17 Festive Christmas Destinations In The United States

Beloved traditions, holiday lights, extravagant decorations, and over-the-top Christmas trees can be found throughout the United States, from small towns to the largest cities.

Lets face it, the US likes a good celebration, so inevitably we have some excellent Christmas destinations throughout the country.

These are places on my bucket list to celebrate Christmas in the United States! Whether the city is adorned in incredible decor or puts on a famous festival, you’ll understand why people flock to these destinations during the holiday season.

Festive Christmas Destinations In The United States

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth is a ‘Bavarian-replica’ town that comes alive during the holiday season. Accessibility to a wide variety of winter sports and various Christmas festivals attract visitors from around the United States this time of year. 

Make sure to check out the incredible shops and unique storefronts of Leavenworth including Christmastown during the winter months. Ice sculpting, traditional German food, and holiday lights create a majestic atmosphere. This part of Washington is also home to the largest collection of nutcrackers in the world at the local Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum!

Where To Stay: The Bavarian Lodge ($$) | Posthotel ($$$)

New York City, New York

The Big Apple calls to many no matter the time of year, but especially during the holidays.

The list of iconic things to do in NYC during Christmas is never ending. See the world-famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree, take in the renowned window and light displays along 5th Ave and Park Ave, go for a festive drink at a Christmas bar, and don’t miss famous shows such as the New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker or The Radio City Rockettes.

For more ideas, check out The Most Iconic Things To Do In New York During Christmas.

Where To Stay: The Plaza ($$$) | The Hotel Chelsea ($$)

Disneyland, California

Disneyland is always a spectacular place to visit for individuals and families alike. However, Christmas and the holidays add a special element to the park. Mild weather combined with a festive vibe creates an amazing atmosphere.

There are numerous displays and special events throughout the park, from ornament trails and meetings with Mr. Claus to firework shows and parades, the park will truly leave you in awe.

And don’t miss your favorite characters dressed in seasonal attire or Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle!

Where To Stay: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel ($$$) | The Westin Anaheim Resort ($$)

St. Augustine, Florida

As the oldest city in Florida, St. Augustine is known for Spanish Colonial architecture and a 17th-century stone fortress, all mixed in with a fun downtown area and pretty beaches.

So what makes St. Augustine famous during Christmas? Cue the Nights of Lights.

This is one of the most famous holiday light displays in the country. It’s held every night throughout the holiday season and best of all, the colorful display is free!

In addition to Night of Lights, watch the Christmas Parade, go for a trolley tour, or browse the markets while celebrating Christmas in St. Augustine.

Where To Stay: St George Inn ($$) | Carriage Way Inn Bed & Breakfast ($$) 

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 

Bethlehem is a magical place to be during the winter season with a wide variety of Christmas festivities for all to enjoy. From walking and motorcoach tours through the city to various holiday markets, it’s a special place to be in December. 

Taking a walk through the Bethlehem Historic District is not to be missed due to the light and ornament displays, there are also opportunities to take horse-drawn carriage rides, pictures with Santa, and a full blown Christmas parade on the 24th. 

You’ll be quick to understand why Bethlehem is nicknamed “Christmas City USA.”

Where To Stay: The Wilbur Mansion ($$) | Historic Hotel Bethlehem ($$)

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is another highly sought-after winter destination thanks to world-class skiing, incredible scenery, and unbeatable après. That’s not even mentioning the luxury shopping, fine dining, and famous visitors.

Imagine skiing all day, shopping for the perfect gift, then ice skating under holiday lights. Aspen is the perfect place for a luxurious Christmas getaway.

For more ideas, check out Christmas In Aspen: Best Things To Do or Christmas In Colorado: Best Towns.

Where To Stay: The Little Nell ($$$) | Hotel Jerome ($$$)

Grapevine, Texas

The Dallas suburb of Grapevine turns into a magical winter wonderland for travelers from across the country to enjoy. Famous for its wide variety of Christmas activities, it has actually been voted one of the most festive places in America. 

There are a total of 1,400 events during a 5-6 week period during the holiday season in Grapevine. Light displays, markets, firework shows, and even a Christmas themed wine train are all spectacular ways to celebrate in Texas. 

Where To Stay: Hotel Vin ($$) | Gaylord Texan ($$)

Asheville, North Carolina

This small city situated in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains is famed for outdoor recreation, excellent craft beer, art galleries, and delicious food. But it’s the immaculate Christmas decor you’ll find around town, especially at places like the Omni Grove Park Inn and Biltmore Estate, that make Asheville a premier Christmas destination.

Between the two aforementioned properties alone you’ll find hundreds of Christmas trees, elaborate gingerbread houses, plus millions of ornaments and twinkling lights amid cozy fireplaces and live music. 

Where To Stay: Omni Grove Park Inn ($$$) | Foundry Hotel Asheville ($$)

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is one the most beautiful cities in the world during the winter and holiday season. Stunning snow-lined streets adorned in Christmas decorations highlight the ‘magic mile’, a perfect place for all your holiday shopping. 

There are a number of wonderful events in Chicago during the holiday season including Christkindlmarket, a traditional German open market with vendors selling various types of food and seasonal items, this is also home to Chicago’s Christmas tree. Just across the street are the Macy’s windows, telling a unique holiday story each season with beautiful awe-inspiring designs. You can even wave to Santa Claus on his open air flatcar train by taking a ride on CTA. 

There’s no shortage of holiday cheer in the Midwest’s largest city.

Where To Stay: The Langham, Chicago ($$$) | Hotel Zachary ($$)

Newport Beach, California

Newport Beach is a fascinating, magical place to be during the winter season. There are always a wide variety of events from tree lighting and Christmas markets to festive speakeasies and holiday-themed boat parades. 

Take a walk or drive along the waterfront to witness the ‘Ring of Lights’ competition annually, where homes, businesses, and yacht clubs give life to their Christmas displays. The mild climate, even during winter, also allows visitors to be outside comfortably. Thus, taking a trip out on the water or even to Catalina Island is desirable no matter the time of year. 

Where To Stay: Balboa Bay Resort ($$) | Lido House ($$)

Woodstock, Vermont

Vermont is quite possibly the most quintessential Christmas destination in the United States. 

Sip hot cider, visit a Christmas tree farm, and admire the picture-perfect covered bridges which make this New England state so famous.

While there are many charming towns worth visiting in Vermont, Woodstock makes its way onto this list for their famed Woodstock’s Wassail Weekend. This holiday event has horse-drawn carriage rides through town, holiday markets, a parade, visits with Santa, and so much more. The event is held annually in early December and is always a big hit.

Where To Stay: Woodstock Inn & Resort ($$) | The Woodstocker Bed & Breakfast ($$)

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Another Colorado destination that’s worth a visit during the holiday season is Colorado Springs, the state’s second largest city.

Beautiful mountain views, outdoor activities, and a growing restaurant scene are all reasons to visit no matter the time of year, but its the immaculately decorated Broadmoor Hotel, Santa’s North Pole Workshop, and numerous light festivals which draw in visitors during the holidays.

If you want mountain vibes combined with city attractions, this is the spot for you.

For more things to do in Colorado Springs during Christmas, check out Top Things To Do In Colorado Springs During Christmas.

Where To Stay: The Broadmoor ($$$) | Kinship Landing ($)

North Pole, Alaska

Wintertime in North Pole is a magical experience for travelers and families from across the globe. People flock from all over the world to see the various attractions, everything from markets to firework shows.

Start off your trip at the world-renowned Santa Claus House, home to a 43-foot wooden Santa statue. From there you can’t go wrong with the Winterfest and holiday bazaars, plus various traditional Christmas restaurants in town. It should also be noted that the holiday season in this part of Alaska is perfect for viewing the northern lights!

And fortunately it isn’t terribly difficult to get here, North Pole is located just a few miles from Fairbanks.

Where To Stay: Frontier Village ($$) | North Pole Cabins ($$)

Washington D.C.

In a city dominated by politics, international organizations, and historical sites you’ll still find plenty of holiday magic. 

During your December visit, see the National Christmas Tree, browse holiday markets with a hot chocolate in hand, admire the Christmas decor throughout the city, or tour the White House adorned in festive decorations. 

Of course, you can do all this in addition to seeing the best museums in the country, the national monuments, and enjoying a really fantastic restaurant scene.

Where To Stay: Riggs Washington DC ($$) | Willard InterContinental Washington ($$)

Santa Claus, Indiana 

Christmas festivities are taken to a whole new level in the quaint town of Santa Claus. While celebrated year-round in this area of the Midwest, the winter provides hundreds of additional holiday-themed activities for everyone to enjoy. 

Whether it’s Christmas markets, light shows, reindeer exhibits, choir concerts, ornament painting, parades, cookie decorating, or donuts with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, this Indiana town has it all! Santa Claus really is a haven for the holidays, especially for families with young kids. 

Where To Stay: Santa’s Cottages ($$)

Vail, Colorado

Come winter, Vail is a magical place to be. With over 5,000 skiable acres — one of the largest ski resorts in the United States — and adorable Bavarian-style architecture, it’s an idyllic winter destination.

Christmas visitors will love shopping and dining in the beautifully decorated Vail Village, hitting the slopes, browsing the Kris Kringle Market, and sipping hot cocoa — don’t miss the Four Seasons’ famous Haute Chocolate!

For more things to do in Vail during winter, check out my Vail, Colorado Guides.

Choosing between Vail and Aspen? Check out my Aspen Vs Vail: Which To Choose? guide.

Where To Stay: The Arrabelle at Vail Square ($$$) | Four Seasons Resort Vail ($$$)

New Orleans, Louisiana 

New Orleans is all about extravagant celebrations and the Christmas season is no different. During the holiday season the city is lit with colorful lights and the holiday cheer is undeniable. 

Browse the gorgeous hotel lobbies decorated for Christmas, witness the Celebration In The Oaks light festival, listen to Christmas carols, or attend NOLA Christmasfest… you’ll find there’s no shortage of fantastic Christmas celebrations in New Orleans. 

Find more ideas, check out Iconic Things To Do In New Orleans.

Where To Stay: The Roosevelt Hotel ($$) | The Windsor Court ($$$)

Helen, Georgia

Located in the mountain region of northeast Georgia and inspired by the villages of Germany, is the adorable resort town of Helen.

It’s well-loved for vineyards, charming Bavarian-style architecture, and ample outdoor recreation. During the holidays you can expect Christmas parades, carriage rides, and colorful lights in addition to the usual attractions. 

It’s easy to see why this small town is one of the South’s best hidden gems, especially in December.

Where To Stay: Bear Creek Lodge & Cabins ($$) | Black Forest Bed & Breakfast ($$)

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is a much-loved New England destination no matter the time of year. Posh eateries, a stunning harbor area, and the opulent Gilded Age mansions are a few of the attractions which have made this waterfront city so famous.

During your Christmas visit, tour the tastefully decorated Gilded Age mansions, watch the Newport Harbor Illuminated Boat Parade, do some holiday shopping, or see the Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff.

For more ideas, check out Top Things To Do In Newport, Rhode Island.

Where To Stay: Castle Hill Inn ($$$) | The Brenton Hotel ($$)

As you can see, the United States has some incredible Christmas destinations! I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your Christmas getaway in the US and have the best time!

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media!

For more ideas, check out my additional US and Christmas guides below.

More Christmas Destination Guides:

• Christmas In Colorado: Best Towns
• Christmas In New York: Best Towns