As the holiday season approaches and the air fills with festive vibes, December becomes one of the most magical times to explore the US. It’s the perfect month for cozy getaways or family vacations as towns and cities light up with decorations and winter fun , perfect for a break. Even hotels and resorts host special festive events, making travel even more memorable. So to add more sparkle to your holiday plans, in this blog, we’ve listed the best Christmas and New Year vacations in the USA, each offering unique experiences for every type of traveler. This time of year lets you experience the country at its most festive which is simply ideal for making memorable experiences with your favorite people.
13 Festive Places for Best Christmas And New Year Vacations in USA
New York City, New York
New York City is one of the most popular places to visit in the USA during Christmas and New Year. The city is full of decorations and events that make the holiday season special. You can visit Rockefeller Center to see the large Christmas tree and try ice skating at the famous rink. Fifth Avenue has the best holiday window displays, and Bryant Park’s Winter Village is great for shopping and eating local treats. Plus, Central Park also looks beautiful in winter, and you can take a short walk or a horse carriage ride to enjoy the snow-covered paths. For New Year’s Eve, the main event is the Times Square Ball Drop, which attracts huge crowds. If you prefer something quieter, there are rooftop parties, boat cruises on the Hudson River, and many restaurants that serve special New Year’s dinners. Fireworks can be seen across the city, especially near the waterfront areas.
The weather in December is cold, usually between -2°C and 8°C and hotels in Manhattan are expensive during this time, so booking early helps you get better prices. Public transport is the easiest way to get around as subways and buses run frequently, and taxis or ride-share apps are easily available. Most attractions are close to each other, so walking is also convenient.
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Weather in December: Around -2°C to 8°C
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Nearest Airport: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Aspen, Colorado
Next, Aspen is one of the best places in the USA to spend Christmas and New Year if you want a snowy mountain vacation. The town is known for its ski resorts, cozy lodges, and festive winter atmosphere. You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at four main mountains, namely, Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. The slopes are well-maintained and suitable for both beginners and experts. If you’re not into skiing, you can go snowshoeing, ice skating, or take a scenic gondola ride for great mountain views. Plus, Downtown Aspen is beautifully decorated during the holidays, with lights covering the streets and trees. There are many small shops, cafés, and restaurants where you can enjoy local food and warm drinks. You’ll also find Christmas markets, live music, and outdoor fire pits that make the evenings more fun. For New Year’s Eve, the town hosts fireworks shows and special dinners at popular restaurants and hotels.
Most hotels and lodges fill up quickly during the holidays, so early booking is important. The weather in December is cold and snowy, usually between -11°C and 2°C, so if you’re driving, make sure your vehicle has snow tires or chains. If not, then getting around is easy with local shuttles and ski buses that connect most areas.
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Weather in December: Around -11°C to 2°C
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Nearest Airport: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE)
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is one of the best Christmas destinations in the USA if you want a true small-town winter feel as this Bavarian-style village in Washington State turns into a festive-filled space every December. The streets are filled with music and snow, creating a cozy and cheerful atmosphere and you can walk around the main street to see half-timbered shops, local bakeries, and restaurants decorated for the holidays.Visitors can also enjoy sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and sledding around the nearby mountains, plus the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm is a fun spot for families, and the local nutcracker museum is a unique stop. Additionally, the Christmas Lighting Festival is the highlight here, where thousands of lights cover every building, and carolers perform in the town square. For shopping, there are small stores selling handmade gifts, ornaments, and German-style crafts. Food is another attraction here as you can try warm pretzels, sausages, and mulled wine at local pubs. During New Year’s, the town hosts live music, small fireworks, and festive dinners at lodges and restaurants.
The weather in December is cold, with temperatures between -6°C and 3°C and snowfall is common. The town is also walkable, and there’s limited parking near the main area, so arriving early is helpful. Hotels and cabins get booked fast during the holidays, so plan ahead.
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Weather in December: Around -6°C to 3°C
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Nearest Airport: Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT), Wenatchee
Stowe, Vermont
Next up is Stowe which is quite literally one of the best places in the USA to experience a classic white Christmas and New Year. This small town in Vermont is known for its scenic mountain views, cozy lodges, and holiday charm. During December, the streets are lined with twinkling lights and decorated trees, giving it a postcard-perfect winter look. You can explore the town center, which has small cafés, shops, and art galleries that stay open through the festive season. The main attraction in Stowe is its ski resort, which offers great slopes for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Even if you don’t ski, you can enjoy gondola rides, sleigh rides, and scenic walks around Mount Mansfield. Families can also visit the Trapp Family Lodge, which inspired ‘The Sound of Music’, for a fun and traditional holiday experience. For food, you’ll find everything from local diners to fine dining restaurants serving hearty winter meals.
During Christmas and New Year’s week, Stowe also hosts fireworks, live music, and special dinners at resorts and hotels. It’s also a nice place to simply relax by a fireplace after a day outdoors. The weather in December is cold, usually between -10°C and 1°C, and heavy snowfall is common. The town is easy to explore by car, and local shuttles are available between main spots.
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Weather in December: Around -10°C to 1°C
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Nearest Airport: Burlington International Airport (BTV)
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is one of the most exciting cities in the USA to visit during Christmas and New Year as the city becomes bright and festive, with many events and light displays that make it feel much more lively and fun. One of the biggest attractions here is the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza, a traditional German-style market that runs from mid-November to Christmas Eve. Plus, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is another major event, where Michigan Avenue is covered in lights and hosts a parade and fireworks. Additionally at Millennium Park, you can skate under the skyline at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, or see the city’s large Christmas tree near Cloud Gate, also known as ‘The Bean’. Navy Pier also has the Light Up the Lake festival, which includes an indoor winter wonderland, carnival rides, and an ice rink. During New Year’s Eve, the Chicago Riverwalk and Navy Pier are the best spots to watch fireworks, plus many hotels and restaurants host countdown dinners and rooftop parties with city views.
The weather in December is cold, around -7°C to 3°C, often with snow and strong winds, so dress warmly and public transport is the best way to move around as the ‘L’ trains and buses run frequently. Moreover, most holiday attractions are in or near downtown, so you can visit several in one day.
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Weather in December: Around -6°C to 3°C
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Nearest Airport: O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is one of the coolest places to visit in the USA for Christmas and New Year if you love snow and some outdoor fun. This beautiful alpine lake, shared by California and Nevada, turns into a winter wonderland in December. You’ll see snow-covered pine trees, frozen landscapes, and cozy lodges surrounded by mountain views. The area is also packed with activities ranging from skiing and snowboarding to snow tubing and ice skating. Note that South Lake Tahoe is livelier, with casinos, bars, and live music, while North Lake Tahoe is quieter and better for those who just want peace and scenic beauty. You can start your day with skiing at Heavenly Mountain Resort, which has some of the best slopes and lake views in the country. Later, explore local cafés or warm up beside a fireplace in one of the lakeside cabins. Plus, during the holidays, there are festive light shows, fireworks, and family-friendly events in the main town centers.
You can also take short hikes or scenic drives to enjoy the snowy lake views from different points. The weather here in December stays cold, usually between -5°C and 5°C, and heavy snowfall is common. Roads are well maintained, but driving slowly on snow-covered routes is important. Moreover, Reno-Tahoe International Airport is the closest one, about an hour away, and shuttle services run frequently.
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Weather in December: Around -5°C to 5°C
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Nearest Airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
Park City, Utah
Next, Park City is one of the best winter vacation spots in the USA for Christmas and New Year, especially if you love snow sports and mountain scenery. The town is famous for its ski resorts, namely Park City Mountain and Deer Valley, where you can ski, snowboard, or take fun snowmobile rides. Even if you don’t ski, you’ll still enjoy walking through the charming Main Street, which is decorated with sparkling lights and lined with cozy cafés, art shops, and restaurants. December in Park City truly feels magical as the town holds holiday parades, torchlight ski runs, and fireworks for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. You can also visit the Park City Ice Arena for skating or take scenic gondola rides for stunning winter views. After outdoor fun, most visitors relax by a fireplace with hot chocolate or enjoy spa treatments at mountain resorts. It’s also a great place for families since many lodges host kid-friendly events and snow play areas.
The weather is very cold in December, ranging from -12°C to -1°C, and fresh snow covers the mountains almost daily. The Salt Lake City International Airport is just about 45 minutes away, and shuttle services run regularly between the airport and the resorts. Plus, accommodations range from budget-friendly lodges to luxury ski-in resorts, though it’s best to book early for the holidays.
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Weather in December: Around -12°C to -1°C
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Nearest Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Next up, Santa Fe is one of the most unique and cozy places in the USA to spend Christmas and New Year as the city mixes Native American, Hispanic, and Western traditions, creating a warm and colorful holiday atmosphere. The streets and adobe buildings are covered in farolitos or small paper lanterns, which glow beautifully at night and give the city a magical look. You can walk around the historic Plaza, where local choirs sing carols and artists sell handmade crafts. During the holidays here, you can also enjoy the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, where thousands of lanterns light up the art galleries and homes along the famous street. It’s a simple but unforgettable walk that captures Santa Fe’s festive spirit. The city’s local markets are perfect for buying Native jewelry and Christmas gifts. You can also visit nearby pueblos to experience traditional dances and winter ceremonies, which are open to visitors and reflect centuries of culture.
The weather in December is cold but comfortable, between -6°C and 8°C, and light snow adds charm to the desert scenery. Most hotels and inns decorate beautifully and offer holiday dinners with regional food like tamales, posole, and biscochitos. The city also hosts live music, art shows, and a New Year’s Eve celebration at the Plaza, where a giant Zozobra puppet is burned to welcome the new year. It’s a truly different kind of holiday, filled with culture and warmth.
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Weather in December: Around -6°C to 8°C
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Nearest Airport: Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF)
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is a fun and lively place to celebrate Christmas and New Year, especially if you love music and festive energy. The city lights up during the holidays with concerts, parades, and country-style celebrations everywhere. You can start your visit at the Gaylord Opryland Resort, which is decorated with thousands of lights, ice sculptures, and indoor snow tubing and head to Downtown Nashville which is full of live music bars, called honky-tonks, where you can simply enjoy performances and feel the city’s cool holiday spirit. Particularly for Christmas, you can visit the Nashville Christmas Parade, the Holiday LIGHTS show at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, or take a carriage ride through decorated streets. And as New Year’s Eve approaches, the biggest event here is ‘Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live’ at Bicentennial Park, featuring famous country artists and the signature ‘Music Note Drop’ at midnight. It’s a fun outdoor party that attracts visitors from across the country.
The weather here in December is chilly but not too cold, usually between 0°C and 10°C, so a jacket is enough for most days and getting around is easy with rideshares and local buses, and most main attractions are close to downtown. You’ll also find plenty of southern-style comfort food in nearly every neighborhood and hotels and live music venues also often host themed parties for New Year’s too.
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Weather in December: Around 0°C to 10°C
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Nearest Airport: Nashville International Airport (BNA)
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is one of the most exciting places to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the USA. The city is full of music and energy, and it keeps that same joyful spirit through the holidays. During December, you’ll see streets lined with lights, decorated balconies, and carolers singing in the French Quarter. The city’s Creole-style celebrations make Christmas here truly special. You can visit Jackson Square for holiday concerts, explore the historic Garden District, or enjoy a traditional ‘Reveillon Dinner’ which is a festive Creole meal served at many restaurants. Furthermore, the city gets even livelier as New Year’s Eve approaches. The biggest celebration happens at Jackson Square, where live jazz bands perform and a giant fleur-de-lis drops at midnight, followed by fireworks over the Mississippi River. You can also join riverboat cruises to watch the fireworks from the water, which is a unique and fun way to welcome the new year. Bourbon Street here stays packed with music and dancing all night, while nearby restaurants and rooftop bars offer great views and live performances.
The weather during this time is mild compared to most other U.S. cities, staying between 8°C and 18°C, making it perfect for walking around without heavy winter clothes. Hotels in the French Quarter fill up early, so booking in advance is smart. You’ll also find street performers, festive parades, and small art markets throughout the city.
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Weather in December: Around 8°C to 18°C
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Nearest Airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is one of the best Christmas and New Year vacation spots in the USA, especially for families. The city becomes festive in December, with theme parks fully decorated and packed with special events. Walt Disney World hosts its famous ‘Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party,’ where you can see parades, fireworks, snow on Main Street, and meet your favorite Disney characters in holiday costumes. Universal Orlando is also a must-visit as here you’ll find the Grinchmas celebration and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, both filled with lights and themed shows. Outside the parks, you can visit ICON Park or Lake Eola to enjoy outdoor lights, markets, and live performances. The weather during this time is pleasant, around 12°C to 23°C, so you can walk around comfortably without winter gear. During New Year’s Eve, each theme park has its own fireworks show and Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Epcot are the most popular, while CityWalk at Universal offers a fun countdown party.
Along with that, getting around is easy with rental cars or shuttles that connect all major attractions. Plus, hotels near the parks usually have special holiday packages, but booking early helps save money. There are also many restaurants offering festive buffets and outdoor dining.
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Weather in December: Around 12°C to 23°C
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Nearest Airport: Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Williamsburg, Virginia
Next up, Williamsburg is the place to go if you want a cozy, old-fashioned Christmas experience. This small town keeps its colonial charm alive during the holidays with candlelit streets, carolers, and traditional decorations. You can visit Colonial Williamsburg, where actors dressed in 18th-century costumes bring history to life with festive reenactments and concerts. The ‘Grand Illumination’ event is a highlight here and the entire area lights up with fireworks, candles, and music to enjoy. The nearby Busch Gardens Christmas Town is another favorite. It’s one of the biggest holiday light displays in North America, with over 10 million lights, themed shows, and rides for all ages. You can also explore local shops and cafés decorated for the season, serving warm cider and homemade pastries. Additionally, there are also carriage rides through the historic district that make for a perfect winter memory.
The weather in December is cool and comfortable, between 1°C and 12°C and most attractions are walkable, and shuttles run between Colonial Williamsburg, hotels, and Busch Gardens. Accommodations here range from small inns to family resorts, many offering festive meals and events.
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Weather in December: Around 1°C to 12°C
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Nearest Airport: Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Lastly, Jackson Hole is a dream spot for anyone looking for a snowy and adventurous Christmas or New Year vacation. Surrounded by the Teton Mountains, it offers world-class skiing, cozy lodges, and breathtaking winter views. You can ski or snowboard at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, one of the best in the country, or take snowmobile rides through Yellowstone National Park’s quiet, snow-covered landscapes. The town square looks magical in December, with its elk-antler arches wrapped in twinkling lights. You can shop at local boutiques, try hearty western food, and warm up by fireplaces in cafés. For families, there are sleigh rides through the National Elk Refuge which provides a truly special experience. Additionally, New Year’s Eve here brings fireworks, torchlight parades on the slopes, and live music in downtown Jackson.
The weather is very cold, between -15°C and -5°C and the closest airport, Jackson Hole Airport, is only about 15 minutes from the town center, and most hotels offer shuttle services. It’s also a great place for travelers who want peace and nature instead of big crowds.
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Weather in December: Around -15°C to -5°C
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Nearest Airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Conclusion
To sum it up, the holiday season brings out the most joyful and heartwarming side of the US. Cities buzz with celebrations and cozy winter getaways adds a festive charm to your travel experience, making this time of year perfect for creating special memories with loved ones. It’s the ideal season for planning the perfect vacation and holiday moments that truly capture the spirit of Christmas and New Year.