The 35 Best Places to Spend Christmas in the U.S.A.
There's plenty of holiday cheer to go around at these travel spots, including NYC and Christmas Town USA.
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Christmas is a time to make lifelong memories. Spending the holidays at home with loved ones is always a good idea, but taking a trip might be even more memorable. So, why not give yourself the gift of an unforgettable experience by exploring the holidays outside of your hometown? Sure, your neighborhood is likely teeming with lively Christmas decorations and festive events, but you’ve been there and done that. Step outside of your comfort zone and treat yourself to new sights and sounds to relish the joy of the season.
Not sure where to go? We’ve done the research and rounded up some of the best places to spend Christmas. From charming small towns to vibrant big cities and coastal gems, these domestic destinations are sure to delight and deliver the ultimate holiday cheer. We’ve also included fun theme parks that go all out for thrill seekers who thrive on adrenaline during the most wonderful time of year. If you’re a movie buff and want to set-jet, you’re also in luck. You can even stop by famous places from your favorite Christmas movies, like the house from Home Alone or The Christmas Story.
Whether you plan to spend the holidays solo or with friends and family in tow, these top spots make the perfect getaway with friends or family. So, pack your bags, grab your gifts, and get ready to experience Christmas like never before.
Healdsburg, California
If you want to soak up the sun for the holidays, head to Healdsburg. Located in Sonoma County, this charming small town plans to transform into a wine-country winter wonderland.
For the first time, the city will host A Season to Sparkle event where the streets will be lined with dazzling light displays, tree-lighting ceremonies, holiday markets, and of course, festive cocktails to celebrate the season.
Hungry visitors can stop by Barndiva, a Michelin-star restaurant, for farm-to-table fare that’s sure to satisfy a variety of taste buds.
Greenville, SC
Want to star in your own version of a Hallmark Christmas movie? Book a trip to Greenville to experience peak Christmas hype. From tree-lined sidewalks spruced up with twinkle lights to a Rockefeller Center ice skating rink replica, the city is overflowing with festive activities and holiday-inspired events.
Plus, local chefs and home cooks will compete in the 3rd annual Greenville Gingerbread Exhibit, which will be on display for the public.
Also, be sure to pop into Poppington's for their famous Grinch-inspired green popcorn for a sweet treat.
Macon, Georgia
With more than a million lights spanning five city blocks, this southern city's downtown is a festive feast for the eyes. Plus, kids of all ages can meet Santa Claus and play in "snow" during Macon's Holiday Light Show Extravaganza.
Thanks to the free nightly performances by the Macon Pops, visitors can also get a sampling of the city's soulful sounds.
Washington, D.C.
Experience Christmas in our country's capital for an unforgettable holiday. For starters, you'll get an up-close-and-personal look at the National Tree in all its glory. You can also marvel at all the other iconic landmarks and monuments lit up to celebrate the season.
After taking in the sights, get your cultural fix by visiting one of the several Smithsonian Museums along the National Mall. Also, if you've always wanted to belt it out with Mariah Carey, you can finally get your chance. The Queen of Christmas is performing at the Capital One Arena on December 1st.
Woodstock, Vermont
Looking for that quintessential New England holiday charm? You'll feel like you stepped into a Hallmark Christmas card in the historic charming town of Woodstock, which annually hosts an iconic holiday celebration called Wassail Weekend (think carriage rides, twinkling lights, decorated homes and more!).
New York City, New York
Is there anything more iconic than Christmastime in New York? You'll of course want to take in the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza (where you can also ice skate!), before marveling at the gorgeous Christmas window store displays along Fifth Avenue. Don't forget to catch The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular show!
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Vail, Colorado
For the ultimate winter getaway, head to the ski town of Vail, Colorado. You can spend the perfect snowy Christmas season at the ski slopes before strolling the idyllic winter wonderland of Vail Village. There, you can visit the Kris Kringle Market and witness the big tree lighting ceremony.
Seneca Falls, New York
If your favorite Christmas movie is It's A Wonderful Life, you need to visit Seneca Falls — the town believed to have been the real-life inspiration for the film’s fictional town of Bedford Falls. Each December, Seneca Falls holds a festival to celebrate the Christmas classic, complete with a movie screening, a meet-and-greet event with the cast, a parade and more.
North Pole, Alaska
Every kid has dreamt of visiting Santa Claus at the North Pole — and as it turns out, you actually can! This quaint Alaskan town is home to the “Santa Claus House,” where you can also stroll down Santa Claus Lane, see live reindeer, and marvel at the world’s largest Santa statue. What could be a better way to celebrate Christmas?
Hershey, Pennsylvania
What better way is there to celebrate Christmas than with tons of chocolate? The whole family will love spending the holidays at Hersheypark's Christmas Candylane, where you can enjoy holiday rides, visit Santa (and his reindeer!) and take in more than five million lights decorating the fun-filled chocolate theme park.
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Oahu, Hawaii
Forget winter wonderlands — if you’d rather go somewhere warm and sunny this year, a tropical Hawaiian Christmas is exactly what you might need. You’ll find plenty of holiday cheer (without the cold!) in the island of Oahu, especially aboard the Waikiki Holiday Lights Trolley tour and the annual Honolulu City Lights event.
McAdenville, North Carolina
McAdenville is known as "Christmas Town USA" — which, of course, makes it the perfect holiday season destination. Every winter, the small town transforms into a twinkling wonderland adorned with thousands of lights and Christmas decorations, drawing thousands of visitors every year.
New Orleans, Louisiana
You may first think of Mardi Gras when you think of New Orleans, but the Crescent City also pulls out all the stops during the holidays, too. After enjoying the city's dazzling light displays and bonfires, be sure to check out Celebration in the Oaks, which is said to be one of the most spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country.
Taos, New Mexico
For those seeking a one-of-a-kind holiday experience, a must-go location is Taos, which offers a unique New Mexican spin on holiday traditions every year. The ski town celebrates the season with its annual Yuletide in Taos, which features holiday markets, bonfires and other ultra-festive events.
Branson, Missouri
There are light displays galore, as well as the massive event called An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City. But perhaps our favorite Branson holiday activity is hopping on the Polar Express, where you and your kids can witness the Chris Van Allsburg classic come to life.
Jackson, New Hampshire
Around the holidays, there's no more apropos destination spot than the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa. After enjoying skiing and plenty of other outdoor activities, be sure to hop aboard a sleigh ride for the festive Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour, where you can taste test handmade chocolate while enjoying the sights.
Chicago, Illinois
There's nothing like winter in The Windy City, which celebrates the holidays with much cheer. From the Christkindltmarket to ice skating at Maggie Daley Park and a Christmas tree exhibition, there are plenty of holiday activities to enjoy.
Plus, be sure to take a quick trip to Winnetka (20 miles north of Chicago) to get a glimpse of the exterior of the house where Kevin McCallister caused so much mischief in the classic holiday movie, Home Alone.
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RELATED: Fun Facts About Home Alone
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth likens itself to a "swirling snow globe," and you'll definitely see why when you browse through photos of the Leavenworth Village of Lights. The Bavarian-style town has an annual tradition of hanging up beautiful Christmas lights downtown, and you'll be able to take it all in this year (though there won't be a big reveal at an official lighting festival as usual).
Cleveland, Ohio
You might recognize this home from the beloved Christmas movie A Christmas Story. Ralphie's iconic house has been restored as a museum, and now you can go inside and even stay the night. And yes, leg lamps are available for purchase (but remember, they're very fragile).
Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.
Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with more than two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Travel + Leisure, Tripadvisor, People, Parade and more. Her coverage includes travel, lifestyle, entertainment and wellness content. When she's not exploring the world with her family, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.
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