17 Amazing Places To Visit In December In The USA

1. Leavenworth, Washington 

In December, no place wowed me quite like Leavenworth — with snowy Bavarian streets (the snow lasts right through January and February), the scent of spicy mulled wine, and the sound of carolers filling the air, it felt like it was straight out of a sentimental Christmas movie! The Village of Lights: Christmastown enchanted me with thousands of twinkling lights, festive meet-and-greets with Santa in the picturesque square, and even eerie Krampus figures from old Alpine folklore!

Just 2.5 hours from Seattle, I spent a long weekend at the romantic 4-star Storybook Riverside Inn, taking sleigh rides through the glacier-carved Icicle Valley, snowshoeing and tubing at the family-friendly Winter Sports Club, sipping on clove-infused glühwein at festive stalls, and popping into the quirky Nutcracker Museum. 

• Location: Central Washington, Northwest USA find on map
• Vibe: magical, snow-globe charm
• Average temperature – -6°C to 1°C

My favorite highlights…

• Dining on a hearty plate of a smoky Veggie Wurst, Backyard Brat Mustard and spicy Apple Cider Sauerkraut at the cozy München Haus.

2. Waikiki, Hawaii

Palm-fringed Waikiki delivered everything I wanted in a sun-soaked December getaway — I found golden sands, calm turquoise water, and a laid-back tropical vibe, all framed by the volcanic Diamond Head. A few brief rain showers passed, but with lighter early-December crowds and better hotel deals, it was a worthwhile trade-off! The city buzzed with festive cheer too, from the giant Honolulu City Lights display to the world-class Vans Triple Crown of Surfing on the nearby North Shore.

Flying into Honolulu International, I dove straight into Waikiki life for ten days: lazy beach days, holiday shopping along glamorous Kalakaua Avenue, romantic beachfront dinners (the elegant Azure Restaurant was my favorite!), and even a front-row spot to watch surf pros carve waves at the iconic Banzai Pipeline!

• Location: Honolulu, Oʻahu, Central Pacific, USA find on map
• Vibe: Tropical beachside paradise
• Average temperature – 27°C to 29°C

My personal highlights…

• Staying at the urban-chic 4-star Hokulani Waikiki Hotel – I especially liked going for a warm dip in the hot tub and sipping on an aromatic Hibiscus Margarita in the trendy rooftop Na Lani Sky Lounge! 

3. Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville

I stayed at the sprawling 4-star Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville last December and it exceeded all my expectations — this huge luxury hotel turned into a holiday wonderland with over 3 million lights, indoor snow tubing, ice skating, festive riverboat rides through twinkling gardens, and a magical glass atrium buzzing with Christmas cheer.

Flying into Nashville International, I spent an extraordinary week soaking it all up — gliding across the family-friendly ice rink, marveling at the hand-carved ICE! sculptures, wandering through glowing indoor grottos, catching joyful holiday shows, heading out and discovering the boot-stomping Honky-Tonks and joining the city’s whimsical Christmas Parade, all part of the resort’s famous “A Country Christmas” celebration!

• Location: Nashville, Tennessee, Southeast USA find on map
• Vibe: A dazzling, over-the-top holiday resort experience
• Average temperature – 11°C to 13°C

My highlights…

• I indulged in a lavender-infused argan oil scalp treatment, followed by a eucalyptus steam and a refreshing swim in the sunlit marble-framed lap pool at the elegant European-style Relâche Spa! 

4. Siesta Key, Florida

Sugar-white Siesta Key made an awesome warm-weather winter getaway — I loved how the month’s lower humidity made it far more comfortable than summer, yet still sunny enough for a much-needed dose of Vitamin D. Visiting in early December meant uncrowded, powder-soft quartz sand beaches, better hotel deals, and a relaxed island vibe with festive events and outdoor dining, all without the dreaded winter chill! 

Flying into Sarasota-Bradenton International (SRQ), I spent a blissful week at the cute Inn on Siesta Key: lounging on award-winning Siesta Beach, watching glowing boats drift by in the illuminated Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade, wandering through buzzing Siesta Key Village, and savoring wonderful open-air dinners accompanied with live music and unforgettable Gulf sunsets! 

• Location: Southwest Florida, Gulf Coast USA find on map
• Vibe: Laid-back Gulf Coast island
• Average temperature – 21°C to 24°C

My highlights…

5. New York

I found larger-than-life New York City had an undeniable magic during this month — the holiday season (which began in November) hit full stride with glittering lights, festive window displays, and iconic sights like the towering Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and open-air Bryant Park ice rink turning the city into a winter wonderland.

I loved the seasonal buzz, from the high-kicking Radio City Christmas Spectacular to the artisan-filled Bryant Park and Union Square holiday markets and even Hanukkah celebrations across the city. Flying into JFK, I spent five fun-filled days at the funky 4-star Moxy NYC Chelsea – I spent it admiring glitzy Fifth Avenue’s incredible windows, sipping on hot apple cider at the Winter Village, strolling snow-dusted Central Park, and catching a performance of mesmerizing The Nutcracker — it was all pure holiday magic!

• Location: Southeastern New York, Northeast USA find on map
• Vibe: Iconic city buzz meets winter wonderland
• Average temperature – 4°C to 10°C

My favorite highlights…

• I warmed up with a frothy Ethiopian Matcha Latte and a warm spinach-and-mushroom hand pie at the cool, industrial-chic Café Grumpy! 

6. Avila Beach, California

When I craved winter sunshine, I headed to laid-back Avila Beach — one of the warmest microclimates on California’s Central Coast. Even during this month it was sunnier and milder than nearby towns, making it a perfect low-key escape with festive lights, holiday charm, and even the super-cute Santa’s Doggie Parade (which was great for an animal lover like me)!

I drove four hours up the Pacific Coast Highway from Los Angeles and spent a week unwinding. I spent it relaxing on the sandy beach (it was a bit too cool to swim, though I watched the surfers brave the waves), sampling a velvety Pinot Noir Black Label in the Sinor-Lavallee Tasting Room, soaking in mineral springs in the Sycamore Resort, and picking out seasonal gifts at charming Avila Valley Barn — all without the summer crowds! 

• Location: Central California, West Coast USA find on map
• Vibe: Laid-back coastal retreat 
• Average temperature – 16°C to 20°C

My highlights…

• Staying in a suite at the wonderful 4-star boutique inn Avila La Fonda Hotel, my room came with a large hot tub, a microwave and several bags of complementary truffle honey popcorn! 

7. Whitefish, Montana

Mountain-framed Whitefish made an incredible December ski break — I found its powdery slopes offered over 3,000 acres of terrain, cozy mountain lodges, and festive events, all framed by snow-covered peaks near the breathtaking Glacier National Park and just minutes from the twinkle-lit downtown.

Seasonal highlights included the small-town-charming Whitefish Christmas Stroll with carols, Santa photos, and a tree lighting, as well as the family-friendly Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade and Santa’s Gift Giveaway. I flew into Glacier Park International (FCA), drove 45 minutes, and spent four days skiing at the adventurous Whitefish Mountain Resort, joining in the festivities, and warming up with après-ski dinners at the lodge-like Summit House.

• Location: Northwestern Montana, Northwestern USA find on map
• Vibe: A cozy mountain town
• Average temperature – -6°C to 2°C

My favorite highlights… 

• Staying at the stylish yet cozy Good Medicine Lodge, I loved their use of home-grown garden herbs, their rich Montana Morning Blend coffee, organic cotton linens, and fragrant organic huckleberry soap!

8. Durango, Colorado

• Location: Southwestern Colorado, Mountain West USA find on map
• Vibe: snowy alpine escape
• Average temperatures – -10°C -5°C

My personal highlights…

• Gorging on smoky tempeh tacos and washed them down with a crisp, citrusy Checkered Future IPA at the laid-back, music-inspired Ska Brewing Company.

9. Williamsburg, Virginia

I found Williamsburg to be a magical pre-Christmas escape — this postcard-perfect colonial city transformed into a festive wonderland with candlelit streets, traditional decorations, carolers, and steaming cups of hot cider by the fire. The cozy charm was lifted even higher by the Grand Illumination with fireworks and candles, the dazzling Busch Gardens Christmas Town with millions of lights, and the festive Williamsburg Christmas Parade.

Flying into Newport News/Williamsburg Airport (PHF), I spent four photogenic days at the romantic 4-star Wedmore Place, shopping at the Yorktown Christmas Market, joining a wreath-making workshop, and ending the day with a colonial-style Christmas dinner by candlelight at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern.

• Location: Southeastern Virginia, Mid-Atlantic USA find on map
• Vibe: Colonial-era charm meets festive holiday magic
• Average temperature – 9°C to 13°C

My personal highlights…

10. Aspen, Colorado

I discovered Aspen made an incredible December getaway — this upscale mountain town transformed into a snow-covered alpine paradise with world-class skiing, twinkling holiday lights, a buzzing après-ski scene, and a spectacular winter atmosphere. It wasn’t exactly budget-friendly, but it felt like the ultimate winter splurge! I also really enjoyed the 12 Days of Aspen which featured concerts and fireworks.

I drove 3.5 hours from Denver and spent five wonderful days at the 4-star Aspen Meadows Resort, tubing at scenic Elk Camp, sampling après-ski hotspots (Bootsy Bellows and The Little Nell were my favorites), browsing chic boutiques, and indulging in Aspen’s famed dining scene!

• Location: Central Colorado, Mountain West USA find on map
• Vibe: Upscale alpine town
• Average temperature – -18°C to – 2°C

My personal highlights…

• I sipped a warming fig-infused whiskey with Byrrh and devoured crisp truffle fries at the stylish Ajax Tavern!

11. Vermont

Vermont felt like stepping straight into a Bing Crosby song — its Insta-worthy towns glowed with holiday lights, the forested Green Mountains were blanketed in snow, ski resorts buzzed with action, and cozy inns with crackling fireplaces completed that classic New England winter wonderland vibe!

I discovered that this month brought plenty of festive events too, from Woodstock’s colonial-style Wassail Weekend with parades and markets to St. Albans’ twinkle-lit Festival of Trees and the Vermont Holiday Festival in Killington. Flying into Burlington International (BTV), I spent two weeks in the romantic 4-star Rabbit Hill Inn snowboarding at upscale Stowe, holiday markets in lakeside Burlington, and soaking up the nostalgic charm of Very Merry Middlebury. I was glad I’d rented a car with snow tires though — after snowfall the roads were hard to navigate!

• Location: Northeastern USA, bordering Canada find on map
• Vibe: quintessential New England charm
• Average temperatures – -4°C to 2°C

My personal highlights…

• Riding The Polar Express Train – to White River Junction where I gorged on salted caramel hot cocoa, gingerbread cookies and sang carols while gazing at the breathtaking snow-covered landscapes! 

12. Biltmore Estate, Asheville

The opulent Biltmore Estate in Asheville left me in awe on my pre-Christmas trip — this Gilded Age mansion transformed into a holiday dream filled with roaring fires, carols, and a 55-foot Christmas tree. Candlelight tours, festive music, twinkling garden lights, and the European-inspired Antler Hill Village added even more magic. I loved the enchanting Candlelight Christmas Evenings too, complete with live music, and complimentary seasonal wine tastings.

Flying into Asheville Regional (AVL), I drove 20 minutes and stayed at the quirky 4-star Blind Tiger for a short but wonderful break. After two magical days exploring the estate and joining a wreath-making workshop I’d reserved in advance, I ventured downtown to browse quaint shops (the Olde World Christmas Shoppe was super cute!), sample excellent restaurants, and wander through buzzing Christmas markets.

• Location: Western North Carolina, Blue Ridge Mountains, Southeast USA find on map
• Vibe: Opulent Gilded Age elegance
• Average temperature – -1°C to 8°C

My favorite highlights…

• Enjoying a hearty ratatouille with lion’s mane and hazelnuts and a smooth Biltmore Old Fashioned at the old-world Cedric’s Tavern, with herbal aromas and soft jazz filling the room! 

13. Solvang, California

I absolutely adored visiting half-timbered Solvang — this Danish-style city in the Santa Ynez Valley transformed into a festive wonderland during its month-long Julefest, with carolers and whimsically decorated streets. The celebrations ran all month with a tree lighting ceremony, a quirky festive parade, Santa’s Village, candlelight tours, and nightly light shows, ending in January with the dramatic Christmas Tree Burn.

I drove 2.5 hours from Los Angeles and spent a romantic weekend at the 4-star Landsby Hotel, wandering the artisanal Makers Market, admiring Nordic-inspired architecture, popping into cozy bakeries which served warm aebleskivers and spiced gløgg, dining on bucatini with foraged mushrooms and truffle sauce at the Scandi-chic Mad & Vin Restaurant, and feeling the hygge spirit everywhere!

• Location: Central California, Santa Ynez Valley, West Coast USA find on map
• Vibe: charming European holiday atmosphere
• Average temperature – 16°C to 18°C

My personal highlights…

• Visiting the enchanting Jule Hus – I adored the fairy lights glowing over shelves of scarf-clad Nisse dolls, the beeswax candles scenting the polished wood, and the Italian glass ornaments sparkling like frozen sugar!

14. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

I took a December break to picturesque Portsmouth and was totally charmed — this historic coastal city sparkled with holiday lights, snow-dusted brick streets, and glowing colonial homes in Strawbery Banke, making the waterfront downtown feel like a living winter postcard.

I got to see the storybook-like Candlelight Stroll which featured cute handmade decorations and candlelit houses and I discovered that the sparkling Illuminated Holiday Parade which had lighted floats and performances and the quirky Gingerbread House Exhibition also took place this month too. In only an hour’s drive from Boston, I enjoyed a magical long weekend filled with glowing streets, cheerful celebrations, and cozy shopping (the whimsical Pickwick’s Mercantile was a stand-out!) and dining downtown.

• Location: Southeastern New Hampshire, Northeast USA find on map
• Vibe: Historic New England charm
• Average temperature – -4°C to 3°C

My personal highlights… 

• At the gorgeous 4-star historic boutique Hotel Portsmouth, I loved the elegant crown moldings, woodwork, and fireplaces — and also the charming vintage red telephone box! 

15. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 

I was instantly enchanted by historic Bethlehem’s festive glow during my December trip — snow-dusted colonial streets sparkled with lights, festive markets celebrated its Moravian roots, and the whole town felt like one of the best Christmas destinations I’ve experienced – seriously!

I drove two hours from New York City and spent a cozy long weekend at the romantic 4-star Sayre Mansion, joining in fun festive events that had been running since late November. Highlights for me were the enchanting Christkindlmarkt which featured German food and music, the traditional wooden hut-filled Christmas City Village and sipping on Glühwein while watching the whimsical Live Advent Calendar. I also couldn’t get enough of the Moravian District, with its cobbled charm, 18th-century churches, and beautifully preserved heritage buildings.

• Location: Eastern Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley, Northeastern USA find on map
• Vibe: Charming historic town
• Average temperature – -1.8°C to 4.5°C

My personal highlights…

• Hunting for unique Christmas gifts at the trendy Domaci shop – I loved the Bethlehem Skyline cutting boards and the groovy 1960s vinyl floorcloths! 

16. Crystal Beach, Texas

I found laid-back Crystal Beach made a unique and eco-friendly winter escape — mild weather, wide drive-on beaches perfect for long walks, dolphin and bird sightings, and gorgeous Gulf sunrises gave it a peaceful, off-season charm without holiday crowds. I have to admit, it wasn’t quite warm enough to swim, but it was affordable, family-friendly, and full of festive spirit!

I flew into William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston and spent a relaxing week at a modern 4-star Beachfront House, paddling in the rolling waves, browsing the cozy Bolivar Christmas Market, watching the quirky Crystaland Parade which featured golf carts and Santa, enjoying live holiday music at fun Camp Margaritaville, dining on a delicious Vegetable Pasta Primavera in the waterfront Stingaree Restaurant & Marina and soaking up the relaxing, coastal vibes! 

• Location: Southeast Texas, Southeastern USA find on map
• Vibe: Laid-back Gulf Coast retreat
• Average temperature – 11°C to 18°C

My favorite highlights…

• Visiting the legendary Old Quarter Acoustic Café – I loved the soulful twang and toe-tapping rhythms of the Brandon McDermott Band playing live! 

17. North Pole, Alaska

I took a December trip to North Pole, Alaska, and didn’t regret it — this small city near Fairbanks transformed into a real-life Christmas wonderland with snow-covered streets, dazzling lights, and the iconic Santa Claus House where I met Santa, mailed postcards from the “North Pole,” and soaked up the festive spirit.

Just 15 minutes from Fairbanks International (FAI), I spent a magical week enjoying the annual Winterfest & Holiday Bazaar filled with local crafts and fireworks, the Christmas in Ice exhibition with incredible ice carvings and slides, and festive fun at the Santa Claus House and quirky local shops (my favorite was the quirky Knotty Shop). I have to admit though, it did get extremely cold and daylight was limited to around four hours, but I just bundled up and planned my activities carefully during the short window of light!

• Location: Interior Alaska, Far North USA map of location
• Vibe: Whimsical Christmas-themed town
• Average temperature – –23°C to –13°C

My personal highlights… 

• Staying at the Insta-worthy Wilding Hotel Fairbanks – it was amazing waking up with a warm North Pole Coffee Roasters brew and gazing out at the frozen wilderness through the floor-to-ceiling glass walls!