Christmas in the USA: 17 Perfect Spots For Every Preference

Celebrating Christmas in the USA is an experience in itself. With everyone getting ready for the holidays, December and January are the best months in the whole year to see the country come alive with festivities. From Christmas markets to colorful lights, there are loads of things to see in the country.

Everyone however has their own preference when it comes to spending Christmas in the USA. Some love the warm weather while others prefer to head to colder locations for all the winter sports. There are also those who love to head to the cities to spend Christmas in the USA. This is usually where you can catch all the Christmas light displays.

No matter what you are looking, you will find that we have a spot for every preference. Take a good look at all the gorgeous locations to spend Christmas in the USA.

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Warm Weather Destinations To Spend Christmas In The USA: Table Of Contents

• Oahu, Hawaii
• St. Augustine, Florida 
• Pensacola, Florida
• Naples, Florida
• Gulfport, Mississippi
• New Orleans, Louisiana

Cold Weather Destinations To Spend Christmas in The USA: Table Of Contents

• Fairbanks, Alaska
• Leavenworth, Washington
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
• Helen, Georgia

Best Cities To Spend Christmas In The USA: Table Of Contents

• Chicago, Illinois
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• NYC, New York State
• San Francisco, California

National Parks To Spend Christmas In The USA: Table Of Contents

• Zion National Park, Utah
• Yosemite National Park, California

Warm Weather Destinations To Spend Christmas In The USA

A lot of people love to escape the cold. Luckily there are a lot of warm weather destinations to spend the Christmas in the USA. From Oahu in Hawaii to the coast of Florida, there are loads of options. Here are a couple of the top destinations to spend Christmas in the USA that locals recommend.

1. Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu is one of the most popular warm weather destinations to spend Christmas in the USA.

Location: Oahu is one of the islands in Hawaii off the western coast of the United States. Oahu is the third largest Hawaiian island.

Temperature In Oahu, Hawaii in December:

High: 26 ⁰C / 78.8^OF 

Low: 19^oC / 66.2^OF

Getting There: The best airport to fly to is the Honolulu International Airport (HNL). This airport is served by many United States airline companies as well as many international carriers. The flight time from Los Angeles to Honolulu is 5 hours and 50 minutes.

Where To Stay: The Waikiki neighborhood in Honolulu is one of the most popular tourist neighborhoods to stay in. There are lots of walkable sites in this area, and lots of the tours depart from Waikiki. However, you can expect to find lots of crowds here. The Royal Hawaiian is a historic hotel in the Waikiki area that is a great place to stay.

If you are looking to escape the crowds, the North Shore is a beautiful laid-back area. Turtle Bay is one of the best places to stay on the North Shore.

There are so many fun things to include in your Oahu Itinerary. Without a doubt, one of the best things to do on Oahu is to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial. Millions of people visit this memorial to pay tribute to the historic events from 1941. Along with visiting the memorial, be sure to check out the Visitor Center, USS Missouri Battleship Memorial, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

If you want to go snorkeling, Hanauma Bay is one of the best places to go on Oahu. You can snorkel from the shore here, and you will see all sorts of amazing sea fish, eels, coral, and even sea turtles. Parking at Hanauma Bay can fill up, so head over there early in the morning if you can.

One of the most popular hikes on Oahu is the Diamond Head hike. Diamond Head is a large volcanic crater. From the top, there are beautiful views of Honolulu and the ocean. The hike will take you to 760 feet above sea level. Be sure to visit the museum either before or after your hike.

During one of your evenings on the island, be sure to get tickets for a luau. They always have the best food and the shows are so entertaining. The Polynesian Culture Center has an amazing luau and show. If you aren’t going to be up on the North Shore, there are other luaus in the Honolulu area.

You can see why it is one of the best warm weather locations to spend Christmas in the USA.

By Candice From CS Ginger

2. St. Augustine, Florida 

St. Augustine is another great warm weather destination to spend Christmas in the USA.

Location: St. Augustine, Florida

Temperature In St. Augustine, Florida in December

High: 20⁰C / 68^OF 

Low: 10^oC / 50^OF

Getting There: St. Augustine is situated on northern Florida’s Historic Coast. The closest airport is about an hour away in Jacksonville, but once you arrive the city is very walkable and is best explored on foot or via the hop-on hop-off trolley system that runs through town.

Where To Stay: The best places to stay are right along the main avenue, either the Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront or the Best Western Bayfront. Both are centrally located so guests can walk to the restaurants, bars, and shops.

St. Augustine is known as the nation’s oldest city, dating back to 1565. The old cobblestone streets and original Spanish architecture are still mainstays running throughout the town. 

One of the main highlights of the city is the Castillo de San Marcos, an old masonry fort built in the 1600’s and located right in the heart of town. Flagler College, built by Henry Flagler in 1888 as one of the nation’s first buildings to have electricity, and Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth also draw visitors to the area. There are loads of tours that will walk you through this part of town.

Travelers to St. Augustine during the Christmas season will get to experience the “Nights of Lights”, the city’s biggest festival of the year. Beginning in mid-November and running through January, this free event is one of the most popular things to do in St. Augustine. 

The city is blanketed with 3 million white lights, covering over 20 blocks of the historic district. The historic buildings, local restaurants, bridges, and shops downtown all become decked out with over-the-top Christmas cheer for the holiday season.

Thousands of people come to St. Augustine to experience the Nights of Lights at Christmas. The city offers special trolley tours through the town in the evenings, complete with holiday music and hot chocolate. 

Some of the best locations to photograph the lights are in the center of town at the Plaza de la Constitución and from the Bridge of Lions. The busiest times to visit are the weekends of Thanksgiving and New Years. It is an iconic place to spend Christmas in the USA.

By Erin From Super Simple Salty Life

3. Pensacola, Florida

If you are looking for a warm weather destination to spend Christmas in the USA, think of Pensacola, Florida.

Location: Pensacola, Florida.

Temperature In Pensacola, Florida in December

High: 18⁰C / 64.4^OF 

Low: 8^oC / 46.4^OF

Getting There: Located on the Florida Panhandle, along the Northwest coast of Florida, it is easy to reach from owns airport (Pensacola International) or it is only 2 hour drive from Northwest Florida Beaches airport in Panama City Beach

Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach, it is a beachfront hotel within walking distance of the Gulf Pier and lots of restaurants and bars.

Pensacola is perfect for those looking for a festive but warm weather destination to spend Christmas in the USA.

The temperature remains in the mid 60s making it a comfortable time to visit and enjoy all the outdoor activities on offer. Such as glow paddle boarding, visiting Fort Pickens, and going dolphin watching along the Gulf of Mexico.

However if you’re looking for festive activities, the Pensacola Christmas parade in downtown is a must see with all the bands playing, and the famous Blue Angels flight team gliding through the skies. If you have kids, also make sure you visit the Pensacola Winterfest, where they can meet Santa, the Grinch, Scrooge and even ride the Polar Express.

Christmas is also a relatively quiet time of the year to visit (compared to summer!), giving you a good chance to visit all the best restaurants in Pensacola, that usually need a reservation weeks in advance!

By Roshni from The Wanderlust Within

4. Naples, Florida

Location: Naples, Florida

Temperature In Naples, Florida in December

High: 25⁰C / 77^OF 

Low: 15^oC / 59^OF

Getting There: Fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers for a quick 30 minute drive. Alternatively, fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) or Miami International Airport (MIA) with a 90 minute drive. There unfortunately aren’t great public transportation options in the area yet, so it’s best to rent a car for your trip to Naples.

Where To Stay: Naples has no shortage of top quality accommodation options. For a charming boutique stay within walking distance of everything historic Naples has to offer, The Escalante cannot be beat. For a more relaxing beachside stay, try the Ritz Carlton Pelican Bay located right on Vanderbilt Beach.

Located on Florida’s Sunset Coast, Naples is a wonderful place to spend your Christmas holidays in. The weather is, without exaggeration, perfect. Average highs are in the upper seventies and lows in the lower sixties, with just two days of rainfall during the entire month of December.

These excellent weather conditions lend themselves well to Naples’ numerous outdoor adventures. Popular activities include jet skiing, paddle boarding, hiking in the nature preserves, fishing, and chartering a boat. You can also take guided kayak tours to go wildlife spotting for manatees and dolphins with marine biologists right in the bay!

There are also lots of ways to get into the holiday spirit in Naples. You can unwrap presents with the animals at Naples Zoo, attend performances of The Nutcracker at the Arts Center, check out the giant Christmas tree on the historic main street, or stroll the docks to see all of the sailboats decked out for the holidays.

If you’re looking for some time to relax and enjoy some sunshine by the beach while also getting some holiday cheer, there’s nowhere better than Naples. It is one of the best warm locations to spend Christmas in the USA.

By Rose From Rose Campau

5. Gulfport, Mississippi

Where To Stay: Grand Centennial Hotel is an upscale property just across the street from a magnificent beach and a few miles from downtown Gulfport, Mississippi.

Featured in Christmas in Mississippi, the popular romantic holiday movie on Lifetime, the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival is the largest Christmas event and one of the most fun things to do on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. 

The 40 acres of Jones Park is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 1.5 million lights, Santa’s Village, carnival rides, a train ride through the light displays, the famous dancing trees, and much more. 

Called the Most Magical Show in Mississippi, the Gulfport Harbor Lights Winter Festival also features warming stations (buy s’mores kits there), Santa visits every night, and food and drink (including hot chocolate and adult beverages).

There is much more to do in Gulfport during the Christmas season. The Mississippi Aquarium is open every day except Christmas. 

Pro Tip: Reserve dolphin, penguin, and diving encounters in advance. Fishbone Alley is a quirky, public art space between two rows of downtown Gulfport building areas. 

Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum will inspire flight fans of all ages with a hall of fame, rotating exhibits, and over a dozen interactive activities, including flight simulators. 

Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is Mississippi’s original children’s museum but will inspire people of all ages with indoor and outdoor exhibits and many themed play stations.

By Charles From US Gulf Coast Travel

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

Where To Stay: If it is your first visit, one of the best places to stay is in or near the French Quarter. New Orleans is a walkable city, but you can also take the Streetcar or Taxi to get around town.

New Orleans is one of the best places to spend Christmas in the USA, because the city has a sizable Christian population. Even though New Orleans might not have snow-capped mountains or snow flurries – the city comes alive during Christmas. 

Some highlights of visiting New Orleans during Christmas and the Christmas season include seeing hotel lobbies decorated for the festivities, Celebration in the Oaks, and festive feats like Reveillon Dinner. 

On Christmas Eve in New Orleans, you can expect the Catholic Church to be filled with churchgoers for midnight mass, celebrating the birth of Jesus and waiting for Santa to come and fill their stockings. A favorite tradition is attending Mass at St Louis Cathedral and then walking over to the 24-hour Cafe Du Monde across the street for a beignet snack before bed! 

Soak in all of the holiday light displays in the French Quarter – from fern-lined balconies to stunning hotel lobby displays. New Orleans is a truly magical destination at Christmas.

By Mallory From Plaid Shirt Yoga Pants

Cold Weather Destinations To Spend Christmas In The USA

Not everyone wants to escape the cold. After all there is something magical about a white Christmas. There are loads of cold weather destinations to spend Christmas in the USA. The best part about all the cold weather destinations is all the fun winter sports like ice skating and skiing.

7. Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks in Alaska is a great cold weather location to spend Christmas in the USA.

Location: Located along the Tanana River and cut through by the Chena River, Fairbanks is the second largest city in Alaska after Anchorage. As home to incredible accommodations, museums, and both Alaskan culture and wilderness, it’s definitely a great place to spend Christmas in.

Temperature In Fairbanks, Alaska in December

High: -15⁰C / 5^OF 

Low: -23^oC / -9.4^OF

Getting There: The best way to reach Fairbanks is by driving from the contiguous US through the famous Alaska Highway, which in itself can make for an extremely picturesque road trip adventure. 

The road is well-paved and accessible, with plenty of places to pull over and rest. Alternatively, Fairbanks International Airport has flights from Seattle and a few international cities.

Where To Stay: There’s no shortage of options for where to stay while in the city. From affordable B&Bs and cozy cabins to first-class resorts, there is something for everyone! Those driving a campervan or RV would be well comfortable in one of the many campgrounds there, such as River’s Edge RV Park.

Doubtless, Christmas is among the coldest time to visit Fairbanks but can be well worth it because it’s also peak viewing season for the northern lights. It shouldn’t be too hard to spot the aurora from anywhere on a clear day.

Don’t miss the Fairbanks Antker Arch, which is made from more than 100 moose and caribou antlers from all over the state. This spot marks the beginning of a winding path along the Chena River. Finally, make sure to drop by Chena Hot Springs, where you can relax in the hot water after a day of snow-filled activities.

By Bradley From Dream Big Travel Far Blog

8. Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth is one of the fun cool weather destinations to spend Christmas in the USA.

Location:  Leavenworth, Washington

Temperature In Leavenworth Washington in December

High: 1⁰C / 33.8^OF 

Low: -7^oC / 19.4^OF

Getting There: Leavenworth is located about two hours east of Seattle, Washington. You can either drive there (although it’s advisable to bring tire chains as you’ll be driving through snowy mountain passes) or alternatively, there’s buses or trains that depart from Seattle daily to reach this charming town.

Where To Stay: Consider booking a stay at the Bavarian Lodge, which has a cozy, Bavarian interior and two outdoor hot tubs where you can admire the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

Christmas in Leavenworth looks like something straight out of a Hallmark movie- a tiny town, nestled in the snowy Cascade mountains, that bursts to life with Christmas cheer each December. 

And what makes Leavenworth extra special are the Bavarian-style buildings that line its streets- everything from the Starbucks to the gas station and street signs look like something that was plucked directly from the slopes of the Alps in the Sound of Music.

Leavenworth actually does not have any Bavarian roots. In fact, it was an old logging town that was facing extinction and, in the 1960s, decided to rebrand itself as an adorable German-themed town to attract tourism with its architecture and annual events, like Oktoberfest and a Christmas celebration.

Their plan worked like a charm, with over 200,000 visitors celebrating Christmas in the USA here each year! In fact, it is one of the things that Washington is famous for!

Every year, from the weekend after Thanksgiving through Christmas, the streets of Leavenworth are taken over by all things Christmas- you may see vendors roasting chestnuts over a literal open fire, carolers, and maybe even Santa himself.

Be sure to pop into one of the many wineries to warm up by the fireplace and try some locally made gluhwein and stop by Munchen Haus for a seriously tasty sausage. 

At night, the town twinkles to light, when the 500,000 lights festooning the downtown area are ceremoniously flipped on. If you’re lucky, the nightly lighting up of the town may just be accompanied by gentle snowfall- it usually snows, on average, about five days each December here.

By Jessica From Uprooted Traveler

9. Nashville, Tennessee

Tennessee is a fun cold weather destination to spend Christmas in the USA.

Location: Located in northeastern Tennessee, Nashville sits very centrally located in the east of the US.

Temperature In Nashville, Tennessee in December

High: 11⁰C / 51.8^OF 

Low: 0^oC / 32 ^OF

Getting There: Driving to Nashville is easy for many on the east coast and in the midwest, within a ten hour drive of over 15 major cities. But if you prefer to fly, the Nashville International Airport is just 15 minutes from downtown and sees over 500 flights per day.

Where To Stay: During Christmas time, the best place to stay is the Bobby Hotel. It’s located in downtown Nashville within walking distance to the best spots in the city. But the best part is it’s over the top Christmas decor and Christmas themed rooftop bar.

Or you could just hop over to one of the many bars on Broadway street.

Nashville, TN is an amazing place to visit during Christmas week itself, Thanksgiving, or any time in December. There’s so many Christmas things to do in Nashville including free activities, things for kids, live music and so much more. You’ll be in the Christmas spirit in no time.

Start at the Gaylord Opryland hotel where they set up a massive Christmas display each winter. Inside, their atriums are decked out from head to toe with lights while outside they have ice rinks, activities and horse drawn carriages. 

You can spend an entire day here watching the shows, looking at the lights and having fun at the various activities. Choose to stay here instead if you prefer to be outside the city a bit.

Another activity that should be on your list is to visit the Grand Ole Opry or the Ryman Auditorium for a Holiday themed show. Both venues offer several different shows throughout the month of December that feature live Christmas music performances. 

While you may catch shows like this anywhere, these ones often showcase large musical acts since so many artists live here in town.

For adults only, visit a few of the numerous holiday-themed pop-up bars in town. All throughout the city these winter wonderland bars will show up this month. They’ll be ornately decorated down to every last detail and often feature a specific Christmas theme. They’re picture perfect, and always have the best holiday themed cocktails to go along with the atmosphere.

By Tori From Tori Pines Travels

10. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Looking for a cold weather destination to spend Christmas in the USA? Consider Pigeon Forge.

Location: Pigeon Forge is located in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, approximately 35 miles southeast of Knoxville.

Temperature In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in December

High: 12⁰C / 53.6^OF 

Low: -1^oC / 30.2^OF

Getting There: Pigeon Forge is easy to reach from the McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville. From there, it’s a 35 mile drive, taking US Route 441 South for most of the way.

Where to Stay: When visiting Pigeon Forge for Christmas, there’s no better place to stay than at a Christmas-themed hotel–the Inn at Christmas Place!

Pigeon Forge is a great place to visit in the USA for anyone looking to spend Christmas in the mountains. The small Tennessee town is known for its small town charm, its unique tourist attractions, and for its prime position as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains.

During Christmas, the entire town is decorated with holiday lights, transforming its entire thirteen square miles into a winter paradise.

One of the most iconic symbols of Pigeon Forge–the 200-foot-tall Great Smoky Mountain Wheel–is also lit up in the red and green colors of Christmas during this time of year. With its glass gondola seating, it’s one of the best ways to experience aerial views of the surrounding mountains.

Christmas dinner shows are another fun way to celebrate the season in Pigeon Forge. There are several to choose from, but Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede is one of the most popular. This horse-themed stunt show includes special effects and a four course meal so that you can eat while you’re entertained.

From November through January each year, the local amusement park, Dollywood, hosts its annual Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration. Enjoy over five million Christmas lights, as well as holiday shows and theme park rides. Whether you’re attending with family, friends, or even solo, you’re going to find something you love at this park during Christmas in the USA!

Winter temperatures in Pigeon Forge typically range between 30 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so be sure to bring a jacket to stay warm during outdoor activities!

By Jillian Michelle from Adventure Dragon

11. Helen, Georgia

Looking for a German themed cold weather destination to spend Christmas in the USA? Helen is the best place to be.

Location: Helen is located in the North Georgia Mountains, just 85 miles northeast of Atlanta.

Temperature In Helen, Georgia in December

High: 12⁰C / 53.6^OF 

Low: 0^oC / 32^OF

Getting There: It takes approximately an hour and a half to drive to Helen from Atlanta via US Route 19 North.

Where To Stay: When visiting Helen for Christmas, stay at the Castle Inn for excellent views overlooking the Christmas festivities on Main Street!

Helen is a great place to spend Christmas in the USA for anyone interested in an authentic German experience for the holidays. Helen is modeled after Bavarian villages located in the Alps, with everything from the architecture to the food reflecting a distinctly German cultural style.

The buildings look like the homes of storybook characters like Hansel and Gretel, and that’s made this little town one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire state of Georgia.

During Christmas, you can expect to see plenty of holiday decorations and twinkling lights covering every inch of the village. Santa arrives in the main square during a special tree lighting ceremony, and an annual Christmas parade draws visitors from all across the USA.

A German Christmas market–the Christkindlmarkt–is one of the most popular events in December. It’s a great time to shop for locally made crafts, gifts, foods, and candies to take home to your loved ones.

If you love fudge, you absolutely must stop by the Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen to sample unique flavors like chocolate raspberry and amaretto almond. Then, head to the Troll Tavern to eat authentic German food while dining on an outdoor patio overlooking the Chattahoochee River.

By Jillian Michelle from Adventure Dragon

Best Cities To Spend Christmas In The USA

If you are looking for amazing Christmas markets and gorgeous lit up streets, then you really want to head to the cities. Some of the bigger cities are really great places to spend Christmas in the USA. Here are the couple of amazing locations as recommended by locals. Plus some amazing tips that will help you plan your trip.

12. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is an interesting city to spend Christmas in the USA.

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Temperature In Chicago, Illinois in December

High: 3⁰C / 37.4^OF 

Low: -3^oC / 26.6^OF

Getting there: Chicago is served by two international airports (O’Hare and Midway) as well as rail and bus service.

Where To Stay: If you are able to splurge, book a room at The Peninsula. This luxury hotel has a festive holiday decor and offers various Christmas activities for guests.

Chicago is one of the best places to spend Christmas in the USA. While the temperature will likely be cold, snow is not guaranteed. There are many festive things to do and see in Chicago during the holiday season including a Christmas parade, a holiday themed train and bus, Christmas markets, holiday lights, holiday shows and more!

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival kicks off the holiday season with a family friendly tree-lighting parade down Michigan Avenue.

Don’t miss Christkindlmarket, an outdoor Christmas market. Enjoy traditional German food and warm beverages while shopping for holiday decorations, souvenirs and gifts.

Take a ride on a CTA holiday train or bus which has been decorated for Christmas. There are many holiday light displays to see in and around the city, including ZooLights in Lincoln Park Zoo. Kids will enjoy the Museum of Science and Industry’s display of trees representing holiday traditions from other cultures around the world.

Another fun activity is ice skating at two outdoor rinks near The Bean, a popular tourist attraction in Millennium Park. Make sure to also stop for a photo in front of the large Christmas tree in the park.

By Matilda from The Travel Sisters

13. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is one of the iconic cities to spend Christmas in the USA.

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Temperature In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in December

High: 8⁰C / 46.4^OF 

Low: 1^oC / 33.8^OF

Getting There: Philadelphia is located close to New York City; Washington, D.C.; and Atlantic City. You can reach Philadelphia by car, train, plane, or bus with relative ease. 

There are many direct flights into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) each day, with nearly 500 daily outbound flights to a variety of domestic and international destinations.

Where To Stay: Old City, Center City, and Fishtown are all great places to stay for a fun and central experience without a car. If you have a car, you can stay in South Philly near the Italian Market. South Philly accommodations will usually be more affordable and offer more of the local flavor.  

Philadelphia is a wonderful place to spend Christmas in the USA because it has all of the charm of larger cities without the huge crowds. The center of the city has a skating rink and a charming Christmas market, both of which add to the festive feelings in Philadelphia at Christmastime. If you need to fit in some last minute shopping, check out the vintage stores near South Street for interesting and unique finds.

If you happen to be visiting Philadelphia alone or without Christmas plans, make your way to Chinatown, where you’ll find tons of shops and restaurants open even on Christmas Day. You’ll find plenty of Christmas spirit without the huge crowds of New York or Chicago, allowing you to also experience the local spirit of Philadelphia. Try some local specialties, like olives from the Italian Market, a world famous cheesesteak, or a Philly pretzel.

The weather in Philadelphia is usually mild in December, so it should be warm enough for you to comfortably explore the city and take in all of the Christmas lights and decorations on foot.

If you prefer to get outside on Christmas Day, there are several nearby parks with beautiful wintertime walks. Fairmount Park is the largest landscaped park in the US, boasting plenty of walking trails, historic destinations, and great views of the Schuylkill River.

By Amber from Amber Everywhere

14. New York City, New York

New York is one of the best cities to spend Christmas in the USA.

Location: New York City, New York

Temperature In New York City, New York in December

High: 7⁰C / 44.6^OF 

Low: 0^oC / 32^OF

Getting There: NYC has three airports – La Guardia, JFK and Newark Liberty. You can also reach the city by bus and Amtrak train.

Where To Stay: There are hundreds of hotels to choose from, but a great option is the Bryant Park Hotel, an art deco masterpiece right across from the Holiday Markets and skating rink and Bryant Park. 

New York City is an incredible place at any time of the year, but Christmas is an especially magical time to visit NYC.

It’s cold in December, but this means that there are plenty of fun winter activities to do, including ice skating (Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center and Central Park all have rinks).

The department stores all decorate their windows for the holidays, and Macys also has Santaland, where kids can visit Santa.

For garish Christmas decorations, head to Dkyer Heights in Brooklyn, where most of the houses have over-the-top decorations that have to be seen to be believed.  

For more classical imagery, most of the parks and institutions in NYC have elaborately decorated Christmas trees. Of course, there is the famous crystal star-topped tree at Rockefeller Center, but also not to be missed is the origami animal covered tree at the American Museum of Natural History and the tree surrounded by an historic Italian creche at the Met.  

This is also a great time to take in a holiday show, including seeing the Rockettes at the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall or the Nutcracker performed by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center. Or head to the New York Botanical Gardens for the annual Holiday Train Show.  

You can also choose to check out all the movie set destinations in NYC.

James From Travel Collecting 

15. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a great city to spend Christmas in the USA.

Location: The wonderful San Francesco is one of the best places to visit during Christmas in the USA.

Temperature In San Francisco, California in December

High: 14⁰C / 57.2^OF 

Low: 8^oC / 46.4^OF

Getting There: If you live in the US, getting to San Francisco is fairly easy. Whatever your travel plans, there are always convenient options to get you on your way (mainly) directly to San Francisco. 

Where To Stay: Fisherman’s Wharf and the nearby Marina district are the main tourist areas. It’s best to stay downtown if you don’t have a car because many attractions are within walking distance: Union Square shopping, North Beach (Little Italy), Chinatown, and picturesque Nob Hill. It takes effort to get around, but the breathtaking views are worth it.

Those with a car can escape the urban bustle by staying at Fisherman’s Wharf. With a view of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardelli Square and Aquatic Park are part of this waterfront neighborhood.

Fisherman’s Wharf is within walking distance of the residential Marina district, where tourists can experience local life. Residents of this neighborhood enjoy Marina Green, a waterfront recreation area overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Gourmet restaurants line Chestnut Street in the Marina.

In addition to all the things to do year-round, Christmas is an amazing time to visit San Francisco as this already beautiful city takes on an extra sparkle.

By Giorgy of G-Extreme Travel

National Parks To Spend Christmas In The USA

Not everyone thinks about the national parks when it comes to spending Christmas in the USA. There are some really great locations to spend Christmas. Here are some locations as recommended by locals.

16. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion national park is one of the best places to spend to Christmas in the USA.

Location: Zion National Park, Utah

Temperature In Zion National Park, Utah in December

High: 9⁰C /48.2 ^OF 

Low: -5^oC /  23^OF

Getting There: Pick up your car when you arrive at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. From there, you can make the 3-hour drive to Zion National Park along the scenic Highway 15.  

Where to Stay: Be within walking distance from the park by staying at the Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suite in Springdale. If you’re making a day trip from Vegas, there are plenty of hotels along the Las Vegas Strip.

Don’t just dream of a white Christmas in the USA- discover it when you visit Zion Canyon National Park in December. The park is open year-round but the contrast between the white snow and orange, peachy hues of the canyon make Zion an especially enchanting winter destination. 

Take the time to drive the Zion Canyon Scenic road to explore the canyon’s beauty from multiple viewpoints. Relax while trekking along the Riverside Walk, an easy paved trail that follows the Virgin River surrounded by the canyon walls. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, check trail conditions before hiking the Upper Emerald Pools Trail.

You can visit the canyon year round but you’ll want to pack warm to stay comfortable, as temperatures range between 30°F (night) and 50°F (day). With picture-postcard views, it’s no wonder that Zion National Park is one of the most magical places to spend Christmas.

By Jina From Byjinalee

17. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite is another great national park to spend Christmas in the USA.

Location: Yosemite National Park, California

Temperature In Yosemite National Park, California in December

High: 9⁰C / 48.2^OF 

Low: -3^oC / 26.6^OF

Getting There: From Gingerbread house making at Tenaya Lodge, to a theatrical Christmas Dinner at Awahnee Hotel, there are plenty of places to keep warm and festive. 

To travel through Yosemite in December, you’ll need to ensure you have snow chains, snow shoes and warm clothing. Make sure to arrive prepared. 

It’s worth noting there are 5 entrances to the park and some may close if snowfall is heavy. It is best to keep an eye on the official website for up to date information. 

The entrance on the east side of the park, called Tioga Pass, is closed in December. It is generally used by those coming from Las Vegas. 

Hetchy Hetch on the West side is only open during daylight hours. Big Oak Flat Entrance, Arch Rock Entrance and the South Entrance are some of the more reliable options.

It is most certainly best to have your own vehicle to get around Yosemite during Christmas.

Where To Stay: Yosemite is the perfect place to rent a log cabin during Christmas and take in the views of the white landscape in front of an open fire! Load up on red wine and festive treats ahead of arriving. 

Clark Cabin in Yosemite West is the perfect hideaway for Christmas with its log burner and stunning views from the balcony. It’s only 5km from Badge ski lift and 15km from the valley. It’s accessible enough to the action and far enough to feel like you have Yosemite all to yourself. 

Yosemite National Park is not necessarily a destination that pops to mind when planning a Christmas trip. With temperatures below freezing, it is most certainly a winter wonderland in the month of December.

Yosemite sees most of its annual visitors in the summer months, however December is just as magical and less crowded. 

With over 2500 miles of ski trails, not to mention an ice-skating rink in Curry Village with the backdrop of Glacier Point and Half Dome, it’s a fantastic place to have an active yet cozy Christmas. You can see why it is a great offbeat place to spend Christmas in the USA.

By Karen From Travel Mad Mum