25 Best Places to Go for Christmas in the USA (2026)

Christmas is a festive season that’s already unique, but it never hurts to add a little fun to the mix! We’ve asked some of our favorite travel writers to share what they think are the best places to go for Christmas in the USA (we’ve already covered the best places to celebrate Christmas around the world). These recommendations for where to go for Christmas in the United States have my family wanting to book tickets and visit every destination on the list!

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What Are the Best Places to Go for Christmas in the USA?

The best places to go for Christmas in the USA include Leavenworth, Washington; Grapevine, Texas; New York City; Chicago; Colorado Springs; and Walt Disney World in Orlando. The South shines with Atlanta, Nashville, and Alpine Helen’s Bavarian village. The West offers Jackson Hole sleigh rides and Scottsdale desert luminarias. The East delivers iconic holiday magic in Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.

Holiday Events in the South

1. Atlanta, Georgia

As a native Atlantan, I find the Christmas season my favorite time of year. There are so many different things to do around the city.

For Christmas light displays, there’s the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s popular Garden Nights, Holiday Lights, and Lake Lanier Islands’ Magic Nights of Lights. Stone Mountain Christmas also lights up an entire village with holiday cheer.

Be sure to take a day trip to Callaway Gardens. Their “Fantasy in Lights” was named one of the Top 10 Christmas Light Displays in the World.

If culture is your thing, there’s the German-themed Atlanta Christkindl Market and the Winter House at Callanwolde. You’ll also want to check out the Alliance Theatre’s annual production of A Christmas Carol or the Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker.

Looking for something quirky? Try the Holiday Spirit at historic Oakland Cemetery or Horizon Theatre’s Too Fast, Too Festivus.

No matter how you prefer to celebrate the holiday, Atlanta is one of the USA’s best places to go for Christmas! – (Bret Love & Mary Gabbett of Green Global Travel)

2. Grapevine, Texas

What better place to travel for Christmas than Grapevine, Texas, the Christmas Capital of Texas? This small town is big on holiday fun, with more than 1,400 events in 40 days. Christmas in Texas is amazing!

Holiday activities in Grapevine include musical light shows and holiday movie nights. There’s the Parade of Lights and the North Pole Express on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, complete with a visit from Santa!

Some of my favorite activities included making my own Christmas ornament at Vento Glass Blowing Studio and ice skating at Peace Plaza. A must-do is watching Christmas classic films at the Palace Theatre!

For fun holiday photos, head to Liberty Park in downtown Grapevine, which gets decked out with festive decorations. Sit with Santa, sneak a kiss at the Mistletoe Booth, or pose with the oversized Christmas ornaments that are spread throughout the park. IT’s the perfect spot to snap a photo for your Christmas cards. 

Of course, you can’t go wrong shopping in the many stores and boutiques in downtown Grapevine or strolling along and taking in all the holiday decorations. If you want to make a weekend of it, book Hotel Vin, within walking distance of everything! – (Karon at This Girl Travels)

3. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Head to the middle of the country to experience a holiday trip like no other. Oklahoma City at Christmastime is a place where the holidays tell a story.

One of the season’s most notable experiences is Red Earth Treefest at the Red Earth Art Center, where Christmas trees transform into works of living art. Native American artists decorate trees with handcrafted ornaments made of natural materials gathered from tribal lands across Oklahoma. It’s one of the most authentic holiday experiences in the country, a quiet, meaningful celebration of community and heritage.

Beyond Treefest, Oklahoma City comes alive with Downtown in December, a month-long celebration of lights, music, and family fun. The Holiday Pop-Up Shops offer incredible local shopping inside makeshift igloos, while Katiebug’s Sips & Sweets serves gourmet hot chocolate and famous homemade marshmallows. 

Visitors can board the Holiday River Parade Cruise as illuminated boats glide along the Oklahoma River, experience the new SPARKLE Holiday Walk at Scissortail Park with thousands of twinkling lights and festive activities, and explore Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas at Remington Park, with its glowing sculptures, a snow slide, live entertainment, and seasonal treats.

For a dazzling light extravaganza, stroll or drive down Automobile Alley, where the entire street glows with holiday lights. At Myriad Botanical Gardens, the Myriad and Bright light-and-music show is expected to return, filling the Crystal Bridge conservatory, while an ice-skating rink encourages everyone to head outside.

Perhaps the most beautiful and poignant spot to visit during the holidays in OKC is the Oklahoma City National Memorial, where a Christmas wreath is placed upon each of the 168 chairs, honoring those who were killed in the 1995 bombing. – (originally written by Debra of Finding Debra, edited by Kirsten)

4. Nashville, Tennessee

While a White Christmas is rare in Nashville, the holiday season in Music City is still bursting with holiday magic. It’s well worth a visit during the holiday season! There are tons of festive events, parades, and family-friendly holiday goodness. Here are a few of our favorites:

You’ll want to visit The Gaylord Opryland Resort, where the hotel is transformed into a themed winter wonderland. Magical light displays throughout the hotel (free to the public), a holiday playground made entirely of ice, holiday activities, music performances, and events all season long!

We also love Cheekwood’s Holiday LIGHTS, where millions of bulbs are strung throughout the mansion and botanical gardens. Cheekwood also hosts Santa’s live reindeer, and some weekends, the jolly old elf himself makes an appearance, too! S’mores pits, holiday carolers, stalls selling hot chocolate, and hot toddies for those (occasionally) chilly Nashville nights are on offer.

Holiday markets pop up throughout the city, and horse-and-carriage rides head to local neighborhoods for more light viewing. You can attend a sweet family holiday parade downtown to start the season or plan a trip on the North Pole Express Santa Excursion Train run by the Tennessee Central Railway Museum.  – (Sarah at The Wandering Rumpus)

5. Orlando, Florida (Walt Disney World at Christmas)

We absolutely love Walt Disney World during the holiday season. There’s something just so magical about seeing the theme parks and hotels all decked out for the holidays. Where else will you find so many Christmas attractions for kids?

The week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest times of the year to visit Disney World. Parks are decorated as early as November. We have found that the first couple of weeks of December are among the least crowded times to visit.

Don’t miss Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The parades are Christmas-themed, and there are special holiday treats. Nightly fireworks set to festive holiday music and Christmas carols keep you in the holiday spirit!

The weather in Orlando can be unpredictable at that time of year, but chilly in Florida is still a lot warmer than in many other places. Plus, seeing Cinderella’s Castle sparkle in holiday lights will warm up even the Grinchiest heart. We think it’s definitely one of the best places to go for Christmas in the US.  – (Corinne at Have Baby Will Travel)

6. Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Located 70 miles north of Charleston and 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island is the perfect South Carolina getaway. From the laid-back lifestyle to untouched beaches, it’s amazing to be there with the little ones during the holidays!

The Brookgreen Gardens Nights of a Thousand Candles event features hand-lit candles, holiday lights, and music. It’s a bucket list destination for anyone who loves Christmas! Brookgreen Gardens is a 9,100-acre sculpture garden and wildlife preserve.

Atalaya Castle is next, but be sure to listen to the audio tour, which will help you appreciate it even more! We also recommend visiting Atalaya before Brookgreen Gardens, since the owners donated that land and many of Anna Hyatt Huntington’s sculptures are there (it adds more depth and understanding to the experience!).

Huntington Beach State Park is around the corner from Atalaya Castle, and every New Year’s Day, there’s a 2-mile hike led by a park ranger, which is great to do with kids! – (Dominique of Well Traveled Child)

7. Oxford, Mississippi

From a charming Holiday Village filled with gingerbread houses to a newly launched Peppermint Trail, the quaint town of Oxford, MS, is the perfect place to spend the holidays.

As temperatures drop, this college town transforms into Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. Several family-friendly events and shows we recommend are:

• Christmas Parade: Don’t miss the Oxford Christmas Parade with its festive Seuss-theme-related floats, holiday music, and Santa’s arrival!
• Holly Jolly Holidays: Holly Jolly Holidays at mTrade Park captures the spirit of the season with festive experiences that include visits with Santa, ice skating, Walk of Lights, and lighting of the tree and the Peppermint Trail, which is literally a trail of peppermints on the town’s sidewalks leading to some peppermint treats (think sweets, coffee, cocktails, and more).
• Gingerbread Holiday Village:  Located at the Ford House, community members and civic groups show off their Gingerbread creations, while guests can also find a miniature village with a working train, a holiday-themed LEGO house, a mailbox for Santa, and a decorated tree.
• Gnome Villages: Discover tiny holiday surprises tucked into corners and doorways around The Square.

8. Alpine, Georgia

If you are looking for a small town to visit at Christmas, head to Alpine Helen in the Northeast Georgia mountains. This tiny town is so photogenic that two Lifetime Christmas movies have been filmed here.

From the day after Thanksgiving through mid-February, this picturesque Bavarian village is dressed up and illuminated. Visitors come from all around to see the festive shop windows and streets, savor authentic German beer and cuisine, and do some Christmas shopping.

Take in the magic at the Annual Lighting of the Village in Edelweiss River Park. The town’s 20-foot Christmas tree is bedazzled with 8,000 lights and 800+ ornaments. Everyone gathers to listen to local musicians before Santa’s arrival!

Don’t miss the Christkindlmarkt at the Marktplatz a traditional German event with everything from unique gifts to an assortment of food, drinks and candied treats.

Another holiday favorite is the Victorian Christmas in the historic settlement of Sautee-Nacoochee. At the Hardman Farm State Historic Site, the manor is decked out in Victorian holiday décor, and docents dress in their finest 1870s clothes. You will also find live music, wagon rides, caroling, and s’mores.

Holiday Celebrations in the Midwest

9. Chicago, Illinois

We think that the Windy City is one of the best places to go for Christmas with kids. Holiday festivities kick off with the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival the week before Thanksgiving. Ice skating is a huge attraction in the city. There’s a gorgeous outdoor rink at the Peninsula Chicago, and the skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is one of the best.

Don’t miss the Chicago holiday season highlight –  the traditional German Christkindl Market in Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville. There’s a Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop with hand-crafted ornaments, some glühwein, and even Santa and the Christkind. Go on weekdays early in the season or first thing in the morning to avoid crowds.

For more cultural events, head to a local theater for The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, or It’s a Wonderful Life (performed as an interactive 1940s radio show!).

Want to get your girlfriends together? Try a holiday tea at The Drake, The Ritz, or the Russian Tea Room.

Want to head outside? Don’t miss the Morton Arboretum’s Illumination: Tree Lights, with fully decorated trees and holiday music.

The Chicago Botanic Garden also has Lightscape, an incredible display of lights that all ages will enjoy!

Both the Lincoln Park and Brookfield Zoo have excellent holiday light events to celebrate all season long, too. Chicago will always be one of our favorite places to take kids for Christmas! – (Kirsten of Kids Are a Trip)

10. Indianapolis, Indiana

New this season, Visit Indy’s free Holiday Adventure Pass unlocks 21 iconic holiday attractions across Central Indiana — from twinkling light displays and Santa sightings to ice skating under the skyline. Travelers earn prizes for check-ins while exploring Indy’s winter wonder.

Fun Fact: Indy is home to some of the nation’s most festive traditions. Christmas at the Zoo was the first zoo in the U.S. to host a holiday lights event, and is now celebrating its 58th year.

Other Indianapolis attractions include Winterlights at Newfields, with its beautifully decorated gardens and more than two million lights, and Indy’s Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt, which brings authentic German market vibes together with local artists. (Patricia at Savvy Traveling)

11. Santa Claus, Indiana

During the holiday season, Santa Claus, Indiana, offers an unmatched lineup of parades, pancake breakfasts, light displays, and endless festive events during its Christmas Celebration.

Local organizations embrace the holiday spirit with special events such as Storytime with Santa, gingerbread house contests, cookie baking, and more!

Discover the charm of this holiday town by sending a special letter to Santa at the original Santa Claus Post Office, then explore how the town got its iconic name at the Santa Claus Museum and Village.

Step inside the original church, decked out for the holidays, before snapping a photo of the impressive 22-ft solid concrete Santa Claus Statue.

Venture to Santa’s Candy Castle to try their Fire & Ice Challenge, featuring their signature frozen hot chocolate and “Fire” popcorn! Then end the day roasting chestnuts over an open fire.

There are so many things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana, it’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit! – (Stephanie of Consistently Curious)

Holiday Events in the West

12. Colorado Springs, Colorado

If you haven’t visited Colorado Springs for Christmas, your family is missing out on so much holiday fun. It’s one of the best Christmas towns, just 90 minutes from Denver, offering that getaway feeling without the long drive or flight. Yet for families not living in Colorado, the airport is small and easy to navigate, with shorter security lines.

Visit Santa and his elves at The North Pole, Home of Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas-themed mountain amusement park with rides and attractions. Open year-round, it is located on the Pikes Peak Highway, offering amazing views for your family!

There are many festive things to do in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. Ride the Royal Gorge Railroad with Santa and shop for gifts at the holiday markets.

Take the kids to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the highest-altitude zoo in the US, for their electric safari with sparkling lights.

During the holidays, splurge on a room at The Broadmoor, where the entire property is bathed in Christmas lights, and the hotel lobby features themed holiday displays! Other festive activities include the Broadmoor Holiday Show (and dinner), holiday cocktails, and Breakfast with Santa. Don’t miss the Winter Lights at the Broadmoor Falls for the perfect end to your holidays in Colorado Springs. –(Diana Rowe of Traveling in Heels)

13. Scottsdale, Arizona

One of our favorite places to spend the holiday season is Scottsdale, Arizona. Nothing quite compares to celebrating in the desert.

Experience a Southwestern holiday tradition at the Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de Las Luminarias. It features over 8,000 hand-lit luminarias (small bags weighted with sand and a votive candle inside), live music, and festive drinks.

Another fun idea is climbing aboard Verde Canyon Railway’s Christmas Train for a magical ride to the North Pole.

Scottsdale resorts go all out with the decorations, but our favorite by far is Christmas at the Princess. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess goes all out with holiday decor, which covers everything from the lobby to the pool area and beyond.

Hang out by the ice rink, make s’mores, ride a Ferris wheel, and catch their choreographed light show. New this year is a reimagined Winterland, and an upgrade to Starlights: A Spark of Christmas, a dazzling light show at their lagoon. If you are looking for an amazing Christmas hotel, this is the one to book!

14. Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson, Wyoming is a picturesque mountain town in the foothills of the majestic Teton Mountain Range in the valley known as Jackson Hole.

This charming ski town is even more magical around Christmas and popular among avid skiers and snowboarders. White lights are strung across the streets, illuminating the town square.

Winters in Jackson Hole can get extremely cold. Despite the cold, a stroll down the covered wooden sidewalks in downtown Jackson is a great way to spend a brisk winter afternoon. Duck into a coffee shop, grab a hot cocoa, or shop for locally made crafts in one of Jackson’s many mom-and-pop shops.

At Christmas time, the historic Wort Hotel in the heart of Jackson is beautifully decorated with lit garland, poinsettias, and a large Christmas tree in the lobby. It’s the perfect place to stay for a cozy holiday getaway!

If you’re visiting Jackson Hole with kids, we recommend a snow tubing adventure at Kings Tubes Park or a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, where you’ll ride past hundreds of wild elk roaming the valley. –(Melissa of Parenthood and Passports)

15. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Santa may swap his sleigh for an outrigger canoe when dropping off gifts for the children of Kailua-Kona, but that doesn’t mean a Hawaiian Christmas is without traditional trappings! You’ll find the historic village decked out with lights, tinsel, and Christmas trees.

Visitors may also spot penguins and other Arctic creatures sporting grass skirts. The Kailua-Kona Community Christmas Parade kicks off the season. It’s sure to be a sight as it travels along Ali’i Drive, Kona’s main drag.

If you need a little snow during your Christmas Holiday, head to Mauna Kea. There won’t be enough powder to ski or snowboard, but you’ll get your fill. Tour companies provide warm gear, so you don’t need to pack it!

Traveling during Christmas time doesn’t mean your family has to forgo the Nutcracker Ballet or Christmas Eve services either. The West Hawaii Dance Theatre and Academy, with the Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra, presents a visually stunning, family-friendly Nutcracker production.

Christmas Eve candlelight services at Mokuaikaua Church, Hawaii’s first Christian church, feature a “Silent Night” hula.  So, stop dreaming of an island Christmas and go enjoy it! Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas!). –(Kristine Dworkin from Trekaroo)

16. Las Vegas, Nevada

We think Las Vegas is one of the best family Christmas destinations in the USA. Many people think Las Vegas can’t be a Christmas destination, but it certainly is! You can find plenty of holiday spirit without the cold weather.

Walking around Las Vegas, you’ll feel the Christmas spirit everywhere. Even the Bellagio light show joins the festivities with holiday-themed music.

The Bellagio Conservatory changes its display to Christmas decorations, which will get your little ones excited for Santa.

Skip cooking this year and go to the many buffets on the Strip. Everyone gets to eat what they want, and you don’t have to clean up the mess. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Families will love Enchant Christmas at the Las Vegas Ballpark. Highlights include Night of the Nutcrackers, where guests search a maze for the eight missing Nutcrackers who guard the realm of Christmas magic; a 20′ Snow Slide that’s over 100′ long; an ice skating trail; and Santa’s Landing, where kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. You can see all of this and more at Enchant, and it’s the perfect way to cap off your time in Las Vegas with kids! – (Itz a Family Thing)

17. Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth is just a few hours away from Seattle, but as you pass through the Cascade Mountains, you will feel transported to another country. The town consistently ranks as one of the best places to go with kids for Christmas.

Surrounded by snow-covered peaks, this Bavarian-themed town feels truly magical at Christmas time. You’ll enjoy beautiful Christmas lights on all the Bavarian buildings on Front Street, plus a dramatic light display throughout the city park.

Kids will enjoy the sledding hill under the twinkling lights. Once they’ve worked up an appetite, grab a German sausage at München Haus and then head to The Gingerbread Factory for hot chocolate and the most delicious gingerbread cookies.

And don’t miss the 2-story Kris Kringl Christmas store to pick out a new ornament for your tree! Just outside of town, kids will love visiting the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm to meet the animals or take a photo with Santa and his sleigh. –(Jen at Thrifty Northwest Mom)

18. San Francisco, California

San Francisco has no white Christmases thanks to its temperate winter weather. What the City by the Bay lacks in snow, however, it makes up for in holiday spirit! Christmas in California is always an incredible experience!

San Francisco’s holiday season begins after Thanksgiving with the enormous Union Square Christmas tree lighting. Union Square also installs a temporary ice-skating rink and hosts Santa in the world’s second-largest Macy’s, which faces the square.

San Francisco is always a popular holiday travel destination, so the city’s finest hotels compete to outdo one another every year!

The Fairmont San Francisco builds an enormous 2-story gingerbread house in its lobby. The Westin St. Francis creates not one, but two castles of sweets in theirs. Many luxury hotels offer decadent holiday high teas on weekends, most of which are kid-friendly family traditions.

The holiday theater scene in San Francisco is always bustling, too. The San Francisco Ballet performs the Nutcracker annually, and the American Conservatory Theater’s yearly run of A Christmas Carol has been a tradition for over 40 years. –(Leslie at Trips with Tykes)

19. Seattle, Washington

While Seattle doesn’t always get a White Christmas, it’s definitely full of holiday cheer! Seattle has so many kid-friendly Christmas activities that make a holiday vacation totally worth it.

You can also visit Santa and check out epic light displays. The Fairmont Olympic Hotel has the most adorable Teddy Bear Suite, where you can take Christmas photos of your kids in a room full of fluffy teddy bears. Their lobby also hosts the annual Festival of Trees, plus a life-size gingerbread house you can walk through. It smells amazing!

Speaking of gingerbread, the Seattle Sheraton has their annual Gingerbread Village. It features incredible gingerbread displays based on a theme that changes every year (it’s been Star Wars and the Grinch in the past).

Westlake Center has an outdoor carousel and an artists’ market with handmade gifts. And Pike Place Market has an outdoor Santa photo op that’s completely free! Seattle is one of the very best places to go for Christmas in the Pacific Northwest!  –(Marcie of Marcie in Mommyland)

20. San Diego, California

San Diego doesn’t disappoint during the holidays, with cool temperatures and an extensive list of events.

Don’t miss December Nights at Balboa Park, which is free for the whole family. It features light displays, musical performances, delicious food, and more.

Another fun holiday event for families is Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden. This illuminated trail only happens at night and spans one mile, featuring over a million twinkling lights. So gather the kids and head to this magical display!

Best Christmas Events in the East

21. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is one of the best places to visit during the Christmas season in the United States.  This Northeastern seaside city can be a festive winter wonderland, and it will be especially magical during the holiday season.

Some of the best activities include seeing Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Opera House, one of the show’s most spectacular and kid-friendly performances.

Ice skating at Frog Pond in the Boston Common is a local favorite, as is seeing its spectacular Christmas tree. Faneuil Hall also features a massive 50-foot Christmas tree, adorned with over one mile of lights.

For a festive holiday stroll and last-minute shopping, the Snowport Holiday Market in the Seaport features over 125 local artisans, plus festive food, custom cocktail bars, and live music.

Another popular option is the SoWa Winter Festival at the historic Power Station in the South End, offering handmade art, holiday gifts, and specialty foods. Both markets offer wonderful opportunities to enjoy the season while browsing vendor stalls, live entertainment, and delicious foods.

No Boston Christmas event is complete without a performance of the Holiday Pops concert, a fantastic event to get into the music of the season, led by the brilliant Keith Lockhart and performed by the world-renowned Boston Pops. Boston is a wonderful city to enjoy the holidays with so many Christmas festivities. –(Keri of Bon Voyage With Kids)

22. New York City, New York

People would always ask me if I’m going somewhere for the holidays. My answer would always be a definitive, “No!” I never understood why anyone in my great City of New York would want to go anywhere else during this time of year.

New York City is arguably one of the best places for a Christmas vacation. Restaurants are decorated to the hilt, and the energy is unmatched.

Quintessential destinations include visiting Macy’s SantaLand and skating at Rockefeller Center’s most famous rink under the most famous Christmas tree. The Christmas lights in NYC can be found on nearly every corner and are sure to put a smile on even a Grinch’s face!

23. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The City of Brotherly Love always rolls out the red carpet for the holiday season. Christmas in Philly is magical for all ages. City Hall is dressed up and ready to welcome you to the annual Christmas Village, with an ice rink and carousel for the whole family to enjoy.

Anyone who grew up in Philadelphia will remember the old Wanamaker’s department store organ show. Thankfully, when Macy’s took over the shop, they continued the Christmas traditions with the Wanamaker Light Show, which runs throughout the day.

Down on the river, the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is where you want to be at night. Lights are up, hot cocoa keeps frozen toes warm, and locals and visitors skate around the pier as the DJ plays musical highlights from the decades.

Other events and holiday decor you don’t want to miss include Winter in Franklin Square and its Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show, the official Christmas tree at City Hall.

Side trip to Longwood Gardens

Looking for a day trip outside of Philadelphia? Head south to Longwood Gardens to see one of the most beautiful Christmas displays in the country. Each year, the garden picks a new theme, and we can’t wait to see what it’s up to this year!

Stay until after dark to see the lights throughout the garden. Bundle up the kids and grab hot chocolates in the cafe. Then stroll through millions of light displays across the grounds of this historic DuPont Estate. – (Keryn Means of Twist Travel Mag)

24. Washington, DC

Christmas in Washington, DC is one of the best places to spend the holidays with the family. There’s always something to do, from Christmas markets to the tree lighting and boat parades, especially on the weekends!

Book your hotel early if you want to come to the Nation’s Capital for the National Christmas Tree or U.S. Capitol tree (our favorite) lighting ceremony. If you want to tour the White House, grab your tickets ASAP. It books up early, and the process isn’t always simple.

Get a little exercise on the outdoor National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden ice skating rink. You can also see Mount Vernon by Candlelight. It’s a very unique view of George Washington’s home during the holidays, with 18th-century dancing, cider, cookies, and more. –(Keryn of DC Travel Mag)

25. Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg, Virginia is one of our favorite places to travel for the Christmas holidays. The Historic Triangle area of Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg hosts various events in December to celebrate Christmas.

In the historic district, you can attend a tree lighting ceremony, cookies with Santa, and a lighted boat parade. There’s an annual Christmas market, an ice-skating rink, and holiday decorations all around!

You’ll also find special presentations at Colonial Williamsburg, the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, and the Jamestown Settlement that showcase colonial Christmas traditions.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg also has a special ticketed event from mid-November to early January called Busch Gardens Christmas Town. It is considered one of the largest light displays in the world with over 10 million twinkling lights.

In addition to the ten million lights, Busch Gardens offers most of its rides and special holiday shows, activities, and food. Busch Gardens Christmas Town is a must-see if you’re planning a holiday visit to Williamsburg with kids.

From historic areas to modern sections, the entire Williamsburg area comes alive with Christmas spirit in December. It truly is one of the best places to go for Christmas in the USA. – (Margie of DQ Family Travel)

Famous Christmas Villages in the USA

Several destinations on this list double as true Christmas villages, the kind that feel like a Hallmark movie came to life. Leavenworth, Washington looks like a set designer planned the whole town, with its Bavarian buildings, Front Street light display, and snow-covered peaks.

Alpine Helen, Georgia gives you the same Bavarian-village feel in the Southeast, with festive shop windows and authentic German beer.

Grapevine, Texas earns the official title of Christmas Capital of Texas and packs more than 1,400 events into 40 days.

Oxford, Mississippi brings a college-town twist with its Gingerbread Holiday Village and Peppermint Trail.

And Santa Claus, Indiana is, well, literally named for the holiday, with a historic post office, a 22-foot concrete Santa statue, and a full calendar of Christmas events.

Any of these five make a great pick if you want a destination that’s built Christmas into its identity year-round.

Best places to go for Christmas in the USA for couples

Families get most of the headlines, but couples looking for a romantic Christmas getaway have excellent options on this list.

Jackson, Wyoming tops the romance picks: white lights strung across the town square, sleigh rides through the National Elk Refuge, and a cozy historic hotel at the heart of it all.

Scottsdale, Arizona, is ideal if you want warmth, resort luxury, and desert luminarias under the stars.

San Francisco delivers classic romance with holiday high teas, the San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker, and the city’s famous skyline draped in lights.

Nashville is another strong pick, with horse-and-carriage rides through light-filled neighborhoods and the spectacular Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS.

And Williamsburg, Virginia, offers a uniquely atmospheric experience: Colonial Williamsburg’s candlelit streets, historic holiday traditions, and the massive Busch Gardens Christmas Town light display make for a Christmas trip with real depth.

Key Takeaways

• 25 destinations covered across the South, Midwest, West, and East
• Top family pick: Walt Disney World, Orlando
• Top couples pick: Jackson, Wyoming or Scottsdale, Arizona
• Best Christmas villages: Leavenworth, WA and Alpine Helen, GA
• Warm-weather options: Orlando, Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Kailua-Kona
• Grapevine, TX: over 1,400 events in 40 days

Where is the best vacation spot for Christmas?

For families, Walt Disney World in Orlando and Leavenworth, Washington are consistently top picks for Christmas vacations in the USA. Couples looking for a getaway should look at Jackson, Wyoming, and Scottsdale, Arizona, for romantic, resort-quality Christmas experiences. For city lovers, New York City and Chicago deliver iconic holiday energy. The best spot depends on your group: this article covers 25 destinations across all four US regions to help you choose.

Which US state is best to visit in December?

It depends on what you want from December travel. Colorado is a top pick for snow, mountain scenery, and Christmas markets (Colorado Springs is just 90 minutes from Denver). Florida and Arizona offer warm-weather holidays with festive events, making them great for families who want to skip the cold. Tennessee and Georgia deliver Southern charm with elaborate light displays and historic holiday traditions. Washington State’s Leavenworth is one of the country’s most magical Christmas destinations if you want a true snowy village feel.

Where can families experience a magical Christmas vacation?

Walt Disney World in Orlando tops the list for young kids, with Christmas-themed parades, fireworks, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Grapevine, Texas packs more than 1,400 events into 40 days, including the North Pole Express on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Chicago’s Christkindl Market, Morton Arboretum’s Illumination, and the Lincoln Park Zoo lights make it a Midwest family favorite. Williamsburg, Virginia, combines Colonial history with the massive Busch Gardens Christmas Town light display.

What are the easiest Christmas vacations with young children?

The easiest Christmas vacations for young children are destinations with mild weather and stroller-friendly attractions. Walt Disney World in Orlando checks both boxes and has Christmas attractions designed specifically for kids. Scottsdale, Arizona offers warm desert weather and resort-based holiday events. Pawleys Island, South Carolina, offers a low-key beach Christmas with the family-friendly Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens. Colorado Springs has a small airport that is easy to navigate without long security lines.

Where to go for 3 days in December in the USA?

Three days is enough time to do one destination well. Nashville gives you Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS, the Gaylord Opryland displays, horse-and-carriage rides, and great food in a compact, walkable city. Leavenworth, Washington, is a weekend destination by design, with its Bavarian village, sledding hill, German sausages, and reindeer farm all within easy reach. Santa Claus, Indiana packs a full holiday itinerary into a tiny town. New York City is endlessly deep, but three focused days covering the Rockefeller tree, Macy’s SantaLand, and the holiday markets are a classic December trip.

Looking for other Christmas travel ideas? Don’t miss our favorite holiday celebrations in the Midwest and the Best Small Towns to Visit at Christmas!