Christmas in America brings massive trees, carolers, Santa sightings, gingerbread, holiday markets, and sparkling lights. Whether you crave a snowy wonderland or a warm-season escape, these 25 cities deliver memorable seasonal events, festive traditions, and cozy places to stay. From classic big-city displays to small-town charm and seaside parades, here are top U.S. destinations to spend the holidays.
1. Santa Fe, NM
Why we go: The Plaza and Canyon Road glow with luminarias; midnight Mass, flamenco performances, and winter markets add local flavor.
The one thing: Canyon Road Farolito Walk on Christmas Eve.
Stay here: Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi for adobe charm and fireplaces.
2. Dallas, TX
Why we go: Million-light displays at Holiday at the Arboretum, Dallas Zoo Lights, and skating at Galleria Dallas.
The one thing: Miracle pop-up bar for kitschy holiday cocktails.
Stay here: Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek for festive grounds and fine dining.
3. Chicago, IL
Why we go: Christkindlmarket, Lincoln Park ZooLights, Let It Shine drive-through, and a towering Millennium Park tree.
The one thing: Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights with millions of LEDs.
Stay here: The Langham, Chicago near the Magnificent Mile.
4. Nashville, TN
Why we go: Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland, drive-through Jingle Beat light show, and holiday concerts at the Grand Ole Opry.
The one thing: The Noelle’s glitter-soaked Sugar & Vice pop-up.
Stay here: Noelle, Nashville in downtown with art-forward design.
5. New Orleans, LA
Why we go: Celebration in the Oaks lights up City Park; unique local traditions and festive food.
The one thing: Christmas Eve bonfires on the levee.
Stay here: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans with gingerbread activities and holiday dinners.
6. Las Vegas, NV
Why we go: The Strip transforms with elaborate displays, rooftop ice skating, and Bellagio conservatory decorations.
The one thing: Fountains of Bellagio holiday performances set to seasonal music.
Stay here: The Venetian for over-the-top holiday theatrics.
7. North Pole, AK
Why we go: A town themed entirely around Santa with candy-cane streetlights, Santa Claus House, and nonstop holiday cheer.
The one thing: Annual tree-lighting with Santa photo ops.
Stay here: A private cabin for secluded, wintry retreat.
8. New York City, NY
Why we go: Rockefeller Center tree and skating, Fifth Avenue window displays, Radio City’s Rockettes, and Dyker Heights’ extreme decorations.
The one thing: Dyker Heights’ neighborhood lights and lawn spectacles.
Stay here: The Plaza for iconic, lavish holiday experiences.
9. Aspen, CO
Why we go: Deep snow, world-class skiing, carriage rides, and mountain-town glow.
The one thing: The Little Nell’s community tree lighting with cookies and hot chocolate.
Stay here: The Little Nell for ski access and après-ski glamour.
10. Bethlehem, PA
Why we go: German-inspired Christkindlmarkt and Christmas City Village with artisans and carriage rides through downtown.
The one thing: Lehigh Valley Zoo’s Winter Light Spectacular with over a million lights.
Stay here: Sayre Mansion Inn for historic charm and private dinners.
11. Denver, CO
Why we go: Zoo Lights, Mile High Tree on 16th Street Mall, holiday theater runs, and Christkindlmarket.
The one thing: Denver Christkindlmarket in Civic Center Park.
Stay here: The Crawford Hotel at Union Station for a stylish, central stay.
12. Asheville, NC
Why we go: Blue Ridge Mountain setting, North Carolina Arboretum lights, and extravagant Biltmore Estate decorations.
The one thing: Christmas at Biltmore with dozens of decorated trees and thousands of lights.
Stay here: The Foundry for boutique comfort and local culinary flair.
13. Charleston, SC
Why we go: Milder weather, Festival of Trees, The Sound of Charleston concerts, and Aquarium Aglow light shows.
The one thing: Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park with millions of bulbs.
Stay here: French Quarter Inn for classic hospitality near City Market.
14. Branson, MO
Why we go: Family-friendly spectacles, ice skating under the Ferris wheel, and multiple drive-through light displays.
The one thing: Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas with millions of lights and parades.
Stay here: Chateau on the Lake for lake views and a full-service spa.
15. Kennebunkport, ME
Why we go: New England Christmas Prelude with lobster-trap tree and maritime traditions.
The one thing: Santa’s arrival on a lobster boat.
Stay here: Cape Arundel Inn & Resort for oceanside comfort and seafood.
16. Newport Beach, CA
Why we go: Long-running Christmas Boat Parade with extravagantly decorated vessels in the harbor.
The one thing: Viewing the parade from Balboa Island amid decked-out homes.
Stay here: Lido House for nautical charm near the festivities.
17. Park City, UT
Why we go: World-class skiing plus seasonal events like Snowfest and winter outdoor adventures.
The one thing: Heber Valley Railroad’s North Pole Express—hot cocoa and Mrs. Claus on board.
Stay here: Washington School House for historic lodge style near Main Street.
18. Washington, DC
Why we go: National Christmas Tree, Downtown Holiday Market, holiday theater, and festive hotel igloos.
The one thing: Ford’s Theatre production of A Christmas Carol.
Stay here: The Willard for proximity to the White House and lavish holiday tea.
19. Seattle, WA
Why we go: Space Needle tree, Winterfest at Seattle Center, and Gingerbread Village by local architecture and culinary teams.
The one thing: Snowflake Lane in Bellevue—nightly light shows and artificial snow.
Stay here: The Edgewater Hotel for waterfront lodge ambiance.
20. Seneca Falls, NY
Why we go: Small-town, nostalgic holiday charm tied to It’s a Wonderful Life heritage with seasonal events and film screenings.
The one thing: Participation screenings of It’s a Wonderful Life during the festival.
Stay here: The Gould Hotel for elegant rooms and hearty local fare.
21. St. Augustine, FL
Why we go: Nights of Lights illuminates the historic district with millions of tiny white lights—warm-weather viewing.
The one thing: Old Town Trolley’s Nights of Lights tours.
Stay here: The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens for upscale B&B charm.
22. St. Louis, MO
Why we go: Wild Lights at the zoo, Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden, and festive ice rinks.
The one thing: Missouri Botanical Garden’s Garden Glow—walk among a million lights.
Stay here: Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis with Gateway Arch views.
23. Burlington, VT
Why we go: Green Mountain winter charm on Church Street, local holiday markets, and cozy small-town atmosphere.
The one thing: Hotel Champlain’s Sunday with Santa community event.
Stay here: Hotel Vermont for lake and mountain views and local dining.
24. Middleburg, VA
Why we go: Pastoral Virginia horse-country traditions, family breakfasts with Santa, and mulled-wine tours.
The one thing: Middleburg Hunt & Hounds Review with mounted riders and hounds parading downtown.
Stay here: Salamander Resort & Spa for equestrian elegance and Southern style.
25. Bowling Green, KY
Why we go: Family-oriented holiday attractions like The Reindeer Farm with reindeer feedings and cocoa, plus seasonal skating.
The one thing: SoKY Marketplace Ice Rink where you can skate with Santa and the Grinch.
Stay here: Lodge at Olde Stone for cozy Kentucky suites and onsite golf.
This list highlights classic holiday lighting displays, hometown traditions, seasonal markets, and festive experiences across the United States—whether you want snow, southern sunshine, or something delightfully quirky. Happy holidays and safe travels.