Introduction to Christmas Vacations
The Christmas season is a magical time to explore new places and celebrate Christmas with family and friends. From sparkling Christmas lights to live holiday music and traditional Christmas carols, the holiday spirit fills the air across the country. Whether you dream of a white Christmas in a winter wonderland or prefer mild weather and beachside Christmas cheer, the US offers some of the best Christmas destinations to suit every traveler’s taste.
Honolulu, Hawaii, for instance, celebrates Christmas with unique activities like surfing Santa contests and the Honolulu City Lights display featuring giant Santa statues. Other top destinations include Leavenworth, WA, which transforms into a "Village of Lights" with over 500,000 lights adorning its Bavarian architecture, Stowe, VT, and Austin, TX, each offering their own unique holiday charm.
During this festive season, cities and towns deck their streets with holiday decorations, giant Christmas trees, and twinkling lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere. From holiday markets and holiday shopping to ice skating rinks and Christmas dinner feasts, there are countless festive events and holiday celebrations to enjoy. Washington, D.C., for example, features the National Christmas Tree and a holiday market that is open through December 23. Denver, Colorado, also offers the Denver Zoo Lights, a popular holiday attraction featuring millions of twinkling lights.
Here’s a guide to the best Christmas vacations and places to visit in the US during Christmas time.
Top Christmas Destinations in the US
New York City: A Traditional Christmas Wonderland
New York City is synonymous with Christmas magic. The city lights up with the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and elaborate Christmas light displays along Fifth Avenue. Visitors can enjoy ice skating at the rink beneath the giant Christmas tree, stroll through holiday markets like the Downtown Holiday Market and the festive holiday markets at Bryant Park, and experience the awe-inspiring Christmas window displays. The elaborate department store window displays are a hallmark of the city's festive season, drawing visitors from around the world.
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and the festive events in Central Park fill the city with Christmas spirit, while the Radio City Christmas Spectacular brings the joy of Christmas music and dance. New York City is a perfect place to spend Christmas and soak in the holiday cheer.
Park City: Winter Wonderland and Holiday Spirit
Park City, Utah, is a snowy Christmas wonderland perfect for those seeking a traditional Christmas vacation. The town is adorned with holiday decorations and sparkling Christmas lights, and visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. The annual tree lighting ceremony and Christmas markets create a festive atmosphere, while the North Pole Express train ride offers hot cocoa and holiday treats for families. Aspen, Colorado, is another snowy destination known for its significant snowfall and holiday activities such as ice skating and holiday light displays.
Park City’s holiday events and Christmas festivities make it one of the best Christmas destinations for those craving a white Christmas surrounded by twinkling lights and holiday cheer.
Disney World: A Magical Disney Christmas Experience
For a family-friendly Christmas visit, Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is a top choice. The park transforms into a Christmas wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, holiday decorations, and themed events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.
Guests can enjoy holiday shopping, meet Santa Claus and his reindeer, and indulge in festive treats such as hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. Disney Christmas brings unforgettable holiday magic and joy, making it a must-visit for Christmas vacations.
Festive Christmas Events and Light Displays
North Pole, Alaska: America's Christmas Hometown
The North Pole in Alaska is famous for its Christmas-themed street names like Santa Claus Lane and festive attractions including the Santa Claus House and Santa Claus Museum. The town hosts an annual tree lighting ceremony and offers a true winter wonderland experience with snow-covered landscapes and holiday decorations.
Visitors can join in Christmas Eve celebrations and enjoy the holiday spirit in this unique Christmas destination known as America’s Christmas hometown.
Chicago, Illinois: Magnificent Mile and Holiday Lights
Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival kicks off the holiday season with dazzling light displays, parades, and live holiday music. Millennium Park features a giant Christmas tree and an ice skating rink, while the Christkindlmarket offers a traditional German Christmas market experience with holiday shopping and festive treats. The Christkindlmarket runs from November 22 to December 24, providing visitors with a European-style holiday market filled with unique gifts and delicious seasonal foods.
Chicago’s Christmas light displays and holiday events make it a wonderful place to celebrate Christmas and enjoy the holiday season.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: A German Christmas Market Tradition
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, known as Christmas City, USA, is famous for its Christkindlmarkt, a traditional German Christmas market running from November to December. Visitors can enjoy live holiday music, holiday shopping, and festive lights throughout the historic downtown area. The Christkindlmarkt runs from November 15 to December 22, offering a unique holiday shopping experience with handcrafted gifts and festive treats. Branson, Missouri, also hosts An Old Time Christmas festival at Silver Dollar City, featuring 6.5 million lights and outdoor shows.
The Christmas Prelude festival features an annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday events that bring Christmas cheer to all who visit.
Asheville, North Carolina: Biltmore Estate and Holiday Festivities
Asheville offers a charming Christmas experience with the Biltmore Estate’s elaborate Christmas decorations, including dozens of Christmas trees and sparkling Christmas lights. The city hosts festive events, live holiday music, and holiday markets, making it a cozy destination to celebrate Christmas. The Biltmore Estate features 100 hand-decorated trees and 100,000 holiday lights, creating a breathtaking holiday display. Santa Fe, NM, also features festive traditions like the Plaza Lighting Ceremony and the Canyon Road Farolito Walk on Christmas Eve.
San Diego, California: Mild Weather and Holiday Celebrations
San Diego’s mild weather makes it an ideal place for a warm Christmas vacation. The city lights up with holiday decorations and hosts events like the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. Visitors can enjoy holiday shopping, festive lights, and even ice skating on the beach. Similarly, St. Augustine, Florida, hosts the Nights of Lights festival, where millions of tiny white lights illuminate the historic district, creating a magical holiday atmosphere. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, also hosts the Great Christmas Light Show, displaying two million lights throughout the holiday season.
Santa Claus, Indiana: Holiday World Theme Park and Christmas Spirit
Santa Claus, Indiana, known as America’s Christmas hometown, is home to Holiday World Theme Park and attractions like Santa’s Candy Castle and the Santa Claus Museum. The town hosts an annual Christmas parade, holiday shopping, and festive events that capture the essence of celebrating Christmas.
Stay Connected Anywhere with Firsty
Christmas getaways are all about freedom, exploring new places, enjoying the snow, or chasing the sun. But no matter where your travels take you, staying connected shouldn’t be complicated. That’s where Firsty comes in.
With Firsty’s eSIM, you can get online instantly without switching SIM cards or worrying about roaming fees. Setup takes just a few minutes, and you can choose the plan that fits your travel style, whether you’re traveling for a weekend or a whole month.
Daily Plans
Perfect for travelers who move from one destination to another or just need short-term access.
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First Class – Premium speed, video streaming, and hotspot use, starting at €2 per day. Perfect for heavy users and digital nomads.
Global Monthly Plans
If you’re staying longer or traveling frequently across countries, monthly plans give you more data and flexibility.
Economy – 1.5 GB for €4.50. Best for light users who just need essentials like maps or messages.
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First Class – Unlimited* data for €39.50. Perfect for streaming, working remotely, or sharing connection via hotspot.
(*Fair usage policy applies.)
So whether you’re admiring Christmas lights in New York, strolling through Leavenworth’s Bavarian Christmastown, or enjoying a sunny holiday escape in Key West, Firsty keeps you connected to the magic of the season
Additional Christmas Destinations Worth Visiting
Leavenworth, Washington: Bavarian Christmas Village
Leavenworth, Washington, is a charming Bavarian-style village that turns into a dazzling Christmas destination during the holiday season. Known as the "Village of Lights," the town is adorned with over 500,000 twinkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday markets. Visitors can enjoy sledding, horse-drawn carriage rides, and the Nutcracker Museum, which houses over 7,000 nutcrackers from around the world.
Stowe, Vermont: Alpine Holiday Experience
Stowe, Vermont, offers a quintessential alpine Christmas with tree lighting ceremonies, caroling, skiing, ice skating, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. The town's picturesque scenery and festive events make it a perfect getaway for those seeking a traditional Christmas in a winter wonderland.
Austin, Texas: Holiday Lights and Festivities
Austin, Texas, shines during the holiday season with the Zilker Park Trail of Lights, featuring over 2 million Christmas lights. The city hosts festive events, holiday markets, and plenty of opportunities for Christmas shopping. Mild weather allows visitors to enjoy outdoor holiday activities without the chill.
Charleston, South Carolina: Southern Christmas Charm
Charleston offers a warm and inviting Christmas experience with the Festival of Trees at The Charleston Place, holiday parades, and the Aquarium Aglow light show. The city's historic charm and festive events make it a delightful destination for celebrating the holiday season.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Beachside Holiday Fun
Myrtle Beach hosts the Great Christmas Light Show, featuring two million lights, holiday parades, and themed events like the Yuletide golf cart parade. Visitors can enjoy festive dining, shopping, and the unique experience of a beachside Christmas.
Washington, D.C.: National Christmas Tree and Holiday Markets
The nation's capital dazzles with the National Christmas Tree, holiday markets, and festive light displays. Visitors can enjoy ice skating, holiday performances, and historic monuments lit up for the season.
St. Augustine, Florida: Nights of Lights Festival
St. Augustine's Nights of Lights festival illuminates the historic district with millions of tiny white lights, creating a magical holiday atmosphere. The city's mild weather makes it an ideal destination for a warm Christmas getaway.
New Orleans, Louisiana: Celebration in the Oaks
New Orleans embraces the holiday season with Celebration in the Oaks, a spectacular light festival in City Park featuring millions of sparkling Christmas lights, live music, and festive events. The city's unique culture adds a special flair to Christmas celebrations.
Branson, Missouri: An Old Time Christmas
Branson hosts An Old Time Christmas festival at Silver Dollar City, featuring 6.5 million lights, outdoor shows, parades, and rides. The town's festive atmosphere and family-friendly events make it a popular Christmas destination.
Denver, Colorado: Zoo Lights and Holiday Cheer
Denver offers the Denver Zoo Lights, a popular holiday attraction with millions of twinkling lights and illuminated scenes. The city also hosts holiday markets, ice skating, and festive performances during the Christmas season.
Christmas Traditions and Unique Experiences
Visit Santa Claus and Santa's Village
Many Christmas destinations, such as Santa Claus, Indiana, and North Pole, Alaska, offer unique opportunities to visit Santa Claus and Santa's Village. These attractions provide festive activities, holiday shopping, and memorable experiences for families and children.
Christmas Day Celebrations
Spending Christmas Day in a festive destination can be a magical experience. Many towns and cities host special Christmas Day events, including church services, community meals, and holiday parades.
Holiday Shopping and Christmas Markets
Christmas shopping is a highlight of the holiday season in many destinations. From traditional German Christmas markets in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and Chicago, Illinois, to festive holiday markets in New York City and Washington, D.C., visitors can find unique gifts, handcrafted items, and seasonal treats.
Experiencing "It's a Wonderful Life" in Seneca Falls, New York
Seneca Falls, New York, is believed to be the inspiration for the classic Christmas movie "It's a Wonderful Life." The town celebrates the holiday season with special events, movie screenings, and festive activities that capture the spirit of the beloved film.
Conclusion: Experience the Best Christmas Vacations in the US
From the bustling streets of New York City to the snowy slopes of Park City, the US offers a wealth of Christmas destinations filled with holiday spirit, festive lights, traditional Christmas dinners, and joyful celebrations. Whether you seek a white Christmas or a mild-weather retreat, these best places to visit during the holiday season promise unforgettable memories and the true magic of Christmas time.
Start planning your Christmas vacation today and immerse yourself in the Christmas cheer that lights up America every December.
