Best Christmas Vacation Destinations in the United States (2023)

If you’re looking for some unique places to visit for a Christmas vacation in the United States, then you’re in the right place. This blog provides 21 fun and unique locations to celebrate Christmas with your family. From large cities to small towns to National Parks, you’ll be sure to find a Christmas vacation destination for 2023!

21 Unique Places to Celebrate Christmas with your Family

In this blog, you’ll find 21 unique Christmas vacation destinations. From the BEST Holiday lights, Christmas festivals, Holiday markets, Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies, and so much more offered in each location. You’ll be sure to find a Christmas vacation destination to celebrate with your family or significant other!

1. New York City, New York

#1 recommendation for a Christmas in a big city

For many reasons, New York City is at the top of the list for the best place to visit for a Christmas Vacation. From the beautiful twinkling lights scattered throughout the entire city to the famous 79 foot tall Christmas Tree in Rockefeller – there are so many unique things to do and see during your Christmas Vacation unlike anywhere else! New York City is home to the famous and most complex theatrical ballet performances, The Nutcracker, providing an unforgettable spark to everyone’s holiday season! 

If you’re looking for more things to do during Christmas in New York City, I’ve got you covered. Visit my Christmas in New York City travel guide for the best things to do during the holiday season this year! 

New York’s Top Christmas Activities: 

• Visit the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center
• Walk around Saks 5th Avenue to admire all the Christmas lights
• Grab tickets to The Nutcracker ballet show
• Go see the Radio City Rockettes show
• Grab dinner at the most Christmassy restaurant in NY: Rolf’s German Restaurant 
• Go shopping at Union Square Holiday Market
• Grab a bite to eat in a temperature-regulated Igloo experience at Watermark Bar 

2. Orlando, Florida 

#1 recommendation for a Disney Christmas

I used to live in Orlando, while working for Disney during the Holiday season, and I must say, visiting Disney during the Christmas season is unlike anything else. The lights, decor, Holiday-themed merchandise and snacks, and the gigantic Christmas Trees across all the Disney World parks is such a magical experience for the entire family to enjoy. Disney is known all around the world as the Happiest Place on Earth, so why not celebrate the season of giving at Disney World? 

Orlando’s Top Christmas Activities: 

• Visit Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail
• Go see the Winter Park Christmas Parade
• Visit the Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art
• Grab tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
• Grab tickets to Universal Islands of Adventure Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular

3. Nashville, Tennessee

#1 recommendation for a vibrant nightlife Christmas vacation 

Nashville, Tennessee is a unique location for a Christmas vacation, and most people don’t think about celebrating the holidays in Nashville. However, Nashville offers so many Christmas activities to enjoy with your entire family or significant other. Specifically, Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland & Resort creates the ultimate Christmas experience with the entire resort decorated in Christmas lights (it’s unreal!) and so many kid-friendly activities. The resort offers ice skating, ice tubing and bumper cars, carriage rides, gingerbread decorating, breakfast with Charlie Brown and Friends – there really is something for everyone to enjoy during your Christmas vacation in Nashville!

Nashville’s Top Christmas Activities: 

• Explore the Gaylord Opryland & Resort 
• Grab tickets to Nashville’s Nutcracker ballet show
• Enjoy a fancy dinner and live performances on General Jacksons Showboat on the Cumberland River
• Drive through the Dancing Lights of Christmas experience
• Create your own Holiday Pop-Up Bar Crawl in downtown Nashville
• Go see Nashville’s Christmas Parade on Broadway Street

4. Chicago, Illinois

#1 recommendation for snowy city Christmas vacation

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Chicago during Christmas? Each year, over 30 million people visit Chicago. With the city’s iconic Chicago River, well-known architecture, and Lake Michigan beaches, it truly is the gem of the Midwest. However, winter is when the Windy City really shines. There is nothing like celebrating the holidays in a big city, as there’s SO many activities! During the month of December, Chicago offers light shows, ice skating in the park, firework shows, drive-in movies, and sampling local hot cocoa. There is so much to do for the whole family, you’ll be sure to enjoy your Christmas vacation to Chicago!

Chicago’s Top Christmas Activities:

• Snap a photo in front of the Christmas Tree at Millennium Park
• Go Ice Skating in the Parks with family and friends
• Enjoy some of Chicago’s speciality and unique hot cocoa
• Explore the Chistkindlmarket in Chicago Daley Plaza
• Visit Santa Land on State Street Chicago

5. Leavenworth, Washington 

#1 recommendation for a small town Christmas celebration

Leavenworth, Washington, the Bavarian-style village, is a magical winter wonderland – imagine charming architecture, twinkling lights, snow-capped peaks, and enchanted forests. It’s like a winter wonderland. Located a few hours outside of Seattle, Leavenworth is known as one of the best Christmas cities in the United States. The lights illuminate across the entire town of Leavenworth, and even better, the lights stay on until February! Even if you can’t make it to Leavenworth in December, you can still visit a couple months later to soak in the Christmas spirit. 

Although the twinkling lights are a huge factor into the Leavenwoth Chirstmas experience, the town offers many fun activities for all ages! Some of the best winter activities include sleigh rides, Christmas lighting festivals, sledding down the “Hill,” winter hiking, Nutcracker museum, and so many more unique things to do! 

Leavenworth Top Christmas Activities: 

• Enjoy an outdoor hot tub in the snowy mountains (um, yes, please!)
• Pet reindeer at Leavenworth’s Reindeer Farm
• Try a local wine tasting at Tasting Rooms

6. Santa Claus, Indiana

#1 recommendation for children to have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus

With a name like Santa Claus, you know this small town in Indiana is bound to create an unforgettable Christmas experience. Santa Claus, Indiana is like a Holiday Hallmark movie coming to life. This cute little town offers so many fun Christmas activities for all ages. Experience Santa Claus, Indiana with a reindeer experience at Santa TOYS, chestnuts roasting at Santa’s Candy Castle, and a drive through the Santa Claus Land of Lights. If you plan to stay overnight, you can get cozy in one of Santa’s cottages or Rudolph’s Christmas Cabins. Experience your Christmas holiday in America’s Christmas hometown!

Santa Claus’ Top Christmas Activities:

• Pet Reindeer at Santa’s TOYS
• Roast chestnuts at Santa’s Candy Castle
• Drive through Santa Claus Land of Lights

7. Park City, Utah

#1 recommendation for avid winter sport athletes

Park City is unique among most other locations because it has an amazing set-up for convenience, accessibility, and family friendliness – it’s also been named one of the top small towns to visit at Christmas! If you’re into winter sports, this location should be at the top of your list! The top winter sport in Park City, Utah is skiing. You’ll find this activity is actually very do-able for the entire family! Aside from skiing, you can also head out for a sleigh ride, go snowmobiling, sledding, and visit the Ice Castles. The Ice Castles are such a fun experience for kids, it’s like an outdoor playground, but with snow and ice! 

Although there are many winter sports in Park City, there’s also so much to do outside of the winter sports, such as exploring the Historic Main Street located right off the slopes. Main Street is filled with coffee shops, souvenir shops, restaurants, and more. One of the most popular attractions is Park City’s Snowfest celebration and the Torchlight Parade. You can also enjoy Holiday films, theater performances, and many other things for the entire family! Park City is the ultimate winter sport location for a Christmas vacation!

Park City’s Top Christmas Activities:

• Explore Main Streets local shops
• Enjoy Park City’s winter sports experience with skiing, snowmobiling, sledding and sleigh riding
• Visit the Ice Castles in Midway
• Take a walk at Temple Square to admire all the Christmas lights 
• Grab tickets for the North Pole Express at Heber Valley Railroad (a fun experience for kids!)

8. Newport, Rhode Island

#1 recommendation to explore famous mansions decorated in Christmas lights

Every year, Christmas in Rhode Island transforms into a winter wonderland! Thick scarves and warm gloves become your everyday essentials, and the roaring fires keep you cozy and relaxed. There is SO much to do during a Newport Christmas vacation for all ages! Newport, Rhode Island is mostly known for the extravagant finery Christmas decorations at the famous Newport Mansions. 

Newport offers so many unique things for locals and visitors, one of my favorite things to do is to grab dinner with the family around a bonfire inside one of the unique Igloo dining experiences. How cozy! Much like other locations, Newport also offers ice skating, Christmas light shows, a train ride to the North Pole, and so many more fun things to do!

Newport’s Top Christmas Activities:

• Make a dinner reservation at Show Fish Igloo
• Visit Newport’s Christmas Tree Farms (Bedrock Tree Farm, Big John Leydens, Riverside Christmas Tree Farm) 
• Watch the Newport Boat Parade
• Drive through the Holiday Light Show 
• Take a ride to the North Pole with Blackstone Valley Polar Express

9. Woodstock, Vermont

#1 recommendation for a snowy small-town getaway

If you’ve never experienced a Woodstock winter, you’re in for a real magical time. While Woodstock has grown increasingly popular in autumn, it’s much more remote during the wintertime. However, there are still so many unique things to do to help you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland! One of the most popular winter activities in Woodstock is the annual Wassail Weekend, where the whole town comes together to celebrate the opening of the holiday season with a horse-drawn carriage parade in consumes, face paint, caroling, concerts, food, wassail and a whole lot of fun! 

This charming New England town goes all out for Christmas, especially when it comes to decorating the town’s old-fashion Main Street. While strolling on Main Street, you can find local shops and eateries decked out in illuminating Christmas decor. It’s the perfect small-town Christmas vacation getaway for the entire family to enjoy!

Woodstock’s Top Christmas Activities:

• Take a wagon tour with the family to see the entire small-town
• Visit during Woodstock’s annual Wassail Weekend
• Try a new sport with Woodstock’s wintersport lessons for all skill sets 
• Explore Woodstock’s beautiful outdoor snowy scenery

10. Asheville, North Carolina

#1 recommendation for a snowy mountain scenery and decorated historical holiday architecture

The artsy mountain town is known for its eclectic holiday celebrations that you won’t find anywhere else. From Christmas at Baltimore, to the National Gingerbread House Competition, and the Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum. You’ll be sure to enjoy your festive Christmas vacation in Asheville. 

The biggest event of the holiday season is Christmas at Baltimore where you can see America’s largest homes decked out in festive finery. It is an unreal experience that you won’t be able to see anywhere. Although Christmas at Baltimore is a highly-rated event, I also recommend sipping some hot chocolate and enjoy seeing some of the largest Gingerbread Houses at The Omni Grove Park Inn or the Winter Lights at the Arboretum. 

Asheville hosts some really unique festive events during the Christmas season that are available for the entire family! The Blue Ridge Mountain town is the perfect base camp for your holiday celebration.

Asheville’s Top Christmas Activities:

• See America’s largest decked out homes at Christmas at Baltimore
• Browse through Gingerbread House displays at the National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn
• Stroll through illuminating lights along the Winter Lights trail at Arboretum 
• Shop local and handmade art at the Spruce Pine Southern Christmas Show
• Visit the Aluminum Christmas Tree Museum where you can find 100s of aluminum-style Christmas Trees

11. North Pole, Alaska

#1 recommendation for the ultimate Christmas experience in (literally) the North Pole

Have you ever wanted to visit the “North Pole?” Well, now you can! North Pole, Alaska is a unique and popular Christmas vacation destination where the small town creates a magical Christmas experience for the locals and visitors during the Holiday season. One of the most popular activities is visiting the Santa Claus house where you can stroll through Santa’s Workshop for unique toys, North Pole apparel, Alaska-made gifts, and snap a photo with Santa and his reindeer!

There are so many unique things to do during Christmas in North Pole, Alaska – hello, it’s the North Pole! Below are additional fun activities. 

North Pole’s Top Christmas Activities: 

• Visit the Santa Claus House
• Browse the North Pole Winterfest & Holiday Bazaar where you can find activities, local vendors selling crafts and gifts, and a firework show
• Snap a photo of the Santa Statue and Christmas Tree

12. Oahu, Hawaii

#1 recommendation for a getaway to a warm and sunny Christmas vacation 

Are you trying to get away from the cold? Or maybe you live in a warm weather state all-year-round and want to avoid the cold weather? Well, either way, I feel you. I grew up in Northern Indiana, where the cold is sometimes so miserable, I didn’t want to leave the house. 

Oahu, Hawaii is the perfect Christmas vacation to celebrate a sunny and warm holiday season! During the winter months, Oahu stays in the steady 70s throughout the entire season – never too cold and never too hot, what could be better? The island of Oahu experiences high tourist numbers throughout the year, but especially during the winter months. And, the island goes all-out when decorating the city for the Christmas season! With Christmas lights, Christmas trees, ice skating, Holiday markets, and pop-up Christmas bars – you’ll be sure to find something for everyone! 

Oahu’s Top Christmas Activities: 

• Grab tickets to a Christmas Luau
• Explore Honolulu’s city lights 
• Visit Waikiki Beach walk for holiday entertainment and Hawaiian culture celebrations
• Shop at the Waikiki Christmas store for Christmas decorations and gifts with a Hawaiian twist

13. Charleston, South Carolina

#1 recommendation for a small-town beach Christmas vacation 

Charleston is a fun little beach town to celebrate the Christmas season, and although it is a beach town, it can get pretty cold in South Carolina. The town of Charleston offers unique Holiday celebrations bringing in visitors from all around the world. From the Holiday Festival of Lights with over two million dazzling lights to The Sound of Charleston where you can listen to live gospel, jazz and light classics – Charleston will provide you with so many festive opportunities to enjoy for all ages. 

Charleston Top Christmas Activities: 

• Go see the Charleston Christmas Special live performance
• Grab tickets to a holiday walking tour to see the Charleston historic district
• Grab tickets to a candlelight tour to see the oldest untouched homes
• Shop at the Holiday Street Festival where you can find local vendors, restaurants, children’s activities and live entertainment
• Enjoy the holiday lights at the Festival of Lights 
• Listen to live classic musicals at The Sound of Charleston 

14. Branson, Missouri

#1 recommendation for the ultimate Christmas lights experience (6.5 million lights!)

From renowned festivals to elaborate light displays to gourmet hot chocolate and pictures with Santa, Branson has plenty of holiday fun in store for the whole family. This Ozark Mountain town is home to numerous holiday shows and attractions, including the spectacular Branson Let There Be Lights Drive Thru. 

Branson Top Christmas Activities: 

• Get festive with Branson’s Christmas Shows
• Experience an Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City where you can see 6.5 million lights and an 8-story Christmas tree!
• Go on a drive-thru Christmas Light Tour
• Explore a candy lovers dream at the Chateau on the Lake, Resort, Spa & Convention Center

15. Taos, New Mexico

#1 recommendation for a diverse Christmas experience celebrating Native American and Hispanic culture 

Taos is a unique Christmas vacation destination as it offers a mix of Native American and Hispanic cultures. This enhancing desert town celebrates the holidays with traditional Christmas festivities that make it a popular destination for a memorable Christmas vacation. 

The small town is ultimately known for its enchanting display of luminaries (paper lanterns) and farolitos (candles in paper bags) that line the streets creating a magical and breathtaking atmosphere. You can also partake in winter sports, browse art galleries and shops, and visit the Taos Christmas events throughout December!

Taos Top Christmas Activities: 

• Browse vintage clothing and handmade arts at The Stakeout Holiday Maker’s Mart
• Visit the annual Yuletide Tree Lighting Ceremony at Taos Plaza
• Create your own ornaments and crafts at Taos Youth & Family Center
• Celebrate the traditional Spanish procession known as Las Posadas, a 9 day celebration of religious observance 
• Kick-off Christmas Eve with the Torchlight Parade as skiers made their way down the mountain in the dark with flares as their only light 

16. Newport Beach, California

#1 recommendation for a Christmas vacation with beach activities

Newport Beach is the perfect Christmas vacation destination if you want to soak in the holiday festivities on a beach with a mild climate! Newport hosts multiple holiday festivities, but mostly on the beach! One of the most popular activities is the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, where boats are adored with their festive holiday decorations while sailing through the harbor. This event is a beloved local tradition and unique holiday experience. 

Newport is mostly known for their scenic coastal views and stunning sunsets. However, you can find upscale shopping and dining restaurants where you can soak in the Holiday’s with some luxury shopping and a fancy dinner! 

Newport Top Christmas Activities: 

• Watch the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade
• See the festive decorated boat displays at the Ring of Lights competition prior to the boats sailing in the parade
• Visit Fashion Islands Shopping Center for the annual tree lighting ceremony
• Celebrate Santa’s arrival at Lido Marina Village where Santa trades in his sleigh for an electric boat. You can gather by the water to greet jolly old St. Nick and decorate Chirtsmas cookies!

17. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

#1 recommendation for winter sports and cozy cabin evenings with outdoor hot tubs

Jackson Hole transforms into a (literal!) winter wonderland during the holiday season, with the town covered in snow, creating a very picturesque Christmas setting. This is a location I highly recommend if you enjoy winter sports and cozy cabin evenings with delicious hot chocolate. 

At Jackson Hole, you can enjoy tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas parades, and holiday concerts, providing a traditional and heartwarming Christmas experience. However, if you’re a winter sport fanatic, you can enjoy world-class skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort where it is known for its exceptional skiing and snowboarding terrain. Jackson Hole attracts winter sports enthusiasts looking to hit the slopes during the holidays!

Jackson Hole Top Christmas Activities: 

• Grab tickets to experience a dog sledding tour
• Sleigh ride on the National Elk Refuge
• Explore the lights at Jackson Hole’s Town Square 
• Grab tickets for a wildlife tour to see wildlife in their natural habitat 
• Most of all – try out a new winter sport! Jackson Hole is the place where you can experience a new winter sport at any skill set

18. Austin, Texas

#1 recommendation to celebrate Christmas in a warm climate with live street music

The city of Austin comes alive for the holiday spirit, offering various festive events, light displays, and parades that create a vibrant Christmas ambiance. Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” so you can expect to find some unique local artists performing live music throughout the streets.

Like most other cities, Austin offers the traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony, holiday parades, culinary delights, and so much more. However, Austin is unique with the local craft beer and cocktails culture, making it a great place to sample new holiday-themed drinks! If you’re looking to listen to live entertainment, grab a few drinks at Christmas-theme bars, then Austin is the place to celebrate Christmas!

Austin Top Christmas Activities: 

• See Christmas lights at the Trail of lights in Zilker Park
• Visit the Zilker Tree Lighting ceremony
• Enjoy a light show from your car at Santa’s Ranch
• Stoll downtown Austin for live entertainment, Christmas carols, and even free food!

19. Las Vegas, Nevada

#1 recommendation for a 21+ Christmas celebration 

Las Vegas, Nevada is a fun location to celebrate Christmas. If you’ve ever been to Las Vegas, you’re probably familiar with the theme resorts throughout the Strip. However, during Christmas, the Las Vegas resorts and casinos go all out to create an extravagant holiday atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy elaborate Christmas displays, including massive Christmas trees, festive lights, and seasonal decor. 

One of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season in Las Vegas is to visit Cowboy Christmas, where you can shop at western style pop-up boutiques and enjoy a show at the National Finals Rodeo! It is an experience unlike anything else!

Las Vegas Top Christmas Activities:

• Wander through the LINQ Promenade to see the 30 ft Christmas Tree
• Visit the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden to see all the glamorous winter installations
• Go Ice Skating at The Cosmopolitan where the Boulevard Pool is transformed into a rooftop ice skating rink!

20. Kennebunkport, Maine

#1 recommendation for a cold Christmas near the Atlantic Ocean

Kennebunkport hosts an annual Christmas Prelude, a multi-day festival including various festive events. These events include Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies, holiday parades, caroling, craft fairs, and more. The Christmas Prelude is one of the most popular festive activities in Kennebunkport. Aside from the parade, Kennebunkport also provides local holiday shops, outdoor activities, festive dining, trolley rides, and cozy bed and breakfast inns.  

Kennebunkport Top Christmas Activities: 

• Visit during the Christmas Prelude festival
• Drive along Ocean Avenue for views of the Atlantic Ocean
• Check out the winter decorations and holiday shops in Dock Square
• Try a local caught lobster roll at The Clam Shack

21. Lake Tahoe in Southern California

#1 recommendation for a cozy cabin outdoor adventure Christmas experience

Lake Tahoe is a beautiful destination during the Christmas season, offering a range of festive activities and outdoor adventures. From cozy cabin retreats, scenic drives, Christmas parades, holiday lights, hypothermal hot springs, stargazing and so many other unique things to do. 

Lake Tahoe Top Christmas Activities:

• Breakfast with Santa at Fire and Ice Restaurant
• Snap a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus
• Hit the slopes at Lake Tahoe’s ski resorts 
• Go disco tubing at Palisades Tahoe

Final Thoughts

I hope this list helps you plan your Christmas vacation destination! What, if anything, from the list would be at the top of your Christmas vacation destination? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!

I’ll be sure to continue to add to this list over time when I discover new Christmas destination ideas! In the meantime, subscribe to my email list in the form below, so you don’t miss any new updates.

Be sure to check out my Nashville Christmas travel guide and my New York Christmas travel guide!