Visit “Hidden” Holiday Landmarks This Holiday

Perfect for anyone wanting to explore the origins and historical significance of the holidays, Hampton Hotels’ Hidden Landmarks site (www.hamptonlandmarks.com) helps adventurous visitors find nearly 1,000 off-the-beaten path attractions – dozens of which are holiday-themed. Just a few of these holly, jolly landmarks include:

The World’s Largest Christmas Display (Denver, Colo.) – Beginning in late November, the world’s largest Christmas display illuminates the City and County building in Denver with more than 40,000 lights – a true Denver tradition and a sight not to be missed.

Bronner's - World's Largest Christmas Store (Frankenmuth, MI) - Bronner's opened for business about 50 years ago and today more than two million people, including 2,000 group tours, visit Bronner's annually. In addition to over 50,000 Christmas-related products, Bronner's Silent Night Memorial Chapel is open daily for viewing and meditation. As well, each evening Bronner's 1/2-mile long Christmas Lane glistens with thousands of twinkling lights.

The “Nation’s Christmas Tree” (Sequoia National Park, Calif.) – President Coolidge proclaimed the General Grant Tree in Sequoia National Park “The Nation’s Christmas Tree” years ago and the name stuck. Every year during the park’s annual Christmas ceremony (the second Sunday in December), rangers place a large wreath at the base of the tree to honor those who gave their lives.

Jewish Tours of the Lower East Side (New York, NY) – These wonderful, Conservancy-sponsored walking tours of The Historic Lower East Side, the cradle of Jewish life and culture in the United States, are a terrific way to celebrate Chanukah. All tours include in-depth visits to historic, landmark-designated synagogues among many other places connected to Jewish culture.

The Hidden Landmarks site was developed – and is maintained – by Hampton and pop culture historian Chris Epting (author of books such as “James Dean Died Here” and “Elvis Presley Passed Here”).

For more information visit www.hamptonlandmarks.com

TravelLeisure

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