December is a magical time of year, filled with holiday cheer and the promise of new adventures. If you’re wondering Where To Travel In December In The Us, you’re in luck! From snow-covered landscapes and festive Christmas villages to warm beaches and vibrant city celebrations, the United States offers a diverse range of destinations to suit every traveler’s taste. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to visit in December.
1. Maui, Hawaii
Escape the cold and head to Maui for a warm and sunny December vacation. With daytime temperatures in the 80s, Maui is ideal for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Spend your days lounging on the golden sand beaches near Kihei or Lahaina, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, or indulging in delicious local cuisine from the island’s famous food trucks.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the sunrise from the summit of Mount Haleakala (reservations required) or drive the scenic Road to Hana to discover black sand beaches, bamboo forests, and rainbow Eucalyptus trees. December is also the prime time for whale watching in Maui, as humpback whales migrate to the Auau Channel to give birth to their young. Holiday celebrations abound throughout the month, with Christmas luaus where Santa arrives in a red canoe.
2. Leavenworth, Washington
For a truly enchanting Christmas experience, visit Leavenworth, Washington. This Bavarian-themed village, nestled in the Cascade Mountains, transforms into a winter wonderland during the Village of Lights Christmastown festival. The village is adorned with fresh evergreen garlands and illuminated by half a million colorful lights.
Enjoy live holiday music, gingerbread house displays, sleigh rides, kids’ crafts, and photos with Santa. Explore the unique shops, including Christmas-themed stores, a gingerbread factory, and a nutcracker museum. Warm up with a hearty bratwurst and glühwein at Munchen Haus.
3. Asheville, North Carolina
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, offers a blend of outdoor adventure and festive holiday celebrations. Explore the natural beauty of the surrounding wilderness, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Experience Christmas at the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned home in America, with daytime and candlelit tours of the festively decorated mansion. Don’t miss the Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum and the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn.
4. Austin, Texas
Experience a unique holiday celebration in Austin, Texas. Enjoy the city’s mild weather, vibrant nightlife, and fantastic food scene.
The Trail of Lights in Zilker Park is a must-see, featuring over 2 million Christmas lights, 150 lit-up Christmas trees, and festive installations. Explore the Christmas-themed bars downtown and take a half-day guided BBQ and wine-tasting tour in the Texas Hill Country.
5. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, is a picturesque Christmas destination with its historic squares decorated with red ribbons and greenery. Broughton Street is adorned with string lights and a massive tree, and vendors along the riverfront set up a German-style Christmas market.
Stroll through the Historic District to admire the beautifully decorated historic homes and visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist to see the elaborate nativity scene. Enjoy holiday events like the Holiday Tour of Homes, the Holiday Boat Parade, and the Savannah Christmas Market.
6. Park City, Utah
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Park City, Utah, is the perfect destination. This famous ski town hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002 and offers world-class skiing and snowboarding.
Enjoy holiday festivities like Snowfest at Park City Mountain, the annual torchlight parade, and New Year’s Eve fireworks. Take a ride on the Heber Valley Railroad’s North Pole Express or book a private guided snowshoe excursion.
7. Death Valley National Park
Escape the winter chill and explore the unique landscapes of Death Valley National Park. December offers pleasant weather with average highs in the mid-60s, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the park’s diverse terrain.
Hike the Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop, explore the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, visit the Badwater Basin Salt Flats, or hike to the bottom of Ubehebe Crater.
8. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado, is a winter wonderland in the heart of the Rockies, offering spectacular scenery and world-class ski resorts.
Enjoy sleigh rides through town, ice skating, tubing, and traditional winter treats like hot chocolate with marshmallows. Visit Santa, watch a live show, and soak in the magical atmosphere.
9. Arches National Park, Utah
Visit Arches National Park in Utah during the winter months to avoid the crowds and enjoy the stunning scenery in peace. Hike the popular trails like Delicate Arch and Devil’s Garden, and enjoy fabulous stargazing opportunities.
Be prepared for cold temperatures and potential snow, and bring traction devices and warm layers.
10. Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida, offers perfect weather and an abundance of Christmas activities without the snow. Enjoy mostly clear skies, low humidity, and cooler temperatures.
Experience the Christmas decorations and events at Disney World and other theme parks, visit Disney Springs for the Christmas tree stroll, and see the massive Christmas tree and gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian.
11. San Diego, California
San Diego, California, is a great winter escape plan with mild weather and plenty of outdoor and Christmas-themed activities. Enjoy average daytime highs in the mid-60s and explore the Holiday Market at Petco Park or the Snow-n-Glow at Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Watch the Boat Parade of Lights, ride the trolley through the Lights and Sights Tour in Old Town San Diego, or head north for the Encinitas holiday parade.
12. New York City
New York City is a dream destination made even more magical in December with its Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Visit the sparkling lights of Times Square, stroll through Central Park dusted with snow, and see the snow-capped skyscrapers from the Empire State Building.
Enjoy the Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, visit the Christmas Markets of Union Square and Bryant Park, watch the lights show at Dyker Heights, or enjoy a winter-themed Nutcracker show on Broadway.
13. Marco Island, Florida
Marco Island, Florida, is a popular tourist destination with daily high temps in the 75 to 85 degrees with very little humidity, unique holiday celebrations and lots to do for outdoor lovers.
Don’t miss the festive Marco Island boat parade featuring boats of all sizes decorated with lights and playing Christmas music for all to hear!
14. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago becomes a winter wonderland with many annual holiday traditions, making it the perfect December destination.
The Christkindlmarket is an authentic German Christmas market and is one of the most popular things to do in Chicago in winter, it’s down the street from Millennium Park and the city’s official holiday tree.
15. Mammoth Lakes, California
Mammoth Lakes in California’s eastern Sierra Nevada mountains is the perfect place to visit in December, due to its endless opportunities for outdoor winter adventures.
Enjoy skiing at one of its world-renowned ski resorts or try some other winter activities, like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at the neighboring Inyo National Forest.
16. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket pulls out all the stops to dress up the town during the holiday season.
Dozens of Christmas trees are put up and decorated along the streets of downtown, and they all light up every night at dusk to create a warm, festive glow while you shop.
17. Phoenix, Arizona
The average high temperature in Phoenix during December is about 70°F, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking—and getting to see Christmas lights in warmer temperatures!
At the Desert Botanical Garden you can see beautiful Christmas lights during the annual Las Noches de las Luminarias festival.
18. Boston, Massachusetts
Visiting Boston in December means festive markets, outdoor ice skating, and cozy igloos!
For winter fun, head to Boston Common to and ice skating on Frog Pond, see the giant menorah in Copley Square and see the Christmas tree on the Common or the one at Faneuil Hall.
19. Oahu, Hawaii
The island of Oahu is just as beautiful as the other islands in Hawaii, and the weather in December is arguably nicer than ever!
Even though Oahu is the most populated island in Hawaii, there’s a lot of natural scenery to enjoy if you get out of the crowds and look around, you may even see whales, Hawaiian monk seals, and sea turtles!
20. Burlington, Vermont
This time of year, the city is often covered in a stunning blanket of snow, and it overlooks majestic Lake Champlain, making it the perfect December getaway.
Be sure to walk down Church Street, which will dazzle with vibrant holiday lights and festive store windows all December long.
21. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs has gorgeous weather in December, with daytime highs in the low 70s (°F) perfect weather for exploring outdoors!
Downtown Palm Springs always looks festive, with the palms lining the main street wrapped in lights, but in December, you’ll find holiday decorations everywhere.
22. Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth, Minnesota becomes a magical winter wonderland in December, Located right on the shores of Lake Superior, and is a great experience even in freezing temperatures.
In downtown Bayfront Festival Park, the Bentleyville Tour of Lights shines bright with over 4 million Christmas lights and displays.
23. Coastal Mississippi
Gulfport Harbor Lights Festival is a phenomenal holiday light show featuring over 1.5 million lights, that you can enjoy by walking or on a heated trolley ride.
Coastal Mississippi communities demonstrate their holiday spirit with festive events, including Christmas on the Water Boat Parade (Biloxi), Snowflakes in the Bay (Bay St. Louis), and Downtown for the Holidays (Pascagoula).
24. Washington, DC
Washington DC is one of the most festive places to visit in December and many of the best holiday activities in DC are free.
The month starts with the unveiling of the Capitol Christmas Tree and the White House Christmas Tree; these are lit nightly throughout the month.
25. Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport, Maine is a quintessential New England town overflowing with Christmas spirit come December 1st.
You’ll also find an enormous Christmas tree covered in buoys and lobster pots, in addition to fireworks, tree lighting ceremonies, an exciting hat parade, and seemingly endless mulled wine and hot cocoa tents.
26. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Vacationers looking for a warm weather December escape need look no further than sunny San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico’s holiday season is quite extensive, commencing after Thanksgiving and continuing through the middle of January. Enjoy the holiday lights decorating the city and the holiday boat parade in the San Juan Harbor.
27. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth is a small, funky seaside city in New Hampshire that goes all out in December, making it a great Christmas wonderland.
The Candlelight Stroll takes place all month long at the Strawbery Banke Museum on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Conclusion
From the sunny beaches of Hawaii to the snow-covered mountains of Utah, the United States offers a diverse range of destinations to explore in December. Whether you’re seeking a festive Christmas experience or a warm-weather escape, there’s a perfect destination waiting for you. So, pack your bags and get ready to create unforgettable memories this December!
