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 beneath 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 quite a lot of winters attempting to discover the most enjoyable locations and greatest climate. We’ve finished so many street journeys in the USA and flown nearly in every single place, 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 would like to share all of that data with you.
If you’re searching for the good winter getaway, you’ve got a transparent selection: both lean into the winter magic or escape it fully. 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 seashore, we’ll assist you to discover the good spot.
Quick List: Best Places to Visit in December in the USA
Here is a fast take 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 good 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 leisure.
Park City, Utah: A historic ski city with vacation appeal.
New Orleans, Louisiana: Creole Christmas traditions and nice meals.
Solvang, California: A singular Danish-style Julefest celebration.
Why Travel to the USA in December?
December is a month of pure magic and festive vitality. It’s the good time to expend that final little bit of trip time for the 12 months. The greatest draw is the distinct selection it affords: You can both dive head-first right into a winter wonderland, full with snow and vacation markets, or you’ll be able to fully escape the chilly climate and end up on a sunny seashore. It’s a month of festive celebrations, unimaginable decorations, and discovering the good environment 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 ideal 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 good time to go to. The summer season humidity is gone, the climate is sunny and heat (typically in the excessive 70s), and the danger of hurricanes could be very low. The entire 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 journey on the Conch Train to see the historic properties adorned for the holidays.
Visit the Southernmost Point in the continental US for a basic photograph 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 gorgeous hula efficiency… after which Santa Claus arrives on an outrigger canoe. It was the good, uniquely Hawaiian approach 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 this can be a standard time, particularly round Christmas, so costs might be excessive and also you’ll want to e-book 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 at all times keep 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 house. 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 implausible 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 a way magical St. Augustine is in December. We took one among the Old Town trolley excursions at evening, and seeing the total historic metropolis, from the previous Spanish structure to the palm bushes, draped in hundreds of thousands of white lights… it was breathtaking. It’s a vacation gentle show not like some other.
Why Visit in December: The well-known “Nights of Lights” pageant. The total metropolis is illuminated, and the gentle Florida climate is ideal for strolling round and having fun with the environment. 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 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 cherished seeing the large Santa browsing together with his reindeer in the fountain at the Iolani Palace. The entire metropolis has this wonderful “Mele Kalikimaka” (Merry Christmas) spirit.
Why Visit in December: It’s the good mix of heat seashore climate, world-class procuring, 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 transferring round Dec seventh).
Watch skilled surfers journey the large winter waves on the North Shore.
Relax on the world-famous Waikiki Beach.
Where to Stay: Waikiki has an enormous vary of lodges, from historic beachfront properties to trendy high-rises.
6. South Padre Island, Texas
If your concept of a winter getaway is to really get away from the whole lot, 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 seashore. It was a complete reset and the good approach to escape the winter blues.
Why Visit in December: The climate is gentle, and the crowds are gone. It’s one among the warmest locations in Texas and affords a easy, stress-free seashore 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 lodges 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 degree. Walking the backyard paths lit by 1000’s of hand-lit luminaria luggage, with musicians enjoying, was a top-tier vacation expertise.
Why Visit in December: You get two journeys in one: good, sunny climate for outside adventures like climbing throughout the day, and gorgeous, subtle vacation gentle shows at evening.
Top Things to Do:
Walk by 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 adorned retailers and galleries in Old Town Scottsdale.
Where to Stay: Choose from upscale resorts in Scottsdale or fashionable lodges in downtown Phoenix.
Best Christmas Towns & Festive Cities to Visit in December
Sometimes, the heat climate locations simply received’t minimize 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 hundreds of thousands 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 particular vitality in December. We grabbed sizzling goodies and walked by 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 total metropolis is on a distinct degree of festive.
Top Things to Do:
See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and go ice skating at the rink beneath.
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 principal 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 pageant, and strolling by 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 total 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 rise up shut with reindeer.
Explore the Bavarian-themed retailers searching for distinctive items.
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 e-book 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 principal 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 comfortable 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 resort 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 quite a lot of Christmas markets, however visiting the one in Bethlehem, generally known as “Christmas City USA”, simply felt proper. We sipped sizzling cider and browsed the stalls in the previous quarter, and you may really feel the metropolis’s 250+ years of Christmas custom. The entire 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 affords 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 journey by the historic, candlelit streets.
See the single, large Moravian star shining over the metropolis.
Explore the historic Moravian stone buildings downtown, that are fantastically adorned.
Where to Stay: Look for a resort 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 adorned for the holidays. It’s such a singular and charming approach 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 total historic Main Street is remodeled. We cherished seeing the classic railroad, which turns into the “North Pole Express” for the month. They take the “Christmas Capital” title significantly; 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, gentle 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 adorned Historic Main Street.
See the gentle 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 received’t discover wherever else. The climate is gentle, 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 gentle shows at Celebration in the Oaks in City Park.
Stroll by the French Quarter to see the balconies adorned 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 resort in the French Quarter to be in the center of the motion and see the adorned 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 entire metropolis, which is the oldest in Louisiana, lights up with over 300,000 lights alongside the Cane River, and the weekly fireworks reveals are implausible.
Why Visit in December: It hosts one among the oldest and most celebrated vacation festivals in the US, operating for six weeks. It’s a basic, Southern Christmas expertise in a gorgeous 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 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 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 environment is extremely genuine and charming.
Top Things to Do:
Take a candlelight tour by 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 the gentle 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 remaining class of locations. This part is all about embracing the snow and discovering that good winter wonderland.
Best Places for a Snowy Winter Wonderland
For many, vacation season journey is all about discovering that good, 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 at all times keep in mind our first “après-ski” in Aspen. We had spent the day on the mountain hitting recent powder each time we bought the probability, and as the solar went down, the sky lit up with this unimaginable pink and orange gentle they name “Aspenglow.” Sitting by a hearth, having fun with a glass of Christmas cheer, and watching the snowstorm 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 environment, 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 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 lodges and ski-in/ski-out resorts.
18. Park City, Utah
One of our favorite issues about Park City is its historical past. We cherished 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.
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 knowledgeable pilot) at the Utah Olympic Park.
Where to Stay: You can discover ski-in/ski-out lodges 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 journey by the National Elk Refuge, and seeing 1000’s of elk gathered towards the backdrop of the snow-covered Teton mountains… it was a strong and wild winter expertise we’ve by no means forgotten.
Why Visit in December: It’s the good mixture of rugged “cowboy Christmas” appeal and a few of the most difficult ski terrain in North America. The city sq., with its well-known antler arches, is fantastically lit for the holidays.
Top Things to Do:
Take a sleigh journey by 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 resort 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 informal 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 gorgeous 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, adorned downtown.
Take a horse-drawn sleigh journey by 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% price it. You drive down streets named “Santa Claus Lane” and “St. Nicholas Drive,” the streetlights are formed like sweet canes, and you may 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 total city is Christmas-themed, 12 months a 12 months, however it’s most magical in December with actual snow on the floor and the added bonus of presumably 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 could be very small; most guests keep in the close by metropolis of Fairbanks, which has a variety of lodges.
Tips for Travelling in the USA in December
Book Everything in Advance: December, particularly the interval from mid-month by New Year’s, is one among the most costly and busiest journey instances of the 12 months. Flights and lodges promote out and costs are excessive. Book as far forward as you presumably 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 vital as your ski gear. For heat locations, keep in mind it may possibly nonetheless get cool at evening.
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 street situations 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 e-book to ensure you received’t miss the principal 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 implausible passport-free tropical choice.
Leavenworth, Washington, is commonly thought-about the final “Christmas town” because it appears to be like identical 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, however it will depend on the park. It’s the good 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 street 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, in search of out that good snowy scene, or searching for a city that’s stuffed with vacation magic, the US has the good spot for you.
We hope this listing, primarily based on our personal winter travels, helps you intend your subsequent getaway. Save this on Pinterest in your vacation planning! Where is your favorite place to go in December?