As the winter season approaches, many families start planning their annual holiday getaway. December is a great time to explore new destinations with your loved ones, and the United States offers a diverse range of exciting places to visit during this festive month. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide on the perfect spot for a fun-filled family vacation. In this article, we’ll help you narrow down your search by highlighting the best places to visit in December with your family in the USA.
Why December is a Great Time to Travel with Family
December is an ideal time to plan a family vacation in the USA, thanks to the festive atmosphere, mild winter weather in many parts of the country, and a wide range of exciting events and activities. Many popular destinations offer special holiday events, decorations, and festivities, making it a wonderful time to create lasting memories with your family. Additionally, many schools and colleges have winter breaks during this time, making it an ideal period for a family vacation.
Top Destinations to Explore in December
In the following sections, we’ll explore the top destinations in the USA that are perfect for a family vacation in December. From snowy wonderlands to sun-kissed beaches, we’ll cover a range of exciting places that cater to different interests and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventure-filled trip, or a fun-filled holiday celebration, we’ve got you covered.
Best Places to Visit in December with Family in the USA
December is a great time to plan a family vacation in the United States, with many exciting destinations offering a range of activities and events to enjoy during the holiday season. From festive lights and decorations to winter sports and warm weather getaways, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to visit in December with family in the USA:
Winter Wonderland Destinations
If your family loves winter sports and activities, consider visiting one of these winter wonderland destinations:
- Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the Sierra Nevada mountains, with many resorts offering kid-friendly activities and amenities.
- Aspen, Colorado: This famous ski resort town offers world-class skiing and snowboarding, as well as ice skating, sledding, and festive events.
- Breckenridge, Colorado: With over 2,900 acres of skiable terrain, Breckenridge is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, with many family-friendly activities and events.
- Park City, Utah: Home to three resorts, including Park City Mountain, Deer Valley, and Canyons Village, Park City offers a range of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
Festive City Breaks
If your family loves the magic of the holiday season, consider visiting one of these festive city breaks: (See Also: Best Place To Visit In France In April)
- New York City, New York: Experience the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, ice skating in Central Park, and festive window displays along Fifth Avenue.
- Chicago, Illinois: Enjoy the Christkindlmarket, a German-style market with festive food, drinks, and shopping, as well as ice skating in Millennium Park.
- San Francisco, California: Take in the festive lights and decorations in Union Square, visit the ice rink at the Embarcadero Center, and enjoy the holiday windows at Macy’s.
- Washington, D.C.: Visit the National Christmas Tree and enjoy the festive lights and decorations along the National Mall, as well as ice skating at the National Gallery of Art.
Warm Weather Getaways
If your family prefers to escape the cold weather, consider visiting one of these warm weather getaways:
- Orlando, Florida: Enjoy the festive decorations and events at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld, with warm weather and outdoor activities year-round.
- Honolulu, Hawaii: Relax on the beach, visit the Honolulu City Lights festival, and enjoy outdoor activities like surfing and snorkeling in warm weather.
- San Diego, California: Take in the festive lights and decorations in Balboa Park, visit the San Diego Zoo, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and surfing in warm weather.
- Tucson, Arizona: Explore the Sonoran Desert, visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking in warm weather.
Special Events and Festivals
Many destinations offer special events and festivals in December, including:
| Destination | Event/Festival | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, Louisiana | Christmas in the Oaks | Late November to early January |
| Leavenworth, Washington | Christkindlmarkt | Early December |
| Gatlinburg, Tennessee | Winterfest | Mid-November to mid-February |
| Branson, Missouri | Branson Tracks of Lights | Early November to late December |
These are just a few of the many amazing destinations to visit in December with family in the USA. Whichever destination you choose, make sure to plan ahead, book accommodations and activities early, and enjoy the festive atmosphere and quality time with your loved ones.
Conclusion
As the winter season approaches, many families start planning their holiday vacations. The United States offers a diverse range of exciting destinations that are perfect for a fun-filled family trip in December. From the snow-covered mountains of Colorado to the sun-kissed beaches of Florida, and from the festive atmosphere of New York City to the theme parks of California, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we explored some of the best places to visit in December with family in the USA. We discussed the top winter wonderlands, including Lake Tahoe, Breckenridge, and Aspen, which offer a range of winter sports and activities. We also highlighted the festive charm of cities like New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco, which come alive with holiday markets, parades, and decorations.
In addition, we touched upon the warmer destinations like Orlando, Miami, and Honolulu, which provide a welcome escape from the cold winter weather. We also mentioned the unique attractions and events that make each of these destinations special, such as the Disney World festivities, the Miami Beach Christmas Tree, and the Honolulu City Lights. (See Also: Best Place To Visit In America In February)
Whether you’re looking for a snowy adventure, a festive celebration, or a warm winter getaway, the USA has plenty of options to choose from. By considering factors like weather, activities, and events, you can plan a memorable and enjoyable family vacation in December. So, start planning your trip today and create lifelong memories with your loved ones!
We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and inspiration to plan your next family vacation in December. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top destinations in the USA for a family vacation in December?
Some of the top destinations in the USA for a family vacation in December include Orlando, Florida, for its theme parks and warm weather; Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada, for its snow-covered mountains and winter sports; and New York City, New York, for its iconic holiday markets and decorations.
Are there any festive events and activities in the USA that are suitable for families in December?
Yes, there are many festive events and activities in the USA that are suitable for families in December. Some popular ones include the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, the Winter Festival of Lights in San Antonio, Texas, and the Disneyland Christmas Fantasy Parade in Anaheim, California.
What are some winter sports and activities that families can enjoy in the USA in December?
Families can enjoy a range of winter sports and activities in the USA in December, such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating in the Rocky Mountains, building snowmen and having snowball fights in the Midwest, and going on a horse-drawn sleigh ride in New England. (See Also: What Is The Best Place To Visit In March In The United States?)
Are there any warm weather destinations in the USA that are suitable for families in December?
Yes, there are several warm weather destinations in the USA that are suitable for families in December. Some popular ones include Hawaii, Miami, Florida, and San Diego, California, which offer pleasant weather, beaches, and outdoor activities like surfing and hiking.
What are some tips for planning a family vacation in the USA in December?
Some tips for planning a family vacation in the USA in December include booking flights and accommodations well in advance, packing warm clothing and layers for cold weather, and researching and booking popular attractions and activities ahead of time to avoid crowds and long wait times.