmas.night.3” by origamidon is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ↩︎
- “Portland Christmas Lights – Peacock Lane” by @andrewghayes is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ↩︎
- “Portland Christmas Lights – Peacock Lane” by @andrewghayes is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ↩︎
- “Merry Christmas” by Jim_Nix is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 ↩︎
- “Embarcadero Center Christmas Lights San Francisco” by davidyuweb is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ↩︎
- “San Francisco | Christmas in the City” by Desolation Hiker is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 ↩︎
- “2015 St. Augustine Nights of Lights” by Corvair Owner is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 ↩︎
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