Are you looking for stunning Christmas destinations in USA or best places to visit for Christmas in USA? Then read this blog on best Christmas trips in USA which are must visit Christmas Vacation spots in the USA.
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Christmas Destinations in USA – Best Places to Visit for Christmas in USA
Read this detailed blog on the best Christmas holiday destinations in USA(Christmas vacation spots in the US), perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. These Christmas destinations in USA are ideal for experiencing festive lights, unique holiday traditions, and unforgettable winter wonderland settings.
New York City, New York
New York City is iconic for Christmas, with famous holiday traditions, stunning decorations, and a magical atmosphere that makes it feel like the holiday capital of the world.
Things to Do
- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree: This iconic tree lighting is a must-see, with an enormous, brilliantly lit Christmas tree that creates a magical ambiance.
- Ice Skating at Central Park or Rockefeller Plaza: Few experiences feel as festive as gliding on ice under twinkling lights with the New York City skyline.
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular: Watch the famous Rockettes perform in this classic Christmas show, perfect for families and visitors of all ages.
Places to Visit
- Fifth Avenue: Known for its beautiful holiday window displays in department stores like Saks and Macy’s.
- Bryant Park Winter Village: A winter wonderland with an open-air market, ice rink, and cozy holiday shops.
How to Reach – Fly into JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark Airport. You can also reach New York by Amtrak or bus from other East Coast cities.
Overnight Stay – The Plaza Hotel: For a truly luxurious holiday experience with views of Central Park and holiday-themed decor.
Best Festive Tours to Book – Holiday Lights Tour: Discover NYC’s most iconic lights and decorations on a guided tour.
Useful Tip: Avoid driving around Manhattan, as the traffic is insane. Take public transit or walk to enjoy the sights better.
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Leavenworth, Washington
This Bavarian-themed town transforms into a magical Christmas village with snow-capped peaks, dazzling lights, and a cozy holiday feel.
Things to Do
- Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival: Marvel at millions of lights illuminating the town’s Bavarian-style buildings.
- Holiday Concerts & Caroling: Sing with locals as carolers roam the streets, adding to the holiday cheer.
- Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides: Explore the snowy countryside around Leavenworth for a scenic winter experience.
Places to Visit
- Nutcracker Museum: Explore a whimsical collection of nutcrackers from around the world.
- Front Street Park is a central spot to enjoy live music and holiday performances.
How to Reach – Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and drive about 2.5 hours through a scenic route via US-2 East.
Overnight Stay – Bavarian Lodge: A cozy, Bavarian-style hotel near the Christmas festivities.
Best Festive Tours to Book: Leavenworth Winter Wonderland Tour: This tour includes transportation from Seattle and an organized holiday experience.
Useful Tip: Book accommodation early, as this popular Christmas destination fills up quickly in December.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is a winter wonderland, offering skiing, cozy lodges, and festive events amidst snow-covered mountains.
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Things to Do
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Aspen is a top ski destination with powdery slopes for all skill levels.
- 12 Days of Aspen: This festival includes holiday concerts, tree lightings, and family-friendly activities throughout town.
- Snowshoeing and Sleigh Rides: Enjoy the snowy scenery on a traditional sleigh ride or a snowshoeing trail.
Places to Visit
- Aspen Mountain: Enjoy stunning views and festive events at this premier skiing location.
- Downtown Aspen: Holiday decorations line the charming streets, with unique shops for holiday shopping.
How to Reach – Fly into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport or drive from Denver in about 3.5 hours along scenic I-70 West.
Overnight Stay – The Little Nell: A luxury ski-in/ski-out hotel with excellent holiday amenities.
Best Festive Tours to Book – Guided Snowshoe Tour: Explore snowy Aspen with a guide who’ll show you the best scenic spots.
Useful Tip: Plan for the cold weather and consider taking a guided snowshoe or winter hike for a unique experience.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville offers a unique Southern twist on Christmas, with live music, incredible holiday light displays, and charming festivities.
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Things to Do
- Gaylord Opryland’s “A Country Christmas”: A massive indoor Christmas experience with decorations, lights, and holiday shows.
- Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS: A botanical garden transformed into a sparkling wonderland with over a million lights.
- Holiday Music Performances: Catch live holiday-themed country music shows and concerts across the city.
Places to Visit
- Downtown Nashville: Stroll Broadway and experience festive bars, shops, and live music venues.
- Ryman Auditorium: Enjoy Christmas concerts at the “Mother Church of Country Music.”
How to Reach – Fly into Nashville International Airport, just a 15-minute drive from downtown.
Overnight Stay – Gaylord Opryland Resort: Experience “A Country Christmas” right at your doorstep.
Best Festive Tours to Book – Christmas Lights Tour: A guided tour of Nashville’s top Christmas light displays.
Useful Tip: Explore Nashville’s unique “Santa Claus Pub Crawl” for a fun holiday-themed night out.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago celebrates the holidays with world-class light displays, markets, and a festive atmosphere along the city’s picturesque lakefront.
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Things to Do
- Christkindlmarket: This German-style Christmas market offers holiday gifts, festive foods, and live music.
- Ice Skating at Millennium Park: Skate in front of the iconic Bean sculpture with holiday lights around.
- Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: This festival kicks off the season with a grand parade and holiday lights stretching for blocks.
Places to Visit
- Lincoln Park ZooLights: Walk through the zoo adorned with dazzling light displays.
- Navy Pier’s Winter WonderFest: An indoor holiday event with rides, games, and decorations for all ages.
How to Reach – Fly into O’Hare International Airport or Midway International Airport.
Overnight Stay – The Peninsula Chicago: Known for its beautiful decorations and festive holiday events.
Best Festive Tours to Book – Holiday Lights Trolley Tour: Discover Chicago’s top holiday sights by trolley.
Useful Tip – Bundle warmly; Chicago’s winter can be freezing, but the holiday atmosphere is well worth it.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans’ unique holiday charm combines Creole traditions with festive light displays and cultural events, offering a warm alternative to winter wonderlands.
Things to Do
- Celebration in the Oaks: Explore City Park transformed with holiday lights, with festive rides and a lighted oak tree display.
- Reveillon Dinners: Traditional Creole holiday dinners served in top New Orleans restaurants.
- Bonfires on the Levee: A unique local tradition of lighting bonfires along the Mississippi River on Christmas Eve.
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Places to Visit
- French Quarter: Stroll the historic district decorated in festive wreaths, lights, and garlands.
- St. Louis Cathedral: Attend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day mass at this historic church.
How to Reach – Fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and take a taxi or shuttle to downtown.
Overnight Stay – Hotel Monteleone: A classic hotel in the French Quarter with holiday-themed decor.
Best Festive Tours to Book – New Orleans Christmas Walking Tour: Experience holiday lights and historic sights on foot.
Useful Tip – Don’t miss the Christmas Eve bonfire tradition along the riverbanks for a unique holiday experience.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio’s River Walk transforms into a holiday wonderland with millions of twinkling lights reflected on the water, festive parades, and an array of Christmas events.
Things to Do
- River Walk Holiday Lights: Stroll along the River Walk, where buildings and trees are covered in colorful holiday lights.
- Ford Holiday River Parade: A beloved annual parade with decorated floats that travel down the river, bringing the Christmas spirit to the entire city.
- La Gran Tamalada: Learn how to make tamales, a traditional holiday treat, at this community cooking event.
Places to Visit
- San Fernando Cathedral: Enjoy “San Antonio | The Saga,” a light projection show on the cathedral, which becomes extra magical during the holidays.
- Historic Market Square: A festive spot to find holiday gifts and taste Tex-Mex Christmas treats.
How to Reach – Fly into San Antonio International Airport, and it’s a 15-minute drive to downtown.
Overnight Stay – Mokara Hotel & Spa: Overlooks the River Walk and offers cozy holiday décor.
Best Festive Tours to Book – River Walk Holiday Lights Cruise: Take a boat ride through the River Walk to see the lights up close.
Useful Tip: Go on a weekday evening to enjoy the River Walk lights with smaller crowds.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Known as “Christmas City USA,” Bethlehem fully embraces the holiday spirit with festive markets, beautiful lights, and a charming small-town atmosphere.
Things to Do
- Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt: This German-inspired holiday market offers handmade crafts, foods, and entertainment.
- Live Advent Calendar: Every day from December 1-24, locals gather as a new door opens in the Advent calendar, each with a surprise treat or performance.
- Historic Moravian District: Take a guided tour of this beautifully preserved area decorated for the season.
Places to Visit
- Central Moravian Church: Attend a holiday service or concert in this historic 1741 church.
- SteelStacks: See the former Bethlehem Steel site lit up with holiday lights and hosting seasonal events.
How to Reach – Fly into Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown, just a 15-minute drive from Bethlehem.
Overnight Stay – Historic Hotel Bethlehem: Right in the heart of downtown, with vintage holiday decor and views of Main Street.
Best Festive Tours to Book – Bethlehem by Night Bus Tour: A guided tour of Bethlehem’s top holiday sights and lights.
Useful Tip: Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes for walking around the charming but chilly town.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston offers a Southern-style Christmas with mild weather, historic architecture adorned with lights, and unique holiday events.
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Things to Do
- Holiday Festival of Lights: A stunning drive-through light show at James Island County Park.
- Plantation Christmas Tours: Boone Hall and Magnolia Plantation offer holiday-themed tours, giving a glimpse into a Christmas of the past.
- Christmas Parades: Charleston hosts boat parades and street parades, with festive floats, music, and lights.
Places to Visit
- Downtown Charleston: Walk the historic streets to see beautifully decorated homes, shops, and restaurants.
- Charleston City Market: A great place to find local holiday gifts and treats.
How to Reach – Fly into Charleston International Airport, just a 20-minute drive from downtown.
Overnight Stay – The Dewberry Charleston: A luxurious boutique hotel with holiday décor and a cozy atmosphere.
Best Festive Tours to Book – Holiday Walking Tour: Explore Charleston’s historic sites and learn about the city’s holiday traditions.
Useful Tip – Bring a light jacket for evening strolls. Charleston’s weather can be unpredictable in December.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine’s “Nights of Lights” display, set against the city’s Spanish architecture, makes for one of the most enchanting holiday experiences in the country.
Things to Do
- Nights of Lights: The city is covered in over three million lights, creating a breathtaking display through January.
- Holiday Regatta of Lights: Watch decorated boats parading along Matanzas Bay, a unique, festive sight.
- Ghosts and Gravestones Holiday Tour: Learn about St. Augustine’s haunted history with a holiday twist.
Places to Visit
- Castillo de San Marcos: Take a holiday-themed tour of this 17th-century fort, beautifully lit at night.
- St. George Street: Wander along this historic pedestrian street filled with shops, lights, and seasonal music.
How to Reach – Fly into Jacksonville International Airport and drive an hour to St. Augustine.
Overnight Stay – Casa Monica Resort & Spa: A Spanish-style resort near the city’s main attractions.
Best Festive Tours to Book – Nights of Lights Trolley Tour: A popular way to view St. Augustine’s light displays from the comfort of a trolley.
Useful Tip – Book light display tours in advance, as they fill up quickly during the holiday season.
Park City, Utah
Park City combines world-class skiing with cozy mountain charm, making it ideal for a festive winter wonderland getaway.
Things to Do
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort offer incredible slopes and holiday events.
- Snowfest: Enjoy holiday concerts, ice sculptures, and the torchlight parade, in which skiers carry torches down the mountain.
- Historic Main Street: Stroll this charming street’s decorated shops and art galleries.
Places to Visit
- Town Lift Plaza: See the illuminated lift and catch Santa arriving on the chairlift.
- Kimball Art Center: Explore winter exhibits and art events during the holiday season.
How to Reach – Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport, then drive about 45 minutes to Park City.
Overnight Stay – Hotel Park City, Autograph Collection: Offers luxury lodging with easy access to ski lifts.
Best Festive Tours to Book – Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride: Experience the snowy landscapes with a scenic sleigh ride.
Useful Tip – The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the busiest time, so plan your ski passes and accommodations early.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe’s unique mix of Spanish, Native American, and Western traditions make for a one-of-a-kind Christmas celebration with luminarias, farolitos, and festive markets.
Things to Do
- Canyon Road Farolito Walk: This beloved Christmas Eve tradition features candles in paper bags lighting up the historic arts district.
- Holiday Markets: Shop for handmade gifts and traditional New Mexican crafts.
- Ski Santa Fe: A short drive from the city, Ski Santa Fe offers slopes and winter activities with beautiful views.
Places to Visit
- Santa Fe Plaza: Walk through the historic plaza adorned with luminarias and holiday lights.
- Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: Attend a holiday mass or view the beautiful decorations.
How to Reach – Fly into Santa Fe Regional Airport or Albuquerque International Sunport (an hour away).
Overnight Stay – La Fonda on the Plaza: A historic and beautifully decorated hotel on the Santa Fe Plaza.
Best Festive Tours to Book – Santa Fe Luminaria Tour: A guided evening tour of the city’s famous luminarias and farolitos.
Useful Tip: Bring warm clothing, as Santa Fe’s high desert altitude means chilly nights.
These Christmas destinations in USA(Christmas Vacation Spots in the US) are full of festive activities and unique holiday traditions. Each town captures the season’s spirit, making them perfect for creating lasting Christmas memories. From snowy mountain towns to Southern-style decorations, magical light displays, and Christmas markets, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy a memorable holiday getaway.
So plan your Christmas holidays with this detailed guide on best places to visit for Christmas in USA.
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