Looking for the Best Christmas Vacation locations in the USA? Well, here is my list of suggestions.
#1. New York City...
The “Big Apple” is the place to be if you want to make your trip memorable. Yes, New York City is always popular, but there is nothing like NYC during the holiday season. Christmas in NYC is just fantastic!
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is one of the best Christmas photo shoots, and no picture can do it justice! Also, there is a huge ice skating rink right in front of the tree! Now that’s fun for the whole family! Fifth Avenue will be a favorite if you like decorations and fancy window displays.
There is Radio City Music Hall for a spectacular show by the Rockets. A walk through Central Park is a must or take a horse-drawn carriage ride. I recommend 3-4 days in NYC so you can explore all the different parts of the city. Oh, and don’t miss the Christmas tree farms in New York!
#2. Boston…
A fantastic destination if you are looking for the best Christmas vacations in the USA. Boston is not as crowded as New York City. But it certainly has in the past. You’re not guaranteed to get snow on Christmas Day, but it has often had snow. However, even without snow, the cold is a great time to take part in the Christmas tradition of eggnog and apple cider by a warm fire.
In the heart of Boston is Faneuil Hall Marketplace, where they also have an enormous Christmas tree. Outside Faneuil Hall is the replica Cheers Bar, famous in the city for historically significant sites from the 1980’s. There is also Frog Pond, iced over in the center of Boston, creating an outdoor ice skating rink, and great for kids. During Christmas, Boston Common is covered in Christmas lights. You won’t want to miss taking the Freedom Trail (2,5 miles), which has 16 naturally historic sites. You’ll learn US history with every stop. I’d say it’s a must when you are in Boston. And don’t forget Harvard College grounds is another highlight of Boston.
#3 Washington, D.C..
Washington, D.C., is a magical place at Christmas time. You will find that a stroll will make you feel like you are in a Hallmark Christmas movie. The beauty of the historic architecture is covered in holiday lights, giant nutcrackers, bells, and Christmas trees. There are all types of holiday events. You won’t want to miss the Christmas Market or the National Christmas Tree. There are pop-up bars for those holiday cocktails. And you certainly won’t want to miss Enchant Christmas, the biggest light maze in the entire world!
Best Christmas Vacation Locations in the USA…There’s More!
#4 Chicago, Illinois.
If you are still looking for the best Christmas vacations in the USA, then you need to consider Chicago. Chicago does Christmas celebrations the way you think they should be done! Christmas events start in the Windy City much earlier than other travel destinations. Usually in the middle of November. The first event is usually the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, when Christmas lights are turned on on Michigan Avenue, and Santa arrives in town toward the end of the parade. Many of Chicago’s major attractions host special Christmas events. There are 2 zoos and 2 ice skating rinks, considered some of the best photo options in all of Chicago.
You won’t want to miss the German Market. Vendors, delicious food, hot mulled wine, and festive holiday music. And if you are looking for a white Christmas, then Chicago will not disappoint you.
#5 Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Milwaukee and the surrounding areas have tons of winter sports. If you like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and winter hiking, then you definitely should consider Waukesha. Located off of Lake Michigan. You will want to visit the ice castle in Lake Geneva, just a little way out of the city. And you definitely want to visit Milwaukee’s popular breweries. Some of the restaurants set up “ice bars”. There is also the art museum, which overlooks Lake Michigan, or if holiday shopping is your thing, then the historic Third Ward area is full of cute shops and boutiques. Milwaukee promises a unique and fun holiday experience.
Still looking for Christmas Vacation Locations in the USA?
Okay, what about … a touch of Western history and a winter wonderland for your Christmas vacation in the USA?
#6. Whitefish, Montana.
Just 30 miles from Glacier National Park is Whitefish. Mountain peaks, an alpine lake, a quaint downtown area, and a world-class ski resort. Twinkling lights and Christmas decorations hung on historic buildings and lamp posts. You will find music fest, food, and activities in downtown Whitefish, and holiday-themed drinks! There is a torchlight parade on Christmas Eve, and people glide down the mountainside holding festive torchlights. There are snowshoes and snowmobiles, such as Whitefish, which have excellent powder and gorgeous views, and a truly memorable holiday experience.
Best Christmas Vacation Locations in the USA
#7 Boulder, Colorado…
Boulder, Colorado snow-covered mountains, and the city is transformed and filled with lights and a Christmas atmosphere. Central Park is beautiful at Christmas. Children can take the Snowflake Express train around downtown. At the December Parade, you can sip delicious hot chocolate and watch floats and marching bands pass by. Local artisan craft air, Firefly Handmade Market. Shopping at Pearl Street Mall or just relaxing at the historic Hotel Boulderado for holiday teas in the lobby, and of course, the famous Christmas tree for photos.
#8. Orlando, Florida…
If you are dreaming of a white Christmas, then escape the snow and freezing temperatures and head south to Orlando, Florida. Fun in the sun. Winter is the best season in Florida, as the average temperature is in the high 70s, and usually, no torrential downpours are common in the summer.
All of the theme parks in Orlando will be having special holiday events. Walt Disney World hosts “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party,” making Orlando one of the best Christmas vacations in the USA. (and kids are in wonderland )There are things to do in Orlando all year. Kennedy Space Center is about an hour’s drive, and several beautiful beaches on the Atlantic coast are great for surfing and kayaking.
Still haven’t found that perfect holiday Vacation? Here are my last two suggestions:
Best Christmas Vacation Locations in the USA
9. Las Vegas, Nevada..
Sin City, aka Las Vegas, is more than an adult playground. Since celebrations in the city are in full swing year-round, they really step it up for the holidays. From a 65-foot Christmas tree at The Venetian. Go hotel hopping to enjoy the grandeur of Christmas-themed decorations. Brunching at lavish buffets serving Christmas-themed dishes and desserts, and a visit to the Bellagio fountain show and Christmas carols. getting you into the Christmas spirit.
#10 Lake Tahoe, California.
This is my last suggestion for this article; however, there are many other wonderful locations to visit during the holiday season.
Lake Tahoe is nestled on the border of California and Nevada. Lake Tahoe has gem-colored waters, stunning vistas of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, beautiful sunsets, and charming mountain towns. There is a wide array of things you can do at Lake Tahoe in the winter. Winter hiking, world-class skiing, snowmobiling, and don’t miss the Mt Rose sledding area for some family fun. For shopping and cruising the mountain towns, you’ll want to visit Incline Village, Tahoe City, and South Lake Tahoe. And besides its Christmas charms, you could wake to a white Christmas! The South side of the lake is more developed with high-rise casinos and plenty of entertainment, while the north side of the lake is home to a more quaint mountain feel.
Not on this list, but suggestions might be for Best Christmas Vacation Locations in the USA
San Francisco, California; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Palm Springs, Colorado; Savannah, Georgia; and Key West, Florida.
Conclusion: For The Best Christmas Vacation Locations in the USA
I hope you enjoyed learning about some great locations for the Best Christmas Vacations in the USA. There are thousands of small towns with wonderful Christmas displays, events, parades, and traditions, and these are only a few.
Great Holiday Destinations Out of the USA Read Here:
If you are still looking for special gifts for those on your list, then please check out some suggestions by reading my Christmas Gift Ideas. Happy Holidays! Come back soon!
“From this front porch, the journey continues to grow.”