Upcoming Events Worth Traveling to in Late 2025
- Kimberly McCord
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets crisp, fall and early winter bring some of the best travel opportunities of the year. Whether you're craving cozy mountain escapes, cultural festivals, or holiday magic, late 2025 is full of events worth planning a trip around. Here are some of the top experiences that travelers are already buzzing about—and ones you'll want to have on your calendar.
🎈 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
📍 Albuquerque, New Mexico🗓️ October 4–12, 2025
One of the most breathtaking events in the U.S., this nine-day festival fills the sky with hundreds of colorful hot air balloons. It’s a bucket-list favorite for photographers, couples, and families alike. The cool desert mornings are perfect for early launches, and the evenings bring live music, fireworks, and glow shows.
🏨 Where to stay? ARRIVE Albuquerque starting at $262 per night
👉 Why go? Picture-perfect moments and one-of-a-kind visuals. Book early—this event draws a global crowd.
🎃 Salem Haunted Happenings
📍 Salem, Massachusetts🗓️ October 1–31, 2025
For the Halloween-obsessed (or just lovers of history with a spooky twist), Salem in October is an unforgettable experience. Think ghost tours, haunted houses, witch trials history, and parades. The whole town gets into the spirit, making it a fun and festive atmosphere for all ages.
🏨 Where to stay? Plaza Inn Peabody starting at $300 per night
👉 Tip: Visit mid-week for smaller crowds and better hotel rates.
🍁 Fall Foliage Road Trips – New England & Beyond
📍 Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Tennessee🗓️ Late September – Mid October
Few things compare to a scenic fall drive through New England or the Great Smoky Mountains. The vibrant leaves, crisp air, farm stands, and small-town charm are the perfect backdrop for couples, solo travelers, and families.
Top routes to consider:
Vermont’s Route 100
🏨 Where to stay? Mountain Meadows Lodge starting at $276 per night
Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire
🏨 Where to stay? The Kancamagus Lodge starting at $151 per night
Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina
🏨 Where to stay? GLO Hotel Asheville starting at $177 per night
Cades Cove Loop in Tennessee
🏨 Where to stay? Highland Manor Inn starting at $133 per night
👉 Pro tip: Book your accommodations early—foliage season fills up fast.
🍻 Oktoberfest (Munich & U.S. Versions)
📍 Munich, Germany & U.S. Cities🗓️ Late September – Early October
While Munich’s iconic festival officially ends October 5, 2025, many U.S. cities host their own Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the month. Expect beer tents, bratwurst, music, and lots of lederhosen. It’s the perfect blend of culture and fun.
🏨 Where to stay? Le Meridien Munchen starting at $187 per night
👉 Don’t want to fly overseas? Try the American version in Helen, GA.
🏨 Where to stay? Valhalla Resort Hotel starting at $332 per night
🦃 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
📍 New York City🗓️ November 27, 2025
A New York holiday tradition, the Macy’s Parade features massive balloons, marching bands, Broadway performances, and festive cheer. Stay in a parade-view hotel, or bundle your trip with holiday shopping and ice skating in Bryant Park.
🏨 Where to stay? The New Yorker Hotel starting at $278 per night
👉 Plan ahead: Parade-view rooms and VIP packages sell out months in advance.
🎄 Christmas Markets in Europe
📍 Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France🗓️ Mid-November – Late December
Step into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, handmade crafts, mulled wine, and historic charm. European Christmas markets offer a magical way to experience holiday traditions, architecture, and festive treats.
Top picks:
Strasbourg, France (the "Capital of Christmas")
🏨 Where to stay? Le Grand Hotel starting at $272 per night
Nuremberg & Munich, Germany
🏨 Where to stay? Scandic Nurnberg Central starting at $150 per night
Vienna, Austria
🏨 Where to stay? Andoz Vienna AM Belvedere starting at $222 per night
Basel, Switzerland
🏨 Where to stay? Krafft Basel starting at $236 per night
👉 Tip: River cruises are a unique way to see multiple markets in one trip.
✨ Biltmore Christmas – Asheville, NC
📍 Asheville, North Carolina🗓️ November 7, 2025 – January 5, 2026
For Southern elegance and timeless holiday décor, visit the Biltmore Estate during Christmas. Candlelight tours, lavishly decorated trees, and a 250-room Gilded Age mansion make this one of the most unique holiday trips in the U.S.
🏨 Where to stay? Moxy Asheville starting at $174 per night
👉 Bonus: Pair it with a mountain cabin stay or spa weekend.
🎠 Disney’s Very Merry Christmas Party
📍 Orlando, Florida🗓️ Select Dates Beginning November 2025
A family favorite! Experience Magic Kingdom decked out in holiday lights with themed parades, snowfall on Main Street, and cookies & cocoa at every turn. These special ticketed nights sell out quickly—especially Thanksgiving week.
🏨 Where to stay? Renaissance Orlando Resort starting at $131 per night
👉 Planning tip: Mid-November dates are less crowded and more affordable.
🧳 Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Whether you're traveling solo, planning a romantic escape, or organizing a family reunion, now’s the time to book. Events like these sell out fast, and early reservations often mean better rates, better rooms, and smoother experiences.
Need help planning your travel? I’d love to help you design the perfect itinerary, book accommodations, and take the stress out of travel.
Kimberly McCord
Certified Travel Agent
Myrtle Beach SC Travel
📞 843-267-9373