The United States is a vast and diverse country, with a wide range of climates, landscapes, and cultures to explore. December is a great time to visit the USA, with many exciting events, festivals, and attractions to enjoy. From the bright lights of New York City to the snowy mountains of Colorado, there’s something for everyone in the USA during the holiday season.
In this article, we’ll explore the best places to visit in the USA in December, including popular destinations, hidden gems, and unique experiences. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, an action-packed adventure, or a festive celebration, we’ve got you covered.
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TSA Approved
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East Coast Delights
The East Coast is home to some of the most iconic cities in the USA, and December is a great time to visit. Here are a few must-see destinations:
New York City, New York
New York City is a must-visit destination during the holiday season. The city is decked out in lights and decorations, and there are plenty of festive events and activities to enjoy. Visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, ice skate at Bryant Park, or take a stroll through Central Park to see the holiday lights.
Other attractions in New York City include:
- The Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes
- The Holiday Markets at Bryant Park and Union Square
- The Christmas lights at Dyker Heights in Brooklyn
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a charming city with a rich history and a festive atmosphere during the holiday season. Visit the Boston Common for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, or take a stroll along the Freedom Trail to see the city’s historic landmarks decorated for the holidays.
Other attractions in Boston include:
- The Boston Pops Holiday Concert at Symphony Hall
- The Christmas lights at the Boston Public Garden
- The Holiday Market at the Boston Public Market
South and Midwest Wonders
The South and Midwest are home to some of the most unique and festive destinations in the USA. Here are a few must-see places:
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a city like no other, and December is a great time to visit. The city is famous for its jazz music, delicious Creole cuisine, and Mardi Gras celebrations, but it’s also a great place to enjoy the holiday season. Visit the French Quarter for festive decorations and live music, or take a stroll along the Mississippi River to see the city’s historic landmarks lit up for the holidays. (See Also: Where to Visit in Newyork? Ultimate Guide)
Other attractions in New Orleans include:
- The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
- The Holiday Market at the French Market
- The Christmas lights at City Park
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a world-class city with a vibrant cultural scene and plenty of festive activities to enjoy during the holiday season. Visit Millennium Park for the annual Christkindlmarket, or take a stroll along the Magnificent Mile to see the city’s famous department stores decked out in lights and decorations.
Other attractions in Chicago include:
- The Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Daley Plaza
- The Holiday Lights at Navy Pier
- The Christmas lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo
West Coast Wonders
The West Coast is home to some of the most beautiful and unique destinations in the USA. Here are a few must-see places:
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a city like no other, with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep hills, and vibrant cultural scene. December is a great time to visit, with plenty of festive events and activities to enjoy. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, or take a stroll along the Embarcadero to see the city’s historic piers decorated for the holidays.
Other attractions in San Francisco include:
- The San Francisco Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker”
- The Holiday Market at the Ferry Building Marketplace
- The Christmas lights at the San Francisco Zoo
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a city with a thriving cultural scene and plenty of festive activities to enjoy during the holiday season. Visit Pike Place Market for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, or take a stroll along the waterfront to see the city’s historic piers decorated for the holidays.
Other attractions in Seattle include: (See Also: Where to Visit in Europe March? Top Spring Destinations)
- The Seattle Symphony’s production of “The Nutcracker”
- The Holiday Market at the Seattle Center
- The Christmas lights at the Seattle Aquarium
Mountain Getaways
The Rocky Mountains offer some of the most beautiful and unique destinations in the USA. Here are a few must-see places:
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is a world-class ski resort town with plenty of festive activities to enjoy during the holiday season. Visit the Aspen Saturday Market for unique gifts and decorations, or take a stroll along the Aspen Creek Trail to see the town’s historic buildings decorated for the holidays.
Other attractions in Aspen include:
- The Aspen Wintersköl Festival
- The Holiday Market at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies
- The Christmas lights at the Aspen Mountain
Park City, Utah
Park City is a charming ski resort town with plenty of festive activities to enjoy during the holiday season. Visit the Park City Mountain Resort for skiing and snowboarding, or take a stroll along the Historic Main Street to see the town’s historic buildings decorated for the holidays.
Other attractions in Park City include:
- The Park City Mountain Resort’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony
- The Holiday Market at the Park City Museum
- The Christmas lights at the Utah Olympic Park
Recap
December is a great time to visit the USA, with plenty of festive events and activities to enjoy. From the bright lights of New York City to the snowy mountains of Colorado, there’s something for everyone in the USA during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, an action-packed adventure, or a festive celebration, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some of the best places to visit in the USA in December: (See Also: Where to Visit in Oregon in November? Best Kept Secrets)
- New York City, New York
- Boston, Massachusetts
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Chicago, Illinois
- San Francisco, California
- Seattle, Washington
- Aspen, Colorado
- Park City, Utah
FAQs
What are the best places to visit in the USA in December?
The best places to visit in the USA in December depend on your interests and preferences. Some popular destinations include New York City, Boston, New Orleans, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Aspen, and Park City.
What are some festive events and activities to enjoy in the USA in December?
There are plenty of festive events and activities to enjoy in the USA in December, including holiday markets, Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, ice skating, and festive lights and decorations. Some popular events include the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony in New York City, the Christkindlmarket in Chicago, and the Aspen Wintersköl Festival in Aspen, Colorado.
What are some unique gifts to buy in the USA in December?
There are plenty of unique gifts to buy in the USA in December, including handmade crafts, local specialties, and festive decorations. Some popular gifts include handmade ornaments, holiday-themed cookies, and festive candles and soaps.
What are some festive foods to try in the USA in December?
There are plenty of festive foods to try in the USA in December, including holiday-themed treats and specialties. Some popular foods include gingerbread cookies, eggnog, and festive holiday cookies and cakes.
What are some festive drinks to try in the USA in December?
There are plenty of festive drinks to try in the USA in December, including holiday-themed cocktails and hot chocolate. Some popular drinks include hot buttered rum, eggnog, and festive holiday cocktails like the “Candy Cane Martini” and the “Gingerbread Latte”.
