Christmas is the most magical time of the year. Choosing a destination to spend it in makes it that much more special. While some prefer to stay at home for the holidays, others find that a destination Christmas is much more fun. From big city celebrations to small, charming Christmas towns, there’s something for everyone. These are ten top US Christmas destinations that will provide an unforgettable holiday.
Branson has been known as an ideal family vacation destination, and during the Christmas season is no different! Whether you’re looking for beautiful light displays, fun at an amusement park, or live entertainment…Branson has something to make everyone’s holiday special.
Fun fact: Branson was named on the Travel Channel’s “Most Christmassy Places in America”
Chicago is absolutely beautiful at any time of the year but the holiday season is truly something special. If you are one that loves the big city feel but don’t want to go somewhere as congested as New York City or Los Angeles, Chicago is a great compromise to give you that big city feel without as much traffic (locals may disagree with that one!). There is nothing quite like ice skating at Millennium Park or Christmas shopping on the Magnificent Mile!
Fun Fact: The City of Chicago’s official Christmas Tree in Millennium Park has been a local tradition for more than 100 years!
Denver is absolutely beautiful during the winter and holiday seasons. Between the beautiful snow capped mountains, light shows, and live entertainment, Denver makes for an incredible Christmas destination. Enjoy fun festive activities as well as snow activities such as skiing and tubing in the Rocky mountains.
There is nothing quite like Vegas! While it is typically seen as an adults only kind of city, there are actually plenty of family friendly activities to be had in Vegas. For a town that is already filled with excitement and lights, Vegas goes to a whole other level during the holiday season. Simply walking the strip and checking out the holiday displays at each resort is a can’t miss Christmas vacation and a reason it’s one of our top US Christmas Destinations.
Fun Fact: The famous Bellagio Fountains show runs a special show during the holiday season featuring classic Christmas songs such as “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, “Santa Baby”, and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”
I recently came across the saying “Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you a ticket to Nashville.” Nashville is such a fun town and it is certainly something special during the holidays. Whether it’s live Christmas performances, beautiful light displays, or a ride on the North Pole Express, you can’t go wrong with Christmas in Nashville!
Fun Fact: The Annual Nashville Christmas Parade dates back to 1927 and has become an iconic holiday tradition for the city ever since.
Seattle is lit up with holiday joy during the Christmas season, making it a can’t miss Christmas destination. From incredible Christmas markets and festivals to mesmerizing light shows, a visit to Seattle will be an excellent choice for your Christmas vacation spot.
Fun Fact: Seattle used to be the host city to the “My Macy’s Holiday Parade”, the sister parade to the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade ran from 1990 to 2019 before the Macy’s store in Seattle permanently closed, ending the parade.
If you’re a fan of history, spending Christmas in Washington D.C. is a can’t miss for you! There is something pretty special about spending the Christmas season in the Nation’s capital with the famous National Christmas tree. If you’re looking for a great east coast Christmas destination, consider a trip to Washington D.C.!
Fun Fact: The National Christmas tree is surrounded by 56 smaller trees that represent each of the 50 states, the five United States territories, and the District of Columbia.
Orlando is the epitome of the perfect family friendly vacation spot! Add in lights and a little holiday spirit and it really pushes it over the edge. Orlando is a great Christmas destination for those that want a warmer climate with no less holiday cheer. Spend your holiday season at a fun theme park, on the beach, or at a fun holiday festival! While you’re at it, check out these other best Christmas destinations in the South.
North Pole, Alaska
Holiday Highlights: Visit the Santa Claus House, The iconic North Pole sign, North Pole Winterfest & Holiday Bazaar
Where to stay:Hotel North Pole, The Lazy Lynx – Frontier Village, Holiday Inn Express Northern Lights Inn
While North Pole, Alaska is not the ACTUAL North Pole…it’s still a pretty cool Christmas vacation spot. A visit to the North Pole is a bucket list Christmas vacation spot with can’t miss holiday activities and a snowy atmosphere perfect for a festive white Christmas. If you’re looking for a unique Christmas destination, a visit to North Pole, Alaska is a pretty great choice.
Fun Fact: North Pole, Alaska is actually decorated year-round with holiday decor, candy canes, and other Christmas decor. There are even streets that pay homage to the holiday including Santa Claus Lane, Snowman Lane, and Kris Kringle Drive.
In my opinion, you can’t get much more special than Christmas in New York City! New York is the city that never sleeps and during the holiday season, the whole city is fully decked out in holiday cheer. It is an incredible experience and is highly recommended! There are so many iconic experiences and activities to enjoy in NYC so if you are looking for a special vacation destination… book your trip to The Big Apple!
Fun Fact: It is rumored that the famous poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ was inspired by the festive atmosphere in one of the downtown markets of New York City back in 1822!
If you’ve been looking for the perfect Christmas destination for this upcoming holiday season, we hope that our guide has provided you with the information to make a great choice for your family! Whether you go for something low key and relaxed like the North Pole, Alaska or a busy city vibe like New York, you’re in for an unforgettable Christmas vacation. Which city are you most excited to visit?! We would love to hear from you!
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