24 Best Places To Visit For Christmas In USA: Unwrap Joy This December

As the Winter holiday season approaches, the air fills with the sounds of “Jingle bells, jingle bells!” Are you dreaming of a magical Christmas getaway? Look no further! The USA is packed with enchanting destinations that promise to sprinkle festive cheer all around such as Washington, DC,  Austin, Texas, Ogunquit, Maine, Florida, Aspen, Colorado, and more.

Whether you are seeking dazzling light displays, quaint holiday markets, or cozy winter traditions, these places have it all. So grab your mittens and hot cocoa, and let’s unwrap the best places to visit for Christmas in the USA! 

List of 24 Best Places To Visit For Christmas In USA

Planning a trip this December? Searching for the Best Place To Visit For Christmas in the US? The destinations provide everything you need for a magical Christmas getaway. Whether you’re looking for festive light displays, shopping for unique gifts, or enjoying cozy holiday traditions, these towns have it all. 

1. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a hidden Christmas gem with a German-inspired holiday atmosphere. The Christmas City Village and Christkindlmarkt (November 15 to December 22) are highlighted, offering rotating artisan displays, live music, and festive glass-blowing demonstrations. After shopping for handmade ornaments, enjoy a scenic carriage ride through Downtown Bethlehem, especially magical when the Christmas lights are aglow.

2. Denver, Colorado

Denver offers a dazzling holiday season with millions of twinkling lights and plenty of festive activities. Visitors can enjoy the Denver Zoo Lights, go shopping and ice skating downtown, and take in the culture with performances like A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker. Don’t miss the Mile High Tree, a stunning 110-foot tall tree at 16th Street Mall.

3. Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is a luxurious mountain destination that turns into a Christmas wonderland during the holiday season. The town offers everything from cozy public s’mores roasts to festive carolers in the lobby of the Hotel Jerome. If you’re looking for an upscale holiday experience, book a Sky Residence at W Aspen, where you can enjoy private rooftop views over the sparkling mountain town.

4. Ogunquit, Maine

While Ogunquit is known for its stunning beaches in summer, it’s also a peaceful, festive destination during the holidays. The town’s Christmas by the Sea festival features a bonfire on the beach and visits with Santa. Visitors can also explore the nearby Kittery Outlets and the famous L.L. Bean Flagship store in Freeport for holiday shopping.

5. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a warm holiday destination, offering festive events with a southern charm. The Festival of Trees at The Charleston Place features 16 trees decorated by local businesses. The Sound of Charleston performance brings the city’s history to life through music. The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is another must-see, with over two million lights illuminating the park.

6. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is known for its dazzling lights, and during the holidays, the Strip transforms into a winter wonderland. The city boasts rooftop ice skating at The Cosmopolitan, colorful displays at The LINQ Promenade, and a massive Christmas tree at Bellagio’s Conservatory. Be sure to catch one of the holiday shows at the Fountains of Bellagio, set to classic Christmas songs.

7. Seneca Falls, New York

Known as the inspiration for Bedford Falls, Seneca Falls is a Best Place To Visit For Christmas In The US with old-timey charm, festive events, and holiday activities. From gingerbread house contests to It’s a Wonderful Life screening, the town offers nostalgic joy.

8. Dallas, Texas

Dallas offers a festive holiday atmosphere without the chill of northern winters. Enjoy the Holiday at the Arboretum, which features a Christmas village with millions of lights and a 50-foot tree animated to music. You can also drive through the Dallas Zoo Lights and skate under the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree at the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center. Dallas has everything for an unforgettable Christmas season.

9. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago goes all-out during the holiday season. From the European-inspired Christkindlmarket to the ZooLights light show, it’s a city that embraces Christmas with style. Visitors can also check out the iconic Millennium Park Christmas Tree or cozy up in heated igloos at The Godfrey Hotel. Chicago is certainly one of the Best Places To Visit For Christmas in the US.

10. Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude is a beloved event that draws visitors from near and far. The town embraces a charming New England Christmas with lobster trap trees and festive celebrations. This quaint coastal town offers a cozy, unique holiday experience with lobster rolls and seasonal cheer.

11. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is all about music and fun during the holiday season. The Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland offers light displays, ice skating, and Christmas shows. You can also drive through Jingle Beat at the Nashville Fairgrounds. For a true holiday experience, stay at Noelle, where the Hidden-ville bar offers a whimsical pop-up experience.

12. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans offers a uniquely southern Christmas experience. The Celebration in the Oaks at City Park lights up the holiday season with dazzling displays. You can also enjoy the traditional Christmas Eve bonfire lighting along the Mississippi River. New Orleans is undoubtedly one of the Best Places To Visit For Christmas USA for its vibrant and unique traditions.

13. New York City

New York City is legendary for its Christmas magic. With ice skating at Central Park, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, it’s the ultimate holiday destination. Don’t miss the festive decorations in Brooklyn or the Home Alone 2 experience at The Plaza Hotel—it’s pure holiday nostalgia.

14.  Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, with its classic New England charm, is the Best Place To Visit For Christmas in the US  for those looking for a cozy holiday experience. Shop local crafts on Church Street and enjoy the snowy scenery of Lake Champlain.

15. North Pole, Alaska

Located just south of the actual North Pole, North Pole, Alaska, offers a truly magical Christmas atmosphere. Known for the Santa Claus House and festive street names like Santa Claus Lane and Holiday Road, the town is a Christmas lover’s dream. The annual tree-lighting ceremony, complete with a visit from Santa, is the perfect start to the season.

16. Park City, Utah

Park City is more than just a top-notch ski destination; it’s an enchanting place to Visit this Christmas. The former Olympic city offers skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding, paired with cozy resorts perfect for warming up after a day on the slopes.

17. Washington, DC

Washington, DC is a spot with iconic holiday displays like the National Christmas Tree and special seasonal activities, including the annual A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre. Explore the Downtown Holiday Market and the festive igloos at the Watergate Hotel.

18. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe has become the Best Place To Visit during the jingling vibes of Christmas with its stunning lights and cultural traditions, such as the Canyon Road Farolito Walk and midnight mass at the Cathedral Basilica. The Winter Indian Market and flamenco performances add to the city’s festive charm.

19. Seattle, Washington

Seattle embraces Christmas with the iconic Space Needle Christmas Tree, Winterfest at Seattle Center, and Bellevue’s Snowflake Lane. Don’t miss the gingerbread houses at Sheraton Grand Seattle. Seattle is definitely one of the Best Places To Visit For Christmas in the US in the Pacific Northwest.

20. Branson, Missouri

Branson is a family-friendly holiday destination that offers plenty of festive fun. With 1,500 Christmas trees around town, an ice skating rink under the Branson Ferris Wheel, and several drive-through light displays, Branson’s holiday spirit is on full display. The town’s Silver Dollar City amusement park hosts the An Old Time Christmas festival, featuring millions of lights, parades, and holiday shows.

21. St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is a good spot for Christmas due to its Nights of Lights Festival, where the city shines with millions of lights. The Old Town Trolley’s Famous Nights of Lights Tour is a must for visitors, all set against Florida’s mild weather.

22. Newport Beach, California

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is one of the country’s oldest and most spectacular holiday events. Watch yachts and boats decked out in festive lights glide through the harbor, a tradition dating back to 1908. It’s the perfect location for a warm yet festive Christmas experience on the West Coast.

23. Santa Claus, Indiana

If you can’t get enough of Christmas, Santa Claus, Indiana, is a year-round holiday wonderland. From Santa’s Candy Castle to the Santa Claus Museum, this town makes every day feel like Christmas.

24. Middleburg, Virginia

Middleburg offers a slower-paced, picturesque Christmas experience in the heart of Virginia’s wine country. Between breakfast with Santa, the Spirits of Middleburg tour, and the Middleburg Hunt & Hounds Review, the town brings holiday magic to life.

Conclusion

These cities offer some of the Best Places To Visit For Christmas in USA, each with its own unique festive spirit. From snowy streets to warm beachy holidays, these destinations provide something special for every type of traveler. Whether you’re into ice skating, light displays, or Santa sightings, these places will make your holiday season unforgettable this December! So pack your bags and get ready to embrace the holiday cheer in these wonderful destinations!

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