12 Recipes That Honor the Drumstick

For the amount of quick and easy chicken recipes being circulated out there, it seems as though the drumstick gets no love. Chicken breasts are the center of it all, and chopped-up chicken salads get their fair share of attention, but what about dem drummies? When cooked just right, drumsticks become so tender that they’re completely irresistible. These 12 recipes are guaranteed to get you into the swing of the ‘stick more often.

We all pine for soup season, despite the bone-chilling weather that comes with it. Curling up with a steamy bowl of feel-good makes trudging through the snow seem worth it. (Almost.) Sadly, such weather can also result in the sniffles, aches and that dreaded tickle in the throat. Hot and boozy drinks are a surefire way to warm your insides at night, but you need to nourish that bod too. Though some swear that chicken noodle soup is meant to heal the soul, we’ve got 30 broth-y concoctions that will warm you up in the chill and make you feel better when you're under the weather.

Lemony Garlic Chicken and Orzo Soup

Caramelized garlic, fresh herbs, lemon, kale, and chicken broth all make up this tasty, warming soup. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Minestrone Soup

This plant-based soup is loaded with nutritious and colorful vegetables, beans, pasta, and seasonings. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Miso Cabbage Soup

This miso soup with cabbage is a flavorful and nourishing Japanese-inspired dish. (via The Edgy Veg)

White Bean Soup

This Blue Zone-inspired soup is loaded with antioxidant-rich beans. (via Clean Cuisine)

Oyster Mushroom Soup

This super flavorful soup is made with vegetables, herbs and pasta. (via Give Recipe)

Old Fashioned Beef Stew

The beef in this stew is fall-apart tender, making this hearty soup perfect for lunch or dinner. (via Averie Cooks)

Potato Leek Soup with Italian Sausage

Warm up your week with a satisfying potato leek soup with Italian sausage. (via Completely Delicious)

Ribollita Soup with Greens & Butter Beans

This Tuscan-inspired soup made with a rich tomato broth, lots of veggies and greens, butter beans for protein, and cozy cheese is perfect with a side of toasty bread. (via The Original Dish)

Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

Busy week? Brown some beef and pop all of the ingredients for this delicious soup in the slow cooker! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Chicken and Dumpling Soup

This southern-inspired is the perfect recipe for those cozy, chilly days! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Soup du Jour

This soup recipe teaches you how to make any satisfying soup with the ingredients you have on hand. (via Live Eat Learn)

Brothy Beans

This comforting and delicious soup is so easy to make with creamy white beans braised with garlic, onions, fresh herbs, and a parmesan rind, yum! (via Cozy Cravings)

Easy 10-Minute Wonton Soup

This easy 10-minute Wonton soup uses cilantro chicken wontons from Trader Joe’s! (via RachL Mansfield)

Spicy Mushroom Noodle Soup

This miso soup and ramen hybrid takes spicy miso broth, adds edamame, tofu, ginger, and garlic, and pours it over tasty soba noodles. (via Munching With Mariyah)

Kielbasa Soup

Comfort food at its finest: sausage, vegetables, and potatoes! (via Salt & Lavender)

French Onion Soup

This easy French Onion Soup is perfect for the Francophile in you. (via Culinary Hill)

Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice Soup

If you’re staying true to your grandmother’s convictions about chicken soup when feeling under the weather, we got you. This hearty bowl provides you with the essence of chicken soup, but amps it up with salsa verde, chili powder and cumin. (via One Lovely Life)

Spiralized Zucchini Chicken Noodle Soup Jars

This is the perfect low-carb meal prep idea - just add boiling water, microwave and enjoy! (via The Girl on Bloor)

Quick and Easy Pasta e Fagiole Soup

The words “quick” and “easy” sound pretty good when you’re on the down and out. This no-fuss bowl of wholesome goodies will fill you up and warm your belly, leaving you feeling nourished and satisfied. (via The Healthy Foodie)

Winter Vegetable and Oat Soup

When you think of finding comfort in food throughout the chilly months, two things come to mind: hot soups and hearty bowls of oatmeal. Imagine the two together! This is exactly what you get with this big serving of contentment. (via Coffee and Crayons)

Vegetable Miso Soup With Soba Noodles

With a cook time of only 30 minutes, this smooth umami-filled miso soup sure beats trekking out in the cold to get take-out. It’s a cinch to make and it stores well, so be sure to make extra for future indulgence. (via 8th and Lake)

Dill Pickle Soup

This soup is a total *dream* for dill pickle lovers everywhere. Naturally GF and vegan, this bowl of briny goodness can be made in just 20 minutes; no slaving over a stove required. (via Pure Ella)

Whole Grain Chicken Noodle Soup

Sometimes you can’t help but crave a classic. Though this chicken noodle soup brings us back to the basics, it’s anything but standard. Tender chunks of chicken and whole wheat noodles create a bowl that is both delicious and satisfying. (via Simply Sissom)

Vegan Barley and Lentil Soup

This simple and delish bowl of soup is full of healthful ingredients and might just become a winter staple in your home — and you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy it. It only calls for a few ingredients, most of which are probably in your pantry right now. (via Vibrant Plate)

Healthy Turkey Wild Rice Soup

One of the best ways to use up leftover turkey is to throw it into a robust soup. This meal will have you glowing with its abundance of tender shredded turkey, nutritious beans and substantial rice. (via Creme de la Crumb)

Italian Wedding Soup

This simple and quick American-Italian classic is always guaranteed to satisfy. Filled with leafy spinach, orzo and tender meatballs, this soup will cozy you up after a single spoonful. (via Jo Cooks)

Slow Cooker Curried Lentil Soup

This glorious flavor-packed jumble lets you set it and forget it — no effort required. Just place all of your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it take care of the rest. Your home will be filled with the comforting aroma of curry and veggies until you can finally dig in. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Stuffed Pepper Soup

With fresh herbs and spices, this deconstructed stuffed pepper soup can be tangy and invigorating and comforting. (via Vikalinka)

Red Curry Noodle Soup

This Thai soup is rich and fragrant and comes together in just 15 minutes! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Butternut Squash, Kale and White Bean Soup

This adaptable vegetarian soup can easily be made vegan by omitting the cheese. It’s replenishing, herbaceous and loaded with nutrients. It’s the perfect cure for those wintry chills. (via A Nerd Cooks)

Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy + comforting soup ideas.

Ever since Timothée Chalamet’s starring role as Bob Dylan was announced, I've been on the edge of my seat waiting to hear him sing. (The same can be said for Paul Mescal's rumored role in the upcoming Beatles biopics. Let the men sing!) Last year's over-the-top Wonka proved Chalamet has the chops to be a musical leading man, but the new A Complete Unknown trailer proves he can excel at grounded storytelling just as much as caricatures.

Watch The New 'A Complete Unknown' Trailer!

This new trailer for the movie shows off just how much of a risk Bob Dylan took when he moved from folksy music to rock. And not only is he dealing with competing genres — he's also dealing with two different hearts: Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning) and Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro). This biopic won't just celebrate Dylan's music. It'll get to the heart of who Dylan was, and explore the relationships solidified in pop culture history.

The A Complete Unknown trailer shows fragments of Bob Dylan’s life, while Timothée Chalamet, in the Dylan family’s Minnesota cabin, sings "A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall" throughout it all, tying together the past and the present. The film follows Dylan's move to New York City, as well as his rise to fame ahead of his historic 1965 Newport Folk Festival performance. Everything about Chalemet’s transformation proves he's primed for an Oscar, and this might just be the film that cements him as a true movie star.

There’s something for everyone in the movie, whether or not you’re a Dylan fanatic. Romance, old New York, musical performances. Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro shine as Sylvie Russo and Joan Baez. If this is only a glimpse of the movie, the full film is sure to be one of 2024's best.

Let us know your thoughts on the A Complete Unknown trailer in the comments and read up on the latest movie news!

This post has been updated.

You're starting to think about your haunting party invites, completing your DIY Halloween costume, and planning those spooky table settings, but what about cooking spooky-scary Halloween recipes? Bloody meringue bones and witch fingers and dip will get your guests hungrier than a zombie in a morgue. There are a lot of sweets on the menu, but you won't be stuck with just leftover trick-or-treating candy.

Get ready for some seriously startling recipes and ideas that'll have you and your guests doing a double-take. Keep your defibrillator handy, because these terrifying treats are not for the faint of heart.

Spooki-licious Halloween Recipes

Brit + Co

Mummy Pizzas

Trick your kids into eating their veggies by turning zucchini ribbons into tasty mummy bandages atop French bread pizzas. Take advantage of the Halloween holiday to get extra playful and silly with your food. To start this dish, grab ciabatta rolls or similar rectangular rolls, sun-dried tomato pesto or pizza sauce, grated mozzarella cheese, small zucchinis, and black olives. Halve the bread rolls, add your sauce of choice, sprinkle with cheese and use a vegetable peeler to cut the zucchini into thin ribbons that can be haphazardly placed on the roll at different angles. Use the sliced olives for eyes, and bake for about 20 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then you can mummy out! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Ghoulish Red Velvet Cake

Bloody bones, crumbled red velvet, lots of sugar — this dessert is everything a Halloween treat should be. You'll need a few hours to make the cake, frosting and bones from scratch in the DIY masterpiece. Check your pantry and refrigerator for butter, sugar, eggs, flour, cocoa powder, buttermilk, vanilla extract, white vinegar, baking soda and cake release spray for the cake; egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar for the bones; and mascarpone, icing sugar, heavy cream and blackberry syrup for the for the frosting. As far as supplies goes, it'll also be helpful to have a mixer, piping bags, cake stand, a few mixing bowls and a measuring jug. (via Brit + Co)

Brilliant Bites by Maegan Brown

Mummy Meatballs

These meatballs take on the flavors of your favorite pasta dish. The eyeballs, crafted from ricotta cheese and black olive bits, add in the spooky factor! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Spooky Halloween Popsicles

Autumn weather is notoriously unpredictable. Make a batch of spooky frozen pops in case you find yourself sweating through your monster mask. Your ingredient list for these includes a bar of dark chocolate, heavy whipping cream, a can of coconut milk, condensed milk, a pack of candy googly eyes, and popsicle molds. Also, be sure to set aside about four hours to complete this Halloween party food idea. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Bug Tuxedo Cake

This bug-covered cake is gorgeous, but it will absolutely creep out your friends and loved ones. We imagine this is what they served when Beetlejuice tried to marry Lydia. For this Halloween menu item, grab a chocolate cake mix, white chocolate, butter, powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla. This recipe will yield a four layer cake with thick frosting and thick chocolate ganache poured over the top. Mm, yum! (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Spider Halloween Cookies

These creepy crawlies actually carry everything that's great about dessert – peanut butter and chocolate! They're easy to make after you bake the cookie base. Simply press a PB cup into the dough and decorate accordingly. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Raw Avocado Zombie Bars

Unlike zombies, vegans don't eat brains, or any other food that comes from an animal for that matter. Instead, serve them up some raw, vegan avocado zombie bars for a healthy treat. You'll get about 16 servings with this recipe, which requires Medjool dates, raw almonds, cocoa powder, coconut oil, avocados, agave nectar, coconut oil, a blender or food processor and an 8x8 inch brownie pan. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Petri Dish Jello Shots

Usually we avoid putting germs in our body, but these Jell-O shot petri dishes look so good, we just can't resist having one for dessert. Oh, and they're make-ahead, leaving you more time to work on your costume. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Blood Bones Cocktail

These bones are anything but dry in this spooky cocktail! Spike your punch bowl with bones made from Jell-O shot ingredients, including whipped cream vodka. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Halloween Avocado Toast

What's more terrifying than millennials spending all their hard-earned cash on avocados and destroying the real estate industry? Turning those avos into totally freaky breakfast toasts, of course. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

White Chocolate Strawberry Lab Mice

October 31 is the only time of year when seeing mice in the kitchen is actually a good thing. After all, they're made from strawberries and white chocolate! This make-ahead treat is easy to put together and ideal for a mad scientist themed spooky party.

For this Halloween recipe, all you need are strawberries, white chocolate melting wafers, and red food coloring. Set a few of the wafers aside to be used as mouse ears, and melt the rest in the microwave-safe dish for about 30 seconds. Then dip your strawberries into the melty chocolate and place on a flat plate or surface to help them keep their shape. As the chocolate starts to set, place two wafer on top of each strawberry for the ears. To achieve the spooky red eyes, mix red food dye into the remaining melted chocolate and use a fork or toothpick to pick up the color and complete the look. For more mad scientist Halloween food ideas, check out this lime green petri dish jello shot recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Black Martinis

Despite its witchy vibes, this cocktail is sweeter than it seems. It gets its dark color from blackberries, Chambord, and a drop of food coloring. We imagine this something that someone from the Netherworld in Beetlejuice 2 would drink while creating their own brand of chaos. (via Brit + Co)

These Easy & Scary Halloween Recipes Will Spook Your Party Guests

Brit + Co

Midnight Galaxy Donut Holes

Howl at the full moon while snacking on glorious galaxy swirl donut holes. Just make sure you bring enough to share with the werewolves. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Halloween Monster Sushi Bites

Get the kids to help decorate these monstrous sushi bites, and they might actually forget about candy for a while. They feature friendlier versions of Frankenstein, Jack Skellington, and a seemingly disgruntled pumpkin. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Eyeball and Mummy Cake Balls

Nothing like popping an eyeball in your mouth for a sweet snack, right? It's just the dessert you need if you plan to scare the little people in your life. They'll probably sleep with both eyes shut super tight in case they think you've run out of eyeballs to snack on. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Blood-Splattered Petit Fours

Pound cake squares and sugar glass sounds totally scrumptious to us. Those who faint at the sight of blood might want to skip this one, though. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Bloody Meringue Bones

You don't need any special ingredients to make realistic edible blood. Frozen blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice do the trick nicely. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Black + Orange Rum Punch

This rum punch is on the tamer side of the spooky drinks you can serve at your Halloween party. It's a black and orange cocktail that'll only make your guests look at it sideways while drinking it. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

(Gummy) Worm Ice Cubes

For a Halloween cocktail trick and treat, add gummy worms to your guests' ice. They'll enjoy watching the worms float in their black and orange rum punch drinks. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Monster Eye-Scream Cookies

If you like cute more than creepy, these adorable ice cream cookies have your name written all over them. Grab your favorite sugar cookie recipe, royal icing in a variety of colors, and fondant for homemade candy eyes if you can't find the store-bought kind.

You can DIY candy eyes by rolling out fondant and using straws to cut out uniform small circles. Once the fondant dries, you can add on black dots with an edible market to finish the eyes and set aside. Then, before you bake your cookie dough of choice, use cookie cutters to create fun and cute shapes in the dough like hearts, triangles, stars, and more.

Think about the colors you want to use for your designs (we opted for a pastel palette with pink, yellow, peach, and blue), and dye the royal icing as needed to match your desired hues. Then get to work on decorating your cute scary monster cookies! (via Brit + Co)

Texanerin Baking

Whole Wheat Witch Fingers + Dip

Talk about scary Halloween snacks! Healthy and Halloween don't have to be mutually exclusive. Serve this on days when you're not feeling the sweet stuff. (via Texanerin Baking)

A Spicy Perspective

Halloween Monster Donuts

Kids can make their own frightful Halloween Monster Donuts over pre-made glazed donuts in this yummy no-bake dessert or breakfast. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Half Baked Harvest

Voldemort's Dark Serum

Harry Potter fans will delight in this spooky Halloween cocktail made with a mix of pomegranate juice, tequila, Chambord (raspberry liquor), lemon, and warming sage. Whip up some other Harry Potter Cocktails That Will Stupefy Your Muggle Friends too! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Boulder Locavore

Slow-Cooker Vampire Punch

Have chills running up and down your spine? Ghouls of all ages can sip on this non-alcoholic crimson punch. For a more potent potion, add rum. To master this recipe and round out your Halloween menu, you'll need a slow cooker, five minutes to mix all the ingredients, and three hours of patience to let it brew. Hawaiian Punch, ginger ale, and Red Hot Candies are the hero ingredients here. To take this to the next level on the spook-scale, use dry ice for a smoky vibe. (via Boulder Locavore)

Salty Canary

Jack-o-Lantern Pumpkin Ice Cream

Halloween heatwaves don't stand a chance against cones of grinning, grimacing pumpkin ice cream. Besides, everyone loves seeing pumpkins take on a life of their own during the spookiest month of the year! (via Salty Canary)

Half Baked Harvest

Haunted Orchard Cocktail

After tip-toeing through a haunted orchard, who wouldn't crave a cocktail to calm the nerves? (via Half Baked Harvest)

Domestic Gothess

Jack-o-Lantern Personal Pies

Carve pie crust jack-o-lanterns to top these personal pies. (via Domestic Gothess)

Jelly Toast

Spider Web Cereal Treats

Jazz up your usual cereal treats with a thick layer of chocolate ganache and a web of icing on top. Simple, spooky, and superb. (via Jelly Toast)

Salty Canary

Halloween Monster Popcorn

When stocking your Halloween pantry, you'd better buy edible googly eyes in bulk. Add them to everything from popcorn to oatmeal to instantly make your meal mortifying. (via Salty Canary)

Domestic Gothess

Witches' Finger Cookies and Red Velvet Hot Chocolate

Name a more iconic duo than witch finger cookies and red velvet hot chocolate — we'll wait. This Halloween recipe uses a buttery shortbread dough for knobby fingers, blanched almonds for fingernails, cinnamon for dirt and red food coloring to get the gory bleeding look. The coolest and creepiest part of this dish is the red velvet hot chocolate dipping sauce that looks like a goblet of blood.

Some quick tips: Once your cookie dough is ready to go, you'll want to measure out 1/2 tablespoon quantities of the dough, roll them into a ball, and then into a log shape. Be sure to make them quite thin as they were spread in the oven while baking. For the knuckle indentations, use a knife to make the ridges. (via Domestic Gothess)

Half Baked Harvest

Boo! Spooky Monster Chocolate Covered Pretzel Brownies

This is one of the easiest Halloween recipes you'll make this year and it's not scary to eat! Okay, the angry owl eye might rub someone the wrong way so we'll give you that. But, guests will forget all about it once they taste the sweet combo of instant coffee powder, vanilla extract, and milk chocolate! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Curbly

Halloween Bark Recipe

Dark chocolate and bloody red candy melts combine to make this popcorn bark a spooky treat. (via Curbly)

Give it Some Thyme

Spooky Chocolate Glazed Cannoli Dip

When faced with a vat of chocolate glazed cannoli dip, the only thing we have to fear is our appetite. (via Give it Some Thyme)

Cilantro Parsley

Graveyard Dessert

This ghostly dessert will haunt your guests taste buds with how yummy it tastes. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Want more delicious and scary Halloween recipes? Subscribe to our newsletter for more mealtime inspo and follow us on Pinterest for all the inspiration.

This post has been updated.

December is the perfect time for holiday travel and taking a break from the seasonal bustle. Whether you’re looking to embrace winter’s chill or escape to a warmer destination, there’s a winter wonderland waiting for you. We’ve curated 13 must-visit spots for your December bucket list, from snow-covered ski havens like Park City, Utah and Burlington, Vermont, to sunny getaways in California and the Caribbean. Each destination offers its own unique take on holiday celebrations, so you'll get a memorable trip no matter what your travel cup of tea happens to be. Get ready to pack your bags and your favorite travel buddy, your December travel plans await!

EMBRACE THE CHILL

Historic Bethlehem

Bethlehem, PA

Just a 1.5 hour bus ride from NYC, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is known as "Christmas City" for good reason. The Historic Main Street transforms into a winter party with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday markets. The Christkindlmarkt is a must-see, offering handmade gifts, local crafts, and seasonal treats. Stroll around charming 18th century architecture and cobblestoned streets, visit the Moravian Book Shop, and stay and dine at the historic Hotel Bethlehem. Find holiday fun at the SteelStacks cultural center too, like a Gingerbread Competition, and visit the Trees of Historic Bethlehem exhibitat 1810 Goundie House, Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts, the Moravian Museum of Bethlehem, and Single Sisters’ House for a festive experience.

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Breckinridge, CO

Breckenridge, Colorado, less than two hours from Denver, is nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The town is bustling with holiday spirit as snow blankets the charming streets and mountain peaks. From ski-in/out resorts to cozy cabins, there are plenty of ideal stays for your bucket-list mountain escape. Stroll back in time along Main Street in the historic downtown district and admire the colorful buildings dating back to the late 1800s. Once a mining town, now you’ll find boutique shops, galleries and restaurants like the James Beard-nominated Roostalk and Radicato. Take a scenic Gondola ride up to the mountains for winter fun and leave your car behind as all the buses are free in town. The town’s Holiday Lights and the Lighting of Breckenridge create holiday fun while you warm up at a cozy cafe after.

Stephanie W

NYC, New York

If you've never visited NYC during the month of December, 2024 might be the year to cross that off your holiday wish list. The city comes alive, from uptown to downtown, with festive lights, decorations, and seasonal events, like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and nearby ice-skating rink beneath it. Window displays at stores like Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue offer stunning holiday scenes, while Christmas markets like the one at Bryant Park have indie gifts and local treats on hand. Central Park covered in snow is an amazing sight and you can explore NYC's darling tea places to warm up after, like Alice's Tea Cup inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Enjoy a Broadway show, grab a French-inspired brunch at Balthazar in Soho before shopping for last-minute gifts, and take the perfect holiday photo on the Brooklyn Bridge.

JÉSHOOTS

Prague

Visiting Prague in December feels like you've walked into a fairytale. The city's medieval architecture decorated with festive lights and snow creates this magical experience. The famous Old Town Square hosts one of Europe’s loveliest Christmas markets, where you can find handmade crafts, traditional Czech treats, and mulled wine. The Prague Castle and Charles Bridge offer stunning views of the city. Warm up in cozy cafés with a cup of hot chocolate or try local delicacies like trdelník, a sugary cake. If you have time, plan to extend your European winter escape and visit Vienna and Budapest for more unique Christmas markets, cultural events, and holiday trimmings.

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Park City, UT

Just 35 minutes from the Salt Lake City airport, Park City, Utah is known for its luxe ski resorts like Deer Valley and Park City Mountain, making it a top destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts (and après skiaficionados). Stroll the charming, historic Main Street for cozy restaurants like Firewood, art galleries, and local breweries, and enjoy activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and taking scenic chairlift rides. It's the quintessential winter escape!

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Paris, France

Here's a holiday getaway, Emily in Paris style. Holiday shop along the Champs-Élysées, where trees are lit up in spectacular red LED lights. While there, grab lunch and a macaron at Ladurée. The cooler temps and smaller crowds make it an ideal time to visit famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower (catch a great view of it in the Christmas village at Trocadéro), the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, where you'll find a Christmas market for the season (also check out the one at the Tuileries Gardens). Parisian cafés and bistros are enticing with warm and comforting dishes like onion soup, coq au vin, and decadent pastries. Sip a café au lait at Café Charlot in Le Marais or dig into the stunning bûche de Noël at the Butterfly Pâtisserie in the Hôtel de Crillon. After her last trip, Content Editor, Haley Sprankle can't recommend visiting Le Bon Georges — and their biblically long wine list — for a delicious meal enough. Regardless of where you wind up, you're sure to have something lovely!

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Leavenworth, WA

This Bavarian-inspired escape is nestled in the heart of the Cascades between Seattle and Spokane. The town's charming alpine-style buildings are decked out in festive lights for the annual Christmas Lighting Festival while snow blankets the surrounding mountains. Enjoy winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides, and/or stroll through the streets for cozy shops, holiday treats, and German-inspired foods like bratwurst and pretzels. Enjoy the carolers, festive concerts, and holiday markets that fill the town with cheer too!

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Burlington, VT

This charming winter escape offers a mix of festive holiday spirit and natural beauty. Snowy streets and nearby mountains create an IG-worthy setting. Church Street Marketplace, decorated for the season, is filled with cozy cafes, unique shops, and local artisans. Enjoy skiing or snowboarding, and sleigh rides, at nearby resorts like Stowe or Bolton Valley, while the scenic views of Lake Champlain are not to be missed. Take a factory tour of Ben & Jerry's too!

ESCAPE THE CHILL

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Santa Barbara, CA

With sunny skies and spring-like temps, Santa Barbara beaches like Butterfly Beach and Arroyo Burro are perfect for strolls, picnics, and capturing coastal views. Visit the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara, beautifully lit up during the holiday season; shop and check out the annual Holiday Parade on State Street; and explore the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden for your reminder of outdoor plants. Take a scenic drive to the Santa Ynez Valley to enjoy wine tasting in cozy, festive tasting rooms, or visit Solvang, known for its Danish-style architecture and being "extra" around the holidays. December is also the start of the whale-watching season as gray whales migrate along the California coast so take a tour to catch an amazing sight of them!

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The Florida Keys

With temperatures in the 70s and 80s, December is perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking in the clear waters of the Florida Keys, especially at spots like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Known for its beautiful beaches, Bahia Honda State Park offers opportunities for swimming, hiking, and wildlife spotting, like dolphins, manatees, and various bird species. Key West's historic Old Town is beautifully lit up for the holidays, and you can visit iconic spots like the Ernest Hemingway Home. Stay at resorts like the Lime Tree Bay Resort and Ocean Key Resort to relax in warm-weather luxury while enjoying the festive holiday atmosphere.

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San Miguel Allende, Mexico

Fly into Mexico City for a wonderful city, food, and culture experience, and then head over to San Miguel de Allende for a creative's dream. The city's colonial charm with cobblestone streets and historic buildings are decorated with beautiful lights and Christmas decorations, especially around the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. In mid-December, you can watch or participate in Las Posadas, a traditional Mexican reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. The processions, music, and street celebrations make for a stunning cultural experience. San Miguel is also home to several art schools including Bellas Artes, and visitors can take workshops on their visit. The town hosts several holiday markets where you can buy local crafts, gifts, and festive food, and has a beautiful tradition of Christmas Eve Midnight Mass (La Misa de Gallo) at the Parroquia, often followed by fireworks in the main square (El Jardín).

Jess Loiterton

Oahu, Hawaii

Even in December, Oahu offers warm temps, with highs around the mid-70s to low 80s°F. Sit with a good read and enjoy Oahu’s famous beaches like Waikiki Beach, Lanikai Beach, and Kailua Beach. Surfing is especially big this time of year, with the North Shore experiencing massive winter swells, perfect for watching pro surfers during events like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, between November 12 and December 20. For calmer waters, snorkeling in spots like Hanauma Bay is beautiful. Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters in December, and you can often spot them from the shore or on a whale-watching tour. This is also a great time to hike Oahu’s scenic trails, like Diamond Head, Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail, and Manoa Falls, where you can enjoy lush greenery and stunning views.

Shutterstock

Aruba

December weather in Aruba ranges between 80-85°F with plenty of sunshine. Aruba’s pristine beaches like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are a highlight. Swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or simply relax by the crystal-clear waters. Explore the island’s coral reefs, shipwrecks like the Antilla, and enjoy water sports such as jet skiing or paddleboarding. Inland, you can explore Arikok National Parkfor hiking, cave tours, and discovering Aruba’s unique desert-like landscapes. The capital, Oranjestad, is beautifully lit for the holidays, and you’ll find Christmas markets, parades, and holiday concerts happening throughout the month with a mix of its Dutch heritage with Caribbean flair.

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Cozy TV fans rejoice! Not only is Sullivan's Crossing finally back, and Sweet Magnolias season 4 is on its way, but we finally got the first look at Virgin River season 6. Not only are we prepping for Mel and Jack's wedding, but we'll also get a glimpse into Mel's father's past — and Virgin River in the '70s. This promises to be the most intriguing season yet. Here's when you can watch new episodes!

Is there a new season of Virgin River in 2024?

Netflix

Virgin River Season 6 Release Date

Yes, Virgin River season 6 is finally coming to Netflix this year! You'll be able to watch all 10 episodes of the new season on Thursday December 19, 2024.

What is Virgin River season 6 about?

Netflix

Virgin River Season 6 Plot

Mel and Jack are finally tying the knot and it's made spring in Virgin River even more beautiful than it already was. But as they get closer to their wedding ceremony, secrets and love triangles (not to mention the usual wedding drama) mean tensions are rising. And when Mel's father's past comes to light, we see a whole new side of Virgin River we've never seen before: the 1970s.

I'm so used to seeing Virgin River in the 21st Century (and all the sweaters, skinny jeans, and loose waves that come with it), and I'm very interested to see what it looks like in the '70s. Bring on the bell bottoms!

Who's in the cast of Virgin River?

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Virgin River Season 6 Cast

The cast of Virgin River season 6 includes Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Kai Bradbury, Kandyse McClure, and Mark Ghanime.

Who is Mel's biological father?

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During the final episode of Virgin River season 5, Mel learns that her biological father is a man named Everett. Despite denying it at first, Everett confesses that he is her father and he has something important he has to share with her. But what exactly?

“As soon as we figure it out, we’re going to let you know,” writer and producer Richard Keith told Tudum in 2022.

What happened at the end of Virgin River season 5?

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The Virgin River Season 5 Ending, Explained

Virgin River season 5 was an emotional one, and the first part, which dropped September 7, 2023, culminated in a major wildfire tearing through town and Mel suffering a miscarriage while helping her neighbors. But it's not stopping Mel and Jack from settling into Virgin River for good, and building a home where Lilly's farm once stood.

In the final two episodes of Virgin River season 5, which dropped November 30, 2023, Mel and Jack set off to find Mel's dad who turns out to be Everett, the very man who claimed he wasn't her father. Meanwhile, Jack's own parents are fighting, Lizzie clashes with their mom when she finally reveals she's pregnant, Lark is secretly working with Jimmy (Calvin's second-in-command), and Charmaine ends up giving birth to her twins. Whew!

We'll have to wait for December to see what Virgin River season 6 has cooked up for us.

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