20 Best Christmas Vacation Spots (USA Edition)

Where is the best place to spend Christmas in the USA?

We have so many choices for great locations to celebrate Christmas in the United States. From sandy beaches and palm trees to exciting big city destinations with elaborate Christmas light displays and huge entertainment events.

Do you want to enjoy Christmas on a beach, or would you rather go skiing at Christmas?

Celebrating the holidays in the mountains is especially memorable with a winter wonderland for skiing, snowshoeing, perfecting your snow angel skills, or simply enjoying the view.

In this post I’m sharing 20 Christmas vacation spots in the USA to help you find the perfect place for the winter holidays.

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Now is the time to plan for next winter holiday season. Whether it’s a Christmas ski vacation or Christmas in the tropics snorkeling and diving.

Remember that some of these locations book up a year in advance, so once you decide on a location check hotel prices and availability. You can often book in advance without paying a deposit for your hotel room, so if you must cancel later, no worries.

You May Also Like: 12 Epic Weekend Getaways East Coast USA

Beach Vacation

For those who prefer Christmas without the snow but with beautiful sandy beaches there are lots of options for sun and sand in December.

East coast, west coast, third coast, and the Pacific Islands give you a variety of US destinations for Christmas at the beach.

You don’t have to travel far to find some of the best beach vacation spots in the world.

Hawaii, Florida, California, and Texas beaches await you.

St Augustine Florida

The perfect beach vacation combined with numerous historical sites make St Augustine a delightful Florida winter vacation spot.

Did you know St Augustine is the oldest city in the United States? And there is an amazing historical fort made from local coquina stone, the Castillo de San Marcos is a must-see in St Augustine.

Plus, enjoy several beautiful beaches near St Augustine for beach walks, fishing, or surfing.

Find hotels in St Augustine now

Key West Florida

The Florida Keys make an excellent choice for a Christmas vacation with exceptional diving, snorkeling, and fishing options.

Take the Holly Jolly Holiday Lights Tour and watch the holiday parades in sunny Key West. Explore all the best things to do in Key West.

Hang out in the same watering holes where Ernest Hemingway used to spend time. And visit the Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West.

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Hawaii

If your idea of the perfect Christmas doesn’t include snow but rather a tropical paradise with gorgeous beaches, then Hawaii is your happy place.

From snorkeling and diving, to surfing and seaside walks Hawaii is spectacular for outdoor activities and sunshine. Maui and Oahu are two of the most popular destinations in Hawaii.

Explore incredible hiking trails in Hawaii and visit Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park for epic adventures in the Aloha State.

Besides outdoor sports you will want to take in scenic drives such as Road to Hana, Chain of Craters Road, and Waimea Canyon Drive to name a few.

Find hotels in Maui or find hotels in Oahu

***While Lahaina is recovering from devastating wildfires of August 2023 visitors should stay away from the area but the remainder of West Maui, Southern and Eastern Maui regions are open for tourism. Check Maui Travel Updates for more info***

Texas Beach Towns

In Texas you can choose from several small towns with beaches. Close to Houston you can easily drive to Surfside Beach or Galveston Beach.

Or take a Texas road trip along the Gulf coast to Rockport, Port Aransas, and South Padre Island.

If you have an RV you can camp on the beach in Port Aransas or Padre Island National Seashore.

Find hotels around Mustang Island Texas

Carpinteria California and Santa Claus Beach

How about a California Christmas? In Carpinteria (near Santa Barbara) you have several beaches close by, one is even called Santa Claus Beach. How perfect is that?!

Plus, you’ll have a half dozen more beaches around Carpinteria to enjoy beachcombing and sunset beach walks.

It’s a great location for exploring central California. You can easily take day trips to Hearst Castle or take a wine tasting tour in Solvang.

You’ll find lots of great things to do in Carpinteria. Enjoy nature at the Harbor Seal Rookery, explore the tide pools, and observe thousands of Monarch butterflies as they over winter in nearby Goleta.

Find hotels in Carpinteria California

Big City Vacation

Big city lights and endless choices for music, food, and entertainment await you in these awesome cities for a Christmas vacation.

One big plus for taking a big city vacation at Christmas is that you can fly direct to your destination. You don’t even need to rent a car since you can get around using ride shares or taxis.

Lots of cities offer cool tours to take, including food tours, ghost tours, and historical tours. It’s a great way to meet people and have fun.

Las Vegas

If you want to experience Christmas in a big city with over the top displays, then Las Vegas is a great choice.

And don’t worry if you are not into casinos, there’s lots of things to do in Vegas besides gambling. Get outdoors and explore the spectacular red rocks near Las Vegas.

A favorite experience in Vegas is the Bellagio Fountain and it’s extra special during the Christmas season.

Book a hotel in Vegas

New York

New York City is always fun to visit but Christmas in the Big Apple is even more special.

There are Christmas light displays all over The City That Never Sleeps. Be sure to shop the Union Square Holiday Market and visit the Winter Village at Bryant Park.

You can go ice skating at Central Park and enjoy the festive decorations and displays around the park.

For something Christmassy and very NYC take in the Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular Show.

You’ll also want to go see the sparkling Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree adorned with over 50,000 lights.

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San Francisco

Head to the left coast for Christmas on the bay in San Francisco.

Watch the San Francisco Ballet perform the Nutcracker on Christmas Eve. Visit San Francisco City Hall for their fabulous Christmas lights.

And you’ll not want to miss the glittering Ghirardelli Square Christmas display with a huge Christmas tree and holiday lights galore.

The Fairmont San Francisco wows with their giant Gingerbread House in the lobby of the hotel.

And with sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Japanese Tea Garden you’ll find lots of cool attractions and things to do in San Francisco.

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Washington DC

The nation’s capital is even more beautiful with a fresh dusting of snow. Washington DC puts on spectacular holiday light displays.

Check out the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens light display. The Winter Walk of Lights takes place from 5 to 10 pm daily during holiday season.

For a jolly good time visit Washington DC holiday markets, fun and festive with a variety of crafts and holiday foods.

Visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, it’s open 365 days a year and you can buy your tickets online.

Find hotels in Washington DC

Austin Texas

Have yourself a Texas style Christmas vacation in the Live Music Capital of the World and stay in a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel in Austin.

Austin offers lots of fun any time of year, but Christmas is extra special with the elaborate light displays and cool art markets during the holiday season.

Take in the Trail of Lights or enjoy the festive displays in downtown Austin.

Then put on your dancing boots and enjoy live music in a variety of genres from hip hop to punk rock, festive to folksy, and everything in between.

The Continental Club, Broken Spoke, and ACL Live are some of the top venues for live music in Austin.

Find hotels in Austin Texas

Small Town Vacation

There’s something magical about Christmas in small cities and towns.

It’s more relaxing and some of the light displays are outstanding and truly creative.

Charming small towns await for a low-key and chill but memorable Christmas vacation without the big city crowds.

Marfa Texas

Another Texas option for your winter holiday is the groovy town of Marfa in far west Texas.

Visit the amazing Big Bend National Park for superb hiking and viewing the Milky Way. Or make it a star party at the McDonald Observatory in nearby Fort Davis.

Check out the Marfa Lights and all the cool things to do in Marfa for a casual Christmas in the high desert of west Texas.

Find hotels in Marfa TX

Blue Ridge Georgia

Fancy a train ride with Santa and Mrs Claus? You can do that in Blue Ridge Georgia.

Take a ride on the Santa Express Blue Ridge Scenic Railway for special holiday train ride.

Visit the Gingerbread Village for creative decorating and holiday fun.

Rent a hotel room or cabin in Blue Ridge Georgia for a Christmas getaway without the crowds.

New Orleans Louisiana

The city that knows how to party all year round is a great choice for a Cajun and Creole style Christmas vacation.

NOLA ChristmasFest is an indoor holiday extravaganza with ice skating, holiday markets, rides, and of course Santa Claus will pay a visit for the kids.

Over 100,000 lights go into the Waldorf Wonderland at The Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans. Take your kids to a Teddy Bear Tea and enjoy Christmas brunch with live music at the Roosevelt. Book a room at The Roosevelt now.

Join along with the carolers in Jackson Square.

And of course, you know you’ll want beignets and coffee at the Café du Monde in the French Market.

Find a hotel in New Orleans

Prescott Arizona

Historical Prescott Arizona at 5,367 ft (1636 m) elevation makes it possible to have a lovely dusting of snow for Christmas in Arizona but without super cold weather.

Enjoy strolling in downtown Prescott and the festive lights at Courthouse Square and you’ll see why Prescott is Arizona’s Christmas City.

And there’s always something fun to do in Prescott with awesome hiking trails and several beautiful lakes nearby.

Book your Prescott hotel at the historic Hassayampa Inn or Sheldon Street Lodge for the perfect location in Prescott.

Find other hotels in Prescott

Fredericksburg Texas

How about spending Christmas in Texas Hill Country and the relaxing pace of Fredericksburg, a town named after a Prussian prince.

During Weihnachtszeit (Christmas time) the town square known as Marktplatz features outdoor ice skating.

Also, at at Marktplatz enjoy the Christmas Nights of Lights with carolers and a 10-minute audio presentation, featuring the story of the town’s German heritage.

It you are in town the week before Christmas attend the Luckenbach Christmas Ball on the 3^rd Saturday of December.

Shop Main Street Fredericksburg for a boutique shopping experience with one-of-a-kind specialty shops.

Of course, you’ll want to sample the local wine and cuisine of Texas Hill Country which is home to many wineries.

Pick a nice sunny day and hike up the giant granite boulder known as Enchanted Rock.

Find a hotel in Fredericksburg TX

Mountain Vacation

For Christmas in a winter wonderland of snow covered beauty you’ll find your bliss at these picturesque mountain vacation destinations.

Montana

Although most popular during summer, Glacier National Park is still open during the winter months. And December is the perfect time of year to avoid the crowds.

Stay at a chalet in the Glacier Outdoor Center conveniently located near the entrance to West Glacier.

Go hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing in the glorious Rocky Mountains. Read my guide about what to wear for snowshoeing and winter hiking.

Find hotels near West Glacier

Jackson Hole Wyoming

Jackson Hole Wyoming is the gateway to two exceptional national parks in Wyoming. Yellowstone and Grand Teton are super popular in summer months, but they’re equally beautiful in winter.

And way less crowded.

Plus, you can enjoy outdoor activities that aren’t available in summer, like sleigh rides and snowmobiling. Or go cross-country skiing with a backdrop of breathtaking beauty.

Christmas at Jackson Hole is spectacular.

A lot of the hotels in Jackson Hole feature hot tubs and swimming pools.

Find a hotel in Jackson WY now

Utah

With five national parks to explore and world class ski resorts such as Deer Valley and Park City Mountain, Utah is an outdoor lover’s dream destination.

Enjoy Christmas in Utah with excellent skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and hiking.

Other outdoor adventure possibilities include fat-tire snow biking, winter horseback riding, and maybe even some ice fishing.

Check out the hoodoos at beautiful Bryce Canyon National Park or explore the amazing red sandstone formations at Arches National Park.

What’s it like to live in a snow globe? Utah is the answer :)

Find hotels in Park City and other Utah hotels

Colorado

Celebrate Christmas with a great selection of ski resorts in Colorado.

If you’re looking for a luxury experience, then Aspen or Beaver Creek will provide the goods.

For family fun on the slopes consider choosing Copper Mountain Resort, Keystone, Winter Park, or Steamboat Springs.

On the other hand, if you’re visiting Colorado on a budget check out Loveland Ski Area, Sunlight Mountain Resort, or Purgatory Resort in Durango.

Looking for fewer people around while skiing the slopes? Christmas day is often less crowded.

Do you want to get vertical? You’ll need to head over to Silverton Mountain Ski Area for the highest and steepest ski slopes in the state.

Breckenridge, Colorado Springs, and Telluride are other fan favorites for Christmas vacation in Colorado. And skiing the Rockies of Colorado is one of the great destinations for spring break too.

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Taos New Mexico

Escape big city madness and ski the slopes in Taos New Mexico for a delightful Christmas in the Southwest. Only 70 miles from Santa Fe, Taos is known for it’s ski resort and historic Taos Pueblo.

If skiing and winter sports is on your Christmas vacation to-do list, then Taos is a great choice. Afterwards relax at one of the hot springs and spas in Taos.

Find hotels in Taos Ski Valley hotels

Wherever you choose to spend your Christmas vacation in the USA I hope it brings you joy.

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