Looking for a fun, special way to spend the holidays? Today, we’re going to round up the best places to visit during Christmas in the USA!
As hectic as it can be, I’m actually a big fan of Christmas travels. I live in New York, where we take the holidays pretty seriously — Rockefeller Tree, anyone? But I spend my holidays in England, a country known for doing Noel right. However, if you’re in the good ol’ US, you don’t have to go abroad for festive energy.
There are many truly special places to visit during Christmas in the USA. I know that London and Amsterdam have major reputations when it comes to the holidays. But have you ever been to Santa Claus, Indiana? What about the North Pole in Alaska? I kid you not, my friends. These are real towns. How fun is that?
And, of course, there’s always New York, Park City, and Aspen. Christmas is near and dear to my own heart. I’m thrilled to share these wonderful destinations with you.
Places To Visit During Christmas in the USA
We made sure to cover all our bases here.
I know some of you like an athletic winter holiday. I’m partial to snowboarding, myself. I have a lot of friends who, understandably, tend to stress out during the holidays. Sometimes, a nice, appropriately dressed winter hike is an excellent mental health release.
Some of you might like a fun, touristy spot. There’s something for everyone here.
In fact, let’s start with cheap places to travel during Christmas in the USA. After all, we don’t all have the capacity for luxury travel after all that gift-buying!
Cheap Places To Travel During Christmas in the USA
So, of course, what’s cheap to one person isn’t necessarily cheap to another. However, with a few best practices, you can really get a lot of bang for your buck when traveling for Christmas.
When you’re considering destinations, here’s a fun tip. Check out the major destinations (like New York or Aspen). Then, see what’s nearby that doesn’t get as much attention.
Here are some cheap places to visit during Christmas in the USA, all things considered!
Solvang, California
LA isn’t a cheap city, and Santa Barbara has become quite the luxury destination. But have you ever been to Solvang, California?
Many people from California, like myself, consider Solvang our fun little secret. You won’t believe this, but this town is designed to look and feel like a traditional Danish Village. Yes, right in the Sunshine State! You can admire the windmill, pick up some Christmas pastries, and see the mistletoe-covered hills. It genuinely feels like a place straight from a Hans Christian Anderson story.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville has something amazing that bigger cities in the South don’t. The Biltmore Mansion. Every year, the team there goes all out with their Christmas decorations, making it a genuine holiday fairytale. As the largest private home in the US, there’s a lot to see. They also host Candlelight Christmas Evenings, providing the home with an effervescent beauty.
Ogunquit, Maine
Ogunquit, Maine, is for you if you love a wintery beach vibe. Maine isn’t the most expensive state in wealthy New England. However, coastal states are generally more expensive, and affluent Bostonians love their Maine getaways. Ogunquit is relatively more affordable than the Nantuckets and Hamptons of the East Coast. Still, it has that New England vibe that’s lovely during Christmas. The town hosts a Christmas by the Sea festival that includes tree lightings and concerts.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Like Solvang to California, Fredericksburg is a beacon of Christmas historicness in a place you wouldn’t expect. Fredericksburg is a colonial German town. Instead of spending a fortune going to Germany, you can just road-trip it to Texas! They have a German Christmas market called Christkindlmarkt, where you can grab a hot chocolate. Even more, the town decks out the main street of the town with lights, ribbons, and wreaths. There’s no shortage of twinkle and ambiance here!
More Best Practices for Affordable Christmas Travel
Those are just some examples, but truly, going off the beaten path is my biggest piece of advice. Moreover, consider the relativity factor.
If you live on the coasts, the deep South and the Midwest might feel quite cheap to you. For example, Chicago is the most major city in the Midwest. For people from the Midwest, it may feel quite expensive. Still, as someone who grew up in LA and lives in New York, I was floored by the prices there. I took a 7-mile Uber from Wrigley Field to the Chicago theatre for $15. That easily would’ve been $45 in New York.
And as always, stick to classic money-saving travel strategies:
- Plan early
- Be flexible with dates
- Fly midweek instead of on the weekends
- Eat affordably (sure, if you’re in a major city, you might want to check out their fine dining scene, but there’s something special about eating like the everyday locals, too!)
- Look up free and low-cost attractions. You don’t have to pay anything to admire the Rockefeller Tree or see St. Patrick’s Cathedral. And what’s more Christmasy than a beautiful church and a Christmas tree?
The great part about being economical during holiday travels is a lot of best practices are also more sustainable.
Best Place To Ski at Christmas in the USA
There isn’t one best place to ski at Christmas in the USA. It depends on what you’re looking for. We took that into account when making this list. Some areas boast many acres of skiing, and others have an excellent apres ski situation.
In general, these are some of the best places to visit during Christmas in the USA with snow. Make sure you have all of your winter accessories when visiting these destinations!
And by the way, these options are great if you’re into snowboarding, too.
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky, Montana, doesn’t just boast 6,000 acres of skiing. There’s also an exceptional Christmas Stroll there. The Christmas Stroll includes photos with Santa, wagon rides, holiday carols, and an ice rink. Of course, there’s also a tree lighting. Great ski conditions are essentially guaranteed around Christmas time, too.
Vail, Colorado
The holidays are spectacular in Vail, Colorado. The decorations are unmatched. The town adorns all of the villages with vivid colors and bright lights. Moreover, with a snow-covered mountain, you’d think you were in Santa’s village. The entire town has a very European feel. Meanwhile, Vail Ski Resort and Beaver Creek Resort are two of the highest-rated ski areas in the country.
Jackson Hole, WY
I love Jackson Hole, Wyoming. If you want a cowboy Christmas, this is the town for you. However, if you love a fancy skiing vibe, it’s also the place for you. Basically, if you’re a man who wants adventure and married to a lady who loves luxury, you’ll both be happy here. You’ll find carolers, treats, and Santa appearances in the town square.
Aspen, CO
Aspen is probably the go-to luxury ski spot in the USA. There, you can ski, snowboard, and have fabulous apres-ski situations. There’s also high-end shopping, top art galleries, and the Aspen Museum. Of course, they really up the shopping and party scenes during Christmas. There are several galas, cocktails, and gallery openings for you to attend when you aren’t skiing. Aspen is undoubtedly a great place to find unique and high-end Christmas gifts, too.
Sun Valley, Idaho
I first visited Sun Valley on a business trip, and I’ve been coming back pretty often ever since. They have award-winning skiing and resorts, and the culture is beautiful. It’s cowboy-meets-posh, somewhere in between Aspen and Jackson Hole. The water is amazing (I started to understand the concept of whiskey and water in Sun Valley). And the sun sets after 10 pm. The entire town decks itself in Christmas decorations during the holidays. There are Christmas movie nights at the Opera House and photo ops with Santa at the Sun Valley Resort.
Are you not like Elsa? Does cold bother you (anyway)? Consider some of the best warm places to visit during Christmas in the USA!
Best Warm Places To Visit During Christmas in the USA
I know a lot of people who love to spend the holidays in St. Barts or the Canary Islands. I get it. There’s something about doing something a little different. If it’s more you, then go for it! The most important thing to consider when it comes to where to spend Christmas in the USA? It should be a place you enjoy. Don’t go somewhere cold if you don’t like the cold.
I already mentioned Solvang and Fredericksburg, but here are a few options for celebrating under the sun.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Mele kalikimaka! You know Hawaii does the holidays right when it has its own Christmas song. Did you know that the aloha spirit is all about peace and affection? What’s more Christmas-like than that? Honolulu City specifically boasts a 20-foot Santa Claus and a holiday lights tour on the Waikiki Trolley. Truly, it’s one of the best Christmas tours in the USA. And while you’re there, don’t forget to eat all the beautiful Hawaii-fied Japanese and Filipino food.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Any city with this much history can deliver during the holidays. On top of that, is there any other city that knows how to party as well as New Orleans? This combination makes it a top-notch choice for a warm Christmas trip. There’s a display of two million sparkling lights in City Park called the Celebration in the Oaks. Moreover, the St. Louis Cathedral hosts several holiday events.
San Diego, California
Did I ever mention how much I love San Diego? And people from San Diego? Maybe it’s the sun or the good Mexican food, but San Diegans have always welcomed me warmly. During Christmas, you can check out the Hotel del Coronado, which has a beachfront ice rink. There are several special events throughout the city. The art gallery scene is also highly underrated. And finally, make sure you see the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, which features a procession of decorated boats.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston holds a special place in my heart. I may have grown up in Beverly Hills, raised by New England parents, and currently live in New York. For some reason, I’m convinced I’m a Southern boy at heart. This city has the preserved history of Boston but the relaxed pace, color, and palm trees of LA or San Diego. The mix of tradition and color makes Charleston perfect for Christmas. And trust me, Southerners know how to treat their tourists.
Places To Visit During Christmas in the USA With Family
Many of the already-mentioned places are perfect places to visit during Christmas in the USA with family. A few include:
- San Diego
- Honolulu
- Jackson Hole
- Solvang
- Charleston
In addition to those, here are a few more US destinations for the family during the holidays. These cities have loads to do for children and adults!
Orlando, Florida
Two words for you: Disney World. As you can imagine, Disney does it up during the holidays, and kids love it. In general, the adults will love the warm weather and the sneak peek into retirement life. Meanwhile, the children will love all of the kid-friendly attractions. In addition to Disney World, there’s the Disney Resort and Universal Studios Orlando, which hosts the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And don’t forget Legoland’s Christmas Bricktacular celebration. You can find a giant all-Lego Christmas tree and a life-sized all-Lego Santa Claus there.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
If your family is adventurous, you might consider Lake Tahoe for the holidays. There are many beginner-friendly hiking trails that both kids and adults can enjoy. Moreover, there are even a lot of family-friendly biking trails. Sand Harbor is perfect if you want to combine your beach-going experience with your hiking experience. Did you know there’s also an 11th-century castle called Vikingsholm Castle in Tahoma? My favorite part is the ice carving demonstrations during the Christmas season. For younger kids, Heavenly Village hosts a breakfast with Santa. Can you imagine how thrilled your little one will be after telling the big man himself what they want for Christmas this year?
Los Angeles, CA
LA? For families? Believe it or not, LA makes for a great family trip. And if you’re from a colder climate, it’s nice to get some sun during Christmas time. For dads and sons, may I direct you to the Petersen Automotive Museum? The shoppers in the family will enjoy Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, where there’s also great outdoor dining. Then, there are museums like the La Brea Tar Pits that make learning fun for kids. The Grove gets completely lit up during Christmas time, too. Santa, fake snow, and even a Christmas trolley make the entire place feel and look like a Winter Wonderland. And you won’t even need your coat!
Boston, MA
As far as US cities, I know New York gets a lot of credit for doing Christmas right. It’s much-deserved credit, too. Boston, in my opinion, does it equally as well. As an older city, it has a historic vibe that reminds you of the importance of traditions. There’s a much higher likelihood of snow in Boston than in New York. My favorite place during Christmas is Newbury Street. Shop owners adorn their establishments with lights, and there’s luscious hot chocolate in every other shop. Above all, there’s a lovely sense of community. It’s all of the good parts of a Charles Dickens novel.
Best Christmas Towns in the US
What makes a town a Christmas town? Of course, there are the activities. Does the town host fun, cheery holiday events? Then, there’s the shopping. Can you find unique and special gifts there? Decorations are 100% important, in my opinion. The more, the better. The most important thing, though, is the overall energy.
That’s likely why many consider these cities authentic Christmas towns. Truly, they’re the best places to visit during the holidays.
The Kennebunks, Maine
I’m not going to bury the lead here. The Kennebunks, aka Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, which is closer to the coast, is my pick for the best place to go for Christmas. In fact, that area is one of my top five favorite places in the world. During their Christmas Prelude, you get Santa arriving by lobster boat, caroling, a fantastic street festival, and so much more. Did I mention the Annual Pooch Parade? It’s the perfect destination for families, couples, and even single adventurers. While you’re there, check out KW Contemporary Art. It’s the best contemporary art gallery in the state; there’s something for everyone, whether you’re an art connoisseur or simply art-curious.
Park City, Utah
Park City, Utah, is for everyone. Sporty and adventurous people enjoy skiing and outdoor winter activities. Meanwhile, the romantic scenery and welcoming vibe make the town feel straight out of a Hallmark movie. There’s a reason so many people consider Park City one of the best places to visit for Christmas in the USA. There’s even dog sledding! You can sip hot chocolate on the North Pole Express train ride or check out the Christmas shopping. If you’d rather not spend more than you already have, looking at the city’s artful decorations is free.
New York City, New York
New York during Christmas is truly iconic. That’s why so many Christmas movies take place in this bustling metropolitan. The Rockefeller Tree amazes even the most jaded Manhattanites. Of course, there are also the fantastic window store displays on Fifth Avenue. There’s really no better place to be when it comes to the latest winter styles. And no matter how old you are, the Radio City Rockettes and The Nutcracker continue to impress.
Santa Claus, Indiana
When considering places to visit during Christmas in the USA, how could you not include this one? It’s literally called Santa Claus. The town’s nickname is America’s Christmas hometown. And truly, it’s a place that makes you feel like you’re coming home for Christmas, even if you aren’t from there. A three-week Christmas celebration includes fireworks and a drive-through light experience called Santa Claus Land of Lights.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is undoubtedly one of the most unique places to visit during Christmas in the USA. The already charming town becomes even more charming during the holidays. First, the city adds Christmas lights to the plaza. Second, there are holiday flamenco shows at their local cabaret and Winter Indian Market. It’s a cultural Christmas that celebrates the town’s unique heritage.
Washington DC
It would be a bit of a national disgrace if our very own capital didn’t do Christmas right. Fortunately for us Americans, they do! The National Christmas Tree is a sight to behold. The Downtown Holiday Market offers unique gifts. And if you head over to the Watergate Hotel, you can try out a private igloo. Finally, the Ford’s Theatre does a run of A Christmas Carol during the holiday season.
Seattle, Washington
You know it’s that time of year in Seattle when there’s a Christmas tree on top of the iconic Space Needle. When done admiring that, zip on over to the Grand Sheraton to see the always-popular Gingerbread Village. This event is a downright art show that brings all the best architects together to display their elite designs. Of course, there’s plenty of shopping too. The Seattle Center Winterfest hosts markets, ice sculpting shows, and train rides for the family.
Seneca Falls, New York
Not all Christmas movies take place in Manhattan or Victorian London. One of the most famous ones, It’s A Wonderful Life, happens in a town called Bedford Falls. Legend has it that it’s based on Seneca Falls, New York. Naturally, this town loves the holidays. Every year, they hold a festival honoring the film. You get a movie screening, a parade, and even a meet-and-greet with the cast. It’s A Wonderful Life has a special place in many people’s hearts. You might consider heading to Seneca Falls for Christmas if you’re one of those people.
North Pole, Alaska
Naturally beautiful Alaska is home to a Rankin/Bass-style town called North Pole. Step into this Christmas-loving town during the holidays, and you’ll feel like you’re in claymation. There are street names like Snowman Lane, Holiday Road, and Saint Nicholas Drive, and even a Santa Claus House. And the light poles on Santa Claus Lane? They’re shaped like giant candy canes. How charming is that?
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a go-to destination for many in the summer. However, it’s also an excellent winter vacation and shines brightly during the holidays. Literally and figuratively. Myrtle Beach hosts the Great Christmas Light Show, showcasing two million lights. There’s also the Yuletide golf cart parade, where you can decorate your golf cart and be part of the festivities. Though I’ve never been, I’ve heard great things about the MarshWalk Santa Crawl. There, you can enjoy dinner with a date or the family and win prizes at contests and raffles.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago hosts a stunning Christmas season, not unlike New York’s. Still, it’s a cheaper trip, and the locals are quite nice to tourists. My theory is that in New York, people come in from all over the world to hustle and close deals. Chicago mainly comprises good-hearted Midwesterners from neighboring states who pride themselves in their heartland region. Chicago’s Yuletide cheer includes ice skating, a Christmas tree exhibition, and the Christkindltmarket. The 50-foot Christmas tree in Millenium Park is quite the sight. Once you’ve seen the sights and sounds of the city, drive north to Winnetka. There, you can see Kevin McCallister’s house from Home Alone.
Christmas Town USA, North Carolina
Okay, so the official town name is actually McAdenville, North Carolina. Still, if there’s any place in America deserving of the nickname Christmas Town USA, it’s McAdenville. Gaston County’s cheery town hosts a light display while Christmas music plays throughout the streets. The small community turns into a full-on winter wonderland. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find wreaths and sparkle. What Salem, Massachusetts, is to Halloween is what McAdenville, North Carolina, is to Christmas. It’s definitely worth the trip!
Conclusion: The Merriest Season
Now you know some of the best places to visit during Christmas in the USA. I warned you that this list would be extensive! We wanted to make sure there’s something for everyone.
Want a family-friendly Christmas? Try Orland or Kennebunk, Maine. Don’t love the cold? Well, there’s always Hawaii! And you can’t go wrong with classic Christmas destinations like Aspen or New York.
Where are some of your favorite places to visit for Christmas? Let us know in the comments below!
