As the year winds down and the holiday spirit fills the air, we’re all starting to wonder where the best places to travel to in December are. December, with its festive charm and promise of new beginnings, offers the perfect backdrop for that last hurrah of the year. However, where should you go? What magical destination will provide the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and holiday cheer?
Maybe your ideal getaway involves marveling at twinkling city lights, the excitement of world-class entertainment, and the bustle of holiday markets. Perhaps you wish to be sipping hot cocoa in a cozy mountain lodge with the smell of pine needles and cinnamon filling the air or the feeling of warm sand between your toes on a sun-soaked beach with the gentle lull of ocean waves. Whatever your winter fancy, the United States offers a treasure trove of destinations to suit every taste and budget, and we’ve listed the best places to visit in December in the USA.
1. Dazzling Holiday Lights and Entertainment in Las Vegas
The city that never sleeps shines even brighter during the holiday season, making it one of the best places to travel to in December. Witness the Strip transform into a winter wonderland with elaborate holiday displays. Enjoy world-class entertainment, from Cirque du Soleil shows to star-studded concerts. And let’s not forget the casinos – Lady Luck might just be your Secret Santa this year.
When it comes to accommodations, there are several hotels in Las Vegas that cater to every budget. For a taste of luxury, the Bellagio is hard to beat, famous for its fountains and botanical gardens. If you’re looking for a mid-range option, consider Paris Las Vegas, offering a taste of Europe in the heart of the Strip. Budget-conscious travelers will find great value at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod, which also boasts amazing city views.
2. Christmas in the Big Apple
There’s no place like NYC for the holidays, making it one of the best places to travel to in December. The Big Apple becomes a festive playground in December. Ice skate in Central Park, marvel at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and catch the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Shop till you drop on Fifth Avenue and warm up with a Broadway show. The city’s energy is palpable, with holiday markets popping up in every borough and the scent of roasted chestnuts wafting through the air.
Hotels in New York City are as diverse as the city itself. For a truly iconic experience, consider staying at The Plaza, a timeless landmark. If you’re looking for something mid-range, the Archer Hotel New York offers boutique charm with a rooftop bar. Budget travelers will appreciate the Pod 51 Hotel, which provides cozy and compact rooms in a great Midtown location.
3. Sun-Soaked Holiday Cheer in Los Angeles
For those seeking warmer places to visit in the month of December, Los Angeles is an excellent choice. Swap your snow boots for flip-flops in the City of Angels. Enjoy mild temperatures while exploring Hollywood, hiking in Griffith Park, or lounging on Santa Monica Beach. Don’t miss the elaborate holiday decorations at The Grove and Universal CityWalk. Los Angeles in December offers holiday cheer and summer-like weather, perfect for those looking to escape the cold.
Los Angeles boasts an impressive selection of hotels to suit all tastes and budgets. For a luxurious stay, The Beverly Hills Hotel offers iconic luxury in the heart of Beverly Hills. A solid mid-range option is the Loews Hollywood Hotel, which boasts a prime location near major attractions. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate The Tommie Hollywood, a stylish and affordable option in a central location.
4. Beach Holidays and Art Basel in Miami
Miami is a top choice if you’re wondering where in the U.S. to go for warm weather. Trade in your winter coat for a swimsuit in sizzling Miami. Bask on South Beach, explore the vibrant art scene in Wynwood, and party the night away in South Beach. Don’t miss Art Basel if you’re visiting in early December. Miami’s multicultural flair adds a unique twist to holiday celebrations with events like Santa’s Enchanted Forest, the largest holiday theme park in the world.
Hotels in Miami reflect its diverse population. For a luxury hotel, consider the Faena Hotel Miami Beach, known for its opulent beachfront setting. A great mid-range option is The Confidante Miami Beach, offering retro-glam vibes with ocean views. Budget travelers will love the Freehand Miami, a hip hostel with a great social scene and a renowned cocktail bar.
5. December Holiday Magic in Orlando
Orlando isn’t just for kids – it’s also for the young at heart. Experience the magic of Disney World and Universal Studios decked out in holiday splendor. Enjoy special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Grinchmas at Universal. Beyond the parks, Orlando offers charming winter experiences like ice skating at Light Up UCF and the dazzling Night of a Million Lights at Give Kids the World Village.
Orlando hotels offer options to suit every preference and budget. The Four Seasons Resort Orlando is unparalleled for luxury within Walt Disney World Resort. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a great mid-range option, offering retro fun with easy park access. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs, which is affordable while still offering Disney perks.
6. Tropical Winter Paradise in Hawaii
Say “Mele Kalikimaka” (Merry Christmas) on the shores of Waikiki. Enjoy perfect beach weather, hike to stunning viewpoints, and experience unique Hawaiian holiday traditions. Don’t miss the Honolulu City Lights display and the Waikiki Holiday Parade. December in Hawaii offers a perfect blend of festive cheer and tropical relaxation, with events like the Honolulu Marathon adding to the excitement.
Hotels in Honolulu range from iconic luxury to cozy budget finds. For a truly memorable stay, consider The Royal Hawaiian, the iconic “Pink Palace of the Pacific.” The Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is a solid mid-range option, offering a beachfront location with cultural activities. Budget travelers will appreciate The Stay Hotel Waikiki, which provides affordable comfort just steps from the beach.
7. Winter Wonderland in the Holiday Markets of Chicago
For those seeking a true winter experience, Chicago stands out as one of the best places in the USA to visit in December. Bundle up for a magical Midwest winter in the Windy City. Ice skate in Millennium Park, shop along the festive Magnificent Mile, and warm up with deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s. The Christkindlmarket brings European holiday charm to the heart of Chicago. Don’t miss the dazzling Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo or a performance of the Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.”
Chicago’s hotels offer something for every taste and budget. For luxury accommodations, The Langham, Chicago, provides stunning river views and impeccable service. The Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection is a quirky mid-range option, a science-themed boutique hotel. Budget travelers will love the Freehand Chicago, a stylish hostel with a popular cocktail bar.
8. Rocky Mountain Holidays and Ski Resorts in Denver
Denver offers the perfect blend of urban excitement and mountain adventure. Explore the city’s craft breweries and museums, such as the Bierstadt Lagerhaus and Molly Brown House Museum. Then, hit the nearby slopes for world-class skiing. Don’t miss the Denver Christkindl Market and the festive lights at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The Mile High City comes alive in winter with events like the Parade of Lights and New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the 16th Street Mall.
Denver’s hotels cater to all types of travelers. For a touch of history and luxury, The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in downtown Denver is unparalleled. A fun mid-range option is The Curtis—a DoubleTree by Hilton known for its quirky pop-culture-themed floors. Budget travelers will appreciate the Moxy Denver Cherry Creek, a stylish and affordable option in a trendy neighborhood.
9. Southern Charm Meets Holiday Cheer in Atlanta
Experience a winter wonderland with a side of Southern hospitality in Atlanta. Explore the stunning Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Holiday Lights, ice skate at Centennial Olympic Park, and visit the festive Stone Mountain Christmas event. The city’s rich history adds depth to its holiday celebrations, with events like the Decatur Tour of Homes offering a glimpse into beautifully decorated historic houses.
Atlanta’s hotels range from luxurious to budget-friendly. For a high-end experience, the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta offers Midtown elegance with skyline views. A great mid-range option is Hotel Clermont, a boutique hotel with a famous rooftop bar. Budget travelers will appreciate the Moxy Atlanta Midtown, a hip and affordable option in a great location.
10. Desert Holiday Delights in Phoenix
Escape the cold in the Valley of the Sun. Hike Camelback Mountain, explore the Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de las Luminarias, and tee off at world-class golf courses. Don’t miss ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo. Phoenix offers a unique take on holiday celebrations with events like the Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, where decorated boats float down the Salt River.
Phoenix’s hotels offer something for every type of traveler. For a luxurious stay, consider the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, which offers historic luxury in a stunning setting. Art lovers will appreciate the mid-range FOUND:RE Phoenix, an artsy boutique hotel in downtown Phoenix. Budget travelers can enjoy great value at The Clarendon Hotel and Spa, which offers affordable rooms and a rooftop bar with great views.
Takeaway
Winter travel in America is anything but one-size-fits-all Each of the destinations on this list offers a dash of holiday magic, whether it’s through dazzling light displays, festive markets, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply the chance to relax and recharge before the new year begins. Wherever you go, may your holidays be merry, bright, and filled with unforgettable adventures!
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