December is one of the most exciting months to travel in the United States. Cities sparkle with holiday lights, mountain towns fill with fresh snow, and the warmest corners of the country offer a sunny escape from winter.
The only hard part is choosing where to go. To help you decide, I’ve put together the best places to visit in December in the USA, split into three types of trips: festive cities, snowy escapes, and warm-weather getaways.
Quick answer: For Christmas magic, go to New York City, Leavenworth, or Asheville. For snow, choose Aspen, Park City, or Jackson Hole. For sunshine, head to Key West, Maui, or Palm Springs.
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Best December Destinations in the USA at a Glance
| Destination | Best for | Typical December weather |
|---|---|---|
| New York City, NY | Classic Christmas in the city | Cold, highs in the 40s°F |
| Chicago, IL | Christmas markets and lights | Very cold, highs in the 30s°F |
| Leavenworth, WA | Bavarian-style Christmas village | Cold and snowy |
| Asheville, NC | Biltmore at Christmas | Cool, highs around 50°F |
| Santa Fe, NM | Unique Southwestern traditions | Cold and sunny |
| San Antonio, TX | River Walk lights, mild weather | Mild, highs in the 60s°F |
| New Orleans, LA | Food, music, and festive traditions | Mild, highs in the 60s°F |
| Aspen, CO | Luxury ski trip | Cold and snowy |
| Park City, UT | Easy-to-reach skiing | Cold and snowy |
| Jackson Hole, WY | Wildlife and dramatic mountains | Very cold and snowy |
| Lake Tahoe, CA/NV | Skiing with lake views | Cold and snowy |
| Stowe, VT | New England winter charm | Very cold and snowy |
| Key West, FL | Warm beach escape | Warm, highs in the 70s°F |
| Maui, HI | Tropical holiday and whales | Warm, highs around 80°F |
| Palm Springs, CA | Desert sunshine | Mild and sunny, around 70°F |
Festive Cities and Christmas Towns
1. New York City, New York
If you want the classic big-city Christmas, nothing beats New York in December. The whole city feels like a movie set, with decorated shop windows, ice rinks, and lights around every corner.
- Top things to do: See the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, skate at Bryant Park or Central Park, walk past the holiday windows on Fifth Avenue, and visit the over-the-top Christmas lights in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.
- Good to know: The weeks before Christmas are extremely busy and hotel prices are at their highest. The first two weeks of December are slightly calmer.
- Tip: Visit the Rockefeller tree early in the morning or late at night to avoid the worst crowds.
2. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago embraces winter. It’s cold, but the city makes up for it with one of the best German-style Christmas markets in the country and beautiful lights along the Magnificent Mile.
- Top things to do: Shop and sip hot drinks at the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, skate in Millennium Park, and see the lights at Lincoln Park Zoo.
- Good to know: Wind off Lake Michigan makes it feel colder than the thermometer says. Dress in proper winter layers.
- Tip: Warm up between outdoor stops in Chicago’s excellent museums.
3. Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village tucked into the Cascade Mountains, about two hours from Seattle. In December, it’s covered in snow and lit up with hundreds of thousands of lights, and it feels like a little piece of Germany in the Pacific Northwest.
- Top things to do: Wander the lit-up village, take a sleigh ride, go sledding or snowshoeing, and visit the Nutcracker Museum.
- Good to know: Weekends in December are very crowded, and lodging books up months ahead.
- Tip: Visit Sunday through Thursday for a calmer experience and easier parking.
4. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is home to the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private home. At Christmas, the mansion is filled with dozens of decorated trees, garlands, and candlelight.
- Top things to do: Tour Biltmore by day or on a candlelight evening, see the gingerbread house display at the Omni Grove Park Inn, and explore downtown’s restaurants and breweries.
- Good to know: Biltmore tickets for December often sell out, so book in advance.
- Tip: Asheville is a great choice if you want a cozy mountain feel without extreme cold.
5. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe offers a Christmas you won’t find anywhere else in the country. Instead of only string lights, the adobe buildings glow with farolitos, small paper lanterns lit by candles.
- Top things to do: Join the Farolito Walk on Canyon Road on Christmas Eve, browse the art galleries, ski at Ski Santa Fe, and try New Mexican food with red and green chile.
- Good to know: Santa Fe sits at about 7,000 feet, so nights are very cold even when the days are sunny.
- Tip: Order your chile “Christmas” style to get both red and green.
6. San Antonio, Texas
Want festive lights without the freezing temperatures? In December, San Antonio’s famous River Walk is draped in thousands of lights hanging from the cypress trees along the water.
- Top things to do: Stroll or take a boat ride along the River Walk at night, visit the Alamo and the historic missions, and try fresh tamales, a local holiday tradition.
- Good to know: Days are usually mild, but bring a jacket for the evenings.
- Tip: Go for dinner on the River Walk just before sunset, then watch the lights come on.
7. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans celebrates December in its own style, with jazz, incredible food, and traditions like Réveillon dinners, special multi-course holiday menus served at restaurants around the city.
- Top things to do: See Celebration in the Oaks at City Park, enjoy a Réveillon dinner, listen to live jazz in the French Quarter, and eat warm beignets.
- Good to know: December is much more comfortable than the hot, humid summer, and it’s less crowded than Mardi Gras season.
- Tip: On Christmas Eve, bonfires are lit along the Mississippi River levee upriver from the city, a unique Louisiana tradition.
Snowy Escapes and Ski Towns
8. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is the most glamorous ski town in America. With four ski mountains, a beautiful historic downtown, and world-class dining, it’s perfect for a special winter trip.
- Top things to do: Ski or snowboard at Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, or Buttermilk, stroll the twinkling downtown, and enjoy the après-ski scene.
- Good to know: Aspen is expensive, especially around Christmas and New Year.
- Tip: Travel in the first half of December for lower prices and quieter slopes.
9. Park City, Utah
Park City is one of the easiest ski destinations to reach in the USA, about 40 minutes from Salt Lake City’s airport. Its historic Main Street is lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries.
- Top things to do: Ski at Park City Mountain or Deer Valley, walk Main Street, and try snow tubing or a sleigh ride.
- Good to know: Because the airport is so close, Park City works well even for a long weekend.
- Tip: Not a skier? There’s plenty to do, from spas to snowshoeing.
10. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
For dramatic scenery, Jackson Hole is hard to beat. The jagged peaks of the Tetons rise above the valley, and the town of Jackson keeps its Old West character, complete with elk antler arches in the town square.
- Top things to do: Ski at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, and look for wildlife in Grand Teton National Park.
- Good to know: Jackson Hole is famous for challenging ski terrain, but there are beginner areas too.
- Tip: Elk refuge sleigh rides usually begin in mid-December, so check dates before you go.
11. Lake Tahoe, California, and Nevada
Lake Tahoe combines great skiing with one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. On a clear day, you can ski with views of deep blue water surrounded by snowy mountains.
- Top things to do: Ski at Heavenly, Palisades Tahoe, or Northstar, ride a scenic gondola, and relax by a fireplace in a lakeside lodge.
- Good to know: Snow conditions in early December vary from year to year. Late December is more reliable.
- Tip: Winter storms can close mountain roads, so check conditions and carry chains if you’re driving.
12. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe looks like a Christmas card. A white church steeple, covered bridges, and cozy inns sit beneath Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak.
- Top things to do: Ski at Stowe Mountain Resort, try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, browse the village shops, and warm up with hot cider and Vermont maple treats.
- Good to know: Vermont in December is very cold, so pack serious winter gear.
- Tip: Stay at a traditional inn with a fireplace for the full New England experience.
Warm-Weather Getaways
13. Key West, Florida
If your idea of a perfect December involves flip-flops, head to Key West. The southernmost city in the continental US has warm, dry weather in December and a relaxed island atmosphere.
- Top things to do: Watch the sunset at Mallory Square, walk Duval Street, go snorkeling or sailing, and see the palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights.
- Good to know: December is the start of high season, so book hotels early.
- Tip: The drive from Miami along the Overseas Highway is one of the most scenic road trips in the country.
14. Maui, Hawaii
December in Maui means warm days, green landscapes, and the start of humpback whale season, when whales arrive in Hawaiian waters for the winter.
- Top things to do: Take a whale-watching tour, drive the Road to Hana, watch the sunrise at Haleakalā, and relax on the beaches.
- Good to know: The last two weeks of December are among the busiest and most expensive of the year in Hawaii. Early December is much better value.
- Tip: Sunrise at Haleakalā requires an advance reservation.
Planning a trip? Read my guide to the best places to visit in Maui, Hawaii.
15. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs offers sunshine, mountain views, and mid-century style. December days are pleasantly warm, perfect for hiking, golf, and relaxing by the pool.
- Top things to do: Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to the snowy mountains, take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park, and explore the mid-century modern architecture.
- Good to know: Desert nights get chilly, so bring a warm layer.
- Tip: The tramway lets you go from palm trees to snow in about ten minutes, a fun way to get both in one day.
Tips for Traveling in the USA in December
- Book early. The period from about December 20 to January 2 is one of the busiest travel times of the year. Flights and hotels fill up fast.
- Travel in early December if you can. The first two weeks have the same festive atmosphere with lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Expect weather delays. Winter storms can disrupt flights, especially in the Northeast, Midwest, and mountain regions. Leave buffer time for connections.
- Reserve popular attractions in advance. Biltmore, ski lift tickets, and holiday shows often sell out.
- Check road conditions if you’re driving in snowy areas, and rent a vehicle suited to winter weather.
What to Pack for a December Trip
What you pack depends on where you’re going, but these four items cover most December trips:
- Thermal base layers: The easiest way to stay warm in cold cities and ski towns without bulky clothes.
- Waterproof insulated boots: Essential for snow, slush, and long days of walking.
- Packable down jacket: Warm, light, and easy to fit into a carry-on.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: A must for warm destinations like Hawaii and Florida, where the sun is strong all year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to visit in December in the USA?
It depends on the trip you want. New York City is the top choice for a classic Christmas, Aspen and Park City are best for snow, and Key West and Maui are best for warm weather.
Where is it warm in the USA in December?
The warmest places to visit in December are Hawaii, South Florida (including Key West and Miami), Southern California, and the Arizona desert.
What is the most Christmassy town in the USA?
Leavenworth in Washington, Stowe in Vermont, and Asheville in North Carolina are among the most festive small towns. New York City is the most famous Christmas destination overall.
Where can I see snow in December in the USA?
Ski towns in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Vermont, as well as Lake Tahoe and Leavenworth, usually have snow in December.
Is December a good time to travel in the USA?
Yes. December is great for holiday events, skiing, and warm-weather escapes. Just be prepared for higher prices and bigger crowds in the second half of the month.
What is the cheapest time to travel in December?
The first two weeks of December are usually the most affordable. Prices rise sharply around Christmas and New Year.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to skate under the lights in New York, ski in the Rockies, or swap your winter coat for a swimsuit in Hawaii, December has a perfect destination for every kind of traveler. Decide what kind of trip you want, book early, and enjoy the most festive month of the year.
Traveling earlier in the season? Check out my guide to the best places to visit in November in the USA. For year-round ideas, see my complete guide to the best places to visit in the US.
