There’s no place like home when it comes to spending holiday season, but it’s also a great time to travel.

Are you wondering where to go during Christmas with your family?

I’ve got your back!

Find the best destination for you.

1. NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK

Although New York City is a little crowded and chilly in December it’s a great time to visit it during this particular time and get the chance to experience an amazing Christmas atmosphere. New York does Christmas better than any other city in the world, so if you’re wondering whether it’s worth it to go there, you absolutely won’t be disappointed. Although you need to remember that the city is full of tourists at that time and if you want to celebrate New Year’s Eve at Times Square, get there early.

THINGS TO SEE:

• Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
• Wollman Rink in Central Park
• Empire State Building
• 5^th Avenue Window Displays
• New York Botanical Gardens Holiday Train Show
• Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular
• Dyker Heights in Brooklyn
• The Nutcracker

2. WASHINGTION DC

The holidays during Thanksgiving and Christmas are some of the most affordable times to visit Washington D.C. So, if you don’t mind the chilly weather, going there in December can save you money on that trip.

And what’s a better way to spend Christmas time than staring at the beautiful National Christmas Tree with your family?

Ice skating is also very popular winter activity and a lot of rinks pop up around town in the winter season, but there are many indoor activities too! So, take advantage of them.

THINGS TO SEE:

• The National Christmas Tree
• Downtown Holiday Market
• Georgetown GLOW, an exhibition of light-art
• A candlelit tour at George Washington’ Mount Vernon
• The conifers on the US Capitol Christmas Tree
• CityCenterDC
• Union Station and Colossal Christmas trees and wreaths
• District’s Holiday Boat Parade

3. CHRISTMAS TOWN USA, NORTH CAROLINA

The town is known as McAdenville most of the year, but for each December they change its name to Christmas Time USA. The view of over 375 trees covered with 450,000 is spectacular!

The lightning ceremony starts on December 1^st from 5:30 PM-10:00 PM and stays until December 26^th.

In 2020, Christmas Town will introduce pandemic precautions to ensure a safe and responsible seasonal celebration. There will be no tree lighting ceremony and parade. The ChristmasTown 5K will happen virtually this year and what remains constant is Holiday Lights.

THINGS TO SEE:

• US National White Water Center in Charlotte

4. PARK CITY, UTAH

Park City is known for skiing and snowboarding and attracts throngs lots of sports enthusiasts. The city starts the Christmas celebration in late November and offers a wide variety of community events, snow and lights everywhere you look around. It also has one of the most charming downtown areas out of many cities during the holiday season.

THINGS TO SEE/DO:

• Historic Main Street Lights
• Electric Parade
• Torchlight Parade
• Tubing at Woodward
• Kimball Art Center
• Snowmobiling
• Utah Olympic Park
• Fat-tire snow biking

5. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

The Windy City can be fun to visit at any time of the year and it’s totally worth it to do so during the holiday season. There is a giant tree, parade of lights, and the Christmas market with anything you could think of.

The weather is unpredictable, but Chicago in December is usually accumulated with snow, so pack a lot of warm clothes!

THINGS TO SEE/DO:

• Tree Lighting Ceremonies
• Christkindlmarket
• Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum
• Ice skating at Millennium Park
• Ride the Polar Express
• Winter WonderFest
• Holiday Flower Show at Lincoln Park Conservatory

6. VAIL, COLORADO

Colorado is a winter paradise for many different kinds of sports such as skiing, ice skating, or snowboarding. Vail offers its visitors an endless list of festivities that create a genuine and unforgettable holiday season.

THINGS TO DO/SEE:

• Kris Kringle Market
• Ice skating in Lionshead and Vail Village
• Vail Holidaze tree lightning
• Tubing at Adventure Ridge
• Scenic Gondola Rides
• Snowmobiling

7. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

The sin city that is always full of lights, it shines even brighter during the Christmas season. Las Vegas offers plenty of seasonal cheer and in December the city gets in the spirit with many impressive decorations.

THINGS TO SEE:

• Palazzo Waterfall Atrium and Gardens
• Ethel M Gardens
• Cosmopolitan Ice Rink
• The Bellagio Fountains
• The Bellagio Conservatory
• Santa in the Shipwreck
• Christmas Tree at the Venetian
• Mystic Falls Winter Wonderland
• Neon Museum

8. ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Do you want to spend your holiday in warm weather but still feel the Christmas spirit? Visit Orlando. Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld theme parks have incredible attractions with many holiday-specific programming. And the beach is just a couple of hours away from the city.

THINGS TO SEE:

• Night of a Million Lights
• Lake Eola Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
• Lights on Jeater Bend
• Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail
• Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
• Now Snowing Celebration

9. NORTH POLE, ALASKA

North Pole is a beautiful winter wonderland, you can even see reindeers wandering around! The most popular tradition is the Letter from Santa. During your visit, you can order one for your child or grandchild.

THINGS TO DO/SEE:

• North Pole Sign
• Experience Christmas in Ice
• Visit the Santa Claus House
• Get Festive at Winterfest and Summerfest
• Explore Chena Lakes Recreation Area

10. JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

If you’re looking for a real winter holiday experience Jackson Hole in Wyoming is a place you should visit. It offers many winter activities, like skiing, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and many more.

THINGS TO SEE:

• Go ice skating at Teton Village Ice Rink
• Visit Yellow Stone National Park
• Go to Grand Teton National Park
• National Elk Refuge Sleigh Ride

11. BRANSON, MISSOURI

Branson holiday season starts after Halloween and the city emanates with the spectacular display of lights. Along with other cities in the surrounding area, Branson hosts parades every season. Also, you can’t skip The Polar Express Train Ride.

THINGS TO SEE:

• Branson Christmas Parades.
• An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City
• America’s Christmas Tree City Tour.
• The Polar Express Train Ride.
• Snow Tubing at Wolfe Mountain.
• Drive-Through Light Displays.
• Branson Landing

12. NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS

Nantucket is a perfect place to go if you want to visit Christmas in New England. Christmas Stroll is an annual tradition where you can feel the holiday spirit while listening to carolers, do wine tasting, and shop around beautiful Christmas trees.

THINGS TO DO/SEE:

• Attend Christmas Stroll
• Catch the Festival of Trees in Whaling Museum

13. CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CALIFORNIA

Carmel is really charming during the Christmas season. You can enjoy beautiful lights, walk along the beach, and do wine tasting in many places. If you’re planning to go there on Christmas Day, it will be really quiet there. However, a week before the holiday tends to be busier.

THINGS TO SEE:

• Holiday Tree Lighting
• Carmel Plaza Holiday Party

14. SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Christmas time in Seattle is a really fun time of the year. The city lights up with holiday fun, light displays, Christmas trees, as well as many fun plays, musicals, and events.

THINGS TO SEE:

• Seattle Center Winterfest
• 5^th Avenue Theatre
• Pike Place Market
• The Triple Door
• Gingerbread Village at the Seattle Sheraton Hotel
• Enchant Christmas
• Christmas Ship Festival

BONUS:

15. STOCKBRIDGE, MASSACHUSSETTS (Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, Botanical Garden Holiday Marketplace, Winterlights at Naumkeag, Winter Wonderland Walkaway at the Stockbridge Library)

16. BIG SPRING, TEXAS (Comanche Trail Festival of Lights, the Story of Jesus, Big Spring Christmas Parade, Christmas Tree Forest)

17. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA (Union Square Festivities, Ice Skating, Fairmont Gingerbread House, A Christmas Carol at American Conservatory Theater)

18. OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA (Devon Ice Rink, The Santa Market, Santa’s Wonderland, Chickasha Festival of Light)

19. LEAVENWORTH, WASHINGTON (See the Town Sparkle at The Christmas Lighting Ceremony, go dog sledding, ski jump at Leavenworth Ski Hill, Christkindlmarkt)

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