Are you looking for the best places to visit during winter in the United States? Keep scrolling to find out the most magical Christmas getaways in the United States worth visiting.
This list of the best Christmas getaways in the United States was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Thinking of doing things a little differently this year?
Even though there is nothing quite like cozying up at home during the holiday season, there’s something magical about spending Christmas elsewhere.
If you’re considering jetting off this holiday season, what better way to do so than by visiting destinations that dress up in twinkling lights and take their festive spirit to the next level?
From alpine towns that will make you feel as though you’re celebrating Christmas in the German Alps to an Alaskan town that’s literally called the North Pole, here are 7 destinations in the United States where your family can experience some truly amazing winter wonderland.
Whether it’s ice skating under a blanket of stars or sipping hot cocoa while watching Santa Claus arrive on his sleigh, these seven cities have plenty of activities for families looking for an unforgettable holiday vacation.
You’ll find everything from traditional parades and caroling events to husky sledding tours and even reindeer petting zoos!
So if you’re ready for a break from all those cookie swaps and gift exchanges with friends (not to mention all those trips out into crowded malls), then check out these seven places below!
There’s no place like home for Christmas—but sometimes it’s nice to get away too. These seven cities offer unique experiences perfect for getting into the holiday spirit without having to travel too far from home.
Keep scrolling to find out 7 magical winter getaways in the United States perfect for Christmastime.
Best Places to Visit During Christmas in USA FAQs
What are the best places for Christmas vacation if you hate snow?
What are the best Christmas vacation places in Canada?
If you want to cross the Northern border, I highly recommend spending Christmas in Victoria, BC. They have some fun Christmas events, decorations, and the whole town feels magical. Quebec is another great option as they have a massive Christmas festival that’s worth the trip!
Are any best Christmas getaways at theme parks?
Our family LOVES spending the holidays at theme parks because they get all decked out for Christmas! Disneyland and Walt Disney World have special Christmas-themed rides, decorations, and even food items. Universal Studios, LEGOLAND, and Knott’s Berry Farm also go all out for Holiday fun!
7 Fun Christmas Getaways in the United States
1. Leavenworth, Washington
Dreaming of a Christmas in the German Alps but not quite sure you can make it this season?
Leavenworthis a tiny town in the captivating Cascade Mountains that’s famed for its Bavarian roots. And they are still visible every step you take.
Think half-timbered buildings lining the streets, restaurants serving German beer, and Christmas markets that will make you forget you’re in the United States at all!
Leavenworth, Washington
Come December, Leavenworth puts on an epic light show. It’s dubbed the Village of Lights for all the right reasons and becomes a haven for those in search of a truly magical Christmas season. Personally, I think it’s the best place to spend Christmas in USA.
Day and night, you’ll stumble across roasting Chestnut stands, gingerbread house competitions, advent calendar contests, and oh-so-much more. All backdropped by millions of twinkling lights, of course! (Provigil)
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2. Asheville, North Carolina
Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville in North Carolina will give you major storybook vibes during the holiday season. In fact, it’s one of the best places to go for Christmas on the East Coast.
Come Christmas, Biltmore, the historic Vanderbilt mansion, becomes the star of the show as it dresses up in garlands, ribbons, glimmering lights, and dozens of lavishly decorated trees.
Asheville, North Carolina
Aside from the dumbfounding beauty of Biltmore, other Christmas musts in this extraordinary mountain town include watching Santa rappelling down Chimney Rock (yes, it’s a thing!), taking part in the gingerbread house competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn, and going in search of the Holly Jolly Christmas Trolley that makes its way through Asheville’s downtown.
3. Denver, Colorado
With Christmas markets bookmarked in every locals’ calendars and an endless array of fun seasonal events, Denver is the perfect city escape to unwrap the magic of the holiday season.
Denver, Colorado
A must in your Denver Christmas bucket list is a visit to its major Christmas markets. The Denver Christkindl Market and the European Holiday Market will transport you into a town deep in Bavaria. Well, or at least your mind will get tricked into it.
Another fun outing? The “I Love Christmas Movies” experience just outside the city at the Gaylord Rockies Resort. Here you can binge-watching classics like Elf and the Polar Express to get your holiday vibes on in no time!
4. North Pole, Alaska
Yes – there’s a town called the North Pole in Alaska. And as inconceivable as it might sound, its mayor is actually called Santa Claus.
North Pole Alaska
While it’s not technically located in the real North Pole, this quaint Alaskan town is the perfect place to go if you want to get super extra this year.
Yep, we’re talking light poles shaped like candy canes lining a street called Santa Claus Lane. Plus there’s a 42-foot-high statue towering over the village, walls covered with children’s letters to Santa from all over the world, and a sprawling store with endless isles filled with ornaments and toys.
Put simply, it doesn’t get any more Christmas-y than it does in the North Pole. And the town’s residents make sure the spirit stays on year-round. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit for Christmas in USA.
5. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Yep, there’s a town in Pennsylvania called Bethlehem. And while it’s far, far away from the real one, this quaint location sure does know how to celebrate Christmas.
Bethlehem Pennsylvania
From its German-inspired Christmas City Village to its traditional Christmas market, there’s no shortage of ways to make a Christmas in Bethlehem the most magical yet.
It’s one of the best US Christmas vacations you can take on the East Coast.
6. New York, New York
A classic but one that absolutely needs to be on every Christmas destinations list for all the right reasons. Put in simple words, you haven’t really experienced a metropolitan Christmas until you’ve done it through New York City’s gleaming lens.
New York City
Explore snowy Central Park on a carriage ride, go ice skating at Rockefeller Center, and drink some festive-inspired cocktails at the Winter Village at Bryant Park to get a taste of what Christmas in New York is all about! A little cliché? Maybe, but who the heck cares!
Home to Bentleyville, the most magical light display in the entire world, Duluth in Minnesota becomes host to an enormous array of holiday offerings and events that will have you feeling as though you’re walking inside a real-life snow globe!
Duluth Minnesota
For the ultimate winter wonderland experience, hop on a scenic train journey along Lake Superior and check out the vibrant Christmas Village in front of the Glensheen Mansion. Here you’ll find locally-made goodies to bring back home (or gorge on right on the spot!).
For even more holiday cheer, head over to the Fairlawn Mansion on a Tuesday. This is when the mansion opens its door and visitors can pop by to explore its halls – all while being surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights.
If you love huge light displays, Duluth is one of the places to go for Christmas vacation.
U.S. Christmas Vacation Ideas Wrap Up
Have you ever celebrated Christmas away from home? What are some other dazzling Christmas destinations in the USA and beyond that you fell head over heels for?
Now you know some of the best places to spend Christmas in the US.
We hope this post has helped you decide where to go for Christmas vacation this year. Or maybe it has given you ideas for how to spend Christmas next year!
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