We’ll always remember the first time we visited New York City in December. We’d seen it in motion pictures, however standing there, seeing the Rockefeller Center tree all lit up for the first time, with skaters under and festive music in the air… it was pure magic.
But December journey isn’t nearly snow and Santa. We’ve additionally spent the holidays escaping to the heat, buying and selling snow boots for flip-flops.
In reality, we’ve been to nearly all 50 states and spent numerous winters attempting to discover the most enjoyable locations and greatest climate. We’ve carried out so many highway journeys in the USA and flown nearly in all places, attempting to discover the greatest locations to both escape the snow or take pleasure in the winter, you’ll assume we’re obsessed. And we wish to share all of that information with you.
If you’re searching for the excellent winter getaway, you may have a transparent selection: both lean into the winter magic or escape it utterly. Are you dreaming of a warm-weather escape with sunshine and sand, or a storybook Christmas city that appears like a real-life snow globe?
Based on all these experiences, we’ve put collectively this listing of our favorite locations to go to. Whether you’re searching for a festive metropolis, a snowy mountain, or a sunny seaside, we’ll aid you discover the excellent spot.
Quick List: Best Places to Visit in December in the USA
Here is a fast have a look at a few of the greatest locations for a December getaway in the USA, from festive winter wonderlands to sunny escapes.
New York City, New York: The final festive metropolis expertise.
Leavenworth, Washington: An actual-life Bavarian Christmas village.
Key West, Florida: Laid-back island life and sunshine.
Aspen, Colorado: World-class snowboarding and a magical mountain city.
Maui, Hawaii: The excellent warm-weather escape to see humpback whales.
Asheville, North Carolina: Festive lights at the Biltmore Estate.
St. Augustine, Florida: Taking in the “Nights of Lights” show.
Scottsdale, Arizona: Sunny desert hikes and rest.
Park City, Utah: A historic ski city with vacation allure.
New Orleans, Louisiana: Creole Christmas traditions and nice meals.
Solvang, California: A novel Danish-style Julefest celebration.
Why Travel to the USA in December?
December is a month of pure magic and festive power. It’s the excellent time to dissipate that final little bit of trip time for the 12 months. The largest draw is the distinct selection it provides: You can both dive head-first right into a winter wonderland, full with snow and vacation markets, or you’ll be able to utterly escape the chilly climate and end up on a sunny seaside. It’s a month of festive celebrations, unimaginable decorations, and discovering the excellent ambiance to finish the 12 months.
Best Warm Places to Visit in December in the USA
If you’re something like us, generally the greatest present in December is a break from the chilly. Trust us, we all know after dwelling in Toronto, Canada. Those winters are brutal. These are our favorite spots to discover sunshine and heat climate, the place you’ll be able to commerce your winter coat for a light-weight jacket or perhaps a swimsuit.
1. Key West, Florida
We love the laid-back, quirky vibe of Key West, and it’s much more particular in December. We have an amazing reminiscence of biking round the island, seeing the historic inns draped in vacation lights, after which ending the day at Mallory Square for the sundown celebration. It’s an ideal escape from the chilly.
Why Visit in December: This is the excellent time to go to. The summer season humidity is gone, the climate is sunny and heat (usually in the excessive 70s), and the threat of hurricanes may be very low. The complete island is in a festive spirit, with distinctive occasions like the “Bight Before Christmas” boat parade.
Top Things to Do:
Watch the “Bight Before Christmas” lighted boat parade.
Take a trip on the Conch Train to see the historic properties embellished for the holidays.
Visit the Southernmost Point in the continental US for a basic picture op.
Go on a sundown sail to take pleasure in the view from the water.
Where to Stay: We suggest discovering a guesthouse or inn in the historic Old Town to be shut to the motion.
2. Maui, Hawaii
We as soon as went to a vacation luau in Ka’anapali, and it’s an expertise we’ll always remember. You’re consuming kalua pork and sipping a mai tai, watching a ravishing hula efficiency… after which Santa Claus arrives on an outrigger canoe. It was the excellent, uniquely Hawaiian means to get into the festive spirit.
Why Visit in December: You get tropical climate, festive vacation luaus, and it’s the official begin of the humpback whale watching season. Be conscious that it is a standard time, particularly round Christmas, so costs may be excessive and also you’ll want to guide in advance.
Top Things to Do:
Go on a whale watching tour to see the humpbacks arrive for the season.
Attend a festive Christmas luau, the place Santa generally arrives in a purple canoe.
Browse the vacation markets at Whalers Village in Ka’anapali.
Drive the Road to Hana to see the waterfalls, which are sometimes fuller in the winter.
Where to Stay: Look to the resorts in Wailea or Ka’anapali for a basic Maui expertise.
3. U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas / St. John)
We’ll all the time bear in mind snorkeling the underwater path at Trunk Bay in St. John. The water was so calm and clear, and seeing all the vibrant fish felt a world away from the snow again dwelling. That’s the magic of a Caribbean journey in December, and the USVI makes it really easy for American vacationers.
Why Visit in December: It’s the begin of the dry season, with unbelievable climate and heat, clear water. You get a full-on tropical, warm-weather Christmas expertise, all without having a passport.
Top Things to Do:
Snorkel the well-known underwater path at Trunk Bay, St. John.
Relax on the world-famous white sands of Magens Bay in St. Thomas.
Explore the Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins in St. John.
Enjoy the distinctive “Christmas Second Day” (Crucian Christmas Festival) celebrations, a neighborhood custom.
Where to Stay: You can select from massive resorts in St. Thomas or extra eco-friendly villas and lodges in St. John.
4. St. Augustine, Florida
We weren’t ready for the way magical St. Augustine is in December. We took one among the Old Town trolley excursions at night time, and seeing the complete historic metropolis, from the outdated Spanish structure to the palm bushes, draped in tens of millions of white lights… it was breathtaking. It’s a vacation mild show in contrast to another.
Why Visit in December: The well-known “Nights of Lights” competition. The complete metropolis is illuminated, and the delicate Florida climate is ideal for strolling round and having fun with the ambiance. It’s one among the most festive and heat locations you’ll be able to go to.
Top Things to Do:
Take a trolley or strolling tour of the “Nights of Lights” show.
Stroll by means of the historic streets and go to the Castillo de San Marcos.
See the metropolis’s Christmas tree in the Plaza de la Constitución.
Visit the St. Augustine Distillery for a holiday-themed tasting.
Where to Stay: We suggest a historic inn or mattress & breakfast in the downtown district to be inside strolling distance of all the lights.
5. Honolulu, Hawaii
While Maui is our go-to for a resort escape, Honolulu is the place you go for a vibrant, city-meets-beach vacation. We liked seeing the large Santa browsing along with his reindeer in the fountain at the Iolani Palace. The complete metropolis has this superb “Mele Kalikimaka” (Merry Christmas) spirit.
Why Visit in December: It’s the excellent mix of heat seaside climate, world-class buying, and festive shows. It’s additionally a major month for historical past, with the memorial occasions at Pearl Harbor.
Top Things to Do:
See the “Honolulu City Lights” show at Honolulu Hale.
Pay respects at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial (particularly shifting round Dec seventh).
Watch skilled surfers trip the large winter waves on the North Shore.
Relax on the world-famous Waikiki Beach.
Where to Stay: Waikiki has an enormous vary of accommodations, from historic beachfront properties to fashionable high-rises.
6. South Padre Island, Texas
If your thought of a winter getaway is to actually get away from every thing, the crowds, the noise, the stress, then South Padre is an ideal selection. We spent per week there, and our days consisted of lengthy, quiet walks on the seaside. It was a complete reset and the excellent means to escape the winter blues.
Why Visit in December: The climate is delicate, and the crowds are gone. It’s one among the warmest locations in Texas and provides a easy, stress-free seaside trip with out the excessive costs or vacation chaos of different locations.
Top Things to Do:
Go birdwatching at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
Visit Sea Turtle, Inc. to find out about their rehabilitation efforts.
Take a dolphin-watching cruise in the Laguna Madre.
Simply take pleasure in the quiet, uncrowded seashores.
Where to Stay: You’ll discover many beachfront condos and accommodations providing nice low season charges.
7. Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona
We thought we knew desert vacation lights, however the “Las Noches de las Luminarias” at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is on one other stage. Walking the backyard paths lit by 1000’s of hand-lit luminaria baggage, with musicians enjoying, was a top-tier vacation expertise.
Why Visit in December: You get two journeys in one: excellent, sunny climate for outside adventures like mountain climbing throughout the day, and beautiful, subtle vacation mild shows at night time.
Top Things to Do:
Walk by means of the “Las Noches de las Luminarias” at the Desert Botanical Garden.
Hike Camelback Mountain or discover the trails in Papago Park.
See the “Zoolights” at the Phoenix Zoo.
Explore the festively embellished retailers and galleries in Old Town Scottsdale.
Where to Stay: Choose from upscale resorts in Scottsdale or trendy accommodations in downtown Phoenix.
Best Christmas Towns & Festive Cities to Visit in December
Sometimes, the heat climate locations simply gained’t lower it, particularly in case you are searching for that winter wonderland really feel. So, this part is for travellers who need to dive head-first into the vacation spirit. These are the cities and cities that go all-out for December, with tens of millions of lights, Christmas markets, and an environment of pure magic.
8. New York City, New York
We’ve visited NYC many instances, however there’s a selected power in December. We grabbed scorching candies and walked by means of the Bryant Park Winter Village, watching the ice skaters zip round the rink beneath the lights of the surrounding skyscrapers. It felt like being in the opening scene of a vacation film. There is nothing like New York City at Christmas.
Why Visit in December: It is the quintessential American Christmas vacation spot. From the iconic tree to the world-famous window shows, the complete metropolis is on a special stage of festive.
Top Things to Do:
See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and go ice skating at the rink under.
Browse the vacation retailers and go skating at the Bryant Park Winter Village.
See the Radio City Christmas Spectacular that includes the Rockettes.
Admire the elaborate vacation window shows alongside Fifth Avenue.
Where to Stay: Midtown is handy for seeing the important vacation sights, however we additionally love the West Village for its cosy, neighbourhood really feel.
9. Leavenworth, Washington
We’d heard Leavenworth was a “Christmas Town,” however we weren’t ready for the actuality. We visited throughout the Village of Lights competition, and strolling by means of the snow-covered Bavarian-style village whereas each single constructing was lined in over half 1,000,000 lights… it’s not an exaggeration. It’s the closest we’ve ever felt to being inside a real-life snow globe.
Why Visit in December: The complete city transforms right into a “Hallmark movie” Christmas village. It’s a full-immersion vacation expertise with carolers, festive meals, and unimaginable decorations.
Top Things to Do:
See the “Village of Lights” (it’s lit up all month).
Visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm to stand up shut with reindeer.
Explore the Bavarian-themed retailers searching for distinctive presents.
Visit the Nutcracker Museum, which options over 7,000 nutcrackers.
Where to Stay: Book a Bavarian-style lodge or inn proper in the village. You should guide many months in advance for December.
10. Asheville, North Carolina
We love Asheville, however visiting in December is all about the Biltmore Estate. We took the candlelight night tour, and seeing the important banquet corridor with its 35-foot tree, fireplaces roaring, and carolers singing… it felt like we’d stepped again in time right into a Gilded Age Christmas celebration.
Why Visit in December: Christmas at Biltmore is one among the most iconic vacation occasions in the nation. The metropolis itself is a comfy mountain retreat, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are simply lovely with a dusting of snow.
Top Things to Do:
Take the Candlelight Christmas Evening tour at the Biltmore Estate.
See the National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn.
Explore the Winter Lights show at the NC Arboretum.
Browse the unbiased retailers and galleries in the River Arts District.
Where to Stay: You can keep on the Biltmore Estate for the full expertise or select a boutique lodge downtown.
Here are the remaining locations for the “Best Christmas Towns & Festive Cities” part, all written with distinctive, December-focused content material.
11. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
We’ve visited numerous Christmas markets, however visiting the one in Bethlehem, generally known as “Christmas City USA”, simply felt proper. We sipped scorching cider and browsed the stalls in the outdated quarter, and you’ll really feel the metropolis’s 250+ years of Christmas custom. The complete place is lit by the glow of a large Moravian star on the hillside.
Why Visit in December: This is Christmas City USA. It was nicknamed this on Christmas Eve, 1741. It provides one among the most genuine and historic vacation experiences in the nation, mixing its Moravian heritage with a European-style Christkindlmarkt.
Top Things to Do:
Browse the artisan stalls at the Christkindlmarkt, a big European-style market.
Take a horse-drawn carriage trip by means of the historic, candlelit streets.
See the single, large Moravian star shining over the metropolis.
Explore the historic Moravian stone buildings downtown, that are superbly embellished.
Where to Stay: Look for a lodge or inn in the historic downtown space to be shut to the festivities.
12. Solvang, California
Walking into Solvang in December felt like we’d been transported to a Danish village throughout its Julefest celebration. We spent the day exploring the half-timbered buildings, windmills, and bakeries, all embellished for the holidays. It’s such a novel and charming means to expertise a winter getaway in the center of California.
Why Visit in December: The city’s month-long “Julefest” (Yule-fest) celebration is in full swing. It’s a one-of-a-kind Danish-style Christmas with parades, markets, and, after all, scrumptious European pastries.
Top Things to Do:
Attend the Julefest Parade and see the tree lighting ceremony.
Go on the “Nisse Adventure,” a enjoyable scavenger hunt to discover the city’s mischievous Nisse (gnomes).
Browse the Julefest Maker’s Market for native artisan crafts.
Sample Danish pastries, like aebleskiver, from the native bakeries.
Where to Stay: Choose one among the charming Danish-themed inns proper in the village to be in the center of the Julefest actions.
13. Grapevine, Texas
We had to see the “Christmas Capital of Texas” for ourselves, and it didn’t disappoint. The complete historic Main Street is reworked. We liked seeing the classic railroad, which turns into the “North Pole Express” for the month. They take the “Christmas Capital” title critically; there are over 1,400 occasions in 40 days.
Why Visit in December: It is the formally designated “Christmas Capital of Texas”. The sheer variety of festive occasions, mild shows, and actions is staggering, making it a top-tier vacation spot for households and vacation lovers.
Top Things to Do:
Ride the “North Pole Express” on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.
Walk down the festively embellished Historic Main Street.
See the mild shows and ice sculptures at the Gaylord Texan Resort.
Go snow tubing on a snow hill, all in the center of Texas.
Where to Stay: The Gaylord Texan Resort is an attraction in itself, or you’ll be able to keep close to the Historic Main Street to be shut to the occasions.
14. New Orleans, Louisiana
A New Orleans Christmas is an expertise all its personal. We did a “Reveillon Dinner,” a contemporary tackle a Creole vacation custom, and it was one among the most memorable meals we’ve ever had. Afterwards, we walked to Jackson Square to see the St. Louis Cathedral all lit up whereas carolers sang.
Why Visit in December: You get to expertise distinctive Creole Christmas traditions you gained’t discover wherever else. The climate is delicate, the meals is unimaginable, and the metropolis’s lobbies (like at The Roosevelt) have a few of the most elegant decorations we’ve seen.
Top Things to Do:
See the unimaginable vacation mild shows at Celebration in the Oaks in City Park.
Stroll by means of the French Quarter to see the balconies embellished for Christmas.
Have a “Reveillon Dinner” at one among the metropolis’s historic eating places.
Listen to reside vacation music and jazz on Frenchmen Street.
Where to Stay: We suggest a lodge in the French Quarter to be in the center of the motion and see the embellished lobbies.
15. Natchitoches, Louisiana
We went to Natchitoches (pronounced Nak-a-tish) particularly for its Christmas Festival, and it was a complete pleasure. It’s one among the oldest and largest in the nation. The complete metropolis, which is the oldest in Louisiana, lights up with over 300,000 lights alongside the Cane River, and the weekly fireworks reveals are unbelievable.
Why Visit in December: It hosts one among the oldest and most celebrated vacation festivals in the US, working for six weeks. It’s a basic, Southern Christmas expertise in a ravishing historic district.
Top Things to Do:
See the “Festival of Lights,” with a whole bunch of 1000’s of lights mirrored in the Cane River.
Watch one among the spectacular fireworks reveals over the river, which occur on weekends.
Stroll by means of the Landmark Historic District and browse the retailers.
Eat a well-known Natchitoches meat pie from a neighborhood vendor.
Where to Stay: Book a room at a historic mattress & breakfast in the downtown space.
16. Williamsburg, Virginia
Visiting Colonial Williamsburg in December felt like strolling by means of a dwelling historical past Christmas card. We joined a candlelight tour, and seeing the historic buildings lit by actual candles in the home windows, with carolers in interval costumes and the scent of woodsmoke in the air… it was completely magical.
Why Visit in December: You get to expertise a standard, 18th-century “Colonial Christmas”. The decorations are all-natural (no plastic lights), and the ambiance is extremely genuine and charming.
Top Things to Do:
Take a candlelight tour by means of the historic Colonial Williamsburg district.
Watch the “Grand Illumination,” a weekend occasion with fireworks and musket firings.
Go ice skating at Liberty’s Ice Pavilion.
Drive by means of the mild present at Busch Gardens Christmas Town.
Where to Stay: Stay in one among the historic Colonial Houses or a tavern proper in the restored space for the full immersive expertise.
Here is the last class of locations. This part is all about embracing the snow and discovering that excellent winter wonderland.
Best Places for a Snowy Winter Wonderland
For many, vacation season journey is all about discovering that excellent, snowy scene. These are the locations to go for world-class snowboarding, cosy lodges, and that magical feeling of a real winter escape.
17. Aspen, Colorado
We’ll all the time bear in mind our first “après-ski” in Aspen. We had spent the day on the mountain hitting recent powder at any time when we acquired the probability, and as the solar went down, the sky lit up with this unimaginable pink and orange mild they name “Aspenglow.” Sitting by a fireplace, having fun with a glass of Christmas cheer, and watching the snowfall on the historic city, it simply felt like the peak of a luxurious winter journey.
Why Visit in December: It’s one among the world’s most well-known upscale ski locations, and the city is simply as a lot an attraction as the mountains. The festive ambiance, high-end retailers, and eating places are all decked out for the holidays.
Top Things to Do:
Ski or snowboard at one among the 4 mountains (Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, or Buttermilk).
Stroll by means of the festively lit, Victorian-era downtown.
Enjoy the world-class après-ski scene.
Go ice skating at the Silver Circle Ice Rink.
Where to Stay: Aspen is thought for its luxurious accommodations and ski-in/ski-out resorts.
18. Park City, Utah
One of our favorite issues about Park City is its historical past. We liked snowboarding down to the historic Main Street, popping off our skis, and strolling straight right into a saloon that’s been there since the silver mining days. It looks like an actual Western city, not only a ski resort.
Why Visit in December: It’s a historic mountain city with two world-class ski resorts (Park City and Deer Valley). The historic Main Street is extremely charming, and the “Snow Globe Stroll” options life-sized snow globes you’ll be able to stroll by means of.
Top Things to Do:
Ski or snowboard at Park City Mountain Resort or Deer Valley.
Walk the historic Main Street, popping into the retailers, galleries, and saloons.
Experience the “Snow Globe Stroll”.
Go bobsledding (with an expert pilot) at the Utah Olympic Park.
Where to Stay: You can discover ski-in/ski-out accommodations or keep at an inn on the historic Main Street.
19. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole in December is simply dramatic. We took a sleigh trip by means of the National Elk Refuge, and seeing 1000’s of elk gathered in opposition to the backdrop of the snow-covered Teton mountains… it was a robust and wild winter expertise we’ve by no means forgotten.
Why Visit in December: It’s the excellent mixture of rugged “cowboy Christmas” allure and a few of the most difficult ski terrain in North America. The city sq., with its well-known antler arches, is superbly lit for the holidays.
Top Things to Do:
Take a sleigh trip by means of the National Elk Refuge.
Ski or snowboard the legendary terrain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Take a photograph beneath the antler arches in the festive Town Square.
Go for a snowshoeing or cross-country ski day journey in Grand Teton National Park.
Where to Stay: Stay at a slopeside resort in Teton Village or in a lodge in the city of Jackson.
20. Whitefish, Montana
We love Whitefish as a result of it looks like an actual, down-to-earth ski city. We spent a day snowshoeing in close by Glacier National Park, having fun with the complete silence and unimaginable snowy landscapes, after which got here again to city for an off-the-cuff dinner. It’s all the magnificence, with out the glitz. Just what we have been searching for in a winter trip.
Why Visit in December: It’s a laid-back, charming mountain city with a top-rated ski resort and beautiful surroundings. It’s additionally proper subsequent to Glacier National Park, which is a spectacular place to discover in the winter.
Top Things to Do:
Ski or snowboard at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Go on a guided snowshoe or cross-country ski tour in Glacier National Park.
Stroll the charming, embellished downtown.
Take a horse-drawn sleigh trip by means of the snowy fields.
Where to Stay: You can discover lodges on the mountain or keep in one among the pleasant inns in downtown Whitefish.
21. North Pole, Alaska
This was a visit purely for the enjoyable of it, and it was 100% value it. You drive down streets named “Santa Claus Lane” and “St. Nicholas Drive,” the streetlights are formed like sweet canes, and you’ll go to the Santa Claus House and see his reindeer. It’s a surreal and joyful expertise.
Why Visit in December: It’s the final Christmas fantasy come to life. The complete city is Christmas-themed, twelve months a 12 months, but it surely’s most magical in December with actual snow on the floor and the added bonus of probably seeing the Northern Lights.
Top Things to Do:
Visit the Santa Claus House to meet Santa and see his reindeer.
Send a postcard to family and friends with an genuine “North Pole” postmark.
Drive round to see the candy-cane-striped streetlights.
Go canine sledding or search for the Aurora Borealis in close by Fairbanks.
Where to Stay: North Pole may be very small; most guests keep in the close by metropolis of Fairbanks, which has a variety of accommodations.
Tips for Travelling in the USA in December
Book Everything in Advance: December, particularly the interval from mid-month by means of New Year’s, is one among the costliest and busiest journey instances of the 12 months. Flights and accommodations promote out and costs are excessive. Book as far forward as you probably can.
Pack for Your Destination (and Be Prepared): The climate varies wildly. You’ll be in a swimsuit in Hawaii and a heavy-duty parka in Alaska. For ski cities, “apres-ski” garments are simply as necessary as your ski gear. For heat locations, bear in mind it might nonetheless get cool at night time.
Rent a 4WD: If you’re heading to a snowy mountain vacation spot like Colorado, Utah, or Wyoming, a 4WD or all-wheel-drive car is important. Check highway circumstances earlier than you drive.
Check Event Schedules: For the festive cities, many parades, markets, and light-up occasions solely occur on particular weekends. Check the official city or occasion web sites earlier than you guide to be sure to gained’t miss the important occasion.
FAQ: Best Places to Visit in the US in December
For the greatest heat climate, your high selections are Southern Florida (like Key West), Hawaii (like Maui and Honolulu), and the desert Southwest (like Phoenix and Palm Springs). The U.S. Virgin Islands are additionally a unbelievable passport-free tropical choice.
Leavenworth, Washington, is usually thought-about the final “Christmas town” because it seems to be similar to a Bavarian snow globe. Other high selections embody Bethlehem, PA (generally known as “Christmas City USA”), Solvang, CA (for a Danish-style Julefest), and Grapevine, TX (the “Christmas Capital of Texas”).
Yes, but it surely is dependent upon the park. It’s the excellent time to go to desert parks like Death Valley, Everglades, and Big Bend, the place summer season warmth is insufferable. However, many mountain parks like Glacier, Yellowstone, and elements of Yosemite are largely inaccessible due to heavy snow and highway closures.
You are nearly assured to discover snow in the mountain cities of the Rockies, like Aspen, CO, Park City, UT, and Jackson Hole, WY. You’ll additionally discover snow in the Cascade Mountains (like Leavenworth, WA), Alaska, and the mountains round Lake Tahoe.
Ready for a December Adventure?
December is a magical month to journey. Whether you’re chasing the solar, searching for out that excellent snowy scene, or searching for a city that’s filled with vacation magic, the US has the excellent spot for you.
We hope this listing, primarily based on our personal winter travels, helps you propose your subsequent getaway. Save this on Pinterest on your vacation planning! Where is your favorite place to go in December?