15 Best Places to Go for Christmas in the USA for a Festive Getaway

So here’s the thing. Christmas in the USA has a whole vibe. From cities that sparkle like they’re wrapped in fairy lights to quiet beaches where the waves hum Christmas songs (okay, not really, but you get the idea), get ready to explore the best of the best.

15 Best Places to Go for Christmas in the USA

Below, we are sharing our 15 favourite places to go for Christmas in the USA.

1. Leavenworth, Washington

• Average December Temps: 1 °C / -2°C

Imagine walking into a Christmas card. That’s Leavenworth. It’s a little village up in Washington that looks exactly like a tiny German town from a fairytale. But with more snow. And more lights. Like, half a million lights. You can see people singing carols on the street, stalls selling gingerbread men and hot cocoa, and even Krampus walking around (yup, that creepy guy from German folklore).

Here’s What You Can Do

• Ride a sleigh through Icicle Valley.
• Sip warm mulled wine at the Christmas market.
• Take selfies with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
• Eat veggie bratwurst at Munchen Haus (10/10 would recommend).

2. Avila Beach, California

• Average December Temps: 17°C / 10°C

So, not everyone wants snow for Christmas. Some of us want sand and sun. Four hours from L.A., down the Pacific Coast Highway, and boom, sunshine, waves, and holiday lights strung along the beach. Avila’s tiny, but it’s warm and cosy and doesn’t get too busy in December.

Here’s What You Can Do

• Hike the Bob Jones Trail (super peaceful).
• Soak in the hot springs at Sycamore Mineral Resort.
• Watch the Santa Dog Parade (yes, dogs in costumes).
• Stay at Avila La Fonda Hotel (they give free truffle popcorn!)
• Taste wine at Sinor-Lavallee and try the Pinot Noir, it’s a chef’s kiss.

3. Durango, Colorado

• Average December Temps: 5 °C / -10°C

Durango surprises everyone, even when people don’t expect it to be this pretty or this snowy. It’s a historic town that was once primarily focused on mining. However, in December, it transforms into a full-blown Christmas village. There’s a train, the Polar Express, that actually takes you through snowy forests (like the movie). You get hot chocolate on board. They even read the book out loud.

Here’s What You Can Do

• Ski at Purgatory Resort.
• Walk around the decorated downtown area.
• Go snowshoeing in the San Juan National Forest.
• Check out the Noel Night party, where you can enjoy tons of music and holiday shopping.
• Eat tempeh tacos at Ska Brewing and sip a citrusy beer that hits just right.

4. New York City, New York

• Average December Temps: 7°C / 0°C

New York at Christmas is unreal. You see it in movies, but in real life, it’s even better. Every window is decorated. Trees sparkle. People ice skate under skyscrapers. And everywhere you look, there’s something happening.

Here’s What You Can Do

• Skate at the Rockefeller Centre rink.
• Watch the Nutcracker ballet.
• Shop at the Bryant Park holiday market.
• Walk around Central Park in the snow.
• Stay at Moxy NYC Chelsea (the lobby resembles a flower shop that has exploded, and it’s amazing).
• Sip a weird but awesome Ethiopian Matcha Latte at Café Grumpy.

5. Williamsburg, Virginia

• Average December Temps: 11 °C / 2°C

Suppose you’re looking for something slower and sweeter, head to Williamsburg. This place looks like it’s stuck in the past in the best way. It’s all cobbled streets, candlelit homes, and folks dressed like it’s the 1700s. But when December comes, it lights up like a storybook.

Here’s What You Can Do

• Take a colonial ghost tour at night (so spooky, so fun).
• Make a Christmas wreath at a workshop.
• Watch the Christmas parade float by in the cutest old-school way.
• Have dinner by candlelight at a tavern from the 1700s
• Shop at the Yorktown Christmas Market.

6. Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tennessee

• Average December Temps: 11°C / 0°C

Okay, this place? It’s huge. Like, seriously huge. We’re talking a whole Christmas world inside a hotel. It’s got more than 3 million lights on trees, walls, bridges, and even a river that flows right through the middle. Yep, a river. Indoors. And you ride boats on it, with twinkly lights everywhere.

Here’s What You Can Do

• Go ice skating, snow tubing, and watch a full-length Christmas play.
• Get lost in the indoor gardens, glowing with fairy lights.
• Taste peppermint hot cocoa that almost brings tears (yes, it’s that good).
• Take a steam bath and scalp massage at the fancy Relache Spa.
• Head to Broadway afterward and watch locals line-dance at Robert’s Western World.

7. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

• Average December Temps: 4 °C / -3°C

If you love classic holiday vibes, snowy houses, brick sidewalks, and candlelit streets, Portsmouth will be your jam. They go all out for Christmas here. Every home, every shop, every little alley glows. But it’s not loud or flashy. It’s soft, peaceful, and super charming.

Here’s What You Can Do

• Walk the Candlelight Stroll through historic houses with handmade wreaths.
• Watch the holiday parade with its floats, lights, and kids waving from the trucks.
• Check out the gingerbread house display.
• Stay at The Hotel Portsmouth.
• Eat warm cinnamon rolls in a café while snow falls outside.

8. Waikiki, Hawaii

• Average December Temps: 28°C / 20°C

No snow. No jackets. Just sunshine, palm trees, and Santa wearing board shorts. That’s Waikiki in December. If you want something completely different from the usual holiday cold, then travel to Honolulu and spend a sunny week by the beach.

Here’s What You Can Do

• Lie on the golden sand all day with zero guilt.
• Swim in turquoise waves under bright blue skies.
• Watch surfers ride massive waves on the North Shore.
• Wander through the Honolulu City Lights.
• Stay at Hokulani Waikiki and sip a hibiscus margarita on the rooftop.

9. Aspen, Colorado

• Average December Temps: 2 °C / -12°C

Aspen is what you see in movies when the rich folks go skiing for Christmas. And honestly, it really is that pretty. Snow everywhere. Super tall trees. Giant fireplaces in fancy lodges. It’s not cheap. But if you want that ultimate snowy Christmas movie experience, Aspen delivers.

Here’s What You Can Do

• Ski down Snowmass and go tubing at Elk Camp.
• Sip cocktails and nibble on truffle fries at Ajax Tavern.
• Shop in high-end boutiques and try not to look at the price tags.
• Watch fireworks and snow sculpture contests.

10. Siesta Key, Florida

• Average December Temps: 23°C / 13°C

This is where you go when you want to escape the cold, but still feel the joy of the holidays.

It’s a chill little destination with beaches so soft, it’s like walking on powdered sugar. You will find Christmas lights strung on palm trees, Santa hats on surfers, and no snow in sight.

Here’s What You Can Do

• Relax on Siesta Beach for hours.
• Watch the Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade
• Wander through Siesta Key Village and find boutiques, cafés, and bars.
• Drink a frozen banana daiquiri at Gilligan’s Island Bar.
• Watch sunsets that turn the whole sky orange and pink.

11. Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

• Average December Temps: 10°C / 0°C

If you’ve ever dreamed of spending Christmas inside a fairytale mansion, Biltmore Estate is your dream come true. And in December, it’s not just big, it’s magical. You can fly into Asheville, rent a car, and drive just 20 minutes to the estate.

Here’s What You Can Do

• See a 55-foot Christmas tree standing tall in the main hall.
• Take candlelight tours at night and enjoy the crackling fireplaces and live music.
• Walk through gardens covered in holiday lights.
• Taste wine for free at the Biltmore Winery.
• Make wreaths and ornaments in cosy little festive workshops.

12. Vermont

• Average December Temps: 2 °C / -7°C 

Vermont is what people imagine when they think of a snowy New England Christmas.

Snowy rooftops. Pine trees with lights. Cute towns with white churches and red barns. That’s Vermont in December.

Here’s What You Can Do

• Ski at Killington and snowboard at Stowe.
• Walk the frozen Lake Morey Skate Trail.
• Go to the Wassail Weekend in Woodstock and find horses, parades, and music everywhere.

13. Solvang, California

• Average December Temps: 18°C / 4°C

Solvang is tiny, but full of charm. It looks like a Danish village, with windmills, pointy rooftops, and sweet little bakeries on every block. But in December, it turns into a full-on Christmas wonderland. They call it Julefest, and it lasts the whole month.

Here’s What You Can Do

• Watch the tree lighting ceremony and the festive holiday parade.
• Walk through the Santa Village and listen to live music shows.
• Sip warm Glogg (spiced wine) and munch on round Danish pancakes.
• Take part in the Nisse Adventure scavenger hunt.

14. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

• Average December Temps: 5 °C / -4°C

Yes, the town is really called Bethlehem. And yes, it actually lives up to the name. This place feels like Christmas. All year. But especially in December, as it is packed with fun things to do.

Here’s What You Can Do

• Visit the Christkindlmarkt market filled with food, crafts, and live music
• Watch the Living Advent Calendar at the Groundie House every day at 5:30 p.m.
• Sip authentic German Glühwein while strolling past historic stone churches.
• Browse the trendy Domaci store and buy anything handmade.

15. Whitefish, Montana

• Average December Temps: -1°C / -8°C

Whitefish is small, it’s snowy, and it has this chill mountain-town energy that made me never want to leave. The ski resort is just up the hill, and the town is full of cute lights, gift shops, and warm cafés.

Here’s What You Can Do

• Ski and snowboard at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
• Join the Christmas Stroll and enjoy live local music and food vendors.
• Watch the Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade.
• Stay at the cosy Good Medicine Lodge and drink in-house roasted coffee.

Final Thoughts

Every place on this list offers something unique. And that’s the best part about Christmas in the USA: you get to choose your kind of magic. If you’re dreaming of a winter getaway this year, we hope this guide helped you find some inspiration. No matter what kind of traveller you are, there’s a perfect Christmas getaway out there waiting for you.

FAQs

What are the best city Christmas destinations in the US?

New York City tops the list for iconic Christmas experiences. But don’t skip Nashville and Bethlehem, PA, both bring big festive energy with their own twist.

When should I book my Christmas trip in the USA?

Suppose you’re eyeing popular destinations like Aspen or NYC, book 3 to 6 months in advance. For smaller towns or beach getaways, you can often find deals 1 to 2 months before, especially for early December.