Photo of the Day (12/16/09)

Taken outside Tyn Church in Prague, this shot by uncorneredmarket does a lovely job of capturing an important aspect of the Czech Republic’s holiday season. Christmas markets offer visitors a variety of Czech crafts and food that are served up with twinkling lights and evergreens.

A cup of hot wine, a traditional beverage of such markets, would make a perfect accompaniment for such an evening.

If you have captured an aspect of your travels, send your best photos our way at Gadling’s Flickr photo pool. One might be chosen for a Photo of the Day.

New York City’s holiday magic

New York City during the holidays is magical. This video captures several of the highlights such as the department store window displays, the ice-skating and tree at Rockefeller Center, and the train at the Botanical Garden.

The sounds are the natural background noises of people talking and the hum of city life. The viewer, in essence, is invited into the scenery.

One of my favorite holiday things to do in the city is to pop into St. Patrick’s Cathedral across from Rockefeller Center. There’s a quietness that’s a pleasant contrast to the bustling crowds, although I love those too.

Next year, I plan to take my son to Radio City Music Hall to see the Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular. Sure, we could have seen the traveling show, but there’s nothing like seeing the Rockettes in the theater that made them famous. I just checked. There are still tickets available. The show goes through December 30.

The Best Holiday Light Displays Around the World


Travel and Leisure compiled videos of the best holiday light displays around the world into one handy album right here. If you wish to feel inferior about your outdoor decorative efforts, look no further.

Actually, these displays are far too fantastic to even inspire envy. Most, like the Brussels and the Tokyo (Roppongi Hills, above) ones, will inspire awe and wonder. So get your coffee, sit back, and let other people take care of the cheer for a little while. It’s beautiful!

[via Travel and Leisure]