The USA lights up in December with festivals that turn chilly days into joyful celebrations. Across different states, this holiday season brings vibrant events filled with music, food, lights, and cultural traditions that add magic to the end of the year. This is the perfect time to explore towns and cities where the festive spirit takes over streets, parks, and public squares. For those seeking more than just typical tourist stops, these festivals offer a chance to dive into local traditions and joyful winter vibes. In this blog, we’ve listed the top festivals in the USA that take place during December for you to explore and enjoy. These December festivals check all the boxes that make holiday travel more fun and full of memorable moments.
Christmas Town USA- McAdenville, North Carolina
Christmas Town USA is one of the top festivals in USA in December, known for its massive holiday light display that transforms the small town of McAdenville into a glowing Christmas village. Each evening, more than 375 trees are wrapped in red, green, and white lights, and almost every home joins in by decorating their lawns, windows, and rooftops. You can walk or drive through the main route, which is about 1.3 miles long, and enjoy the cheerful glow of half a million lights. Families with kids often like to snap photos near the fountain, which is surrounded by lighted wreaths and Christmas figurines.
You can also expect traditional Christmas carols playing through speakers along with a warm and cozy vibe. Additionally, the community hosts a tree-lighting ceremony and a yule log parade that brings everyone together at the start of December. While there are no official food stalls inside the light tour, nearby cafés and local diners serve seasonal favorites like hot cocoa, cider, and pastries. It’s best for families, couples looking for a low-key festive evening, or anyone who enjoys holiday traditions in a calm, small-town setting. The event is also free to attend and highly walkable.
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When Celebrated: December 1-26, every evening
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Where: McAdenville, North Carolina
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Nearest Airport: Charlotte Douglas International Airport- approx. 20 minutes by car
Las Posadas- San Antonio, Texas
Las Posadas in San Antonio is one of the top festivals in USA in December, bringing together faith and Mexican heritage in a beautiful public celebration. Starting nine days before Christmas, this event re-enacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter through nightly processions across the city. You can join candlelit walks that follow a specific route, especially along the historic San Antonio River Walk and local neighborhoods. Participants sing traditional Spanish carols, knock on symbolic ‘inn’ doors, and eventually gather at a welcoming site where the evening ends with community festivities. Additionally, you’ll see luminarias or paper lanterns lining the walkways, creating a warm glow throughout the area.
Also, there are live nativity scenes, mariachis, and dancers performing folklórico in colorful dresses. Families with children often participate in breaking piñatas, and the community atmosphere is very open and welcoming. Additionally, local vendors and food stands offer traditional Mexican treats like tamales, buñuelos, champurrado, and sweet pan dulce. It’s also free to attend and easy to access on foot, with plenty of space for strollers and groups. The festival is best suited for families and anyone interested in authentic, community-centered holiday traditions.
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When Celebrated: December 16-24
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Where: San Antonio, Texas
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Nearest Airport: San Antonio International Airport- approx. 15 minutes by car
National Christmas Tree Lighting- Washington, D.C.
The National Christmas Tree Lighting is one of the top festivals in USA in December and stands out as a cherished American tradition. It is celebrated every year at The Ellipse near the White House and this event combines holiday cheer with national pride. You can attend the official lighting ceremony, which includes live performances by popular artists, appearances by U.S. leaders, and a patriotic celebration that’s also broadcast nationwide. The atmosphere feels both grand and festive, making it a memorable way to begin the season. You’ll also see a giant tree illuminated with hundreds of glowing LED lights and elegant ornaments.
Additionally, you can walk around the Pathway of Peace, which features 56 smaller trees decorated with handmade ornaments representing each U.S. state and territory. These decorations are often created by schoolchildren, giving the display a very personal and community-driven touch. The area remains open to the public throughout December, so you can visit even after the main ceremony. There are also local food trucks nearby, pop-up gift shops, and plenty of holiday photo opportunities. The event is ideal for families, out-of-town visitors, and those who want to experience a meaningful and less commercial side of the holidays. Public transport access is smooth, and the area stays busy but organized throughout the month.
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When Celebrated: First week of December
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Where: The Ellipse, near the White House, Washington, D.C.
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Nearest Airport: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport- approx. 15 minutes by car
Christmas Markets- Chicago, New York, Philadelphia
Christmas Markets in major U.S. cities are some of the best and top festivals in USA in December, drawing millions of visitors each year. These markets bring a European-style holiday experience right into the heart of bustling American cities. You can shop for festive christmas souvenirs and decorations, handcrafted gifts, sample festive foods, and take in the magical and festive winter atmosphere, all in one place. Each city offers something unique while keeping the warm, traditional holiday market feel. In Chicago, Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza is the most famous. You’ll see wooden stalls selling German ornaments, cuckoo clocks, handmade candles, and winter wear. Also, you can try roasted nuts, bratwurst, and traditional Glühwein served in collectible mugs. The smell of cinnamon and fresh pretzels add to the vibe of the place and carolers often perform live music throughout the day.
In New York City, Bryant Park’s Winter Village includes more than 180 vendors and an ice-skating rink. You can walk under string lights, sip hot chocolate, and find unique local crafts. Additionally, there are outdoor seating areas with heaters where you can relax between shopping. And in Philadelphia, the Christmas Village at LOVE Park has a strong German influence. You’ll see sparkling lights, a large Christmas tree, and wooden stalls arranged in a charming layout. You can also enjoy schnitzels, Belgian waffles, and warm apple cider. These markets are perfect for families, solo travelers, and friend groups who enjoy festive shopping and food, especially during the holidays.
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When Celebrated: Mid-November through December 24
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Where: Chicago (Daley Plaza), New York City (Bryant Park), Philadelphia (LOVE Park)
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Nearest Airports:
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Chicago: O'Hare International Airport- approx. 30-40 minutes by train
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NYC: LaGuardia Airport- approx. 25 minutes by car
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Philadelphia: Philadelphia International Airport- approx. 20 minutes by car
SnowGlobe Music Festival- South Lake Tahoe, California
Next up, SnowGlobe Music Festival is one of the top festivals in USA in December and a favorite among music lovers who enjoy winter sports and energetic crowds. It is held over three days in South Lake Tahoe and this outdoor festival mixes live electronic music, hip-hop, and pop performances with the snowy atmosphere of a mountain town. You can dance to chart-topping artists while surrounded by snow-covered pines and a festival ground lit with colorful stage effects and LED visuals.
You’ll see massive open-air stages where DJs and performers play back-to-back sets. Also, there are heated tents, art installations, and food courts where you can grab warm snacks like mac and cheese, pretzels, hot cocoa, and chili bowls. Between sets, you can take part in snowboarding or skiing at nearby resorts, making this festival a complete winter holiday experience. The vibe is upbeat, youthful, and high-energy, with a mix of college students, festival regulars, and music fans from across the country. Additionally, the festival focuses on safety and sustainability, offering water refill stations, first aid zones, and shuttle services for transport. It’s best for people aged 18 and above, especially friend groups and solo travelers who enjoy high-tempo music in a winter setting. Though keep in mind that lodging fills up quickly, so you should plan your stay in advance.
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When Celebrated: December 29-31
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Where: South Lake Tahoe, California
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Nearest Airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport- approx. 1.5 hours by car
Enchant Christmas- Multiple Cities
Enchant Christmas is one of the top festivals in USA in December, popular for its large-scale light mazes and festive markets, simply perfect for family-friendly holiday experiences. The festival is hosted in stadiums or major venues across cities like Dallas, Las Vegas, and St. Petersburg and the event creates an entire Christmas village indoors or in climate-controlled spaces, making it comfortable and accessible for everyone. You can walk through a massive, themed light maze that changes every year, featuring tunnels, ice caves, giant ornaments, and illuminated reindeer. You’ll also find an ice-skating trail that winds through a forest of lit-up Christmas trees. The skate rentals are available on-site, plus attendants are present to help first-timers.
The festival is ideal for families with young children, couples looking for cozy date nights, and anyone who enjoys the lovely and festive holiday atmosphere. Additionally, there’s a Christmas market where local vendors sell holiday crafts, ornaments, and handmade gifts and you can also try some comfort foods like loaded nachos, soft pretzels, holiday cookies, and seasonal drinks like hot cider or peppermint cocoa. Moreover, the entire venue is photo-ready, with oversized gift boxes, storybook scenes, and Santa’s Landing for kids. Note that every city has slightly different features, so you can check your local Enchant website for details.
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When Celebrated: Late November through December 30
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Where: Cities include Dallas (Globe Life Field), Las Vegas (Las Vegas Ballpark), and St. Petersburg (Tropicana Field)
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Nearest Airports:
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Dallas: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport- approx. 20 minutes
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Las Vegas: Harry Reid International Airport- approx. 15 minutes
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St. Petersburg: Tampa International Airport- approx. 25 minutes
Hanukkah Celebrations at Grand Army Plaza- Brooklyn, New York
Hanukkah at Grand Army Plaza is one of the top festivals in USA in December, known for featuring the world’s largest menorah and nightly public celebrations. Each evening of Hanukkah, you can attend a traditional lighting ceremony where one additional candle is lit until all eight are glowing by the final night. The menorah is 32 feet tall and placed prominently in front of Brooklyn’s Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch, creating a beautiful and meaningful backdrop. A cherry picker is also used to lift individuals up to light the candles.
Also, the event includes free kosher food like sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) and latkes (potato pancakes), both important Hanukkah treats. Volunteers additionally offer warm drinks, and you’ll often find small gifts for children like dreidels and gelt. Along with that, rabbis and local leaders share short speeches or blessings and the vibe remains both festive and spiritual. The celebration is perfect for Jewish families, anyone interested in learning about Hanukkah traditions, and visitors looking for a lively, outdoor event during the holiday season. It’s also stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, and no tickets are needed. You can simply walk up and join the crowd on any of the eight nights.
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When Celebrated: Eight nights of Hanukkah (dates vary by Hebrew calendar, usually December)
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Where: Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, New York
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Nearest Airport: John F. Kennedy International Airport- approx. 40 minutes by car or 1 hour via subway
Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade- California
Last on our list is Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade which is one of the top festivals in USA in December and is known for its creative boat decorations and fun waterfront views. Across five nights in mid-to-late December, boats of all sizes sail through Newport Harbor decorated with colorful lights, holiday scenes, and music. You can watch the parade for free from the shore or pay to join a boat cruise and see it from the water. Some popular viewing spots here are Balboa Island, Marina Park, and the Newport Fun Zone. You’ll see yachts with moving displays, music speakers, Christmas trees, snowmen, and even people in costumes waving from the boats. Also, many homes around the harbor join the fun by decorating their balconies and gardens with lights.
The event starts and ends with fireworks, which you can see from several parts of the harbor. Nearby, you’ll find food trucks selling hot dogs, churros, popcorn, and hot cocoa. Some restaurants along the water also offer outdoor seating to enjoy the parade while dining. The boat parade is best for families with kids over 6, friend groups, couples, and anyone who enjoys holiday lights and outdoor fun. It can get very crowded, so it’s best to arrive early for a better spot.
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When Celebrated: Mid to late December, usually around December 18-22
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Where: Newport Beach, California
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Nearest Airport: John Wayne Airport- approx. 15 minutes by car
Conclusion
All in all, these top 8 festivals in the USA show how fun and joyful December can be. Each one brings something unique to enjoy. Choose your favorite, take a short trip, and enjoy new lights, food, and stories as you celebrate the season in a new and exciting way.