14 Superb Locations To Go to In December In The USA

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Whether or not you’re in search of heat winter sunshine, snowy mountain adventures, or Christmas magic, there’s an ideal vacation spot ready ready for us! From my most superior vacation travels, listed below are my favourite spots I’d like to share with you…

1. Leavenworth, Washington 

Leavenworth in the winter

Leavenworth at Christmas

It was a very magical expertise staying on this picturesque Bavarian-style village throughout this mont! I discovered a complete city aglow with over half one million lights for its world-famous Christmas Lighting Competition.

December, January and February are the snowiest months of the yr and I liked that it had a comfortable snow-covered Bavarian village environment full with carolers, vacation treats, sleigh rides, and visits from Santa – making it really feel like I’d stepped right into a real-life vacation postcard – severely!

There have been snow-capped peaks, Christmas markets, and it was additionally a really busy month for occasions – my favourite was the domestically well-known family-friendly Village of Lights: Christmastown wright here even Santa and Mrs. Claus made appearances and there have been super-cute gingerbread home shows too and even scary wanting Krampus (from Austrian and German folklore). 

I flew into Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport, drover 2.5 hours and stayed for a magical lengthy weekend. That was sufficient to gaze on the dazzling gentle shows, go snowshoeing and tubing at Leavenworth Winter Sports activities Membership, sip mulled wine at Christkindlmarkt-style stalls, take a scenic sleigh experience by Icicle Valley and the quirkyNutcracker Museum

  • Customer’s heart deal with: 940 US Hwy 2 STE B, Leavenworth, WA 98826
  • Map Location
  • Common temperature – 1°C to -6°C

My favourite highlights…

  • Eating on a tasty vegan sizzling canine and sauerkraut on the cozy München Haus.

2. Avila Seashore, California

Avila Beach California December

Avila Beach California, USA

I used to be craving a dose of Vitamin D through the winter months so I headed to this small, picturesque coastal city – it really had some some of the warmest temperatures yow will discover in the entire of the nation throughout this month.

I found that it’s one of many warmest and sunniest microclimates on the Central California coast—even in December—due to its sheltered place in San Luis Obispo Bay and was hotter than close by coastal cities. I additionally stumbled throughout enjoyable occasions similar to the lovable Santa’s Doggie Parade.

I drove 4 hours on the Pacific Coast Freeway from Los Angeles and stayed for an extended weekend. I’ve to confess it wasn’t fairly heat sufficient to swim comfortably so as a substitute I relaxed on the seaside, watched the surfers, hiked the peaceable Bob Jones Path, took leisurely bike rides, soaked within the pure sizzling springs at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and hunted for distinctive seasonal presents at Avila Valley Barn all with a quieter, crowd-free model of California’s Central Coast with festive lights and vacation appeal! 

  • Location: San Luis Obispo Bay, 160 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
  • Map Location
  • Common temperature – 18°C

My highlights…

  • Staying in a set on the super-cute 4-star boutique inn Avila La Fonda Lodge, my room got here with a big sizzling tub and a microwave full with free truffle honey popcorn.
  • Going wine-tasting on the boutique Sinor-Lavallee Tasting Room – my spotlight was the velvety Pinot Noir Black Label! 

3. Durango, Colorado

Durango in the winter

Beautiful Durango in the snow

I took a singular December journey to this historic mountain city final yr and didn’t remorse my selection! I

found it had reworked right into a snowy alpine escape the place I went snowboarding and snowboarding on the close by Purgatory Resort, explored charming holiday-decorated downtown retailers, and loved cozy mountain-town vibes with a backdrop of Insta-worthy snowy landscapes!

I noticed the previous gold and silver mining city had actually come alive with seasonal occasions too such because the family-friendly Competition of Timber & Wreaths on the Durango Practice Museum, and the community-wide Noel Night time celebration which featured native buying and dwell music. 

I drove 6 hours from Denver and stayed for a brief break. I rode the magical Polar Categorical on the historic Durango & Silverton Slender Gauge Railroad, went snowboarding, stroll by the festive lights and retailers of downtown Durango, and went snowshoeing within the scenic San Juan Nationwide Forest.

  • Customer Middle Tackle: 802 Primary Ave, Durango, CO 81301
  • Map Location
  • Common temperatures – 5 to -10°C

My private highlights…

  • Gorging on tempeh tacos washed down with the citrusy Checkered Future IPA brew on the cool, music-inspired Ska Brewing Firm   

4. Waikiki, Hawaii

Waikiki Beach Hawaii

 Waikiki, Hawaii - best places to visit in December

Diamond Head State Monument
Diamond Head State Monument

I discovered that this well-known beachfront neighborhood in Honolulu made an superior sizzling December trip! I discovered the climate was heat and sunny climate, with a energetic however laid-back tropical environment the place I simply relaxed on pale golden sands, swam in calm turquoise waters, and revel in beachfront eating with views of Diamond Head.

Though I’ve to confess there have been a number of rainfalls however they had been transient they usually had been nonetheless very heat! I appreciated that once I visited through the earlier a part of the month there have been fewer crowds and I discovered some good offers on lodging too.

As nicely the world-class Vans Triple Crown of Browsing competitors on close by North Shore seashores there have been festive vacation occasions such because the Honolulu Metropolis Lights too!

I flew into Fly into Honolulu Worldwide Airport (HNL) and soaked up the cool vibes on Waikiki Seashore, went vacation buying alongside Kalakaua Avenue, watched world-class surfers at close by Banzai Pipeline.

  • Guests Middle Tackle: 159 Kaʻiulani Ave # 102, Honolulu, HI 96815
  • Map Location
  • Common temperature – 27°C to 29°C

My private highlights…

  • Going for a dip within the sizzling tub and sipping on tropical cocktails on the rooftop Na Lani Sky Lounge at Hokulani Waikiki.
  • Attending the fabulous Home With out A Key accompanied by a Halekulani Hula Present on the Halekulani Lodge.  

5. New York

New York Christmas

New York - best places to visit in December

I discovered that there was a certain magic once I visited New York Metropolis through the Christmas season, which started in November and actually stepped up a gear throughout this month.

I found that town had reworked right into a magical winter wonderland with festive lights and vacation window shows, iconic seasonal points of interest just like the Rockefeller Middle Christmas Tree and ice skating at Bryant Park, and a energetic vacation spirit.

I liked all of the seasonal reveals and occasions just like the Radio Metropolis Christmas Spectacular, Santaland at Macy’s,the vacation markets at Bryant Park and Union Sq., and the Hanukkah celebrations throughout town. 

I flew into JFK worldwide airport and stayed for a enjoyable 5 days. I checked out the festive window shows alongside Fifth Avenue, took a twirl on Rockefeller Middle Ice Rink, warmed up with a sizzling apple cider on the Winter Village at Bryant Park, went for a snow-dusted stroll in Central Park after which caught a efficiency on the well-known Nutcracker Ballet! 

  • Guests Middle Tackle: 810 Seventh Avenue, between 52nd & 53rd Streets, New York Metropolis, NY 10019. 
  • Map Location
  • Common December temperature – 4°C to 10°C

My favourite highlights…

6. Siesta Key, Florida

Siesta Key Florida - hot December vacations

Siesta Key, Florida winter vacation

I liked how this attractive barrier island off Florida’s Gulf Coast made a dreamy sizzling winter trip! I discovered that there it was the least humid month so it was extra comfy for out of doors actions than the recent, sticky summer season months but it surely was nonetheless heat and sunny so I obtained an incredible winter Vitamin D repair!

I went early December so it was nonetheless thought of low season and I discovered the powder-soft white sand seashores had been uncrowded, there have been some good offers on lodging, it was nonetheless heat sufficient to swim (nearly although I’ve to confess!) and there was a laid-back island vibe with festive vacation occasions and out of doors eating choices galore, however with out the winter chill!

I flew into Sarasota-Bradenton Worldwide Airport (SRQ) and spent a dreamy week kicking again on the award-winning white quartz sands of Siesta Seashore, watching festive boats gentle up the water within the Sarasota Vacation Boat Parade, exploring the charming Siesta Key Village, and having fun with out of doors eating, dwell music, and Insta-worthy sundown views over the Gulf! 

  • Vacationer Workplace Tackle: 5223 Avenida Navarra, Siesta Key, FL 34242
  • Map Location
  • Common temperature – 21°C to 24°C

My highlights…

7. Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg Virginia in the winter

Williamsburg Virginia in the winter

I discovered this ultra-charming historic gem of a metropolis made a magical pre-Christmas break throughout this month. I discovered that this postcard-pretty city had reworked right into a festive colonial wonderland with candlelit streets, historic reenactments, and seasonal occasions at Colonial Williamsburg. I liked the comfy, small-town appeal which was elevated by conventional decorations, caroling, and sizzling cider by the hearth.

I attended the unimaginable checklist of seasonal occasions together with Grand Illumination which had fairly fireworks and candlelit streets, Busch Gardens Christmas City which featured over 10 million lights and vacation reveals, the gorgeous Williamsburg Christmas Parade with illuminated floats, and the Yorktown Christmas Market the place I went seasonal buying and watched festive leisure!

I flew into Newport Information/Williamsburg Airport (PHF) and stayed for a photogenic 4 days. Other than all of the occasions I shopped for store seasonal treats on the Yorktown Christmas Market, went to the wreath-making workshops, and skilled a colonial-style Christmas dinner at a historic tavern, accompanied by candlelight and storytelling!

  • Vacationer Workplace Tackle: 421 N Boundary Road | Williamsburg, VA 23185
  • Map Location
  • Common temperature – 9°C to 13°C

My private highlights…

  • Occurring a enjoyable seasonal tavern crawl mixed with a spooky ghost tour! 

8. Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville

Gaylord Opryland Resort Christmas

Gaylord Opryland Resort

I used to be utterly wowed by this huge, upscale resort in Nashville once I stayed right here over Christmas final yr!

I discovered it had reworked right into a severely dazzling vacation vacation spot with over 3 million Christmas lights, indoor snow tubing, ice skating, whimsical grottos, themed occasions festive riverboat rides by adorned indoor gardens, and a extremely magical environment that mixed luxurious with family-friendly vacation cheer – all underneath an unlimited, climate-controlled glass atrium!

I flew into Nashville Worldwide Airport (BNA) and stayed for a beautiful week. In addition to exploring Nashville and its Nashville Christmas Parade, I explored the indoor gardens lit with thousands and thousands of lights, glided throughout the out of doors ice rink, marveled on the hand-carved ICE! sculptures, and loved festive reveals and eating – all a part of their well-known “A Nation Christmas” celebration!

  • Tackle: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
  • Map Location
  • Common temperature – 11°C

My highlights…

  • Experiencing a soothing stone therapeutic massage on the European-inspired Relâche Spa situated within the resort.
  • Discovering the dwell nation musics reveals within the Honky-Tonks situated alongside Broadway.

9. Aspen, Colorado

Aspen - places to visit in December

aspen colorado winter

I found that this upscale mountain city and ski resort was an incredible selection for a break throughout this month.

It had become a snow-covered alpine paradise with world-class snowboarding and snowboarding on 4 iconic mountains, I noticed fairly festive vacation lights illuminating downtown, an outstanding après-ski scenes on the stylish lodges and bars, luxurious buying and eating, and a magical winter environment framed by the snowy peaks of the Colorado Rockies!

Though I’ve to be sincere, staying this time of yr undoubtedly wasn’t a budget-friendly choice but it surely was luxurious deal with as a substitute! I additionally obtained to go to festive occasions such because the 12 Days of Aspen which had live shows and fireworks and the 74th annual Wintersköl™ celebration which got here with snow sculptures, a soup contest, and a torchlight parade!

I drove 3.5 hours by scenic mountain routes from Denver and stayed for a beautiful 4 days indulging within the winter sports activities in addition to sampling the well-known Après-Ski Tradition (Bootsy Bellows and The Little Nell had been my favorites!), explored the stylish boutiques and found the high-end restaurant scene!

  • Aspen Chamber Resort Affiliation Tackle: 425 Rio Grande Place 81611 Aspen
  • Map Location
  • Common temperature – 2°C to -12°C

My private highlights…

  • Having enjoyable tubing at Elk Camp on Snowmass.
  • Going for festive drinks on the energetic Ajax Tavern.

10. Crystal Seashore, Texas

Crystal Beach, Texas - December Beach Vacation

Galveston Beach Texas

After I visited this family-friendly seaside city I knew I may then advocate it as a laid again and distinctive eco-friendly December break! It was a peaceable, low season coastal escape from the hustle and bustle of the vacation season.

I discovered that it had delicate climate, extensive open drive-on seashores good for lengthy walks and beachcombing, fewer crowds, and delightful sunrises over the Gulf. 

It was additionally very reasonably priced throughout this month in addition to being not so many vacationers and nice alternatives for recognizing dolphins and migratory birds.

I’ve to confess it wasn’t fairly heat sufficient to swim comfortably this time of yr however there have been loads of enjoyable occasions on to make up for that such because the Bolivar Christmas Market the place I discovered native crafts and a tree lighting ceremony, the Crystaland Christmas Parade which featured adorned golf carts and even Santa, and dwell vacation music performances at Camp Margaritaville Crystal Seashore.

I flew into William P. Interest Airport (HOU) in Houston and spent a soothing week on the seaside, paddling, going to the seasonal occasions, attempting the native delicacies and simply absorbing the laid-back coastal vibes!

  • Common temperature – 17°C
  • Map Location
  • Guests Middle Tackle: 2275 TX-87 Suite 10 #2621, Crystal Seashore, TX 77650

My favourite highlights…

  • Watching superior dwell nation music at Previous Quarter Acoustic Cafe.  
  • Eating at Crystal Chandelier – each their wholesome energy bowls and hearty plates of fish and chips had been equally as tasty!

11. Biltmore Property, Asheville

Biltmore Estate at Christmas

This sprawling Gilded Age Mansion in Asheville utterly wowed me on my December go to! It had utterly reworked right into a magical vacation vacation spot with its grand halls, crackling log fires, festive carols, and 55-foot Christmas tree all superbly adorned. 

I additionally discovered candlelit night excursions of the mansion, festive music, dazzling lights all through all of the gardens and Antler Hill Village, and a heat, nostalgic environment that made it really feel like I used to be stepping right into a real-life Christmas story! 

I joined within the festive occasions which befell this month which included the enchanting “Candlelight Christmas Evenings” which got here full with flickering candles and dwell music, the gorgeous festive lights and shows in Antler Hill Village, complimentary seasonal wine tastings on the property’s vineyard, and Christmas buying and eating experiences all through the property.

I flew into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), drove 20 minutes and stayed in Asheville for an extended weekend so after exploring the property for a two full days I ventured downtown and explored its cute assortment of quirky retailers, glorious eating places and Christmas markets.

My favourite highlights…

  • Going for a hearty English-style conventional festive meal at cozy Cedric’s Tavern with a aspect dish of heat home made pretzels! 
  • Attempting wreath-making and decoration crafting at their cute onsite seasonal workshops. 

12. Vermont

Christmas in Vermont

Montpelier, Vermont in the Fall

This scenic northeastern U.S. state made well-known by Bing Crosby’s White Christmas music actually wowed throughout this month! I discovered its picturesque cities had come alive with twinkling vacation lights and festive appeal, snow had blanketed the Inexperienced Mountains so the ski resorts had been in full swing and there was a stunning assortment of cozy inns, crackling fireplaces, and Christmas markets which all got here collectively to create a traditional New England winter wonderland expertise!

I additionally discovered a great deal of seasonal occasions together with the Wassail Weekend in Woodstock which had festive parades and vacation markets, the Competition of Timber in St. Albans which featured adorned bushes, enjoyable The Lake Morey Skate Path,the comfy Stowe Winter Carnival. Vermont Vacation Competition in Killington which was full of family-friendly actions. 

I flew into Burlington Worldwide Airport (BTV) and used my digital nomad standing to remain for an Insta-worthy two weeks. I went snowboarding at Stowe or Killington, shopped vacation markets in Burlington, and checked out the Christmas Markets – my favorites ended up being the energetic Burlington Vacation Market, the nostalgic Very Merry Middlebury and quaint Grafton Christmas Market.

  • Guests Middle Tackle: 680 North Primary St., Route 2. Alburgh, VT 05440
  • Map Location
  • Common temperatures – -4°C to 2°C

My private highlights…

  • Driving The Polar Categorical Practice – to White River Junction the place I gorged on salted caramel sizzling cocoa, gingerbread cookies and sang carols whereas gazing on the breathtaking snow-covered landscapes! 

13. Solvang, California

Solvang at Christmas

Solvang Christmas

I completely adored visiting this charming Danish-style metropolis throughout this month! I discovered that it had reworked right into a festive wonderland throughout their annual ‘Julefest’, with twinkling lights, candlelit carolers, adorned streets, and comfy bakeries which served heat aebleskivers and gløgg – all set in opposition to the scenic Santa Ynez Valley backdrop! 

I found that the Julefest lasted all month and featured a tree lighting ceremony, a whimsical festive parade, a family-friendly Santa’s Village, candlelight excursions, nightly gentle and music reveals, a Nisse Journey scavenger hunt, Makers Markets, and I heard from locals that it completed with the dramatic Christmas Tree Burn which was held in early January.

I drove 2.5 hours from Los Angeles on Freeway One and stayed for an extended weekend. Other than becoming a member of within the festivities I browsed the stalls on the Makers Market and explored the distinctive Scandi-inspired structure, quaint retailers, cute bakeries and comfy cafes full of ‘hygge’ vibes!

  • Customer Middle Tackle: 1637-1639 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
  • Map Location
  • Common temperature – 16°C to 18°C

My private highlights…

  • Looking the Scandinavian Nisse dolls, German nutcrackers, and hand-blown Italian glass ornaments at Solvang’s well-known year-round Christmas retailer, Jule Hus!
  • Eating on a dish of scrumptious bucatini pasta, foraged mushrooms and truffle sauce on the fashionable Scandi-chic Mad & Vin Restaurant!

14. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Usa

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Christmas marketVisiting this historic metropolis throughout this month turned out to be an incredible selection! Generally known as “Christmas Metropolis USA.” I learnt from locals that it had a festive vibe all yr spherical however I discovered this month to be magical! I noticed charming snow-dusted colonial streets which had come alive with twinkling lights, Christmas markets and festive occasions that celebrated its European Moravian roots.

I drove two hours from New York Metropolis and spent an extended weekend right here exploring! I joined within the packed calendar of occasions which had been operating since late November which included  there’s the opening of the Christkindlmarkt a big indoor market with German meals and music, the out of doors Christmas Metropolis Village, with had conventional wood huts promote meals, handmade crafts and artisanal treasures. 

I additionally liked the entertaining and eccentric Dwelling Creation Calendar, which was held every day at 5:30pm at The Goundie Home and discovering the fascinating 18th-century buildings, museums and church buildings within the fairly Historic Moravian District.

  • Guests Middle Tackle: 505 Primary St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.
  • Map Location
  • Common temperature – -1.8°C to 4.5°C

My private highlights…

  • Warming up with an genuine German Glühwein and freshly roasted nuts on the native Christkindlmarkt.
  • Looking for distinctive presents within the fashionable Domaci store – the Bethlehem Skyline Reducing Boards and retro Vinyl Floorcloths had been stand out objects!

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