Are you dreaming of a December getaway? The US offers a dazzling array of destinations perfect for winter travel. SIXT.VN understands the desire for seamless travel experiences, offering top-notch car rental services in Vietnam, making your journey smooth and enjoyable. Let’s explore some of the best Places To Travel In December In The Us, ensuring your winter vacation is unforgettable. Whether you want the warmth of a sunshine state or a snowy mountain adventure, this list has you covered.
1. Leavenworth, Washington: A Bavarian Winter Wonderland
Leavenworth, Washington, transforms into a magical Bavarian-style village in December. This picturesque town is aglow with over half a million lights for its world-famous Christmas Lighting Festival. It is a truly awesome experience. The snowiest months, including December, January, and February, create a cozy, snow-covered Bavarian atmosphere. Imagine carolers, holiday treats, sleigh rides, and visits from Santa—it’s like stepping into a holiday postcard.
Leavenworth in the winter
Leavenworth at Christmas
The Village of Lights: Christmastown is a family-friendly event where Santa and Mrs. Claus make appearances. The gingerbread house displays are super-cute, and the scary-looking Krampus adds a touch of Austrian and German folklore.
Highlights of Leavenworth:
- Christmas Lighting Festival: Experience the magic of over half a million lights.
- Leavenworth Winter Sports Club: Enjoy snowshoeing and tubing.
- Christkindlmarkt-style stalls: Sip mulled wine and enjoy holiday treats.
- Icicle Valley: Take a scenic sleigh ride.
- Nutcracker Museum: Visit this quirky and unique museum.
2. Avila Beach, California: A Sunny Coastal Escape
Craving a dose of Vitamin D during the winter? Avila Beach, California, offers some of the warmest temperatures in the country during December. This small, picturesque coastal town benefits from a microclimate that keeps it warmer than nearby coastal towns, thanks to its sheltered position in San Luis Obispo Bay.
Avila Beach California December
Avila Beach California, USA
Events like Santa’s Doggie Parade add to the festive charm. Although it might not be warm enough to swim comfortably, you can relax on the beach, watch surfers, hike the Bob Jones Trail, and soak in natural hot springs at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. Avila Valley Barn offers unique seasonal gifts.
Highlights of Avila Beach:
- Bob Jones Trail: Enjoy peaceful hikes.
- Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort: Soak in natural hot springs.
- Avila Valley Barn: Shop for unique seasonal gifts.
- Santa’s Doggie Parade: A cute and festive event.
3. Durango, Colorado: A Snowy Alpine Adventure
Durango, Colorado, transforms into a snowy alpine escape in December. Skiing and snowboarding are available at the nearby Purgatory Resort, and the charming downtown shops are decorated for the holidays. This historic mountain town offers cozy mountain-town vibes with Insta-worthy snowy landscapes.
Durango in the winter
Beautiful Durango in the snow
Seasonal events include the Festival of Trees & Wreaths at the Durango Train Museum and the Noel Night celebration with local shopping and live music.
Highlights of Durango:
- Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Ride the magical Polar Express.
- Purgatory Resort: Enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
- San Juan National Forest: Go snowshoeing in scenic landscapes.
- Festival of Trees & Wreaths: A family-friendly event at the Durango Train Museum.
4. New York City: An Iconic Winter Wonderland
New York City is undeniably magical during the Christmas season. The city transforms into a winter wonderland with festive lights, holiday window displays, and iconic seasonal attractions like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and ice skating at Bryant Park.
New York Christmas
New York – best places to visit in December
Seasonal shows and events include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Santaland at Macy’s, holiday markets at Bryant Park and Union Square, and Hanukkah celebrations across the city.
Highlights of New York City:
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: A must-see iconic attraction.
- Rockefeller Center Ice Rink: Take a twirl on the famous ice rink.
- Winter Village at Bryant Park: Warm up with hot apple cider.
- Fifth Avenue: Check out the festive window displays.
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular: Enjoy a classic holiday show.
5. Williamsburg, Virginia: A Colonial Christmas
Williamsburg, Virginia, is an ultra-charming historic gem that makes for a magical pre-Christmas break. This postcard-pretty town transforms into a festive colonial wonderland with candlelit streets, historical reenactments, and seasonal events at Colonial Williamsburg.
Williamsburg Virginia in the winter
Williamsburg Virginia in the winter
Seasonal events include the Grand Illumination with fireworks and candlelit streets, Busch Gardens Christmas Town with over 10 million lights and holiday shows, the Williamsburg Christmas Parade with illuminated floats, and the Yorktown Christmas Market.
Highlights of Williamsburg:
- Colonial Williamsburg: Experience historical reenactments and candlelit streets.
- Grand Illumination: Enjoy fireworks and festive lights.
- Busch Gardens Christmas Town: See over 10 million lights and holiday shows.
- Yorktown Christmas Market: Shop for seasonal gifts and enjoy festive entertainment.
- Christiana Campbell’s Tavern: Experience a colonial-style Christmas dinner.
6. Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville: A Dazzling Holiday Destination
The Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville transforms into a dazzling holiday destination with over 3 million Christmas lights, indoor snow tubing, ice skating, whimsical grottos, themed events, and festive riverboat rides through decorated indoor gardens.
Gaylord Opryland Resort Christmas
Gaylord Opryland Resort
Explore the indoor gardens lit with millions of lights, glide across the outdoor ice rink, marvel at the hand-carved ICE! sculptures, and enjoy festive shows and dining.
Highlights of Gaylord Opryland Resort:
- Millions of Christmas Lights: A dazzling display of holiday lights.
- ICE! Sculptures: Marvel at hand-carved ice sculptures.
- Indoor Snow Tubing and Ice Skating: Enjoy winter activities indoors.
- A Country Christmas Celebration: Festive shows and dining experiences.
- Relâche Spa: Enjoy a soothing scalp & hair treatment, steam bath and swim.
7. Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Historic New England Charm
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a historic coastal city filled with quaint brick-lined streets sparkling with holiday lights. Historic homes in Strawbery Banke glow, and the waterfront downtown feels like a cozy, snow-dusted winter postcard brought to life.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Church at Christmas in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Festive events include the Candlelight Stroll, the Illuminated Holiday Parade, and the Gingerbread House Exhibition at Portsmouth Historical Society.
Highlights of Portsmouth:
- Candlelight Stroll: Historic homes adorned with handmade decorations and illuminated by candlelight.
- Illuminated Holiday Parade: Lighted floats and community performances.
- Gingerbread House Exhibition: Creative confections showcased at the Portsmouth Historical Society.
- Historic Downtown: Stroll through illuminated streets and enjoy shopping and dining.
8. Waikiki, Hawaii: A Tropical Beachside Paradise
Waikiki, Hawaii, offers a warm and sunny December vacation. This famous beachfront neighborhood in Honolulu has a lively but laid-back tropical atmosphere where you can relax on pale golden sands, swim in calm turquoise waters, and enjoy beachfront dining with gorgeous views of Diamond Head.
Waikiki Beach Hawaii
Waikiki, Hawaii – best places to visit in December
Brief rain showers are still warm, and visiting earlier in the month means fewer crowds and great accommodation deals. The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing competition takes place on nearby North Shore beaches, and festive holiday events like the Honolulu City Lights add to the experience.
Highlights of Waikiki:
- Waikiki Beach: Soak up the cool vibes on the famous beach.
- Kalakaua Avenue: Enjoy holiday shopping.
- Banzai Pipeline: Watch world-class surfers.
- Honolulu City Lights: Festive holiday events.
9. Aspen, Colorado: Upscale Alpine Luxury
Aspen, Colorado, is an upscale mountain town and ski resort that offers a snow-covered alpine paradise with world-class skiing and snowboarding on four iconic mountains. Festive holiday lights illuminate downtown, and the chic lodges and bars offer superb après-ski scenes. Luxury shopping and dining add to the magical winter atmosphere framed by the snowy peaks of the Colorado Rockies.
Aspen – places to visit in December
aspen colorado winter
Festive events include the 12 Days of Aspen with concerts and fireworks and the 74th annual Wintersköl™ celebration with snow sculptures, a soup contest, and a torchlight parade.
Highlights of Aspen:
- World-Class Skiing and Snowboarding: Enjoy the slopes on four iconic mountains.
- Après-Ski Culture: Experience the chic lodges and bars.
- 12 Days of Aspen: Concerts and fireworks.
- Wintersköl™: Snow sculptures, a soup contest, and a torchlight parade.
- Elk Camp on Snowmass: Try tubing for a fun winter activity.
10. Siesta Key, Florida: A Dreamy Gulf Coast Island
Siesta Key, Florida, is a gorgeous barrier island off Florida’s Gulf Coast that offers a dreamy hot winter vacation. December is the least humid month, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. The powder-soft white sand beaches are uncrowded, and there are good deals on accommodation.
Siesta Key Florida – hot December vacations
Siesta Key, Florida winter vacation
Festive holiday events include the Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade, and there are plenty of outdoor dining options.
Highlights of Siesta Key:
- Siesta Beach: Relax on the award-winning white quartz sands.
- Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade: Watch festive boats light up the water.
- Siesta Key Village: Explore the charming village with outdoor dining and live music.
- Sunset Views over the Gulf: Enjoy Insta-worthy sunset views.
11. Biltmore Estate, Asheville: Gilded Age Elegance
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville transforms into a magical holiday destination with its grand halls, crackling log fires, festive carols, and a 55-foot Christmas tree. Candlelit evening tours of the mansion, festive music, dazzling lights throughout the gardens and Antler Hill Village, and a warm, nostalgic atmosphere make it feel like stepping into a real-life Christmas story.
Biltmore Estate, Asheville at Christmas
Biltmore Estate at Christmas
Festive events include the enchanting “Candlelight Christmas Evenings,” festive lights and displays in Antler Hill Village, complimentary seasonal wine tastings at the estate’s winery, and Christmas shopping and dining experiences throughout the estate.
Highlights of Biltmore Estate:
- Candlelight Christmas Evenings: Experience the mansion with flickering candles and live music.
- Antler Hill Village: Festive lights and displays.
- Seasonal Wine Tastings: Complimentary wine tastings at the estate’s winery.
- Wreath-Making and Ornament Crafting: Cute onsite seasonal workshops.
12. Vermont: A Classic New England Winter Wonderland
Vermont is a scenic northeastern U.S. state that comes alive with twinkling holiday lights and festive charm. Snow blankets the Green Mountains, the ski resorts are in full swing, and cozy inns, crackling fireplaces, and Christmas markets create a classic New England winter wonderland experience.
Christmas in Vermont
Biltmore Estate, Asheville
Seasonal events include the Wassail Weekend in Woodstock, the Festival of Trees in St. Albans, The Lake Morey Skate Trail, and the Stowe Winter Carnival.
Highlights of Vermont:
- Stowe or Killington: Enjoy snowboarding at these popular resorts.
- Burlington Holiday Market: Shop holiday markets in Burlington.
- Wassail Weekend in Woodstock: Festive parades and holiday markets.
- Lake Morey Skate Trail: A unique ice skating experience.
13. Solvang, California: A Charming Danish Christmas
Solvang, California, is a charming Danish-style city that transforms into a festive wonderland during its annual ‘Julefest.’ Twinkling lights, candlelit carolers, decorated streets, and cozy bakeries serving warm aebleskivers and gløgg create a magical atmosphere against the scenic Santa Ynez Valley backdrop.
Solvang at Christmas
Solvang Christmas
The Julefest lasts all month and features a tree lighting ceremony, a festive parade, a Santa’s Village, candlelight tours, nightly light and music shows, a Nisse Adventure scavenger hunt, and seasonal markets.
Highlights of Solvang:
- Julefest: Experience a month-long Danish Christmas celebration.
- Makers Market: Browse the stalls at the Makers Market.
- Scandi-inspired Architecture: Explore the unique architecture.
- Santa’s Village: A family-friendly festive event.
14. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: Christmas City USA
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, known as “Christmas City USA,” offers a festive vibe all year round, but December is especially magical. Charming snow-dusted colonial streets come alive with twinkling lights, Christmas markets, and festive events that celebrate its European Moravian roots.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Usa
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Christmas market
Events include the Christkindlmarkt, a large indoor market with German food and music, the outdoor Christmas City Village, and the Living Advent Calendar.
Highlights of Bethlehem:
- Christkindlmarkt: A large indoor market with German food and music.
- Christmas City Village: Traditional wooden huts sell food, handmade crafts, and artisanal treasures.
- Living Advent Calendar: An entertaining and whimsical event held daily at The Goundie House.
- Historic Moravian District: Explore 18th-century buildings, museums, and churches.
15. Whitefish, Montana: A Premier Ski Destination
Whitefish, Montana, is a premier ski destination with powdery slopes that come alive with over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. Festive holiday events and cozy mountain lodges are set against a stunning snow-covered backdrop near the edge of Glacier National Park.
Whitefish Mountain Resort
Whiteface ski resort Montana
Events include the Christmas Stroll with holiday music, photos with Santa, and a tree lighting ceremony, and the Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade and Santa’s Gift Giveaway.
Highlights of Whitefish:
- Whitefish Mountain Resort: Hit the slopes for skiing and snowboarding.
- Christmas Stroll: Holiday music, photos with Santa, and a tree lighting ceremony.
- Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade: A festive parade on Christmas Eve.
- The Summit House: Warm up with après-ski dining.
16. North Pole, Alaska: A Whimsical Christmas-Themed Town
North Pole, Alaska, is a small city near Fairbanks known for its year-round Christmas theme. Snow-covered streets, dazzling Christmas lights, and the iconic Santa Claus House create a magical, festive wonderland where you can meet Santa, mail postcards from the “North Pole,” and soak up the holiday spirit in a real-life winter setting.
North Pole Alaska
Events include the annual Winterfest & Holiday Bazaar, the Christmas in Ice exhibition, and ongoing celebrations at the Santa Claus House.
Highlights of North Pole:
- Santa Claus House: Meet Santa and shop for unique holiday gifts.
- Winterfest & Holiday Bazaar: Local crafts and fireworks.
- Christmas in Ice: Impressive ice carvings and slides.
- Santa Claus Lane: Admire the dazzling light displays.
17. Crystal Beach, Texas: A Laid-Back Gulf Coast Retreat
Crystal Beach, Texas, offers a peaceful, off-season coastal escape from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Mild weather, wide-open drive-on beaches perfect for long walks and beachcombing, fewer crowds, and beautiful sunrises over the Gulf make it a unique and eco-friendly December break.
Crystal Beach, Texas – December Beach Vacation
Galveston Beach Texas
Events include the Bolivar Christmas Market, the Crystaland Christmas Parade, and live holiday music performances at Camp Margaritaville Crystal Beach.
Highlights of Crystal Beach:
- Drive-On Beaches: Perfect for long walks and beachcombing.
- Bolivar Christmas Market: Local crafts and a tree lighting ceremony.
- Crystaland Christmas Parade: Decorated golf carts and a Santa appearance.
- Camp Margaritaville Crystal Beach: Live holiday music performances.
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Why should I travel to Leavenworth, Washington in December?
Leavenworth is the perfect winter wonderland because the entire town transforms into a snow-globe-like setting. The village glows with over half a million Christmas lights during its famous Christmas Lighting Festival. It is a picturesque Bavarian-style village that offers a unique and magical Christmas experience. Leavenworth provides a variety of winter activities, including snowshoeing, tubing, and sleigh rides. It is a fantastic place to create lasting holiday memories.
Is Avila Beach, California a good option for a warm December vacation?
Avila Beach offers warm temperatures because it is one of the sunniest microclimates on the Central California coast. The temperature hovers between 16°C to 20°C, which provides a welcome escape from the winter cold. You can relax on the beach, hike the Bob Jones Trail, and soak in natural hot springs, making it an ideal destination for a warm December getaway.
What makes Durango, Colorado special in December?
Durango transforms into a snowy alpine escape with skiing and snowboarding at Purgatory Resort. There are charming holiday-decorated downtown shops. The setting provides cozy mountain-town vibes with Insta-worthy snowy landscapes. Seasonal events like the Festival of Trees & Wreaths add to the town’s appeal, making it a memorable December destination.
What festive activities can I enjoy in New York City during December?
New York City offers a plethora of festive activities, including seeing the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, ice skating at Bryant Park, and enjoying holiday markets at Union Square. You can attend seasonal shows like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. You can visit Santaland at Macy’s, making it a perfect destination for a festive December vacation.
How does Williamsburg, Virginia celebrate Christmas?
Williamsburg celebrates Christmas with festive colonial charm, offering candlelit streets and historical reenactments. You can see seasonal events at Colonial Williamsburg, such as the Grand Illumination and Busch Gardens Christmas Town. Williamsburg provides a unique and historical Christmas experience.
What makes Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville a great holiday destination?
The Gaylord Opryland Resort dazzles because it transforms with over 3 million Christmas lights, indoor snow tubing, ice skating, and festive riverboat rides. It is a luxurious and family-friendly holiday destination that offers a unique Christmas experience with its “A Country Christmas” celebration.
What kind of Christmas events can I attend in Portsmouth, New Hampshire?
Portsmouth offers festive events such as the Candlelight Stroll and the Illuminated Holiday Parade. You can see the Gingerbread House Exhibition, which provides historic New England charm during the holiday season. These events showcase the community’s festive spirit and offer a unique Christmas experience.
Why should I consider visiting Waikiki, Hawaii in December?
Waikiki offers warm and sunny weather, with temperatures around 27°C to 29°C, making it a perfect tropical escape from the winter cold. You can relax on pale golden sands, swim in calm turquoise waters, and enjoy beachfront dining. There are fewer crowds earlier in the month, and you can watch world-class surfers at the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing competition.
What luxury experiences can I have in Aspen, Colorado in December?
Aspen offers world-class skiing and snowboarding, luxury shopping and dining, and a superb après-ski scene. You can attend festive events like the 12 Days of Aspen and the Wintersköl™ celebration. It is an upscale alpine town that provides a luxurious winter getaway.
Is Siesta Key, Florida a good choice for a relaxing beach vacation in December?
Siesta Key offers a laid-back island vibe, warm temperatures, and uncrowded beaches in December, making it perfect for a relaxing beach vacation. You can attend the Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade, explore the charming Siesta Key Village, and enjoy outdoor dining with Insta-worthy sunset views.
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