21 Greatest Locations to Go to in December within the USA (2025 Version)

We’ll always remember the primary time we visited New York Metropolis in December. We’d seen it in films, however standing there, seeing the Rockefeller Heart tree all lit up for the primary time, with skaters beneath and festive music within the air… it was pure magic.

However December journey isn’t nearly snow and Santa. We’ve additionally spent the vacations escaping to the heat, buying and selling snow boots for flip-flops.

In reality, we’ve been to virtually all 50 states and spent quite a lot of winters looking for probably the most enjoyable locations and greatest climate. We’ve achieved so many street journeys within the USA and flown virtually in all places, looking for the most effective locations to both escape the snow or benefit from the winter, you’d assume we’re obsessed. And we need to share all of that information with you.

Should you’re in search of the proper winter getaway, you could 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 mostly on all these experiences, we’ve put collectively this record of our favorite locations to go to. Whether or not you’re in search of a festive metropolis, a snowy mountain, or a sunny seashore, we’ll assist you discover the proper spot.

Fast Listing: Greatest Locations to Go to in December within the USA

Here’s a fast take a look at a few of the greatest locations for a December getaway within the USA, from festive winter wonderlands to sunny escapes.

New York Metropolis, New York: The last word 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 right warm-weather escape to see humpback whales.

Asheville, North Carolina: Festive lights on the Biltmore Property.

St. Augustine, Florida: Taking within the “Nights of Lights” show.

Scottsdale, Arizona: Sunny desert hikes and rest.

Park Metropolis, 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 Journey to the USA in December?

December is a month of pure magic and festive vitality. It’s the proper time to make use of up that final little bit of trip time for the 12 months. The most important draw is the distinct selection it presents: You may both dive head-first right into a winter wonderland, full with snow and vacation markets, or you possibly can utterly escape the chilly climate and end up on a sunny seashore. It’s a month of festive celebrations, unimaginable decorations, and discovering the proper ambiance to finish the 12 months.

Greatest Heat Locations to Go to in December within the USA

Should you’re something like us, typically the most effective reward in December is a break from the chilly. Belief us, we all know after dwelling in Toronto, Canada. These winters are brutal. These are our favorite spots to search out sunshine and heat climate, the place you possibly can commerce your winter coat for a lightweight 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’ve an excellent reminiscence of biking across the island, seeing the historic inns draped in vacation lights, after which ending the day at Mallory Sq. for the sundown celebration. It’s an ideal escape from the chilly.

Why Go to in December: That is the proper time to go to. The summer season humidity is gone, the climate is sunny and heat (usually within the excessive 70s), and the chance of hurricanes may be very low. The entire island is in a festive spirit, with distinctive occasions just like the “Bight Earlier than Christmas” boat parade.

High Issues to Do:

Watch the “Bight Earlier than Christmas” lighted boat parade.

Take a journey on the Conch Practice to see the historic houses adorned for the vacations.

Go to the Southernmost Level within the continental US for a traditional picture op.

Go on a sundown sail to benefit from the view from the water.

The place to Keep: We suggest discovering a guesthouse or inn within the historic Outdated City to be near 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 fantastic hula efficiency… after which Santa Claus arrives on an outrigger canoe. It was the proper, uniquely Hawaiian solution to get into the festive spirit.

Why Go to in December: You get tropical climate, festive vacation luaus, and it’s the official begin of the humpback whale watching season. Remember that it is a standard time, particularly round Christmas, so costs may be excessive and also you’ll must e-book prematurely.

High Issues to Do:

Go on a whale watching tour to see the humpbacks arrive for the season.

Attend a festive Christmas luau, the place Santa typically arrives in a pink canoe.

Browse the vacation markets at Whalers Village in Ka’anapali.

Drive the Highway to Hana to see the waterfalls, which are sometimes fuller within the winter.

The place to Keep: Look to the resorts in Wailea or Ka’anapali for a traditional Maui expertise.

3. U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas / St. John)

We’ll all the time keep in mind snorkeling the underwater path at Trunk Bay in St. John. The water was so calm and clear, and seeing all the colorful 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 Go to in December: It’s the beginning of the dry season, with incredible climate and heat, clear water. You get a full-on tropical, warm-weather Christmas expertise, all with no need a passport.

High Issues to Do:

Snorkel the well-known underwater path at Trunk Bay, St. John.

Chill out on the world-famous white sands of Magens Bay in St. Thomas.

Discover the Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins in St. John.

Benefit from the distinctive “Christmas Second Day” (Crucian Christmas Competition) celebrations, an area custom.

The place to Keep: You may 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 of many Outdated City trolley excursions at evening, and seeing your entire historic metropolis, from the previous Spanish structure to the palm bushes, draped in tens of millions of white lights… it was breathtaking. It’s a vacation gentle show not like another.

Why Go to in December: The well-known “Nights of Lights” pageant. Your complete metropolis is illuminated, and the delicate Florida climate is ideal for strolling round and having fun with the ambiance. It’s some of the festive and heat locations you possibly can go to.

High Issues to Do:

Take a trolley or strolling tour of the “Nights of Lights” show.

Stroll via the historic streets and go to the Castillo de San Marcos.

See town’s Christmas tree within the Plaza de la Constitución.

Go to the St. Augustine Distillery for a holiday-themed tasting.

The place to Keep: We suggest a historic inn or mattress & breakfast within the downtown district to be inside strolling distance of all of the lights.

5. Honolulu, Hawaii

Whereas 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 along with his reindeer within the fountain on the Iolani Palace. The entire metropolis has this superb “Mele Kalikimaka” (Merry Christmas) spirit.

Why Go to in December: It’s the proper mix of heat seashore climate, world-class procuring, and festive shows. It’s additionally a big month for historical past, with the memorial occasions at Pearl Harbor.

High Issues to Do:

See the “Honolulu Metropolis Lights” show at Honolulu Hale.

Pay respects on the Pearl Harbor Nationwide Memorial (particularly transferring round Dec seventh).

Watch skilled surfers journey the large winter waves on the North Shore.

Chill out on the world-famous Waikiki Seashore.

The place to Keep: Waikiki has an enormous vary of lodges, from historic beachfront properties to fashionable high-rises.

6. South Padre Island, Texas

In case your thought of a winter getaway is to actually get away from every little thing, the crowds, the noise, the stress, then South Padre is an ideal selection. We spent every week there, and our days consisted of lengthy, quiet walks on the seashore. It was a complete reset and the proper solution to escape the winter blues.

Why Go to in December: The climate is delicate, and the crowds are gone. It’s one of many warmest locations in Texas and presents a easy, enjoyable seashore trip with out the excessive costs or vacation chaos of different locations.

High Issues to Do:

Go birdwatching on the Laguna Atascosa Nationwide Wildlife Refuge.

Go to Sea Turtle, Inc. to study their rehabilitation efforts.

Take a dolphin-watching cruise within the Laguna Madre.

Merely benefit from the quiet, uncrowded seashores.

The place to Keep: 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” on the Desert Botanical Backyard in Phoenix is on one other stage. Strolling the backyard paths lit by 1000’s of hand-lit luminaria baggage, with musicians taking part in, was a top-tier vacation expertise.

Why Go to in December: You get two journeys in a single: good, sunny climate for outside adventures like climbing through the day, and gorgeous, refined vacation gentle shows at evening.

High Issues to Do:

Stroll via the “Las Noches de las Luminarias” on the Desert Botanical Backyard.

Hike Camelback Mountain or discover the paths in Papago Park.

See the “Zoolights” on the Phoenix Zoo.

Discover the festively adorned outlets and galleries in Outdated City Scottsdale.

The place to Keep: Select from upscale resorts in Scottsdale or fashionable lodges in downtown Phoenix.

Greatest Christmas Cities & Festive Cities to Go to in December

Generally, the nice and cozy climate locations simply gained’t reduce it, particularly in case you are in search of 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 Metropolis, New York

We’ve visited NYC many instances, however there’s a particular vitality in December. We grabbed scorching candies and walked via the Bryant Park Winter Village, watching the ice skaters zip across the rink below the lights of the encircling skyscrapers. It felt like being within the opening scene of a vacation film. There may be nothing like New York Metropolis at Christmas.

Why Go to in December: It’s the quintessential American Christmas vacation spot. From the long-lasting tree to the world-famous window shows, your entire metropolis is on a distinct stage of festive.

High Issues to Do:

See the Rockefeller Heart Christmas Tree and go ice skating on the rink beneath.

Browse the vacation outlets and go skating on the Bryant Park Winter Village.

See the Radio Metropolis Christmas Spectacular that includes the Rockettes.

Admire the frilly vacation window shows alongside Fifth Avenue.

The place to Keep: Midtown is handy for seeing the principle 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 City,” however we weren’t ready for the fact. We visited through the Village of Lights pageant, and strolling via the snow-covered Bavarian-style village whereas each single constructing was coated 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 Go to in December: Your complete city transforms right into a “Hallmark film” Christmas village. It’s a full-immersion vacation expertise with carolers, festive meals, and unimaginable decorations.

High Issues to Do:

See the “Village of Lights” (it’s lit up all month).

Go to the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm to stand up shut with reindeer.

Discover the Bavarian-themed outlets in search of distinctive presents.

Go to the Nutcracker Museum, which options over 7,000 nutcrackers.

The place to Keep: E book a Bavarian-style lodge or inn proper within the village. You have to e-book many months prematurely for December.

10. Asheville, North Carolina

We love Asheville, however visiting in December is all concerning the Biltmore Property. We took the candlelight night tour, and seeing the principle 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 get together.

Why Go to in December: Christmas at Biltmore is likely one of the most iconic vacation occasions within the nation. Town itself is a comfy mountain retreat, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are simply lovely with a dusting of snow.

High Issues to Do:

Take the Candlelight Christmas Night tour on the Biltmore Property.

See the Nationwide Gingerbread Home Competitors at The Omni Grove Park Inn.

Discover the Winter Lights show on the NC Arboretum.

Browse the impartial outlets and galleries within the River Arts District.

The place to Keep: You may keep on the Biltmore Property for the total expertise or select a boutique lodge downtown.

Listed here are the remaining locations for the “Greatest Christmas Cities & 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 Metropolis USA”, simply felt proper. We sipped scorching cider and browsed the stalls within the previous quarter, and you may really feel town’s 250+ years of Christmas custom. The entire place is lit by the glow of a large Moravian star on the hillside.

Why Go to in December: That is Christmas Metropolis USA. It was nicknamed this on Christmas Eve, 1741. It presents some of the genuine and historic vacation experiences within the nation, mixing its Moravian heritage with a European-style Christkindlmarkt.

High Issues to Do:

Browse the artisan stalls on the Christkindlmarkt, a big European-style market.

Take a horse-drawn carriage journey via the historic, candlelit streets.

See the only, large Moravian star shining over town.

Discover the historic Moravian stone buildings downtown, that are superbly adorned.

The place to Keep: Search for a lodge or inn within the historic downtown space to be near the festivities.

12. Solvang, California

Strolling 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 vacations. It’s such a singular and charming solution to expertise a winter getaway in the course of California.

Why Go to in December: The city’s month-long “Julefest” (Xmas-fest) celebration is in full swing. It’s a one-of-a-kind Danish-style Christmas with parades, markets, and, in fact, scrumptious European pastries.

High Issues to Do:

Attend the Julefest Parade and see the tree lighting ceremony.

Go on the “Nisse Journey,” a enjoyable scavenger hunt to search out the city’s mischievous Nisse (gnomes).

Browse the Julefest Maker’s Marketplace for native artisan crafts.

Pattern Danish pastries, like aebleskiver, from the native bakeries.

The place to Keep: Select one of many charming Danish-themed inns proper within the village to be in the course of the Julefest actions.

13. Grapevine, Texas

We needed to see the “Christmas Capital of Texas” for ourselves, and it didn’t disappoint. Your complete historic Predominant Avenue is reworked. We cherished seeing the classic railroad, which turns into the “North Pole Categorical” for the month. They take the “Christmas Capital” title critically; there are over 1,400 occasions in 40 days.

Why Go to in December: It’s 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.

High Issues to Do:

Experience the “North Pole Categorical” on the Grapevine Classic Railroad.

Stroll down the festively adorned Historic Predominant Avenue.

See the sunshine shows and ice sculptures on the Gaylord Texan Resort.

Go snow tubing on a snow hill, all in the course of Texas.

The place to Keep: The Gaylord Texan Resort is an attraction in itself, or you possibly can keep close to the Historic Predominant Avenue to be near 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 some of the memorable meals we’ve ever had. Afterwards, we walked to Jackson Sq. to see the St. Louis Cathedral all lit up whereas carolers sang.

Why Go to in December: You get to expertise distinctive Creole Christmas traditions you gained’t discover anyplace else. The climate is delicate, the meals is unimaginable, and town’s lobbies (like at The Roosevelt) have a few of the most elegant decorations we’ve seen.

High Issues to Do:

See the unimaginable vacation gentle shows at Celebration within the Oaks in Metropolis Park.

Stroll via the French Quarter to see the balconies adorned for Christmas.

Have a “Reveillon Dinner” at one of many metropolis’s historic eating places.

Take heed to reside vacation music and jazz on Frenchmen Avenue.

The place to Keep: We suggest a lodge within the French Quarter to be in the course of the motion and see the adorned lobbies.

15. Natchitoches, Louisiana

We went to Natchitoches (pronounced Nak-a-tish) particularly for its Christmas Competition, and it was a complete pleasure. It’s one of many oldest and largest within 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 exhibits are incredible.

Why Go to in December: It hosts one of many oldest and most celebrated vacation festivals within the US, working for six weeks. It’s a traditional, Southern Christmas expertise in a fantastic historic district.

High Issues to Do:

See the “Competition of Lights,” with a whole lot of 1000’s of lights mirrored within the Cane River.

Watch one of many spectacular fireworks exhibits over the river, which occur on weekends.

Stroll via the Landmark Historic District and browse the outlets.

Eat a well-known Natchitoches meat pie from an area vendor.

The place to Keep: E book a room at a historic mattress & breakfast within the downtown space.

16. Williamsburg, Virginia

Visiting Colonial Williamsburg in December felt like strolling via a dwelling historical past Christmas card. We joined a candlelight tour, and seeing the historic buildings lit by actual candles within the home windows, with carolers in interval costumes and the odor of woodsmoke within the air… it was completely magical.

Why Go to in December: You get to expertise a conventional, 18th-century “Colonial Christmas”. The decorations are all-natural (no plastic lights), and the ambiance is extremely genuine and charming.

High Issues to Do:

Take a candlelight tour via 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 via the sunshine present at Busch Gardens Christmas City.

The place to Keep: Keep in one of many historic Colonial Homes or a tavern proper within the restored space for the total immersive expertise.

Right here is the ultimate class of locations. This part is all about embracing the snow and discovering that good winter wonderland.

Greatest Locations for a Snowy Winter Wonderland

For a lot of, 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 all the time keep in mind our first “après-ski” in Aspen. We had spent the day on the mountain hitting contemporary powder every time we obtained the possibility, and because 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 blizzard on the historic city, it simply felt like the height of a luxurious winter journey.

Why Go to in December: It’s one of many world’s most well-known upscale ski locations, and the city is simply as a lot an attraction because the mountains. The festive ambiance, high-end outlets, and eating places are all decked out for the vacations.

High Issues to Do:

Ski or snowboard at one of many 4 mountains (Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, or Buttermilk).

Stroll via the festively lit, Victorian-era downtown.

Benefit from the world-class après-ski scene.

Go ice skating on the Silver Circle Ice Rink.

The place to Keep: Aspen is understood for its luxurious lodges and ski-in/ski-out resorts.

18. Park Metropolis, Utah

One in all our favorite issues about Park Metropolis is its historical past. We cherished snowboarding all the way down to the historic Predominant Avenue, popping off our skis, and strolling straight right into a saloon that’s been there because the silver mining days. It looks like an actual Western city, not only a ski resort.

Why Go to in December: It’s a historic mountain city with two world-class ski resorts (Park Metropolis and Deer Valley). The historic Predominant Avenue is extremely charming, and the “Snow Globe Stroll” options life-sized snow globes you possibly can stroll via.

High Issues to Do:

Ski or snowboard at Park Metropolis Mountain Resort or Deer Valley.

Stroll the historic Predominant Avenue, popping into the outlets, galleries, and saloons.

Expertise the “Snow Globe Stroll”.

Go bobsledding (with knowledgeable pilot) on the Utah Olympic Park.

The place to Keep: You’ll find ski-in/ski-out lodges or keep at an inn on the historic Predominant Avenue.

19. Jackson Gap, Wyoming

Jackson Gap in December is simply dramatic. We took a sleigh journey via the Nationwide Elk Refuge, and seeing 1000’s of elk gathered towards the backdrop of the snow-covered Teton mountains… it was a robust and wild winter expertise we’ve by no means forgotten.

Why Go to in December: It’s the proper 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 superbly lit for the vacations.

High Issues to Do:

Take a sleigh journey via the Nationwide Elk Refuge.

Ski or snowboard the legendary terrain at Jackson Gap Mountain Resort.

Take a photograph below the antler arches within the festive City Sq..

Go for a snowshoeing or cross-country ski day journey in Grand Teton Nationwide Park.

The place to Keep: Keep at a slopeside resort in Teton Village or in a lodge within 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 Nationwide Park, having fun with the overall silence and unimaginable snowy landscapes, after which got here again to city for an informal dinner. It’s all the sweetness, with out the glitz. Simply what we have been in search of in a winter trip.

Why Go to 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 Nationwide Park, which is a spectacular place to discover within the winter.

High Issues to Do:

Ski or snowboard at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Go on a guided snowshoe or cross-country ski tour in Glacier Nationwide Park.

Stroll the charming, adorned downtown.

Take a horse-drawn sleigh journey via the snowy fields.

The place to Keep: You’ll find lodges on the mountain or keep in one of many 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 Home and see his reindeer. It’s a surreal and joyful expertise.

Why Go to in December: It’s the final word Christmas fantasy come to life. Your complete city is Christmas-themed, 12 months a 12 months, but it surely’s most magical in December with actual snow on the bottom and the added bonus of probably seeing the Northern Lights.

High Issues to Do:

Go to the Santa Claus Home to satisfy Santa and see his reindeer.

Ship 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.

The place to Keep: North Pole may be very small; most guests keep within the close by metropolis of Fairbanks, which has a variety of lodges.

Ideas for Travelling within the USA in December

E book All the pieces in Advance: December, particularly the interval from mid-month via New Yr’s, is likely one of the most costly and busiest journey instances of the 12 months. Flights and lodges promote out and costs are excessive. E book as far forward as you probably can.

Pack for Your Vacation spot (and Be Ready): 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 essential as your ski gear. For heat locations, keep in mind it may possibly nonetheless get cool at evening.

Lease a 4WD: Should you’re heading to a snowy mountain vacation spot like Colorado, Utah, or Wyoming, a 4WD or all-wheel-drive car is crucial. Test street circumstances earlier than you drive.

Test Occasion Schedules: For the festive cities, many parades, markets, and light-up occasions solely occur on particular weekends. Test the official city or occasion web sites earlier than you e-book to be sure you gained’t miss the principle occasion.

FAQ: Greatest Locations to Go to within the US in December

Prepared for a December Journey?

December is a magical month to journey. Whether or not you’re chasing the solar, in search of out that good snowy scene, or in search of a city that’s filled with vacation magic, the US has the proper spot for you.

We hope this record, primarily based on our personal winter travels, helps you intend your subsequent getaway. Save this on Pinterest on your vacation planning! The place is your favorite place to go in December?