The United States is a vast and diverse country, with a wide range of exciting destinations to visit throughout the year. December is a great time to explore the country, with many cities and attractions offering festive events, holiday markets, and winter activities. Whether you’re looking for a snowy getaway, a warm winter escape, or a festive holiday experience, there’s something for everyone in the USA in December.
Winter Wonderland: Top Destinations for Snow Lovers
If you love snow, December is the perfect time to visit the USA’s winter wonderlands. Here are some top destinations for snow lovers:
🌍 Ultimate Travel Gear Guide
Compare the best travel essentials for your next adventure
📦 Packing & Organization
| Product | Key Features | Best For | Shop Now |
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Best Value
Veken 8-Set Packing Cubes
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Premium
tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L
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Samsonite Luggage Set
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🔌 Electronics & Power
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Best Seller
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
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International travelers, multiple devices | View on Amazon |
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High Capacity
Anker Portable Charger 20000mAh
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BAGSMART Electronic Organizer
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Tech enthusiasts, organized travelers | View on Amazon |
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Premium Audio
Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones
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Comfort
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Physix Gear Compression Socks
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🧳 Travel Essentials
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TSA Approved
BAGSMART Toiletry Bag TSA
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Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale
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Money Belt for Secure Travel
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Eco-Friendly
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Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit
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1. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Straddling the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is a popular ski destination in the Sierra Nevada mountains. With over a dozen ski resorts, including Squaw Valley and Heavenly, you’ll find world-class skiing and snowboarding. Enjoy snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding in the surrounding mountains, or take a scenic drive around the lake for breathtaking views.
2. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is a luxurious ski resort town in the Rocky Mountains, known for its high-end amenities and world-class skiing. With four ski resorts, including Aspen Mountain and Snowmass, you’ll find challenging slopes and gentle groomers for all skill levels. Enjoy snowmobiling, ice climbing, and dog sledding in the surrounding mountains, or take a stroll through the charming town’s shops and restaurants.
3. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is a picturesque mountain town in western Wyoming, surrounded by the Teton Range. With three ski resorts, including Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain, you’ll find challenging skiing and snowboarding. Enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating in the surrounding mountains, or take a scenic drive through Grand Teton National Park for breathtaking views.
4. Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a charming ski town in northern Vermont, known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding. With four ski resorts, including Stowe Mountain Resort and Smugglers’ Notch, you’ll find challenging slopes and gentle groomers for all skill levels. Enjoy snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding in the surrounding mountains, or take a stroll through the charming town’s shops and restaurants.
5. Park City, Utah
Park City is a popular ski destination in the Wasatch Mountains, known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding. With three ski resorts, including Park City Mountain and Deer Valley, you’ll find challenging slopes and gentle groomers for all skill levels. Enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding in the surrounding mountains, or take a stroll through the charming town’s shops and restaurants.
Festive Fun: Top Destinations for Holiday Cheer
If you’re looking for a festive holiday experience, December is the perfect time to visit the USA’s top destinations for holiday cheer: (See Also: Where to Visit in December? Festive Escapes)
1. New York City, New York
New York City is a must-visit destination for holiday cheer, with iconic attractions like the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, the Ice Skating Rink at Bryant Park, and the holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue. Enjoy festive events like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and the holiday markets at Union Square and Columbus Circle.
2. San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a festive destination in December, with attractions like the Union Square Ice Rink, the holiday lights at Fisherman’s Wharf, and the festive decorations along the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy holiday events like the San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker and the holiday markets at the Ferry Building and Union Square.
3. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a festive destination in December, with attractions like the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, the Ice Skating Rink at Millennium Park, and the holiday lights along the Magnificent Mile. Enjoy festive events like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concerts and the holiday markets at the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Field Museum.
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a unique and festive destination in December, with attractions like the French Quarter’s holiday decorations, the Ice Skating Rink at the Rink at Riverwalk, and the festive events along the Mississippi River. Enjoy holiday events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the holiday markets at the French Market and the Riverwalk.
5. Austin, Texas
Austin is a festive destination in December, with attractions like the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, the Ice Skating Rink at the Whole Foods Market, and the holiday decorations along the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail. Enjoy festive events like the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concerts and the holiday markets at the Domain and the Arboretum.
Warm Winter Getaways: Top Destinations for a Sunny Escape
If you’re looking for a warm winter getaway, December is the perfect time to visit the USA’s top destinations for a sunny escape:
1. Miami, Florida
Miami is a popular destination for a warm winter getaway, with attractions like the South Beach Boardwalk, the Art Deco District, and the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Enjoy festive events like the Miami Beach Christmas Tree Lighting and the holiday markets at the Lincoln Road Mall and the Design District. (See Also: Where to Visit in the United States in March? Springtime Escapes)
2. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is a tropical paradise in December, with attractions like the Waikiki Beach, the Diamond Head State Monument, and the Honolulu City Lights. Enjoy festive events like the Honolulu City Lights Parade and the holiday markets at the Royal Hawaiian Center and the Bishop Museum.
3. Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is a warm winter getaway in December, with attractions like the Palm Springs Art Museum, the Indian Canyons, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Enjoy festive events like the Palm Springs Festival of Lights and the holiday markets at the Palm Springs Mall and the Uptown Design District.
4. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is a warm winter getaway in December, with attractions like the Desert Botanical Garden, the Heard Museum, and the Phoenix Zoo. Enjoy festive events like the Phoenix Zoo Lights and the holiday markets at the Old Town Scottsdale and the Biltmore Fashion Park.
5. San Diego, California
San Diego is a warm winter getaway in December, with attractions like the San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway Museum, and the Balboa Park. Enjoy festive events like the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights and the holiday markets at the Gaslamp Quarter and the La Jolla Village.
Recap: Where to Visit in the USA in December
December is a great time to visit the USA, with many cities and attractions offering festive events, holiday markets, and winter activities. Whether you’re looking for a snowy getaway, a warm winter escape, or a festive holiday experience, there’s something for everyone in the USA in December. Here are some top destinations to consider:
- Winter wonderlands: Lake Tahoe, Aspen, Jackson Hole, Stowe, and Park City for snow lovers
- Festive fun: New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, New Orleans, and Austin for holiday cheer
- Warm winter getaways: Miami, Honolulu, Palm Springs, Phoenix, and San Diego for a sunny escape
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best ski resorts in the USA?
A: Some of the best ski resorts in the USA include Vail, Colorado; Park City, Utah; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Stowe, Vermont; and Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada. (See Also: Where to Visit in Hawaii in February? Island Escapes)
Q: What are the best holiday markets in the USA?
A: Some of the best holiday markets in the USA include the Christkindlmarket in Chicago, the Union Square Holiday Market in New York City, the San Francisco Holiday Market, and the Austin Holiday Market.
Q: What are the best warm winter getaways in the USA?
A: Some of the best warm winter getaways in the USA include Miami, Florida; Honolulu, Hawaii; Palm Springs, California; Phoenix, Arizona; and San Diego, California.
Q: What are the best winter activities in the USA?
A: Some of the best winter activities in the USA include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding. You can also enjoy festive events like holiday markets, parades, and concerts.
Q: What are the best winter destinations for families?
A: Some of the best winter destinations for families include Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada; Park City, Utah; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Stowe, Vermont; and San Diego, California. These destinations offer a range of winter activities and attractions that are suitable for families with children.
