Looking for some sunshine this winter break? Find out the best warm places to visit in December in the USA for families for a warm Christmas.
This top warm places to visit in December in the USA for a warm Christmas post 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.
Are you tired of freezing your booty off while staying home for the Christmas holiday?
Perhaps you’re not looking forward to spending the winter months shoveling excessive amounts of dumped snow or locking up your brakes while sliding on black ice.
Sounds like you’re suffering from the winter blues, and we totally get you. How about heading somewhere warm for Christmas this year instead?
Here are some of the warm places to visit in December in the US and some amazing ways to relax this Christmas season.
Best Warm Places to Visit in December in the USA for Your Winter Vacation
Maui
How about a magical beach getaway this Christmas season? The white sand beaches and the greenish-blue waters of Maui will be the most relaxing and tropical Christmas ever, and why we picked this as one of the best warm weather destinations!
Back at home, you don’t get sunsets like these around the holidays. How about snorkeling with sea creatures, sunbathing along the beach, or hiking some epic trails in Maui?
If you’re afraid that Maui won’t celebrate Christmas with decorations and lighting, you would be wrong. There are even holiday shops at Wailea for last-minute gift ideas.
If you have plenty to splurge, plan your pampering and stay at Honua Kai Resort & Spa or the Fairmont Kea Lani. Both offer a relaxing Christmas on the beach this year.
Find out the coolest holiday events in Hawaii.
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Honolulu
Another gorgeous beach spot to crash in the winter months would be Honolulu. Christmas morning, you might walk along the beach and catch Santa surfing some mean waves.
You don’t need to worry about how to get there since there are multiple direct flights in a day from most states.
It might be 75 degrees out during Christmas in Honolulu, but they find ways to make it snow inside Ala Moana Mall.
There are even parades and holiday lights that adorn the streets. Make sure you have the kids visit Santa at Ward Village for the best Santa on the island.
We’ve done Christmas in Honolulu, and it’s pretty fun to hang out at Waikiki with all the festivities that surely kicked out our winter blues.
And if you are there for New Year’s, be sure to head to Ala Moana Center for their Fukubukuro shopping event. It’s not to be missed!
Kaua’i, Hawaii
While you’re in Maui or Honolulu, consider visiting its nearby islands like Kaua’i, and you’ll be treated to a one-of-a-kind holiday experience!
Their Festival of Lights is one of the must-see events on the island. While the place has a warmer climate, all the sparkling Christmas lights will make you feel the holiday spirit without worrying about the cold.
You can go bike or hike during the daytime and visit parks like the Kokee State Park, Polihale State Park, down to the Na Pali Coast.
Then, on weekends, head to the Historic County Building to see their festive decor and some works of the Kaua’i artisan.
San Diego, California
San Diego has perfect weather no matter what season you visit.
Although it might not be a good time to go swimming, the warm weather in San Diego is around 65 degrees during Christmas, perfect for laying out on the beach. And there are SO many great San Diego beaches for families!
Your family will enjoy Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo and December Nights at Balboa Park.
At the Hotel Del Coronado, you can plan on ice skating for a magical winter activity.
If you have younger kids, add a stop at LEGOLAND California. They offer festive shows and decor. Plus, you can marvel at their 30-foot LEGO® Christmas tree trimmed with awesome LEGO ornaments!
Find out how to save money at LEGOLAND California.
Austin, Texas
Around Christmastime, Austin, Texas, glows with Christmas lights and fun festivities for the whole family. Austin throws the Trail of Lights, the best Christmas lights in all of Texas.
There are over 2 million lights with over 40 displays and a chance for you to grab a hot cocoa and meet Santa.
The average temperatures in Austin, Texas, are in the mid to lower 60s for a pleasant experience.
Phoenix, Arizona
How about stopping in and seeing lit-up Christmas cactus this holiday season? Or maybe you can improve your golf game this Christmas in Phoenix, Arizona?
My husband and I spent our first Christmas together in Phoenix, and it was lovely!
While Phoenix might be a desert setting, they still know how to make the holiday bright. You can even catch Santa, Christmas lights, and snowfall every night at Rawhide Wild Horse Pass.
They also have ice skating at the Wigwam at Litchfield Park.
And Phoenix is just a short drive away from Scottsdale, another amazing place to spend the holidays. Plus, there are tons of things to do in Scottsdale with kids.
Miami, Florida
Don’t worry; Santa will be sure to find you if you plan a stay along the beach on Christmas Eve. Plan your visit to the beach city of Miami, Florida, and hang out on its pristine beaches.
It’s also one of the best Florida beaches for bachelorette parties!
Believe it or not, Miami actually has the biggest ski clubs (actual snow) in the country. The city even knows how to “deck the halls” in amazing holiday lights and entertainment.
Plan your stay at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Miami or at Miami Beach Edition, and these may just be perfect for your whole family.
Savannah, Georgia
The historic district of Savannah is full of beauty, history, and classical architecture. The Spanish Moss found on every square adds to its mystery. There are even many notable haunted places you can tour as well.
Imagine going for a leisurely stroll on a Christmas morning through Forsyth Park or Bonaventure Cemetery, making a beautiful start to your day.
While it might not be a hot destination, temperatures around Christmas time hang right around a comfortable 60 degrees.
If you’re seeking one of the best romantic getaways in USA, consider the Gastonian, an inn dating back to the late 1800s. The Kimpton Brice is another neat option, which was once a warehouse that was converted into a luxury hotel.
Walt Disney World
Last winter, my family headed to Walt Disney World the week before Christmas, and it was a blast!
I admit it was rainier and chillier than I originally expected, but that wasn’t a typical winter for them.
We stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Kidani Village, and it was decked out with a giant Christmas tree and gorgeous ornaments!
Actually, a bunch of Disney Hotels had major holiday displays, and we made a point to visit Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa just to see their Christmas trees.
Each of the Disney Parks has tons of holiday decor, plus the characters dress up in their festive wear!
And they hold special Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party events all season long with tons of treats, rare character meet and greets, parades, shows, and more!
Plus, there are tons of other fun things to do in Orlando, like hot air balloon rides, the ICON Orlando Observation Wheel, and so much more!
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Sin City may be famous for its vibrant nightlife, but Las Vegas is one great place for your winter escape. The city has a lot of Christmas activities in store for you.
You’ll be surprised how Christmasy it is out there with a variety of places to enjoy, especially in the city center.
Las Vegas is filled with establishments donned in Christmas lights, like the Bellagio Hotel Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, a place known to change its decor every season. Its holiday display is a must-see and is perfect for your Christmas family photo.
You must also drop by the Candy Cane House in Henderson, especially if you’re traveling with your children. Once you step in front of the house, it will spark a child-like wonder in you.
Grand Isle, Louisiana
Traveling to Louisiana for Christmas might not even be on your radar, but stop and consider it for money.
If you want to visit Louisiana this holiday season, make plans to head to Grand Isle, the only beachfront in Louisiana.
It’s a popular tourist spot, known for great fishing and a migratory bird spot. It has amazing seafood and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
At Saint John Valley Catholics, you can catch a fantastic lights parade. Plus, you’re sure to have a grand time this Christmas while visiting Grand Isle, Louisiana.
Orange Beach, Alabama
How about giving up the white snow for beautiful, warm white sand beaches?
It’s also one of the go-to warm weather destinations around Christmas. Orange Beach is located along the Gulf of Mexico.
There are several Christmas parades, breakfast with Santa, and amazing little shops to explore in Orange Beach.
Make sure you don’t miss the lighted-boat parade along the beach and ice skating at the Wharf.
Key West, Florida
What do you think about heading to the southernmost spot in the United States this Christmas? You’ll see that the Florida Keys are perfect warm weather destinations for your winter vacation.
Not only is Key West Florida, a great place to visit in the summer, but it is beautiful around Christmas as well.
The atmosphere is electric and festive for the season, with Christmas decorations and exciting events. Watch colored lights dazzle and dance off the water in the Lighted Boat Parade when you visit Key West.
While you’re there, be sure to check out the other towns in the Florida Keys to see what they have going on this holiday season.
Temperatures range around the mid-70s during Christmas for a nice change in the weather. December is also the perfect time to go snorkeling. There are tons of snorkeling spots in Key West that will blow your mind!