If you’ve been searching for a new place to visit this holiday season, then these destinations might be the perfect fit.
They are all gorgeous in their unique way and offer something different, whether winter or summertime.
Best US destinations for Christmas on the beach
No matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for, there’s a US Christmas getaway here for you! You can find the perfect spot that includes everything from family-friendly activities and lodging to accommodation options.
Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is the most populous island in Hawaii. It’s also home to some of the best beaches, including Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. The Dole pineapple plantation is a must-see attraction for any visitor to Hawai’i, as well as Haleiwa – one of the world’s favorite surfing villages with little shops and a fantastic lunch spot – Local Joe.
Oahu is also home to Pearl Harbor, which was the site of one of history’s most infamous battles in 1941.
Hawai’i has so much more than just beaches and surf. There are also volcanoes, rain forests, mountain ranges, and more than ten other Islands to explore in Hawai’i!
Oahu is the most populous island in Hawaii. It’s also the most accessible to visitors with a major international airport.
The North Shore of Oahu is a popular destination for tourists. This area has endless views of the coastal landscape and ocean waves, making it an ideal place to spend your time. You can follow the Kamehameha Highway from Honolulu to Haleiwa, which offers plenty of restaurants serving fish burgers along that route.
Key West, Florida
Key West is the southernmost point of the contiguous United States and has a Caribbean feel. It is also one of the best destinations for Christmas on the beach in Florida.
It is a beautiful destination for December. It has tons of holiday activities and events during this time period. The city also has a unique culture with its history, making it an exciting place to visit year-round.
Key West is famous for its coral reefs and spectacular underwater scenery. The city has a vibrant economy and hosts many events each year, such as the Key West International Film Festival and the Key West Literary Seminar.
Savannah, Georgia
The city of Savannah, Georgia, is ideal for an all-year-round Christmas holiday. The historic buildings and attractions are significant to explore during the wintertime.
The River Street Inn has four restaurants on-site which serve seasonal fare and are open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late evening service seven days per week. The trolley tour offers an option to see the architecture while learning about it. Afterward, you can have a gourmet meal at one of the fine-dining restaurants or relax with an elegant cocktail at one of the pubs located nearby.
Savannah, Georgia, is a perfect destination for anyone. It’s an extraordinary place to take a romantic getaway or exciting family vacation.
Miami, Florida
Miami is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas on the beach. Miami knows how to celebrate properly, and it’s a popular destination for travelers looking to enjoy Christmas.
Miami has a lot of things to do during the holiday season, like visiting Santa’s Enchanted Forest at Coral Gables Museum, The Winterfest Boat Parade, and Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Miami also has light displays for people looking for something more than just visiting Santa Claus or getting in line to see him.
Miami has many opportunities to see Christmas lights and decorations, like the Magic City Tree Lighting Festival at Discovery Green Park and Santa’s Village in Coconut Grove.
Bayfront Park is the most popular spot in Miami for its huge 50-foot tree and Holiday village to explore. It is also home to various restaurants, bars, and shops, perfect for visitors looking to spend their time on South Beach.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest comes in at number two with its three million lights and holiday displays.
The Luminosa Festival at Jungle Island is also an exciting spot with colorful lanterns and celebratory experiences.
The boat parade is a waterfront activity that locals love participating in during the holidays in Miami. This is where boats are decorated with lights and more before sailing down Biscayne Bay. One can expect decorations to be up through New Year’s Eve, which is another holiday this city goes wild for.
San Diego, California
San Diego is a beach town in California. It’s known for its warm climate and laid-back vibe, which makes it perfect for Christmas on the beach.
San Diego is famous for its Christmas tree trail that includes arbors of trees on the beach.
This city is perfect for a winter getaway. The San Diego Zoo, Jungle Bells roaming entertainers, and specialty treats at the zoo make this destination fun for children of all ages! Plus, Gray whales migrate down the coast in December, so you can whale watch or go fishing to catch them!
San Diego is often referred to as a “surfing and skiing hub” in California. The city celebrates “Surfin’ Santa” rather than Christmas carols at the start of the Christmas season because it wants to celebrate surfing and skiing instead of traditional holiday songs or traditions.
December Nights in Balboa Park provides people with an opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and enjoy some of San Diego’s famous attractions, such as the Torrey Pines Gliderport, which allows visitors to jump out of planes or rent a bike from one of many rental companies around.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is an excellent option for Christmas because it has beach weather year-round. Palm Springs is also close to many other fun attractions, such as golfing, hiking, and horseback riding.
In December, Palm Springs offers a variety of holiday-themed cabaret performances and illuminations at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Other events take place during this time, such as wine tasting tours.
While Palm Springs is a popular destination for its spas, it also offers other unique activities to the area. There are Christmas markets in some local hotels and resorts where you can shop around or enjoy food from different countries.
Palm Springs is a hidden gem during the Christmas holiday. The city hosts an annual festival of lights parade that draws thousands every year in December. This event is part of a celebration, and it’s quite the spectacle to watch on TV or attend live at night with millions of people watching from home while they sip their hot cocoa by candlelight!
Galveston, Texas
Galveston is a popular tourist destination in Texas. The Victorian architecture of Galveston, Texas, is the perfect destination for Christmas. The beach city is a great place to visit with your loved ones during the holidays, and it’s also a popular destination all year round.
It is a major coastal city with plenty of holiday activities. There are Santa photos, Christmas dinners, and more to enjoy during the holidays.
Many people have visited it, and there are many Christmas crafts for the kids to do before the big trip is underway! The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier spans over 1,500 feet and has a carousel that features 12 hand-carved animals from the 1800s and an old Ferris wheel.
Best cities for Christmas vacations in the USA
The holiday season is the perfect time to visit one of these gorgeous destinations for a Christmas Vacation. These cities are popular among those looking for a unique vacation and include small, cold-weather towns with festive festivals, big cities that offer beaches and sun, and quaint locations where everyone has been preparing all year long.
The best cities for Christmas vacations in the USA are few, but they have great weather and diverse activities. The current health situation has caused fewer people to visit these places because it’s now more challenging to get around without using cars.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts, is a great city to visit during the winter, as it has beautiful architecture and history.
It is a city that presents itself as an ideal place for travelers to visit during the holiday season, and it always has gorgeous views and events throughout December.
The Boston Common, Fanueil Hall, Quincy Market, the North End, and Back Bay are some of the best places to see Christmas lights. There are too many good neighborhoods in Boston to count.
New York, New York
New York City has a wide variety of Christmas activities. New York is home to the most iconic Christmas decorations in America, and it’s also one of the best cities for Christmas vacations.
In New York, there are many opportunities to enjoy the holiday season in different ways. The Bryant Park Holiday Market is an excellent place for shopping and window-shopping or catching up with friends on Christmas Day. There are also plenty of indoor rinks that vegans can visit throughout Manhattan and Central Park!
Although Rockefeller Center is the most famous Christmas Tree in NYC, you should also check out holiday windows at the big department stores like Saks, Macy’s, and Bergdorf Goodman. The Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn goes all out with their decorations.
The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular is one of the most popular holiday traditions in New York City. Tickets usually sell out quickly, so make sure to hurry to buy them!
The Holiday Train Show is just one example of a special event where the entire city comes together for holiday cheer during this time of year. There can be found miniature versions of NY at the NY Botanical Gardens.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is one of the most popular Christmas vacation destinations in the United States.
The city hosts an official tree lighting ceremony at Millenium Park, musical performances during the holiday season, and other events that create a festive atmosphere for Chicago residents and visitors alike.
Millennium Park is a short walk away from the German Christkindlmarket and Daley Plaza.
Lincoln Park Zoo and the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival are just two of the many great places to visit during this time. Chicago also hosts Winter Wonderfest, which takes place in December at Navy Pier and features activities such as ice skating, sledding on Lake Michigan, art workshops with local artists’ studios located throughout North Michigan Avenue’s Cultural District; holiday-themed tours through downtown led by guides dressed like elves or reindeer.
Chicago is a “metropolis of neighborhoods” that hosts numerous attractions for kids and families. Navy Pier, which has been in operation since 1916, offers an exhibition centered around holidays from all over the world. Being in Chicago at Christmas is magical; it’s unlike anywhere else!
City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is a beautiful city break that turns into a festive USA Christmas trip.
It’s known for its Christmas markets and ice skating rink, which are open during the holidays. The LOVE Park Christmas Market offers a variety of vendors selling unique gifts and crafts from around the world throughout December. This location is often less crowded than the City Hall festivities.
Santa Claus makes an appearance at the Macy’s store on Market Street. The third floor of Macy’s Department Store features a self-guided tour of animatronic scenes from Charles Dickens’ book, “A Christmas Carol.”
Longwood Gardens celebrates the art of horticulture by dazzling with lights and performances during the Christmas season. Hershey Park reopens for Christmas with rides and beautiful light displays.
The City of Philadelphia is a great place to visit for many reasons, especially during Christmas.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee also has many things to do during the winter that make it an attractive destination for a Christmas getaway. Milwaukee has access to tons of winter sports, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The city also has a range of activities and locations for residents to visit.
The Historic Third Ward is where ice bars are built during the winter season. On the other hand, Milwaukee Brewing Company has been around since 1838 and serves up delicious beers and a great atmosphere.
The Milwaukee Art Museum is one of the most popular attractions in the city, with over seven million visitors annually being drawn to its diverse collection of works from masters like Monet and Picasso to contemporary artists such as Gerhard Richter.
Milwaukee has many trendy stores, museums, and winter activities to choose from. The Historic Third Ward area has a lot of shopping opportunities for residents as well as tourists.
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish, Montana, is a town where people still carol in the streets at Christmas. It’s also a great place to visit during the summer because it has an abundance of outdoor activities and events that take place outside.
The Whitefish Christmas season officially begins on the first Friday in December with the “Whitefish Christmas Stroll.” Carolers are singing, bells are ringing, and chestnuts roasting on open fires.
Big Mountain offers a great place to learn how to ski in America and has an incredible learn-to-ski package on the cheap side. The city is known for its perfect skiing snow. Snow falls on the town during the Christmas season, creating more opportunities to enjoy winter sports with their family members or friends.
Whitefish, Montana, is a special place during the Christmas season. It has many things to do for every holiday, including skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.
Christmas vacation ideas for families
Whether you’re looking for a snowy landscape or something more tropical, there are plenty of places to go on a Christmas vacation.
What are the best places to go on a Christmas vacation?
Here are some of my picks for this Christmas season:
- Starting with a small town during the holiday season is a great way to find less hectic and more family-centric holidays. Places like Switzerland, New Zealand, or Ireland are beautiful all year round and make perfect Christmas vacation destinations.
- Santa Claus Town is an ideal Christmas vacation spot because of its many attractions. If you are looking for holiday fun and activities, this trip will provide the perfect activity-filled break from everyday life.
- If you’re looking for a low-cost vacation idea with family, Puerto Rico is a great option. The island has beautiful beaches suitable for any age, and the warm weather makes it a perfect year-round destination.
- Cozumel, Mexico, is an excellent place to visit, as it’s relatively cheap during the winter and around the Christmas season due to its proximity to Cancun International Airport, which makes it easy for travelers from all over North America. In addition, there are many activities available on-site that will keep everyone entertained, even if you don’t want to leave!
- The Caribbean islands are a popular destination for Christmas vacations. Except for hurricane season, these destinations will remain affordable all year round and deliver gorgeous scenery to families seeking an unforgettable holiday experience.
- Christmas vacation ideas for families often become challenging because of the limited time they have. If you are looking to visit beautiful scenery all year round, Panama City is a good option. This city has many things to do, and it’s also very close to other places like shopping centers near the modern town or resorts in this area.
- Skaneateles in New York and Lancaster in Pennsylvania are good options. Each city has its own unique experience, with Dutch Winter Wonderland being the highlight of both places.
Retreat to mountains
There are many beautiful places to visit during Christmas. Some of the top-rated destinations for vacationing around this time include skiing, warming your toes by a fireplace, and enjoying a good ol’ frosty Christmas.
If you want to escape the cold outdoors, some great mountain retreats offer activities long associated with this time of year such as Breckenridge, Aspen, Park City, and Jackson Hole.
Colorado’s towns are perfect for Christmas and offer many things like skiing, hiking, horseback riding in Vail or Aspen National Parks. Snowmobiling tours are also offered throughout the year at various locations across North America.
Christmas decorations in Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg is the perfect place to spend Christmas time. Families interested in seeing a rebuilt 18th-century American town for the goal of preserving history will love this tour, which includes the opportunity to explore how Christmas was celebrated in the past and how it is celebrated now.
At Colonial Williamsburg, history comes alive as you tour three separate museums, explore the African American Interpretation Center, and participate in various additional events and activities.
This excursion is perfect for children who have an interest in history and enjoy exploring new things. The entire city is regarded as the largest living history museum globally, so come prepared to study! While in Williamsburg, don’t miss Busch Gardens Christmas Town, which has holiday entertainment, one of the most extensive light displays in North America, and a Christmas train, among other attractions.
Colonial Williamsburg is the country’s most significant living history museum, and during the Christmas season, they go all out. Not only is the town’s historic center exquisitely decorated for Christmas, but there are also several special Christmas activities to add to your Colonial Williamsburg schedule.
Christmas festivities at Colonial Williamsburg include the Grand Illumination on the first Sunday in December, as well as a variety of special concerts, historical re-enactments, theatrical productions, and special guided tours.
Winter wonderland and city trip in Europe
When planning a trip to Europe, it is best to look for bustling cities with events during the winter season. The top holiday destinations in Northern Europe include Stockholm, Oslo, and Helsinki.
Cities such as Cologne, Bern, Hallstatt, Tallinn, and Prague are great destinations to visit in the wintertime. Great Christmas markets and parties abound in these cities.
Cologne in Germany has the most famous Chocolate Museum, and the city offers a lot of things to see and experience for travelers visiting the region during the winter months.
If you’re looking for a winter wonderland, then Prague is the perfect destination. In addition to its cultural offerings like the Charles Bridge or Old Town Square, it also has plenty of Christmas activities: festive shows and markets. The city’s history will impress anyone who visits as well.
Lapland in Finland is also known as Santa Claus Village because of its history with Father Christmas/Santa Claus. This location will be a great place to view the Northern Lights, and it’s an opportunity for them to hand-deliver their letter straight from the North Pole! The kids will love this winter wonderland!
Final thoughts
Even though locations mentioned in this article are fantastic to visit during Christmas, the most important thing is a good mood and good company. As long as you have those – you’ll have a great Christmas this year despite the economic crisis and pandemic!
