As the year draws to a close, many people start to plan their holiday getaways, and the United States offers a diverse range of exciting destinations to visit in December. From festive markets and holiday lights to winter sports and cultural events, there’s something for everyone in the US during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, December is an excellent time to explore the country’s many attractions.
Winter Wonderland: Top Destinations for Snow Lovers
If you love snow and winter sports, December is an ideal time to visit the US. Many parts of the country experience a winter wonderland during this time, with plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow-based activities.
Ski Resorts
Some of the best ski resorts in the US include:
- Vail, Colorado: Known for its world-class skiing and stunning mountain scenery.
- Aspen, Colorado: Offers a range of skiing options for all levels, from gentle groomers to challenging black diamond runs.
- Park City, Utah: Home to three resorts, including Park City Mountain, Deer Valley, and Canyons Village.
- Breckenridge, Colorado: A popular destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Offers some of the best skiing in the country, with steep terrain and stunning scenery.
Snowy National Parks
If you prefer to explore the great outdoors without hitting the slopes, many of the US’s national parks offer stunning winter landscapes and opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and other winter activities.
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: A winter wonderland of geysers, hot springs, and wildlife.
- Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming: Offers breathtaking mountain scenery and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Acadia National Park, Maine: A coastal park with rugged shoreline, mountains, and forests.
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: Home to towering peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
- Zion National Park, Utah: A unique park with red rock formations, canyons, and narrow valleys.
Festive Fun: Top Destinations for Holiday Cheer
If you’re looking for a festive atmosphere and holiday cheer, December is an excellent time to visit the US. Many cities and towns host festive markets, holiday lights displays, and other seasonal events.
Festive Markets
Some of the best festive markets in the US include: (See Also: Where to Visit in Pittsburgh? Hidden Gems)
- Christkindlmarket, Chicago, Illinois: A German-style market with handmade crafts, food, and drink.
- Bryant Park Winter Village, New York City, New York: A festive market with ice skating, food, and drink.
- ZooLights, St. Louis, Missouri: A festive light display at the St. Louis Zoo, with animal exhibits and activities.
- Winter Fest, Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: A festive market with food, drink, and activities, including ice skating and sledding.
- Ice Skating Rink, Rockefeller Center, New York City, New York: A classic ice skating experience in the heart of Manhattan.
Holiday Lights Displays
Many cities and towns in the US offer spectacular holiday lights displays, including:
- Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue, Washington: A festive light display with over a million lights.
- Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas, Nevada: A dazzling display of lights and decorations along the famous Strip.
- Disney World, Orlando, Florida: A festive light display with over 1 million lights at the Magic Kingdom.
- San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, Texas: A festive light display along the famous River Walk.
- Portland Winter Light Festival, Portland, Oregon: A festive light display with interactive exhibits and activities.
Cultural Events: Top Destinations for Art and Culture
If you’re interested in art, music, and culture, December is an excellent time to visit the US. Many cities and towns host cultural events and festivals during this time.
Museums and Galleries
Some of the best museums and galleries in the US include:
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York: A world-renowned museum with a vast collection of art and artifacts.
- The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois: A world-class museum with a collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and American art.
- The National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.: A museum with a collection of Western European and American art, including works by da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Picasso.
- The Getty Center, Los Angeles, California: A museum with a collection of pre-20th-century European art, including paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts.
- The Museum of Modern Art, New York City, New York: A museum with a collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Warhol, Pollock, and Matisse.
Festivals and Events
Some of the best festivals and events in the US include:
- New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, Louisiana: A festival celebrating jazz, blues, gospel, Cajun, and zydeco music.
- Sundance Film Festival, Park City, Utah: A festival showcasing independent films and documentaries.
- Austin City Limits Music Festival, Austin, Texas: A festival featuring a range of music genres, from rock to country to hip-hop.
- Portland Winter Light Festival, Portland, Oregon: A festival with interactive light exhibits and activities.
- Christmas in the Country, Nashville, Tennessee: A festival celebrating country music and the holiday season.
Recap: Top Destinations for December in the US
In conclusion, December is an excellent time to visit the US, with a range of exciting destinations and activities to choose from. Whether you’re a snow lover, a festive fan, or a culture enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in the US during the holiday season. From skiing and snowboarding to festive markets and holiday lights displays, and from museums and galleries to festivals and events, December is an ideal time to explore the country’s many attractions. (See Also: Where to Visit in Midwest? Hidden Gems)
FAQs
What are the best ski resorts in the US?
The best ski resorts in the US include Vail, Colorado; Aspen, Colorado; Park City, Utah; Breckenridge, Colorado; and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
What are the best national parks for winter activities?
The best national parks for winter activities include Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming; Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming; Acadia National Park, Maine; Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado; and Zion National Park, Utah.
What are the best festive markets in the US?
The best festive markets in the US include Christkindlmarket, Chicago, Illinois; Bryant Park Winter Village, New York City, New York; ZooLights, St. Louis, Missouri; Winter Fest, Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada; and Ice Skating Rink, Rockefeller Center, New York City, New York.
What are the best holiday lights displays in the US?
The best holiday lights displays in the US include Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue, Washington; Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas, Nevada; Disney World, Orlando, Florida; San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio, Texas; and Portland Winter Light Festival, Portland, Oregon. (See Also: Where to Visit in Yucatan? Hidden Gems Await)
What are the best museums and galleries in the US?
The best museums and galleries in the US include The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York; The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; The National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.; The Getty Center, Los Angeles, California; and The Museum of Modern Art, New York City, New York.
What are the best festivals and events in the US?
The best festivals and events in the US include New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, Louisiana; Sundance Film Festival, Park City, Utah; Austin City Limits Music Festival, Austin, Texas; Portland Winter Light Festival, Portland, Oregon; and Christmas in the Country, Nashville, Tennessee.