10 Best Places to Visit in December in USA

December in the USA offers something for every traveler – from festive snowy wonderlands to warm beach getaways. best places to visit in december in usa. Whether you crave holiday lights and cheer or winter sports, the country has it all. This guide shares the 10 best places to visit in December in USA, including family-friendly spots, ski resorts, and warm escapes. Each destination below is chosen for its unique December attractions, weather, and events, so you can find the perfect holiday getaway best places to visit in December in USA

1. Honolulu, Hawaiʻi

Hawaii is one of the best warm places to visit in the USA in December. In Honolulu, you’ll enjoy tropical weather (average high ~26°C) and festive aloha spirit. The city hosts the annual Honolulu City Lights display – Honolulu’s City Hall is decorated with a 6.4-meter Santa and thousands of lights. Waikīkī Beach remains warm and sunny, perfect for surfing or lounging. Don’t miss holiday events like Christmas lantern lighting and parades on Oʻahu for best places to visit in December in USA

• Top attractions: Waikīkī Beach (surfing, sunsets), Honolulu City Lights festival (giant Santa, lighted parade), Pearl Harbor historic sites.
• Highlights: Warm (mid-20s°C) weather, tropical scenery, Hawaiian holiday cultural events.
• Insider tip: Hike Diamond Head at dawn or go whale-watching off Māhia Whale Sanctuary (gray whales migrate through Hawaii in December) best places to visit in December in USA

2. Phoenix–Scottsdale, Arizona

December in Phoenix is dry and mild, with daytime highs around 20°C, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Desert landscapes, cacti forests, and 200+ golf courses invite hiking, biking, and golf. City parks and zoos also light up: the Phoenix ZooLights features 3D animal sculptures and rides best places to visit in December in USA Nearby Scottsdale hosts arts festivals and holiday markets under swaying palms.

• Top attractions: Desert Botanical Garden’s holiday light show, Camel rides in the desert, hiking at Camelback Mountain or Papago Park.
• Family fun: Ice skating rink at Downtown Phoenix’s CityScape, Glendale Glitters festival (holiday lights, music, food).
• Weather: Little rain in December, pack a light jacket for evenings (overnight lows ~5°C).

3. Orlando, Florida

Orlando is a holiday playground, famous for its theme parks decked out in Christmas lights and parades. Average December temps hover in the low 20s°C, perfect for outdoor fun. Walt Disney World and Universal Studios host elaborate holiday events: Disney’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, Cinderella’s Castle with icicle lights, and Universal’s Grinchmas shows. The Legoland Florida park builds a giant LEGO Christmas tree and life-size Santa best places to visit in December in USA

• Top attractions: Walt Disney World (Magic Kingdom holiday fireworks, Epcot’s Candlelight Processional), Universal Orlando (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with holiday décor), SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration.
• Highlights: Theme park parades and shows, special holiday menus (pumpkin spice and peppermint everything!), and comfortable warm days.
• Travel tip: Book park tickets and hotel early – December is busy, but crowds are manageable on weekdays best places to visit in December in USA

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans sparkles in December with festive lights and milder weather (average ~18°C). The city’s Celebration in the Oaks lights up City Park with 2 million LED lights through January. The historic Roosevelt Hotel boasts 50 Christmas trees and thousands of lights, creating a photo-worthy display. Stroll the French Quarter and Garden District to see decked-out balconies and take festive carriage rides best places to visit in December in USA

• Top attractions: Celebration in the Oaks (City Park light show), Lafayette Square’s illuminated art pieces, holiday concerts at St. Louis Cathedral.
• Culinary treats: Beignets with peppermint cocoa, pralines, and southern-style holiday meals (turkey with pecan pie).
• Warm weather: Enjoy mild, dry days. December avoids the summer crowds and humidity, so exploring is easy best places to visit in December in USA

5. New York City, New York

New York City truly comes alive in December. Bundled against the cold, visitors flock to Midtown for Rockefeller Center’s giant Christmas tree and ice rink. Window displays along Fifth Avenue and Radio City’s The Rockettes show add to the holiday magic. Holiday markets pop up (Bryant Park Winter Village) for gift shopping and hot chocolate. New Year’s Eve in Times Square is world-famous, with the crystal ball drop at midnight best places to visit in December in USA

• Top attractions: Rockefeller tree lighting, ice skating in Central Park, festive Broadway shows, holiday train show at NY Botanical Garden best places to visit in December in USA
• Highlights: World-class shopping and dining, all dressed up for the holidays. Even if it snows (be prepared), NYC’s landmarks and museums offer cozy escapes indoors.
• Visit note: Plan extra travel time for possible winter weather. Book Central Park ice-skating or tree-lighting events in advance.

6. Breckenridge, Colorado

For skiing and snowy mountain scenery, Breckenridge is unbeatable in December. The town turns into a winter paradise – ski season is underway and Victorian streets are decked out for Christmas. Visitors can ski or snowboard on nearly 3,000 acres of slopes, or take lessons on gentle runs. Quaint Main Street is lined with festive lights and boutique shops (try hot chocolate at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory). Breckenridge even hosts a town tree lighting and holiday parades best places to visit in December in USA

• Top attractions: Breckenridge Ski Resort (alpine skiing, snowboarding), Alpine Slide summer tubs (on snow!), sleigh rides and snowshoeing.
• Local charm: Historic gold mining museum, snow-covered ski lifts, rustic lodges with fireplaces.
• Tip: Book lift tickets and lodging early. Many ski resorts offer discounted packages in December.

7. Stowe, Vermont

If you dream of a classic snowy Christmas, Stowe is one of the best places in the USA to visit in December. This charming Vermont town often gets heavy snow, creating a postcard-perfect scene of covered pines and lit cottages. Visitors cozy up in inns with fireplaces and enjoy winter activities: downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and even dog-sledding adventures. The town square hosts holiday tree lightings and parades that feel straight out of a storybook best places to visit in December in USA

• Top attractions: Stowe Mountain Resort (ski trails, tubing, scenic gondola rides), historic Trapp Family Lodge (cross-country skiing).
• Romance & relaxation: Warm up with Vermont craft beers, maple lattes, and local cheeses. Charming B&Bs often include hearty farmhouse breakfasts best places to visit in December in USA
• Scenic highlights: Forest valleys blanketed in snow, rustic covered bridges, and the iconic view of Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak) on crisp mornings best places to visit in December in USA

8. Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth, Washington is a Bavarian-style village that hosts a world-famous Christmas Lighting Festival. In December it feels like stepping into a holiday postcard: snow-covered pine peaks and the town aglow with over half a million lights. Carolers, sleigh rides, and a Village of Lights festival (with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus) make it magical for all ages. Leavenworth’s Nutcracker Museum and German-inspired restaurants add to the festive charm.

• Top attractions: Christmastown USA (light displays, live shows), Leavenworth Winter Sports Club (snowshoeing, tubing), gingerbread-house contests best places to visit in December in USA
• Festive vibe: Every building is decorated, and local markets sell European treats (bratwurst, mulled wine, gingerbread).
• Travel tip: Fly into Seattle and drive ~2.5 hours; bring warm boots. Leavenworth fills up in December, so book early.

9. San Diego, California

Even in December, San Diego offers mild weather and holiday fun. Average daytime highs stay around 18–20°C (65–70°F), so you can enjoy beaches without snow. The beachfront Hotel del Coronado hosts “Skating by the Sea” – an ice rink with ocean views and holiday light shows on the sand. Balboa Park’s December Nights (in early Dec) is a huge free event with lights, music and food. SeaWorld San Diego lights up the bay with its Christmas Celebration.

• Top attractions: Coronado Beach (romantic sunset walks), San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells (nighttime lights and show), Old Town Mexican Holiday (old-fashioned luminarias).
• Holiday highlights: Balboa Park lights up with festive decorations; Seaport Village has the “Santa Train”.
• Beach bonus: Catch the Surfing Santas event or just relax on sandy beaches – crowds are light and sunsets stunning.

10. San Antonio, Texas

“Everything’s bigger in Texas” – and that includes holiday celebrations. In San Antonio, the famous River Walk and Main Plaza shine with millions of twinkling lights and thousands of glowing luminarias (candles in paper bags) along the river. Each early December, the Ford Holiday River Parade kicks off the season with floats and cowboy Santa. The weather is cool-to-mild, so it’s comfortable to dine outdoors and cruise the river in a barge decked out in lights.

• Top attractions: San Antonio River Walk (holiday boat parade, lit bridges, festive decor), El Mercado Christmas Village (holiday shopping, folkloric dancing).
• Family fun: Visit SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration (ice shows, snow park), or Six Flags Fiesta Texas Holiday in the Park (million lights, ride in Christmas themes).
• Cultural note: Tex-Mex restaurants serve up warm tamales and hot cider. Don’t miss the historic King William Parade (home neighborhood light tour) in early December.

Conclusion: From tropical islands to snowcapped mountains, the USA’s December travel options are diverse and magical. The best places to visit in December in USA offer festive events, seasonal cuisine, and the chance to either escape the cold or embrace it. Whether you’re planning a warm winter getaway in Honolulu or Orlando, or a holiday ski trip to Colorado or Vermont, now is the time to book flights and hotels for the season. These top 10 destinations combine holiday charm with attractions and weather that make December travel unforgettable. Happy holidays and safe travels!

FAQs

Q: What is the warmest place to visit in the USA in December?
A: Hawaii (especially Honolulu, Oʻahu) is one of the warmest December destinations in the U.S. – average highs are about 26°C. Other warm spots include Florida (Miami, Orlando) and the Southwest (Phoenix ~19°C, San Antonio ~18°C). These places offer sunshine and outdoor holiday events without winter coats.

Q: Where can I ski or experience snow in the U.S. in December?
A: Colorado (Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen) and Utah (Park City) have excellent ski resorts open in December. In the East, Vermont’s Stowe and New Hampshire’s White Mountains offer classic snowy scenes and ski facilities. These destinations host holiday festivals and have miles of ski runs and winter activities (snowboarding, snowshoeing).

Q: Which U.S. cities are best for Christmas lights and holiday festivals?
A: Leavenworth, Washington is famous for its Bavarian Christmas Lighting Festival (over 500,000 lights). New York City’s Rockefeller Center, Chicago’s Christkindlmarket, and NOLA’s Celebration in the Oaks (2 million lights) are also spectacular. San Antonio River Walk and Charleston, SC (holiday parades) light up for the season too.

Q: Are December airfares in the U.S. expensive?
A: Holiday travel can be pricey. A Google Flights report notes prices rarely drop before December, so it’s wise to book flights and hotels by mid-October. Planning early helps find better deals and availability at popular December destinations.