15 Best Places to Visit in December in USA

15 Best Places to Visit in December in USA

| Snow Activities + Holiday Destinations |

1. Asheville, North Carolina →

36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, map

Weather Avg: 50° / 31° F

Asheville has a relatively mild winter, but it’s cold enough to get a feel for the holidays. You still need a winter coat, but you don’t have to worry about snow burying your car. Plus, there are plenty of festive winter activities.

Christmas at the Biltmore is iconic for those of us who lived in the South.

• TO DO: The Biltmore, Blue Ridge Parkway, River Arts District
• EAT: 49 Best Places to Eat in Asheville
• STAY: Best Places to Stay in Asheville
• EVENTS: Christmas at Biltmore, National Gingerbread House Competition, Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum

Local Tip: If you’re exploring the outdoors, be aware of the weather. There can be ice on the roads and trails. Have crampons handy for hikes nearby.

See More: 9 Things to Do at Biltmore + A Biltmore Estate Christmas

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2. Las Vegas, NV →

5200 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119, map

Weather Avg: 60° / 27° F

We love December in Las Vegas. The weather is perfect for hiking and climbing (send temps!), and the Strip  goes over the top with holiday decor. Each casino has impressive displays, but the best holiday display is at the Bellagio Conservatory.

• TO DO:  Bellagio Conservatory, Here Kitty Kitty, Cosmo Ice Rink 
• EAT: E by Jose Andres, Mizumi, Poke Express
• STAY: Find Las Vegas Hotel Deals
• EVENTS: Enchant, Holiday Lights at Ethel M, National Rodeo Finals

Local Tip: The sun sets early (around 4:30), so plan your days accordingly. Also, bring layers. Visitors don’t realize it can actually get cold, especially once the sun is down.

See More: Best December Events and Things to Do in Las Vegas

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3. Anchorage, Alaska

546 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, map

Weather Avg: 25° / 17° F

Anchorage is one of the best places to visit in December in the US if you’re looking for a winter wonderland. You’ll find deep powder, crystal-clear ice, and you may even catch the northern lights! The skies are clear in the winter, making it perfect for flightseeing around the Chugach Mountains.

• TO DO: Glacier Cruise, Bike the Coastal Trail, Wildlife Viewing
• EAT: Moose’s Tooth, Snow City Cafe, Glacier Brewhouse
• STAY: Anchorage Hotel Deals
• EVENTS: Holiday Lights in the Garden, Anchorage International Film Festival, Anchorage Holiday Market

Pro Tip: Camera and phone batteries die quicker when it’s cold, so have spare chargers and batteries.

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4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming →

532 N Cache St, Jackson, WY 83001, map

Weather Avg: 28° / 7° F

Jackson Hole is another phenomenal destination for outdoor winter adventures, like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating.

There are also live shows, craft fairs, and a beautiful town square. It’s also a great time to go on a wildlife tour or a sleigh ride at the National Elk Refuge (opens mid-December).

• TO DO: Things to Do in Jackson Hole in the Winter
• EAT: Persephone Bakery, Hand Fire Pizza, Gather
• STAY: Search Jackson Hole Hotel Map
• EVENTS: Holiday Bazaar, Holiday Fun in Town Square, Grand Teton Music Festival

Local Tip: Some activities are snow dependent and may not be available until mid to late December. Always double-check before booking.

See More: 11+ Unforgettable Things to Do in Jackson Hole Wyoming in the Winter

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5. New York City, NY →

14 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10122, map

Weather Avg: 44° / 31° F

Christmas in NYC is as quintessential as it gets. It’s everything that you would imagine from a TV Christmas with gigantic Christmas trees, holiday window displays, ice skating rinks, and Christmas markets. We always feel nostalgic and miss living in the city during the holidays.

• TO DO: Christmas Markets, Ice Skating, Holiday Shows
• EAT: 99 Best Places to Eat in NYC
• STAY: Library Hotel, Search More NYC Hotels
• EVENTS: The Rockettes, Christmas Markets, NYE in Times Square

Local Tip: Have fun!

See More: 11 Magical Ways to Spend Christmas in NYC

| Warm Places to Visit in December in USA |

6. Death Valley National Park, California →

Furnace Creek, CA 92328, map

Weather Avg: 65° / 39° F

Death Valley is one of our favorite national parks because of the variety of landscapes within one park.

You can walk sand dunes, check out salt flats, or hike along colorful hills. In the summer, it’s unbearably hot, but you can comfortably spend all day outside in the winter. Just be sure to bring layers since the temperatures drop when the sun sets.

• TO DO: Badwater Basin, Mesquite Dunes, Zabriskie Point
• EAT: Last Kind Words Saloon, Happy Burro Chili & Beer, Smokin J’s Barbecue
• STAY: The Best Death Valley Hotels and Rentals

Local Tip: If you plan on visiting multiple National Parks, pick up an annual pass to save money.

See More: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Death Valley National Park

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7. Maui, Hawaii →

S Kihei Rd #1193, Kihei, HI 96753, map

Weather Avg: 72° / 56° F

Maui (and all of Hawaii) is one of the best places to visit in December to escape the cold. Plus, you can enjoy the holidays with a tropical twist in shorts and a tee.

It’s also whale season, so look out for Humpback whales. Keep in mind that prices are high when families are visiting during winter break.

• TO DO: Road to Hana, Whale Watching, Lahaina Banyan Tree
• EAT: Mama’s Fish House, Coconuts Fish Cafe, Geste Shrimp Truck
• STAY: Maui’s Best Hotels
• EVENTS: Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, Made in Maui County Festival

Local Tip: December is the rainiest month in Maui but is mainly confined to the North Shore. A packable raincoat is handy.

See More: 19 Incredible Road to Hana Stops You Can’t Miss

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8. Los Angeles, California →

3006 W 7th St #200a, Los Angeles, CA 90005, map

Weather Avg: 68° / 49° F

Temperatures are great in LA year-round, making it one of the best places to visit in December. It can get crowded, but luckily most visitors stick to touristy spots. 

You don’t want to miss out on holiday happenings, like Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena (one of the most festive streets in LA, the LA Kings Holiday Ice Rink, or the Hollywood Christmas Parade.

• TO DO: Ultimate LA Bucket List, Instagram Spots
• EAT: 49 Best Places to Eat in LA
• STAY: Check our Los Angeles Hotels Map
• EVENTS: Christmas Boat Parade at Newport Beach, Hollywood Christmas Parade

Local Tip: LA traffic is brutal. When planning your trip, try to explore one area or neighborhood each day rather than spending your day sitting in the car.

See More: 101 Things to Do in LA

9. Key West, Florida →

31281 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043, map

Weather Avg: 77° / 70° F

Lighted boat parades, a naughty version of The Nutcracker, and festive historic inns are just a few of the unique things to do in Key West in December. Besides that, you get to enjoy the beautiful weather in town or explore the water.

• TO DO: Best Things to Do in Key West
• EAT: Blue Heaven, Santiago’s Bodega
• STAY: Look for the Best Key West Hotels Here
• EVENTS: Key West Holiday Fest, Key West City Hometown Holiday Parade

Local Tip: Parking can be troublesome, so look for a central place to stay and consider renting bikes to get around.

See More: 7+ Remarkable Things to Do in Key West Florida

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10. New Orleans, Louisiana →

339 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130, map

Weather Avg: 65° / 46° F

New Orleans does the holidays their own way, with Christmas Eve Bonfires along the Mississippi River and Lena Fete turning Lafayette Square into a holiday wonderland. Sports fans can enjoy the Allstate Sugar Bowl and R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.

• TO DO: 101 Things to Do in New Orleans
• EATt: 49 Best Places to Eat in New Orleans
• STAY: New Orleans Hotel Deals
• EVENTS: Krewe of Jingle, Allstate Sugar Bowl

Local Tip: Food lovers should check out the Reveillon Dinners, where multiple restaurants throughout the city offer specially crafted prix-fixe menus and cocktails.

See More: How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in New Orleans

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11. Palm Springs, California →

2901 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, map

Weather Avg: 70° / 44° F

Imagine holiday decor with a Palm Springs vibe. It’s a recipe for a good time. You can enjoy Christmas movie nights and even see Santa arriving via helicopter. If you visit the Cabazon Dinosaurs, Mr. Rex is dressed up in a Santa suit too!

• TO DO: 15 Best Things to Do in Palm Springs
• EAT: Farm, Trio, The Tropicale
• STAY: Search for Palm Springs Hotels
• EVENTS: Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Wildlights at the Living Desert, Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade

See More: 15 Unforgettable Things to Do in Palm Springs

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12. San Diego, California →

996 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, map

Weather Avg: 66° / 49° F

San Diego is still one of our favorite cities in the US to live in. During the holidays, the most popular attractions light up for the holidays. Explore Balboa Park, the San Diego Bay, Legoland, San Diego Zoo, and more with a Christmas twist. You can even ice skate on the beach at the Coronado Hotel.

• TO DO: San Diego Bucket List, Best Photo Spots
• EAT: Carnitas Snack Shack, Hammond’s Ice Cream, Steamy Piggy
• STAY: Search Our San Diego Hotels Map
• EVENTS: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, San Diego Underground Film Festival

Local Tip: Bring layers since the weather can get chilly, especially near the beach.

See More: 25 Free Things to Do in San Diego

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13. Sarasota, Florida →

1945 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34236, map

Weather Avg: 74° / 53° F

Sarasota is known for its museums, art, and shopping, but we got to see a different side of Sarasota when we visited.  

The weather is perfect for both urban and outdoor adventures. In addition to that, you get the holiday events with illuminated gardens, festivals of trees, and gingerbread competitions. 

• TO DO: Best Things to Do in Sarasota
• EAT: Owens Fish Camp, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, Duval’s Fresh Local Seafood
• STAY: The Best Sarasota Hotels
• EVENTS: Annual Gingerbread Festival, Christmas Walk in Historic Downtown Venice

See More: 7 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida

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14. Savannah, Georgia

301 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401, map

Weather Avg: 64° / 45° F

Winter is quieter in Savannah, making it a great time to visit to avoid crowds. Christmas along the river is beautiful with plenty of decor and events. Take a riverboat cruise or tour historic homes when it’s extra magical during the holidays. 

• TO DO: Riverboat Cruise, Davenport House Museum, Ice Skating at the Savannah Civic Center
• EAT: Treylor Park, The Ordinary Pub, The Olde Pink House
• STAY: The Best Savannah Hotels
• EVENTS: Savannah Bridge Run, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, December Nights & Holiday Lights

Local Tip: Weather can be unpredictable, going from hot to cold, so pack layers.

See More: 15 Best Romantic Getaways in USA

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15. St Petersburg, Florida

8200 Bryan Dairy Rd STE 200, Largo, FL 33777, map

Weather Avg: 72° / 57° F

On our last Florida visit, we heard so many good things about St Pete. It’s known as the Sunshine City, so get in your beach time this December.

For the holidays, they turn some parks into a winter wonderland where you can go tubing, and they have drive-in holiday movies.

• TO DO: Florida Botanical Gardens, The Dali Museum, Fort De Soto Beach
• EAT: The Library, The Mill Restaurant, Bacon Bitch
• STAY: Find St Petersburg Hotels
• EVENTS: Holiday Lights at Downtown Waterfront parks, Snowfest

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