The thrill of holiday decorations is remarkable. There are many reasons to visit some of the best Christmas towns in the USA, whether you’re going home to visit family and are looking forward to seeing the 25-foot tree lit up in your town square, or you’re traveling alone this year to a seasonal destination and are prepared to be greeted with holiday cheer. In light of this, we’ve compiled five of the country’s top holiday spots for you to visit in December.
- Breckenridge, Colorado
As the ski season ramps up around the holidays, Breckenridge comes alive. This vacation destination walks a narrow line between excitement and low stress. December is filled with celebrations, from the Christmas tree lighting to the half-mile footrace where all competitors must wear Santa Claus costumes. Apres-ski options in Breckenridge are equally delightful, from the house-brewed beers at Breckenridge Brewing to the martinis and Colorado beer flights at Base 9 Bar.
- Lewisburg, West Virginia
Holidays in the Lewisburg region are centered around The Greenbrier. The resort from the 18th century lavishly decorates the foyer. The town is quiet and dimly lit outside the hotel, with seasonal decorations and understated attractions.
- Beaufort, North Carolina
In this Outer Banks community, winter weather doesn’t start until January, so the Christmas season is an excellent time to take a boat tour or paddle a kayak along Taylor’s Creek. The Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla, a boat parade decorated with glittering lights that takes place the first weekend in December, is one of the greatest holiday festivities.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Although there isn’t much of a winter season in this coastal hamlet in California, the brisk air makes the nearby wine region and the pounding waves seem even more alluring. The early December calm makes it easier to grab a table at local restaurants like La Bicyclette and Flying Fish Grill. Carmel has its tree lighting, which involves lighting a sizable resident tree at the intersection of Junipero and Ocean avenues.
- Park City, Utah
In this Utah mountain community, the holiday season welcomes tremendous wattage, both star-powered and otherwise. Park City celebrates with the annual Electric Parade and the lighting of its famous tree in late November. In addition, the gingerbread display at Stein Eriksen Lodge will be a hit with children and sweets lovers of all ages.
- Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
In this community in northwest Florida, the start of the peak season falls during the holiday season. Therefore, it’s a terrific spot to look for presents for everyone on your list. Shop classic pearl necklaces and earrings at Shimmering Seas Jewelry and cookbooks that are ideal for display at Kitchen Garden Books & Antiques while exploring Santa Rosa.
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe has always been distinctive, and the city’s Christmas customs further demonstrate this. The Canyon Road Farolito Walk, lights by erecting a trail of tiny lanterns that illuminates the town, is the most gorgeous. And even though you might picture adobe structures and deserts, you can enjoy a White Christmas in Santa Fe by traveling to the ski resort in the Rocky Mountains, Ski Santa Fe.
- Healdsburg, California
The quaint Sonoma County town of Healdsburg, California, is well-known for its excellent dining establishments and even better wines. Visit Aperture Cellars for the vista, which is lovely year-round, and Flowers Vineyards & Winery for the pinot noir. Grab a few bottles at Faust if you can travel to Napa. Then, stay the night at the Montage Healdsburg, where the festive ambiance, glowing trees, and crackling fireplaces make you feel festive.
