11 Best Places to Visit in December in the USA to End the Year on a High Note
The year’s winding down, and December’s calling for one last adventure. I always party for New Year’s in style, but others dream of snowy escapes and twinkling holiday lights or a warm getaway to shake off the chill.
Sip hot chocolate in a cozy mountain town blanketed in snow or relax by the sunny shores ready for winter sunbathing. If you don’t have plans yet, these are the best places to visit in December in America.
1. Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, Washington, may be just two hours outside of Seattle, but you will think you have landed in Europe. This fairytale Bavarian town loves Christmas; if you see it in December, you will too. The village gets all decked out for the holidays, and it’s Christmas every day in December.
There are carolers, sledding for the kids, and beer tastings for the adults. Don’t miss the fantastic cheese shop, gingerbread factory, or the nutcracker museum with more than 7000 nutcrackers.
2. Maui, Hawaii
Not everyone is looking for a December destination with snow. If you would rather head somewhere warm, Maui is the place to go.
Mid-December is the start of whale-watching season on Maui, as the mamma whales come from Alaska to give birth in warmer waters.
Snorkel in crystal clear waters, hike through lush rainforests or just relax on the beach with a tropical drink in hand. You’ll find plenty of Christmas activities with festivals and markets, there is even a Christmas luau and Santa arrives in a red canoe!
3. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, is another mild December destination. There may not be snow, but the squares are decorated with red bows and fresh greenery. A massive tree is erected, and a multitude of lights on Broughton Street dazzle.
A fantastic European-style Christmas market let you purchase unique gifts from local artists and you won’t want to miss the nativity display at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. Stroll the streets of the historic district to marvel at the beautifully decorated homes.
4. New York City, New York
New York City is amazing no matter what time of year you visit, but in December, it has a little extra sparkle thanks to the holiday decorations and Christmas cheer. If you’re ready to wait in line, see the tree and go ice skating at Rockefeller Center.
Check out a Christmas musical on Broadway and the dazzling light display in Dyker Heights. From the shops on Fifth Avenue to the many Christmas festivals and markets, if you’ve still got shopping to do, New York City will never disappoint,
5. Park City, Utah
Park City, Utah, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics, is a ski lover’s paradise. December brings fresh snow, and Park City Mountain Resort opens in November — with over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain! Skiers have a torchlight parade down the mountain, and Main Street has holiday decorations and enormous snow globes on every corner.
But it’s not just the skiing that makes this destination special. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through the quaint streets or take a ride on the Alpine Coaster for an exhilarating experience.
Celebrate at the annual Santa Pub Crawl or catch a showing of “A Christmas Carol” at the Egyptian Theatre.
6. Mammoth Lakes, California
While Mammoth Lakes is known for its world-class ski slopes and breathtaking views, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in December.
Go ice skating under the stars at the outdoor ice rink or snowshoe through the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains.
After a day out in the cold, relax in the natural hot springs, where you can relax your muscles while enjoying the views of the snow-covered mountains. The Village at Mammoth Lakes has thousands of Christmas lights and plenty of special holiday activities for the entire month of December.
7. New Orleans, Louisiana
Mardi Gras is far from the only time New Orleans comes to life. Jackson Square and Canal Street are all decked out with sparkling lights and holiday decorations.
The historic French Quarter and Garden District are also beautifully decorated. Even the street cars and steamboats are decorated here!
Once nightfall arrives, don’t miss Celebration in the Oaks at City Park, where you’ll find 25 acres of holiday light displays and live oak trees, some over 600 years old, with Christmas lights and Spanish moss hanging down from them.
8. Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth may have one of the nation’s most extreme temperatures, but that doesn’t stop the city from celebrating the holiday season in a big way.
The Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Bayfront Festival Park has more than 4 million Christmas lights on display. You can walk through at no charge and even get free hot chocolate and s’mores.
Go on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through Canal Park and ski Spirit Mountain for some of the greatest skiing in all of the Midwest. Visit Glensheen Mansion for a tour of its beautiful grounds, especially during the holiday season when it’s all decked out in festive decorations.
9. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and every year, it hosts Winter Magic, with millions of Christmas lights on display.
At Ober Gatlinburg, you can go skiing, snow tubing, and ice skating. Nearby, Dollywood is the place to go for lights, decorations, live performances, and fantastic attractions, while downtown makes a great home base.
10. San Diego, California
You can never go wrong visiting San Diego any time of year.
The famous San Diego Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with lights and decorations throughout the park. You can also experience “Jungle Bells” at the zoo, which includes live music, light shows, and even snow!
Head out on the ocean for a Jingle Bell Christmas Cruise, or take a trolley tour of Old Town on the Holiday Sights and Festive Nights tour. Padres Stadium, or Petco Park, is transformed into a venue with local artists, festive foods, and even reindeer to meet and greet with.
11. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a picturesque and popular destination no matter the time of year, but in December, the Sierra Nevada mountains are snow-covered, and the ski resorts are legendary.
But if skiing isn’t your thing, you will also find sleigh rides, ice skating, snowshoeing, and ice carving demonstrations. See the 65-foot-tall Christmas tree in Heavenly Village, and while you’re there, ride the Giant Ferris Wheel and see the lights from above.
If you want to try something new, try disco tubing: snow tubing enhanced with neon lights, lasers, and a DJ.
Allison Manning
Allison Manning is the creative mind behind Simply Stunning Content. With more than 20 years of writing experience under her belt, she is a master of creating captivating content that connects with audiences of all types. When she’s not working on new content you can find her cooking, reading, or listening to a very eclectic library of music.
When she’s not working, she prioritizes her family above everything else. Whether it’s spending quality time with her loving husband, three amazing kids, or her faithful dog, family is where she finds her joy and inspiration. She strives to make every piece of content she creates simply stunning.
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