Looking for the best places to spend Christmas in the USA? You have come to the right place. Read on to find out why these are the best Christmas Vacations in the US!
As someone who travels full time for a living, I get to experience Christmas traditions from around the world, and I know how super blessed I am since it’s not only a unique opportunity, but magical as well. While I totally love Christmas Markets in Europe, and last year I got to celebrate Christmas on the beach in Thailand, I still miss a lot of the American traditions when I am abroad. That’s why I look forward to enjoying the holidays back home in my dear New York City.
While New York is always on most people’s bucket list for a holiday visit, there are many other beautiful places where you can spend Christmas in the United States.
For this post, I decided to partner with other frequent fliers, much like myself, and asked them, “Where are the best places to celebrate Christmas in the U.S.?” Well, all I can say is that you should prepare yourself for lots of Christmas spirit and get ready to book your flight!
Top Christmas Vacations in the US
Mammoth Lakes, California
If you want to spend Christmas in a true winter wonderland add Mammoth Lakes, California to your list! I know what you’re thinking… “A winter wonderland in California?!” Don’t worry, I get that a lot. But California isn’t just L.A. palm trees and fog rolling in over the Golden Gate Bridge. There’s snow (a lot of snow, actually!) and a winter wonderland in the mountains just waiting to be explored on skis or snowshoes.
You are all but guaranteed a white Christmas in Mammoth Lakes, California. The average annual snowfall in Mammoth Lakes is more than 10 m (33 ft.), but many years the season total reaches well above 15 m (50 ft.) of snow. And many winters, this little ski town boasts the most snow in the contiguous U.S.
All of that snow means your holiday in Mammoth Lakes will be spent enjoying classic winter activities. Think: cruising down the ski slopes at Mammoth Mountain (California’s highest chairlift-accessible ski resort) on Christmas morning, sipping hot chocolate from inside a cozy snowcat on a backcountry tour or exploring the Eastern Sierra’s seemingly endless trails on snowshoes or cross-country skis.
After each day of winter adventures, Mammoth Lakes is all about the après ski (even if you didn’t spend the day skiing)! Cozying up to a fire with a drink in hand is part of the Mammoth Lakes experience all winter long, but the après ski scene is especially festive during Christmastime. From Christmas lights galore in The Village at Mammoth to watching through a frosty window as the snow falls outside while Christmas music plays in the background, it doesn’t get much more Christmas-y than Christmastime in Mammoth Lakes.
Suggested by: Meghan Miranda from Meg Moves Mountains
Lake Tahoe
I love Lake Tahoe because it’s a year-round destination with its perfect summer temperatures for water activities and gorgeous ski conditions during winter, especially during the Christmas holidays. In December, the whole town of South Lake Tahoe turns into a festive winter wonderland complete with all sorts of holiday events to keep the festive spirits going.
Some great examples:
The Festival of Trees and Lights at MontBleu Resort where dozens of beautifully decorated Christmas trees are on display and then auctioned off to support mental health.
Winter Wonderland at the Beach Retreat where the whole resort is transformed with lights, Christmas decor, and more.
HelloSnowFest at Heavenly Mountain Resort – this a two-week celebration where you can hit the slopes with on-the-mountain music and parties.
Heavenly Holidays at Heavenly Village – family fun with Santa and his elves skiing everywhere ice sculpting, and a giant snow globe. At the ice rink, there are a bunch of Disney characters skating around including Elsa from Frozen. There is also a giant Ferris wheel for everyone to enjoy. For those who love great acts, artists from Cirque du Soleil will also be on hand on December 26 to perform. There is also a beautiful fireworks show on New Year’s Eve along with a gondola ball drop.
Some of my favorite places to ski and snowboard are also in Lake Tahoe such as Kirkwood, Heavenly, Northstar, Sierra-at-Tahoe, and Squaw Valley. It’s just hard to beat skiing all day and then relaxing in a hot tub outdoors while snow falls around you!
Here are some glamping options in California before or after your Tahoe trip!
Have fun and I hope you have a great Christmas holiday!
Suggested by: Henry Wu from This Life Of Travel
Palm Springs, California
There are plenty of things to do in Palm Springs, California, any time from fall to spring, but it is a really fun place to visit during the holidays. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, making it possible to explore outside during the day, without the need to be bundled up. Although you will not have a white Christmas in Palm Springs, you will not want for the festive spirit!
The Greater Palm Springs desert communities host lots of festive events during the holidays. Palm Canyon Drive, the main street in downtown Palm Springs, is all lit up for the season. You can stroll the street, enjoying the crisp evening air, and browse the shops and galleries for special holiday sales. The Festival of Lights Parade happens on the first Saturday in December, with marching bands and huge floats done up with lights.
Robolights is a unique attraction in Palm Springs you must definitely visit during the holidays: it is a private home plot bedecked with millions (yes, millions!) of Christmas lights. Home to sci-fi and other strange statues and sculptures all year round, the yard becomes even more fun at Christmas time.
There are several ski resorts within a couple of hours drive from Palm Springs: Snow Valley Mountain Resort is about 1.5 hours away, and Bear Mountain Ski Resort is just under 2 hours away. So if you are looking for winter sports to include in your Christmas vacation, Palm Springs delivers!
Palm Springs is the perfect place from which to explore the California desert, and there are dozens of hiking trails all around the city. So go hiking during the day, discovering canyons and oases in the desert, and come back to evenings filled with holiday events in the city in the evenings!
Suggested by: Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles
Naples, Florida
If you are looking to escape the cold during Christmas and travel to a warm destination but not have to travel far then Naples, Florida is the ideal beach location getaway. Naples, Florida is located in South West Florida on the Gulf of Mexico.
The warm temperatures will have you celebrating a different kind of white Christmas. The only white stuff you will be seeing is the soft, white sand on one of the beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. If you are lucky, perhaps you will see a dolphin or two. There are so many great things to do in Naples, Florida for the entire family.
The top thing to do is to hit up one of the many beaches and enjoy some water sports. My favorite beach is Lowdermilk Beach as it has public facilities, food service where you can grab lunch as well as a playground for kids. Make sure to stick around for the spectacular show, Mother Nature really puts on a show.
If you are looking for a little more adventure then try kayaking through the mangroves or sign up for a Manatee sightseeing Eco-tourism tour. Kids would enjoy the Naples Zoo that has 70 species of exotic animals surrounded by their natural habitats as well as stunning exotic plants.
If you are looking for some Christmas festivities, head to 3rd Street or 5th Avenue in Naples where you will find the streets lined in Christmas decorations. If you are lucky to be visiting for New Years, you will be treated to a New Year’s Eve fireworks show from the Naples Pier.
If you need to buy some last-minute Christmas gifts, head to Coastland Center mall or the Waterside Shops for some upscale shopping.
Suggested by: Diana from Diana’s Healthy Living
Grapevine, Texas
Everyone knows that everything is bigger in Texas, so of course, we have to make sure that our Christmas celebrations are bigger as well. I’m here to tell you that one of the best Christmas destinations in The U.S. is Grapevine, Texas. I mean, they are the “Christmas Capital of the Texas”.
This suburb of Dallas really knows how to ring in Christmas by hosting over 1,400-holiday events that span over 40 days! Visitors should start their holiday celebration by booking a stay at the Gaylord Texan
Hotel. Not only will you find the Gaylord all decked out for the holidays, but they also host an annual event called ‘ICE’ that is a full-size display of ice sculptures.
Head to Grapevine’s main street to enjoy all of the holiday decorations before catching a holiday parade complete with St. Nick. Kids will love riding the Grapevine Vintage Railroad that transforms itself into the North Pole Express for the holiday season. Kids of all ages will love to see the holiday classic movies that are shown at the Historic Palace Theatre.
Adults will enjoy shopping on historic Main Street that is lined with cute boutiques and unique stores. Once your shopping is complete, enjoy tasting some delicious Texas wine at one of the many wineries before grabbing dinner at one of Grapevine’s delicious restaurants.
Honestly, Grapevine is one of the small Texas towns you must visit whether it is at Christmas time or any time of year. You won’t be disappointed.
Suggested by: Michelle from That Texas Couple
Scottsdale, Arizona
For those who fancy a warm Christmas without snow, Scottsdale, Arizona is a great place to spend the winter holiday. The temperatures in December typically range from 41°F/5°C (at night) to 68 °F/20°C (during the day). Light jackets are all you need to pack for vacation.
There is a variety of fun things to do in Scottsdale to get you in the holiday spirit. Every December, Fairmont Scottsdale transforms into a desert wonderland with sparkling lights. Ride on the Princess Express Train, grab a drink at the frosty ice bar, or roast marshmallows around a campfire – all the fun can be found at the “Christmas at the Princess” events. Visitors are welcomed to join the celebration during the entire month of December.
Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden is another holiday tradition one can’t miss. Using projection, lighting, and sound, you will watch the cacti, succulents, and rocks be brought to life and put on a show you’ve never seen before. The event runs throughout the entire month of December.
Don’t want to get out at all? Consider Illumination, Symphony of Light. Dubbed the country’s largest drive-through light show, the extravaganza, running from mid-November to the end of December, features millions of lights, synchronized with holiday songs. It is a one-of-a-kind holiday attraction that will make your Christmas unforgettable!
December is considered the high season in Scottsdale so hotel prices can be quite expensive, especially when the dates get closer to Christmas. It is best to book months in advance to lock in on lower prices or look into house-sharing services like AirBnB.
Suggested by: Cat Lin from For Two, Please
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish Montana is a great destination to visit during the Christmas season. This small city nestled in the Glacier National Park area is a winter wonderland that lets you slow down and enjoy some well deserved time with loved ones during a busy holiday season. Spend your days skiing and snowboarding at Whitefish Mountain Resort, a world-class ski resort that is perfect for any age.
The ski resort has so much to offer with lessons, childcare centers, restaurants, and many options for apres-ski drinks! Spend your days hitting the ski slopes and having fun during your holiday season.
If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, there is always plenty of day spas to pamper yourself at and relax during your Christmas holidays. Whitefish also some great local shopping downtown where you can wander along Central street with Christmas lights strung across the street, decorated with festive themes and brings about the nostalgic feeling of Christmas in the shops.
Be sure to enjoy a Cowgirl coffee and Amazing crepes, which is our favourite spot for an afternoon treat. Whitefish also has so many other options to explore Glacier National Park close by including dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling or backcountry snowcat skiing if that is more to your liking.
Whitefish provides a great place for you to unwind and enjoy the Christmas season with those who are close to you. The snow-covered mountains and fireworks on New Year’s Eve let you enjoy the essence of Christmas in the mountains.
Suggested by: Nicole Fiorante from The Passport Kids
Houston, Texas
If you are traveling around Christmas time, you should definitely consider visiting Houston, TX. The 4th most populous city in America is not short on activities for you to participate in the Christmas season.
Houston is also the largest city in total area, which you can totally attest to when you visit. But Houston also has a great way for you to explore the city via Monorail. The monorail system travels from North Main Houston to Fannin South and the entire trip takes around 30 minutes.
There is so much to do and see during the Christmas Season in Houston that you are going to be glad you decided to visit. To start, the weather on December average in the mid-60s which makes for the perfect weather to go watch the Christmas Lights.
Houston is such a big city and so diverse that you can find many different activities that your heart desires. The Museum District is comprised of 19 museums, art galleries. Community centers, etc. And this activity doesn’t have to break the bank because many of the museums offer free admission all day, every day.
Then, there are the parks sprinkled around town. They all offer some different events, tours, and beautiful scenery with lots of history. The list of the park is quite extensive but some of the major ones are Buffalo Bayou, Discovery Green (that offer an ice skating rink around Christmas season) and Hermann Park where the Houston Zoo is located and displays Zoo Lights to celebrate the season.
Around Christmas, you’ll find some other activities that are a short drive from downtown. Magical Winter Lights is about 45 minutes away and offers some extraordinary lantern festival, the largest one in the United States. Moody Gardens about 60 minutes away offer beautiful Festival of Lights display and an Ice Land, an ice sculpture exposition. Kemah Boardwalk is just 30 minutes away and offers a mini amusement park on Galveston Bay all decorated for the Season. And if you need something to top it off, you can head to Johnson Space Center and finish it off with a bang.
Suggested by: Patricia Martin from Travel Fam Life
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is The Windy City but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great place to visit over Christmas. Located on the banks of Lake Michigan and known for its stunning skyline, Chicago is one of the best cities in the US to visit, even in winter. Even with the temperature at and below freezing from mid-October to April, and winds blowing hard all year round, Chicago has so much to offer visitors both outdoors and inside.
For those looking to perfect their triple axle, head over to Millennium Park and lace up your skates. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is the ideal location to skate around for a few laps, all in the shadow of the famous Chicago skyline. Open from November to March (weather permitting) the rink is conveniently located off Michigan Ave, next to the “Bean” sculpture.
For families with children, or to re-create memories of youth, head over towards Soldier Field to the city’s sledding hill. A 33-foot drop made of both natural and man-made snow provides a rush of adrenaline and stunning panoramic views of Lake Michigan.
During the holiday months, Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo comes with a holiday light display unlike any other zoo in America. One of the only free zoos in America, the Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights is a popular event for all travelers. While most of the animals are brought indoors to stay warm, the zoo’s collection of polar bears and snow monkeys couldn’t be happier. ZooLights takes place from Thanksgiving until early January.
For a true Christmas in Chicago experience, just walk down Michigan Ave, the city’s prime shopping street. The street is lit with white lights and the storefront displays are stunning. At the end of Michigan Ave, check out the Christmas display at the Drake Hotel and enjoy a cocktail in their lobby bar.
Suggested by: Amber from Food And Drink Destinations
Key West, Florida
When the weather outside is frightful, Key West is so delightful. If you like Santa in shorts, a trip to the Florida Keys might be in your future. Sunrise at Higgs Beach ushers in another day in paradise. You can fill your days with snorkeling trips and water sports while you fill your belly with conch fritters, key lime pie, and refreshing mojitos.
It’s always a delight visiting the American tropics for winter, but it’s particularly wonderful for Christmas. Even though there’s no chance of snow, you can still see Christmas Lights.
The Conch Train and Old Town Trolley have holiday routes running most of December. On a few special nights, you can take a historic inn or Little White House holiday tour.
Every year, there’s a holiday boat parade were the Key West boat fleet cruises by competing for the best light display. They even host the Nutcracker every other year.
Perhaps the most Key West way to celebrate Christmas is with the Fury Watersports Christmas Ultimate Adventure Cruise. You spend the day with a variety of watersports and enjoy Christmas dinner on the served on their state of the art catamaran.
No matter how you choose to spend your holidays in the Keys, consider staying over until New Year’s Eve. The town comes alive with parties to enjoy the last sunset of the year and unique “drops” that include conch shells, pirates, and a drag queen in a ruby slipper. Don’t worry; you’ll have an entire year to get off the naughty list before Christmas comes again.
Suggested by: Jenn and Ed Coleman from Coleman Concierge
Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida, may not have white Christmases, but there are still plenty of things to do in Orlando at Christmas to make it feel like Christmas. While the theme parks all have big Christmas events, there are lots of other options as well including ice skating, fake snow, and beautiful Christmas lights. Plus, you don’t need to pack all of your winter gear as winter in Orlando is usually sunny skies and beautiful weather in the 70s (21 – 26C).
Whether you are on a budget or ready to break the bank, Orlando has something for everyone at Christmas. Some of the theme parks charge extra for Christmas events, but a favorite free Christmas activity is to explore the Christmas trees and gingerbread houses at Disney’s hotels.
Disney’s Grand Floridian has a huge Christmas tree and a gingerbread house that is big enough for you to walk through. Some of the other hotels have tree and gingerbread creations as well while Disney Springs has an entire Christmas tree trail. Each tree is decorated with a different theme, usually related to a movie or character.
If you are looking for budget-friendly options, Orlando has lots of free and cheap things to do as well. The University of Central Florida puts on Light Up UCF with free movies and a light show as well as ice skating.
Winter Park has free movies and an outdoor ice skating rink as well. Drive through Celebration, Florida, and check out the lights on Jeater Bend where the houses work together to create a synchronized light show.
It may not be your traditional white Christmas, but a Christmas in sandals in shorts can be a lot of fun too. With so many Christmas activities to keep you busy, consider Orlando for your next Christmas vacation.
Suggested by: Christine Wheeler from Live Love Run Travel
Atlanta, Georgia
I’m probably a bit biased towards spending Christmas in Atlanta since I’m a rare native of the city and have never actually lived more than 30 miles from the hospital I was born in. I’ve been going to quite a few of my favorite Atlanta Christmas events for more than 20 years now, and a few even dates back to my childhood in the 1970s and ’80s.
Atlanta has grown quite a lot during the decades since it hosted the 1996 Olympics, with suburbs sprawling far beyond the I-285 perimeter. The downside of that is a population explosion (right around 6 million in the Atlanta metropolitan area) and terrible traffic congestion as a result. But the upside that there a million different things to do in Atlanta, including hundreds of holiday-themed happenings all around the city.
If Christmas light displays are your favorite thing, you’ll find plenty to choose from here. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens’ “Garden Nights, Holiday Lights” is a perennial favorite, as is Lake Lanier Islands’ “Magical Nights of Lights” (where we went on our second date back in 2008). Further afield you’ll find Callaway Gardens’ “Fantasy In Lights,” which has been rated by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 Christmas Light Displays in the World.
Atlanta’s location in the Deep South ensures you probably won’t get to experience a real “White Christmas” here. But you can get a taste of winter wonderland at Stone Mountain Christmas’ “Snow Mountain” and the Battery Atlanta’s massive outdoor ice skating rink. You can also head to Midtown’s Atlantic Station to explore the city’s authentic German Christkindl Market, which features traditional singing and dancing, food, drink, and seasonal items in open-air booths.
Families with kids also have lots of Christmas cheer to choose from, including the Children’s Christmas Parade down Peachtree Street, riding the iconic Pink Pig at Macy’s Lenox Square, the annual production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the Center of Puppetry Arts, Celebrations in Lights at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium’s Festival of the SEAson, and much more.
In short, you could attend a different event every day from mid-November to Christmas Eve and you still wouldn’t experience even half of the awesome things there are to do in Atlanta around the holidays. But trying to squeeze in as many as we possibly can makes this our family’s favorite time to explore our hometown.
Suggested by: Bret Love & Mary Gabbett of Green Global Travel
Philadelphia
There are many great American cities to spend time in during the Christmas holidays, but my advice is to spend a day in Philadelphia. The city of Philadelphia comes alive at Christmas.
The best place to start is the center of the city – City Hall. There you have the City Hall Christmas Tree and holiday decoration in the courtyard. The tree is gorgeous each year and lights up the beautiful facades of the building’s courtyard.
Around City Hall, you have Dilworth Park. There are holiday vendors selling Philadelphia-themed gifts and crafts. Dilworth Park also installs an ice-skating rink and hot chocolate stands to enjoy the colder temperatures.
Across the street from City Hall, you can stroll through the Christmas Village that pops up each year in LOVE Park. There are more vendors and a fun atmosphere of Christmas music and happy residents.
You can also enjoy the sights with a view straight down the parkway to The Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’s an iconic park where you have to take a picture in front of the LOVE statue.
Lastly, you can make your way to the Macy’s Department Store on Market Street. There you have the Charles Dickens Christmas Village and Light Show. It’s over 550 square meters of “Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol” brought to life. The decorations and lights are beautiful and fun for the whole family.
Wherever you visit in the United States for Christmas, consider spending a holiday weekend in Philadelphia.
Suggested by: Derek Hartman from Robe Trotting
Beaver Creek, Colorado
If you’re looking for an amazing place to celebrate Christmas in the US, consider planning a trip to Beaver Creek, Colorado. Located two hours west of Denver in the Vail Valley, Beaver Creek is home to some of the best skiing in the Rocky Mountains. The family-friendly resort offers the perfect winter wonderland of a backdrop to ring in the holidays, and there are so many things to do in Beaver Creek for both skiers and non-skiers alike.
While Beaver Creek is lovely at most any time of year, the ski town particularly shines at Christmas. The Beaver Creek Village is adorned in beautiful holiday décor and feels like a scene from a Christmas card – go ice skating on the center rink, then listen to the Dickens carolers as they make the rounds singing your favorite Christmas songs.
Spend the holiday skiing the perfectly groomed slopes of Beaver Creek Mountain, and with an extensive network of both beginner and advanced runs, there is something that skiers of all levels will enjoy. After a fun day on the slopes, treat yourself to a massage at the spa at the Park Hyatt or simply enjoy a cozy cocktail and live music for après ski at the slope-side CBar.
To top off your Christmas at Beaver Creek, make a reservation for dinner at Allie’s Cabin. An open-air sleigh transports you up the mountain, where you’ll change into warm slippers and indulge on a gourmet meal with wine pairings. The Beaver Creek Christmas celebrations culminate with a firework show over the slopes, making it a memorable holiday that you’ll never forget.
Submitted by: Meredith Fulford from The Longest Weekend
Milwaukee
Milwaukee isn’t well known as a place to spend Christmas, but with the promise of snow on the horizon, and Christmas cheer that surrounds the city, it is the winter wonderland you never knew you needed. This affordable Midwestern city is perfect for a budget-friendly holiday destination with delightful Christmas markets of its own.
My husband and I have spent quite a few years in Milwaukee around the holiday season as his family is from there, and we have a few spots that you’re absolutely going to love! Pro-tip, though, the best time to visit is around the first weekend of December when the main events happen!
We recommend wandering the streets of the historic Third Ward neighborhood during Christmas in the Ward, a delightful place to witness fireworks, tree lighting, live reindeer, and of course, Santa!
Then, enjoy the wonder of the Christkindlmarket in Fiserv Forum. If you can’t get all the way to Germany for the Christmas markets, this place will give you your fix. With fewer crowds at this lesser-known Christmas market, you’ll be able to enjoy melty, raclette cheese and mulled wine while wandering the stalls for all the Christmas trinkets your heart could desire.
And if the Milwaukee Christkindlmarket hasn’t satisfied your Christmas market desires, then head over to the German Christmas Market of Oconomowoc. This place just west of Milwaukee celebrates the Midwest’s German heritage with a Christmas market that includes German food with a Wisconsin cheese curd and BBQ twist.
After enjoying the lovely Christmas markets around Milwaukee, you’ll definitely want to warm up by taking the Milwaukee Bakery Bus to all of the best bakeries in Milwaukee for Christmas themed treats!
From Christmas markets to all of the Christmas-themed celebrations, Milwaukee is a place to add to your Christmastime bucket list that you never knew you needed to visit.
Suggested by: Katherine Weiss from Worldwide Honeymoon
Salt Lake City, Utah
“When you think about traveling at Christmastime, does a winter wonderland come to mind? Twinkling lights on every building? Festive music in the air? The infectious joyous holiday feeling reaching down to your toes? If so, then a trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, should be right up your alley.
Salt Lake City is a happening place during the Christmas season, with activities for the whole family. Do you love Christmas markets? Check out the German Christkindlmarkt held every year at This is the Place Heritage Park. Admission and live entertainment are free, with German snacks and drinks at a reasonable price.
Do you love to ski or snowboard? Utah has the best snow on earth and some of the greatest resorts around Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, and Brighton are local favorites and easily accessible by ski bus. Not into skiing? Soldier Hollow snow tubing offers adrenaline-inducing runs for the whole family.
If you’re like me and love to look at Christmas lights all season long, you’re in luck! Salt Lake City has numerous unique locations to view epic light installations, no matter what the weather outside. Check out Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point: a mile-long walk through Ashton Gardens will transport you to a magical holiday world. Zoo Lights at the Hogle Zoo offers hundreds of lighted animals and holiday displays, along with a few nocturnal animals.
Top off your Christmas light-viewing experience with a trip to Temple Square, where you can view millions of colorful lights, nativities from around the world, and illuminated handmade lanterns bearing the word “peace” in numerous languages. When you’re done at Temple Square, head across the street to Macy’s to experience the candy-decorated windows!
It’s easy to fall in love with Salt Lake City at Christmas – so many amazing experiences to have!”
Suggested by: Rachelle Gordon from Adventure Is Never Far Away
You know I could not leave out my dear New York City…
New York City (Editor’s Choice)
As someone who’s from New York, of course I could not leave this option unwritten. New York is just simply magical around the holidays. New York City has it all, from amazing Christmas Holiday shows, such as Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes, to special Christmas window displays in most of our major department stores and shops, like Saks fifth avenue, Macys Herald Square, Bloomingdales and so on, along with the usual amazing food that can be found here all year round.
But there’s just something special about seeing this concrete jungle all dressed up to the nines with twinkling lights, holiday decorations and, hopefully, a light sprinkling of snow. There’s nothing like it!
Along with the beautiful holiday backdrop, we also have great Christmas Markets, so I have a full post highlighting them, here.
If I have to pick one, my all time favorite is Bryant Park’ market. I totally love the shops, the variety of the delicious food available, the free ice skating (if you bring your own skates), and just the general vibes of this midtown location, just behind our beautiful library and steps away from Times Square. I totally recommend it! You can also check out the other holiday markets at Columbus Circle, Union Square and Grand Central, among others.
Another thing that you cannot miss, which will get you in the holiday spirit, is the Dyker Heights neighborhood Christmas decorations in Brooklyn. The decor is simply amazing!
You can take the subway there and walk around yourself to look at the houses or, if you prefer, you can also book a tour. Take my word for it, it’s worth the trip. You definitely won’t regret it.
Lastly, it might be a given but it’s a definite must see: The Rockefeller Christmas tree. If you can witness the tree lighting ceremony, I recommend it. Otherwise, it is just simply amazing to stand there and admire it close up.
With the ice-skating going on next door, it’s just a beautiful winter wonderland. There are also other trees you can see around New York, such as the one on Wall Street, some in the lobby of hotels, such as Peninsula hotel, Lotte Palace, etc., along with some found in many museums and other popular locations.
New York is just filled with the holiday spirit! While I find New York simply magical any time, there’s just something extra around the holidays. Of course, New York is a great place to visit all year round, but if you are looking for a uniquely, beautiful holiday season, filled with bright lights, entertainment, shopping and wonderful food, New York City is the place to be!
Wrapping up
I hope that this list of the best places to spend Christmas in the USA by frequent fliers like myself gives you some food for thought and inspires you to plan your next Christmas vacations to US.
For us, these are some of the top places to go for Christmas in US, all must see locations, especially during the Holiday season.
What are your favorite places to celebrate Christmas in the USA? Did we miss your favorite one? Share your experience by commenting below; maybe you’ll inspire our next winter holiday getaway.
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