Christmas and New Year's Eve mark a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. This season invites opportunities for picnics, travel, and cherishing moments with family and friends. Around Dhaka, numerous picturesque spots offer ideal settings for day trips and vacation celebrations close to home. Discover the best places near Dhaka for day tours and staycations to make your festive season memorable. Top Locations Around Dhaka for Christmas & New Year Vacations . The Cottage House Nestled in the rustic area of Savar, Cottage House is a stunning guesthouse spanning an impressive 28,800 square feet. This state-of-the-art villa, located just an hour from Dhaka, boasts a 1,300-square-foot swimming pool, perfect for relaxation. Guests can unwind in two spacious air-conditioned rooms and enjoy amenities like barbecue facilities, open dining, and a badminton court. The lush green lawn, thoughtfully designed garden, and an artistic swing at its center elevate the aesthetic charm of this retreat. For those seeking luxury blended with tranquility, the Cottage House offers an ideal escape. The resort’s address is Plot 93B, Badda Bhatpara Road, Savar, Dhaka. The place is reachable through Savar's Bazar Road. Read more: Exploring Sreemangal: Top Destinations for an Unforgettable Travel Experience Mawa Thanks to the operational Bhanga Expressway, this busiest area has become a tourist hotspot. Known for its vibrant ferry ghat and the iconic Padma Bridge, the locality is ideal for day trips.  Visitors can savor freshly cooked Hilsa, enjoy boat rides on the Padma River, and return to Dhaka by evening. Sunset seekers are drawn to the captivating views of the mesmerizing and mighty Padma River, which add a touch of magic to the experience. One standout destination in Mawa is Project Hilsha at Louhajang, Munshiganj. This architectural marvel shaped like a Hilsa fish is more than a restaurant. It’s an attraction offering local and international cuisine alongside child-friendly rides. Read more: How to Visit Dinajpur's Kantajew Temple Shilbarir Heshel Located in the idyllic village of Nandankana, Sirajdikhan, Heshel of Shilbari is a unique venue that embodies rural elegance. Spread across 105 katha, this property features a charming courtyard surrounded by trees, a traditional wooden house inspired by Bikrampur's architectural style, and a serene pond. Dining here is an extraordinary experience, with food served on banana leaves placed over copper plates. All ingredients are locally sourced, and the meals are prepared by village women using clay stoves, giving guests an authentic taste of rural life. This resort remains open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The trip to this place requires booking in advance for groups of 10 or more. The journey involves taking the Mawa-Bhanga Expressway, exiting at Abdullahpur, and continuing through Nimtala Bazar and Birtara Road. Boat Trip on Shitalakshya  For those who enjoy the serenity of rivers, a day-long tour over the Shitalakshya River and adjacent tourist spots can be an idyllic escape. Departures from Shimulia Ghat or Brahmankhali Ghat in Purbachal Sector-4 include trawlers and cruises for hourly rentals. Nearby attractions include Noapara BSCIC Jamdani Palli, renowned for exquisite handwoven sarees, and Murapara Zamindar Bari, a historic mansion in Rupganj of Narayanganj. Read more: How to Visit Kotka Beach at Sundarbans Visitors can also explore the Kanchan Marina and Ostrich Harbor, home to the vintage paddle steamer PS Ostrich, a relic of Bangladesh's maritime history. Jal Kachari Resort Located at Hazratpur in Keraniganj upazila, this blissful hideout offers an unparalleled riverside retreat. Its most enchanting feature is the sweeping view of the Dhaleshwari River.  This resort boasts vibrantly painted red-and-white tin-roofed Praneshwari Cottage and two elegantly designed sunrooms. The Gangchil platform, a floating structure right on the river, provides an intimate space to experience the tranquil surroundings. Read more: Essential Snake Safety Tips for Hiking, Trekking, Camping, and Traveling Guests can indulge in local cuisine enriched with authentic techniques on earthen stoves, savoring traditional flavors amidst the pristine greenery. What’s more? The boat rides allow visitors to enjoy the river's magnificent beauty more joyously. Jal Kachari Resort is just an hour’s drive from Mohammadpur via Kalatia Road. This place is perfect for those seeking a peaceful yet culturally rich getaway.