12 Best Places To Travel in the US This December – Holiday Vibes Included
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Amazing experiences await you in the United States this December. From ski resorts to charming beach towns, these US destinations will fill your holidays with memories.
December is when holiday festivals kick off, and lights and decorations cover entire communities in the US. It’s also a great time to travel to the country if you love winter sports and great travel deals.
No matter if you’re looking for fun in the snow or a relaxing time by the beach, these popular US destinations are sure to please any winter traveler. Below are the 12 best places to travel in December in the US.
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Are you feeling lucky? Then head to fabulous Las Vegas to enjoy endless entertainment and nightlife. Start your stay with a trip to the famous Hoover Dam to learn about the engineering marvel and its history.
Afterward, check out Las Vegas’ attractions, including Fremont Street and the Las Vegas Neon Museum. If you feel like relaxing, you can lounge in one of the indoor pools at the city’s iconic resorts.
In December, Las Vegas transforms into a holiday lights spectacle. Head to The LINQ Promenade or the 30th Annual Magical Forest to experience the city’s best holiday lights. Then, cap off your trip by seeing a live performance at one of the city’s top venues.
Read also: US Destinations for an Unforgettable Christmas Vacation
Miami, Florida
Who needs snow to enjoy the winter holidays? In Miami, all you need is some sunscreen and a towel. If you’re looking to escape the cold during December, it’s hard to beat Florida’s largest city.
Start your December getaway at the famous South Beach. Here, you’ll wine and dine by the beach or shop at one of the city’s world-renowned stores.
Then, hit the town to see live holiday performances like The Nutcracker. Don’t miss the Miami Zoo’s annual holiday lights event before grabbing lunch in Little Havana. For the sun, food, beaches, and culture, it’s hard to beat this amazing city.
Read also: Winter Sun Destinations in the US
Salt Lake City, Utah
Utah’s largest city is an incredible destination in December. With its access to world-class skiing, beautiful nature, and historic places, you’ll find plenty to see and do.
Check out downtown’s Temple Square to see holiday lights and cultural activities. Then, visit Christkindlmarkt at This is the Place Heritage Park to buy locally made holiday crafts and homemade treats.
As the night falls, you can see live performances at one of the city’s famous theaters. Don’t miss The Nutcracker, an annual performance at the Ballet West held throughout December.
Read also: Best Ski Destinations in the US
Pasadena, California
In Pasadena, you’ll have warm temperatures and plenty of fun activities to experience through December. Start your visit by taking part in the Old Pasadena Food Tasting Walking Tour to learn about the history and food culture of the city.
Then, spend the day at the Huntington Gardens and see beautiful plants and art covered in holiday lights. After the day of exploring the museum and gardens, head downtown to experience the city’s famous nightlife and culinary scene.
In December, you’ll catch locals preparing for the Rose Bowl Parade. This annual celebration happens on New Year’s Day every year. You can see the final float preparations at the Decorating Places event downtown and even try volunteering to leave your mark on one of the holiday-themed floats.
Read also: Best Cities in the US for Foodies
Puerto Rico
The island of Puerto Rico is a US territory full of culture, beautiful beaches, and warm weather. In December, the capital of San Juan comes alive in festivities.
First, take a historical tour through San Juan’s landmarks. Visit the Castillo San Cristóbal and the Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Old San Juan. These forts are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and well worth a visit.
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Throughout December, you can catch local holiday parades and festivities. Or, head out on a drive through the island to find secluded beaches and resorts. At night, make your way to a salsa club to dance through the night and experience the island’s epic nightlife.
Read also: Winter Sun Destinations Near the US
Breckenridge, Colorado
This small town in the Colorado Rockies turns into a winter paradise in December. You’ll find famous ski resorts and some of the best ski slopes in the country.
You can test your downhill skills at one of Breckenridge’s ski lodges before cozying up for a hot cocoa by the fire. Then, head downtown on Main Street to see the town lit up in romantic holiday lights.
When you’re not skiing, take a day tour of the town’s historic downtown. You’ll learn about its history and even visit haunted mining sites and Victorian-era mansions.
Read also: Relaxing Mountain Getaways in the US
St. Augustine, Florida
For endless history, beachside activities, and holiday fun, St. Augustine is hard to beat. To start your December adventure, check out downtown’s historic sites, such as the Castillo de San Marcos.
Downtown St. Augustine hosts holiday festivals, markets, and the famous Night of Lights festival. You’ll see millions of colorful lights strung through downtown’s historic buildings and trees.
This being Florida, you can spend the day at the beach and soak in the sun. The temperature in December rarely drops below 60° F, so bring your bathing suit and towel to enjoy December by the warm ocean.
Read also: Festive Christmas Markets in the US
Washington D.C.
From festive lights to historic monuments, a trip to DC in December is well worth it. You can start your trip by visiting the capital city’s landmarks. Start at the National Christmas Tree and check out the White House and Capital Building.
Afterward, don’t miss the Smithsonian Museum. This world-famous institution is full of educational attractions and exhibits for visitors.
For a festive experience, head to the shores of the Potomac to see the Wharf District Holiday Boat Parade. Almost a hundred boats parade through the Washington Channel, lit up like Christmas trees.
Read also: Spectacular Cities for Winter Holidays in the US
New Orleans, Louisiana
Although New Orleans turns into the celebration of all celebrations in February — yes, we’re talking about Mardi Gras, December is also a prime time to enjoy the Big Easy. This historical city is the home of Cajun culture.
You’ll get to see enchanting historical monuments and neighborhoods like the French Quarter. Throughout December, these historical places light up with holiday lights and decorations. Some of the city’s top spots for holiday decorations are the Roosevelt Hotel and Roosevelt Hotel.
At night during December, New Orleans hosts endless events and fun festivities. You can catch one of the country’s largest holiday celebrations in Jackson Square. The event features live music, decorations, a Christmas market, and tons of delicious food.
Read also: Interesting Historical Cities in the US
Savannah, Georgia
For warm temperatures, cultural highlights, and some of the best food in the country, head to Savannah, Georgia, in December. You can start your stay with a thrilling historical walking tour to learn about the city’s architecture and history.
Pop over to Forsyth Park to take in the natural scenery before grabbing a bite to eat at one of Savannah’s top restaurants. If you visit during the first weekend of December, you’ll catch River Street’s holiday market and the Lighted Christmas Parade.
Later in December, downtown puts on the exciting annual Christmas Festival. When the night falls, hit the town to enjoy the city’s nightlife and music scene or cozy up to a fire in a historical inn.
Read also: Best US Cities for Nightlife
New York, New York
New York during the holiday season is like nowhere else on the planet. You’ll be surrounded by architectural monuments and historic places decked out with holiday lights. Plus, the nightlife in December is world-famous.
In December, Central Park turns into a festival of holiday lights and winter activities. Once it gets cold enough, you can enjoy ice skating, winter hiking, and caroling throughout the large green space.
Winter is also the best time to check out the Big Apple’s fantastic museums. As the sun goes down, head to Broadway to check out a musical or do some holiday shopping along Fifth Avenue. No matter what’s on your agenda, nothing beats spending December in New York.
Read also: Beautiful US Cities for Winter Vacations
Santa Fe, New Mexico
It’s hard to find a more culturally rich destination than Santa Fe in December. As soon as you arrive, you’ll find yourself surrounded by historical adobe buildings and some of the US’s oldest landmarks.
To learn about the city’s history and culture, make your way to Museum Hill. Here, you can step into the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. Afterward, walk along Canyon Road to see art museums, galleries, and historical places.
At night, head to Santa Fe Plaza to see holiday lights and sample homemade food at the local street market. Then, stroll through the old town for shopping and, of course, sampling the city’s world-famous cuisine.
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