Are you dreaming of a December getaway in the United States? Whether you envision a white Christmas, sunny beaches, or festive cityscapes, the US offers a diverse range of destinations to suit every traveler’s desires. Let’s explore some of the best places to travel in the US in December.

1. Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth Washington Winter Wonderland

Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is a Bavarian-themed village that transforms into a winter wonderland in December. This charming town, located just over a hundred miles north of Seattle, offers a unique Christmas experience with its alpine-style buildings, German beer, and Bavarian cuisine. The Nutcracker Museum adds a quirky touch to the festive atmosphere.

Family-friendly activities abound, including sleigh rides, sledding, snowmobiling, tubing, and skiing. Leavenworth is a cozy and kitsch destination perfect for those seeking a picturesque winter escape.

• Visitor’s center address: 940 US Hwy 2 STE B, Leavenworth, WA 98826
• Average temperature: -1°C to -6°C

Leavenworth Washington Christmas Market

Highlights:

• Snowboarding lessons
• Vegan hot dog and sauerkraut at München Haus
• Cross-country skiing at Leavenworth Ski Hill

2. Avila Beach, California

Avila Beach California Winter Sunshine

For a dose of Vitamin D during the winter months, Avila Beach on California’s Central Coast offers some of the warmest temperatures in the country. This laid-back coastal gem boasts sandy beaches, boutique stores, natural hot springs, and scenic hiking trails. Whale-watching opportunities are also a major draw.

Enjoy relaxing on the beach, watching surfers, hiking, biking, and paddle-boarding. Don’t miss the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse and wine-tasting at Sinor-Lavallee Tasting Room.

• Location: San Luis Obispo Bay, 160 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
• Average temperature: 18°C

Avila Beach Pier California

Highlights:

• Relaxing on the beach and watching surfers.
• Hiking the surrounding trails.
• Visiting the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse.

3. Durango, Colorado

Durango Colorado Snowy Paradise

Durango, a former silver and gold mining town in southwestern Colorado, transforms into a snowy paradise in December. Framed by the San Juan Mountains, this town offers a blend of Old West vibes and outdoor adventures.

Skiers and snowboarders of all levels will find plenty to enjoy. After a day on the slopes, soak up the picturesque views and sample craft brews from Ska Brewing Company.

• Visitor Center Address: 802 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
• Average temperatures: 5°C to -10°C

Durango Colorado Historic Train

Highlights:

• Dining on local cuisine at Seasons of Durango.
• Scenic round-trip journey on the restored historic steam train.
• Learning about the area’s history at the Animas Museum.

4. Waikiki, Hawaii

Waikiki Beach Hawaii Paradise Getaway

Waikiki, a vibrant neighborhood in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a great option for a warm-weather getaway during the winter holidays. Enjoy its beautiful crescent-shaped beach, luxury hotels, boutique stores, and upscale dining experiences.

While it can be moderately rainy, the rainfalls are usually brief. The early part of December often has fewer crowds and better deals on accommodation.

• Visitors Center Address: 159 Kaʻiulani Ave
  

  102, Honolulu, HI 96815

• Average temperature: 28°C

Diamond Head Waikiki Hawaii

Highlights:

• Rooftop cocktails at the Na Lani Sky Lounge at Hokulani Waikiki.
• Hiking the Diamond Head State Monument.
• Attending the House Without A Key at the Halekulani Hotel.
• Snorkeling at Sans Souci Beach.

5. New York City, New York

New York City Christmas Magic

The Big Apple offers undeniable magic during the Christmas season. Festive window displays along Fifth Avenue, the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink, and the Winter Village at Bryant Park are must-sees.

Enjoy a snowy stroll through Central Park and catch a performance of the Nutcracker Ballet. Don’t miss the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, Santaland at Macy’s, and the Holiday Markets.

• Visitors Center Address: 810 Seventh Avenue, between 52nd & 53rd Streets, New York City, NY 10019.
• Average temperature: 7°C

New York City Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Highlights:

• Gingerbread oat milk latte at Cafe Grumpy.
• Hunting for unique Christmas gifts in the Meatpacking District.
• Discovering The Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

6. Siesta Key, Florida

Siesta Key Florida Best Beach in America

Siesta Key, a barrier island off the southwestern coast of Florida, is a paradise with a relaxed vibe and stunning public beach. It’s a great option for a warm winter vacation with less humidity and plenty of sun.

The shallow waters on Siesta Beach and Crescent Beach are perfect for families. Enjoy swimming, paddling, and exploring the local shops and cafes.

• Tourist Office Address: 5223 Avenida Navarra, Siesta Key, FL 34242
• Average temperature: 23°C

Siesta Key Florida Warm Winter Vacation

Highlights:

• Happy hour cocktails at the buzzy Gilligan’s Island Bar & Grill.
• Snorkeling at the Point of Rocks.
• Exploring the boutique shops and cafes in Siesta Key Village.

7. Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg Virginia Colonial Christmas Magic

Williamsburg, a historic city in southeastern Virginia, offers a magical Christmas experience with twinkling lights and colonial-style festive decorations. Attend the Grand Illumination event, holiday markets in Merchants Square, and enjoy a colonial-style Christmas dinner at a historic tavern.

• Tourist Office Address: 421 N Boundary Street | Williamsburg, VA 23185
• Average temperature: 12°C

Williamsburg Virginia Fairytale Scene

Highlights:

• Candlelight tour of the historic homes.
• Christmas Carol concert at Kimball Theatre.
• Seasonal tavern crawl combined with a spooky ghost tour.

8. Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tennessee

Gaylord Opryland Resort Christmas Extravaganza

The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville transforms into a Christmas extravaganza with over three million twinkling lights and family-friendly attractions. Explore ice tunnels, an indoor ice skating rink, and the ICE! interactive ice sculpture experience.

• Address: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
• Average temperature: 11°C

Gaylord Opryland Resort Indoor Atrium

Highlights:

• Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour.
• Soothing stone massage at the Relâche Spa.
• Live country music shows in the Honky-Tonks along Broadway.

9. Aspen, Colorado

Aspen Colorado Snowy Slopes

Aspen, located in the Rocky Mountains, is one of the most prestigious winter resorts in the country. Enjoy snowy slopes, mountain scenery, outdoor adventures, and a vibrant social scene.

While it’s not budget-friendly, Aspen offers a magical experience with cozy log cabins, festive decorations, and skiing for all abilities.

• Aspen Chamber Resort Association Address: 425 Rio Grande Place 81611 Aspen
• Average temperature: 2°C to -12°C

Aspen Colorado Winter Activities

Highlights:

• Tubing at Elk Camp on Snowmass.
• Festive snowplough tour.
• Festive drinks at the lively Ajax Tavern.

10. Crystal Beach, Texas

Crystal Beach Texas Peaceful Coastal Gem

Crystal Beach, located along the Gulf of Mexico on Bolivar Peninsula in Texas, offers a chilled, low-key getaway. Enjoy sandy beaches, interesting wildlife, and a laid-back vibe.

Spot dolphins and migratory birds, gaze at stunning sunsets, and relax on the beach.

• Average temperature: 17°C
• Visitors Center Address: 2275 TX-87 Suite 10 #2621, Crystal Beach, TX 77650

Crystal Beach Texas Sunset

Highlights:

• Live country music at Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe.
• Dining at Crystal Chandelier.
• Playing miniature golf at The Gulf Range.

11. Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

Biltmore Estate Christmas Lights

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is the largest privately owned home in the country and offers a stunning Christmas experience. The house and grounds are filled with thousands of twinkling lights, hand-decorated trees, and festive carols.

• Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
• Average temperature: 10°C

Highlights:

• English-style festive meal at Cedric’s Tavern.
• Wreath-making and ornament crafting at onsite workshops.

12. Vermont

Christmas in Vermont Festive Town Square

Vermont is known as the perfect state to celebrate the holiday season. Quaint villages and historic towns are adorned with wreaths, sparkling lights, and decorated trees.

Experience the Annual Wassail Weekend in Woodstock, the Lake Morey Skate Trail, and the Stowe Winter Carnival. Check out the Holiday Markets in the region.

• Visitors Center Address: 680 North Main St., Route 2. Alburgh, VT 05440
• Average temperature: 3.5°C

Montpelier Vermont New England Charm

Highlights:

• Fat biking at The Stowe Recreation Path.
• Hunting for artisan seasonal gifts at Vermont Holiday Market.
• Attending the Grafton Christmas Tree Lighting and Festival.

13. Solvang, California

Solvang Christmas Magical Winter Wonderland

Solvang, the “Danish Capital of America,” transforms into a magical winter wonderland during ‘Julefest,’ a month-long holiday celebration. Enjoy decorated streets, twinkling lights, Christmas markets, and the annual Julefest Parade.

• Visitor Center Address: 1637-1639 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
• Average temperature: 20°C

Solvang California Danish Architecture

Highlights:

• Visiting the all-year-round Christmas store Jule Hus.
• Dining an organic, gluten-free Nordic-style lunch at the quaint Actor’s Corner Cafe.

14. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem Pennsylvania Christmas City

Bethlehem, founded by Moravian settlers on Christmas Eve, is an interesting historic town where there’s a festive vibe all year round, but December is an extra-special time to visit!

Discover the Christmas City Village, the Christkindlmarkt, and the Living Advent Calendar.

• Visitors Center Address: 505 Main St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.
• Average temperature: 5°C

Bethlehem Pennsylvania Christkindlmarkt

Highlights:

• Warming up with German Glühwein and roasted nuts at the local Christkindlmarkt.
• Searching for unique gifts in the trendy Domaci shop.
• Exploring the 18th-century buildings, museums and churches in the Historic Moravian District.

Planning your December travel? This guide should help you decide where to travel in the US in December for an unforgettable experience. Whether you seek snow or sun, the United States has something for everyone!