Are you looking for the best Christmas vacations in the USA? If so, these 15 destinations will have you packing your bags for a wintertime vacation!
Whether you’re craving a snowy winter wonderland, a sunny escape to the beach, or heading south to Florida, there’s a destination waiting to bring your holiday dreams to life.
These festive spots range from charming small towns to lively cities and tropical islands. They’re packed with twinkle lights, amazing Christmastime vibes, and memorable adventures that make December feel extra magical. There are amazing light displays, Christmas markets, and Christmas trees to check out throughout these 15 USA Christmas destinations.
15 Best Christmas Vacations in the USA You’ll Absolutely Love
Beaver Creek, Colorado
Beaver Creek is one of my favorite destinations in the US if looking for a winter wonderland to spend Christmas. This small, luxurious mountain-side village is situated approximately 20 minutes from Vail, Colorado, and offers a stunning vacation.
Even if you don’t ski, you can snowmobile, snowshoe, or enjoy spa options galore. Beaver Creek knows how to make Christmas feel magical without being overwhelming. From mountainside s’mores to three o’clock chocolate chip cookies passed throughout the village, there is a skating rink and fire pits located throughout the area.
Plus, a great après-ski scene is perfect for warming up by a fire with a glass of wine. Not to worry, thought one of the best parts about Christmas here is how family-friendly it is
Best of all, if you choose not to drive, a shuttle that runs from Denver and Vail airports. I highly suggest staying at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek! This is one of the best Christmas vacations in the USA!
Perfect for those looking for: luxury ski resorts, a mountain village with après-ski, or a family-friendly village with spa vibes
Honolulu, Hawaii
If your ideal Christmas consists of sunshine, white-sand beaches, and a tropical vibe, Honolulu is a great destination. There is so much to do on the island of Oahu, from sitting poolside or beachside to hiking, water sports, chasing waterfalls, surfing, and exploring museums and history, all on one island.
There is a reason Christmastime is so busy in Hawaii, and it is the perfect weather. Whether you are hiking Diamond Head, heading to the North Shore for surfing, trying a seafood shack, visiting the Dole Plantation, or paddle boarding at Waikiki Beach, there is something for all outdoor lovers.
Don’t miss Honolulu City Lights, where giant Santa statues and palm trees wrapped in twinkle lights line the streets. There is also a holiday parade and a Christmas tree display that is uniquely Hawaiian. If you want festive without the frostbite, Honolulu delivers on every level.
For a unique Christmas Eve, take a sunset cruise or attend a Hawaiian-style holiday luau on the beach!
Perfect for those looking for: tropical and warm, island vibe, and outdoor activities, surfing, hiking, and historical sites
Florida Keys
If you want to spend time on the water with a slower pace of life, head to the Florida Keys for the best Christmas vacations in the USA, spent in the sunshine. There is a reason snowbirds head south for the winter, and it is the sunshine, warm water, and relaxing vibe.
From a luxurious stay on private Palm Island, where you can unplug in total luxury, to Key West, where you can visit museums, butterfly gardens, and the southernmost point of the US. Don’t forget to book your trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park.
In Marathon or Key Largo, you can charter a fishing boat, enjoy state parks, or enjoy beach life as the weather stays warm even in December. This is one of our favorite places for Christmas in Florida!
The Florida Keys are great for a non-traditional Christmas. From tiki torches to Christmas boat parades, the festive spirit here is uniquely coastal. It’s a great way to relax and truly escape the hustle of the season.
Perfect for those looking for: hot and sunny weather, island life and water sports, and a relaxed pace with great seafood
Park City, Utah
Park City is a great option for a Christmas vacation. It offers a mountainside escape filled with nature. Within driving distance of Park City, you can visit several national parks.
From Zion National Park to Antelope Island to Bryce Canyon, these are all quite magical over Christmas as white snow dusts the red canyon walls. The Utah Olympic Park is also worth visiting. While not all the trails will be accessible if heavy snow or icing has occurred, the main roads to major viewpoints usually remain open.
In Central Park City, the village offers an ice skating rink, restaurants, ski slopes, a sledding area, and shops. This area is very family-friendly, and the entire town glows with holiday lights and decorations throughout December.
After a day on the slopes, head to Main Street for hot cocoa, boutique shopping, or a relaxing spa session. Known for its mix of outdoor fun and rustic elegance charm, during the holidays.
Perfect for those looking for: cold and snowy weather, a ski town with a family-friendly village, or National park access and scenic drives
Savannah, Georgia
Are you looking to spend Christmastime in the South? If so, head to one of our favorite cities, Savannah, Georgia. They fully decorate the historic sites, from town squares to homes and cobblestone streets, making the city truly magical. It is easy to see why Savannah is one of the best Christmas vacations in the USA!
As you walk along the waterfront, you can visit the Christmas market and watch the boats that get decorated for the holiday parade. The city has amazing food, cozy coffee shops, and boutiques. It’s romantic, walkable, and wonderfully festive.
The mild weather makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors while still feeling festive. You can take a holiday trolley tour to see all the lights, or join a ghost tour for something a little more unexpected this time of year.
Savannah mixes Southern charm with old-world magic. Think horse-drawn carriages, historical inns, and moss-draped trees glittering with white lights.
Perfect for those looking for: mild winter temperatures, southern charm and romance, and holiday markets and decorated historic homes
New York City, New York
Winter in NYC is one of my favorite times of year. There is something magical about visiting New York City at Christmas. The iconic sights are all lit up and decorated for the holidays. From the department store window displays along Fifth Avenue to the Rockefeller Christmas tree and ice skating rink, the city is pure holiday magic.
Wander through Central Park, explore the Bryant Park holiday market, and grab a cup of Angelina’s hot chocolate, which will transport you straight to Paris.
For those who are worried about the cold, you can escape into museums, art galleries, or catch a Broadway show for some indoor entertainment. Walk along the High Line and then check out Chelsea Market for shopping and a meal.
Another must-do is visiting the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes. Neighborhoods like Dyker Heights in Brooklyn go all out with house lights and decor, and it is worth the trek. We have a great guide on what to wear for December in NYC!
Perfect for those looking for: cold with chances of snow, a classic Christmas destination, big city lights, markets, shows, and ice skating
Los Angeles, California
Are you looking for amazing weather, sunshine, beaches, and outdoor adventures? Then, Los Angeles is the Christmas-time destination for you. There are so many areas in Los Angeles to explore, each offering a different vibe.
Manhattan Beach, Venice, and Santa Monica are beachside towns that offer boardwalks for walking or biking, not to mention beaches to visit. While Beverly Hills is known for shopping and the Hollywood Hills are known for museums and hiking.
My LA musts for Christmastime include a visit to The Grove for holiday decorations, the LA Philharmonic for a performance, and a visit to Griffith Park for twinkle light train rides
Perfect for those looking for: warm and sunny destinations, beaches, outdoor activities, culture, and museums
Las Vegas, Nevada
While Las Vegas might not seem like a typical Christmas destination, it is a city that comes alive during Christmastime. Not just for those looking to gamble, but for families and adults alike, this destination offers something for everyone.
One of the most surprising things about Vegas during the holidays is just how festive it can be! The hotels are all decorated, and outside, bright lights light up the skyline. There are shows, activities, concerts, amazing spas, and more to do here.
Take a tour of the Grand Canyon, head out to Hoover Dam, or Red Rocks Park for those looking to get outdoors.
Visit the Bellagio Conservatory for an elaborate floral Christmas display, and the LINQ Promenade turns into a winter festival with carolers, ice skating, and snowfall effects. But even if it’s too chilly for the pool, the heated pools and spa experiences are still divine.
Perfect for those looking for: Mild to cool weather, a glitzy city experience, 24-hour access to casinos, shows, restaurants, and outdoor excursions
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is a fantastic place to spend Christmas if you’re craving that classic snow-covered lodge vibe combined with mountain adventures. Nestled near Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone, the area is stunning this time of year. Extend your Christmas in Jackson Hole by taking the Perfect Yellowstone Road Trip.
The streets feel like something out of a western holiday movie with antler arches wrapped in twinkling lights. Stay in a rustic cabin or luxe resort and enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or even a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge.
Holiday events in Jackson Hole include tree lightings, fireworks on the mountain, and cozy fireside meals at alpine lodges. From exploring the charming downtown area, visiting the National Museum of Wildlife Art, or sipping hot toddies at the bar, it is the kind of place that makes Christmas feel truly magical.
Perfect for those looking for: a cold and snowy destination, a rustic mountain escape with wildlife, skiing, and western charm
Leavenworth, Washington (plus Seattle)
If you are dreaming of visiting a European town but do not want to make the long flight, Leavenworth is the spot for the best Christmas vacation in the USA. This charming Bavarian town is a two or three-hour drive from Seattle, Washington, depending on the weather.
The town goes all out for Christmas, making it a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink, a town-wide light display, and a Christmas market like the ones you find in Germany. Holiday performances, carolers, and horse-drawn carriage rides add to the small-town magic with so much to do here.
After a visit here, head to Seattle to explore the Pacific Northwest. From Pike Place Market to the Space Needle, to the lights at the zoo! Walk along the scenic waterfront, or visit museums and even some national parks not too far from the city.
Perfect for those looking for: cold with festive snow, European village aesthetic, Christmas markets, and charm
Orlando, Florida
Another Florida destination on our list and the most visited city in the US, with nearly 75 million visitors annually, Orlando has so much more to offer than just theme parks. That said, check out our amazing guide to Christmas at Disney!
Downtown Disney offers a fun waterfront stroll where you can shop, eat, and admire Mickey-themed holiday decor. Epcot shows off decorations from countries around the world, and Disney’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a bucket list experience complete with fake snow, parades, and fireworks. We also have the Ultimate Guide To Visiting Disney In December.
Beyond the parks, explore warm springs that stay 72 degrees year-round, hike in state parks, or take an airboat tour through the swampy backwaters. For something off the beaten path, try the Leu Gardens holiday lights or attend the Nutcracker at the Dr. Phillips Center. Orlando teems with activities for all ages and interests.
Perfect for those looking for: warm weather, sunshine, theme parks, and family fun, natural springs, shows, and nightlife
Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital comes alive during the holidays. From seeing all the national monuments lit up at night to exploring the Smithsonian museums, the Capitol, and the White House all decked out for the season, D.C. mixes holiday cheer with culture and history.
Another favorite of mine is visiting the Intercontinental Willard Hotel. The lobby goes all out with gingerbread displays, wreaths, and a tree that stretches nearly to the ceiling. It is the perfect spot for a cozy drink or afternoon tea.
The National Christmas Tree by the White House is a must-see, surrounded by 56 smaller trees representing every state and territory. If you have kids, ZooLights at the National Zoo is a must! I always suggest seeing a holiday concert at the Kennedy Center! The nation’s capital makes for one of the best Christmas vacations in the USA!
Perfect for those looking for: cool temperatures, Historic and cultural Christmas, monuments, museums, or festive lights
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is a year-round destination, and a visit here during Christmas makes it easy to see why. From world-class golf resorts to nearby Joshua Tree National Park and art museums, this desert escape is ideal for those seeking warm weather without crowds.
Holiday lights light up Palm Canyon Drive, and local resorts deck their palm trees with decor. It may be warm, but the city still gets into the holiday spirit! You can even take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to Mount San Jacinto for a snowy mountaintop view while still staying in the valley below.
December is an ideal time to explore the area’s famous mid-century modern architecture, lounge by the pool, or shop at the local boutiques. With hot springs, spas, and outdoor adventure at your fingertips, it is a relaxing yet festive way to spend Christmas.
Perfect for those looking for: warm and sunny weather, a desert escape with luxury vibes, a spa, poolside relaxation, and art
Berkshires, Massachusetts
If you are looking for a cozy New England holiday, the Berkshires are one of the most picturesque Christmas destinations on the East Coast. Picture snow-covered hills, tiny towns with main streets full of lights, and inns with amazing spa resorts.
Visit Stockbridge to see the recreated Norman Rockwell Christmas scene or enjoy a performance of The Nutcracker in Pittsfield. You can also visit MASS MoCA for a dose of modern art, explore snowy hiking trails, or curl up with a book in front of the fire at a boutique inn.
The Berkshires offer the kind of peaceful, nostalgic Christmas escape that feels straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Perfect for those looking for: a cozy New England winter retreat, museums, festive small towns, and scenic views
North Pole, Alaska
If you have dreamed of visiting a place that celebrates Christmas every single day, that is the North Pole, Alaska! Located outside of Fairbanks, this small town is known for its year-round holiday spirit. It is a must-visit for all Christmas lovers.
From Santa Clauses’ house at the center of town, which is filled with ornaments, toys, and treats, and even Santa himself. You can take photos with the largest Santa Statue and send postcards from the post office.
While the weather in December is COLD, often well below zero, the payoff is worth it! So bundle up and stroll the candy cane-lined Kris Kringle Drive and see the city light up under the glow of lights.
Dog sledding, ice sculpture parks, reindeer encounters, and tours to see the Northern Lights are just a few of the outdoor activities offered. There is nothing quite as magical as a visit to the North Pole during Christmas time for families.
Want to extend your Christmas in Alaska? Read our Ultimate Alaska Road Trip Itinerary.
Perfect for those looking for: family family-friendly town, Christmas lovers, winter adventure, Northern Lights
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