Explore the Best Christmas Destinations in the US in 2026

🎯Too Long; Didn’t Read

1. For Classic Big-City Holidays: New York delivers its holiday magic on foot—see the Rockefeller tree, stroll Fifth Avenue. Chicago counters with authentic German markets, all festive and focused. Meanwhile, Washington, DC merges the monumental with the seasonal, its national landmarks backdrop for specific holiday events.
2. For Snow & Storybook Settings: Leavenworth, WA replicates a Bavarian village. Aspen, CO dominates with skiing and apres-ski. These spots deliver winter vibes.
3. For Historic & Small-Town Charm: Bethlehem, PA and Colonial Williamsburg, VA dig into the past. They spotlight historic traditions, market scenes, and streets that are always decked out.
4. For Warm-Weather Escapes: Orlando’s parks crank up the glitz for the holidays. Meanwhile, Florida’s coast swaps waves for boat parades. Out in Phoenix and Scottsdale, you can trek the desert trails or just post up at a resort. Their light displays are the main event.
5. For Over-the-Top Displays: Las Vegas resorts go all out with over-the-top decor and even ice rinks. Meanwhile, Dollywood in Tennessee rocks massive light displays.

First, sort what you care about most—snow or sun, your budget, who’s with you. Then, book ahead. Wait too long, and prices jump big time near Christmas.

Christmas travel in the US is a big deal because the calendar finally lines up with real time off. Schools close for winter break, many workplaces slow down, and families can actually coordinate days together. That window turns into the main chance to visit parents in another state, meet siblings halfway, or bring kids to see famous displays like the Rockefeller Center tree or Orlando’s holiday events without yanking them out of class.

The country’s size adds to the hype. Snow in the Rockies. Mild streets in Savannah. Beach weather in Florida or Hawaii. One holiday, totally different vibes, all on the same passport.

Iconic Big-City Christmas Experiences

New York City, New York

New York City is the ultimate US Christmas destination. Why? It’s all packed into one easily walkable zone. Hit the Rockefeller Center tree, Fifth Avenue’s store windows, and Bryant Park Winter Village in a quick, continuous stroll. Skating rinks materialize out of nowhere. Food stalls crank out hot bites. Streets buzz till late, making it a secure spot to hang around.

A trip in early December? Smart. You can hit Radio City’s Christmas show, the NYBG’s Train Show, and Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights lights without the late-month price surge. Your schedule becomes a jam-packed day, but your budget gets a breather. Prices shoot up as Christmas gets closer. Going earlier lets you stretch your dollar further.

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago’s Christmas setup is a city-wide operation. The Christkindlmarket takes over Daley Plaza. Stalls pack the place with ornaments, food, and glühwein. It’s a one-stop shop—you can wander, grab a bite, and check off your gift list in one go. For a different vibe, the Wrigleyville outpost adds a whole other layer. More lights, some carnival rides, all right by the ballpark. The contrast in December is weird, but it works.

On the lakefront, Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park offer ice skating with skyline views. Indoors, Navy Pier and museums stack up shows, activities, and break time from the cold. The wind hits hard, so smart layers matter, but hotel rates can be friendlier than in New York.

Washington, DC

Washington, DC delivers for Christmas travelers aiming to blend seasonal activities with iconic landmarks. The National Christmas Tree by the White House acts as the core attraction. Surrounding it, state and territory trees set the scene, and performances pop up on numerous evenings. Just down the road, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree waits as another key stop.

Check out the holiday market downtown, right by the Portrait Gallery. It crams local vendors and food into a tight space. Simple to hit up before or after you do the museums.

Each neighborhood rolls its own way. Georgetown blings out the main strips. At The Wharf on the Southwest waterfront, they throw in ice skating and happenings by the water.

Storybook Snow Towns & Mountain Escapes

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth in Washington turns into a focused Christmas trip spot. The small town center is modeled on a Bavarian village, and in winter it leans into that theme hard. During Village of Lights: Christmastown, more than half a million lights stay on from around Thanksgiving through late February, so visitors do not have to hit one specific weekend.

Choirs, bands, and carolers perform near the gazebo on many December weekends, while Santa and costumed characters roam the streets. Travelers can roll in pretty easily by car on US-2 or arrive by Amtrak’s Empire Builder at Icicle Station just outside downtown.

Aspen, Colorado

During the Christmas season, Aspen becomes a top winter destination. It’s perfect for people who want both skiing and town amenities in a single location. Four nearby mountains supply abundant terrain. The downtown area is compact, cramming gear shops, bars, and restaurants into a walkable space.

Non-ski hours in Aspen? Sorted. The “12 Days of Aspen” packs the schedule late December. We’re talking concerts, kid-friendly crafts, outdoor flicks, and Santa dropping in. Nights get lit too—torchlight parades and fireworks on the mountain.

Just a heads-up, the whole experience doesn’t come cheap. Holiday rates peak for lodging, lift access, and the essential après-ski scene. This spot is for those ready to shell out.

Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid turns Christmas into a neat blend of winter sports and low-key village time. Main Street faces Mirror Lake, so visitors can walk between shops, cafes, and lake views without dealing with long drives. Whiteface Mountain sits close enough for full ski days, then quick trips back to town for dinner and lights.

The Olympic legacy keeps things interesting: the speed skating oval, ski jumps, and museum give the trip more than just skiing or shopping. When conditions allow, outdoor skating on the lake and sleigh rides add fun, which feels pretty sweet for families and groups of friends.

Historic & Small-Town Holiday Charm

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (“Christmas City USA”)

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania leans fully into its “Christmas City USA” nickname. The town was founded by Moravian settlers on Christmas Eve in 1741, and that history still shapes the season. Holiday visits center on two main draws: Christkindlmarkt at the SteelStacks campus, with rows of artisans and food vendors, and the Christmas City Village “huts” along Main Street, which feel like a compact European-style market run.

Walking tours such as the Christmas City Stroll spotlight Moravian buildings, window candles, and long-running traditions. Carriage rides and the decorated Hotel Bethlehem lobby displays round things out, so a short stay stays packed without feeling chaotic.

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Forget the mall madness. Colonial Williamsburg does Christmas differently. It’s a history-focused trip. As dusk settles, Duke of Gloucester Street transforms. It’s lined with natural wreaths and garlands. Flickering candlelight casts a soft glow, making an evening walk feel calm. Slow. Interpreters are the real scene-stealers. They run seasonal programs—think 18th-century music, storytelling, demonstrations. You don’t just hear about the past; you see how holidays actually worked there. It’s immersive.

Grand Illumination weekends add fireworks, performances, and extra crowds around the main greens. Nearby lodging ranges from official Colonial Houses to regular hotels, which helps different budgets. Mild Virginia weather compared with northern states makes this spot easier for older relatives and younger kids.

Coastal Charm: Newport, Kennebunkport, St. Augustine, Alexandria

Coastal towns bring a different kind of Christmas trip, and this crew hits four angles at once. 

• Newport goes heavy on Gilded Age mansions dressed for the season, with The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms open for holiday tours and evening light displays. 
• Kennebunkport fires up Christmas Prelude, with a harbor tree lighting, lobster-boat Santa arrivals, and shops staying open late for the festival run in early December.
• St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights covers downtown with millions of white bulbs for weeks, turning simple walks into the main event. 
• Old Town Alexandria leans on history and the water: the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade by day, then the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on the Potomac after dark. 

Savannah, Georgia (Plant Riverside District)

Savannah’s Plant Riverside District reworks Christmas. It’s a waterfront scene—buzzing but not overwhelming. The old power plant anchors the Savannah Christmas Market. Stalls for vendors and food line West River Street. Most nights, live music cuts through the cool air.

For families, it’s all about the easy wins. Snap a pic with Santa. See the Festival of Trees in the JW Marriott lobby. They even unveil a gingerbread house that’s pretty epic.

Everything piles onto the riverfront. You can hit the market, then just stroll. Grab a bite. Watch a cargo ship, its lights cutting the dark, glide by without a sound. 

Theme Parks & Over-the-Top Holiday Resorts

Orlando, Florida (Disney, Universal & beyond)

Orlando at Christmas? It’s a specific kind of family magnet. You get the theme parks, sure, but also an escape from the cold. The action starts after dark at Magic Kingdom with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. That’s when the special parade and fireworks happen. The real perk? Shorter lines once the day crowd clears out.

EPCOT lays out its International Festival of the Holidays, which includes the Candlelight Processional. Over at Hollywood Studios, the entire place ramps up the energy with extra shows and themed decorations.

Universal Orlando goes big for the holidays. You’ve got the massive Macy’s parade balloons, the Grinchmas shows, and the entire park gets a holiday overlay. Meanwhile, the surrounding area—resorts, shopping centers, even the smaller parks—gets in on the action. They go all out with lights and events, plus they offer more pool time.

Dollywood & the Smoky Mountains (Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tennessee)

Dollywood and the Smokies make Christmas a proper trip. Not just a quick park day. The Smoky Mountain Christmas event blankets the park in millions of lights. Seasonal shows and a nighttime parade fill the schedule. Best part? The big coasters still run, whizzing through the holiday chill. Nearby, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg pile on more. Roadside stops, mini-golf, and endless comfort food mean kids don’t have a chance to get bored.

Cabin rentals in the hills give groups space for downtime between park days and outlet shopping. Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits close, adding scenic drives and winter hikes when weather allows.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas Christmas swaps snow for pure spectacle. Think glitter, not glaciers. The entire city runs on lights and late nights—no bulky coats required.

Resorts on the Strip compete for attention. Inside the Bellagio, the Conservatory becomes a botanical wonderland. They install a massive tree, banks of poinsettias, and intricate themed scenes. It’s all free, just part of the passing parade.

For a surreal twist, The Cosmopolitan floods its Boulevard Pool. The result is an ice rink perched above the neon. They even schedule snowfalls. It’s a bizarre, brilliant sight—skating under palm trees in the desert chill.

The LINQ Promenade puts on a nightly holiday show. Fake snow, a tree near the High Roller. Over at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Glittering Lights is a drive-through. It’s another reason to cruise after dark.

Warm-Weather Christmas Escapes

Honolulu & Waikiki, Hawaii

Forget snow. Honolulu and Waikiki do Christmas their own way. The season swaps fir trees for palms, trading snowbanks for reef breaks.

• Downtown, the Honolulu City Lights festival takes over. The setup near Honolulu Hale includes the massive tree, of course, plus Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele. The whole scene runs for a month, packed with rides and local grub.
• Waikiki doesn’t skip a beat. Resort lobbies are decked out. Surf instructors are still in the water giving lessons. Come evening, the sunset stroll down Kalākaua Avenue becomes the main attraction. 

Between chilling by the pool and hitting Ala Moana Center for shopping, visitors often squeeze in day trips to Pearl Harbor or treks up Diamond Head.

Phoenix / Scottsdale, Arizona

Phoenix and Scottsdale give Christmas travelers blue-sky days without heavy winter gear. Resorts lean in with big light displays, outdoor fire pits, and pool decks still usable during the day. 

• The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess turns on its massive Christmas at the Princess event with rides, an ice rink, and light zones that feel like a theme park. 
• Tempe’s Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade and Glendale’s holiday lights add more evening options around the metro. 
• During daylight, hiking spots such as Camelback Mountain or Papago Park stay busy, so it’s easy to split the trip between desert trails and holiday nights.

Florida Beach Towns (Siesta Key, Naples, etc.)

Florida beach towns turn Christmas into sand, lights, and shorts weather. Places like Siesta Key, Naples, Clearwater, and Fort Myers lean on boat parades, palm trees wrapped in lights, and sunset walks that double as the main event. 

Many communities run holiday parades down their main drags, then roll into concerts or fireworks on or near the beach.

The rhythm stays chill. Days on the Gulf or Atlantic side go to swimming, shell hunting, and casual bar-and-grill runs; nights shift to waterfront dinners and light displays along marinas and piers. It’s Christmas for people who want zero frostbite risk.

How to Choose the Right US Christmas Destination for You

1. Start with non-negotiables: snow or sun, kids or adults only, strict budget or open to a splurge. That one choice already cuts the list fast. 
2. If snow wins, places with reliable mountains and walkable towns make life easier; if the sun wins, look at beaches or cities with pools and parks. 
3. Next, think about attention span. Theme parks and big cities hit hard for high-energy groups, while small towns and historic districts suit slower trips. 
4. Finally, check flight length, drive time, and typical December prices together. If two spots feel equal, pick the one with simpler travel days. Less stress overall anyway.

Practical Planning Guide: Timing, Costs & Logistics

Christmas travel in the US spikes hard. Nail your timing and budget.

1. Flight and hotel prices surge from December 24 to 31. Early December? Often quieter and cheaper. 
2. Flex your travel dates and scout alternate airports—you’ll save serious cash.
3. For ski or big-name cities, locking in lodging months ahead is normal, not overkill.

Logistics come next:

1. Confirm airport transfers, parking, or rental cars before landing, especially in mountain towns or suburbs. 
2. Build buffer time for winter delays. 
3. Travel insurance and refundable rates cost extra up front but save stress when plans wobble.

❓FAQ❓

What are the cheapest places to spend Christmas in the US with kids?

Ditch the costly hotspots. Scale it down. Drive-to towns like Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg in Tennessee fit the bill. Branson, Missouri is another solid bet. Or, scope out the numerous beach towns along Florida’s Gulf and Atlantic coasts.

Which US Christmas destinations are best without a car?

No wheels? You’re set in New York, Chicago, or D.C. Downtowns cater to pedestrians. The subways? They’re legit. Now, Vegas—the Strip is one long glitzy pedestrian mall.

Where can I find the best Christmas markets in the US?

Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is the spot. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, comes through with its Christkindlmarkt and Christmas City Village. NYC? Hit Bryant Park and Union Square—both deliver. And DC’s Downtown Holiday Market? Non-negotiable.