25 Best Cities to Spend Christmas in America | Condé Nast Traveler
By Emily Wong
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Christmas in America simply wouldn't feel complete without a few festive requisites: massive trees twinkling with thousands of glinting lights, ruddy-cheeked carolers singing familiar hymns, and representations of Santa in every shape and size. ‘Tis the season of lots and lots of gingerbread, charming holiday markets, and tinsel galore. If you're into all that—or if you're looking for alternative celebrations—you've come to the right place. The US is a glorious patchwork nation where a new environment, fascinating local histories, and present-day cultures can vary street to street. For instance, you can wander around a winter wonderland in or escape the cold and fly south to a like St. Augustine to ward off Jack Frost. No matter how you elect to dial the thermostat, these 25 US cities are some of the best places to spend in America this year.
These destinations are undeniable classics that breathe new life into the holidays each and every year. Find all-out festivities in major cities like , or don a pair of skis and hit the slopes in . If you're having trouble deciding between options, ¿Por qué no los dos? Hit the road and break out on a multi-destination through the finest in the US.
From to , from to North Pole, (note the missing the)—any which way you choose to spend Christmas in America—there's a bounty of Christmastime activities, events to check out, and places to stay all waiting for you to explore. Happy holidays to one and all.
Santa Fe, NM
Why we go: already-beautiful plaza becomes downright magical with the addition of Christmas lights—but the holiday spirit doesn’t start and stop there. The city also offers midnight mass at the , holiday exhibits at the , holiday flamenco performances at , and seasonal shopping at the Winter Indian Market. Even when Christmas is officially over, you can keep busy at and —both just an easy drive away.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Santa Fe’s annual , a Christmas Eve event consisting of farolitos (paper bags filled with sand and topped with a votive candle) lining the streets and walls of adobe buildings, is sure to get you in a pleasant and festive mood for the occasion.
Stay here: Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Award favorite has a tangible warmth to it, with gaslit kiva fireplaces and hand-carved four-poster beds adorning the rooms.
Dallas, TX
Why we go: Proving you don’t need cold temperatures to get in the Christmas spirit, the holiday celebrations in put most northern cities to shame. Most notable is (now through 4), a Christmas village with millions of lights, a 50-foot tree with lights animated to music, and visits with Santa Claus. Elsewhere in town, you can drive through the route (from November 14 to January 4) and skate next to the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree at the .
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Throw a few back at , a Christmas-themed pop-up bar that returns to Dallas this year at the cocktail bar in Uptown Dallas.
Stay here: If you really want a festive experience, check in at the , where the grounds are beautiful and the food is so tasty, you could dine on property every night.
Chicago, IL
Why we go: From its European-inspired to light shows galore (there’s the drive-through Christmas lights display), knows a thing or two about embracing the Christmas spirit (and freezing temperatures). Can’t-miss activities include visiting the 51-foot in Millennium Park and cozying up in a at .
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Be dazzled by 2.5 million LEDs at (from November 21 through January 4), an annual light festival held at Lincoln Park Zoo. Check out the event’s for sensory-friendly visit times.
Stay here: As far as hotels go, travelers truly have their pick of the litter in the Windy City. One top choice is , housed in a landmark Mies van der Rohe building along the Chicago River. It's just a Chicago hotdog’s throw away from the Magnificent Mile, where you can get all your holiday shopping done.
Nashville, TN
Why we go: The Music City is all about the—wait for it—music during the holiday season. From November 7 through January 3, enjoy “Country Christmas” at , with tons of Christmas shows, plus ice skating and acres of light displays. Or head to the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway and take the , a light show set to remixed versions of classic Christmas carols. And when in doubt, you can always catch a yuletide show at the .
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Given the Christmas season, a hotel named Noelle seems as perfect a place as any to spend the season. Its is a nice deal, but even cooler is its , a glitter-soaked pop-up bar with seasonal bites and drinks (happening in the hotel’s Hidden Bar).
Stay here: Well, it’s obvious, isn’t it? Stay at the Noelle—officially . It's in the center of the downtown Nashville action, and its emphasis on art, design, and local artists and designers will help you get to know the city all the more.
New Orleans, LA
Why we go: It’s no surprise that festive leans into the holiday season, but we still get all tingly thinking about Christmas in the city. City Park becomes a wonderland for the entire month with (November 28 to January 1), a festival with vendors, food and drink stands, and decorations adorning the centuries-old oak trees.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: The annual Christmas Eve along the banks of the Mississippi River is a seasonal tradition that's as authentically “New Orleans” as they come.
Stay here: has lots of this year, including gingerbread house building and a four-course dinner on Christmas Eve.
Las Vegas, NV
Why we go: If you thought was dazzling before, just wait until you see it decked out for Christmas. Basically, the entire Strip transforms into a winter wonderland full of festive events for the entire family. This year's activities include at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, colorful displays outside , and a massive holiday display—complete with a 42-foot Christmas tree—at the .
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Catch an iconic show at the to see performances set to “Santa Baby,” “Carol of the Bells,” and other holiday classics.
Stay here: It’s hard to go wrong when it comes to , especially as each property tries to outdo the others—whether for the holidays or just around the year. That said, for a classic experience, stay at . The whole place is so marvelously over-the-top that it doesn’t matter that it looks nothing like the real . That’s not the point. This is Vegas, baby.
North Pole, AK
Why we go: Even though this North Pole is 1,700 miles south of the true North Pole, the quaint Alaskan town is 100% saturated with Christmas cheer. Most famous for the Santa Claus House (the self-proclaimed “official” home of St. Nick), the North Pole’s nominal spirit even extends to its street names: Snowman Lane, Saint Nicholas Drive, Holiday Road, and Santa Claus Lane, which has light poles shaped like candy canes. Just as adorable is the town’s post office, which gets flooded with tens of thousands of letters addressed to Santa Claus each year.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: The annual tree-lighting ceremony has plenty of photo ops with Santa himself.
Stay here: This in North Pole, Alaska, is a Christmas wish come true. Fit with two bedrooms and the promise of complete and utter privacy, this is precisely the type of rest and relaxation you've been waiting all year for.
New York City, NY
Why we go: There’s no shortage of ways to make your magical, whether it’s ice skating at Central Park, window shopping along Fifth Avenue, visiting the tree at Rockefeller Center, seeing the Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, or lurking around 34th Street hoping to witness a miracle.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Prepare to be incredibly and thoroughly overwhelmed (in a good way!) by the Christmas spirit in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights, which famously goes all out on the holiday decorations each year. Think candy cane lanes, giant snowmen, illuminated snowflakes, and too many glowing Santa Claus figures than the census can count. Lights go up after Thanksgiving and last through the New Year, so whether you’re driving through in a car or taking the pedestrian route, there’s plenty of time to take in the wall-to-wall displays of life-size nutcrackers, enormous twinkling trees, and lawn ornament reindeer. Big sleigh.
Stay here: Easy answer: . If you've ever watched Home Alone 2, you’ll recognize it as the hotel where young Kevin McCallister, while lost in New York, lived lavishly in a posh suite for the holidays. Fittingly, the hotel has a “Home Alone 2: Fun in New York” experience package, offered throughout the year, that lets guests mimic memorable moments from the movie. It includes a limousine ride all over the city to landmarks like and Radio City Music Hall, a large cheese pizza (to be eaten in the limo, naturally), and the Home Alone sundae, made to fit Kevin’s exacting taste (specifically: 16 scoops of assorted ice cream, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, M&M’s, brownie bits, chocolate, caramel, and raspberry sauce). If a more traditional Christmas is what you’re looking for, there’s also the “Suitest Season of All” package that comes with a seven-foot-tall decorated Balsam Hill tree placed directly in your suite.
Aspen, CO
Why we go: The gem of the Roaring Fork Valley is nothing short of a resplendent winter wonderland. With an average of 309 inches of snowfall every year, there's no shortage of the powdery stuff. Run an exhilarating pass down Ajax's slopes by snowboard or ski, sink into the rejuvenating thermal pools at , or do both. Don't forget to live out our own Hallmark Movie by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride to a candlelit dinner at .
The one thing to get you in the spirit: On December 7, The Little Nell will host its at the community watering hole of its Wine Bar and Courtyard. The complimentary event is stocked with fresh-baked cookies, hot chocolate brewed with the hotel's signature blend of Dutch cocoa, and cider.
Stay here: In addition to its tree lighting ceremony, has been an Aspen icon in its own right since its opening in 1989. Come for the prime access to snow sports, and stay for the glamorous après-ski lifestyle.
Bethlehem, PA
Why we go: This Christmas, visit the little town of Bethlehem—in Pennsylvania, that is. The city’s German-inspired Christmas City Village and ( 14 to 21) feature rotating displays by artisans, live music, and glass-blowing demonstrations. After stocking up on handmade ornaments and nutcrackers, take a through Downtown Bethlehem to take in all the Christmas lights.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: The (through January 4) at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, about 30 minutes northwest of Bethlehem, features more than a million lights and illuminated scenes throughout the zoo.
Stay here: has warm and comfortable rooms, private six-course dinners, and beautiful Christmas decorations. If you want to venture out into the town, Lehigh University, St. Luke’s Hospital, the Steel Stacks Performing Arts Center, and the Wind Creek Casino are all nearby.
Denver, CO
Why we go: Unwrap the magic of the holidays in Denver this season with special events and millions of twinkling lights. Enjoy a family outing to the , or a fun day of shopping and ice skating downtown. Get a dose of culture with a viewing of A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker (see the full calendar ), then visit the at the 16th Street Mall (it’s actually 110 feet tall, but that’s still pretty impressive).
The one thing to get you in the spirit: The (one of the best German markets in the country) returns to Civic Center Park this winter, open daily now through December 23.
Stay here: , a boutique property in LoDo’s Union Station, boasts Art Deco rooms, and the city’s most beautiful lobby. Soaring ceilings and sky-high chandeliers hang overhead, while oversized sofas and leather chairs create a casual and bustling “living room” frequented by travelers and locals alike.
Asheville, NC
Why we go: Asheville is easily one of the country’s best places to spend Christmas, offering all the light displays and holiday shopping—not to mention the perfect tucked-away location in the —any vacationer could wish for. Some of the city’s seasonal offerings include a lit-up wonderland at the .
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Christmas at is just as spectacular as it sounds, with 100 hand-decorated trees, 10,000 ornaments, and 100,000 holiday lights drawing visitors through the new year in January.
Stay here: Cozy up in , a hotel that opened in 2018 with a James Beard-nominated chef running its in-house restaurant. It’s Asheville’s best boutique hotel, filled with authentic touches—from lots of exposed brick to the restaurant’s modern spins on comfort food.
Charleston, SC
Why we go: Charleston is the perfect destination for any fan of the holidays, but not of the frigid weather that often comes with the season. There are plenty of Christmas-oriented events and festivities in the city that are fit for every type of tourist. Check out at , where 16 Christmas trees, each one decorated by a local Charleston business or organization, will be on display throughout the beautiful hotel’s second floor. For something that sounds (and is) magnificent, catch , where you can hear the music that tells the city’s story: gospel spirituals, music by George Gershwin, Civil War songs, and jazz. For something pleasantly aquatic, head over to the South Carolina Aquarium, which presents the dazzling light show after the sun goes down on select evenings this November and December (be sure to say hi to “Scuba Claus” in the Great Ocean Tank).
The one thing to get you in the spirit: As far as classically Christmassy merrymaking goes, it doesn’t get any more traditional (minus the freezing temperatures) than at James Island County Park featuring a spectacular light show that features over two million tiny light bulbs.
Stay here: There are plenty of options in South Carolina’s beautiful port city, but if we had to go with one this year, it would be perennial favorite , which welcomes guests with a glass of Champagne and is just a few steps away from the famous Charleston City Market.
Branson, MO
Why we go: Sort of like a family-friendly little sister to Las Vegas, Branson pulls out all the stops every holiday season. The Ozark Mountain town transforms into a winter wonderland with 1,500 Christmas trees in and around town, under the Branson Ferris Wheel, and several drive-through .
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Head straight to the 1880s-themed amusement park for the annual festival. The party lasts until January 4 and includes 6.5 million lights, 1,000 trees (including an eight-story one), outdoor shows, parades, and, of course, rides.
Stay here: is one of the nicest hotels in town, with beautiful lake views, a full-service luxury spa, and the Chateau Marina, where activities include fishing, water skiing, and tubing (though you may want to wait for warmer weather—or not, if that’s your thing).
Kennebunkport, ME
Why we go: If you’re wondering where to go for Christmas celebrations unlike anywhere else, look no further. Every December, this tiny New England town bursts with holiday cheer during its annual ; check out the site and you’ll see a live countdown to the event’s start date—it’s that highly anticipated. It’s an 11-day bash that’s about as New England as it gets: one of the main attractions is a tree made of lobster traps. Speaking of, the legendary at hotspots like , , and will make you forget about gingerbread and sugar plums altogether.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Santa Claus’s arrival at the Christmas Prelude on a lobster boat.
Stay here: According to last year’s , Traveler readers love the 14-room for its oceanside location and restaurant serving up fresh seafood—and, unlike a lot of Maine resorts, it’s actually open during the winter months.
Newport Beach, CA
Why we go: The Newport Beach is one of the longest-running holiday festivals in the entire country, celebrating its 117th anniversary this year from December 17-21. (To compare, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting has been running for 90 years.) The “parade” takes place in the harbor of Newport Beach, where yachts, boats, and kayaks have been known to show off up to $50,000 worth of decorations to millions of visitors.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: View the parade from , where the decorated houses threaten to upstage the passing boats.
Stay here: The nautical, all-American feel at fits in perfectly with the theme of the holiday events—especially with the addition of bright, colorful Christmas decorations in the cottages.
Park City, UT
Why we go: As if the world-class skiing isn’t reason enough to visit this winter, the town also happens to be a wonderful place to spend Christmas. The former Olympic city has ample opportunities for skiing, fly fishing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding—with no shortage of resorts to warm up in between runs.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Hop on a 90-minute train ride with the at Heber Valley Railroad, where you can sip hot cocoa and meet Mrs. Claus.
Stay here: The 12-room is just a hop away from Park City’s lit-up Main Street, and its Christmas decorations are some of the prettiest ever seen.
Washington, DC
Why we go: There are few holiday displays in the nation that compare with Washington, DC’s National Christmas Tree, but other seasonal perks include at the Watergate Hotel, the (now through December 23), and a glorious absence of field trip groups in the
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Make it a priority to amble over to the Ford’s Theatre, which puts on an of A Christmas Carol for the holidays.
Stay here: The , is just a few blocks away from the White House and National Christmas Tree, and offers a and tons of gorgeous decorations. You’ve heard it a thousand times: “There's no place like home for the holidays.”
Seattle, WA
Why we go: Aside from the delightful sight of a Christmas tree atop the Space Needle, there are plenty of reasons to visit over the holidays. Your one-stop shop for holiday cheer is at Seattle Center (November 28 to December 31), which has family-friendly activities like train rides and ice sculpting demonstrations. There’s also a huge celebration just eight miles east of Seattle in the town of Bellevue: (November 28 to December 24), a nightly light show with caroling and snow machines ensuring a white Christmas.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: ’s annual is probably Seattle’s most beloved holiday tradition, in which the city’s top architecture firms and culinary teams get together to create next-level gingerbread houses. This year’s event runs from November 20 to New Year’s Day.
Stay here: With its mountain lodge interiors, is one of the best places to cozy up in the Pacific Northwest. If you like to fall asleep while staring out at gentle waves glistening in the moonlight, you won’t find a better spot in the city.
Seneca Falls, NY
Why we go: It’s a Wonderful Life may have been shot on an RKO soundstage in Los Angeles, but the fine folks of , New York, swear that their five-square-mile upstate hamlet is the inspiration for the . Each December, they host an array of old-timey activities to prove it. This year, the event runs from December 12 to 14 and will include special film screenings, gingerbread house contests, and museum exhibits.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: The It's a Wonderful Life Participation Movie event on December 12 and 14, let's moviegoers rejoice and rewatch the holiday classic amongst warm company.
Stay here: has elegant rooms and a restaurant serving hearty, local meals that will warm you from the inside out.
St. Augustine, FL
Why we go: Christmas in St. Augustine is truly something to behold. The holiday season kicks off this year on December 6 with the city’s annual Christmas Parade, then continues through January 11 with the famous festival. During the celebration, St. Augustine glows with three million tiny white lights over the Bridge of Lions and through 20 city blocks in the historic district. Bonus: You can enjoy the whole show without wearing a coat and gloves, because, you know, Florida.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Climb aboard the Famous Nights of Lights Tour, which departs nightly from November 16 through January 11.
Stay here: pairs all the charm of a bed and breakfast with all the amenities of a true luxury hotel. No little detail is overlooked, from interesting on-site activities (like watercolor painting in the courtyard) to immaculate turndown service. The hotel has an age minimum of 16, making this a great retreat for harried parents.
St. Louis, MO
Why we go: It’s been 81 years since Judy Garland first graced the world with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” at the end of Meet Me in St Louis, and the Missouri city has embraced its role as one of America’s yuletide capitals ever since. Make sure you hit all the classics, like at the St. Louis Zoo, the poinsettia show at , and ice skating at . For the third year running, there's even a at the Union Station development.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Walk among a million dazzling lights at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s annual , which runs from November 15 to January 3.
Stay here: You can’t beat the glittering, Gateway Arch-facing views at the .
Burlington, VT
Why we go: The small town, Green Mountain State charm of Burlington pairs well with the holly jolliness of Christmas. Church Street is decked with twinkling lights, and are brimming with local crafts that will make you the secret Santa everyone is crossing their fingers for.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: On November, Hotel Champlain will host its Sunday with Santa. Take a break from all that shopping to cozy up with the Burlington community and Ol' Saint Nick himself.
Stay here: For those wanting a touch of Vermont's natural offerings this Christmas, has timeless views of Lake Champlain and the snow-capped Adirondacks to come back to in addition to all the comforts of a modern hotel. Make sure to grab a meal at Hen of the Wood, ‘Vermont’s favorite restaurant.'
Middleburg, VA
Why we go: An hour out from DC and in the center of Virginia wine country, Middleburg is your Christmas wish for the slower-paced pastoral life come true. From the kids having breakfast with Santa at Middleburg Charter School to the adults toasting glasses of mulled wine around town at the Spirits of Middleburg tour, feels like everyone's made the nice list.
The one thing to get you in the spirit: Travelers hoping to find a furry friend waiting for them under the tree might have to brace themselves for & Hounds Review where mounted foxhunt riders in cherry red coasts and their dozens of hounds parade down Washington Street.
Stay here: is the ideal place to indulge in Middleburg's rich equestrian history and classy Southern style—think Martha Stewart meets Martha Washington.
Bowling Green, KY
Why we go: Normally, you wouldn’t expect an Arctic experience in southern Kentucky, but Bowling Green is shaking up the holiday game this year. The Christmas spirit is definitely alive at the city’s , where families can feed reindeer, watch holiday movies, and drink cocoa while writing letters to Santa. (There's even wine tasting for the grown-ups.)
The one thing to get you in the spirit: End your festive vacation at the , an outdoor rink where you can skate with Santa and the Grinch.
Stay here: Opened in mid-2019, the offers 12 cozy, Kentucky-inspired suites and a restaurant serving up Southern dishes. And if you’re a golfer, be sure to pack your clubs: the property boasts 9- and 18-hole courses onsite.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
has been writing about travel for a decade, with bylines in Vogue, Travel + Leisure, AFAR, TripSavvy, Real Simple, and more. She enjoys baked goods, Ireland, orange nail polish, and horror movies. One time she held the door open for Ian McKellen, which is as close to fame ...
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