12 Best Places To Visit In The USA In December
Planning To Travel To The USA In December But Not Sure What Places To Visit? Keep Reading To Find Out!
Looking for magical places to visit in the USA this December?
December is a magical time to explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant cities of the United States.
As the holiday season unfolds, destinations across the country come alive with festive lights, seasonal events, and cozy winter activities.
From snow-covered mountains perfect for skiing to sunny, warm escapes where you can trade snow boots for flip-flops, the USA offers endless options for a memorable December getaway.
Whether you’re drawn to the holiday charm of small towns, the adventure of snowy landscapes, or the unique celebrations in big cities, there’s a perfect place waiting for you this season.
Let’s dive into the best places to visit in the USA in December, offering something special for every kind of traveler.
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Best Places To Visit In The USA In December – Cold Destinations
Let’s take a look at some colder places to check out in the USA in December.
1. Chicago, Illinois
By Patti From The Savvy Globetrotter
Chicago is one of the best cities in the US to visit in December for holiday attractions and activities.
One of the top things to do in Chicago in December is to visit Christkindlmarket, an outdoor Christmas market.
Another must-see attraction is the giant Christmas tree in Millennium Park (which is also home to the famous Bean sculpture).
Other things to do in December include outdoor ice skating and enjoying holiday light displays.
Chicago offers a large number of attractions so I recommend staying at least 3 days, but there are enough things to do for a longer stay.
Chicago is easy to reach by air and is home to two major airports (Midway and O’Hare).
Make sure to try some of the dishes Chicago is known for including deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s.
One of the best areas to stay is Michigan Avenue – the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel has an excellent location right across Millennium Park.
Some attractions such as ice skating require or recommend online reservations in advance so check before you visit.
👉 Grab your tickets for the above-mentioned activities:
Chicago-Style Holiday Hike: Festive Food and Walking Tour
Chicago River: 1.5-Hour Guided Architecture Cruise
Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket
Gangsters and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour
👉 Check availability for your dates: Chicago Athletic Association, part of Hyatt
2. Crested Butte, Colorado
By Sonia From Carey On Travels
December is a wonderful time to visit Crested Butte, Colorado, nicknamed “Colorado’s Last Great Ski Town.”
Crested Butte offers exceptional skiing and a magical holiday atmosphere that’s truly unique.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort has an ideal mix of beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert runs for downhill skiing.
Don’t miss the ice sculptures around the mountain resort during the 2nd half of December.
If you’re into cross-country skiing, Crested Butte Nordic Center maintains 55 km of groomed trails through scenic winter landscapes, with some accessible to fat bikers, snowshoers, and dogs.
Reserve a Nordic Center yurt dinner for a unique holiday experience.
Plan to stay for a week to fully enjoy both the skiing and the vibrant town, with its charming Victorian buildings.
Getting here involves a 4-hour drive from Denver or a flight into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC), followed by a 30-minute drive to town.
One of Crested Butte’s best unique places to stay is the Purple Mountain Inn.
It offers charming accommodations within walking distance of the heart of Crested Butte and the mountain shuttle.
After a day on the slopes, families will love grabbing a bite at The Secret Stash, famous for its creative pizzas and relaxed vibe.
👉 Check availability for your dates: Crested Butte Mountain Resort
3. Asheville, North Carolina (Biltmore Estate)
By Tina Tolbert From The Southern Travelista
December is hands down the best time to visit Asheville, NC, for Christmas at Biltmore!
The estate transforms into a holiday wonderland, with twinkling lights, festive wreaths, and Christmas trees filling the grand halls of Biltmore House.
One of my favorite ways to take it all in is the Candlelight Christmas Evenings tour—walking through the house by candlelight with live holiday music is just magical.
After touring the house, don’t miss a quick trip to Antler Hill Village. It’s the perfect spot to pick up some unique holiday gifts and warm up with a wine tasting at the Biltmore Winery.
For a great meal, grab a table at the Stable Café. It’s right next to Biltmore House, and their Southern-inspired dishes served in the cozy, rustic setting make it feel like an experience all on its own.
My family and I make sure to snag reservations there every trip.
And if you’re making it an overnight trip, I’d recommend the Inn on Biltmore Estate. You’ll wake up to beautiful views and be right in the middle of all the holiday magic.
Give yourself at least a full day to take it all in, though a weekend stay lets you savor the experience.
The estate is located just outside Asheville, NC, which is roughly a two-hour drive from Charlotte, making it an easy holiday getaway.
A couple of tips: book your tickets and hotel early since it’s a popular spot in December.
And dress in layers because that mountain air can be pretty chilly this time of year—especially if you’re exploring the estate grounds.
Best Places To Visit In The USA In December – Warm Destinations
If you are trying to escape the winter cold, check out these warm destinations to visit in December.
4. Phoenix, Arizona
By Lisa Garrett From Waves and Cobblestones
Phoenix, Arizona is the perfect choice for a winter getaway in the United States – especially if you’re looking to escape the cold!
Winter is when locals have bragging rights about the weather.
Plan to stay 3-4 days so that you can explore the city’s highlights.
Several of the top attractions in Phoenix become even better in December, like ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo and the gorgeous luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden.
If you love museums, you’ll want to visit the Musical Instrument Museum – it’s one of a kind!
Or, learn more about Native American culture at the Heard Museum.
If you enjoy the outdoors, then December is the perfect time to hike Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak.
And for a memorable experience, take a hot-air balloon ride over the desert!
To get to Phoenix, fly into the Sky Harbor International Airport. Public transportation options are limited, so plan to rent a car to visit the city’s main attractions.
Stay in the downtown area to be centrally located and close to some museums and event centers.
Stay at the historic Hotel San Carlos or the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix.
👉 Grab your tickets for the above-mentioned activities:
Phoenix ZooLights Entry Ticket
World’s Only Global Musical Instrument Museum
Epic Camelback Mountain Guided Hike | Ascend Peak!
Hot Air Balloon Flight with Champagne
👉 Rent a car after exploring the world’s biggest car rental website: Rentalcars
👉 Check availability for your dates: Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix Cityscape, an IHG Hotel
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
By Imee Magbag From Journey To Nevada
Las Vegas shines in December as one of the USA’s best places to visit, blending its year-round energy with a touch of holiday magic.
The mild winter weather makes exploring the Strip enjoyable, with every resort showcasing stunning holiday decorations, light displays, and festive activities.
Highlights include the Bellagio Conservatory’s enchanting Christmas exhibit and ice skating at the Cosmopolitan’s rooftop rink, which offers seasonal treats and views of the Strip.
A day trip to nearby Red Rock Canyon is also ideal, as the cooler temperatures make for comfortable hiking and scenic drives.
Plan to spend three to four days in Vegas for a perfect mix of sightseeing, entertainment, and even a trip to Mount Charleston. Where winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
With easy flights to Harry Reid International Airport, the city is highly accessible, and most attractions are within a quick taxi ride.
For dining, Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas offers classic French cuisine with a beautiful view of the Bellagio fountains.
Staying at the Bellagio or Cosmopolitan keeps you close to all the holiday excitement and magic on the Strip, but book early, as December is a popular season for visitors.
👉 Grab your tickets for the above-mentioned activities:
Award Winning Red Rock Canyon Tour
Las Vegas: Guided Las Vegas Desert ATV Tour
From Las Vegas: Day Trip to Mount Charleston Resort
👉 Check availability for your dates: The Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas or Bellagio
6. Oahu, Hawaii
By Candice From Exploring Oahu
If you’re looking for a warm vacation within the United States, Oahu is a great option.
During the month of December, you can find many fun holiday activities, world-famous surfing competitions, and beautiful beaches.
Along with the seasonal activities, there are lots of great hiking trails and beaches to visit.
The Pu’u O Hulu trail is a moderate hike leading to a pink pillbox with beautiful views of the ocean and coastline.
If you want to hike to a waterfall, the Manoa Falls Trail is an easier hike perfect for families.
It is recommended to spend five to seven days on the island of Oahu.
This will give you time to see some of the attractions like Pearl Harbor and the Polynesian Culture Center while still having plenty of time to relax at the beach.
Be sure to stop by the Seven Brothers restaurant for some delicious coconut shrimp!
The Honolulu International Airport is the best airport to fly into when visiting the island of Oahu.
If you are just going to be staying in the Waikiki area you can get away without a rental car however if you want to explore more of the island, you will need a rental car.
The North Shore is a beautiful, quieter area with lush vegetation and lots of opportunities to see sea turtles.
Turtle Bay Resort is a great resort to stay at on the North Shore.
👉 Grab your tickets for the above-mentioned activities:
Oahu: Polynesian Cultural Center Island Villages Ticket
Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial Tour
👉 Rent a car after exploring the world’s biggest car rental website: Rentalcars
👉 Check availability for your dates: Turtle Bay Resort 132
7. Austin, Texas
By Audra Morris From The Nerd Traveler
December is an amazing time to visit Austin, TX!
As a city that attracts millions of visitors, December offers fewer visitors and amazing festive options.
The main thing to do in December is visit Zilker Park for the outdoor Christmas decorations.
One side of the street has the Zilker Tree, created by hanging strings of lights from one of the historic moontowers.
The other side of the street has the Trail of Lights. Voted as one of the best public holiday displays by USA Today, there are over 50 displays containing thousands of lights and almost 100 lit trees.
Keep in mind that only pedestrians are allowed through the Trail of Lights and two hours will allow for an amazing experience.
The best way to get to Zilker Park is to purchase a parking pass or catch one of the shuttles. Also, Uber or Lyft is a good option.
Inside the park, there are food trucks selling snacks and hot cocoa.
Outside the park, you will find restaurants along Barton Springs Road, including Picnic and its food trucks, Chuy’s Tex/Mex, and Terry Black’s BBQ.
I would recommend staying at any of the hotels along Congress Avenue within or just south of downtown.
👉 Grab your tickets for the above-mentioned activities:
Austin: Best of Austin Driving Tour with Local Guide
Austin: Downtown History Walking Tour
👉 Check availability for your dates: JW Marriott Austin or citizenM Austin Downtown
Best Places To Visit In The USA In December – Florida
Next, let’s see what to check out when visiting Florida.
8. Orlando, Florida
By Christine Wheeler From Live Love Run Travel
Orlando, Florida, is one of the best places to visit in the USA in December.
Not only is the weather the perfect escape from the cold and snow, but Orlando at Christmas is a magical place to be.
If you are a theme park lover, Disney, Universal and SeaWorld all have special Christmas events.
Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs have special displays and the hotels have some over-the-top decorations.
Including a lifesize gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
If you are planning to spend most of your time at the parks, you’ll find plenty of hotel options nearby from budget to luxury.
For those who are looking for something more unique, head to the Winter Park area.
Here you’ll find a Christmas parade, a Christmas boat tour on the Winter Park chain of lakes, and many beautiful homes that go all out for Christmas.
For those considering a trip to Orlando in December, the length of your stay will depend on how much you want to do.
If you just want to spend a couple of days in the park to make it a weekend trip, that’s perfect.
If you can stay longer though, I would suggest breaking up your days at the parks with some slower days to recover and experience more of the Orlando area.
Getting to Orlando is easy with many airlines offering flights thanks to the popularity of the parks.
Expect it to take 4 hours to drive one way from Miami.
👉 Grab your tickets for the above-mentioned activities:
Universal Orlando Resort Theme Park Tickets
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom
9. Naples, Florida
By Janet From Practical Travel Concepts
December is one of the best times to visit Naples, Florida.
The weather is ideal – warm and sunny, with low humidity – making it perfect for outdoor activities.
Also, December brings holiday festivities like the Naples Christmas Parade, tree lighting at Third Street South, and holiday concerts at Cambier Park.
For a memorable experience, spend at least three days in Naples.
Start by exploring Palm Cottage and Naples Pier, with a walk along the white sandy beaches.
Then visit the Naples Botanical Garden, for the Night Lights in the Garden, where the gardens are beautifully illuminated for the holidays.
Downtown Naples, along 5th Avenue South, is decked out for the holidays with twinkling palm trees and snow!
It also offers upscale shopping, art galleries, and some of Southwest Florida’s best dining.
Try Campiello for a delicious Italian meal or head to The Dock at Crayton Cove for fresh seafood with waterfront views.
Fly into Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers (RSW), about a 45-minute drive from Naples.
Staying near Fifth Avenue South provides easy access to top restaurants, boutique shops, and beautiful beaches.
Naples Bay Resort & Marina is an excellent choice with family-friendly amenities.
Book restaurants early in December, as holiday visitors can fill up popular spots quickly.
👉 Grab your tickets for some activities in Naples, Florida:
Naples Sightseeing Boat Tour
Naples, FL: Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour
👉 Check availability for your dates: Naples Bay Resort and Marina
10. DeLand, Florida
By Jessica Walk and Paddle
December is a wonderful time to experience DeLand’s charm, with mild weather, festive decorations, and a friendly community vibe.
Home to Stetson University—named after the famous hat maker John B. Stetson—this town’s award-winning Main Street becomes especially magical during the holidays.
Don’t miss the Stetson Mansion Holiday Home Tour, where the exquisite 1866 mansion is decked out in elaborate seasonal displays and over 50 nativity scenes.
Artisan Alley’s Holly Jolly Market adds shopping, treats, and family fun to the holiday calendar.
You can plan a day trip, a long weekend, or stay even longer if you’re eager to explore all that DeLand and its surroundings have to offer.
There’s plenty to fill your time, from historic tours and unique local shops to nearby natural attractions.
DeLand is easy to reach, just a 45-minute drive from Orlando or 30 minutes from Daytona Beach. You can fly into either city and then take a short drive to this charming destination.
Kick off your day with coffee at Trilogy Coffee Roasters or enjoy locally sourced dishes at BakeChop.
Chica’s Cuban Café, nestled in the Historic Artisan Downtown Hotel, serves Cuban fare with vegan options. De La Vega offers Latin fusion tapas, sangria, and wine.
For a touch of history, both the Historic Artisan Downtown Hotel and The DeLand Hotel, built in the 1920s, offer classic charm with modern comforts.
Courtyard DeLand Historic Downtown provides additional amenities for a more traditional hotel experience.
Nearby Blue Spring and DeLeon Springs state parks are perfect for nature lovers, with winter manatee sightings at Blue Spring State Park adding a magical touch to your December visit.
👉 Check availability for your dates: Courtyard by Marriott DeLand Historic Downtown or Artisan Downtown
11. Key West, Florida Keys
By Jessica From 90summers
December is a lovely time to visit Key West, Florida when the temperature is mild, the skies are clear, and the bugs are minimal.
Plus, Key West has some unique holiday traditions, including its annual Lighted Boat Parade for Christmas.
As well as its one of a kind New Year celebrations, including a conch shell dropping to count down until midnight!
Key West, which is the southernmost of the Florida Keys, has countless activities to keep you busy.
For example, head out on a floating tiki boat to watch one of the town’s famous sunsets or kayak through its narrow mangrove channels.
You should budget at least three days for Key West itself and, if you can swing it, at least a couple of days to road trip from Miami through the rest of the Florida Keys.
While Key West has plenty to offer, there are so many incredible things to do in the Florida Keys.
This includes stopping at the gorgeous Marathon Beach or getting a nightcap at the historic Caribbean Club.
The Casablanca Hotel is an excellent home base during your stay.
With a location that’s within walking distance of the town’s nightlife hub, Duval Street, and everything you’d need in a hotel.
Including a pool, complimentary breakfast, and private balconies.
👉 Grab your tickets for the above-mentioned activities:
Key West Tiki Bar Sunset Cruise (by the seat)
Key West Mangrove Kayak Eco Tour
👉 Check availability for your dates: The Casablanca Hotel
🦄 For more useful information, check out these blog posts:
Is Key West Worth Visiting? Things To Do & Reasons To Visit
Is There Uber In Key West, Florida
16 Best Resorts In Key West For Couples
12. Islamorada, Florida Keys
By Chelsea From Hello Florida Keys
If you love good weather and outdoor activities in paradise, you’ll love Islamorada in December!
Islamorada is a laid-back island in the Florida Keys with December temperatures averaging the low 70s-80s.
For outdoor activities, you can spend the day at the sandbar, snorkel at Alligator Reef or go deep-sea fishing.
Islamorada is actually known as the Fishing Capital of the World!
Don’t forget to feed the tarpon at Robbie’s – you dangle a fish above the water and a huge tarpon will come to eat it out of your hand!
About 3-4 days is a perfect amount of time to explore Islamorada’s natural beauty.
To get there, you can fly into the Fort Lauderdale or Miami International Airport and drive the Overseas Highway.
The Overseas Highway is an adventure in itself with breathtaking views of the water on each side.
Morada Bay is my favorite restaurant. It is located on the water and is perfect for watching the sunset.
Because it’s such a great spot, it can get crowded but you can grab a drink and enjoy the views while you wait.
For accommodations, try the Islander. They have multiple pools, a restaurant on site, and a convenient location!
There are many great places to grab breakfast in Islamorada as well during your stay.
Also, don’t forget sunscreen—the sun is strong, even in winter!
👉 Grab your tickets for the above-mentioned activities:
Islamorada: Guided Tour with Local Highlights
Day Tour Glass Bottom Boat In Islamorada
Islamorada Florida Keys Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Music
👉 Check availability for your dates: Islander Resort
Conclusion: 12 Best Places To Visit In The USA In December
In conclusion, December is an ideal time to explore the diverse beauty and holiday spirit that the U.S. has to offer.
From the magical holiday markets in Chicago to the cozy warmth of the southern states, each destination brings something unique to the season.
Whether you’re after winter sports, festive events, or a beach escape, the U.S. offers incredible experiences in December.
Wherever you choose to go, you’re sure to find plenty of holiday cheer and seasonal magic.
