December in the United States is a great time to take a vacation. Right before the holidays hit and the crazy ensues, taking a vacation might be the smartest gift you give yourself. Whether you’re the type who wants to be surrounded by twinkling lights and Christmas markets or you’re ready to trade your winter coat for a swimsuit, I have suggestions for you.

The Christmas Wonderlands

1. Nashville, Tennessee the Gaylord Opryland

You might not think of Nashville when you think of Christmas, but the Gaylord Opryland Resort does Christmas as well as anything else. My family and I spend a week after Christmas here a few years ago, and it was as festive as any snow-covered ski town or European Christmas market.

The Gaylord Opryland Resort is one of the largest resorts in the United States, and this one is right across the road from the famous Grand Old Opry. So it is fitting that they celebrate “A Country Christmas” every December at the resort.  The resort is covered with over 3 million lights, dozens of Christmas trees and Christmas music is piped in to the entire resort.

There’s a gingerbread making spot, Christmas boat rides, ice skating, live carolers, tree lightings every night, and coordinated music and fountain experiences.

Plus downtown Nashviolle is great in December. There is live music in virtually every restaurant or bar. you visit. There are also great Christmas experiences and shows in Nashville itself.

2. Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg is one of the most Christmasy places in the United States and it celebrates Christmas like it’s 1776. Historic decorations are found all over, including pineapples, fresh wreaths, candles, and bows of different colors. You won’t find artificial lights or, blowup Santa’s here.

Starting in early December, Colonia will Williamsburg gets decorated for the holidays and then addition to regular demonstrations by historical interpreters you can also find traditional Christmas music, colonial holiday traditions, delicious Christmas treats and learn how the colonist celebrated Christmas in early America.

If you want to add to the fun, Busch Gardens Williamsburg is closeby and a great way to end your vacation.

3. Leavenworth, Washington

Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

If you were a Christmas fanatic, you have probably already heard about Leavenworth Washington. This town celebrates Christmas year-round. It is located in the cascade mountains of Washington state and the entire town looks like a German village. In December they celebrate Christmas in true German style.

The Christmas lighting festival is a highly anticipated event half-million lights are turned on after a countdown every weekend.

The Christmas market in the center of town sells homemade crafts, German pretzels, hot spiced, wine, and charming ornaments.

If you want to have some traditional snow fun, there’s skiing in the surrounding area make sure to book early because this place fills up quickly in December.

4. Branson, Missouri

Photo Credit: Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau

Branson Missouri is a great place to spend Christmas especially if you have kids Branson is already known as a great place for family entertainment so it’s logical that it’s a great place for a family Christmas. Each year Branson celebrates an old time Christmas.

You can find a ton of stuff to do at Christmas time in Branson. There are variety of Christmas shows, Christmas markets, shops that have decorated for Christmas and the Silverdollar city theme park is open for rides.

I would recommend spending at least one night at the theme park and enjoying the lights, the snacks and the roller coasters.

Beyond Silver Dollar City, Branson has dozens of Christmas shows—everything from religious productions to comedy acts with holiday themes. The Showboat Branson Belle does Christmas dinner cruises on Table Rock Lake. It’s very family-oriented, sometimes cheesy, but if you’re into Christmas, Branson delivers.

5. Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth is called Michigan’s little Bavaria by the locals. Similar to Leavenworth Washington Frankenmuth enjoys Christmas year-round. The town has the worlds largest Christmas store called Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. It’s open all year and sells any  Christmas decoration you can imagine.

In December Frankenmuth celebrates Bavarian Christmas. You can find horse drawn carriage rides, thousands of flights a glockenspiel, the plays Christmas music and live carolers.

Zehnder’s and the Bavarian Inn serve massive family-style chicken dinners that are a local tradition.

It’s touristy and it’s a lot, but if you want that full German Christmas market experience without leaving the country, Frankenmuth nails it.

6. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

courtesy of Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism

The smoky mountains often have snow in December. And Gatlinburg and nearby pigeon Forge are always ready to celebrate Christmas. Gatlinburg’s winter magic festival is celebrated from December through February and the town is lit up with millions of flights.

In nearby Pigeon Forge,Dollywood has Smoky Mountain Christmas a Christmas festival with holiday shows and the park decked out for Christmas

Pigeon Forge is known for family fun, and at Christmas you will find Christmas themed family fun. Dozens of Christmas shows will delight your family. (Even though some of them are super cheesy.) Every restaurant in town is decked out for the holiday and Christmas music is in the air (literally).

7. Durango, Colorado

Durango, Colorado is very different from many of the other Colorado ski resort towns. There is an historic downtown and Victorian architecture. Plus it surrounded by mountains on every side and generally has snow in December.

If you visit in early December you can catch the Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair. While not a traditional German christmas market, it has a lot of the same aspects. You can shop from local artisans, listen to Christmas music and get ahead of your shopping.

The Polar Express train ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is the main Christmas attraction. Like many others throughout the US, families come in pj’s and drink hot chocolate while the train travels through snowy landscapes to the “North Pole.”It sells out months in advance, so plan accordingly.

Of course, there is alos great skiing nearby at the Purgatory resort. So everyone can find something to do that makes them happy to celebrate the season.

The Warm Escapes

8. Key West, Florida

 

It’s warm weather you want Key West might be the most beautiful place in the US in December. 75° most December long you can still celebrate Christmas here but Santa will be arriving by boat and palm trees instead of pine trees will be decorated.

The Christmas season is actually one of the best times to visit because hurricane season is over and the weather is pretty perfect instead of bundling up to go outside he could snorkel in beautiful and beautiful, warm water. Or if you’d rather go kayaking, there’s plenty of kayaking through the mangrove trees. Of course you cross it just sit on the beach and get some of that sun back into your body.

If you wanna celebrate Christmas in Key West, you still can and Mrs. Cember there’s a boat parade with boats decorated for Christmas. There’s a huge gingerbread display at the Casa Marina resort and you can still go outside and enjoy warm weather in paradise.

9. Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona

10. San Diego, California

Well, not quite as warm as Key West San Diego might have the most reliable weather in the US in December. Even though it’s winter you will get beautiful temps between 65 and 70° almost guaranteed sunshine.

The beaches are still warm enough to be used and definitely less crowded, plus you could still celebrate the Christmas season at Balboa park that has December nights a big festival with Christmas food and entertainment. Or check out the San Diego bay parade of lights another exceptional Christmas parade along the harbor.

Or you can ice skate outside at Skating by the Sea! I’m still not sure how this is possible, but it seems to work.

But the best part of all of it is it’s winter and you don’t need to wear a coat.

11. Miami and South Beach, Florida

If you wanna visit Miami but don’t like the heat December is the best time to do it. Low 70s and the humidity is bearable yet there’s still tons of fun stuff to do. Go to South Beach and enjoy the most beautiful beaches in Florida along with spectacular art deco buildings and Cuban and Latin American restaurants.

Come for the food as there are amazing fusion restaurants everywhere. You can find almost any cuisine combinationo you are looking for.

There are Christmas events throughout December like Tropical Park’s Christmas Wonderland, and a holiday tree lighting, so you can find seasonal events as well as amazing beaches.

December is actually one of the best times to visit Miami because you get great weather without the spring break chaos or summer swamp conditions. You can party on the beach, explore Little Havana, eat incredible food, and escape winter completely.

12. Hawaii (Big Island)

The big island of Hawaii is my family’s favorite Hawaiian island, and December in Hawaii is spectacular. The Big island gives you lots of diversity in topography and in things to do.

You can head to Volcanoes National Park where lava is generally flowing actively or you could go to snorkel in the Kona coast, but if you just want to  relax the beaches on the west side or gorgeous anytime if year.

There are also coffee farm tours all over Kona, or you can go to the black sand beaches of Punalu’u, or hike up Mauna Kea, which my husband and son did on our most recent visit. There are Christmas events like visits from Santa, productions of the Nutcracker, Messiah Sing-alongs, and Christmas parades.

December is high season in Hawaii, so be prepared to pay more for accommodations, but trading the snow for an island paradise is probably worth it.

13. Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs

Palm Springs in December is a calmer and chiller vacation then almost any you can take the US. It’s sunny around 70° during the day and there’s no humidity. Palm Springs is a great golf acation but there’s more to do than just golf.

Head downtown for some really great restaurants and lots of fun shopping or go desert hiking in December when it’s cool enough to actually enjoy the hike.

You can also float in the pool at your resort and enjoy the California sun. There is a Christmas scene in Palm Springs although it is as calm and  cool as the rest of the town. The local festival of lights has a parade street fair concerts throughout December. Plus concerts and events like ice skating, visits with Santa and more are running throughout the month.

If you want a laid-back vacation with lots of swimming and a round of golf or two, you’ll love Palm Springs in December.

14. Savannah, Georgia

Courtsey of Visit Savannah

Savannah Georgia is cooler in December than I would’ve thought when we visited a few years ago I had to go out and buy a cardigan. You’re looking at 50 to 60° and generally sunshine. Savanna knows how to celebrate Christmas and you still get to have decent weather. All the historic squares throughout town are decorated with Christmas lights and decorations, making the whole city feel festive.

There is a Christmas market on River Street, a holiday historic home tour, and numerous festivals throughout the month of December like their Holly Days festival. Savannah feels festive without being over the top Christmas.

Of course, one of the best things to do in Savannah is eat all the amazing southern food. River Street is known for, their famous southern food restaurants and it is the site of most of the nightlife in Savannah.

If you want to visit nearby, Tybee Island, it’s a 20 minute drive and you can spend some time on the beach. Of course you want to bring a jacket probably not actually go swimming. But the lack of crowds means you can actually get through the historic district without enormous torque groups on the way.

15. Tucson, Arizona

Courtesy of Visit Tucson

Tucson Arizona is a great place to get up close and personal with the desert in December. December is perfect for outdoor activities because it’s sunny and around 65° and hiking is much more doable at those temperatures than other times the year.

Saguaro national Park is a great place to start your hiking adventure get to see the iconic cactus without all the people that are there and other times the year.

Downtown Tucson has a burgeoning food scene and there is plenty of shopping to do for your loved ones at Christmas time Tucson feels much more authentic and less resort focused in Scottsdale. Plus it’s cheaper and more laid-back than the Phoenix area. It’s a great place to get away from it all in December.

The City Christmas Experiences

16. New York City, New York

How many amazing Christmas movies are set in New York City? I think that’s the main reason that people want to visit New York at Christmas time because we want to re-create the holiday magic that we see when we watch those movies.

New York City at Christmas is crowded, it’s expensive, it’s freezing cold, but we also flock there to be part of the action.

While you’re there you need to do the most Christmasy things like:

Rockefeller Center tree and ice-skating blow the fifth Avenue window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s along with other window displays throughout Midtown go to the Christmas markets at Bryant Park and Union Squa. Go to the radio city Christmas spectacular. Or visit central park and get away from the hustle and bustle.

Of course you’re still in New York and so there’s still a ton of amazing things to do like visit the museums head to Broadway show go to a comedy club go downtown in search of the best shopping or just spend all your time eating amazing food at some of the best restaurants in the world.

New York is amazing at any time here, but Christmas in New York is really that spectacular. Bring a big wallet, and be prepared to have an amazing Christmas experience.

17. Chicago, Illinois

If you want a more manageable city size Chicago is a great place to spend December. The magnificent mile lights festival begins the holiday season. There are over 1 million lights along Michigan Avenue making for a very beautiful Christmas atmosphere. The Chriskindlmarket in Daly plaza is one of the largest Christmas markets in America and features, German food, local craftsman delicious treats, and the beauty of a European Christmas market in the US.

You can go ice-skating at millennium Park visit the art institute’s Christmas around the world exhibit or go see a Christmas show at one of the local theaters.

While you’re there, eat some amazing pizza or try the Italian beef or Polish pierogies; really the food scene is diverse and you’ll be able to find something that you love go shopping on the Magnificent Mile and check out The Bean at  millennial park and it will reflect the Christmas scene all around you.

It’s freezing cold in December in Chicago but Christmas is everywhere and it might be worth packing your warmest winter gear to spend Christmas in Chicago

18. Washington, DC

Washington DC in December is less crowded and still pretty cold but being able to visit so many iconic American monuments makes it worth the trip.

One of the best things to do in DC at Christmas time is to visit the Christmas trees near the White House, they are decorated to reflect the different states, and we’re some thing of a holiday tradition at my house growing up. The Capitol Christmas tree is another tree that you want to check out as is the Norwegian American Christmas tree at Union Station.

The national Cathedral host Christmas concerts throughout the month of December local schools perform as well as well-known artists.

Nearby Mount Vernon is also a great place to learn about history while enjoying Christmas events and decorations.

If you are traveling with your kids and they are tired of learning history, the national harbor has one of the areas best Christmas markets plus it has ICE! at the Gaylord National Resort. ICE! has millions of pounds of carved ice sculpted into displays that your kids can play on slide down and enjoy the fun characters.

19. Boston, Massachusetts

Photo Credit:
Deposit Photos

OK we’re getting colder with each city that we mention. Boston Massachusetts is cold in December. It’s often snowy but it really does Christmas well.

One of the best things to do in Boston in December is ice skate on the Boston commons frog pond you’ll see families coming with their skates around their shoulders or their necks tying up the skates for their kids and skating away on a small frog pond nearby Faneuil Hall, and Quincy market have an amazing experience called Blink, which is lights and music synchronized together and it draws a big crowd in December.

If you’re visiting Boston in December, you’ll want to make sure to visit the Boston Pops holiday concert. It is highly anticipated and fun for the whole family

You can also walk the freedom trail without the summer heat and the summer crowds, and all the colonial history sites get a Christmas glow up.

If you need to go shopping at Newberry Street, head to the north end for some great cannoli and Italian food, if you want some fun and funky bars head to south Boston, and if you need to entertain your kids, head to the children’s museum.

The Unique Experiences

20. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is a really unique experience in December. The beauty of the high desert and cultural traditions from indigenous people make Santa Fe a very unique experience. The Canyon Road Farolito walk on Christmas Eve is one of the most enduring traditions. Thousands of paperback lanterns are put all along the street as locals walk through the street, enjoying the glow.

If you want Christmas celebration in the plaza in downtown, Santa Fe has a Christmas tree, Christmas markets and native American artist selling their crafts.

The Santa Fe botanical garden is beautiful all year long, but in December it is filled with thousands of twinkling lights, making it a must do.

If you want to have some good food plan on having red or green chili on everything the food seen well not as robust as other Southwest cities is decent you’ll get a blend of native American, Spanish and Mexican in most restaurants.

21. Aspen, Colorado

If you love skiing and charming ski towns in December, Aspen is the place to go. Aspen has four mountains that have world-class skiing. By December snow coverage is generally good and skiing is less busy than it will be in January even if you don’t like skiing there are plenty of things to do in downtown Aspen.

The Victorian downtown is decorated beautifully for Christmas and local hotels and lodges, decorate well inside and out,

The 12 days of Aspen celebration happens during December and includes multiple Christmas events  and activities, including a visit form Santa. Ice skatingat Silver Cirlce rink is a fun family activity with Christmas music and festive touches.

December in Aspen is expensive but you will likely have a white Christmas and one of the most beautiful mountain towns in America.

Planning Your December Trip

December is prime travel time, so whatever destination you choose, book early. Hotels, flights, and special events sell out fast, especially around the Christmas week.

If you’re going for Christmas atmosphere, early to mid-December often offers better deals than the week of Christmas itself. Many destinations start celebrations right after Thanksgiving and maintain them through New Year’s.

For warm weather escapes, remember that December is high season in places like Hawaii, Key West, and Phoenix. You’ll pay premium prices, but the weather justification is solid.

Pack appropriately—winter destinations need serious cold weather gear, while warm escapes require sunscreen and swimsuits. Seems obvious, but the temperature differences between these destinations in December can be 80+ degrees.

Consider what type of December experience you want. Over-the-top Christmas spectacle? Cozy traditional holiday? Tropical escape? Each destination above excels at something specific.

Whatever you choose, December in America offers incredible diversity. You can be surrounded by millions of Christmas lights one week and snorkeling in clear tropical water the next. That’s the beauty of this massive, varied country—December means something different everywhere, and all of it can be magical.