Top 20 Places to Visit During Christmas in the USA 2026
Choose New York for festive city lights, Park City for snow, or Honolulu for a warm escape. Explore 20 Christmas destinations across the USA for every travel style.
The best places to visit during Christmas in the USA range from snow-covered Bavarian villages and big-city light displays to warm beaches with palm trees strung in lights. New York City and Chicago lead for festive city energy, Leavenworth and Bethlehem for small-town Christmas charm, Park City and Lake Placid for snow, and Honolulu, St. Augustine and San Antonio for a warm Christmas.
This guide compares 25 destinations across every region of the country. For each one you’ll find its Christmas highlight, December weather, estimated Christmas-week hotel rates and practical booking tips for 2026. If you’re planning in November, early December and the days between Christmas and New Year usually have better availability and lower rates than Christmas week itself.
Quick answer: where should you go for Christmas in the USA?
- Big-city Christmas: New York City, Chicago or Washington DC
- Christmas towns: Leavenworth, Bethlehem, Frankenmuth or Solvang
- Snow: Park City, Lake Placid or Vermont
- Warm weather: Honolulu, St. Augustine or San Antonio
- A Christmas train ride: Durango or Grapevine
- Families on a budget: Branson or Gatlinburg
20 Best Places to Visit During Christmas in the USA at a Glance
Note: All figures are estimated mid-range hotel rates per night during Christmas week 2026. Rates vary significantly by property, booking timing, and exact dates. Book early for best availability and rates.
How we chose these Christmas destinations
Each destination was chosen for its Christmas atmosphere, December events and light displays, weather, suitability for families and couples, relative cost and how well it works for a short trip.
The list covers every region and climate zone, so there are options whether you want snow, sunshine or somewhere within driving distance. If you’re also looking for trips that aren’t built around Christmas, our guide to the best places to go in the US in December covers the whole month.
20 Best Places to Visit During Christmas in the USA
These are the best places to go in December in the United States for Christmas travel in 2026, covering every style from snowy escapes to tropical celebrations.
1. New York City, New York: best for an iconic Christmas
December low/high: 34°F to 44°F | Best for: couples and first-time Christmas city visitors
The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Bryant Park Winter Village, the Fifth Avenue window displays and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular define the classic American Christmas. Add skating, a holiday market and a walk through Central Park, and a few days fill quickly. For more ideas, see our list of fun things to do in New York.
Tip: Christmas week brings peak crowds and the highest hotel rates of the year. If your dates are flexible, our guide to the best time to visit New York explains when the city is quieter.
2. Leavenworth, Washington: best for a storybook Christmas town
Getting there: about 2.5 hours’ drive from Seattle | December low/high: 21°F to 34°F | Best for: couples and families in the Pacific Northwest
Leavenworth’s Bavarian architecture and snow-capped Cascade backdrop make it one of the most immersive Christmas towns in the country. During the Village of Lights, the whole town is covered in lights, with Santa meet-and-greets, carolers and Krampus figures. Daytime options include sleigh rides in Icicle Valley, snowshoeing and the Nutcracker Museum. Many visitors base themselves in Seattle first, so see our guide to things to do in Seattle.
Tip: December weekends sell out months ahead. Temperatures can swing enough to turn snow to slush, so pack waterproof boots.
3. St. Augustine, Florida: best for a warm Christmas escape
December weather: averages in the mid-60s°F | Best for: couples and travellers looking for warm historic charm
Nights of Lights wraps the historic colonial district in more than 3 million white lights from November through January. Lights trace the walls of the Castillo de San Marcos and the palms of the Plaza de la Constitución. Trolleys and harbour cruises are an easy way to see the displays. For more sunshine options, see our guide to warm places to visit in December.
4. Chicago, Illinois: best for a big-city Christmas
Best for: holiday market fans and city shoppers
Daley Plaza’s Christkindlmarket brings German market traditions to Chicago each December, with carved ornaments, Glühwein and paper-star lanterns. Add the Michigan Avenue lights, skating in Millennium Park and the decorated windows at Macy’s on State Street. Chicago offers big-city Christmas energy at lower hotel rates than New York. If the German-style market appeals, you may also like Germany’s Christmas markets. Our guide to things to do in Chicago covers the rest of your stay.
Read more: Germany's Christmas markets set the global standard for holiday atmosphere with centuries-old traditions. This guide covers 14 of the most magical market destinations. Read our blog👉 14 Magical Germany Christmas Markets You Must Visit in 2026
5. Branson, Missouri - Best for Families and Christmas Lights
Best for: families with children on a budget
Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas lights up Victorian storefronts and rides with millions of bulbs and adds live nativity performances and family holiday shows from November through December.
Branson’s stage productions range from gospel to country, and it is one of the most affordable Christmas destinations in the country. For more family ideas, see our guide to Christmas family vacations.
6. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania - Best for Christmas Markets
Best for: Weekend travelers from the Northeast
Getting there: about two hours’ drive from New York City, and also within reach of Philadelphia | December low/high: 29°F to 40°F | Best for: weekend visitors from the Northeast
Bethlehem has called itself Christmas City since 1937. Its Christkindlmarkt fills the SteelStacks venue, and the Christmas City Village brings traditional wooden huts to the historic district. Moravian star lanterns hang over the streets, and the Live Advent Calendar opens a new “window” of music or treats each December evening. The 18th-century Moravian District is worth a guided walk.
7. Park City, Utah - Best for a Snowy Christmas Getaway
Best for: skiers and couples looking for a premium snowy escape
Park City Mountain and Deer Valley offer full ski-season access from December. Main Street’s lights and mountain dining complete the experience. The Town Lift carries skiers from the historic street straight onto the slopes, and torchlight parades come down the mountain on Christmas Eve.
Tip: rates rise through Christmas week, so early December is usually the better-value window.
8. Washington, D.C. - Best for Christmas Lights and Museums
The National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse hosts weeks of free outdoor programming, while Georgetown's holiday market and free Smithsonian Institution exhibitions make Washington one of the best places to go in December in the United States with strong budget appeal.
Best for: History enthusiasts and cost-conscious travelers
9. Frankenmuth, Michigan - Best for a Classic Christmas Town
Getting there: an easy trip from Detroit | Best for: Midwest families
Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland keeps Christmas displays open all year and welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually. Frankenmuth’s Bavarian village character makes it one of the best Christmas towns in the Midwest for a manageable short trip.
Read more: Europe's Christmas markets span German villages, Austrian towns, and French cathedral squares, offering some of the world's best experiences. This guide covers the best markets. Read our blog👉 Best Christmas Markets in Europe to Visit.
10. North Pole, Alaska - Best for a Unique Christmas Experience
Getting there: fly into Fairbanks | December low/high: -4°F to 7°F, and it can drop to -30°F or lower | Best for: adventure travellers and committed Christmas fans
The town of North Pole, near Fairbanks, keeps its Christmas decorations up year-round, from candy-cane streetlights to the Santa Claus House. Expect only a few hours of daylight and extreme cold, so it suits adventurous travellers better than families with young children. For more about the state, see our fun facts about Alaska.
11. San Antonio, Texas - Best for a Warm City Christmas
December weather: mid-60s°F | Best for: families and couples who prefer warm weather
The Ford Holiday River Festival lights the River Walk with more than 100,000 lights from November through January, and boat tours run throughout the season. Posadas and luminarias at the historic missions bring Mexican and Tejano traditions to the season. Mild evenings make patio dining possible even in December.
12. Gatlinburg, Tennessee - Best for a Mountain Christmas with Kids
Best for: families visiting the Great Smoky Mountains
Winterfest lights up the mountain town from November through February. Nearby, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas adds rides, shows and family entertainment, making the area one of the strongest Christmas destinations in the Southeast for families.
13. Williamsburg, Virginia - Best for a Historic Christmas
Getting there: fly into Newport News/Williamsburg | December low/high: 36°F to 52°F | Best for: history lovers and couples who want a traditional celebration
Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination opens weeks of historic holiday events, with fireworks, lanterns and period decorations across the 18th-century Historic Area. Nearby, Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town brings a high-energy contrast with millions of lights.
Tip: the Grand Illumination date changes each year, so confirm 2026 dates with Colonial Williamsburg.
Read more: December in Europe offers festive city atmospheres and winter markets. This guide covers 15 of the best European December destinations. Read our blog 👉 15 Best Places to Travel in Europe in December: City Breaks & Snowy Escapes
14. Honolulu, Hawaii - Best for a Tropical Christmas
December low/high: 69°F to 82°F | Best for: beach lovers who want a non-traditional Christmas
Honolulu City Lights at Honolulu Hale runs from November through January, blending Hawaiian traditions with familiar holiday celebrations. Waikiki’s palm trees are decorated for the season, and the days are made for hiking Diamond Head or snorkelling. Our Hawaii travel guide and guide to the cost of a trip to Hawaii help with planning.
15. Santa Fe, New Mexico - Best for Christmas Culture and Traditions
Best for: culture lovers and couples looking for a distinctive Southwestern celebration
Canyon Road’s Christmas Eve Farolito Walk fills the gallery district with hundreds of glowing luminarias. It is one of the most atmospheric single-evening holiday events in the country. Las Posadas processions and adobe architecture give Santa Fe’s Christmas a character all its own. See our guide to things to do in Santa Fe.
16. Newport Beach, California - Best for a Coastal Christmas
Best for: coastal holiday lovers and Southern California families
The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade runs for five evenings in mid-December, with decorated boats circling the harbour as crowds line the waterfront. Mild weather and Balboa Island’s festive storefronts make it an easy Christmas break. For more ideas in the state, see our guide to things to do in California.
17. Grapevine, Texas - Best for Christmas Lights and Events
Getting there: close to Dallas-Fort Worth | Best for: families near DFW and short breaks
Grapevine calls itself the Christmas Capital of Texas and fills its historic downtown with holiday events from November through December. The ICE! exhibition at Gaylord Texan Resort and the North Pole Express train make it an easy Christmas weekend getaway.
Read more: The holiday season leads naturally into new January travel opportunities across America. This guide covers 14 of the best destinations to visit immediately after Christmas. Read our blog👉 14 Best Places to Visit in January in the USA (Warm & Snowy)
18. Asheville, North Carolina - Best for a Grand-Estate Christmas
Getting there: Asheville Regional Airport is about 20 minutes from the city | December low/high: 30°F to 46°F | Best for: couples looking for an upscale holiday experience
Biltmore Estate’s Candlelight Christmas Evenings run from November through January. They transform America’s largest private home with candlelight, live music and period decorations. Downtown Asheville adds independent shops and Christmas markets.
Tip: book Biltmore tickets early at biltmore.com.
19. New Orleans, Louisiana - Best for a Festive Southern Christmas
Best for: food and music lovers
Reveillon dinners, holiday concerts at St. Louis Cathedral and lights along the French Quarter’s historic balconies define the city’s holiday season. Mild December weather makes it easy to explore on foot. See our guide to things to do in New Orleans.
20. Lake Placid, New York - Best for a Classic Snowy Christmas
Best for: outdoor lovers and couples who want a quieter snowy Christmas
Lake Placid’s historic Olympic Center and Adirondack scenery offer reliable December snow and a peaceful winter atmosphere. Mirror Lake often freezes for skating, and Whiteface Mountain is close by for skiing. It’s far less crowded than New York City.
Read more: Planning Christmas travel with the whole family involves balancing entertainment, logistics, and holiday atmosphere across all ages. This guide covers the best 15 family places. Read our blog 👉 15 Best Places to Go for Christmas With Your Family in 2026.
How much does a Christmas trip in the USA cost?
Christmas travel costs vary widely by destination and timing.
- Budget: Branson and Frankenmuth offer December hotels from about USD 80 to 130 a night.
- Mid-range: St. Augustine and San Antonio run about USD 120 to 200 a night.
- Premium: New York City, Park City and Honolulu regularly exceed USD 300 a night in Christmas week.
Early December and the days between 27 and 30 December are usually cheaper than Christmas week. Destinations you can drive to, such as Bethlehem from New York or Leavenworth from Seattle, also avoid peak airfares. For more ways to save, see our guide to cheap places to travel in December.
Event dates, prices and opening hours change each year, so confirm them with official sources before booking.
Tips for Planning a Christmas Trip to the USA in 2026
- Book early. Popular destinations sell out for December weekends from October onwards. If you’re booking now, look at early December or the days after Christmas.
- Check 2026 event dates. Most events change dates each year, so confirm them on official destination websites.
- Reserve major attractions. Biltmore, Dollywood and Radio City need advance booking.
- Travel midweek. Wednesday and Thursday arrivals usually cost less than weekend arrivals.
- Check holiday hours. Many attractions run reduced schedules on 24 and 25 December.
- Plan your transport. Christmas towns often have limited central parking. Arrive early for big events such as the Farolito Walk and the National Christmas Tree lighting.
- Consider a road trip. Many of the best Christmas towns are within driving distance of major cities. Our guide on how to plan a road trip covers the basics.
If you’re extending your trip into the new year, see our guide to the best places to visit in January in the USA.
Visiting the US for Christmas from abroad? Stay connected with a USA eSIM
If you’re travelling from the UK, Canada, Australia or elsewhere, reliable mobile data makes a Christmas trip much easier. You’ll use it for navigating Manhattan in Christmas week, booking restaurants in New Orleans and finding your way through the Smoky Mountains.
A Jetpac USA eSIM activates before you leave home and connects automatically to 4G and 5G networks across the country, covering every destination on this list from Honolulu to Lake Placid. Plans include hotspot sharing, 24/7 WhatsApp support and a money-back guarantee. Compare options in our guide to the best eSIM for the USA, or read about data roaming in the USA if you’re weighing up your options.
FAQs
What is the best place to spend Christmas in the USA?
New York City delivers the most iconic American Christmas, but Leavenworth, Bethlehem, and Frankenmuth offer more intimate Christmas town atmospheres at significantly lower cost.
What is the most Christmassy town in the USA?
Leavenworth leads for Bavarian-style immersive atmosphere, Bethlehem anchors its identity in Moravian Christmas traditions, and Frankenmuth hosts Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland year-round.
Where can I have a white Christmas in the USA?
Leavenworth, Park City, and Lake Placid offer the most reliable December snowfall, while North Pole, Alaska guarantees snow but requires preparation for extreme cold and limited daylight.
Where is warm during Christmas in the USA?
Honolulu averages around 80°F in December, while St. Augustine, San Antonio, and Newport Beach maintain comfortable mid-60s°F temperatures throughout the holiday season.
What are the best Christmas destinations in the USA for families?
Branson and Gatlinburg offer the best mix of entertainment and value. Grapevine, Frankenmuth, Leavenworth and Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland suit families at different price points. For more ideas, see our guide to Christmas family vacations.
What are the best Christmas destinations for families?
Branson and Gatlinburg offer the strongest combination of entertainment and affordability, while Grapevine, Frankenmuth, and Leavenworth provide excellent family experiences at different price points.
When is the cheapest time to visit Christmas destinations in the USA?
Early December and December 27 through 30 typically offer 20 to 40 percent lower rates than the December 22 to 26 peak window at most popular destinations.
How far in advance should I book a Christmas trip in the USA?
Book at least three months ahead for popular destinations, as Leavenworth, Asheville, and New York City during Christmas week often sell out accommodation by October.
Do I need anything special to visit the US at Christmas from abroad?
Check your entry requirements well before you travel. Travellers from visa-waiver countries usually need an approved ESTA, and Canadians can read our guide on whether Canadians need a visa for the USA. Australians can see our guide to travelling to the United States from Australia. Travel insurance and a USA eSIM make the trip easier.
Disclaimer
Information in this blog was accurate at the time of writing. Event dates, ticket prices, accommodation rates, weather conditions, opening hours, and other travel details may change after publication. Jetpac is not responsible for any changes made after publication. Always confirm the latest information directly with the official destination, event venue, attraction, hotel, airline, or other service provider before booking.
Get connected as soon as you land with a Jetpac travel eSIM.
