The United States is at its best during Christmas time, with cities and towns having one-of-a-kind holiday experiences. From dazzling light displays and festive markets to snow-covered landscapes, there’s something magical about celebrating Christmas across the diverse destinations of the U.S. Whether you prefer the charm of a small town or the buzz of a big city, here are some of the best places to visit during Christmas in the USA.
- New York City, NY
New York City is the embodiment of Christmas magic. The Big Apple has some of the most fantastic holiday experiences in the country.
Rockefeller Center: The massive Christmas tree and ice-skating rink are must-do attractions that define the season.
Macy’s Santaland: A cherished tradition, Macy’s flagship store transforms into a magical wonderland for children and families.
Holiday Windows: Iconic department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman design fancy windows displays to add excitement during the holiday season.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular: This historic show, a must-see when in New York during the holidays, starring the Rockettes.
- Aspen, Colorado
Perfect for those who desire a white Christmas, Aspen is a beautiful snow-filled retreat.
Skiing and Snowboarding: With its world-class slopes, Aspen is a great destination for winter sports fans.
Snowscapes: The snow-covered mountains and the picturesque town are just like storybook Christmas.
Events galore: Tree lightings, holiday concerts, etc.; Aspin celebrates Christmas in style and with panache. - Chicago, IL
The Windy City is effervescent during Christmas with events and decorations symbolizing Christmas.
Millennium Park: The ice-skating rink and the giant Christmas tree fill up the atmosphere with festivity.
Christkindlmarket: This German-style market is your destination for unique gifts, ornaments, and seasonal treats like mulled wine and bratwurst.
Magnificent Mile: Chicago’s premier shopping district dazzles with holiday lights, perfect for gift shopping and sightseeing. - Leavenworth, Washington
Tucked away in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village that looks like it’s straight out of a Christmas card.
Christmas Lighting Festival: The whole town is lit up by tens of thousands of twinkling lights with carolers and festive parades.
Holiday Markets: Charming boutiques sell handcrafted gifts and ornaments in the village.
Winter Activities: There are sledding, snowshoeing, and even sleigh rides in the snowy wonderland of this place.
- Orlando, Florida
Orlando has family-friendly holiday celebrations for warm-weather Christmas celebrations.
Walt Disney World: the theme park becomes a holiday wonderland with parades, fireworks, and themed decorations. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a holiday event not to be missed.
Universal Studios: the Wizarding World of Harry Potter gets into the holiday spirit with holiday entertainment and beautiful decorations.
Holiday Lights: neighborhoods and attractions around Orlando stage light displays to illuminate the season.
- Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston offers a blend of Southern charm and festive traditions during the holiday season.
Holiday Festival of Lights: Located at James Island County Park, this event features millions of lights, including interactive displays.
Historic Home Tours: Visitors can explore beautifully decorated antebellum homes during Christmas-themed tours.
Seasonal Cuisine: Charleston’s restaurants offer special holiday menus featuring classic Southern dishes.
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe mingles cultural heritage and holiday cheer for a unique Christmas experience.
Farolito Walk: Canyon Road is dotted with thousands of farolitos, paper lanterns, on Christmas Eve, conjuring up an ethereal ambiance.
Native American Markets: Locally crafted jewelry, pottery, and textiles are sold by the local artisans at reasonable prices, making it ideal for some of those unique Christmas presents.
Snowy Charm: Light snows and festive feel clothe Santa Fe as the perfect holiday retreat.
- Nashville, Tennessee
Known as Music City, Nashville brings a lively rhythm to the holiday season.
Gaylord Opryland Resort: This iconic hotel is decked out with millions of lights, offering activities like ice tubing, skating, and holiday-themed shows.
Christmas at the Ryman: Enjoy festive performances at the historic Ryman Auditorium, featuring top country music stars.
Festive Bars and Restaurants: Nashville’s nightlife comes alive with holiday-themed pop-up bars and live music venues.
- Anchorage, Alaska
If you would like to have a memorable Christmas in the Arctic, Anchorage will not fail to provide natural beauty and unique festivities.
Northern Lights: December provides an excellent opportunity for great views of the spectacular aurora borealis.
Reindeer Runs: The city celebrates the season with parades and events involving real reindeer.
Winter Sports: Anchorage offers dog sledding, skiing, and much more for outdoor sports enthusiasts.
- San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio offers a festive Southwestern spin on traditional Christmas celebrations.
River Walk: River Walk lights up with thousands of lights that transfer the ambiance to an invincible evening stroll.
Fiesta de las Luminarias: This is a centuries-old tradition that canons the city with luminarias in the riverbank.
Holiday Markets: Visted Holiday Markets bring to town local crafts and ravishing Tex-Mex cuisines.
