New york tops most popular holiday destinations

New York is the most popular holiday destination during the holiday period, according to Houses.com.

Following an increase in the number of visitors looking to get away over Christmas and the New Year, the vacation rentals site analysed user trends from the past few years to rank the top five most popular holiday destinations. Four out five are located in the United States.

Here is the list:

5. Hawaii

Those fortunate enough to spend the holidays in Hawaii could be in for a true yuletide cheer, luau-style. With moderate December and January temperatures, tourists flock to the islands in hopes of escaping the holiday madness of the mainland at off-season prices. However, nice as that may seem, December can be a very busy time in Honolulu, due to the obvious influx of tourists that hit the islands, mostly to escape the bitter holiday winter that plagues most of the United States.

4. Chicago

The Windy City can be a wonderland for holiday revelers who seek to browse the Chicago land holiday traditions. Since opening in 1907, The Walnut Room inside Macy's offers traditional holiday bliss for shoppers, tourist and locals alike. Not far away is the popular Christkindlmarket- another Chicago outdoor tradition. Tourists can also spend a holiday evening with a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo for Zoo Lights, featuring an amazing display of holiday colors amid ice sculptures and local artisans.

3. Orlando

Families all over the world decide to spend their holidays with Mickey Mouse and crew at Disney World resorts in Florida. The weather is moderate to warm, with temperatures averaging nearly 70 degrees in December and holiday travelers can enjoy 'Mickey's Merry Christmas Party' at Magic Kingdom, complete with a spectacular fireworks display, not to mention the free hot cocoa and cookies. Also in Orlando, holiday revelers can enjoy a daily parade by The Animal Kingdom, as well as 'Holidays Around the World' at Epcot Center that features candlelight caroling by a local choir.

2. Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia is one of the most sought-after oversees destinations for celebrating the holidays. The summertime yuletide cheer is fueled by the festive Town Square Holiday Lights, highlighted by rotating caroling choirs who embark on Martin Place for an enormous Christmas tree display and Christmas on the Green at Hyde Park, where holiday tourists and locals hope for visit from Santa Clause, while picnicking in the sun.

1. New York City

There is no place like New York City during the holidays. No city has embraced the holiday season quite like the Big Apple. Rockefeller Plaza offers one of the more serene and nostalgic holiday scenes anywhere in the world. Often snow-crested Central Park offers scenic walking paths and ice-skating this time of year. Click here for the New York City Visitors website.

Richard Swerdlow, CEO of eReal Estate Holdings - parent company of Houses.com states: "We've noticed great interest in these destinations during the holiday months each year. It seems consumers are looking for more untraditional, vacation-like holiday experiences, and their planning begins on our site."

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