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13 Best Warm Places to Visit in December in the USA

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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.

Want a different Christmas? Try to these warm places to visit in December!

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!

Maui is one breathtaking location if you're looking for beautiful and warm places to visit in December.
Maui is a fantastic winter getaway. Photo credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Blake Bronstad

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.

Honolulu

Another gorgeous beach spot to crash in the winter months is Honolulu. You might walk along the beach on Christmas morning 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.

Hawaii is full of warm places to visit in December, and Honolulu City is one of my top choices.
Honolulu City Lights on Oahu. Photo credit: Honolulu City Lights

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!

Kauai's one of the warm places to visit in December, and it's a festive one, too!
Kauai’s Festival of Lights

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 bike or hike during the day and visit parks like Kokee State Park and Polihale State Park, as well as the Na Pali Coast.

Then, on weekends, head to the Historic County Building to see its festive decor and some works by Kaua’i artisans.

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!

San Diego have many fun, warm places to visit in December like the Jungle Bells and LEGOLAND California.
Christmas decorations at Balboa Park in San Diego.

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. It’s one of the best beach hotels in San Diego for families.

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.

Texas is one go to warm places to visit in December. Enjoy the glorious weather at Christmas time here.
Christmastime in Austin, 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?

Bright lights in the desert? Add Arizona to your list of warm places to visit in December.
The Saguaro in Scottsdale, 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 from Scottsdale, another amazing place to spend the holidays. Plus, there are tons of things to do in Scottsdale with kids.

Miami, Florida

When talking about warm places to visit in December, Miami would always be in our list.
Miami Beach at Christmas.

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. There’s a lot to do in the area, so you’ll have no problem filling out your Miami itinerary!

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.

Warm places to visit in December, like Savannah Georgia, makes Christmas strolling so wonderful.
Park City Fountain at Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia.

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.

There are warm places to visit in December that's not too warm, like Walt Disney World. It's a pefect vacation with your family, too!
Mickey and Minnie Mouse were all decked out in their holiday sweaters at Adventurer’s Outpost. Photo credit: Disney’s PhotoPass

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

Sin City may be famous for its vibrant nightlife, but Las Vegas is also a great place for a winter escape. The city has many Christmas activities in store for you and your family.

You’ll be surprised how Christmasy it is out there with a variety of places to enjoy, especially in the city center.

Las Vegas can be merry and bright, too! So add this place as one of the warm places to visit in December.
Winter season in Bellagio Hotel Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, Las Vegas.

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.

Thinking of warm places to visit in December? Head to Grand Isle, Louisiana for a fun family trip.
Family on the beach in Grand Isle, Louisiana. Photo credit: Town of Grand Isle

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.

It isn't called "Sweet Home Alabama" for nothing because it's one of the best warm places to visit in December making your holiday season extra sweet.
Orange Beach cityscape.

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.

Visit Key West, Florida if you're looking for warm places to visit in December.
Dry Tortugas National Park in Key West, Florida

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. When you visit Key West, watch colored lights dazzle and dance off the water in the Lighted Boat Parade.

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.

Christmas brings a nice change in weather, with temperatures ranging around the mid-70s. December is also the perfect time to go snorkeling. There are tons of snorkeling spots in Key West that will blow your mind!

These are just a handful of the best warm places to visit in December in the USA, and you should consider them this Christmas.

Looking for more places to visit this winter? Check out the best warm winter destinations in the U.S., best national parks to visit this winter, snowy winter destinations in the United States, fun Christmas getaways in the United States, and the best winter weekend getaways from Seattle!

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