We get to see celebs hard at work throughout the year, but they love to let loose and enjoy amazing vacations during their time off. Whether it's a trip with friends, a romantic couples' retreat, or a family-filled getaway, it's so fun to watch stars unwind — take a look at all the best celebrity vacations of 2009!
Nicole Richie and Joel Madden had their hands full with little Sparrow and big sister Harlow while visiting friends on Christmas day.
Lindsay Lohan was with her sister Ali and brother Dakota on Saturday night to see the Rangers play the Islanders at Madison Square Garden. LL twittered her dismay that the Rangers didn't win, but that didn't seem to diminish her good times at the rink. She was solo yesterday for a shopping trip to Intermix, where she got her hands on a black lace piece from Stella McCartney. She's wrapping up another year of ups and downs at home with family on the East Coast, but Lindsay is rumored to have a new guy around keeping her company — Adam Senn from The City was apparently by her side for Ali's birthday party last week, though LL insists that they're just friends.
More photos of Lindsay, so read more
Leonardo DiCaprio and Bar Refaeli showed off their well-toned bodies while vacationing together in Mexico on Sunday.
We've been counting down the biggest headlines of 2009, and we'll be revealing more throughout the month of December. Read on to take a look back at some of the stories that created the most buzz throughout the year.
This year, we lost many stars, both old and young. Michael Jackson stole headlines over the Summer due to his passing, but we also spent the last 12 months mourning other public figures.
Just two days into the year, John Travolta and Kelly Preston suffered the devastating loss of their son, Jett Travolta, after complications from a seizure. Michael Jackson's highly publicized death almost overshadowed the passing of Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon, who died within days of each other at the end of June. Beloved actor Patrick Swayze lost his battle with cancer in September, after a lengthy and courageous fight. Bea Arthur, meanwhile, passed in April at the age of 86, and director John Hughes suffered a fatal heart attack in August. Legendary senator Ted Kennedy also died that month after his own fight against cancer.
Two deaths seemed particularly out of the blue — DJ AM overdosed in August after surviving a plane crash and overcoming drugs during a previous battle with addiction, and Natasha Richardson died in March after a tragic ski accident. The most recent star to be gone too soon is Brittany Murphy, who died last weekend at her LA home. Our hearts go out to all of those who lost a loved one this year, and the memories of these celebrities will certainly live on through their work.
