10 Best Places To Travel In December In USA​

This article will cover the best travel locations in the USA during December. It can be anything from white and snowy mountains, and warm sandy beaches, to culturally rich and warm engaging cities decorated for the holidays.

Travelers love December for the diverse activities it offers, whether for relaxation, adventure, or holiday joy.

All of the locations mentioned above will leave a traveler with wonderful experiences during the winter season.

Key Points

Place	Key Points / Highlights
New York City, NY	Iconic holiday decorations, Rockefeller Christmas Tree, ice skating, Broadway shows.
Chicago, IL	Winter festivals, Christkindlmarket, ice skating at Millennium Park, vibrant food scene.
Orlando, FL	Theme parks with holiday events, warm weather, family-friendly attractions.
Aspen, CO	Skiing and snowboarding, luxury resorts, winter mountain activities.
San Francisco, CA	Mild winter climate, festive lights, Union Square shopping, Golden Gate sightseeing.
Nashville, TN	Holiday music events, festive decorations, rich country music culture.
Park City, UT	Ski resorts, snow festivals, scenic mountain views, winter sports.
Honolulu, HI	Warm tropical weather, beach holidays, seasonal festivals, scenic landscapes.
Santa Fe, NM	Traditional holiday markets, cultural events, adobe architecture, desert landscapes.
Miami, FL	Beach escapes, vibrant nightlife, warm weather, holiday festivals.

10 Best Places To Travel In December In The USA​

1. New York City, NY

New York City during December is very special and unique, and is one of the top (*) December vacation spots in America.

NYC resembles a holiday-themed dream of a child lit up in million-dollar holiday decorations, intricate window displays, and, of course, the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center! There is also ice skating in Bryant Park and at Central Park.

There are also holiday shops, like the Union Square Holiday Market. Broadway adds a special touch to winter, and Fifth Avenue is for the elite to do their holiday shopping.

NYC is exciting and a bit magical, making it the best location to celebrate the holidays in the USA.

Feature	Details
Holiday Decorations	Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, festive lights on Fifth Avenue.
Ice Skating	Popular rinks at Central Park and Bryant Park.
Broadway Shows	Special holiday performances and musicals.
Shopping	Holiday markets and high-end stores.
Festive Atmosphere	Bustling city filled with holiday spirit.

2. Chicago, IL

Every December, millions of visitors flock to Chicago, Illinois, and for good reason. One of the most exciting cities in the US, Chicago, perfectly captures the essence of winter and the joy of the holiday season.

Unlike other cities, Chicago offers the wonderful Christkindlmarket as well as many other German treats, unique gift,s and holiday snacks.

Visitors of all ages are also offered the opportunity to ice skate at Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park.

Those chilly Chicago December nights can be made a little warmer by the spectacular holiday lights on the Chicago streets, as well as the singing in restaurants, homely coffee shops, and live music.

Chicago’s combination of culture, strong winter activities, and festivities makes the holiday season truly magical.

Feature	Details
Christkindlmarket	Traditional German holiday market with crafts and food.
Ice Skating	Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park rinks.
Holiday Lights	Streets and landmarks decorated for the season.
Winter Festivals	Seasonal events and performances across the city.
Food & Dining	Cozy cafés and famous Chicago cuisine.

3. Orlando, FL

Orlando, Florida, is the best option for vacationing with the family in the entire United States. The climate in the city is very calm, which means that you can indulge in mild outdoor activities.

The entire world indisputably recognizes the dominance of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World. These parks put on outstanding celebrations, including Christmas and New Year parades, dazzling lights, and seasonal festivals.

Special parades and holiday-related rides were offered, with visitors getting the chance to meet the characters as well as shop in unique markets.

Aside from the parks, Orlando has some of the best restaurants, shops, and entertainment as well. There is no question that Orlando is the best vacation spot in the United States.

Feature	Details
Theme Parks	Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld with holiday events.
Parades & Shows	Festive parades, light displays, and seasonal performances.
Warm Weather	Pleasant climate for outdoor activities.
Holiday-Themed Rides	Special rides and character meet-and-greets.
Shopping & Dining	Holiday markets, restaurants, and entertainment options.

4. Aspen, CO

Aspen in the USA is known to be one of the most favored locations for December, particularly for luxury and winter sports travelers.

Located in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen offers the best skiing and snowboarding in the world, attracting enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

During the winter, the town is immersed in lights, decorated to resemble a winter wonderland, with beautiful and cozy lodging and many après-ski options.

Apart from the famous ski and board activities, guests can also indulge in snowshoeing and sleigh rides, or they can partake in some of the numerous winter activities organized throughout the month.

With the beautiful mountains surrounding it, Aspen is perfect for a December holiday with luxurious options to eat and shop, with breathtaking views, all while offering a sense of sophistication and charm.

Feature	Details
Skiing & Snowboarding	World-class slopes for all skill levels.
Scenic Winter Views	Snow-covered mountains and alpine scenery.
Holiday Events	Local festivals, markets, and seasonal celebrations.
Après-Ski Activities	Cozy lodges, fine dining, and nightlife.
Winter Adventures	Snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and outdoor fun.

5. San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is one of the best places to visit in the US in December because the city has mild winter weather and is rich in variety during the holiday season. Exploring the vibrant heart of the city during this time is fantastic.

The famous sites like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island are breathtaking attractions to visit.

Union Square is the centerpiece of festivities featuring dancing holiday lights and exciting seasonal shopping alongside spaces to recharge with warming beverages and festive food.

Tourists can visit wonderful winter markets, use the city’s historic cable cars, and savor the eclectic food San Francisco has to offer.

December is rich with localized cultural events and performances dedicated to the holiday season as well.

With its unique blend of beautiful scenery, festive spirit, and pleasant weather, San Francisco is the best place to visit in December.

Feature	Details
Mild Winter Climate	Pleasant temperatures for outdoor sightseeing.
Holiday Lights	Union Square ice skating and festive decorations.
Iconic Landmarks	Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and city tours.
Cultural Events	Holiday performances and seasonal activities.
Shopping & Dining	Diverse cuisine and holiday shopping markets.

6. Nashville, TN

In December, Nameville, TN, can be described as energetic and one of a kind, with joyous activities and special musical traditions.

The Charles Dickens Festival of Christmas and special music shows at The Grand Ole Opry make Nashville a one-of-a-kind holiday destination.

Nashville is also home to unique a remarkable local markets for southern cuisine and great southern hospitality, with the highlight of the town being the Broadway district which is full of refined light and continuous live music.

No matter how you want to spend December, Nashville will provide you with special holiday activities and a great time to share.

Feature	Details
Holiday Decorations	Festive lights and displays throughout the city.
Live Music	Christmas concerts, Grand Ole Opry holiday shows.
Local Markets	Seasonal crafts, gifts, and southern treats.
Southern Hospitality	Cozy restaurants and welcoming atmosphere.
Cultural Charm	Blend of music, food, and holiday spirit.

7. Park City, UT

Park City, USA, is a recommended vacation place in December, particularly for sports lovers.

Park City features world-class ski facilities, mesmerizing landscapes covered with snow, and exciting skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing for all levels.

Park City has a warm, jubilant spirit with charming holiday lights, localized events, and seasonal markets.

Burnside, with its astonishing mountain views and exciting playgrounds, helps Park City strut its months of winter.

Burnside has ski resort facilities and fine dining, with cozy dining along neighboring Park City. It avidly lightens its winter for ski lovers and joyful spending, and adds extreme glee for snow and ski lovers.

Everyone, from families and lovers to thrill-seekers, all equally adore Park City. Park City offers during these December months.

Feature	Details
Ski Resorts	World-class skiing and snowboarding.
Snow Activities	Snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and winter adventures.
Holiday Events	Seasonal festivals, markets, and lights.
Scenic Mountain Views	Picturesque winter landscapes.
Après-Ski Fun	Dining, shopping, and nightlife on Main Street.

8. Honolulu, HI

Honolulu in December perfectly fits the needs of travelers looking for warmth in the tropics.

Anyone needing to escape the cold winter weather can soak in the warmth of the sun on the beach while taking part in activities such as sunbathing, surfing, or snorkeling. The temperature is pleasant while the beaches are picturesque.

The city partakes in the festive culture of the holidays by conducting light parades, as well as cultural shows.

You can visit famous sites like Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and Waikiki Beach, enjoy delectable restaurants and street food, or shop at local Hawaiian markets.

For families, couples, or individuals traveling alone, Honolulu offers a unique blend that makes for a truly tropical December escape. It features a lively, festive atmosphere, scenic beauty, and a range of outdoor activities.

Feature	Details
Warm Tropical Weather	Ideal escape from cold winters.
Beaches & Water Sports	Surfing, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Holiday Events	Parades, light displays, and cultural festivals.
Scenic Landmarks	Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor.
Local Cuisine	Hawaiian food and festive markets.

9. Santa Fe, NM

One of the many wonderful places to visit in the USA in December is Santa Fe in New Mexico. Its unique culture and the way the people celebrate the holiday make it a city worth visiting.

The city’s unique adobe buildings with scenic views of the desert make December an exceptional time to visit for tourists.

The Santa Fe Plaza, with it’s Spanish fiestas and other holiday markets, has a ton of local food and unique handmade crafts and decorations.

December is also the time for a lot of cultural activities, art shows, and other performances that highlight the Mexican and New Mexico Native American heritage.

Santa Fe has a historic charm with a cozy feeling and a wonderful holiday spirit. That’s why for art and culture lovers, as well as families, it is a featured destination in December.

Feature	Details
Cultural Heritage	Blend of Native American and Hispanic traditions.
Holiday Markets	Handmade crafts, local cuisine, and festive décor.
Historic Architecture	Adobe buildings and scenic winter landscapes.
Cultural Events	Art exhibitions, performances, and seasonal festivals.
Cozy Atmosphere	Quaint streets and welcoming vibe.

10. Miami, FL

Miami is by far the best USA city to visit in December. The beaches are beautiful. The weather is warm. The city is full of holiday cheer and festivities.

Vacationers spend the day sunbathing on Miami Beach and walking to the Art Deco District. Thrilling events and holiday lights are part of December in Miami.

The city is a wonderful place to relax and do some shopping. The diverse dining options and vibrant nightlife are a bonus.

The Little Havana and Perez Art Museum are stunning cultural sites. The activities are endless. Miami is undeniably the best tropical December holiday escape.

Feature	Details
Warm Climate	Pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
Beaches & Waterfront	Relaxation and water sports along Miami Beach.
Holiday Festivals	Light displays, parades, and seasonal events.
Art & Culture	Pérez Art Museum, Little Havana, and local events.
Shopping & Dining	Holiday markets, diverse cuisine, and nightlife.

Conclsuion

Final Summary: In December, America presents a variety of travel activities: snow-capped mountains in Aspen and Park City, illuminated cities in New York City and Chicago, as well as warm, tropical retreats in Miami and Honolulu.

In addition to winter sports and beach vacations, December is also a great time to enjoy holiday activities. December adds charm and seasonal interest to America, making it a great month to take a trip.

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