15 Magical Christmas Destinations in the USA

Wondering where to spend the holidays? From snowy ski towns to big cities bursting with lights, there are so many amazing Christmas destinations in the USA. Each one has its own festive vibe, whether you want classic holiday markets, over-the-top decorations, or cozy small-town celebrations.

To help you plan, I’ve rounded up 15 of the best spots for a Christmas getaway. You’ll find iconic cities like New York and Chicago, storybook villages like Woodstock and Leavenworth, and winter wonderlands out West where you can ski by day and stroll under twinkling lights at night.

No matter if you’re dreaming of a white Christmas or a sunny one with plenty of theme park magic, these places to go for Christmas in USA will get you in the holiday spirit.

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Best Christmas Destinations in the USA

1. New York City, New York

There’s no place quite like New York City at Christmas. The Rockefeller Center tree alone makes it one of the most iconic Christmas destinations in the USA, and if you’re lucky enough to visit in December, you’ll see the city completely transformed.

Start with a spin around the ice rink under the famous tree, then wander down Fifth Avenue to see the holiday window displays. Macy’s, Saks, and Bergdorf Goodman all go over the top with their decorations, and the lights make evening strolls magical.

Don’t miss the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, where the Rockettes have been performing their holiday show for decades. If you’re into markets, Bryant Park’s Winter Village is a must for shopping, snacks, and even another chance to skate.

It’s busy, no doubt, but that’s part of the energy. New York at Christmas is crowded, sparkling, and larger than life.

2. Leavenworth, Washington

Tucked in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth looks like a Bavarian village, and at Christmas, it feels straight out of a fairytale!

The whole town lights up for its annual Christmas Lighting Festival, with thousands of twinkling bulbs covering the alpine-style buildings.

Strolling through town, you’ll find carolers, holiday markets, and hot spiced wine stands that make it feel like you’ve stepped into a European Christmas market without leaving the US.

The Nutcracker Museum is another fun stop, and families especially love the reindeer farm where you can meet Santa’s crew in person.

Snow is almost guaranteed here in December, which only adds to the charm. Between the mountain backdrop and the glowing lights, it’s one of the most magical Christmas towns in the USA.

3. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago knows how to do Christmas right. The city’s German-style Christkindlmarket is one of the best in the country, with stalls selling ornaments, gifts, and warm mugs of spiced wine.

It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a few hours wandering, shopping, and snacking on pretzels or roasted nuts.

The Magnificent Mile is another highlight, with trees and storefronts covered in lights. Millennium Park has an outdoor ice rink set against the backdrop of the city skyline, which is especially pretty at night.

If you want something a little different, stop by the Lincoln Park ZooLights or the light displays at Morton Arboretum just outside the city.

Between the markets, skating, and dazzling decorations, Chicago is one of the top USA Christmas destinations for both locals and visitors.

4. Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock is the kind of place that looks like it was made for Christmas cards! While it’s one of the most popular fall destinations in Vermont, the town is just as magical at Christmas when snow blankets the streets and wreaths hang from every storefront.

The highlight of the season is Wassail Weekend, a three-day festival filled with parades, horse-drawn sleigh rides, carolers, and craft fairs. The historic homes and inns go all out with decorations, and the town green feels extra festive with its tree and holiday market.

Even outside of the festival, Woodstock is one of the most charming Christmas towns to visit in the USA. Cozy inns, local shops, and snowy scenery make it a perfect spot for a holiday getaway.

5. Orlando, Florida

Not every Christmas has to be snowy, and Orlando proves it! If you’d rather trade your winter boots for flip flops, this is one of the best Christmas vacation destinations in the USA.

The big draw here is, of course, the theme parks, and they go all out for the holidays.

At Walt Disney World, Magic Kingdom transforms into a holiday wonderland with festive parades, character meet and greets in Christmas outfits, and the stunning Cinderella Castle lit up at night.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a separate ticketed event, but it’s worth it for the fireworks, holiday treats, and magical atmosphere.

Over at Universal Orlando, you’ll find the Macy’s Holiday Parade at Universal Studios, complete with giant balloons, floats, and marching bands.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is another must, with Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley decorated for the season and special nighttime shows at Hogwarts Castle.

Beyond the parks, Orlando offers plenty of local holiday fun too. The city hosts Christmas tree lightings, outdoor ice skating rinks (yes, even in Florida), and festive neighborhoods that go all out with decorations.

It’s a completely different kind of holiday trip, but if you’re looking for unique Christmas vacation ideas in the US, Orlando is hard to beat.

6. Aspen, Colorado

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, Aspen is one of the most iconic Christmas destinations in the USA.

Known for its luxury ski resorts and picture-perfect setting in the Rockies, it’s a place where you can spend your days on the slopes and your evenings in a cozy lodge with the fireplace roaring.

During December, the town comes alive with holiday lights, decorated storefronts, and plenty of seasonal events. The Twelve Days of Aspen celebration is a highlight, featuring everything from caroling and concerts to visits from Santa and festive après-ski parties.

Strolling through downtown, you’ll see twinkling lights against the snowy backdrop, making it feel like something out of a Christmas movie.

Of course, skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions, but there are also snowshoeing trails, sleigh rides, and upscale dining experiences that make a holiday trip here special.

Aspen is definitely on the luxurious side compared to some smaller ski towns, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s an ideal choice if you want a Christmas getaway that combines winter adventure with festive atmosphere.

7. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston might not get the same Christmas buzz as New York or Chicago, but it’s still one of the best places to go for Christmas in the USA, especially if you love history mixed with holiday charm.

The city dresses up beautifully in December, with wreaths and lights strung across its historic streets and neighborhoods.

One of the highlights is skating on the Frog Pond in Boston Common. Surrounded by twinkling trees and city lights, it’s a classic winter activity that feels especially festive at Christmastime.

Just across the street, the Public Garden looks magical under a dusting of snow, and strolling through Beacon Hill with its decorated brownstones feels like stepping back in time.

For holiday shopping and entertainment, head to Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Quincy Market. You’ll find plenty of shops, seasonal performances, and a giant Christmas tree.

In past years, Faneuil Hall has hosted a light and music show called Blink!, which makes the whole area glow. The city also has a variety of holiday tours, from historic walks with a Christmas twist to festive trolley rides.

8. Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge is one of those towns that feels made for Christmas. Tucked into the Rockies, its Victorian-style Main Street looks especially pretty in December with holiday lights strung across the buildings and snow piled high along the sidewalks.

The season kicks off with the Lighting of Breckenridge and the Race of the Santas, a quirky annual event where hundreds of people dressed as Santa run down Main Street.

After that, the whole town stays in full holiday mode with decorated storefronts, cozy restaurants, and plenty of festive events.

It’s also a great spot if you want a mix of skiing and Christmas charm. The slopes are right outside of town, and when you’re ready for a break from skiing, you can take a sleigh ride, try snowshoeing, or just wander through town with a hot chocolate.

Breckenridge has a laid-back, small-town feel that makes it different from glitzier ski destinations. It’s a place where you really can balance winter adventure with that classic holiday atmosphere.

9. Santa Fe, New Mexico

If you’re looking for something different from the usual snowy ski towns, Santa Fe is one of the most unique Christmas destinations in the USA. The city mixes its Southwestern charm with holiday traditions, making December a really special time to visit.

The highlight is the Christmas Eve farolito walk on Canyon Road. Thousands of paper lanterns line the streets, and people gather for caroling, bonfires, and hot drinks. It’s simple but beautiful, and it feels completely different from the Christmas events you’ll find elsewhere in the country.

All around the city, adobe buildings are strung with lights and wreaths, and the Plaza becomes the center of the celebrations with its big Christmas tree. You’ll also find craft fairs and markets selling local art, perfect for holiday gifts.

Santa Fe has a slower pace compared to big cities, which makes it an ideal spot if you want to combine Christmas traditions with a little relaxation.

Between the food, the culture, and the unique holiday atmosphere, it’s a destination that stands out on any list of Christmas vacation ideas in the US.

10. Washington, DC

The nation’s capital might not be the first place you think of for a holiday getaway, but Washington, DC has plenty of Christmas spirit.

The most famous sight is the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse near the White House. Each year, it’s decorated with thousands of lights, and the smaller trees surrounding it represent every US state and territory.

The US Capitol also has its own giant Christmas tree, and both are worth visiting in the evening when everything is lit up. Downtown Holiday Market is another highlight, with dozens of stalls selling crafts, food, and seasonal gifts.

If you’re traveling with kids, the Zoolights event at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is always a hit, with millions of lights and fun displays.

The city’s historic theaters also host plenty of seasonal performances, from The Nutcracker to holiday concerts.

11. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a great choice if you want mountain views mixed with festive cheer. The big draw here is the Biltmore Estate, which goes all out for the holidays.

The house is decorated with dozens of Christmas trees, garlands, and thousands of lights, and the Candlelight Christmas Evenings make it feel especially magical.

Downtown Asheville is full of holiday charm, too. You’ll find the annual Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum, pop-up markets, and plenty of live music and seasonal events.

The shops and restaurants in the city center stay decorated all month, making it a fun place to wander with a hot drink in hand.

What I like about Asheville at Christmas is that you can balance the festivities with time outdoors. The Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding mountains are beautiful in winter, and if you’re lucky, you might even see the town covered in snow!

12. Park City, Utah

Park City is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas if you love the idea of skiing by day and relaxing in a lively mountain town at night.

The slopes here are some of the best in the country, and the historic downtown area gets fully decked out for the holidays.

Each December, the city puts on fun events like the Electric Parade, where locals decorate their cars, trucks, and even skis with lights before cruising down Main Street. On Christmas Eve, Santa himself makes an appearance by skiing down the mountain to greet visitors!

Beyond the holiday events, the whole town has a festive atmosphere. You’ll find cozy restaurants, boutique shops lit up with decorations, and plenty of winter activities like snowboarding, tubing, and sleigh rides.

What makes Park City stand out is that it’s not just about the skiing. It’s a place where the whole town gets into the holiday spirit, and it feels just as fun to wander downtown as it does to spend a day on the slopes.

13. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem proudly calls itself “Christmas City USA,” and it really lives up to the name. This small Pennsylvania town has been celebrating the season in a big way for decades, making it one of the most famous Christmas towns in the USA.

The highlight is Christkindlmarkt, a traditional holiday market with dozens of stalls selling handmade gifts, ornaments, and seasonal treats. There’s also a live glassblowing demonstration, which is something you won’t see at many other markets in the country.

In downtown Bethlehem, the historic Moravian buildings look especially beautiful under holiday lights, and the carriage rides through the streets add to the old-fashioned feel.

Another festive stop is Christmas City Village, where you can wander through German-style wooden huts while sipping hot cocoa or mulled wine. Between the markets, the lights, and the strong sense of history, Bethlehem feels like stepping back in time to experience the holidays in a more traditional way.

14. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh might not be the first place that comes to mind for a holiday getaway, but the city goes all out in December.

The heart of the celebrations is Market Square, where you’ll find the Peoples Gas Holiday Market. Modeled after the traditional markets in Europe, it’s full of wooden stalls selling ornaments, gifts, and food, along with live performances and visits from Santa.

Another highlight is the MassMutual Pittsburgh Ice Rink at PPG Place. With its towering Christmas tree in the middle, it feels a little like Rockefeller Center but without the overwhelming crowds.

If you’re looking for places to go for Christmas in the USA that still feel authentic and festive without being packed, Pittsburgh is a great option.

The city also has light displays at the Pittsburgh Zoo, the Winter Flower Show at Phipps Conservatory, and plenty of decorated neighborhoods to explore.

15. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland might not be as well-known as other USA Christmas destinations, but the city has plenty of festive events that make it worth a visit in December.

Public Square in the heart of downtown is the center of the celebrations, with thousands of lights, a skating rink, and a big Christmas tree that sets the scene for the season.

The annual Winterfest kicks things off with live music, horse-drawn carriage rides, and fireworks. Families will love visiting the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for its Wild Winter Lights display, where more than a million lights create tunnels, lanterns, and glowing animal figures.

One of the most unique things to do here is tour the A Christmas Story House and Museum. The holiday classic was filmed in Cleveland, and fans can explore the original house, complete with Ralphie’s pink bunny suit and the iconic leg lamp.

Cleveland combines big city holiday fun with a few quirky traditions you won’t find anywhere else, making it a surprisingly fun place to spend the season!