Christmas in the US is a holiday of joy, celebration, and diverse experiences. The snowy background to the festive lights and decorations provide cosy weather for sightseeing and fun activities in the high spirits of Christmas.
Planning your holiday travel is crucial to ensure you fully enjoy this magical season. This article explores the best places to go for a Christmas vacation in the USA. Let's dive in and start planning your perfect Christmas getaway.
Choosing the best places to go for a Christmas vacation in the USA
Before you choose a city for your Christmas holidays, consider these factors.
Budget: Creating a budget helps you narrow down your choices and plan your activities ahead of time. Your budget should include travel costs, accommodation, food, shopping, and the cost of activities. Remember that flight tickets generally cost more around the festive season. Hence, it might be better to book your tickets early.
Solo or group trip? Before choosing a travel destination, you must consider those you are travelling with. If you are travelling with friends or family, prioritise places with fun group activities. If you are travelling with children, your chosen city must have enough fun activities to engage the kids.
Choose a reliable payment solution: Plan against getting stranded by opting for a reliable payment platform like Grey. You can open an account for free within minutes and enjoy cross-border transactions.
Consider the weather: It is usually very cold around Christmas. Consider this as you choose a destination and pack your bags. You can opt for the warmer South if you won't do well outside with the cold.
Best places to go for a Christmas vacation in the USA
This is a list of seven of the best places to go for a Christmas vacation in the USA
1. New York City, New York
New York City (NYC) is an iconic destination during the holiday season, with dazzling lights and festive displays. While the city buzzes all year round, the Christmas season is special.
Places to visit and things to do
The Central Park: Attend the holiday lighting usually in the first week of December, watch live ice-carving, and ice-skating, tour the park sipping hot cocoa, hop on the carousel, visit the Central Park Zoo, Go sledding on Pilgrim Hill and Cedar Hill, play games at the Chess and Checkers House
The Columbus Circle Holiday Market: shop for amazing gift items and enjoy local food
The Rockefeller Centre: see the famous Christmas Tree, ice-skating at the rink
The Christkindlmarket: Chicago's Christmas Market is modelled after Germany's traditional markets. Shop for unique gifts, mulled wine, and the best holiday treats.
Millennium Park: Visit the park's rink for an unforgettable ice-skating experience.
Lincoln Park Zoo: attend Zoolights, take pictures with Santa, watch live ice carving
Lake Michigan
Chicago museums: Visit the Art Institute of Chicago and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
3. Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is easily Washiston's best Christmas town, with a Bavarian-themed style. The entire town is decorated with twinkling lights, trees, and ornamentals. There are usually a number of carols to enjoy, sleigh rides, and visits from Santa Claus. The town's festive spirit and charming shops make it a holiday favourite.
Places to visit and things to do
The Christmastown at the Festhalle: hosts exciting events like the gingerbread house competition display, Christmas storytime, free gift wrapping station and many more activities for adults and children.
The delightful Bavarian Walking Tour during Christmas features visits to the Greater Leavenworth Historical Museum while relishing handmade chocolates and hot cocoa or gluhwein (hot mulled wine).
Village of Light
The Gazebo: watch choir, band and carol performances
The Nutcracker Museum: Visit to see over 6,000 nutcrackers, some older than 500 years.
Mountain Springs Lodge: Sleigh rides
4. Charleston, South Carolina
If you are looking for a warmer Christmas vacation destination, then you are safe with Charleston and its Southern charm.
Places to visit and things to do
James Island County Park: The Holiday Festival of Light runs from November till 31st December.
The Edmondston-Alston House for Christmas on the Battery: Enjoy the musical performances and plays
Visit the beautifully decorated historic Homes and Cobblestone streets.
Look out for the holiday boat parade from Cooper River by the Office of Cultural Affairs.
5. Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is that destination for a luxurious winter vacation. The city's world-class skiing, cosy lodges, and festive atmosphere make it a dream choice. You get to enjoy the snowy mountain vistas, holiday markets, and events like the Aspen Santa's Village.
Places to visit and things to do
Skiing: At the Silver Circle Rink, which has festive lights and mountain views
Meeting Santa: At the Aspen Recreation Center, where kids can also enjoy storytime and holiday treats
Art workshops: Including cookie, ornament, and stocking decorating
Free hot chocolate: On the Cooper Street Mall
Live jazz: And après ski drink specials
Victorian carolling: And other family-friendly events
At the Silver Circle Rink, which has festive lights and mountain views
Meeting Santa: At the Aspen Recreation Center, where kids can also enjoy storytime and holiday treats
Art workshops: Including cookie, ornament, and stocking decorating
Free hot chocolate: On the Cooper Street Mall
Live jazz: And après ski drink specials
Victorian carolling: And other family-friendly events
6. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Where else do you expect a wholesome Christmas experience if not in Bethlehem? Aptly regarded as the "Christmas City", the city takes Christmas seriously. It was named Bethlehem on the Christmas Eve of 1741 and has always lived up to its name. The charm of Bethlehem lies in its blend of history, community spirit, and festive warmth.
Places to visit and things to do
Visit the two Christmas Markets - Christmas City Village and Chriskindlmarket attract shoppers from around the world.
Explore the historic Moravian district
The Lehigh Valley Zoo: see the animals and enjoy the city's stunning holiday lights and decorations.
7. Santa Fe, New Mexico
The festive period in Santa Fe is beyond beautiful lights and splendid decorations. It is also about the midnight mass at the Cathedral of Basilica of St Francis of Assisi and the Christmas exhibitions of the New Mexico Museum of Art. Christmas in Santa Fe offers a blend of Native American and Spanish traditions.
Places to visit and things to do
The Canyon Road Farolito Walk: This is a major highlight, during which thousands of paper lanterns (farolitos) light up the streets.
El Flamenco Cabaret: Experience the holiday flamenco shows
Skiing: Go skiing at nearby resorts like Taos Ski Valley and Ski Santa Fe.
New Mexico Museum of Art: See the Christmas exhibitions.
Winter Indian Market: You can explore and shop for gifts
When planning your Christmas vacation in the USA, consider the weather and the type of activities you and your family enjoy. Book your accommodations and tickets for popular events in advance to avoid disappointment. Also, consider using Grey for seamless multi-currency payments and stress-free financial management. With Grey, you can enjoy your holiday adventures without worrying about currency exchanges, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories. Sign up today — it's free.
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