Mother. Savannah, Georgia. 9) Charleston, South Carolina Charleston is one of the best winter … Omaha is a metropolitan area of more than 1 million people, but still has a small town feel. If you really want to thrill the kids in the middle of December, enjoy the indoor water park located at the Great Wolf Lodge which is located only steps away from the mall.”. If you are looking to escape the cold this and celebrate Christmas in your shorts and flip flops, these United States December travel destinations. I recommend staying in Kihei or Wailea beach as it’s a nice place for families with a relaxed vibe, nice accommodation alternatives and not too far away by car. It’s … “Be sure to leave time to visit nearby Bloomington, home to none other than retail giant Mall of America – which will be perfectly adorned for Christmas when visiting in December! The area is a white winter wonderland that is an enchanting backdrop for numerous outdoor activities suitable for all ages. The last thing that you can’t miss while exploring Jackson Hole during December is taking a winter wonderland drive through Grand Teton National Park. This iconic shopping mall is home to over 500 general retail stores, specialty attractions, and more than 50 restaurants. Cross country skiing is a staple for Minneapolis given the Nordic heritage of the community. 2. The National Cathedral puts on the Messiah each year, the Smithsonian Zoo hosts a light show complete hot cider and spiked hot chocolate, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon celebrates the season 1776 style. Browse things to do and top attractions in Phoenix Las Cruces, New Mexico Set on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert is Las Cruces, a quirky gem of a winter sun getaway. There is no shortage of activities available for families in the Christmas spirit. Every December the amazing Keystone pastry chefs set up a gigantic Christmas display made entirely of Chocolate. The beaches are much emptier at this time of year as they are too cold for the locals. Celebrate the holiday season at Lake Tahoe and see in the New Year at the Snow Globe Music Festival, which is a fun event that is popular with families. It is incredible. Trade your heavy coat and visit these 13 destinations across the USA this Christmas/ December and enjoy a warm and merry Christmas or, just for a change, maybe? This annual Christmas lights tradition held by the brewery boasts more than a million twinkling lights. We provide resources to help you discover the Smoky Mountains , Hilton Head, Florida, and  beyond, while having a ton of fun ATV riding, boating, hiking, and RV camping. You won’t be able to miss it as it has the light-strung antler arches on all the entrances. Las Vegas is entertaining any time of year, and hotels, casinos, and restaurants … While you are in Northeast Tennessee, why not take the short drive south to Lookout Mountain, GA and visit Rock City. The amount of activity available in nearby Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN is dizzying and some of the hiking trails couldn’t be more stunning covered in snow and glittering with shimmering ice cycles. We did want to share that due to COVID-19, Skate the Star will unfortunately not be held this year. In fact, downtown Minneapolis celebrates that Nordic heritage with a German inspired Christmas market and festivities known as Holidazzle at Loring Park. Best Places to Visit in December for a WARM Up! Head to Grand Isle State Park, where … While we don’t often get mounds of snow in the lower elevations of Tennessee, the upper regions of the Appalachian and Smoky Mountains will receive a beautiful white covering that truly enhances their beauty. Every Saturday and Sunday in December there’s a Christmas Lighting Ceremony complete with the arrival of St Nikolaus, roaming carolers, live music, sledding, and seasonal treats like hot chocolate, mulled wine, and hot chocolate. The orange sun from sunrise at Higgs Beach to sunset at Mallory Square will be the perfect vacation to chase away the winter blues.”. There’s no doubt the level of bias that lies in the heart of this travel writer! There are also spectacular interactive light character mazes for families to enjoy (last year there were dinosaurs). You can even take a jet ski tour around the entire island and count it for boat time if you like. Alexandria, Virginia, sits on the Potomac River, right across Washington D.C with splendidly stretched around old cobblestone streets and red brick houses and chimneys perfectly decorated for a visit from the Santa Clause. Be sure to explore Fort Zachary Taylor and the shipwreck museum to learn about Key West’s nautical history. Whether you’re snorkeling on the coral reefs or taking a sunset cruise. PLEASE NOTE: In order to tour the White House, you must contact your local congressman at least three months in advance to request the tour. One of the best warm places to visit in the USA in December … Image By Larry1732Colorado is a U.S. state which made up of the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado Plateau. The city is a great getaway any time of year, with interesting history, beautiful architecture, and tons of amazing food, but the city really comes to life in December! If you want to go ice skating, there are several outdoor rinks to try. That tree is also surrounded by 56 smaller trees, one for each US state and territory. Take a day trip to the Grand Canyon and take in the majestic beauty from the south rim. Be sure to visit the model train in Charleston Place and the Christmas tree in Marion Square! In Old Town Alexandria during December, you will be plunged into the Christmas fairy tale. Wife. On a porch in New Orleans, which is one … The crown jewel of the Christmas celebration in San Diego is Global Winter Wonderland. Homeschooler. If you don’t want to spend the whole trip on the beach, there is also plenty to see in the city with it’s great shopping, food and many family friendly museums, most notably the Frost Science Museum which is a massive hands on museum that kids love. The weather is mild yet the Christmas celebrations are out in full force! Outside of town the fun continues with winter wonderland activities like sledding, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. There are chocolate presents under a huge chocolate christmas tree and an entire chocolate ski town complete with a chocolate gondola and train. When not enjoying all there is to do outdoors, visitors to Sandpoint can explore downtown which is home to several boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Travelgal Nicole has some great tips for hiking in Arizona and says that it is one of the best places to travel in December, “If you enjoy comfortable temperatures and plenty of fun things to do then you should definitely visit Phoenix in December. YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Best Places To Travel In October. It’s the oldest city in the state of Georgia in the US. There are two, that’s right, TWO national Christmas trees. It is close to Savannah and Charleston, and a short drive to the beaches of Hilton Head Island. Where are your favorite US destinations to travel in December? First, you have to see the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Thanks for including Bloomington, MN on your list! If a romantic weekend getaway is more your speed, La Spa Foret is a great place to relax and revitalize. You can see all the major attractions in lights from around the world in one-night. South Padre Island, Texas Most people don’t think of Texas when they imagine white-sand beaches, sparkling blue water, … Things to do in the Smoky Mountains In Every Season, Things To Do In The Smoky Mountains In Every Season, Kid Friendly Hotels In Pigeon Forge Near Dollywood, Kid Friendly Hotels In Pigeon Forge Near The Island, The Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station, Tannenbaum Christmas Shop-a shop dedicated to all things Christmas, Holiday Lights Festival from Mid-November to New Years Eve, Visit the Capitol District Ice Rink on 10th & Capitol Avenue, these tips for booking the perfect Keystone family ski vacation, non-skiers guide to Jackson Hole in the Winter, Visit the Oasis Water Park at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa: Voted one of the top 10 Waterparks in the US by the Travel Channel. Welcome to VeraVise Outdoor Living. Nearby, you can see the department store windows elaborately decorated for the season. Lake Tahoe is a stunning destination to visit in the USA in December if you want to tick both California and Nevada off your December bucket list. The barrier island, just off Louisiana’s Gulf Coast, maintains average temps in the low 60s during the winter months, making it ideal for hiking or fishing. Share Tweet Email. Colorado is home to the resort towns of Aspen and Vail, the best skiing centers. Beautiful places to visit in December in the USA Throughout the whole month of December, Albuquerque’s ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden puts on New Mexico’s largest walk-through holiday … “Head south for the winter with a trip to Charleston, South Carolina! Foodie fans can … It’s one of the best places to travel in December in the US that few people actually know about. To get you in the mood for the holidays, you can take a carriage ride at Hawley Winterfest, visit Jim Thorpe’s Olde Time Christmas for train rides with Santa, and make ornaments at Santa’s Winterfest. ), this list of the best places to travel in December help you start planning the perfect holiday vacation. 1. This custom-built ice rink is located at the North entrance of MOA. There is the San Diego Holiday Parade, Christmas Pet Parade, Balboa Park December nights, La Jolla Christmas Parade, and The Holiday Bowl. Make sure you take a boat ride somewhere while you’re in Key West. My favorite place in the city is the area downtown known as The Old Market. Joshua Tree National Park, California. Since its an island, you can catch sunrise, sunset, and enjoy sunshine all day. Families with young kids will love Keystone because there are so many fun activities besides skiing. Page 1 of 17. It’s one of the best places to visit in the US in December. Located just five miles from Chattanooga,TN, Rock City Gardens lies hidden away at the top of a small mountain town on the border of Tennessee and Georgia. Visit the Brevard Zoo, check out the Kennedy Space Center… “December is the perfect time to explore Miami. Travel With A Plan has some great tips for enjoying the nearby Bloomington, MN while you are in the Minneapolis area. Most of the destinations below are in Latin America and Southeast Asia, so depending on where you are starting … For more family fun, try taking the Conch Train across the island to explore the Hemingway House, butterfly Gardens, or Southernmost Point in the United States. Jessica from Unearth The Voyage says that St. Louis, MO is a great place to travel in December because during the month of December, St. Louis is home to the Brewery Lights at Anheuser Busch. During the winter, snow blankets not only the lake and small town of Sandpoint but also the nearby world-class ski resort of Schweitzer Mountain. 10 Personalized Camping Flags To Express Your Unique Personality, Pike's Peak, Colorado Frequently Asked Questions, Best Places To Travel In October In The USA. Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and enjoys year round warm temperatures as well as lots of fun things to do for families.”. This The bavarian-like town at the base of the Cascade Mountains is a popular year-round destination for families but, December is especially magical. Not only that, but MOA is also home to four of Minnesota’s top attractions – SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, Crayola Experience, FlyOver America and world-famous Nickelodeon Universe. You can find out more information on the White House website here. December is a great time to see the nation’s capital, because it’s not peak tourist season, but there are still plenty of attractions to get you in the holiday spirit. Keystone is the best ski resort in Colorado for families and December is the perfect time to visit. During the holiday season in New York City, there are usually some Christmas-themed shows on Broadway. From the top of the falls, you can even see seven US states on a clear, sunny day. Visit this Idaho destination in December for top-notch skiing and snowboarding conditions at Sun Valley Resort, which features two mountains with more than 2,000 acres of terrain and 65 runs. The other tree is located in front of the White House. Visiting in December … Elizabeth from Elizabeth Everywhere has a few pointers for making Charleston your December travel destination in the US. While in Bloomington, stay at the Radisson Blu or the JW Marriott, both of which are directly connected to the Mall of America. You also can’t leave without taking advantage of the ice skating rink in the center of town. With weather in the mid-seventies, it’s a great time of year for visiting the beach and exploring the city without the heat being too oppressive. The mountains are covered with a blanket of white snow and the trees in the ski village are strung with twinkling Christmas lights. Nicknamed … There really is something to excite everyone in the family during the month of December in Leavenworth, WA! 11 Gatlinburg Restaurants That Will Please Your Taste buds and Your Kids! and if you love Christmas, you will love visiting Tannenbaum Christmas Shop-a shop dedicated to all things Christmas! Christmas is a magical time full of gorgeous decorations, lights, and cheer. Pam from the Directionally Challenged Traveler. If you can, visit Old Town Alexandria is during the Tree Lightning weekend to experience a special visit from with Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as enjoy performances from local artists. This area is home to awesome historic warehouses that have been converted into super unique shops & restaurants. For more great things to do in December in Omaha, NE check out these options. Just remember to bring some warm clothes! Savannah is a festive place to visit … It’s so convenient for an active family being walking distance from Duval Street, Mallory Square, and all of old town Key West. Rockefeller Center and Central Park may be the most iconic ice rinks, but there the one in Bryant Park is also popular. See the National Christmas tree, … There’s no shortage of reasons to visit DC in December!”. With temperature hovering around 65 degrees in December, San Diego is among the best warm vacation spots in the U.S. for the winters. Bookmark this page, get your booking websites ready, and read on to know the 16 best places to visit in USA in December! Speaking of the White House, it gets a makeover each holiday season. If skiing is your hobby, then this is the best place in the United States to explore your hobby. Outdoor Enthusiast. Finally, take in a showing of the Christmas Carol the Guthrie Theatre or enjoy art in one of Minneapolis’ many art museums. You can even go galactic snow tubing at night under LED lights. Closer to home for most of us, Palm Springs is mild in December and a great place for shopping or relaxing. Other ski resorts that families will love are Heavenly, Northstar and Sugarbowl. But whether you fancy a tropical getaway or are yearning to cash in on the chilly charm of the season, we've pulled together the best places to visit in December 2019, from mountain … Whether you are looking to experience a traditional American Christmas with snow, ice skating, and Christmas lights or you want to escape the cold winter and find the warm places to visit in December (hint: think Florida Vacation Rental! Camelback Mountain is famous for their 42 lanes of snow-tubing available for people of all ages. Travel doesn’t have to stop simply because it’s December. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We are an online digital resource for the outdoor enthusiast in the Southeast. One of the best ways to experience the charm of Christmas is to visit a small historic American town like Alexandria, VA. It’s truly one of the best places to travel in the USA for a historic Christmas experience. The best places to visit in December are of course close to the equator or even below it. Omaha is a very affordable city, making it a great choice for a cheap family vacation in December. However, just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you can’t have a great vacation. Plan your travels with our list of the best places to visit in the USA in December. Walk down King Street, the main shopping street, and admire the Christmas decorations (and get any last minute gift shopping done)! Coleman Concierge has me ready to book my tickets with this descriptions of Key West in December. Thanks to its climate-controlled environment and glass ceiling that lets natural light in, guests avoid all inclement weather while still feeling like they are actually outside. You Might Also Be Interested In: Jackson Hole & Teton Village in the Fall: So much more than a Ski Resort. Start at the Nation’s Capital Washington D.C and work your way around the world through Tokyo, Paris, Italy, India, and China. Ride a horse-drawn buggy, warm up with a delicious pizza and hot chocolate or go on an exciting snowmobiling adventure in the backcountry. I think the best show to see is the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. You Might Also Be Interested In our Other Outdoor Living Posts. Corritta from Itz a Family Thing says that San Diego is definitely one of the best places to travel in December in the USA! There are also numerous hiking options and trails that you can explore as a family. Christian. Throughout the entire month of December, Rock City hosts its annual Enchanted Garden of Lights–a celebration combining sparkling lights, decorations, and festive activities with hiking paths leading through tiny crevices in giant, moss-covered boulders to a waterfall that emerges on the other side. You’ll see wildlife and incredible views all from inside your warm vehicle.”. We are an online digital resource for the outdoor enthusiast in the Southeast. So, the next time you are trying to think of your next Christmas destination, come and join us in San Diego for family fun and nights full of adventure.”, Don’t Miss All of Our content on California. Be My Travel Muse. “Garden Glow” is another great place to visit in December in St. Louis. Some may enjoy the warm, hearty weather as well. If you’re looking for a fun and unique destination to take the family this December look no further than Leavenworth, Washington. If you have more time, venture to the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights for some over the top displays. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. For some great ideas on what to do in Smoky Mountains in December check out these other ideas. December is the holiday season, and there are plenty of places you can visit to slough off the stress of the year and immerse yourself in feel-good festivities. We recommend staying in a boutique hotel in the historic district like Amsterdam’s Curry Mansion Inn. The entire building is decorated with a multitude of trees, fresh pine garland, twinkling lights, and a gingerbread replica of the White House itself. We provide. In fact, some of the best places to travel in the US are fabulous at Christmas time. Key West, Florida. As the nation’s largest indoor theme park, it’s always 70 degrees and sunny at Nickelodeon Universe. Santa will be waiting for you there, and you’ll sip on warm cider or hot cocoa while enjoying holiday music performed by local choirs and live bands. You can also decorate Gingerbread cookies with Mrs. Claus, paint ornaments, or design your own Christmas stocking. Traveler. 10 warm-weather destinations to visit in the USA in December 1. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The 18th-century narrow streets with numerous galleries, shops, restaurants, and historic row houses is the perfect setting to experience a Charles Dickens style Christmas. What we lack in snow we make up for in Christmas spirit and lights. 21 of the Best Places to Travel in December (USA Edition) 1. Families who enjoy the outdoors will find that there are lots of things to do in Sandpoint during December, including skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing and even horse drawn carriage rides. Maui is full of adventures, and it’s recommended to rent a car and drive the iconic Road to Hana where you get beautiful scenery, lush waterfalls and gorgeous beaches along the way. Sarah, from The Prosperous Blonde, shared some of her favorite things to do in Omaha. I know I said that Tennessee was a special place for me in December, but you know that I am easily persuaded that … Winter is without a doubt the best time to visit the deserts in California. These are locations that will make every American citizen very proud. The city’s top cold-weather outdoor events have been combined to form a 10-day superfest called the Great Northern, featuring family-friendly winter carnivals, ice sculptures, the U.S. … Starting on the first weekend of December and running all the way through to Valentine’s Day the town of Leavenworth is lit up with more than half a million Christmas lights. Visit their website for more details on this year’s Christmas light celebration at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. You are reading "25 Best Places to Visit in December" Back to Top. Cap off your visit to the Mall of America with a magical skating experience at MOA’s free Skate the Star. 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If warmer, but not HOT, is what you seek, consider Charleston, SC for your December family vacation. Hawaii. Savannah, Georgia. During December, you can hike a variety of trails or do cross country skiing in a number of different parks in surrounding Minneapolis. If you visit before Christmas you will avoid the crowds of New Year and January. You can take the family ice skating on the frozen 5-acre lake, ride the gondola to an enormous snow fort at the top of Keystone Mountain, or take advantage of the activities offered just for kids through Keystone’s Kidtopia program. With its combination of Family, Junior, and Thrill rides, there is literally something to do for everyone! Find out more about this year’s Brewery Light Festival on their website. There are also a number of breweries and wineries in the area. During the “Brewery Lights Festival”, the brewery grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland in which you can walk around and enjoy the Christmas lights as well as a free sample of Anheuser Busch beer. December is also the right time to visit Florida because swarms of tourists flock there from mid-January so the prices will definitely go up by that time. Melbourne, Florida ’s winter season ushers in an array of events that complement the warm weather. From skiing and snowboarding to snowshoeing, ice skating and dog sledding, there’s a huge list of things to do in Lake Tahoe in winter for families. Get free outdoor living tips to help you get your whole family outdoors whether it be hiking, camping, biking, or on an ATV trail. Aerial view of the Na Pali coast in Kauai. My family’s favorite thing to do in Keystone around Christmas time is to visit the chocolate village in the lobby of the Keystone Lodge. After a day exploring, warm up with some authentic southern cooking at one of the main soul food restaurants!”. Here are a few things to do in Phoenix as you seek to warm up your December. Again, over 1 million Christmas lights illuminate the Missouri botanical gardens located in St. Louis. Santa frequently visits the Chocolate Village so make sure to ask the front desk when he will be there. In December the city also has some fabulous seasonal activities that should not be missed, like going to see the Nutcracker at the ballet or a visit to Santa’s Enchanted Forest which is the largest holiday theme park in the world!”, Get more tips on visiting Miami from Travel Mad Mum. For those that still need to buy gifts, there are a few Christmas markets, the largest being Bryant Park. Lake Tahoe has 12 ski resorts and a number of world-famous ones, such as Squaw Valley, which was the host of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Things to do near me today, beaches with kids, romantic parks, unique places to visit in USA, hotels, tourist attractions: … The holidays are truly a magical time to visit. Maggie, from the Pink Caddy Travelogue says Washington D.C. is often overshadowed by nearby NYC, Washington, D.C. is one of the most underrated places to visit in December. The Part Time Tourists say that Jackson Hole, WY is “a great option for December travel! If the snow isn’t for you, head south this December to a sunny destination with no shortage of winter festivities. If you’re a fan of beautiful nature, crisp winter air, waterfalls, holiday festivities, fragrant gardens, and pretty Christmas lights, then I highly recommend you choose Rock City for your next travel destination in the US in December. The President’s home is open to public tours all year, but Christmas is the best time to visit. This family friendly town is magical during that time of year and has something that everyone will enjoy. 1. Learn how your comment data is processed. For even more ideas about check out this non-skiers guide to Jackson Hole in the Winter. Sandpoint is a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest and is accessible after a 1.5 hour drive from the closest airport, located in Spokane, Washington. It’s also the capital city of Georgia and... 2. It is the southernmost country in the US which means it has glorious weather, even in December. There is also a bowling alley and two movie theaters in the area if families are looking for activities to escape the cold. Charleston is the perfect destination for a mild December getaway, with temperatures ranging from the upper 40s to 60s! The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2020 Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2020. Chicago, Illinois Despite being in the cold north, Chicago is one of the best cities to visit in December. Take note that though you can bring your own skates, the small rental fee of $5 goes directly to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities! In addition to the normal NYC tourist attractions, there are lots of special things to do for the holidays. Despite Minnesota’s reputation for cold weather and snow in the winter, Via Travelers tell us that the coldest months of the year don’t hit until January and February, making a visit in December a great time to experience the snowy beautiful city. Actually, think of Lake Tahoe as a big winter playground for kids of all ages. Still want to see some Christmas lights? The Poconos in Pennsylvania is one of the best places to visit in winter due to the variety of activities available. From the tip of the Florida Keys to the warm waters of southern Texas to the volcanic coastline of Hawaii, December is the perfect time to visit one of America’s warmest vacation … “When you think Christmas, I am sure San Diego is not the first place that comes to mind. Beaufort is a small town with a huge heart and is located in heart of the Lowcountry. Welcome to VeraVise Outdoor Living. A few activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family include taking a sleigh ride through an elk refuge and enjoying a “big red” tram ride up to the top of mountain to enjoy their world-famous breakfast. Sun … And now, read on for the 25 best places to visit in the United States in 2020. After you learn all about the best US travel destinations in December, give yourself an early Christmas present while you plan by learning how to stay in hotels for free all year round and how to keep your sanity on the road with the kids. As the air becomes crisp and cool, it’s time to put away the beach chairs and sunblock and take out the snow pants and gloves. Places To Visit In December In USA 1. Next >> Related Insider … No matter your age, there is something in the Poconos to warm you up in December. #30 in Best Places to Visit in the USA This small mountain town in Colorado draws visitors year-round. Here are a few other festivals and events to look forward to in St. Louis, MO during the month of December. “Key West Florida is a fabulous place to travel in December because of its warm Caribbean sunshine. The scenery is amazing! The city is magical -- with lights, festivals, markets, and all the museums, theaters, and … I know I said that Tennessee was a special place for me in December, but you know that I am easily persuaded that Florida is the place to be when those temperatures start to drop. The mountains of East Tennessee will always be my home and always capture my heart most vividly during the holidays. No place does Christmas better than New York City! Don’t let the winter blues put a damper on your December wanderlust travel dreams. The Hawaiian island of Maui is ideal to escape the cold in the continental US with temperatures around 25 Degrees celsius (77°F).