Looking for great winter vacations in the US? Many places in the US embrace the winter season with holiday lights and cozy vibes, creating a unique “winter wonderland” feeling. Or your idea of winter getaways in the US could be snow-covered landscapes, ski slopes and winter activities. There are national parks that remain open in the winter and some may consider them as best vacation spots in December sans crowds. For tropical or mild weather and sun-filled days, this post also covers some of the warm winter destination in USA.
Many of these places, like the ones in Florida and Hawaii, also make for good warm weather USA spring break destinations.
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If you are looking for a Metropolis experience in winter
New York City
Visiting New York City in winter is a fabulous way to experience the city at its most magical. The colder months turn the always bustling metropolis into a winter wonderland where ice skating rinks appear, holiday lights are on full display and snowfall blankets Central Park. The city feels even more special in the lead up to Christmas. The huge Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting ceremony in early December an absolute must see, particularly for families with young kids. The kids will also love ice skating at either the Rockefeller Center or in Central Park.
New York City is a good option amongst winter getaways in the US, even when the cold is too much to bear. It is full of museums and galleries, providing plenty of indoor activities to stay warm inside. Families will adore the interactive Color Factory in Soho where the kids can get hands on with the different exhibits and ends in a giant ball pit. The Museum of Ice Cream is another great option for travellers with kids, and of course the Met is enjoyable at any age. For those with kids old enough, taking in a Broadway show is yet another quintessential New York City experience and will help you avoid the cold.
But your trip to New York City in winter shouldn’t all be about trying to stay indoors. The true magic of winter in this city comes from wandering the snow lined streets and taking in a very different side of New York. Walk the High Line with snow piled alongside it before popping into Chelsea Market for a warming lunch. Or take a daytime stroll through frozen Central Park to truly enjoy the city at its most charming.
Recommended by Emma of Emma Jane Explores
San Diego
If you’re looking for a warm city to visit in December that still has lots of holiday cheer, San Diego, California is the ticket! With lots of sunshine and daytime temperatures in the mid to high 60s, it’s perfect for exploring the coast and the city.
For those that enjoy the outdoors, there’s no shortage of stunning coastline, sandy beaches, and sporty activities. From kayaking to hang gliding and everything in-between, you’ll never be bored. San Diego is also home to Cabrillo National Monument and Torrey Pines State Park. Both offer scenic trails for hiking and gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean.
San Diego offers a slew of holiday events. Balboa Park features 2 of the most noteworthy. First is a free event, December Nights. The other called Jingle Bells, takes place at the San Diego Zoo. It turns the world famous zoo into a festive wonderland after dark. Old Town and Little Italy go all out with holiday markets, music, and traditional celebrations.
San Diego is broken into many neighborhoods, and no matter where you stay, there’s bound to be a parade of some kind. Along San Diego’s waterfront, you can attend two separate parades featuring beautifully decorated boats, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights and the Mission Bay Christmas Boat Parade of Lights. Street parades include the La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival, the Coronado Holiday Parade, Ocean Beach Holiday Parade, and the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade.
Of course strolling around the neighborhoods is fun even without a parade or festival. Enjoy the sights, scenery, and fun foodie things to do in San Diego like eat fish tacos, have happy with a view, and watch a beautiful sunset at dinner!
Recommended by Denise of Chef Denise
Washington DC
December has always been one of my favorite times of year to be in Washington, DC! The city feels magical during the holidays, with lights twinkling against historic buildings and festive music drifting through the air. As a local mom, I always recommend visiting in December if you want a mix of Christmas cheer, family friendly activities, and the charm of winter in the nation’s capital.
One of the best parts of December is that DC is alive with holiday traditions. There are so many free holiday activities in the DC area! We love taking the kids to see the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse, surrounded by smaller trees decorated by each state. The Downtown Holiday Market is one of our go to spots for picking up unique gifts while sipping hot cocoa.
Families will also enjoy indoor favorites when it gets chilly. The Smithsonian museums are free and a perfect place to warm up. The US Botanic Garden fills its conservatory with model trains and poinsettias, which always feels like stepping into a holiday storybook. There are also some paid activities that are worth the fun from ice skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden to enjoying s’mores at the cozy fire at the Wharf. ZooLights at the National Zoo is another seasonal highlight, with millions of lights and glowing animal displays.
I always suggest packing layers for a trip to DC in December with a warm coat, hats and gloves for everyone, and comfortable walking shoes since you will spend a lot of time exploring outdoors. The air is crisp but manageable with the right clothes.
Recommended by Jennifer of FamilyTripGuides
If you are looking for a magical Small City experience for December festivities
Leavenworth, Washington
The town of Leavenworth, tucked high in the Cascade Mountains of Washington, is special all year round, but feels magical come wintertime. The town’s streets are lined with Bavarian-style buildings, which look even more charming with a dusting of snow. Christmas in Leavenworth is absolutely next level, making it as one of the best vacation spots in December. There are carolers strolling the streets, chestnuts literally being roasted over an open fire, over 500,000 lights festooning the rafters of the buildings, and even appearances by Santa himself.
You can spend an afternoon strolling around Leavenworth’s streets and popping into its shops, which sell everything from ski gear to handcrafted ornaments. There’s also plenty of tasting rooms for local wineries, where you can warm up with a steaming glass of gluhwein. Don’t miss chowing down on some German cuisine. Munchen Haus has really good bratwursts (and a whole sauerkraut bar!), as well as comically enormous German beers. The Danish Bakery is a great place to get breakfast, with perfectly flaky cherry strudel.
If you want to warm up from the chill, head inside the Nutcracker Museum, which houses over 7,000 varieties of nutcrackers across the ages (even dating back to Roman times!). There’s even a scavenger hunt for the kiddos here. Or you can consider this Leavenworth Christmastown Tour for fun facts, Leavenworth history, and the best holiday traditions that Leavenworth has to offer.
After you’ve soaked in the Christmas cheer, there’s plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the surrounding mountains, like tubing, skiing, Nordic skiing, or snowshoeing. So you can work off some of that bratwurst and gluhwein you indulged in!
Recommended by Justin of Uprooted Traveler
Savannah, Georgia
If you’re interested in a festive holiday destination, it’s hard to beat Savannah in December! The city is loaded with charm, and there are plenty of seasonal and non-seasonal events to keep you busy. Plenty of hotels and B&Bs get into the holiday spirit, and many homeowners go all-out with Christmas lights. So overall the city is very picturesque during December.
A few of the most popular activities for families include December Nights & Holiday Lights at the Botanical Gardens, the Savannah Christmas Market, and a festive lighted Christmas parade that begins on River Street and ends on Broughton Street.
Broughton Street is the city’s main shopping street. So if you need to pick up gifts or souvenirs while you’re in town, that’s the place to do it. The entire length of the street is lit with sparkly twinkle lights, and there are plenty of locally owned shops for purchasing ornaments, home décor, gifts, and more.
When packing, be sure to check the weather forecast a week or so before your trip. Savannah’s winter weather is generally mild, but there are occasional cold snaps. Bring layers — and maybe pack some gloves, just in case. You probably won’t need them.
December isn’t a crowded month in Savannah. Sometimes it’s possible to score a deal on accommodations, and it’s easier to get reservations at popular restaurants in December than it is during the busy spring and fall seasons.
Recommended by Erin of Savannah First-Timer’s Guide
If you are looking for skiing and other outdoor winter activities
Colorado
Colorado is one of the most magical places to visit in the U.S. in December, if you’re dreaming of a snowy holiday filled with twinkling lights, festive charm, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re skiing the slopes or strolling through a Christmas market, enjoy a winter wonderland in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
Snow begins to blanket the mountains and by mid-December, ski season is in full swing. Colorado mountain towns, from Breckenridge and Vail to Crested Butte and Winter Park, come alive with festive lights, torchlight ski processions, and cozy cabin getaways. The first half of December offers fewer crowds, while the second half offers high-energy holiday spirit.
Ski or snowboard on the world-class slopes. For non-skiers, enjoy a winter snowshoe, soak in hot springs, enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, or hop on a festive train. Families will love tubing in the snow tubing, ice skating, and visiting with Santa at holiday markets.
Other attractions for families include Denver Botanic Garden’s Blossoms of Light, Georgetown’s Christmas Market and Winter Park’s Christmas Eve torchlight parade. You can also experience Durango & Silverton Railroad’s Polar Express Ride to the North Pole, sip on hot cocoa and enjoy sleigh rides in Breckenridge. And finally cut down your own Christmas Tree in Arapahoe National Forest.
Packing tips: Layering is key to staying comfortable! Bring thermal base layers, waterproof boots with good traction, a winter jacket and snow pants. Don’t forget the gloves, a beanie, sunglasses, and of course, your camera!
Recommended by Sonia of Carey On Travels
Whitefish, Montana
Montana gets most of its tourists in the summer, but the secret is that it’s a magical winter destination! If you’re looking for a snowy wonderland full of holiday cheer and fun outdoor activities (plus plenty of spots to cozy up inside and stay warm), you can’t do better than visiting Whitefish, MT, in the winter. Bonus: Winter hotel rates drop to around a quarter of summer prices, and you’ll have none of the crowds to contend with. It is indeed one of the best winter destinations in the US.
Skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort is one of the area’s biggest draws in the wintertime, and it’s got lots of terrain for all levels, including beginners. If you’re a skier or history buff (or both!), make sure to stop in the Ski Heritage Center located in a historic cabin in town. And don’t miss the chance to visit nearby Glacier National Park at its snowy best. The trails near Lake McDonald are accessible for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, and there are even ranger-led snowshoe hikes on the weekends.
Or for a more relaxed experience, go for a sleigh ride at the Bar W Guest Ranch, or rent an igloo to hang out in at Firebrand Hotel downtown. If the kids get tired of the cold, there’s also the huge indoor playground at Montana’s Great Outdoors or the indoor pools and water slide at The Wave.
Make no mistake, Whitefish will be cold in the wintertime, so pack all your warmest gear on this trip: a heavy coat, warm boots, a hat, and gloves, plus some sweat-wicking layers if you’ll be doing a lot of activity.
Recommended by Jennifer of Montana Discovered
Yosemite National Park, California
Most travelers picture Yosemite in summer, but winter is when the park truly transforms into a peaceful wonderland. Blanketed in snow, Yosemite Valley feels quiet and magical. With towering granite cliffs dusted in white, frozen waterfalls glistening in the sun, and wildlife wandering through the stillness.
One of the best reasons to visit Yosemite in winter is the solitude. The summer crowds vanish, leaving wide-open trails and empty viewpoints all to yourself. Families can head to Badger Pass Ski Area, one of California’s most family-friendly ski resorts, with beginner runs, cross-country trails, and ranger-led snowshoe walks. For those not keen on skiing, simply walking through Yosemite Valley is breathtaking. Bridalveil Fall steams through icy air, and Half Dome glows pink at sunset.
Packing for Yosemite in winter is all about layers. Temperatures can swing from crisp mornings to sunny afternoons, so bring insulated boots, gloves, and a waterproof jacket. Don’t forget chains for your car, they are required on snowy roads.
Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate at Yosemite Valley Lodge, teaching your kids to ski at Badger Pass, or taking in the silence of El Capitan Meadow, winter is one of the most underrated (and unforgettable) seasons to experience Yosemite.
Recommended by Kathrine of The Honeymoon Never End
If you are looking for Warm Winter Vacations in the US
Honolulu, Oahu
If you’d rather have a little escapade from the harsh winter and the idea of a tropical Christmas attracts you, I cannot think of a better place in the US to go than Honolulu. The island of Oahu guarantees great things to do and plenty of Christmas lights all over the place to keep the festive spirits high. Who said you cannot dress as Santa and go to the beach!
In winter, one of the things I like the most of Oahu is the incredible natural beauty which is easily accessible from Honolulu. With paradisiac beaches, mystical rainforests and lots of trails! Out of the many hikes in Honolulu, one of my favourites was the Koko Head Trail. This hike is short but steep and will get the most of you, but will also reward you with magnificent views of the island.
Going back to the holiday celebrations, you will also find many holiday markets, pop-up Christmassy bars, candlelight carols, and lots of other events all over town. Honolulu definitely packs the Christmas agenda!
Being one of the most touristy places in the US means that you will find accommodation suitable to any budget. There are lots of hotels in Waikiki Beach to stay with your family. Just don’t forget to pack your summer clothes!
Recommended by Juan of Planet of Adventures
Key West, Florida
If you’re looking to escape the winter chill, Key West, Florida is a wonderful place to soak up some sun. It is one of the warm winter destination in the US. Key West’s historical architecture and palm tree-lined streets are always fun to explore. Come winter, though, you can enjoy all kinds of quirky festivities for Christmas and New Year.
There’s an annual lighted Christmas boat parade through the harbor. Or the Key West Holiday Parade, when Santa himself marches down the streets of the city. Local bed and breakfasts open their doors during the Historic Inns Holiday Tour, so that visitors can explore their historic interiors, all while decorated to their holiday finest.
Stick around for a week or so for New Years, where you can see all kinds of unique “ball drops.” These include a drag queen sitting in a giant red high heel shoe; a pirate wench that’s lowered on the mast of a ship; and a conch shell that’s lowered on top of Sloppy Joe’s Bar, the old haunt of Ernest Hemingway.
Outside of the holiday festivities, there’s so many cool things to do in Key West. Head to Smathers Beach to stroll on its powdery white sand and look out onto its turquoise waters. Alternatively, go on a kayaking tour through Key West’s mangroves, where you might spot a stingray, small shark, or even a manatee cruising under your boat. For a unique way to enjoy Key West’s legendary sunsets, book a tour on a floating tiki bar. On this quirky experience, you’ll cruise out on a boat that’s been updated to look like a retro tiki bar and get to watch the sunset, right off of Mallory Square.
Recommended by Justin of 90 Summers
St. Augustine, Florida
Step into a real-life holiday postcard in St. Augustine, Florida, where the winter season is celebrated amidst the glow of 3 million dazzling Christmas lights. From mid-November to late January, the nation’s oldest city transforms into a magical wonderland during its annual Nights of Lights Festival. Glittering lights are strung throughout the entire historic district, draped from balconies and ancient oak trees, and outlining the colonial-era architecture of landmarks like the Bridge of Lions and the Plaza de la Constitución.
This incredible spectacle isn’t just a 30-year-old local tradition. It’s earned global recognition, with National Geographic calling it ‘One of the top 10 holiday light displays in the world!‘ While the city-wide display is free to enjoy, you can enhance your experience with holiday-themed trolley tours or evening boat tours that offer a dazzling view from the water.
St. Augustine doesn’t confine its holiday spirit to the lights alone. The town’s narrow cobblestone streets and vibrant Spanish architecture provide the perfect backdrop for festive Christmas markets, seasonal plays at local theaters, and Candlelight Tours at the Villa Zorayda Museum.
And even though you end up booking your trip during the holiday season in particular, St. Augustine’s year-round attractions are great things to do as well. Whether that’s visiting historic landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos, browsing local art galleries, or taking one of their famous ghost tours.
Recommended by Jennifer of Scho & Jo
Summary: USA in winter
Hope you enjoyed this guide to the best US winter destinations, featuring must-visit winter city breaks, snowy landscapes for a winter fairyland, and warm weather vacation spots. Visiting many places in USA in winter time also means you can usually find cheaper flights, reasonably-priced accommodation, and lesser crowds. Much cheaper than the Caribbean all-inclusive resorts for families for sure.
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Great ideas! Last time I was in the USA it was in winter and we went to Hawaii for a conference, it’s great to have so many climate zones to choose from in the US in winter!
Hawaii is so on my wish list, for any season!
What a fantastic list of winter getaways! I’ve spent many winters exploring different parts of the U.S., but this post makes me want to plan a few more. Colorado in December sounds absolutely magical with its festive charm and snowy mountains, while Leavenworth, Washington, looks straight out of a Christmas movie. I’d also love to experience New York City’s holiday lights and ice skating at Rockefeller Center one day — such classic winter vibes!
I would love to experience NYC in winter as well. Classic winter vibes sums it up pretty well.
Great ideas! I really want to see Leavenworth. It looks straight out of a German Village.
You are right. Leavenworth looks like a charming European town with European food and drinks as well.
Yeah, that one is my favourite too.