15 Best Places to Go for Christmas
This holiday season, don’t fall into the same old routine that happens every Christmas. Especially if it’s your first married Christmas! Instead, venture out into the wintry haze. Spend your time off at one of our festive holiday destinations in the USA. Here are the 15 best places to go for Christmas that you won’t want to miss during the holiday season.
Looking for the best places to go for Christmas this year?
With all the decorating, shopping, and parties, there’s so much to do at Christmastime. It can be overwhelming, so planning a getaway can be the perfect option to destress. Experiencing a festive feeling can evoke a holiday spirit, recharging you to tackle your to-do list. Our list of festive locations spans the United States, with hopefully one nearby. Safe travels!
15 Best Places to Go for Christmas in the US
1. Park City, Utah
If you want a white Christmas, look no further. From the small-town charm to the outdoor rink in Park City Mountain, you’ll find your fair share of mountain air in Utah.
2. Ogunquit, Maine
The Christmas by the Sea festival and Maine’s quiet, calm atmosphere are two compelling reasons to visit during the holidays. Here, you’ll find peace and lower prices for a restful holiday.
3. New York City, New York
When you think of NYC, you may think of everything from Elf to Miracle on 34th Street. From the Rockefeller Ice Skating Rink to the Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, there is so much to do during Christmas in New York City. In the eyes of many, it’s one of the best places to go for Christmas and one of the most festive holiday destinations in the USA!
4. Rhinebeck, New York
Home to the oldest inn in America, you’ll find this just a few miles from Hyde Park. However, the town is home to one of the oldest festivals, which dates back to Rhinebeck’s roots in the 1600s.
5. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
From horse-drawn carriage rides to a Christmas City Stroll, this is the perfect place for anyone needing a little Christmas spirit. Of course, it has to be included on a list of the best places to go for Christmas simply for the name alone.
6. Franklin, Tennessee
Step back in time as you head to the Dickens of a Christmas Festival in historic downtown. Bring the characters from A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist to life in this weekend-long celebration.
7. Williamsburg, Virginia
During the height of the holiday season, the views alone could dazzle anyone visiting. However, from the Yankee Candle Village to the month of holiday celebrations in Williamsburg, there is no shortage of things to see and do all season long. Plus, the area is filled with heritage for those who love history.
More of the Best Places to Go for Christmas
8. Solvang, California
Head out to wine country and attend Julefest in December. Go on a holiday lights tour or take part in the Santa Sprint. It may be warm, but you’ll still get in the spirit of the Christmas season.
9. Durango, Colorado
Home to the Polar Express, you can travel around the San Juan National Forest and Animas River in a heated coach with your whole family. Gawk at the lovely views as you travel around.
10. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Attend one of the popular Christmas-themed shows or head for a walk on the beach. It may seem out of season, but listening to Christmas tunes and seeing the lights can help you feel festive. Yes, going to the beach may seem unusual around the holidays, but I promise it’s perfect!
11. Darby, Montana
Tucked in the mountains, you’ll find this beautiful Christmas town. Head to Triple Creek Ranch for snowshoeing, horseback riding, and other holiday celebrations.
12. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Blue Cross River Rink Winterfest and the Christmas village in Center City Philadelphia are just two reasons to head up north for the holidays. Don’t miss the Dickens Village and the light show at Macy’s. Plus, LOVE Park and Dilworth Park have outdoor vendors, festive food, and ice skating, too.
13. Mystic, Connecticut
From illuminated boats to seafood on the water, you’ll find lantern-light tours and family fun during the holiday season in Mystic. It may be cold, but that will only add to the charm of one of our festive Christmas places.
14. Woodstock, Vermont
You’ll feel as if you’re back in time during the season at one of our festive holiday destinations. The Woodstock Inn and Resort decorates during the holidays, and the spirit of the season comes alive during the Wassail Weekend.
15. McAdenville, North Carolina
Locals know this place as Christmas Town. Plus, for the past 63 years, this little suburb of Charlotte has put on an incredible holiday display worth seeing for free!
Save our best places to go for Christmas.
If you’re looking for the next place to visit during the holidays this year, try out one of these incredible destinations. With 15 to choose from, you’re sure to find one that is perfect for you and your loved ones.
I think we have to make a detour for Franklin and Bethlehem next time we go to Pennsylvania from Texas. All this time we only drove by the outskirt of the cities. Mystic and Woodstock sound interesting, too. We’ve been there in the summer, so I have no doubt these cities look incredible during the holiday season.
These destinations all sound wonderfully festive. I’d especially like to stay on the east coast and do NYC, Connecticut. How cute is Bethlehem, that would be beautiful to take a nighttime carriage ride to see the lights.
I am a big fan of light-ups and I am too lazy to decorate my own home. That is why I prefer christmas holiday destinations. I can imagine that a lot of American cities put a great effort in their light-up and I would love to see this one day.
As someone who loved White Christmas, Utah would be my top pick. Of course, you cannot go wrong with NYC. Oldest Inn in USA? Now, that’s super interesting and my kinda place. Home to Polar Express? Well, now I’m intrigued about it as well. I really wouldn’t want to miss the Lantern light tour at Connecticut. It is difficult to pick one!!!
I like all these 15 destinations. But I would surely lke to do Utah and Colorado. And the Rhinebeck sounds unmissable. But I guess, it will be for 2023 Christmas now!
Love this list! I would love to visit Philadelphia and Woodstock during festive seasons. Lights and decorations bring cheer and happiness. It’s a tough job to pick one out the many listed as the best. 🙂
Wow! These are great destinations. I am not really familiar with Darby but we’d love to learn more and explore the area. Snowshoeing and horseback riding sounds really exciting and fun.
I was in Park City and NYC in mid and late January a few years ago, and the atmosphere was truly vibrant. Would like to revisit the cities during Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Wow! These are all beautiful Christmas places to visit. Though NYC is always on top of our list, we’re looking forward to visiting Durango and perhaps Bethlehem in Pennsylvania next year. Bookmarking your post for future reference.