15 BEST PLACES TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS
IN THE US
On our last visit to New York, we left as they were starting to put up the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. Since this year is our year exploring NYC, we’re determined to have the full holiday experience.
With the holidays around the corner, we mostly think of visiting home, but it can be one of the most magical times to visit other cities too. Whether you make the trip with family, friends, or on your own, here are 15 best places to celebrate Christmas in the US.
1. NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
Can’t-Miss Spots: Rockefeller Center, 5th Ave Window Displays, Central Park Movies and TV make New York City to be the quintessential place to spend Christmas. You can gaze at all the lights, ice skate at the Rockefeller Center or Central Park, see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, or enjoy the laser light show at Grand Central Station.
2. CHRISTMAS TOWN USA, NORTH CAROLINA
Right outside of Charlotte, NC, this town is known as McAdenville most of the year, but each December, they change the name to Christmas Town USA. There are over 375 trees, 450,000 lights, and they hand out free hot chocolate and kettle corn to the first 1,000 attendees each night!
3. WASHINGTON, DC
What better way to spend Christmas than with the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C. This tree just south of the White House has been lit every year since 1923. Surrounding the tree are 56 smaller trees representing the 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia.
4. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
The Windy City has their own giant tree, millions of lights fill the Magnificent Mile, and there’s a German Christmas market filled with everything you can think of.
5. ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Enjoy the mild winters in Orlando and visit one of the most magical places on earth! Disney World gives their parks an extra dose of cheer during the holidays, and it doesn’t hurt that you can visit the beach in just a couple of hours
6. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Can’t-Miss Spots: Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, Ethel M Gardens, Cosmopolitan Ice RinkThe city that is always full of lights gets even brighter during the holiday season. Each hotel does its own take on the season. Don’t forget to stop by Bellagio’s botanical gardens. They have, in our opinion, the best decorations in town.
7. NORTH POLE, ALASKA
Spend Christmas at the North Pole without leaving the United States. Thousands of letters are sent to the Santa Claus House every year, and they even write back. You may even be able to catch the Aurora Borealis!
8. VAIL, COLORADO
Get a guaranteed white Christmas by visiting this ski town. They get so excited about the fresh powder that they celebrate with live concerts during Snowdaze.
9. NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS
The annual Christmas Stroll is a special event where you can shop amidst dozens of decorated Christmas trees, do a wine tasting, enjoy carolers, or partake in home tours. If trees are your thing, be sure to check out the Whaling Museum where there are 80 decorated trees!
10. BEAUFORT, SOUTH CAROLINA
You can typically still kayak or go boating until January so the holidays are a great time to visit. Be sure to check when the Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla is so you can enjoy all the twinkling lights on the water too!
11. CARMEL BY THE SEA, CALIFORNIA
This quaint coastal town is perfect for any wine lover. Enjoy the lights, walk along the beach, and stop into any of the dozens of spots to do a wine tasting.
12. PARK CITY, UTAH
This ski town starts it celebration in late November with its Electric Parade where they light up everything! Enjoy the slopes, walk through town, and if you’re around on Christmas Eve, keep your eye out for Santa. He spends the day skiing the slope the leads a parade down the PayDay trail.
13. WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA
Williamsburg is full of history. Visit Jamestown to celebrate the holidays like the colonists, or if you’re looking for something more up-to-date, Busch Gardens has its very own Christmas Town
14. LA JOLLA IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Celebrate the holiday season in a wetsuit surfing the waves, enjoying farm-to-table food, or shopping at the high-end and beachy shops in La Jolla. Don’t forget to check out the annual Christmas parade too!
15. BRANSON, MISSOURI
The historic downtown shopping center is the place to be during the holiday season in Branson. And since it’s known as the Live Music Show Capital of the World, there is plenty to keep you busy!
Have you spent any time in any of these cities during the holiday season? What did you think? Did you feel more of the Christmas spirit? Does your city belong on here? Show us how your hometown does Christmas. Would love to see photos (you can link them in the comments section below).
Photos courtesy of (creative commons):2. Corey Pudhorodsky 3. Anthony Quintano
4. John W. Iwanski 7. tikmatic 8. Thaddeus Roan 9. Massachusetts Office of Tourism 10. TheDigitel Beaufort 12. Tom Kelly 13. Scott Smith 14. Ryan Benoit 15. Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau
By: LOCAL ADVENTURER, Last Updated: Oct 2018 First Published: Dec 2015, 15 Best places to celebrate christmas in the us, recovered from: https://localadventurer.com/best-places-to-celebrate-christmas-in-the-us/
