21 Best Places to Visit in December in the USA (2025 Edition)

We’ll always remember the primary time we visited New York Metropolis in December. We’d seen it in motion pictures, 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.

Actually, we’ve been to virtually all 50 states and spent lots of winters looking for probably the most enjoyable locations and finest climate. We’ve executed so many street journeys within the USA and flown virtually in every single place, looking for the perfect locations to both escape the snow or benefit from the winter, you’d suppose we’re obsessed. And we wish to share all of that information with you.

For those who’re on the lookout for the proper 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?

Primarily based on all these experiences, we’ve put collectively this listing of our favorite locations to go to. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a festive metropolis, a snowy mountain, or a sunny seashore, we’ll show you how to discover the proper spot.

Fast Checklist: Finest Locations to Go to in December within the USA

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

• New York Metropolis, New York: The final 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 attraction.
• 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 yr. The most important draw is the distinct selection it provides: You possibly can both dive head-first right into a winter wonderland, full with snow and vacation markets, or you may 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 environment to finish the yr.

Finest Heat Locations to Go to in December within the USA

For those who’re something like us, generally the perfect reward in December is a break from the chilly. Belief us, we all know after residing in Toronto, Canada. These winters are brutal. These are our favorite spots to search out sunshine and heat climate, the place you may 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 now have an ideal 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 (typically within the excessive 70s), and the danger of hurricanes could be very low. The entire island is in a festive spirit, with distinctive occasions just like the “Bight Earlier than Christmas” boat parade.

Prime Issues to Do:

• Watch the “Bight Earlier than Christmas” lighted boat parade.
• Take a journey on the Conch Prepare to see the historic houses embellished for the vacations.
• Go to the Southernmost Level within the continental US for a basic 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 Previous 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 an exquisite hula efficiency… after which Santa Claus arrives on an outrigger canoe. It was the proper, uniquely Hawaiian option 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 this can be a well-liked time, particularly round Christmas, so costs will be excessive and also you’ll have to e-book prematurely.

Prime 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 generally arrives in a purple canoe.
• Browse the vacation markets at Whalers Village in Ka’anapali.
• Drive the Street 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 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 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 while not having a passport.

Prime 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 Pageant) celebrations, a neighborhood custom.

The place to Keep: You possibly can select from giant 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 of many Previous City trolley excursions at evening, and seeing the whole historic metropolis, from the outdated Spanish structure to the palm bushes, draped in thousands and thousands of white lights… it was breathtaking. It’s a vacation gentle show not like every other.

Why Go to 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 environment. It’s one of the festive and heat locations you may go to.

Prime Issues to Do:

• Take a trolley or strolling tour of the “Nights of Lights” show.
• Stroll by way of the historic streets and go to the Castillo de San Marcos.
• See the 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 liked seeing the huge 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 major month for historical past, with the memorial occasions at Pearl Harbor.

Prime 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 huge winter waves on the North Shore.
• Chill out on the world-famous Waikiki Seashore.

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

6. South Padre Island, Texas

In case your concept of a winter getaway is to actually get away from all the things, 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 proper option 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 provides a easy, enjoyable seashore trip with out the excessive costs or vacation chaos of different locations.

Prime 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 inns 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 hundreds 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: excellent, sunny climate for out of doors adventures like mountain climbing in the course of the day, and gorgeous, subtle vacation gentle shows at evening.

Prime Issues to Do:

• Stroll by way of 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 embellished retailers and galleries in Previous City Scottsdale.

The place to Keep: Select from upscale resorts in Scottsdale or trendy inns in downtown Phoenix.

Finest Christmas Cities & Festive Cities to Go to in December

Typically, the nice and cozy climate locations simply received’t minimize it, particularly if you’re on the lookout for that winter wonderland really feel. So, this part is for travellers who wish to dive head-first into the vacation spirit. These are the cities and cities that go all-out for December, with thousands and thousands of lights, Christmas markets, and an environment of pure magic.

8. New York Metropolis, New York

We’ve visited NYC many occasions, however there’s a selected vitality in December. We grabbed sizzling sweets and walked by way of the Bryant Park Winter Village, watching the ice skaters zip across the rink below the lights of the encompassing 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 enduring tree to the world-famous window shows, the whole metropolis is on a distinct stage of festive.

Prime Issues to Do:

• See the Rockefeller Heart Christmas Tree and go ice skating on the rink beneath.
• Browse the vacation retailers and go skating on the Bryant Park Winter Village.
• See the Radio Metropolis Christmas Spectacular that includes the Rockettes.
• Admire the flowery 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 truth. We visited in the course of the Village of Lights competition, and strolling by way of 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: The complete city transforms right into a “Hallmark film” Christmas village. It’s a full-immersion vacation expertise with carolers, festive meals, and unimaginable decorations.

Prime 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 retailers on the lookout for distinctive items.
• Go to the Nutcracker Museum, which options over 7,000 nutcrackers.

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

10. Asheville, North Carolina

We love Asheville, however visiting in December is all in regards to 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 celebration.

Why Go to in December: Christmas at Biltmore is without doubt one of the most iconic vacation occasions within the nation. The town itself is a comfy mountain retreat, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are simply lovely with a dusting of snow.

Prime 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 retailers and galleries within the River Arts District.

The place to Keep: You possibly can keep on the Biltmore Property for the complete expertise or select a boutique resort downtown.

Listed below are the remaining locations for the “Finest Christmas Cities & Festive Cities” part, all written with distinctive, December-focused content material.

11. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

We’ve visited lots of Christmas markets, however visiting the one in Bethlehem, generally known as “Christmas Metropolis USA”, simply felt proper. We sipped sizzling cider and browsed the stalls within the outdated quarter, and you’ll really feel the town’s 250+ years of Christmas custom. The entire place is lit by the glow of an enormous Moravian star on the hillside.

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

Prime Issues to Do:

• Browse the artisan stalls on the Christkindlmarkt, a big European-style market.
• Take a horse-drawn carriage journey by way of the historic, candlelit streets.
• See the only, big Moravian star shining over the town.
• Discover the historic Moravian stone buildings downtown, that are fantastically embellished.

The place to Keep: Search for a resort 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 embellished for the vacations. It’s such a singular and charming option to expertise a winter getaway in the course of California.

Why Go to in December: The city’s month-long “Julefest” (Yuletide-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.

Prime 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. The complete historic Primary Road is remodeled. We liked seeing the classic railroad, which turns into the “North Pole Specific” 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.

Prime Issues to Do:

• Trip the “North Pole Specific” on the Grapevine Classic Railroad.
• Stroll down the festively embellished Historic Primary Road.
• 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 may keep close to the Historic Primary Road 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 one 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 received’t discover anyplace else. The climate is delicate, the meals is unimaginable, and the town’s lobbies (like at The Roosevelt) have a few of the most elegant decorations we’ve seen.

Prime Issues to Do:

• See the unimaginable vacation gentle shows at Celebration within the Oaks in Metropolis Park.
• Stroll by way of the French Quarter to see the balconies embellished 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 Road.

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

15. Natchitoches, Louisiana

We went to Natchitoches (pronounced Nak-a-tish) particularly for its Christmas Pageant, 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, operating for six weeks. It’s a basic, Southern Christmas expertise in an exquisite historic district.

Prime Issues to Do:

• See the “Pageant of Lights,” with lots of of hundreds of lights mirrored within the Cane River.
• Watch one of many spectacular fireworks exhibits over the river, which occur on weekends.
• Stroll by way of the Landmark Historic District and browse the retailers.
• Eat a well-known Natchitoches meat pie from a neighborhood vendor.

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

16. Williamsburg, Virginia

Visiting Colonial Williamsburg in December felt like strolling by way of a residing 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 scent of woodsmoke within the air… it was completely magical.

Why Go to 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.

Prime Issues to Do:

• Take a candlelight tour by way 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 way of 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 complete immersive expertise.

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

Finest Locations for a Snowy Winter Wonderland

For a lot of, 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 contemporary powder every time we received the prospect, and because the solar went down, the sky lit up with this unimaginable pink and orange gentle they name “Aspenglow.” Sitting by a fireplace, having fun with a glass of Christmas cheer, and watching the snowstorm 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 environment, high-end retailers, and eating places are all decked out for the vacations.

Prime Issues to Do:

• Ski or snowboard at one of many 4 mountains (Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, or Buttermilk).
• Stroll by way of 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 inns and ski-in/ski-out resorts.

18. Park Metropolis, Utah

One in every of our favorite issues about Park Metropolis is its historical past. We liked snowboarding right down to the historic Primary Road, popping off our skis, and strolling straight right into a saloon that’s been there because the silver mining days. It appears 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 Primary Road is extremely charming, and the “Snow Globe Stroll” options life-sized snow globes you may stroll by way of.

Prime Issues to Do:

• Ski or snowboard at Park Metropolis Mountain Resort or Deer Valley.
• Stroll the historic Primary Road, popping into the retailers, galleries, and saloons.
• Expertise the “Snow Globe Stroll”.
• Go bobsledding (with an expert pilot) on the Utah Olympic Park.

The place to Keep: You’ll find ski-in/ski-out inns or keep at an inn on the historic Primary Road.

19. Jackson Gap, Wyoming

Jackson Gap in December is simply dramatic. We took a sleigh journey by way of the Nationwide Elk Refuge, and seeing hundreds 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” attraction 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 vacations.

Prime Issues to Do:

• Take a sleigh journey by way of 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 resort within the city of Jackson.

20. Whitefish, Montana

We love Whitefish as a result of it appears like an actual, down-to-earth ski city. We spent a day snowshoeing in close by Glacier Nationwide Park, having fun with the entire silence and unimaginable snowy landscapes, after which got here again to city for an off-the-cuff dinner. It’s all the wonder, with out the glitz. Simply what we had been on the lookout for 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.

Prime 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, embellished downtown.
• Take a horse-drawn sleigh journey by way of 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’ll 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 last word Christmas fantasy come to life. The complete city is Christmas-themed, three hundred and sixty five days a yr, but it surely’s most magical in December with actual snow on the bottom and the added bonus of presumably seeing the Northern Lights.

Prime 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 could be very small; most guests keep within the close by metropolis of Fairbanks, which has a variety of inns.

Ideas for Travelling within the USA in December

• Guide All the pieces in Advance: December, particularly the interval from mid-month by way of New Yr’s, is without doubt one of the costliest and busiest journey occasions of the yr. Flights and inns promote out and costs are excessive. Guide as far forward as you presumably 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 necessary as your ski gear. For heat locations, bear in mind it could actually nonetheless get cool at evening.
• Hire a 4WD: For those who’re heading to a snowy mountain vacation spot like Colorado, Utah, or Wyoming, a 4WD or all-wheel-drive car is important. Verify street situations earlier than you drive.
• Verify Occasion Schedules: For the festive cities, many parades, markets, and light-up occasions solely occur on particular weekends. Verify the official city or occasion web sites earlier than you e-book to be sure you received’t miss the principle occasion.

FAQ: Finest 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 excellent snowy scene, or on the lookout for a city that’s filled with vacation magic, the US has the proper spot for you.

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