Traveling at Christmastime is fantastic. You’re met with lights, trees, and other festive decor everywhere you go. On top of the sparkling decorations, you can enjoy special events and pop-up holiday markets in every city you visit.
While many people dream of exploring the streets of Europe at Christmastime, traveling overseas during the holidays isn’t an option for everyone. Thankfully, there are many beautiful places to visit here in the United States.
In this post, we’re sharing our top eight best US cities to visit at Christmas. Each one offers holiday activities, light displays, and a festive vibe. Any of these towns is a splendid place to spend Christmas or visit in December.
New York City, New York
New York City is probably one of the first cities you think of for Christmas in the US. During the holidays, it becomes a magical place with the streets covered in snow and the buildings bursting with lights. You may have to deal with crowds, but it’s still worth visiting at least once during Christmastime.
The Christmas activities here are endless. Head to the Rockefeller Center to see their 74-foot Christmas tree, then go ice skating at one of the numerous rinks around town. Browse the displays on 5th Avenue, check out a holiday market or two, and finish your night out with a performance of the Nutcracker by the American Ballet Theater.
Must See: The Rockettes
For almost 100 years, the Rockettes have entertained and astounded with their dance routines at Radio City Music Hall. They’re a staple of Christmas in NYC that everyone should see once in their life. Tickets sell out fast, so purchase yours early to avoid missing their iconic performance.
Chicago, Illinois
Another popular city to visit at Christmastime is Chicago. There are free and paid activities to enjoy, plus pop-up markets and bars across the city. Just dress warmly, as the Windy City averages a high of 37° in December.
If you want to see Christmas lights, Chicago has terrific displays at the zoo, botanical garden, and all along the Magnificent Mile. Down the street in Millenium Park, there’s a massive tree and ice skating rink right across from the Cloud Gate. When you get tired of being outside, visit the Christmas exhibit at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry or take a ride on the holiday L train with Santa’s elves.
Must See: Christkindlmarket
This free, German-style Christmas market is a highlight of the season in Chicago. It’s a family-friendly event lasting from the end of November through Christmas Eve. You can come to explore the vendors, enjoy tasty food, and find handcrafted gifts for your family and friends.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado, is known for its ski resorts, but it’s also a fantastic place to visit at Christmastime. Besides the traditional Christmas activities, they offer a variety of dining, shopping, and outdoor sports. Since it’s a resort town, it’s not a cheap place to stay, so budget accordingly.
While you’re here, book a stay at Hotel Jerome, which offers several holiday activities, including carolers in the lobby. If you’d rather get outside, you can do any winter sport you want or enjoy a sleigh ride through the snow-covered hills. By night, you can check out the Christmas tree downtown or see a local performance of The Nutcracker.
Must See: Wintersköl Parade
This event is unique to Aspen and is called their toast to winter. It’s a four-day festival filled with ice sculptures, food, beer, and movie showings. The highlight is the torch parade, when skiers of all ages ride down the mountain carrying flares and glow sticks, followed by fireworks on the mountain. Anyone is welcome to join, making it a fun experience for visitors.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
With a name like Bethlehem, you can bet this city takes Christmas seriously. The name dates back to 1741, when the people named the town after the village of Christ’s birth. It’s a beautiful historic city, perfect for exploring.
You can start your visit by checking out the multiple Christmas markets scattered throughout the city. Follow that up with a Christmas City Stroll, a guided tour through the historic areas of the town led by a costumed interpreter. And while you’re here, don’t miss the Moravian Book Shop, which claims to be the oldest bookshop in America.
Must See: Live Advent Calendar
One of the most unique events in Bethlehem is their Live Advent Calendar. Every day from December 1-23, locals and visitors gather outside the 1810 Godie House. At 5:30, someone emerges from the house and shares gifts or treats with the crowd. It’s free to attend, and you should come at least once while you’re in town.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is one of the prettiest historic towns on the East Coast. The colonial city filled with historical interpreters is a must-see, but there’s plenty of modern entertainment as well. And don’t miss eating at one of the amazing restaurants located in the history area.
Christmas is everywhere here, starting with colonial Williamsburg, where they deck the halls in historical style. In the more modern parts of town, you can visit a Christmas market, view the gingerbread village, or explore Busch Garden’s Christmas Town. Finish your visit by joining a group of carolers and spreading cheer in the streets.
Must See: The Grand Illumination
The Grand Illumination is a three-day event in colonial Williamsburg featuring historic activities and nightly fireworks displays. You can join in unique experiences such as the Celebration of the Yule Log, where visitors make wishes on greenery before burning them in a bonfire.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a small town about two and a half hours away from Seatle. In the 1960s, residents saved their town by giving all their buildings a Bavarian facelift, which increased tourist traffic, especially at Christmas time. If that’s not a real-life Christmas movie plot, we don’t know what is.
There are all sorts of fun activities here, from seeing Santa’s reindeer to sledding down the toboggan hill. By night, thousands of Christmas lights illuminate basically every building in town. See a performance at the gazebo, then visit their Christmas market and gingerbread factory to find fun gifts.
Must See: Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
This museum holds one of the largest collections of nutcrackers in the world. Admission is only $5 for adults, making it an affordable experience during your visit. You can learn how nutcrackers are made and then visit the gift shop to get a nutcracker of your very own.
Dallas, Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, including Christmas. Dallas is the biggest city of them all, also known as the Christmas Capitol of Texas. This city is perfect for those looking to escape the cold and snow while enjoying holiday activities.
Start by seeing one of the town’s multiple holiday parades or Christmas markets. At night, tour Christmas lights in local neighborhoods, the zoo, or City Hall Plaza. You can also see the Dallas Symphony Orchestra holiday concert, which anyone of any age can enjoy.
Must See: Holiday at the Arbouretum
During Christmastime, the Dallas Arboretum transforms into a holiday wonderland. Stroll through the 12 Days of Christmas gazebos, then visit the holiday market or the Christmas display at the DeGolyer house. Nightly performances provide live entertainment while you enjoy the 500,000 lights on display, which makes great Instagram photos.
Newport Beach, California
Not in the mood for a snowy Hallmark holiday? Head to Newport Beach, California. While Christmas decor is everywhere, it has more of a California twist. It’s the perfect place for those who don’t want a different vibe for the holiday this year.
Start your visit by seeing the iconic Christmas boat parade, where boat owners deck their boats in Christmas lights and sail through the harbor. Hit Fashion Island for your Christmas shopping and finish the day with a holiday high tea. In the evening, enjoy the Christmas lights at the Breakers.
Must See: Nights of 1,000 Lights
Sherman Library & Gardens hosts an enormous Christmas light display each year. This year, they’re celebrating their 10th anniversary with the best displays from the last ten years. It’s a bit pricey, but there’s plenty to do besides the lights to make up for it, including seeing Santa and visiting the boogie bonza in the Tea Garden.
If you plan to travel during the holiday, now is the time to start planning. Christmas is a wonderful time to travel, offering plenty to see and do, so don’t miss this fantastic opportunity.
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