Best Places to Visit for Christmas: Top Holiday Destinations for Magical Winter Getaways

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Amazon
• Pinterest

Ok, I know I might be the only one thinking about Christmas right now when summer is just getting started. But I blame Costco. I went there today and they had Halloween decor out already. That got me thinking about fall, and then one thing led to another and here I am dreaming about the all the great places to go for Christmas.

I don’t know if it’s all the Hallmark movies or simply childhood nostalgia, but there’s something about the holiday season that makes even the most routine traveler want to pack a bag and go somewhere special. The holiday spirit hits differently when you’re standing under a canopy of spectacular lights in a Bavarian village or sipping hot apple cider at a centuries-old Christmas market.

But finding great places to visit for Christmas isn’t just about picking a pretty town (although that’s part of it, tbh). It’s about matching your travel style, budget, and idea of the perfect holiday to a destination that delivers. Some travelers want to celebrate Christmas in a cozy winter town surrounded by live holiday music and horse drawn sleigh rides. Others want to trade winter weather for sunshine and ocean breezes at these warm winter destinations. And some just want the classic Christmas movie experience: snow falling, ice skating, and a giant Christmas tree glowing in the town square.

This guide covers seven of the best Christmas destinations across the U.S. and beyond, each offering a distinct way to experience the Christmas season. You’ll find snowy mountain retreats, historic small towns, tropical escapes, and iconic city celebrations–all selected to help you plan a holiday getaway that actually lives up to the hype.

How I Chose the Best Christmas Destinations

Not every town with a few Christmas trees and a string of lights qualifies as a top destination. To narrow down the great places to go for Christmas worth your time and money, I evaluated each location across several criteria:

• Holiday atmosphere and decorations. Are streets, buildings, and landmarks fully decked out? Do holiday lights and Christmas decorations create a genuinely immersive environment, or is it just a few wreaths on lampposts?
• Unique Christmas events and activities. I looked for signature holiday events–festivals, parades, performances, tree lighting ceremonies–that you can’t replicate at home.
• Accessibility and family-friendliness. How easy is it to get there? Are there activities for young kids as well as adults?
• Weather considerations and comfort. Snow can make or break a trip depending on what you’re after. I factored in climate expectations for each destination.
• Value for money during peak season. December travel costs spike. I considered whether the experience justifies the price tag.
• Accommodation availability and quality. Some Christmas towns have limited lodging, which can drive prices up and availability down.
• Local Christmas traditions and cultural experiences. Holiday markets offer festive shopping experiences, but I also looked for destinations where cultural traditions–religious ceremonies, regional foods, historic customs–add depth to the visit.

These criteria helped me identify great places to visit for Christmas that go beyond surface-level festivity and deliver something genuinely memorable.

Top 7 Great Places to Go for Christmas

1. Leavenworth, Washington – One of the most charming great places to visit for Christmas

Tucked in the Cascade Mountains about 2.5 hours east of Seattle, Leavenworth is a former logging town that reinvented itself as a Bavarian-themed village in the 1960s. Today, it’s one of the most photogenic Christmas towns in the country, and it earns that reputation during the holidays. Leavenworth hosts a Christmas Lighting Festival with thousands of lights that transform the alpine-style storefronts into something straight out of a European postcard. I am so excited that I will be experiencing this Christmas town myself this year! Be sure to follow me on Instagram to watch the magic unfold in real time.

Why It Stands Out as One of the Great Places to go for Christmas

The Village of Lights festival features over half a million holiday lights draped across Bavarian facades, running from Thanksgiving through the end of February. Leavenworth, Washington features a Christmas Lighting Festival with 500,000 lights-one of the largest displays in the Pacific Northwest. The twinkling lights reflect off snow-dusted rooftops, creating the kind of scene that feels almost too perfect to be real.

Beyond the lights, the Christmastown festival at Festhalle includes gingerbread house competitions, carolers in period costumes, live performances, and visits with Santa Claus himself. Check out this complete guide to visiting Leavenworth.

Best For

Families seeking snow and a European Christmas market experience without international travel. If you’ve always wanted to wander through festive markets in Bavaria but don’t have the time or budget for a transatlantic flight, Leavenworth is your best domestic alternative.

Key Strengths

• Village of Lights with 500,000+ winter lights across the town
• Horse-drawn sleigh rides and winter activities including nearby skiing, snow tubing, and sledding
• Authentic German christmas market atmosphere with artisan vendors and traditional food
• Free access to lighting displays and live entertainment throughout the season

Possible Limitations

• Weather can be unpredictable; snow sometimes turns to slush, and the town gets congested during peak weekends.
• The 2.5-hour drive from Seattle means it’s not a quick day trip, and lodging prices spike during the Christmas season.
• You need to plan ahead. Like way ahead. I booked our hotel room 10 months out, and many hotels were already sold out.
• Weather can also make it difficult to access Leavenworth; if there is a storm, the pass can close down.

2. New York City, New York – One of the most classic great places to go for Christmas

No list of great places to visit for Christmas is complete without New York. The city goes all-in on the holidays with a density of attractions that no other destination can match–from world-famous tree lightings to elaborate festive store windows that draw crowds every night.

Why N.Y.C. is One of the Great Places to go for Christmas

New York City is home to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a towering Christmas tree that has been the centerpiece of the city’s holiday celebrations since the 1930s. This iconic Rockefeller Center tree draws millions of visitors each season. The tree lighting alone is a cultural event, broadcast nationally and kicking off the city’s official Christmas season.

But the tree is just the beginning. New York City features iconic holiday traditions and window displays–Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman transform their storefronts into theatrical holiday showcases. Holiday light tours can enhance the holiday spirit, and in NYC, those tours span entire boroughs. And many of the hotels turn into magical Christmas retreats.

Best For

Travelers wanting the classic American Christmas experience with Broadway shows, holiday shopping, and the energy of a city that never sleeps, especially during the holidays. Check out this 3-day New York itinerary to help plan your getaway.

Key Strengths

• The Rockefeller Center tree and ice skating rink. Outdoor ice skating is a popular holiday activity, and this is arguably the most famous rink in the world
• Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Broadway holiday shows
• Elaborate department store windows and holiday markets like Bryant Park Winter Village
• Endless options for dining, entertainment, and holiday events across all five boroughs
• Ice skating in Central Park

Possible Limitations

• Extremely crowded during peak holiday season; expect long lines at major attractions
• High costs for accommodations and activities; hotel rates and show tickets increase sharply in December

3. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is known as “Christmas City USA”–a title it’s earned through nearly three centuries of holiday tradition. The town was founded by Moravian settlers in 1741 and named on Christmas Eve. So the city’s connection to Christmas isn’t a marketing gimmick. It’s woven into the town’s DNA.

Why It Stands Out as One of the Great Places to go for Christmas

Bethlehem offers authentic historical Christmas celebrations dating back to Moravian settlers who brought European traditions to the Lehigh Valley. The Central Moravian Putz, an elaborate nativity tableau, has been a centerpiece tradition for generations. On Christmas Eve, the Moravian Lovefeast service fills churches with candlelight, sweet buns, and communal singing, creating an experience that feels genuinely sacred and centuries removed from commercial holiday bustle.

Best For

History enthusiasts and families seeking authentic American Christmas traditions. If you’re tired of holidays that feel manufactured, Bethlehem delivers something real.

Key Strengths

• Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt (Christmas market) features artisan stalls and festive music in wooden huts modeled after traditional German holiday markets
• The Christmas village includes a lighting ceremony, free crafts, local vendors, and a live advent calendar with nightly entertainment
• Moravian star displays and candlelit walking tours through the historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Live holiday music, holiday tunes from carolers, and carriage rides fill the streets with holiday charm and holiday cheer

The city is about 90 minutes from Philadelphia, making it accessible for a December visit or a weekend trip. Kids can visit Santa’s Haus, while adults enjoy pub walking tours and hot apple cider from local vendors.

Possible Limitations

• Smaller city with limited dining and entertainment options compared to major metros
• Cold weather may not appeal to all travelers-layer up

4. Aspen, Colorado – One of the great places to go for Christmas for luxury travelers

Aspen, Colorado transforms into a snow-covered alpine paradise every December. Not only is it one of the best ski resorts in Colorado, it’s one of the most prestigious ski destinations in North America. And the town leans heavily into the holidays with upscale events, cozy mountain vibes, and the kind of Christmas cheer that comes with fresh powder and a fireplace in your lodge. But this most definitely isn’t a budget-friendly ski resort.

Why It Stands Out as One of the Great Places to go for Christmas

Aspen combines world-class skiing with sophisticated holiday celebrations. Aspen, Colorado is a snowy destination ideal for winter activities. Four mountains (Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Highlands) offer terrain for every skill level, and the town itself is dressed in Christmas decor from early December through New Year’s.

Best For

Luxury travelers and winter sports enthusiasts seeking upscale holiday experiences. If budget isn’t your primary concern and you want your winter holidays wrapped in cashmere, Aspen is the move.

Key Strengths

• The 12 Days of Aspen festival (Dec 20–31) features concerts, fireworks over Aspen Mountain, festive events, and Christmas activities like ornament decorating and storytelling hours
• Premium skiing and snowboarding with reliable snow conditions
• High-end shopping, renowned dining, and festive cocktails at après-ski lounges
• The Wintersköl festival in early December includes torchlight descents, snow-sculpture contests, and bonfires

Holiday events in Aspen run the gamut, from kids meeting Santa Claus at the downtown firehouse to adults-only wine dinners.

Possible Limitations

• Very expensive destination-lodging, food, and lift tickets in Aspen are among the priciest in the U.S.
• High altitude can affect some visitors; mountain driving requires preparation
• Crowds peak over Christmas and New Year’s, leading to long lift lines

5. Honolulu, Hawaii – One of the great warm-weather places to go for Christmas

Not everyone wants to spend Christmas shivering in a parka. And for those who live in the cold winter destinations, a trip to the warm island of Oahu may be just what you’re dreaming of this Christmas season. Honolulu offers a tropical alternative where you can enjoy festive vibes without sacrificing beach time. (Check out the top beaches on Oahu!) The city lights up every December with displays that blend Hawaiian culture with holiday tradition, and you’ll hear plenty of locals wishing visitors “Mele Kalikimaka,” Hawaii’s warm and cheerful way of saying Merry Christmas.

Why It Stands Out as One of the Best Places to go for Christmas

Honolulu is one of the few destinations where you can snorkel in the morning and watch a holiday light parade in the evening. The Honolulu City Lights festival features Shaka Santa, the Snow Family display, a lighted corridor through downtown, and the Electric Light Parade with decorated city vehicles.

Waikiki, Hawaii averages 81°F to 84°F in December, making it an ideal escape for travelers who want warmth without giving up the holiday atmosphere. Check out this 5-day Oahu itinerary to help you plan your warm-weather getaway. Maui, Hawaii sees daytime temperatures in the 80s during December as well, offering another Hawaiian island option.

Best For

Travelers escaping cold weather while still enjoying a festive holiday atmosphere. Honolulu proves you don’t need snow to feel the holiday magic.

Key Strengths

• Honolulu city lights festival starting in early December with tree lighting, parades, and month-long displays
• Warm weather activities like snorkeling, hiking, and beach days under palm trees decorated with lights
• Unique Hawaiian Christmas traditions blending local culture with mainland holiday customs
• Such a fun way to experience the holidays if you’re burned out on gray skies and freezing temperatures
• Plenty of family-friendly resorts to choose from

Possible Limitations

• Long flight times for most mainland travelers; airfare spikes during the holidays
• Doesn’t provide traditional winter Christmas atmosphere–no snow, no cozy fireplaces

6. Copenhagen, Denmark – One of the great international places to go for Christmas

Copenhagen at Christmas time is the embodiment of hygge–that Danish concept of coziness, warmth, and togetherness that the rest of the world has been trying to bottle for years. The city wraps itself in candlelight, the smell of gløgg (mulled wine), and the glow of some of the most beautiful garden lights in Europe.

Why It Stands Out as One of the Great Places to go for Christmas

Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, transforms into a dazzling Christmas wonderland from mid-November to early January. It’s part theme park, part Christmas market, part fairy tale. The lighting displays are now nearly 99% LED and powered entirely by renewable energy sources, making it one of the most sustainable large-scale holiday displays in the world.

Vienna, Austria hosts some of the world’s best traditional Christmas markets, but Copenhagen holds its own with a distinctly Nordic character-festive markets filled with handmade crafts, æbleskiver (Danish pancake puffs), and seasonal treats you won’t find anywhere else.

Best For

International travelers seeking a European Christmas market experience and authentic Nordic traditions. If you want a festive atmosphere that feels both elegant and intimate, Copenhagen delivers. Consider taking a winter cruise in Europe if you want to experience a variety of Christmas markets. Copenhagen is one of the best winter cruise ports in Europe for that very reason.

Key Strengths

• Tivoli Gardens Christmas market and amusement park with rides, food stalls, and ice skating
• Cozy hygge atmosphere with warm lights, candles, and Danish treats. Tivoli alone sells over 1.4 million kilos of æbleskiver and 11,800 liters of gløgg each Christmas season
• Family-friendly with excellent public transportation throughout the city
• Lucia processions on December 13th, julefrokost (Christmas lunches), and other local traditions add cultural depth

Possible Limitations

• International travel requirements and costs for flights, passports, and exchange rates add up
• Very short daylight hours in December; darkness falls by mid-afternoon, which some visitors find challenging

7. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville combines Blue Ridge Mountain scenery with one of the most elegant Christmas celebrations in the country, centered around the Biltmore Estate. When the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina gets all decorated for Christmas, the result is nothing short of spectacular.

Why It Stands Out as One of the Great Places to go for Christmas

The Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private home, goes all-out for the holidays with a 55-foot Christmas tree, miles of garland, candlelight tours, and Christmas decorations that evoke the Gilded Age. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a period drama where everyone just happens to be having a wonderful Christmas day.

Best For

History and architecture enthusiasts wanting an elegant Christmas experience. The Biltmore draws visitors who appreciate craftsmanship, history, and a sense of grandeur.

Key Strengths

• Biltmore Estate with its 55-foot Christmas tree and evening candlelight tours through lavishly decorated rooms
• Blue Ridge Mountain winter scenery with cozy mountain vibes
• National Gingerbread House Competition, one of the most creative festive events in the Southeast
• Holiday workshops, wine tastings at the estate winery, and fireside dining

Possible Limitations

• Weather can be unpredictable in the mountain region; snow is possible but not guaranteed
• Limited christmas activities outside of Biltmore Estate for some visitors, though downtown Asheville has a growing holiday scene

Quick Comparison of the Best Christmas Destinations

Here’s a side-by-side look at the best Christmas towns and what makes each one stand out:

Destination	Best For	Weather	Budget Level
Leavenworth, WA	European Christmas market experience in the U.S.	Cold, snowy	Mid-range
New York City	Iconic American Christmas with Broadway and city lights	Cold, variable	High
Bethlehem, PA	Authentic historical Christmas traditions	Cold	Budget-friendly
Aspen, CO	Luxury winter sports and upscale celebrations	Cold, snowy	Very high
Honolulu, HI	Warm weather Christmas escape	Warm (80s°F)	Mid to high
Copenhagen, DK	Authentic Scandinavian Christmas experience	Cold, wet	High
Asheville, NC	Elegant historical Christmas at famous estate	Cool, variable	Mid-range

Beyond these seven great places to go for Christmas, several other destinations deserve a mention. Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is a popular German-inspired Christmas market with German food and glühwein, located near Millennium Park. Williamsburg, Virginia hosts a Grand Illumination event with fireworks and carolers–a colonial-era celebration that’s been drawing visitors for decades. Solvang, California celebrates a month-long Julefest with festive parades and Danish-inspired charm.

Families who prioritize immersive stays might also look at the best hotels for kids to enjoy Christmas cheer when choosing where to base their holiday getaway. And for sheer novelty, North Pole, Alaska features the Santa Claus House and Winterfest events. It’s essentially Santa’s village brought to life in the real north pole (well, almost).

Other spots worth considering include Park City, Utah for ski-and-celebrate appeal at one of the best family ski resorts for winter fun. There’s also Burlington, Vermont with its church street marketplace decked out in winter lights and Santa Fe, New Mexico for a southwestern spin on the holidays, and Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort in Arizona for a desert-meets-holiday-lights experience.

How to Choose the Right Christmas Destination

Choose Based on Weather Preference – Some of the great places to go for Christmas are warm!

Your ideal December climate narrows down the list fast. If you want guaranteed snow, Aspen and Leavenworth are your best bets. But if winter weather makes you miserable, consider warm-climate alternatives:

• Waikiki averages 81°F to 84°F in December
• Siesta Key, Florida has average temperatures of 70°F to 75°F in December
• San Juan, Puerto Rico has December highs averaging mid-80s°F
• Marco Island, Florida enjoys daily highs of 75 to 85°F in December
• Key West, Florida offers a laid-back holiday experience with holiday light tours and warm evenings

If you’re driving the Pacific Coast Highway through Southern California, you’ll find holiday celebrations in Newport Beach (home to a famous boat parade), San Diego (ice skating on the beach!), and San Francisco as well. The weather won’t scream “Christmas,” but the lights and festive events make up for the lack of snowflakes.

And if you’re lucky enough to visit northern Scandinavia, you might catch the northern lights. This natural spectacle pairs remarkably well with the holiday season. Or you could head farther afield to countries that are warm in December if your idea of holiday magic involves beaches instead of snow.

Choose Based on Budget – Some of the great places to go for Christmas are very pricey

Holiday pricing varies dramatically. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Budget-friendly: Bethlehem, PA and Asheville, NC offer excellent value relative to the experience. Lodging and dining costs stay reasonable even during peak season.
• Mid-range: Leavenworth and Honolulu fall in the middle. Flights to Hawaii are the main cost driver; Leavenworth’s lodging can spike on festival weekends.
• High-end: New York City and Copenhagen both carry premium price tags for flights, hotels, and dining. Aspen sits at the very top. Expect to pay more for nearly everything.

Book flights and accommodations as early as possible. Popular Christmas destinations fill up fast, and waiting until November means paying a premium, if you can find availability at all.

Choose Based on Activities

Match your destination to what you actually want to do:

• Skiing and winter sports: Aspen, with a side option of Park City
• Holiday markets and festive shopping: Bethlehem, Copenhagen, Leavenworth. Chicago’s Christkindlmarket features German food and glühwein and is another strong option.
• Broadway and shows: New York City, hands down
• Beach and outdoor adventure: Honolulu. You can also consider visiting a national park in Hawaii for hiking.
• Historical tours and architecture: Bethlehem, Asheville, or Williamsburg. Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination features fireworks and candlelight tours.
• Family-friendly with young kids: Leavenworth, Bethlehem, and Copenhagen all have strong kids’ programming. North Pole, Alaska has a Santa Claus House for visitors that younger children find unforgettable, and train-themed experiences like the Polar Express in Williams, AZ can become beloved family traditions too. Check out this list of the best Polar Express experiences throughout the U.S.

If you want to spend Christmas somewhere that feels like a dream destination out of a Christmas movie, any of these seven will deliver. The question is what kind of movie you’re starring in: a cozy small-town drama, an urban rom-com, or a tropical adventure?

Which Christmas Destination Is Best for You?

Here’s a quick decision guide based on what matters most to you:

• Choose Leavenworth if you want European festive markets without international travel. The Christmas lights, sleigh rides, and Bavarian atmosphere make it one of the best Christmas towns in the country for that storybook holiday feeling.
• Choose New York City if you want the classic American Christmas experience with world-famous attractions. The Rockefeller Center tree, Broadway holiday shows, festive store windows, and holiday shopping make it unmatched for sheer volume of things to do.
• Choose Bethlehem if you want holiday music, historical depth, and traditions that stretch back centuries. The Moravian heritage and Christmas village atmosphere give it an authenticity that’s hard to replicate.
• Choose Honolulu if you prefer warm weather holiday celebrations. The city lights festival, beach activities, and festive vibes offer a refreshing alternative to the standard cold-weather christmas.
• Choose Aspen if budget isn’t a concern and you want luxury winter activities. The skiing, the dining, the festive cocktails, and the mountain scenery combine for an unparalleled upscale holiday getaway.
• Choose Copenhagen if you can travel internationally and want authentic Scandinavian Christmas magic. Tivoli Gardens, hygge culture, and festive music create a festive atmosphere that’s both magical and deeply rooted in tradition.
• Choose Asheville if you want elegance, history, and cozy mountain vibes. The Biltmore Estate is the kind of place that makes you slow down and appreciate the beauty of the season.

Final Thoughts on These Great Places to go for Christmas

The best Christmas destination depends entirely on what you’re looking for. Some travelers want snow and sleigh rides. Others want sand and snorkeling. Some want holiday tunes drifting through cobblestone streets, while others want to catch a Broadway show and grab dinner in Manhattan.

What these seven destinations share is a commitment to making the holiday season feel special. Each one offers its own version of holiday magic-whether that’s a half-million lights in a mountain village, a centuries-old candlelight service, or a tropical parade under the stars. That’s the real gift of holiday travel: the chance to create memories that outlast the season. And that’s what it’s really about, right?

The practical advice is simple. Book early. Popular Christmas destinations see lodging fill up weeks in advance, and airfare climbs the closer you get to December. Decide whether you want to arrive in early December (smaller crowds, lower prices) or be there for Christmas day itself (peak atmosphere, peak prices). And think about what kind of Christmas memories you want to create because the right destination isn’t about checking a box. It’s about finding the place that makes the holiday feel like yours.

Whatever you choose, make it count. The holidays only come once a year, and the right dream destination can turn an ordinary December into something extraordinary. And if you want to keep the fun going, check out these awesome New Years Eve hotels for family fun and memories.