21 Best Places to Visit for Christmas

The Christmas season is a magical time of year for many people. And why not? The holiday spirit brings joy and excitement everywhere it is present! Days are filled with festivities and the anticipation of giving gifts to loved ones!

The holiday season is approaching, and if you have yet to plan where to spend Christmas, worry not, there’s still time.

Are you thinking about spending your holiday relaxing in a snowy mountain cabin? How about admiring twinkling Christmas lights in the city while shopping? Perhaps you’re looking for something warmer to beat the winter chills? Good news! America offers plenty of unforgettable destinations for the best Christmas vacations. In fact, there are so many beautiful destinations to visit that picking which one you should go to first can take time and effort.

If you are still deciding about your holiday plans, check out these best places to visit during Christmas in the USA.

Best Places to Visit for Christmas in the U.S.

1. Washington, DC

Image by Tim Evanson / CC BY-SA 2.0

In the nation’s capital, it’s a whole different ball game during Christmas. The White House—yes, THE White House—is decked out in lights year-round but gets an extra special makeover for the holidays.

Visitors to the White House can tour the presidential residence during Christmas. They can see a gingerbread-house replica of the presidential home, the Capitol Christmas Tree, and an 18th Century nativity scene.

Another must-see in Washington, DC, is the famous National Christmas Tree. The tree’s lighting ceremony is an annual celebration that showcases dazzling lights displays. It even has musical performances by famous singers.

Even if you can’t be there for the opening ceremony, you can still enjoy the tree throughout mid-December and into early January.

The walkway surrounding the National Christmas Tree contains 58 trees. These trees represent the 56 states and territories of the United States. They are decorated with ornaments created by students from every state and territory in America.

If you’re traveling with children, check out “Enchant DC”. It is the world’s largest light maze hosted at Nationals Park. You can also check out Zoolights at the Smithsonian Zoo.

If you’re looking for a hotel, we recommend staying at The Willard Hotel, one of the most historic hotels in DC. It is conveniently located right next to the White House. It’s a splurge, but you’ll get to sleep in the same luxurious hotel as every foreign leader and diplomat who comes to Washington, DC. Go on, it’s the holidays!

See Related: Best Places Like Branson, Missouri

2. New York, New York

Image by Doug Wallick / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Head to New York City to spend Christmas, and you’ll be in for a real treat.

The department stores in Midtown Manhattan decorate for the holidays like no other place on Earth. You and your family can take an easy walking tour to check out all those holiday displays to help push your Christmas spirit into overdrive!

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, head to Macy’s at Herald Square. The department store is decorated with thousands of lights, with a giant snow globe in front of the entrance.

Located on the eighth floor of Macy’s, you can also visit Santaland, a winter wonderland of lights and decorations. A magical trail of twinkling lights, snow-topped trees, and other festive displays leads visitors to Santa, his bustling workshop, and a shiny red sleigh.

Another popular attraction is Macy’s Holiday Parade. It features floats, balloons, and celebrities who march down Broadway and into Herald Square. The parade has become one of the most iconic events of the holiday season.

New York is also known for its decorated Christmas trees throughout the city. But the must-see is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree located right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.

The tree is decorated with thousands of ornaments, lights, and garlands. It is lit up every night from the first Sunday after Thanksgiving until New Year’s Eve.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree offers some great family activities too! There are ice skating rinks on both sides of the tree so you can skate as you look at it. There are also several shops and restaurants nearby where you can grab a hot drink after spending time around such beauty.

There are other trees worth seeing, such as the one at the Met—surrounded by an antique Italian creche. There’s also the American Museum of Natural History’s animal origami-covered tree. And if you visit Bryant Park in winter, look for its bright blue Christmas tree!

NYC is also a fantastic place to buy gifts. There are several outdoor holiday markets at Union Square and Bryant Park. The indoor ones are inside Grand Central Terminal selling hand-crafted goods from local artisans. You can also find many boutique shops, including the famous Magnolia Bakery where you can find festive treats.

Finally, there are always a few classic shows to watch. Whether it’s musicals or acclaimed theatre, Broadway is the place to be! The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular is an opportunity to see the iconic Rockettes perform on stage. There are few more inspiring shows you can take in this time of year than these world-famous high-kickers!

When choosing a hotel, travelers often feel overwhelmed by the number of options available. After all, it’s not as if NYC is short of places to stay! Check out Kimpton Hotel Eventi. It is within walking distance of many attractions like the High Line and Macy’s. It also provided quick subway rides to Broadway Show and Timesquare. Alternatively, you can stay at the Crosby Street Hotel. If you’re looking for a more affordable B&B option, check out Chelsea Pines Inn.

See Related: Best Alternatives & Places Like Las Vegas

3. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Known as “Christmas City,” spending the holidays in Bethlehem should be nothing but impressive.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is located in the beautiful Lehigh Valley, about an hour and a half from New York City and Philadelphia.

Christmas lovers will delight in the festive displays of over 35,000 lights at Historic Hotel Bethlehem.

The Christmas markets are a big draw for tourists in Bethlehem. The most famous market is the Christmas Village, where you can find crafts made by local artisans.

Don’t forget to stop by the legendary Moravian Bookstore, America’s oldest surviving bookstore.

The Christkindlmarkt, a German Christmas market, is just a short walk from the famous Bethlehem SteelStacks. You can shop for gifts and enjoy live music performances there—including magical demonstrations such as glassblowing.

After you’ve stocked up on handmade ornaments and nutcrackers, take a carriage ride through downtown Bethlehem to see all the beautiful Christmas lights in style.

See Related: How to Use a Vacation Generator to Find a Destination

4. Asheville, North Carolina

North Carolina’s Asheville is a charming and peaceful city with beautiful mountain scenery and fun Christmas festivities. Despite this, the city is frequently overlooked as a holiday destination.

The main tourist attraction is the Biltmore Estate. You can take daily tours of this lavish estate decked out for the holidays. It boasts a 35-foot tall tree in its Banquet Hall, a gingerbread house replica, and more than 55 decorated trees throughout the house and grounds.

You’ll adore the Winter Lights in North Carolina Arboretum as well. Thousands of gleaming lights form dazzling displays along their forested edge and gardens.

Take the kids to the famous National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn. This 12-day Gingerbread House Christmas event features some of the most elaborately decorated houses you’ve ever seen.

The climate in Asheville is typically mild, and snowfall is rare, making it a pleasant escape from harsh northern winds. The mild weather won’t keep you from hiking to see stunning waterfalls or mountain views. Just don’t forget your camera!

See Related: Best Spring Break Destinations in the US

5. Chicago, Illinois

Image by Pictophile / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

In Chicago, Christmas is a total winter wonderland experience. There are many special events and festive celebrations scheduled for the holidays.

As a city that gets quite cold in the winter, the possibility of a white Christmas is pretty high. Christmas in Chicago begins right before Thanksgiving with the Annual Lights Festival. It includes parades and musical performances at Lincoln Park Zoo.

Each year, the city of Chicago hosts an official tree-lighting ceremony in Millennium Park. Musical performances are usually included in these celebrations. You can enjoy ice skating while enjoying the spectacular view of downtown Chicago.

Just a short distance from Millennium Park is the German Christmas market, Christkindlmarket. Dozens of booths representing the different parts and traditions of Germany in food and artisan items line its streets. Not far away is Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest. It is where visitors can enjoy the festively decorated pier with numerous holiday attractions for children and families.

The Museum of Science and Industry also has an exhibition of decorated trees. This exhibition shows how other countries and cultures celebrate the holidays.

To fully experience the holiday cheer, stay at the Pendry Chicago hotel. It offers complimentary access to Maggie Daley Park’s ice-skating ribbon. You can also enjoy special Christmas Eve dinner menus. Plus, it’s just a short walk away from all your favorite Christmastime attractions!

See Related: Top Food Cities in the US

6. Savannah, Georgia

Image by JR P / CC BY-NC 2.0

The Christmas season makes Savannah seem even more charming than usual – and Savannah is already pretty charming!

From the hundreds of twinkling lights that decorate Broughton Street to the seasonal greenery in City squares, Savannahians are known for celebrating Christmas in their own unique way!

The Holiday Boat Parade, in which Santa arrives by boat on River Street, is one of the most popular seasonal events. The boats arrive all decked out—with colorful lights and giant balloons—and many have holiday characters on board. A fireworks show over the river often marks the end of the event.

You can also participate in the Holiday Tour of Homes. It’s a popular tradition that allows visitors to peek behind the doors of eight private homes, historic inns, and museums with splendid architecture and fabulous holiday décor.

Make sure to also visit the stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. It is decorated with red poinsettias and a detailed nativity scene. It also hosts a musical event called Christmas at the Cathedral, in which choir members sing holiday favorites.

Finally, take advantage of the Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside. Enjoy live music, street performers, a vendor market— and a visit from Santa. Several activities include a tree lighting ceremony, a Santa meet-and-greet, and decorating gingerbread cookies.

For accommodation, you can check out The Marshall House. The hotel is in a convenient location on Broughton Street. It’s just a short walk away from many restaurants and landmarks, so it’s easy to find your way around town!

See Related: Alternatives & Places Similar to Grand Canyon National Park

7. Naples, Florida

Image by R Boed / CC BY 2.0

If you’re dreaming of something other than a white Christmas this year, a tropical holiday can be just as magical—and might even keep your hands from freezing. Head to the Paradise Coast of Naples, where Christmas is every bit as festive (but considerably warmer) than in other parts of the country!

Holiday parades are anything but typical—with Santa perched aboard a party boat blaring Christmas music and adorned with lights.

The annual tree lighting ceremony kicks off during the holidays. For two days, 5th Avenue is lined with a long table, a skating rink, and a stunning Nativity scene that reappears throughout Christmas week.

But the real reason that Naples is such a good place to visit in December is that visitors get to enjoy all this holiday excitement as well as visit some of the city’s fantastic beaches.

See Related: Best Vacation Spots in Florida

8. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Image by MARELBU / CC BY 3.0

While you might not think of Oklahoma City as a holiday destination, the city offers many unique winter activities during the festive season.

One of Oklahoma City’s most popular festivals, “Downtown in December,” provides a dazzling display of Christmas lights. This annual celebration involves an outdoor ice skating rink and free rides on the water taxi. It also includes special one-off parties like a tree lighting ceremony and Mistletoe Market.

One thing worth checking out, especially for ballet fans, is The Oklahoma City Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker at the Civic Center Music Hall. Tickets to this show sell out quickly, so plan ahead if you want to see it.

If you love sports, attending a game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena to see the Oklahoma City Thunder will be an exciting experience.

If you’re in Oklahoma City on New Year’s Eve, consider attending Bricktown’s Opening Night Festival—the state’s most popular New Year’s celebration.

See Related: 17 Best Places to Visit in Spain

9. Branson, Missouri

Image by Nan Fry / CC BY 2.0

There’s no place like Branson, Missouri for Christmas. It has several special events, shows, and activities that are only held during the holiday season.

The Christmas season is a highlight of the Branson theater scene when most shows put on extravaganzas with holiday songs and festive backdrops.

The theme park Silver Dollar City is another place that should be on everyone’s list. The whole park glitters with millions of lights! The Christmas in Midtown light spectacular and the nightly parade are among the park’s most popular holiday events.

Branson is not a winter wonderland, but the temperatures are moderate enough for you to enjoy all of the holiday festivities without having to bundle up in countless layers!

There are plenty of places to stay if you visit Branson for Christmas. There are inns and hotels all over the city, but one of the favorites among tourists is the AmericInn by Wyndham Branson & Conference Center. It is located right near the heart of downtown Branson. The hotel offers reasonable prices, with delicious desserts served every night.

See Related: 17 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam

10. Las Vegas, Nevada

Image by Aaron Hockley / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Las Vegas might be the place for you if you’re looking for a Christmas getaway that’s not quite like any other.

The city is famous for its bright lights and entertainment, so it’s no surprise that it’s also home to some of the most elaborate Christmas decorations in the country. Most of the hotels are decorated so much so that visiting them will feel like stepping into a winter wonderland even in the middle of the desert! Every resort adds seasonal touches to its already lavish decor. Decorations include trees of every size (including palm trees), and they also hold joyous activities around every corner. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas offers an extraordinary view and a unique experience with rooftop ice skating. Meanwhile, there are also colorful displays outside The LINQ promenade as well as a six-foot-tall gingerbread man at ARIA Resort & Casino. At the Bellagio Hotel, you can enjoy their Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Holiday Display—complete with a 42-foot Christmas Tree!

Spend Christmas by walking along the Strip to enjoy festive events for everyone. Catch an iconic show at the Fountains of Bellagio, where performances are set to “Santa Baby” and other holiday classics.

If you’re ready to do some serious holiday shopping, visit The Shops at Crystals, The Forum Shops, and Grand Canal. Try Fashion Show mall or Las Vegas North Premium Outlets for mainstream options.

If you’re tired of the glitz and glamour in Vegas, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy nearby. Consider hiking at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area—just 30-40 minutes away by car. However, if you want to experience a more extravagant celebration of the holidays, visit the Las Vegas Motor Speedway light show. Also, consider visiting Ethel M. Chocolate Factory’s Christmas cactus garden or riding Springs Resort’s Holiday Express!

For a unique hotel experience, try Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. It features modern rooms filled with art and an in-house ice cream parlor that stays open until midnight.

See Related: 25 Best Places to Visit in Australia

11. Boston, Massachusetts

Image by Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism / CC BY-ND 2.0

Boston is beautiful all year long, but during the holidays, Back Bay shines a little brighter with seemingly endless rows of lights, the stately brick homes of Beacon Hill get a festive makeover, and Christmas trees can be found all over the city.

The holiday season is in full swing, and Boston’s cultural calendar features several plays and concerts celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah.

Boston’s Faneuil Marketplace has long been a hub for holiday festivities, with its tree lighting ceremony serving as the centerpiece. The festival is even more enjoyable by the many lively performances by local bands and stand-up comedians. However, this event is very crowded. Try to arrive early if you want a good view of the tree and entertainment.

Holiday Markets are a fun mix of European-style Christmas Markets and New England crafts fairs. You can find anything from vintage kitsch to fine art here—and everything in between!

During the holidays, many people enjoy going to pub crawls. SantaCon and the Ugly Sweater crawl are two popular pub-crawling events during this time. For SantaCon, people dress up in their best Santa suits and visit pubs around the city. Meanwhile, those participating in the Ugly Sweater crawl put on their ugliest holiday sweaters while visiting many pubs throughout the day!

See Related: Best Places to Go for Snow in February

12. Charleston, South Carolina

Image by North Charleston / CC BY-SA 2.0

Charleston should also be considered one of the best places to spend Christmas. It celebrates the holidays with brilliant light displays, festive markets, and music performances.

After Thanksgiving, Christmas celebrations begin with the official Tree Lighting Ceremony at historic Marion Square in Charleston. This spectacular celebration will put you right into the festive spirit!

One of the most popular attractions in Charleston is a three-mile drive through the Festival of Lights. It features 750 light displays, along with Santa’s Sweet Shoppe and Marshmallow Roasting.

The Parade of Boats is also a great way to enjoy the holiday season in Charleston. It starts from the Cooper River, down past Charleston Harbour, and into the Ashley. Watch as beautifully lit boats pass by, or take a ride in one yourself and join the parade. Then wait until the end to watch stunning fireworks over the water.

Another Christmas event not to miss is the Wine Under The Oaks. Boone Hall Plantations serves as a venue for the event that includes wine tasting at its back lawn and complimentary bubble champagne, desserts, oysters, and more. You can have a lovely dinner here with live music, great food, and wine—and learn to cook like one of the best Charleston chefs!

In Charleston, South Carolina, many historic homes of the 19th Century have been transformed into holiday inns or hotels. Decked out with gorgeous lights and decorations, these buildings are a treat for anyone visiting during this time of year. The hosts of these historic homes offer guided tours, so you can learn about their festive traditions and significance. An example of this is the Francis Marion Hotel. This historic hotel has a full-service spa and a restaurant serving traditional Southern cuisine.

See Related: 24 Best Places to Visit in Africa

13. Whitefish, Montana

Image by Ron Kroetz / CC BY 2.0

Whitefish, Montana, becomes a lively place during the winter months. The small town celebrates the season with community gatherings, special events, and festive decorations.

Every December, the town of Whitefish comes out to Central Ave for the annual Christmas Stroll. Feel the Christmas cheer here while enjoying the Christmas carol by local choirs. You can also enjoy hot cocoa and some snacks, and participate in holiday-themed activities.

Don’t miss the Winter Carnival Royalty presiding over this year’s festivities. They’re community members dressed in fancy robes and crowns, overseeing the Christmas Stroll.

Every year, the shops in Whitefish deck their shelves with festive displays, making holiday shopping a treat. Enjoy the holiday season in a way that’s more old-fashioned—with a cup of hot chocolate, window shopping with friends, and buying small gifts for those on your list.

If you want a fun day, try skiing. Head to Glacier Nordic Center at Grouse Mountain Lodge and spend the day sliding along groomed, lit paths for cross-country skiing. But if you just want to relax, bring a book and a glass of wine to the cozy chairs by the fireplace. Curl up and watch Christmas lights glisten on snow.

See Related: Naples vs Florence: Which Italian City Should You Visit?

14. Park City, Utah

Image by Michelle Maria / CC BY 3.0

Park City is a small town located east of Salt Lake, Utah. It offers many different activities throughout the year – especially during Christmas time.

The city’s lighting ceremony for the Christmas Tree takes place at Canyons Village. It features live music, vendors, and a firelight display—and Santa happens to make an appearance!

Another event in late November is the Electric Parade on the historical Main St. People from the community, and local businesses take part in the parade by riding decorated cars and floats.

Main St. is lined with shops and boutiques that are sure to have one-of-a-kind items if you’re hunting for gifts. There are also excellent restaurants and venues in the surrounding area.

The Heber Valley Railroad is an activity not to be missed. It offers an exciting 90-minute round trip to the North Pole, where all guests will be treated like royalty. You’ll receive first-class seating, including a chocolate chip cookie upon boarding and hot cocoa during your journey. At the end of it, Santa himself will stop by to give you a North Pole Express souvenir mug!

During Snowfest, visitors can also enjoy a wide range of holiday events at Park City Mountain Resort. Highlights include Santa Comes Downtown Lift, the 57th Annual Torchlight Parade, daily surprises, and fireworks. The Downtown Lift is particularly thrilling. Santa rides down the city’s downtown lift in an illuminated magical sleigh. The Torchlight Parade illuminates the mountain as staff members walk down with lit torches.

See Related: Top 10 Tourist Attractions in the Philippines

15. North Pole, Alaska

Image by Kuruman / CC BY 2.0

You can’t get any more Christmassy than the North Pole! The original intent of the name was to attract businesses to the town, but it has since evolved into the city’s defining characteristic. The North Pole is famous for celebrating Christmas 365 days a year!

Shout “Hooray!” as you dash through the snow on St. Nicholas Drive, ride a one-horse open sleigh past Snowman Lane and jingle all the way down Mistletoe Lane—all in North Pole City!

Of course, your first stop should be a visit to Santa Claus House. Santa resides at 101 St Nicholas Drive, North Pole, Alaska, in a white house with red accents, that is open year-round. The modest home is brimming with unique Christmas trinkets and ornaments that guests can purchase to take a piece of the holiday spirit home with them. You can have Santa send a letter or postcard to your family and friends, or you can write them one yourself. Either way, your friends will surely be thrilled to see the “Santa’s Official Mail” seal and an authentic North Pole postmark.

After seeing the Santa Claus House, you can visit the Antler Academy of Flying and Reindeer Games—right next door. The academy offers a chance to learn about reindeer and their history; plus, there’s feeding time!

You won’t want to visit Alaska without seeing the wildlife that lives there in winter. A snowmobile tour will give you a chance to spot foxes, moose, and snowshoe hares, all while cruising by frozen lakes and rivers.

While you’re at the North Pole, stop in nearby Fairbanks and take a five-hour sightseeing tour of the city. The tour includes stops at Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors’ Center and the Museum of the North. You will also see the Tans-Alaska Pipeline, the world’s largest pipeline.

Dog lovers should check out The North Pole Dog Park, which has two distinct dog parks. Picnic tables are also available so owners can sit and enjoy a meal while their pets romp around.

See Related: 12 Best Cities in Illinois to Live and Visit

16. Los Angeles, California

Image by Thank You (23 Millions+) vie / CC BY 2.0

Los Angeles does an excellent job of making its warm sunny weather feel like Christmas. In fact, there are many things to do that evoke the spirit of the holidays.

The whole family can get into the spirit of the holidays at Disneyland in neighboring Anaheim. The park gets decked out in spectacular decorations and dazzling lights the likes of which belong in a bonafide Disney movie. There’s even a nightly snowfall to keep things festive!

In Los Angeles, Christmas is not complete without the Hollywood Christmas Parade. After the Thanksgiving tradition, Santa will accompany floats and march down the land of Hollywood Boulevard with a band.

Outdoor ice skating is also one of the most interesting things to do during Christmas. It was built at the Downtown on the Ice facility, and the venue is spread out over the LA Basin. It is one of the best places to visit because it has technology that keeps the ice from melting even when the weather is warm.

Los Angeles Christmas celebrations are best experienced with your children at LA Zoo lights. On the night before Christmas, you can see this beautiful tradition. End your day by walking through this zoo and looking at all the lights while holding a warm drink!

See Related: 16 Best Places to Visit in Egypt

17. Leavenworth, Washington

Image by Pictoscribe – News Fatigue / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Leavenworth, Washington, is a Christmas wonderland. Leavenworth is lovely at any time of year, but the town comes to life during Christmas. The winding streets and Bavarian-style buildings are covered in snow. The elaborate holiday lights illuminate everything around you.

The town is decked out in lights and decorated for the holidays. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped inside a fairy tale or snow globe. During the first three weekends of December, there will be special lighting ceremonies. As the lights begin to twinkle, sip gluhwein and listen to the Village Voices choir.

Looking for an exhilarating winter adventure? Take a sleigh ride through the snow-covered mountain landscape at Mountain Springs Lodge. Stop for hot apple cider right at Beaver Creek Barn. There are also snowmobile tours available for adventure seekers. Snow boots and cold-weather clothing are provided, so all you have to do is show up ready to ride.

If you’re a nutcracker lover, the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum is sure to delight! There are more than 7,000 nutcrackers from around the world on display here, including traditional ones and those inspired by pop culture!

There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than having a slice of spiced gingerbread. Luckily, the Gingerbread Factory has plenty of ways to enjoy it. You can treat yourself to a slice of old-fashioned gingerbread. Or enjoy ice cream sandwiches with gingersnap cookies. You can also sip a festive gingerbread latte.

You can also go to Christkindlmarkt, a German-inspired Christmas market. It features food stalls as well as booths from local artisans. Enjoy Bavarian cuisine while listening to a live Bavarian band!

Leavenworth is an extremely popular destination during the holiday season. Make sure to reserve lodgings in advance. The Bavarian Lodge is a great option. It’s located right downtown and has both indoor and outdoor hot tubs for viewing snowy mountain vistas.

See Related: 10 Best Places to Visit in Rhode Island

18. Oahu, Hawaii

If you envision a tropical Christmas getaway filled with sunshine and palm trees, Hawaii is the place for you! This is definitely one of the best warm places to spend Christmas in the USA.

The beautiful, sandy shores of Waikiki Beach are the perfect place to take in the Christmas spirit. Live performers, decorations, and many events line this picturesque spot! If you’re lucky, you might spot Santa wearing Aloha shirts and sandals instead of his iconic Santa suit.

The most spectacular Christmas lights can be found in Honolulu, so if you’re staying there, definitely stop by the nearest display! Some of the best ones are on The Waikiki Trolley Holiday Lights Tour, Honolulu Hale City Lights, and more.

The Royal Hawaiian Center is another place decorated with lights when you visit. Many people enjoy it because of the gorgeous 34-foot-tall Christmas tree.

Additionally, consider visiting Santa Saturdays, where Christmas lights deck out the visitation center.

Another way to get into the holiday spirit is by attending a Christmas parade. This event frequently features live music, dancing groups, and themed floats with performers!

See Related: Best Alternatives to Hawaii | Places Similar to Visit

19. Williamsburg, Virginia

Image by Tony Alter / CC BY 2.0

There are plenty of things to do during Christmas in Williamsburg, Virginia, especially for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Visiting Colonial Williamsburg is a wonderful way to experience this festive holiday. The tree-lighting ceremony should not be missed. The Governor’s Palace looks beautiful when decorated for Christmas.

If you’re looking for a Christmas-themed shopping experience, the Merchant’s Square is an excellent place to find unique ornaments and collectibles.

It’s also a good idea to attend the Grand Illumination. This holiday tradition celebrates the beginning of Christmas with fireworks lighting the skyline.

The Christmas Town at Busch Gardens theme park is also a must-see. It features classic attractions like Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, as well as an ice skating show. The light display will also take your breath away as you enjoy various festive foods.

If you’re planning a visit, check out one of the many hotels or resorts in the area. The Colonial Williamsburg Resorts, like Williamsburg Inn, has a Holiday Getaway Package. It includes a variety of great benefits, such as admission to all Historic Area attractions and discounts on merchandise at select shops.

See Related: Best Pacific Islands to Visit

20. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Image by USFWS Mountain-Prairie / CC BY 2.0

In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you’ll find a beautiful and welcoming Town Square illuminated with Christmas spirit during the holidays.

Town Square spends weeks preparing for the busy holiday season, and by the time they’re done, it looks like a Hallmark movie set. For some winter fun, rent your pair of ice skates and hit the Ice Rink in town!

If you’re looking for adventure outside of town, head to the National Elk Refuge. Here you can get up close and personal with thousands of elk, foxes, bald eagles, coyotes, and plenty more wildlife!

Jackson Hole is so fantastic as it draws avid skiers from all over the world! You can also visit Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, one of the best ski areas in the country.

Christmas in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, wouldn’t be complete without shopping! There are dozens of boutiques here that sell unique and handmade goods, clothing, home products, etc.

See Related: 10 Best Places to Visit in Alaska

21. Nashville, Tennessee

Image by Jim Nix / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

The city is famous for its music and hot chicken, but it also offers many other great things to do, especially around Christmas.

Walk into the beautifully manicured gardens of the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. In the evening, stroll through the gardens and be amazed at the ornate lights decorating the grounds. You can also learn the history of the Cheekwood mansion, which has been converted into a museum and art gallery.

The Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville is also a unique place to visit during the holidays. Thousands of people visit yearly to wander through the massive indoor atriums. Visitors are also in awe of the river, gardens, and restaurants decked with whimsical Christmas lights and decorations. The lobby even boasts a life-size nativity scene.

Don’t forget to check out Main Street in Franklin’s old downtown. The town square comes to life with Christmas lights and a massive Christmas tree, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

During the holiday, the General Jackson Showboat serves fine dining alongside a Broadway-style Christmas musical production in its Victorian-style theater. While watching the show, you can enjoy beautiful views of Nashville. Learn a slice of its unique history by taking a day or evening riverboat cruise down Tennessee’s Cumberland River.

See Related: Places Like Gatlinburg, TN to Visit

FAQS

Related Resources:

• Best Places like Bali: Top Alternatives to Visit
• Best Beach Vacations in Europe
• Free Vacation Generator: Find Where to Go in the US