As the winter season approaches, many of us start to dream of escaping the cold and finding a warm and cozy destination to relax and unwind. December is a great time to plan a trip to the United States, with many exciting places to visit that offer a unique blend of festive atmosphere, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation, a city break, or an adventure in the great outdoors, the USA has something for everyone.
Best Places to Visit in December in the USA
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the top destinations in the United States that are perfect for a December getaway. From sunny beaches to snow-covered mountains, and from vibrant cities to quaint towns, we’ll cover it all. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, sit back, and get ready to discover the best places to visit in December in the USA.
Get Ready for a Winter Wonderland
December is a great time to experience the magic of winter in the United States. Many destinations offer a festive atmosphere, complete with twinkling lights, decorations, and holiday markets. You can enjoy outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating, or simply cozy up by the fireplace with a good book. Whatever your preference, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best places to visit in December in the USA.
Best Places to Visit in December in the USA
December is a great time to visit the United States, with many exciting events and activities taking place during the holiday season. From festive markets to winter wonderlands, here are some of the best places to visit in December in the USA:
New York City, New York
New York City is a must-visit destination in December, with its iconic Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center, festive window displays along Fifth Avenue, and the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular show. Don’t miss the ice skating rinks at Bryant Park and Rockefeller Center, and take a stroll through the festive holiday markets at Union Square and Columbus Circle.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a charming winter wonderland in December, with its picturesque Biltmore Estate transformed into a winter wonderland with festive decorations and lights. Take a stroll through the Biltmore Village, visit the North Carolina Arboretum’s Winter Lights display, and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Asheville Winter Festival.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a unique and exciting destination in December, with its festive Reveillon dinners, a Creole tradition that dates back to the 18th century. Take a stroll through the French Quarter, visit the festive holiday markets at the New Orleans Museum of Art, and enjoy the city’s famous jazz music at one of the many clubs and bars.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a small town in Washington State that transforms into a winter wonderland in December, with over half a million lights and festive decorations. Take a stroll through the charming Bavarian-themed village, visit the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, and enjoy the festive atmosphere at one of the many holiday events and activities. (See Also: The Best Place To Visit In Venezuela)
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is a great destination in December, with its famous River Walk transformed into a festive holiday wonderland with over 100,000 lights and decorations. Take a stroll along the River Walk, visit the Alamo, and enjoy the festive atmosphere at one of the many holiday events and activities, including the Ford Holiday River Parade and the San Antonio Zoo’s Zoo Lights display.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a popular winter sports destination in December, with its world-class ski resorts, including Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, and Heavenly. Take a stroll through the charming towns of Truckee and South Lake Tahoe, visit the Tahoe City Solstice Festival, and enjoy the festive atmosphere at one of the many holiday events and activities.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a great destination in December, with its famous Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, featuring German-style holiday shopping and food. Take a stroll along the Magnificent Mile, visit the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower), and enjoy the festive atmosphere at one of the many holiday events and activities, including the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Wonderland Express display.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a popular destination in December, with its many theme parks and attractions, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld. Take a stroll through the festive holiday decorations and lights at the Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, visit the Universal Studios Florida’s Holiday Celebration, and enjoy the festive atmosphere at one of the many holiday events and activities.
Best Winter Festivals and Events in the USA
Here are some of the best winter festivals and events in the USA:
- National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Washington D.C.
- New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker, New York City
- Chicago Christkindlmarket, Chicago
- Sundance Winter Festival, Park City, Utah
- New Orleans Reveillon Dinners, New Orleans
- Asheville Winter Festival, Asheville
- Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival, Leavenworth
- San Antonio Ford Holiday River Parade, San Antonio
- Lake Tahoe Snowfest, Lake Tahoe
Best Ski Resorts in the USA
Here are some of the best ski resorts in the USA:
| Resort | Location | Ski Trails |
|---|---|---|
| Squaw Valley | Lake Tahoe, California | 3600 acres |
| Aspen Mountain | Aspen, Colorado | 675 acres |
| Vail | Vail, Colorado | 5289 acres |
| Breckenridge | Breckenridge, Colorado | 2900 acres |
| Heavenly | Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada | 4800 acres |
| Jackson Hole | Jackson Hole, Wyoming | 2500 acres |
These are just a few of the many amazing places to visit in December in the USA. Whether you’re looking for festive atmosphere, winter sports, or unique holiday events, there’s something for everyone in the USA during the holiday season. (See Also: Best Place To Visit In Hawaii For Honeymoon)
Conclusion
As the winter season approaches, the United States offers a diverse range of exciting destinations to visit in December. From festive atmosphere to winter sports, and from warm weather to snowy landscapes, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we explored the best places to visit in the USA in December, covering a mix of popular and offbeat destinations. We started with the winter wonderlands of Lake Tahoe, California, and Breckenridge, Colorado, perfect for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. We then headed to the festive cities of New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, which offer a magical atmosphere, ice skating rinks, and holiday markets.
We also highlighted the warm weather destinations of Miami, Florida, and Honolulu, Hawaii, ideal for escaping the cold winter. Additionally, we touched upon the unique experiences offered by Austin, Texas, and Asheville, North Carolina, with their vibrant music scenes and craft breweries.
Lastly, we visited the iconic national parks of Yellowstone and Yosemite, which transform into winter wonderlands in December, offering breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
In conclusion, the USA has plenty to offer in December, whether you’re looking for winter sports, festive atmosphere, or warm weather. Each of these destinations provides a unique experience, so pack your bags and get ready to explore the best places to visit in the USA in December.
We hope this article has helped you plan your winter getaway and create unforgettable memories in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best winter destinations in the USA to visit in December?
If you’re looking for a winter wonderland experience, consider visiting places like Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Aspen, Colorado; or Park City, Utah, which offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Alternatively, you can head to festive cities like New York City, Chicago, or San Francisco, which offer a magical atmosphere during the holiday season. (See Also: Best Place To Visit In Europe In Late March)
Are there any warm weather destinations in the USA that are ideal for visiting in December?
Yes, if you’re looking to escape the cold, consider visiting warm weather destinations like Miami, Florida; Honolulu, Hawaii; or Palm Springs, California. These places offer pleasant winter weather, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s (°F). You can enjoy outdoor activities like beach trips, hiking, or golfing in these destinations.
What are some popular Christmas markets to visit in the USA in December?
The USA has a plethora of festive Christmas markets that offer a unique holiday experience. Some popular ones include the Christkindlmarket in Chicago, Illinois; the Union Square Holiday Market in New York City; and the Denver Christkindl Market in Colorado. These markets offer a variety of holiday treats, crafts, and souvenirs, along with a festive atmosphere.
What are some budget-friendly destinations to visit in the USA in December?
If you’re on a budget, consider visiting destinations like Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Branson, Missouri; or Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada. These places offer a range of affordable accommodations, dining options, and activities, making them ideal for a budget-friendly winter vacation.
Are there any special events or festivals happening in the USA in December that I shouldn’t miss?
December is a great time to experience some unique events and festivals in the USA. Some popular ones include the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting in New York City; the National Christmas Tree Lighting in Washington, D.C.; and the Winter Festival of Lights in Austin, Texas. These events offer a festive atmosphere, live music, and delicious food, making them a great addition to your winter vacation.
