15 Best US Travel Destinations in December
Think you know winter getaways? Think again! Jingle bells meet wanderlust in this epic roundup of December’s top US travel destinations.
Forget the North Pole – Santa’s got nothing on these locales. It’s time to sleigh your vacation game and make this December one for the books!
View this post on Instagram
1. Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth is an adorable Bavarian-style village in Washington state – your ticket to alpine charm without the jet lag.
This charming town dazzles visitors with over half a million twinkling lights illuminating its streets from Thanksgiving until late February.
The Village of Lights creates a magical atmosphere, with the snow-capped Cascade Mountains providing a picture-perfect backdrop for holiday photos.
Insider Tip: Swing by the Alps Candy Store for unlimited sugar highs. It’s just outside town, but worth the detour.
Where to Stay: The Bavarian Lodge offers cozy accommodations with stunning mountain views and easy access to the town’s festive attractions.
2. Aspen, CO
Fresh powder beckons ski enthusiasts to Aspen, a glamorous mountain town. Early winter means smaller crowds on the slopes and prime conditions for first tracks.
Beyond skiing, you’ll find world-class shopping, dining deals, and plenty of outdoor activities like snowshoeing and ice skating.
Insider Tip: Book early-season ski packages for significant savings on lift tickets and accommodations.
Where to Stay: Hotel Jerome transforms into a festive haven with holiday cabaret shows and festive vibes.
View this post on Instagram
3. North Pole, AK
This charming town lives up to its magical name, especially in December when the winter darkness is brightened by spectacular Northern Lights displays. Streets lined with candy cane light poles and Christmas decorations are year-round.
The Santa Claus House, a landmark since 1952, becomes extra special during December, with real reindeer encounters and opportunities to meet Santa himself.
Where to Stay: Aurora Villa lets you watch the Northern Lights from bed with beautiful floor to ceiling windows.
4. McAdenville, NC
With over 500,000 lights decorating nearly every home and building, McAdenville is a tiny town that goes all out for Christmas, earning its nickname “Christmas Town USA.”
The month-long celebration includes caroling, traditional yule log ceremonies, and hot chocolate stations dotting the walkable 1.3-mile holiday light trail.
Insider Tip: Visit on weeknights to avoid the weekend crowds, and arrive before sunset to watch the town illuminate.
Where to Stay: The Hampton Inn Belmont keeps you close to the action and serves up free breakfast.
View this post on Instagram
5. Hershey, PA
December transforms Hershey into a sweet winter escape. The famous Hersheypark Christmas Candylane features millions of lights, while Hershey Sweet Lights presents a 2-mile drive-through spectacular.
Fancy yourself a chocolatier? Chocolate-making classes take on a festive twist with holiday-themed treats.
Insider Tip: Book a chocolate-inspired spa treatment at the Hotel Hershey for a unique winter pampering session.
Where to Stay: The Hotel Hershey, a four-star property, offers exclusive park access and chocolate-themed amenities, including their famous cocoa butter treatments.
6. Park City, UT
December brings pristine powder and Hollywood glamour to Park City, a historic mining town. Fresh powder blankets the slopes, while Main Street twinkles with festive lights.
Early season perks? Shorter lift lines and sweet deals on the slopes. For an Olympic-sized thrill, zip down the 2002 bobsled track at Utah Olympic Park.
The town’s dining scene heats up with seasonal menus featuring local game and craft cocktails.
Insider Tip: Ditch the car and hop on the free transit. The Town Lift whisks you straight from Main Street to the slopes.
Where to Stay: Montage Deer Valley is your mountain castle, complete with ski-in/ski-out access and nightly s’mores by the fire pit.
View this post on Instagram
7. Key West, FL
Swap your winter boots for flip-flops in this sun-soaked slice of tropical bliss. December brings perfect weather with temperatures hovering between 70-80°F, and minimal rainfall.
The island buzzes with festive energy through events like the Key West Holiday Parade and the dazzling Lighted Boat Parade, where vessels transform into floating light displays.
The end of hurricane season means calm seas – perfect for water adventures and sunset sails. Visit early in December to avoid peak holiday crowds.
Where to Stay: The Capitana Key West is a boutique hotel that features private cottages and a tiki bar overlooking the Gulf waters.
8. New Orleans, LA
December in NOLA serves up mild temperatures and festive charm without the Mardi Gras mayhem. You’ll find the French Quarter dolled up in twinkling lights and garlands, turning those charming streets into a glittering spectacle.
Reveillon dinners – traditional Creole holiday feast – pop up at historic restaurants, and gospel concerts fill St. Louis Cathedral with soulful sounds.
Insider Tip: Snag tickets for a Garden District holiday home tour. It’s your chance to snoop around those gorgeous mansions all decked out for the season.
Where to Stay: The Roosevelt New Orleans is a holiday icon with its dazzling lobby and swanky Sazerac Bar.
View this post on Instagram
9. Stowe, VT
Stowe captures pure winter magic in December. The Mountain Road winds past snow-covered evergreens to Vermont’s highest peak, while the historic village center looks straight out of a snow globe.
Beyond world-class skiing, visitors can tour the Ben & Jerry’s factory, sample local maple syrup, and glide through snowy woods on horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Insider Tip: Hit the Stowe Recreation Path at sunset for breathtaking mountain views and photo opportunities.
Where to Stay: Topnotch Resort is your luxe mountain retreat with heated outdoor pools for a steamy dip in the snow.
10. Oahu, HI
December in Oahu offers a unique blend of tropical warmth and holiday spirit. Before the holiday rush, you’ll find a more relaxed atmosphere at popular spots like Waikiki Beach and Hanauma Bay.
The island adds its own Hawaiian flair to seasonal celebrations, from Santa arriving by canoe to hearing “Mele Kalikimaka” played on ukuleles.
December marks the beginning of big wave season on the North Shore, making it perfect for watching world-class surfing competitions or taking beginner lessons in calmer waters.
Where to Stay: The Moana Surfrider is your dreamy home away from home, featuring a historic banyan tree courtyard decorated with thousands of lights during the holiday season.
View this post on Instagram
11. Miami, FL
Miami in December pulses with festive energy while maintaining its signature tropical vibe. The city transforms with unique holiday events like the Miami Snow Carnival, featuring 350 tons of real snow, and the spectacular Winterfest Boat Parade.
The weather remains pleasantly warm, perfect for combining beach days with holiday activities. Art lovers can explore numerous galleries and seasonal art installations throughout the Design District and Wynwood.
Where to Stay: The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables offers old-world glamour with its annual holiday displays and special seasonal afternoon teas.
12. Savannah, GA
The charm of Savannah’s historic district reaches peak enchantment in December when Spanish moss-draped trees twinkle with holiday lights.
The mild winter temperatures make it perfect for exploring the city’s famous squares and parks, each decorated with seasonal finery.
Historic homes open their doors for holiday tours, while local restaurants serve up festive versions of Southern comfort food.
Where to Stay: Perry Lane Hotel boasts a rooftop bar with killer views of the decked-out historic district.
View this post on Instagram
13. Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas turns up the glitz and glamour during the holiday season, offering a unique blend of desert warmth and festive cheer.
The city’s famous hotels and casinos go all out with elaborate holiday displays, from the Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens to the ice rink at The Cosmopolitan.
December in Vegas means mild temperatures perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like the Fremont Street Experience, which features a dazzling light show.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Holiday Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolates, featuring over a million lights adorning desert botanicals.
Where to Stay: The Venetian Resort transforms into a winter wonderland with its annual Winter in Venice celebration.
14. U.S. Virgin Islands
For those seeking a tropical Christmas, the U.S. Virgin Islands offer a perfect escape. December brings ideal weather conditions with temperatures in the mid-80s and low humidity.
The islands blend traditional holiday celebrations with Caribbean flair, featuring events like the Crucian Christmas Festival on St. Croix.
Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is your luxe home away from home, complete with beachfront views and holiday-themed fun.
View this post on Instagram
15. New York City, NY
New York City in December is the epitome of holiday magic. From the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to the dazzling window displays along Fifth Avenue, the city buzzes with festive energy.
Ice skating in Central Park, catching a performance of the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center, or browsing the charming holiday markets scattered throughout the city are just a few of the seasonal delights.
Insider Tip: Skip the crowds and head to the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show in the Bronx.
Where to Stay: The Plaza Hotel is your ticket to holiday luxury, with its prime spot near Central Park and festive decorations.
