Jingle All The Way: Best Christmas Destination Cities in the USA
The holiday season transforms cities across the United States into winter wonderlands filled with sparkling lights, festive events, and cozy traditions. Whether you’re seeking snow-covered landscapes or tropical yuletides, these 10 cities—each with its own unique charm—are some of the best places to celebrate Christmas in the USA.
Aspen, Colorado: A Winter Wonderland
Aspen combines luxurious mountain living with a cozy, small-town Christmas atmosphere. From world-class skiing to 12 Days of Aspen, the town offers plenty of festive fun, including holiday concerts, caroling, and ice-skating under twinkling lights. The snow-covered streets and charming alpine architecture create a postcard-perfect Christmas setting.
Asheville, North Carolina: Gingerbread Magic and Timeless Elegance
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a holiday lover’s dream. The Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private home, decks its halls with thousands of lights, ornaments, and Christmas trees, making it a must-see. Asheville is also home to the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Grove Park Inn, where intricate confectionery creations wow visitors. Pair this with the city’s lively downtown, local craft markets, and mountain scenery, and you’ll find Asheville hard to beat.
Denver, Colorado: Urban Festivities with a Snowy Touch
Denver shines bright during the holidays with its Blossoms of Light display at the Denver Botanic Gardens and the stunning Parade of Lights downtown. Union Station transforms into a winter wonderland, and outdoor ice-skating rinks invite visitors to embrace the season. With the Rocky Mountains as a snowy backdrop, Denver is a perfect mix of urban vibrance and Christmas cheer.
Las Vegas, Nevada: A Dazzling Christmas Spectacle
Las Vegas might be synonymous with neon lights, but during Christmas, it takes festive displays to the next level. The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens features a breathtaking holiday display, while the Ethel M Chocolate Factory hosts a cactus garden adorned with millions of lights. Ice skating at The Cosmopolitan’s rooftop rink and the magical displays at the Glittering Lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway bring a wintery twist to this desert city.
Burlington, Vermont: A Cozy, Classic Christmas
For a charming New England Christmas, Burlington is unbeatable. Church Street Marketplace comes alive with thousands of lights and festive music, while the Lake Champlain shoreline offers serene views. Local artisans sell handmade gifts at holiday markets, and nearby ski resorts provide snowy fun. Burlington is the epitome of a cozy, small-town holiday experience.
Orlando, Florida: A Warm, Whimsical Christmas
Orlando proves you don’t need snow for Christmas magic. The city’s theme parks take holiday decorations to the extreme, with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World and Grinchmas at Universal Studios offering unforgettable family experiences. The Night of a Million Lights at Give Kids the World Village is another must-see, blending philanthropy and holiday cheer in a breathtaking display.
Kennebunkport, Maine: A Coastal Christmas Escape
This quaint seaside town transforms into a hallmark-worthy Christmas destination during its Christmas Prelude festival. Stroll along streets lined with lighted lobster traps, watch the famous lobster trap tree lighting, and enjoy cozy holiday events, from caroling to craft fairs. Kennebunkport’s charming inns and picturesque harbor provide the perfect backdrop for a New England holiday escape.
Honolulu, Hawaii: Mele Kalikimaka Paradise
If you’re dreaming of a sunny Christmas, Honolulu offers a tropical holiday like no other. The Honolulu City Lights festival fills the city with festive cheer, including the iconic Shaka Santa and Mrs. Claus. Waikiki Beach hosts holiday parades, while palm trees wrapped in lights and island-inspired Christmas decorations create a unique yuletide vibe.
Leavenworth, Washington: A Bavarian Christmas Village
Leavenworth’s Bavarian-style village transforms into a true winter wonderland during Christmas. The Village of Lights festival bathes the town in over half a million lights, while sleigh rides, chestnut roasting, and carolers complete the magical atmosphere. With snow-covered mountains and cozy lodges, Leavenworth is like stepping into a European Christmas postcard.
New York City, New York: The Ultimate Christmas Destination
No Christmas list is complete without New York City. From the towering Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to the magical holiday windows along Fifth Avenue, NYC sets the gold standard for holiday cheer. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, ice-skating at Bryant Park, and the Holiday Markets in Union Square and Columbus Circle make it a bucket-list destination for Christmas lovers. It's really the only place to enjoy christmas, but we needed 9 more cities to fill out this list.