30 Best Places To Visit During Christmas In The USA

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to take a holiday vacation!

There are many unique options for planning a magical and safe Christmas getaway full of festive cheer, beautiful scenery, and fun holiday events, whether you’re returning to your family’s annual holiday traditions or looking for new and exciting ways to celebrate after a long year.

Some people believe that there is no place like home during the holidays.

So here are our 30 best places to visit during Christmas in the USA;

1. New Orleans, Louisiana

When you think of New Orleans, you probably think of Mardi Gras, but the Crescent City also goes all out during the holidays.

After you’ve had your fill of the city’s dazzling light displays and bonfires, head to Celebration in the Oaks, one of the country’s most spectacular holiday light festivals.

2. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a fantastic destination at any time of year, but it’s especially magical (and still warm!) during the holidays, when the city goes all out for the holidays.

You can watch the Holiday Festival of Lights from your car this year before strolling down the streets to shop, eat, and marvel at the city’s historic mansions decked out for the holidays.

3. Hershey, Pennsylvania

What better way to ring in the holiday season than with plenty of chocolate?

The entire family will enjoy spending the holidays at Hershey Park, where you can go on holiday rides and marvel at the more than 5 million lights that adorn the fun-filled chocolate theme park.

It is one of the best family-friendly Christmas vacation destinations in the USA.

4. Aspen, Colorado

Looking for the ultimate winter getaway this Christmas? This beautiful ski resort town is a well-known haven for ski bunnies and travel enthusiasts, but it also holds plenty of Christmas activities during the holiday season, including an annual tree lighting, a fun-packed “12 Days of Aspen” event and holiday shows (like The Nutcracker) at the Opera House.

5. Taos, New Mexico

Taos, which offers a unique New Mexican spin on holiday traditions every year, is a must-visit for those looking for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.

The ski town hosts its annual Yuletide in Taos celebration, which includes holiday markets, bonfires, and other ultra-festive events.

6. Jackson, New Hampshire

There’s no better place to visit during the holidays than the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa.

After you’ve had your fill of skiing and other outdoor activities, take a sleigh ride for the festive Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour, where you can sample handmade chocolate while taking in the sights.

7. Chicago, Illinois

There’s no better place to visit during the holidays than the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa.

After you’ve had your fill of skiing and other outdoor activities, take a sleigh ride for the festive Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour, where you can sample handmade chocolate while taking in the sights.

8. Santa Claus, Indiana

The town of Santa Claus in Indiana is one of the best places to visit during Christmas in the USA. With a name like Santa Claus, you can be sure that this town is ready to welcome you and your family during the holidays.

This city, also known as “America’s Christmas Hometown,” hosts a three-weekend holiday celebration that includes a Christmas-themed fireworks display and a drive-through light adventure called Santa Claus Land of Lights.

9. Andalusia, Alabama

Andalusia’s Candyland, the town’s ultra-festive holiday event held throughout the month, is a must-see this December.

The admission is free, but there is a small fee of $4 for horse-drawn carriage rides.

You can also watch the Snow Show, ride the holiday train, and much more!

10. Cleveland, Ohio

This house was featured in the popular Christmas film A Christmas Story.

Ralphie’s famous home has been restored as a museum, and visitors can now tour it and even stay the night.

Leg lamps can be purchased (but be aware that they are extremely fragile).

11. Branson, Missouri

Branson is one of the most popular Christmas towns to visit in the USA. There are numerous light displays, as well as the massive An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City event.

The Polar Express, where you and your kids can see the Chris Van Allsburg classic come to life, is perhaps our favorite Branson holiday activity.

12. Leavenworth, Washington

When you look at photos of the Leavenworth Village of Lights, you’ll see why it’s been compared to a “swirling snow globe.”

The Bavarian-style town has an annual tradition of stringing beautiful Christmas lights throughout the downtown area, and you’ll be able to see them all this year (though there won’t be a big reveal at an official lighting festival as there usually is).

13. Austin, Texas

The Austin Trail of Lights, an annual festival featuring over 2 million lights and 100 Christmas trees, is one of the most beautiful sights to see during the holidays in Texas.

14. New York City

New York City is one of the best places to visit during Christmas in the USA. It is full of the festive spirit, and there is plenty to see and enjoy during the holidays. The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza has been seen in movies and on Instagram, and there is no other iconic location that compares.

After walking down Fifth Avenue and admiring the stunning storefronts, make your way to the plaza to see the annual tree-lighting ceremony.

15. Nantucket, Massachusetts

Participate in the annual Christmas Stroll or other Nantucket Noel festivities.

A festive decorating contest will light up storefronts and streets, and there will be an ugly Christmas contest, a tree lighting ceremony, and more.

16. Newport Beach, California

Even if there isn’t any snow, the annual Christmas Boat Parade in this California destination is sure to bring out the holiday spirit.

Each year, a series of boats decked out in holiday decor can be seen in the bay.

Fill your cup with cocoa and take a walk along Balboa Island, where you’ll see beautifully decorated houses for the holidays.

17. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is beautiful all year, but the city’s Christmas celebrations and decorations are particularly lovely.

Every year for the holidays, not only does the historic Town Square light up, but there are also plenty of festive activities such as horse-drawn sleigh rides, a Santa Claus “drop in,” and more.

18. Orlando, Florida

Is there anything more magical than a Disney World Christmas?

You won’t want to miss seeing Santa Claus, eating plenty of chocolate at Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays, or admiring the park’s beautiful Christmas trees.

19. Bernville, Pennsylvania

For all your holiday fun on the East Coast, we highly recommend Kozier’s Christmas Village.

This small town in the countryside has a unique Christmas Village.

A Winter Wonderland tour, which includes stops at Santa’s Post Office, a toy store, and an old-fashioned bakery, is also available (to name a few).

20. North Pole, Alaska

Keep an eye out for the real Santa Claus in the North Pole of the United States.

The city in Alaska is proud of its name, and the Santa Claus House is open every day of the year.

There are live reindeer, plenty of holiday gifts, and the world’s largest Santa statue can be found there.

During the summer and holiday seasons, a real-life Santa also makes an appearance! It is one of the most popular places to visit during Christmas in the USA.

21. McAdenville, North Carolina

McAdenville is nick-named “Christmas Town USA” for a reason. It is one of the best Christmas towns to visit in the USA.

Each year for Christmas, the small but festive town puts on a spectacular light show that makes for an unforgettable holiday experience.

22. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Downtown, a collection of over 30 events and attractions in downtown Oklahoma City, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in December of 2021.

Skate on the Devon Ice Rink at the Myriad Gardens, see the lights at the tree lighting festival, catch a performance at the Civic Center, or bring your dog to a special Christmas party where they can enjoy pup-friendly treats and have their photo taken with Santa.

23. Alexandria, Virginia

In Alexandria, Virginia, a short drive south of Washington, D.C., you can enjoy the well-appointed row houses on King Street while Christmas shopping, then visit George Washington’s historic home, Mt. Vernon, for a candlelight tour and fireworks display.

You can participate in the town’s 50th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade if you visit on the weekend of December 3rd. If you are a fan of shopping, this is one of the best places to visit during Christmas in the USA.

24. Kennebunkport, Maine

The annual Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude, an incredibly New England celebration that runs from December 2 to 12, will allow you to experience the beauty of coastal Maine.

Everything from Christmas markets to historic home tours to a lobster trap Christmas tree lighting is on the agenda.

25. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Visit the German-inspired Christmas City Village and Christmastime in Bethlehem, where you can shop from local artisans.

There are also performers, food, and Santa visits at the markets.

26. Dallas, Texas

Dallas is one of the best cities and places to visit for Christmas in the United States. Its holiday celebrations put most northern cities to shame, proving that you don’t need cold temperatures to get into the Christmas spirit.

Holiday at the Arboretum (now through December 31) features a Christmas village with millions of lights, a 50-foot tree with lights that dance to music, and Santa Claus visits.

At the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center, you can skate next to the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree and drive through the Dallas Zoo Lights route.

27. Denver, Colorado 

Special events and millions of twinkling lights will help you unwrap the magic of the holidays in Denver this season.

Enjoy a fun day of shopping and ice skating downtown or a family outing to the Denver Zoo Lights.

Visit the Mile High Tree at the 16th Street Mall for a dose of culture (it’s actually 110 feet tall, but that’s still pretty impressive), then see A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker (see the full calendar here).

28. Seattle, Washington

We reside in Seattle, so I’m biased, but I think it’s a fantastic city for a family trip. Families will enjoy visiting some of the city’s most popular attractions in the Seattle Center region.

The MO Pop Museum should be on your itinerary. They contain a lot of pop culture relics and some unique hands-on music experiences. There is now a Minecraft exhibit there!

29. Las Vegas, Nevada

Yes, you read right. This is definitely one of the best places to visit during Christmas in the USA. If you thought Las Vegas was spectacular before, wait until you see it decorated for the holidays.

Essentially, the entire Strip is transformed into a winter wonderland with festive events for the whole family.

This year’s events include rooftop ice skating at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, colorful displays outside The LINQ promenade, a 6-foot-tall gingerbread man at ARIA, and a massive holiday display at the Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which includes a 42-foot Christmas tree.

30. Park City, Utah

As if the world-class skiing wasn’t enough of a reason to visit Park City this winter, the town also happens to be a fantastic place to spend the holidays.

Skiing, fly fishing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding are all popular activities in the former Olympic city, and there are plenty of resorts to warm up in between runs.

After researching and experiencing some of the best Christmas destinations in the United States, it’s hard to narrow down a top pick. However, if we had to choose just one, it would have to be New York City. The city truly transforms during the holiday season with its iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, colorful department store window displays, and ice skating in Central Park.

But don’t overlook the charm of smaller cities such as Leavenworth, Washington, or Santa Claus, Indiana, where the entire town embraces the holiday spirit with festive decorations and events.

No matter where you go in the US during Christmas time, you’re sure to be met with cheer and wonder. From big cities to small towns, the holiday spirit is alive and well. Happy travels and happy holidays!

Read Also:

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