I’ll never forget the first time I saw the Rockefeller Center tree lit up in December. I’d seen it in movies, but standing there with skaters below and festive music drifting through the air — it was pure magic.
But December travel isn’t just about snow and Santa. I’ve spent holidays escaping to the warmth too, trading snow boots for flip-flops. After visiting almost all 50 states over the years, I’ve learned where the best weather hides in winter and which towns actually earn their Christmas reputations.
If you’re looking for a December getaway, it comes down to one choice: lean into the winter magic or escape it entirely. Here are 21 places worth planning around.
Why Travel to the USA in December?
December is a month of pure festive energy. It’s the perfect time to use up that last bit of vacation time for the year. The real draw is the choice it offers: dive head-first into a winter wonderland with snow and holiday markets, or escape completely to a sunny beach. Either way, you’ll find incredible decorations and the kind of atmosphere that makes ending the year feel special.
Best Warm Places to Visit in December
Sometimes the best gift in December is a break from the cold — trust me on that one. These are my favourite spots for sunshine and warm weather, where a winter coat becomes a light jacket or even a swimsuit.
1. Key West, Florida
I love the laid-back, quirky vibe of Key West, and December makes it even better. I remember biking around the island with historic inns draped in holiday lights, then ending the day at Mallory Square for the sunset celebration.
Why go: The summer humidity is gone. Expect sunny days often in the high 70s, with hurricane risk very low. The whole island gets festive — don’t miss the “Bight Before Christmas” lighted boat parade.
Do: Ride the Conch Train through decorated historic homes. Visit the Southernmost Point for a classic photo. Go on a sunset sail.
Stay: A guesthouse or inn in Old Town puts you close to everything.
2. Maui, Hawaii
I once went to a holiday luau in Ka’anapali and it changed my whole idea of a tropical Christmas. Kalua pork, mai tai, hula performance — and then Santa Claus arrived on an outrigger canoe.
Why go: Tropical weather, festive luaus, and the official start of humpback whale watching season. It’s popular around Christmas so book in advance; prices can be high.
Do: Take a whale-watching tour. Attend a Christmas luau where Santa sometimes arrives by red canoe. Browse holiday markets at Whalers Village in Ka’anapali. Drive the Road to Hana — the waterfalls are fuller in winter.
Stay: Resorts in Wailea or Ka’anapali for a classic Maui experience.
3. U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas / St. John)
I’ll always remember snorkeling the underwater trail at Trunk Bay in St. John — calm, clear water and colourful fish that felt a world away from any snow back home. The USVI makes Caribbean December easy for American travelers.
Why go: Dry season starts with fantastic weather and warm, clear water. You get a full tropical Christmas without needing a passport.
Do: Snorkel the underwater trail at Trunk Bay. Relax on Magens Bay in St. Thomas. Explore the Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins. Join the “Christmas Second Day” (Crucian Christmas Festival) celebrations.
Stay: Large resorts in St. Thomas or eco-friendly villas and lodges in St. John.
4. St. Augustine, Florida
I wasn’t prepared for how magical St. Augustine gets in December. One of the Old Town trolley tours at night — Spanish architecture and palm trees draped in millions of white lights — still stays with me.
Why go: The “Nights of Lights” festival illuminates the entire city. Mild Florida weather makes walking around easy and enjoyable.
Do: Take a trolley or walking tour of “Nights of Lights.” Stroll historic streets and visit Castillo de San Marcos. See the Christmas tree in Plaza de la Constitución. Try a holiday-themed tasting at the St. Augustine Distillery.
Stay: A historic inn or bed & breakfast downtown keeps you within walking distance of all the lights.
5. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is where I go when I want a holiday that blends city and beach. Watching Santa surf with his reindeer in the fountain at Iolani Palace — that’s the kind of moment that makes “Mele Kalikimaka” feel real.
Why go: Warm beach weather, world-class shopping, and festive displays. Also a significant month historically, with memorial events at Pearl Harbor around December 7th.
Do: See the “Honolulu City Lights” display at Honolulu Hale. Pay respects at Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Watch professional surfers on the North Shore winter waves. Relax on Waikiki Beach.
Stay: Waikiki has everything from historic beachfront properties to modern high-rises.
6. South Padre Island, Texas
If your idea of a winter getaway is getting away from everything — crowds, noise, stress — South Padre delivers. I spent a week there with long quiet walks on the beach each day. It was a total reset.
Why go: Mild weather, no crowds. One of Texas’s warmest spots and genuinely relaxing without holiday chaos or high prices.
Do: Birdwatch at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Visit Sea Turtle, Inc. for their rehabilitation work. Take a dolphin-watching cruise in the Laguna Madre.
Stay: Beachfront condos and hotels offer great off-season rates.
7. Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona
I thought I knew desert holiday lights until “Las Noches de las Luminarias” at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Thousands of hand-lit luminaria bags along garden paths with musicians playing — it was a top-tier experience.
Why go: Two trips in one — perfect sunny weather for hiking during the day, sophisticated holiday light displays at night.
Do: Walk “Las Noches de las Luminarias.” Hike Camelback Mountain or Papago Park trails. See “Zoolights” at Phoenix Zoo. Explore decorated shops and galleries in Old Town Scottsdale.
Stay: Upscale resorts in Scottsdale or stylish hotels in downtown Phoenix.
Best Christmas Towns & Festive Cities
Sometimes warm weather just won’t do it. If you want that winter wonderland feeling, these are the places that go all-out for December — millions of lights, Christmas markets, and an atmosphere worth making a trip for.
8. New York City, New York
I’ve visited NYC many times, but there’s a specific energy in December I haven’t found anywhere else. Hot chocolate in hand at the Bryant Park Winter Village, ice skaters zipping under skyscraper lights — it really does feel like the opening scene of a holiday movie.
Why go: The quintessential American Christmas destination. From the iconic Rockefeller Center tree to world-famous window displays, the entire city turns up another level.
Do: See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and skate below it. Browse Bryant Park Winter Village shops. Catch Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes. Walk Fifth Avenue for the holiday windows.
Stay: Midtown is convenient for the main sights, but the West Village has a cozier, neighbourhood feel I tend to prefer.
9. Leavenworth, Washington
I’d heard it was a “Christmas Town” but nothing prepared me for the reality. During the Village of Lights festival, walking through this snow-covered Bavarian village with every building covered in over half a million lights — it’s not an exaggeration, it really does feel like being inside a snow globe.
Why go: A full-immersion holiday experience. The town transforms into something straight out of a Hallmark movie, complete with carolers and festive food.
Do: See the “Village of Lights” (lit all month). Visit Leavenworth Reindeer Farm. Browse Bavarian-themed shops for gifts. Check out the Nutcracker Museum — over 7,000 nutcrackers.
Stay: A Bavarian-style lodge or inn right in the village. Book many months ahead for December.
10. Asheville, North Carolina
Visiting Asheville in December is all about the Biltmore Estate. I took the candlelight evening tour — the banquet hall with its 35-foot tree, fireplaces roaring, carolers singing — it felt like stepping into a Gilded Age Christmas party.
Why go: Christmas at Biltmore is one of the most iconic holiday events in the country. The city itself is a cosy mountain retreat; the Blue Ridge Mountains are beautiful even with just a dusting of snow.
Do: Take the Candlelight Christmas Evening tour at Biltmore. See the National Gingerbread House Competition at Omni Grove Park Inn. Explore Winter Lights at NC Arboretum. Browse shops in the River Arts District.
Stay: On the Biltmore Estate for the full experience, or a boutique hotel downtown.
11. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
I’ve been to a lot of Christmas markets, but Bethlehem — “Christmas City USA” — just feels right. Sipping hot cider at the Christkindlmarkt stalls in the old quarter, with the giant Moravian star glowing on the hillside, you can feel 250-plus years of tradition.
Why go: Nicknamed Christmas City USA on Christmas Eve, 1741. The most authentic and historic holiday experience in the country, blending Moravian heritage with a European-style Christkindlmarkt.
Do: Browse artisan stalls at the Christkindlmarkt. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through candlelit streets. See the giant Moravian star on the hillside. Explore beautifully decorated historic stone buildings downtown.
Stay: A hotel or inn in historic downtown keeps you close to everything.
12. Solvang, California
Walking into Solvang in December felt like being transported to a Danish village. Half-timbered buildings, windmills, bakeries — all decorated for Julefest. It’s such a charming way to experience winter in the middle of California.
Why go: The month-long “Julefest” celebration is unique — parades, markets, and delicious European pastries all in one place.
Do: Attend the Julefest Parade and tree lighting. Go on the “Nisse Adventure” scavenger hunt for the town’s gnomes. Browse the Maker’s Market for artisan crafts. Sample aebleskiver from local bakeries.
Stay: A Danish-themed inn right in the village puts you in the middle of it all.
13. Grapevine, Texas
I had to see the “Christmas Capital of Texas” for myself. The historic Main Street is completely transformed, and the vintage railroad becomes the “North Pole Express.” They take this title seriously — over 1,400 events in 40 days.
Why go: Officially designated Christmas Capital of Texas with a staggering number of festive events. A top-tier destination for families and holiday lovers.
Do: Ride the North Pole Express on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Walk Historic Main Street. See light displays and ice sculptures at Gaylord Texan Resort. Go snow tubing right in the middle of Texas.
Stay: The Gaylord Texan Resort is an attraction itself, or stay near Historic Main Street for easy access to events.
14. New Orleans, Louisiana
A New Orleans Christmas is unlike anywhere else. I did a “Reveillon Dinner” — a modern take on the Creole holiday tradition — and it was one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had. Afterwards, walking to Jackson Square with the cathedral lit up and carolers singing — that’s the kind of night you remember.
Why go: Unique Creole Christmas traditions, mild weather, incredible food. The city’s hotel lobbies (like at The Roosevelt) have some of the most elegant decorations I’ve seen.
Do: See “Celebration in the Oaks” light displays at City Park. Stroll through the French Quarter decorated balconies. Have a Reveillon Dinner at a historic restaurant. Listen to live holiday jazz on Frenchmen Street.
Stay: A hotel in the French Quarter keeps you right in the middle of it all.
15. Natchitoches, Louisiana
I went to Natchitoches (pronounced Nak-a-tish) specifically for its Christmas Festival — one of the oldest and biggest in the country. The whole city lights up with over 300,000 lights along the Cane River, and the weekend fireworks shows are fantastic.
Why go: Six weeks of holiday festival in Louisiana’s oldest city. A classic Southern Christmas experience in a beautiful historic district.
Do: See the “Festival of Lights” reflected in the Cane River. Watch weekend fireworks over the river. Stroll the Landmark Historic District and browse shops. Eat a famous Natchitoches meat pie from a local vendor.
Stay: A historic bed & breakfast downtown for the full atmosphere.
16. Williamsburg, Virginia
Visiting Colonial Williamsburg in December felt like walking through a living history Christmas card. The candlelight tour — buildings lit by real candles, carolers in period costumes, woodsmoke in the air — absolutely magical.
Why go: A traditional 18th-century “Colonial Christmas” with all-natural decorations and no plastic lights. Incredibly authentic atmosphere.
Do: Take a candlelight tour through Colonial Williamsburg. Watch the “Grand Illumination” on weekends — fireworks and musket firings. Go ice skating at Liberty’s Ice Pavilion. Drive through Busch Gardens Christmas Town light show.
Stay: A historic Colonial House or tavern right in the restored area for full immersion.
Best Places for a Snowy Winter Wonderland
For some, holiday travel is all about finding that perfect snowy scene. These are the places to go for world-class skiing, cosy lodges, and the kind of winter escape you can’t replicate at home.
17. Aspen, Colorado
I’ll always remember my first après-ski in Aspen. Fresh powder all day, then as the sun went down the sky lit up with that incredible pink and orange glow they call “Aspenglow.” Sitting by a fire watching snow fall on the historic town — peak luxury winter trip.
Why go: One of the world’s most famous upscale ski destinations. The festive atmosphere, high-end shops, and restaurants are all decked out for the holidays.
Do: Ski or snowboard at one of four mountains (Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk). Stroll festively lit Victorian-era downtown. Enjoy world-class après-ski. Go ice skating at Silver Circle Ice Rink.
Stay: Luxury hotels and ski-in/ski-out resorts.
18. Park City, Utah
One of my favourite things about Park City is its history. I loved skiing down to historic Main Street, popping off my skis, and walking straight into a saloon from the silver mining days. It feels like a real Western town, not just another ski resort.
Why go: A historic mountain town with two world-class ski resorts — Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley. The “Snow Globe Stroll” features life-sized snow globes you can walk through.
Do: Ski or snowboard at Park City or Deer Valley. Walk Main Street’s shops, galleries, and saloons. Experience the Snow Globe Stroll. Go bobsledding with a professional pilot at Utah Olympic Park.
Stay: Ski-in/ski-out hotels or an inn on historic Main Street.
19. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole in December is dramatic. I took a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge and saw thousands of elk against snow-covered Teton mountains — a powerful, wild winter experience.
Why go: Rugged “cowboy Christmas” charm meets some of North America’s most challenging ski terrain. The town square with its famous antler arches is beautifully lit for the holidays.
Do: Take a sleigh ride through National Elk Refuge. Ski or snowboard at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Photograph the antler arches in Town Square. Snowshoe or cross-country ski in Grand Teton National Park.
Stay: A slopeside resort in Teton Village or a hotel in town of Jackson.
20. Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish feels like a real, down-to-earth ski town — no pretension. I spent a day snowshoeing in Glacier National Park with total silence and incredible snowy landscapes, then came back to town for a casual dinner. All the beauty without the glitz.
Why go: A laid-back mountain town with a top-rated ski resort, right next to Glacier National Park — spectacular in winter.
Do: Ski or snowboard at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Guided snowshoe or cross-country tours in Glacier National Park. Stroll the decorated downtown. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snowy fields.
Stay: Lodges on the mountain or friendly inns in downtown Whitefish.
21. North Pole, Alaska
This was a trip purely for fun, and it was 100 percent worth it. Streets named “Santa Claus Lane” and “St. Nicholas Drive,” streetlights shaped like candy canes, the Santa Claus House with his reindeer — surreal and joyful.
Why go: The ultimate Christmas fantasy come to life. Most magical in December with real snow on the ground and a chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
Do: Visit the Santa Claus House to meet Santa and see his reindeer. Send a postcard with an authentic “North Pole” postmark. Drive around for candy-cane-striped streetlights. Go dog sledding or look for Aurora Borealis in nearby Fairbanks.
Stay: North Pole is very small; most visitors stay in nearby Fairbanks, which has a wide range of hotels.
Tips for Travelling in the USA in December
- Book everything in advance. Mid-month through New Year’s is one of the busiest and most expensive travel times. Flights and hotels sell out early — book as far ahead as you can.
- Pack for your destination, but be prepared. Weather varies wildly: swimsuit in Hawaii, heavy-duty parka in Alaska. For ski towns, après-ski clothes matter as much as ski gear. Warm destinations still get cool at night.
- Rent a 4WD for snow. Heading to Colorado, Utah, or Wyoming? A four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle is essential. Check road conditions before you drive.
- Check event schedules. Many parades, markets, and light-up events happen only on specific weekends. Verify dates before booking so you don’t miss the main event.
The Golden Hour
My favourite hour in any December destination: early evening, right when the lights come on — but before the crowds do. That’s when a city feels like it belongs to you.
FAQ
What are the best warm places to visit in December?
Southern Florida (Key West), Hawaii (Maui, Honolulu), and desert Southwest (Phoenix, Palm Springs) top the list for warmth. The U.S. Virgin Islands are also a fantastic passport-free tropical option.
What is the best “Christmas town” to visit?
Leavenworth, Washington is often called the ultimate Christmas town — it looks like a Bavarian snow globe. Other top choices: Bethlehem, PA (“Christmas City USA”), Solvang, CA (Danish Julefest), and Grapevine, TX (“Christmas Capital of Texas”).
Is December good for US National Parks?
It depends on the park. Desert parks like Death Valley, Everglades, and Big Bend are perfect in December when summer heat is unbearable. Mountain parks like Glacier, Yellowstone, and parts of Yosemite are mostly inaccessible due to heavy snow and road closures.
Where does it snow in the USA in December?
You’re almost guaranteed snow in Rocky Mountain towns (Aspen, CO; Park City, UT; Jackson Hole, WY), Cascade Mountains (Leavenworth, WA), Alaska, and around Lake Tahoe.
A Note from Luna
December travel is a kind of magic you can’t plan perfectly — some nights are spent waiting for trains in snow, others end with unexpected fireworks over a river. Either way, it’s worth going. Where do you like to be when the year ends?