wanderwhenyoucanInspired by the Local Adventurer’s monthly lists of the best places to visit in the USA, I wondered – what are the best of the best travel destinations every month in the USA? I turned to the source of all answers: Google. I looked for articles or blog posts that sprang from search terms like “where + travel + December + USA.” I automatically discarded any results for “warm places” or anything that was too specific. I wanted to find where the best place to go is, whether you are a beach bum or a ski bum. The only area I did fudge on was that I allowed for some lists of best places in the world to go in December, because I wanted to include the results from websites like Travel + Leisure and US News, and they didn’t have any US-specific lists that I could find. In the end, I found 12 travel blogs and websites (see the full list at the bottom of the post!). If a location was mentioned on a list, I counted it as one “vote.” So if five different sites had a place on their lists, then that place got 5 “votes.” The winner had a whopping 9 votes (out of a possible total of 12). I would never have guessed the winner, but once I tallied the votes, it made perfect sense. Check out the list below to see the most popular recommendations are for where you should travel in the USA this December!
14. Washington, D.C.
Weather (averages): 45 F high/32 F low; 10 days with rainfall; 2 days with snowfall
What To Do: White House Christmas Tree, Enchant DC at Nationals Park, Downtown Holiday Market, ice skating at the Wharf or The National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, Holiday Boat Parade.
Winter is off-season for Washington DC, which means it’s cheaper and less crowded than the packed summer months. While there is some possibility of snow, for the most part the weather in DC is mild in December. Besides the relatively good weather and off-season benefits, other top reasons for why DC is a great December pick are the festive holiday decorations which provide seasonal cheer and the top-notch museums (like the Smithsonian and the National Gallery) which are the perfect cold weather activity.
13. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Weather (averages): 44 F high/26 F low; 6 days with rainfall; 13 days with snowfall
What To Do: Ice skate under the stars, Ski with Santa at the Heavenly Ski Resort, winter carriage rides
December is the traditional start of ski season at Lake Tahoe, so it’s a great destination for those eager to hit the slopes. If you don’t want to downhill ski, you can revel in other winter sports from snowboarding to snow tubing. Which Christmas activities you’ll have easy access to seem to depend on whether you are in North Tahoe (a little quieter) or South Tahoe (a little bit more developed and with more nightlife) and what resort you are on or near.
12. San Diego, California
Weather (averages): 66 F high/49 F low; 4 days with rainfall
What To Do: Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village, Holidays at Hotel Del Coronado/The Grand/Hotel by the Bay; Holidays at Legoland California (which has the world’s largest LEGO Christmas tree); Balboa Park December Nights, Garden of Lights at San Diego Botanic Garden, San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, La Mesas Holiday in the Village, Jingle Bells at San Diego Zoo
Although December is San Diego’s coldest month, it will still feel comfortably warm for many Northerners. Plus, its frequent blue skies provide plenty of opportunity to soak up Vitamin D. The ocean is chiller than in the summer, but you can still take advantage of the waves by donning a wetsuit to surf. Winter break is peak season in San Diego, so make sure to book your hotel well in advance if you’re traveling in the later half of the month. For a spendy but festive option, stay at the Hotel Del Coronado to enjoy ice skating on a rink by the beach, lounging by the ocean while watching holiday movies and decorating gingerbread houses.
11. Savannah, Georgia
Weather (averages): 67 F high/49 F low; 11 days with rainfall
What To Do: Holiday Evening Tours by Candlelight at the Davenport Mansion, Holiday Tour of Homes & Inns, Lighted Christmas Parade, Christmas on the River, Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights Tour, Savannah Christmas Market,
The bustling crowds and humidity have dissipated by December, so visitors can enjoy mild weather and off-season prices. Enjoy the historic homes and prettily laid out squares, stuff yourself with delicious local food, and go on a ghost tour to learn about the more ghoulish side of the city. A short day trip will take you to Tybee Island with its white sand beaches and the biggest New Year’s Eve fireworks display in the Southeast. If you have a little more time, head south an hour and a half to Jekyll Island for Holly Jolly Jekyll with its holiday light displays and Peppermint Land mini-golf.
10. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Weather (averages): 22 F high/5 F low; 4 days with rainfall; 24 days with snowfall
What To Do: Wyoming Stargazing (first Thursdays); Glow Nights in Teton Village; National Elk Refuge Sleigh Rides; Ice Skate with Santa on the Village Common; New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade
Jackson Hole is the perfect winter getaway if you love snow and wildlife. Downhill skiing is one of the prime attractions (the season kicks off at the end of November), but there’s also snow mobiling, dog sledding, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. It has an unbeatable location next to not one but two national parks – Grand Teton and Yellowstone (during the winter, Yellowstone can only be seen through a tour). Winter is also the best time to see the National Elk Refuge, because that’s when the elk come down to gather in the Refuge. You can even dash (slowly) through the snow on a sleigh ride on the Refuge to make your spirits bright. And when you’re done enjoying the great outdoors, you can shop and dine in the charming town of Jackson.
9. Aspen, Colorado
Weather (averages): 25 F high/4 F low; 5 days with rainfall; 12 days with snowfall
What To Do: Aspen Film Academy Screenings, Ullr Nights at Snowmass, Breathtaker Alpine Coaster at Snowmass
Aspen has been named one of the 25 most festive Christmas towns to visit and “one of the merriest in the country” according to Travel + Leisure. A picturesque mountain town with world-class skiing, Aspen throws itself into the holiday season with the 12 Days of Aspen (December 20-31), when you can enjoy concerts, free cookies and cocoa, ornament-making and carolers.
8. Asheville, North Carolina
Weather (averages): 48 F high/34 F low; 10 with rainfall; 2 with snowfall
What To Do: Christmas at Biltmore, Polar Express Train at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Winter Wonderland at the Grove Arcade, Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum, Gingerbread House Competition at Omni Grove Park Inn.
One of the biggest draws for December in Asheville is the glamorous Biltmore Estate. In fact, Global Grasshopper just put “Biltmore Estate” as its December destination (which I counted as a vote for Asheville). The Biltmore Estate was once home to the Vanderbilts and is now open to visitors who can enjoy the sumptuous Christmas decorations that evoke Gilded Age celebrations. Asheville is also a great locale for winter hikes, including trails that go past some of the hundreds of cascades that have led to this area being called the Land of the Waterfalls.
7. Anchorage, Alaska
Weather (averages): 23 F high/17 F low; 9 days with rainfall; 12 days of snowfall
What To Do: Cross county ski at Kincaid Park, try to catch the aurora at Glen Alps; Alaska Native Heritage Museum
As an ex-resident of Anchorage, I was honestly surprised that it made the list. I love Anchorage in the winter and one of the most stunning sights I have ever witnessed is walking along the Chester Creek Trail at sunrise (which is about 10am in December) and seeing the sun sparkling off the hoarfrost in the trees as the sky blushed pink. It was the platonic ideal of a winter wonderland. But if I were going to recommend a winter visit, it would be in late February/early March (yes, March is winter in Anchorage). This is when the Fur Rondy Festival and the ceremonial start of the Iditarod dog sled race are held. Plus, daylight is returning at a rapid rate – by the end of February the sun rises at 8am and sets around 6:20pm. For December visitors, make sure you put plenty of outdoor activities on your itinerary. The best parts of Anchorage are always the nature in and around Anchorage. You can rent cross country skis at REI and ski along the Tony Knowles coastal trail or the lighted trails at Kincaid Park. You can rent a cabin with a hot tub in the nearby ski town of Girdwood. And if you’re visiting during the first weekend in December, you can go up to Talkeetna and cheer on the contestants in the Wilderness Women Competition during the day and attend the Talkeetna bachelor auction and Bachelor Bar at night.
6. Maui, Hawaii
Weather (averages): 81 F high/66 F low; 10 days with rainfall
To Do: Take a whale watching tour, Lahaina Banyan tree lighting, Holiday Sugar Cane Train; drive the Road to Hana (but keep an eye on the weather, as there could be flooding)
Hawaii’s appearance on this list is a no-brainer – it is the tropical destination in the United States. The only reason that Maui is not at the top is that the vote got split among several other Hawaiian destinations. The Big Island nearly made the cut with three votes, and Oahu and Waikiki were also nominated. Two lists just voted for “Hawaii” (the whole state). But why was Maui a more popular choice for December than the other islands? Probably because Maui is the best island to see whales, and December is the start of whale watching season. Maui also has more hours of sunshine than any other island in December. On the other hand, Maui is one of the wettest islands and December is one of the wettest months. But never fear – the rains don’t tend to last long and often fall at night (stay on the leeward side of the island – the South and West – for less rain than falls in the North). Maui is busy in December, and busiest during the Winter Break period, so book far in ahead and be prepared for high prices.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
Weather (averages): 64 F high/53 F low; 9 days with rainfall
To Do: Krewe of Jingle Parade, Celebration in the Oaks at City Park; Luna Fete, Christmas Decorations at the Roosevelt Hotel; Miracle on Fulton Street
While NOLA’s most famous holiday celebration is Mardi Gras, it also has delightful traditions surrounding the Christmas season. One of these are Reveillon Dinners which started in the 19th century when the French Creole citizens would fast all day before Christmas mass and then have a lavish feast after the service. Nowadays, restaurants celebrate this tradition by having multi-course prix fixe menus all month long. Another Christmas tradition are the bonfires on the levees on Christmas Eve, to light the way for Papa Noël. December is in the off-season, so you won’t have to fight crowds of tourists while celebrating.
4. Miami, Florida
Weather (averages): 76 F high/65 F low; 7 day with rainfall
What To Do: Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Tropical Park, Zoolights at Zoo Miami, Fairchild Night Garden, Historic Holidays at Deering Estate, Nights of Lights at Pinecrest Gardens, Art Basel Miami Beach (international art show).
Hurricane season has ended, the skies are blue and the weather is warm. This means it’s peak tourist season in Florida, especially in the second half when Winter Break hits. While you will likely hit the beaches, you may not want to get into the ocean. The water is a bit chilly by local standards – mid-to-low 70s (for comparison, pools are kept between 78-82 degrees). But hardy Northerners may still enjoy dipping their toes in. Even if it’s too cold to enjoy the ocean, there’s so much else under the sun to do. You can experience Miami’s famous night life and drink and dance the long nights away. You can appreciate modern art and try to catch a glimpse of celebrities like Will Smith and the Kardashians at Art Basel, a four day international art festival that takes place in early December. Or you can take in local sites like Little Havana and the Wynwood Walls. Within an hour from Miami are a variety of day trips, like Key Bisage (the closest Florida Key at just 15 minutes away), the Everglades (less than 30 minutes) or the Gilded Age Deering Estate (30-40 minutes).
3. Key West, Florida
Weather (averages): 77 F high/70 F low; 3 days with rainfall
What To Do: Historic Inn’s Holiday Tour, Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Lights and Sights Tour, Holiday Tour at the Little White House, Lighted Boat Parade
For the ultimate December get away, you could take a roadtrip between the #3 and #4 locations on this list – it’s about a 3 1/2 hour drive from Miami to Key West. For the true roadtrip experience, you’ll want to give yourself at least a full day so you can enjoy stops like Islamorada or the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. If you don’t have enough time to drive, Key West International Airport has direct flights to a variety of cities in the USA, including Boston, Atlanta, and Chicago. Like Miami, Key West is a popular spot in the winter. The weather is dry and warm and the humidity and hurricanes are a memory. All of the popular Key West attractions are on offer: the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Duval Street, the historic Key West lighthouse, snorkel tours, and the Hemingway House and Museum. With more time, you can check out Dry Tortugas National Park or visit another one of the Keys.
2. Charleston, South Carolina
Weather (averages): 61 F high/46 F low; 6 days with rainfall
What To Do: Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, Candlelight Tour of Drayton Hall, Marion Square Holiday Market, Christmas on the Battery at Edmondston-Alston House, Candlelight Tour at Nathaniel Russel House, Grand Illumination and Dinner at Middleton House
Charleston is a highly recommended tourist destination and peak season goes into November – it’s been Travel + Leisure’s favorite city in the USA for nine years in a row. A visit in December is the perfect time to avoid the crowds but still enjoy warm enough temperatures (in the 50s and 60s) to stroll along Charleston’s historic streets. Visit the gaily painted houses on Rainbow Row, Historic Charleston City Market, the Battery waterfront, and the Pineapple Fountain.
1. New York City, New York
Weather (averages): 44 F high/31 F low; 8 days with rainfall; 3 days with snowfall
What To Do: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, window displays on 5th Avenue; ice skate in Central Park, Christmas displays in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes
This was by far the most popular recommendation. If you had asked me before I made this list, I would’ve picked Aspen or Hawaii as the #1 destination. But upon reflection, it makes complete sense that the Big Apple snagged the top spot. I’ve never been to New York City at Christmas, but I’ve seen it a thousand times thanks to TV and movies. There’s just something iconic about a New York City Christmas.
Honorable Mentions
Although they didn’t garner enough votes to make the list, these two cities get my vote for where to visit in December.
Leavenworth, Washington
Weather (averages): 34 F high/21 F low; 12 days with rainfall; 17 days with snowfall
What To Do: Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, Leavenworth Sleigh Rides, Christkindlmarkt
December is the most popular month to visit Leavenworth, which is no surprise. This adorable Bavarian-style village nestled in the forests of Central Washington transforms into a Christmas town straight out of a Hallmark Christmas romcom during the holiday season. If you can’t make it for December, don’t worry, the lights stay on until February, and you get a second chance for a festival with the Bavarian Icefest on MLK day weekend. Once you’ve gotten your fill of holiday celebrations, head to the great outdoors for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and snow tubing.
Stowe, Vermont
Weather (averages): 23 F high/8 F low; 7 days with rainfall; 18 days with snowfall
What To Do: A Traditional Christmas In Stowe (first weekend), sleigh ride at Trapp Family Lodge, ice skate at Spruce Peak Village,
Named number one on the list of 10 Best Winter Towns in New England by Yankee Magazine, Stowe mixes small town charm with easy access to ski slopes. Snuggled at the base of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest mountain (at 4,395 feet), you can enjoy a variety of winter fun, from sledding and snowshoeing to ice fishing and ice climbing.
Resources
Here are the resources that I used for where to travel in December:
