Best Places to Visit in the USA in December can be broadly classified into three groups: snowbirds, who want to escape the cold and find some warmth and sunlight; ski enthusiasts, who want to see the most incredible slopes; and holiday lovers, who want to find a lively place to spend their winter break.
The USA has various temperatures and topography, making it home to many fascinating destinations in December. You’ll have plenty of options when it comes to destinations for your December vacation, ranging from warm-weather paradise like Florida, Hawaii, and California to snow-covered mountain locations with some of the best ski resorts in the country to major cities like New York and Las Vegas.
best places to go in december in usa
1. Hawaii
Hawaii is among the warmest destinations in the United States in December. This is the perfect destination to unwind on island time because of its beaches, stunning landscape, bathwater-warm ocean waves, and tropical breezes.
You can choose to vacation on one of the many islands or schedule multiple island visits in one trip. Your Hawaiian vacation will be even more amazing if you have extra time to spare.
Oahu is a fantastic place to start, mainly if you stay in Honolulu, the state capital. Take in the metropolitan scenery, see the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, and unwind on Waikiki Beach.
Maui offers a pleasant mix of activities and relaxation, including golf courses, Wailea Beach, and Mount Haleakala, a dormant volcano from which you can see breathtaking sunrises.
Like Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Kaunaoa Beach, and Akaka Falls State Park, the Big Island offers many outdoor recreation opportunities and natural attractions.
The oldest island is Kaui, a small island perfect for peaceful, romantic getaways. It is renowned for its abundance of tropical waterfalls, stunning treks, and breathtaking vistas.
Another little island that is less visited than the others but yet has some isolated natural areas is Lanai. Best places to visit in december usa.
2. Miami, Florida
Miami, Florida, is an excellent option if you’re searching for a warm place to visit in December that offers many activities. With Christmas productions like The Nutcracker and the stunning lights that adorn Zoo Miami, Miami boasts a lively winter landscape.
You may combine the holiday cheer with the warm Florida weather, giving you the best of both worlds. There are plenty of beach events in the area. You will have company if you spend your holidays by the beach rather than in a chilly location. It’s a well-liked concept, and the festive holiday lights and decorations on the palm trees will provide the ideal visual break.
Boat rides and trips to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are also among the top attractions in Miami. Miami does not see snowfall in December, so you can explore the city’s neighborhoods, like Little Havana and the Miami Design District.
It’s common for northerners who enjoy snowbirding to spend the winter in Florida, so make reservations for your accommodations well in advance. It is preferable to reserve accommodations near the area of the places to visit in december in usa with family Miami beaches where you spend most of your time if you have a favorite spot.
3. New York City, New York
December is the ideal month to visit New York and is undoubtedly one of the most festive times of the year. Get cozy and stroll through the downtown streets to observe the holiday retail window displays or take in a Rockettes show. Make sure to see the famous Christmas tree by visiting Rockefeller Square.
Even in the cold, there’s never a dull moment in New York City. In December, many people go to New York City, mostly to shop for gifts at the city’s renowned department shops and Christmas markets and to take in the city’s numerous seasonal celebrations. Ice skating in Central Park, with the breathtaking skyline of New York City as a backdrop, is a must-do activity.
If you overspend on gifts, you can still watch a Broadway production at a discounted cost. Visit the ticket office a few hours before the performance to check if any last-minute deals are available.
Given the unpredictability of snow storms in December in the northeast, it is advisable to factor in additional time and flexibility to your schedule in the event of any delays. Consider visiting museums (of which there are many!) on particularly chilly days when you can stay indoors and venture outside briefly.
4. Salt Lake City, Utah
Not everyone wants to get away from the cold in December. Actually, December is a great month for serious skiers to visit the mountains and ski areas close to Salt Lake City. About a dozen ski resorts are situated in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, a short drive from Salt Lake City. Skiers of all skill levels can find accommodations on the slopes.
You can also gaze at the snow-capped mountains rather than traveling through them. December brings a plethora of festive holiday festivities to Salt Lake City, including horse-drawn carriage rides through the beautifully decorated Temple Square.
You can also browse tiny boutiques for unusual presents. Visit This Is The Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City to get a taste of a bygone era of Christmas celebrations. The park depicts life and the holidays in 1800s Utah in December.
5. U.S. Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands are an obvious choice for a December Caribbean vacation in the United States. The U.S. territory of Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, and Saint John offer tropical natural settings ideal for a mid-winter escape. Your list of things to do should include visiting some of the island’s natural parks, beach days, and snorkeling.
Because St. Thomas is home to a cruise ship port, it is the most crowded of the three islands. Although there are plenty of tours and activities to choose from, you will be sharing the sandy beaches with a large number of other December visitors.
The most oversized island, St. Croix, has many cultural attractions. St. John is the smallest and most pristine, which offers fantastic trekking, snorkeling, tropical vegetation, and unspoiled beaches.
6. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas’s lights and guaranteed mild weather draw many American tourists in December. With a twist of festive December décor and an excess of sights and noises along the Vegas Strip, you will discover the usual flare. Many of the hotels have beautiful Christmas décor with plenty of lights and flowers.
In addition to fantastic shopping, December offers many entertaining options in Las Vegas. Ethel M Chocolates’ Botanical Cactus Garden is one of the most exquisite places to visit. Get into the Christmas spirit with light displays, sometimes in three dimensions, in the most extensive cactus garden in the state.
Las Vegas’s moderate December weather makes spending a winter day by the hotel pool enjoyable.
7. Pasadena, California
For a December vacation that combines mild weather with something different, consider visiting Pasadena, California, which is getting ready for the annual Tournament of Roses Parade. With the temperatures in Southern California, you might go to the beach one day and then attend one of the city’s largest events the next.
At the end of December, Rose Parade participants work on finishing touches to their intricate floats decorated with roses, known as Deco Week. You could offer to assist with the last-minute arrangements. To secure your place, if you intend to participate in this yearly event in Pasadena, make reservations well in advance.
8. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is fantastic in December, especially if you enjoy the great outdoors. Hiking, golfing, motorcycling, rock climbing, and camping are popular winter sports. Going shopping and visiting museums are two more enjoyable pastimes.
Regarding the weather, you will undoubtedly be happy. Expect minimal precipitation and temperatures between the upper 60s and low 70s F. You won’t need to bring a parka or worry about sweating through your wrinkle-free travel shirt. Your luggage will fit more items, giving you more room for the treasures you’ll pick up at holiday markets.
While you’re in town, make sure to explore the Heard Museum, skate on the ice rink at CityScape, and visit the Desert Botanical Garden. Thousands of holiday lights, music, food, and other festivities are all part of Glendale Glitters, a delightful festival-style event in nearby Glendale on weekends throughout December.
9. Savannah, Georgia
Remember to bring a sweater if you want to visit Savannah in December. You should prevent the overnight (or midday) chill with highs in the mid-60s to mid-70s. You will still be able to experience this utopia of Georgia despite that thoroughly.
This gorgeous beauty, dotted with abundant parks, antique mansions, and moss-draped trees, is made even more magical in December when it is decked out for the holidays. Head to River Street for shopping, dining, and entertainment on the first weekend in December. These distinctive vendors provide handcrafted stocking stuffers and other imaginative gifts.
December’s first weekend also brings Savannah’s Lighted Christmas Parade, another holiday spectacle to be noticed. On Tybee Island, there will be dancing, caroling, a tree-lighting ceremony, and more.
10. Washington D.C.
Even though the country’s capital is typically buried in snow in December, there are several reasons why it’s one of the greatest destinations to travel at the end of the year: It can be difficult to find cheap hotel rooms, and fewer people at the city’s attractions during the popular summer travel season, so a winter trip to Washington, D.C., is the best option.
Another reason to visit D.C. in December is that you may easily tour many Smithsonian institutions because they are primarily housed inside. The White House, in particular, is exquisitely decked out for the holidays in December in Washington, D.C. The city is filled with seasonal events, like strolling tours and viewings of the national Christmas tree.
December in D.C. offers some things that are unavailable during other seasons. Please make time to visit the Wharf District holiday boat parade in early December, which features dozens of festively decorated boats floating along Washington Channel; the national Christmas tree near the White House, which is lit up shortly after Thanksgiving; and the Winternational global market, which features booths hosted by foreign embassies with crafts for sale from their respective countries.
11. Anchorage, Alaska
December is a popular month for traveling to warmer climates, but it’s also a terrific time to visit Alaska in the north. Because December is the busiest month, finding a trip to see the Northern Lights is simple. The Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train is another option for a picturesque journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks.
Other ways to enjoy December in Anchorage include going dogsledding, hitting the slopes, going on a glacier excursion, or observing animals. When you need to escape the cold, Anchorage has a variety of museums to explore. If not, bundle up and explore Anchorage during this enchanted season of the year.
12. Key West, Florida
With its serene waters and key lime pie, you’ll almost forget it’s winter when you visit Key West in December. It is among the most significant locations to visit in December. The Lighted Boat Parade at the Historic Seaport and offshore trips to beat the winter blues are two highlights of this warm-season vacation, which is fitting given the weather.
Key West offers tours of its Victorian mansions, which are tastefully decked out for the holidays with wreaths and other decorations. You can also choose to spend your December trip doing nothing but relaxing on the beach. Remember that Key West is a well-liked destination during the winter, so lodging and airfare will be more expensive.
13. Breckenridge, Colorado
In December, Breckenridge enters ski season, making it one of the most incredible destinations for an exciting downhill ride. Breckenridge is the place to go if you want excellent winter skiing, but it will also experience crowds in December, much like other warm-weather locations.
Although hotel and resort rates are higher, you can typically combine them with lift tickets to save money on your stay. Enjoy the festive atmosphere in town, where the little stores along Main Street are done out for the holidays when you’re not slicing through the white powder on the slopes. Breckenridge embraces the season’s spirit as one of Colorado’s most significant Christmas towns.
Even though Breckenridge sees a lot of traffic in December, its almost 3,000 acres of ski areas provide plenty of room to handle the influx of winter visitors.
14. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a fun place to visit in December if you want to take advantage of the more excellent weather, explore the French Quarter and downtown streets, and get away before the masses of Mardi Gras go through in the following months. Although it is warm in December, the heat is not oppressive like in the summer so that you can enjoy it more comfortably.
In December, the city comes alive with seasonal celebrations and extravagant light and ornamental displays, such as the best cities to visit in usa december, illuminated artwork at Lafayette Square. Another must-see is the Roosevelt Hotel, decked with thousands of holiday lights and 50 themed and decorated Christmas trees.
15. Santa Fe, New Mexico
If you want to get away from it all in a small, artistic town in December, the southwestern city of Santa Fe is a perfect choice. The Native American way of life permeates the city. Buying locally created jewelry and paintings while meandering around the charming boutiques and historic buildings is a delightful experience.
Santa Fe is well-known for its numerous health retreats and tranquil spa resorts, making it a pleasant destination for getting away from the cold and snow. If you’re still interested in seeing the snow, you can go skiing for a day in the mountains.
