As the winter season approaches, many of us start thinking about where to spend our holiday vacation. The United States offers a diverse range of exciting destinations that are perfect for a December getaway. With so many amazing places to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide on the best place to visit. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you plan your winter wonderland adventure.
Why December is a Great Time to Travel in the US
December is a fantastic time to travel in the US, with many cities and towns offering unique holiday experiences. From festive lights and decorations to special events and activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, many popular tourist destinations are less crowded in December, making it an ideal time to explore popular attractions without the long lines and chaos.
Overview of the Best Places to Visit in December in the US
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey across the country to explore the best places to visit in December in the US. From snow-covered mountains to sunny beaches, we’ll cover a range of destinations that offer a mix of winter wonderland magic, festive atmosphere, and exciting activities. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready to discover the top destinations in the US that are perfect for a December visit. From iconic cities to hidden gems, we’ll reveal the best places to experience the holiday season in all its glory.
What Is The Best Place To Visit In December In The US?
December is a great time to explore the United States, with many exciting destinations offering unique winter experiences. From festive atmosphere to winter sports, and from warm weather to snowy landscapes, the US has something for everyone in December. Here are some of the best places to visit in December in the US:
New York City, New York
New York City is a winter wonderland in December, with iconic attractions like the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, ice skating rinks, and festive window displays. Enjoy the holiday markets, take a stroll through Central Park, or catch a performance of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
Orlando, Florida
Escape the cold and head to Orlando, Florida, where the average temperature in December is a pleasant 72°F (22°C). Visit the Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or SeaWorld for special holiday events and decorations. Don’t miss the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina, is a charming winter destination, with a festive atmosphere and plenty of holiday events. Visit the Biltmore Estate, a grand chateau-style mansion with beautiful gardens and decorations. Enjoy the Winterfest celebration, featuring ice skating, live music, and hot chocolate.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a popular winter sports destination, with world-class skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Heavenly Village, with ice skating, live music, and holiday decorations. Take a scenic drive around the lake or relax at a cozy cabin or resort. (See Also: What Is The Best Place To Visit In Bahamas)
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a unique winter destination, with a blend of Christmas and Mardi Gras celebrations. Enjoy the festive atmosphere in the French Quarter, visit the Celebration in the Oaks light display, or take a steamboat ride along the Mississippi River.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Experience the winter wonderland of Yellowstone National Park, with geysers, hot springs, and an abundance of wildlife. Take a guided snowcoach tour or cross-country ski through the park’s scenic landscapes. Don’t miss the Winter Festival, featuring live music, food, and crafts.
San Juan Islands, Washington
The San Juan Islands in Washington State offer a peaceful winter getaway, with scenic drives, whale watching, and cozy bed and breakfasts. Enjoy the festive atmosphere in Friday Harbor, visit the San Juan Island Farmers Market, or take a winter kayaking tour.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Escape the cold and head to Honolulu, Hawaii, for a warm winter vacation. Enjoy the festive atmosphere on Waikiki Beach, visit the Honolulu City Lights display, or take a surf lesson or snorkeling tour.
Best Winter Festivals and Events in the US
The US offers a wide range of winter festivals and events in December, from festive markets to winter sports competitions. Here are some of the best winter festivals and events in the US:
| Festival/Event | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Christkindlmarket | Chicago, Illinois | November 20 – December 24 |
| Winter Festival of Lights | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | November 20 – January 3 |
| Snowflake Lane | Bellevue, Washington | November 27 – December 24 |
| National Christmas Tree Lighting | Washington, D.C. | December 3 |
| Telluride Winterfest | Telluride, Colorado | December 10-13 |
These are just a few of the many amazing winter festivals and events in the US. Be sure to check the dates and locations for each event to plan your winter vacation.
Winter Sports and Activities in the US
The US offers a wide range of winter sports and activities, from skiing and snowboarding to ice skating and snowshoeing. Here are some of the best winter sports and activities in the US:
- Skiing and snowboarding: Vail, Colorado; Park City, Utah; Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Ice skating: Rockefeller Center, New York City; Millennium Park, Chicago, Illinois
- Snowshoeing: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming; Acadia National Park, Maine
- Sledding and tubing: Snowmass, Colorado; Wintergreen, Virginia
- Ice hockey: NHL games in cities across the US
These are just a few of the many winter sports and activities available in the US. Be sure to check the weather and snow conditions before planning your winter vacation. (See Also: Best Place To Visit In Mississippi)
Conclusion
December is a great time to visit the US, with many exciting destinations offering unique winter experiences. From festive atmosphere to winter sports, and from warm weather to snowy landscapes, the US has something for everyone in December. Whether you’re looking for a festive getaway, a winter sports adventure, or a relaxing vacation, the US has it all.
Conclusion
December is a wonderful time to explore the United States, with various destinations offering unique experiences during the holiday season. From festive atmosphere to winter sports, and from warm weather to snowy landscapes, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we’ve discussed some of the best places to visit in December in the US. We started with the winter wonderland of Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada, perfect for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. Next, we headed to New York City, which transforms into a winter wonderland with iconic Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and festive decorations.
We also explored the warm and sunny destinations of Miami, Florida, and Honolulu, Hawaii, ideal for escaping the cold winter weather. Additionally, we touched upon the festive atmosphere of New Orleans, Louisiana, with its unique blend of Christmas and Mardi Gras celebrations.
Other notable mentions included the snow-covered landscapes of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Aspen, Colorado, perfect for winter sports and activities. We also highlighted the charming towns of Leavenworth, Washington, and Durango, Colorado, which offer a festive atmosphere and plenty of holiday cheer.
In conclusion, the US offers a diverse range of exciting destinations to visit in December, catering to different interests and preferences. Whether you’re looking for winter sports, festive atmosphere, or warm weather, there’s a perfect place for you to visit in the US during the holiday season.
So, pack your bags, grab your loved ones, and get ready to experience the magic of December in the United States! (See Also: Best Place To Visit In New Mexico In February)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the warmest places to visit in the US in December?
If you’re looking to escape the cold winter weather, some of the warmest places to visit in the US in December include Hawaii, Miami, Key West, San Diego, and Phoenix. These destinations offer mild winter temperatures, with average highs ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s (°F).
What are the best Christmas markets to visit in the US in December?
The US is home to many festive Christmas markets in December. Some of the best ones to visit include the Christkindlmarket in Chicago, the Union Square Holiday Market in New York City, the Denver Christkindl Market in Colorado, and the Texas Christkindl Market in Arlington. These markets offer a magical atmosphere, complete with twinkling lights, festive food, and unique holiday gifts.
What are the best ski resorts to visit in the US in December?
If you’re a ski enthusiast, December is a great time to hit the slopes in the US. Some of the best ski resorts to visit include Vail in Colorado, Breckenridge in Colorado, Park City in Utah, Lake Tahoe in California/Nevada, and Jackson Hole in Wyoming. These resorts offer world-class skiing, snowboarding, and festive winter activities.
What are the best New Year’s Eve celebrations in the US?
The US is home to many exciting New Year’s Eve celebrations in December. Some of the best ones to attend include the Times Square Ball Drop in New York City, the Las Vegas Strip Party in Nevada, the New Orleans New Year’s Eve Celebration in Louisiana, and the Chicago New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display in Illinois. These events offer live music, fireworks, and a lively atmosphere to ring in the new year.
What are the best places to see winter lights in the US in December?
If you love festive winter lights, December is a great time to visit some of the best displays in the US. Some of the top destinations include the Winter Festival of Lights in Wheeling, West Virginia, the Holiday Lights Display in St. Louis, Missouri, the ZooLights in Washington, D.C., and the Austin Trail of Lights in Texas. These displays feature millions of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday cheer.
