With the end of the year comes a new universe of travel opportunities. You can spend December immersed in the chill of the season, or you can choose a warm hideaway if that’s more your thing! Fortunately, the United States provides chances for all types of travelers, with attractions spread across the country. Here are the top 21 places to visit in December:
Joshua Tree National Park
Winter is without a doubt the ideal time to see California’s deserts. In the winter, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places to visit. The typical temperature in the park drops to nearly 40 degrees overnight and near 60 degrees F by afternoon by December, making daytime hiking and rock climbing incomparably more enjoyable than the oppressive summer heat.
Because deserts cover almost a fourth of the state, there are lots of alternative places to visit in December. Check out this BMTM post for some of the best California deserts to explore.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Wyoming, the least populated state in the United States, maybe the ideal place for some peace. Yellowstone is stunning at any time of year, but it is especially stunning in the winter. There’s a reason why the park is one of the bucket list-worthy road trip attractions.
Many routes are closed during the month, although the road between Mammoth Hot Springs and the northeast entrance is accessible all year. More information can be found on the park’s website.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Idaho is one of the country’s best-kept secrets, and December is a particularly good time to come. Visiting Sun Valley allows you to explore some of the most beautiful winter scenery in the United States. Throughout December, the adjacent Sawtooth Mountains are made even more magnificent by a fresh layer of snow.
Sun Valley is one of the most suitable places for a pleasant December holiday, with superb skiing chances, naturally occurring hot springs, and friendly residents.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is located 30 miles south of Yellowstone and may be appreciated in December just as much.
During this time of year, the majority of the park is only accessible by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, but the solitude is well worth it.
San Juan County, Utah
Many people who are planning vacations for December could overlook Utah. There is a lot to discover in the state’s off-season, which is fortunate for you (and your wallet). In December, the area only experiences lows in the 20s and highs in the 40s (Fahrenheit), making the climate cool but tolerable.
Valley of the Gods in San Juan County is BLM territory, so if you want to spend your December vacation exploring, you can set up camp at any of the roadside pullouts.
Taos, New Mexico
After the summer heat of New Mexico goes away, December ushers in a period of vibrant cultural events. As a historic town situated a half-hour drive from ski-friendly slopes, Taos blends the cultural and natural attractions of New Mexico.
You can view luminaries lighting up the state’s parks and streets if you visit around Christmas; read this BMTM post for more things to do in New Mexico.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Along Texa’s border with Mexico’s southwest region is the desert region known as Big Bend National Park. On this list, this park is undoubtedly the best location for stargazing. Of all the national park units in the lower 48 states, it is the one with the least light pollution.
Big Bend typically experiences temperatures between 39 degrees at night and 63 degrees during the day, while brief cold spells do occasionally occur.
Fredericksburg, Texas
The majority of Texas German speakers can be found in the town of Fredericksburg if you’re looking for a holiday with a German flavor. You may see the town fully decorated for Christmas, complete with the German Christmas Pyramid if you visit in the latter part of December.
The town makes a perfect pit stop on a road trip because it is just around 70 miles from places like San Antonio and Austin.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Colorado is the place to go if you want a December filled with soaring mountains. For starters, the state has the most “fourteeners” (mountains rising beyond 14,000 feet) in the nation. This park is open all year round, unlike some others that close during this season. Even though all you need to have a great time is snowshoeing equipment, skiing and sledding are still options.
Elk, moose, and deer can all be seen best during the winter months. For more information on the winter activities available in the park, see its website. If you want to explore Colorado during your December trip, it also makes for a fantastic road trip.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The city of New Orleans has a lot to offer year-round. The city is fantastic for female alone travelers and is just as lively in December as it is in February during Mardi Gras. Plus, since December falls in this city’s shoulder season, you’ll still be able to locate some decent hotel discounts.
Vieques, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has a year-round summer climate due to its location south of the Tropic of Cancer. Puerto Rico, as one of two Caribbean territories that US citizens can enter without a passport, is an excellent choice for December visitors looking to brush up on their Spanish.
The majority of visitors to Vieques Island come to see Mosquito Bay, one of the world’s five bioluminescent bays. Paddle out here on a night to witness nature’s light show.
Key West, Florida
Key West is one of the best places to visit in December in the United States for those looking to escape the winter blues. The calm waters and relatively warm weather, with average highs of about 75°F, make it ideal for exploring the island. Take a tour of the island’s historic mansions, which are beautifully decorated for the holidays.
At the island’s iconic seaport, watch the Lighted Boat Parade. You can go bar hopping, visit some of the island’s famous watering holes, or simply lounge on the beach and watch the sunset. In any case, Key West is one of the best warm places to visit in the United States in December.
San Diego, California
San Diego is a popular December vacation destination in the United States due to its great weather, with highs in the 70s, making it ideal for exploring the city’s sights. Apart from the warmth and beautiful beaches, San Diego is one of the best places to visit in the United States in December because it is less expensive.
Explore the city on foot or by car, see all the beautiful holiday light displays in different neighborhoods, stroll around Balboa Park, watch the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights and the Gasland Pet Parade, and go swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe provides a vintage December straight out of a Christmas card. It’s a mash-up of beautiful scenery and centuries-old Christmas traditions. Lake Tahoe offers a variety of outdoor and indoor activities. Outdoor activities include snowboarding, skiing, candlelit cruises, and sleigh rides to watch the sunset.
There are also fire pits where you can gather with others to sing Christmas carols while sipping hot chocolate. Indoor activities include visiting some of Lake Tahoe’s historic mansions, such as Vikingsholm, which is one of the most photographed places in the country.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville’s location allows you to enjoy the best of the Appalachian winter scenery while still having access to city amenities. If you’re willing to spend money, the Biltmore Estate hosts an annual Christmas at Biltmore celebration, which has helped to make the city popular during the holiday season.
Some areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains may be closed due to inclement weather. But there’s more to do here than just go for a day hike. Here are some of the best free and low-cost activities in Asheville.
New York
If you want to experience a quintessential Christmas straight out of your favorite Hollywood Christmas special, New York City is the ideal place to spend your December vacation in the United States. You can take a stroll through Central Park’s snow-covered grounds or the well-known High Line.
You can also visit Macy’s famous Santaland, which was made famous by the hit Christmas special “Miracle on 31st Street.” There’s also the famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, which is well worth seeing. Go ice skating on the city’s free rink before warming up with some hot cocoa if you want to participate in some fun winter sports.
Washington DC
There are several reasons to visit Washington, DC during December. For starters, it is not peak tourism season, so you will find lower hotel rates and fewer crowds at the city’s tourist attractions. As a result, visiting Washington DC in December will cost less and give you more time to explore the city without crowds.
In Washington, DC, you can spend your vacation exploring the Smithsonian museums, which are mostly indoors. Explore the city and take in the holiday decorations, particularly those at the White House. Participate in any of the city’s holiday activities, such as viewing the massive national Christmas tree and tours of the city’s main attractions.
Stowe, Vermont
One of the best places to travel to in the USA in December is Stowe, especially if you want to have a cozy romantic getaway with your partner. At Stowe, you can spend quality time together in a cozy cottage or bed and breakfast with mugs of hot chocolate by the fireplace.
You can engage in a variety of outdoor pursuits when you decide to venture outside, including skiing and dog sledding. In addition, you can take part in one of Stowe’s customary holiday parades and watch the tree-lighting ceremony that takes place in the town center.
Leavenworth, Washington
One of the top places to go during Christmas in the USA is the small town of Leavenworth. This is because there are tons of activities in this winter wonderland that you won’t want to leave. Christmas is taken seriously in Leavenworth, and the town is beautifully decorated with lights and ornaments.
You can engage in dog sledding and ski jumping in addition to attending the Christmas lighting ceremony while on vacation in Leavenworth in December. Even so, you shouldn’t miss out on the German beverages, cuisine, and the world’s largest collection of nutcrackers at the Nutcracker Museum.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge’s ski season begins in December, so it’s no surprise that skiing enthusiasts flock to this magical location for vacations in December in the USA. As a result, Breckenridge is the perfect destination for skiers. Despite the crowds, there is still enough room and snow for you to enjoy the location.
Breckenridge is a fantastic destination to visit in December because of the holiday celebrations as well as the skiing opportunities. Take a stroll through the town to take in the lovely sights of the holiday season as buildings are decked out in festive decorations. You can also enter one of the quaint stores on Main Street and buy a memento of the season.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about visiting the USA in December, we hope this article gave you some great suggestions for places to visit. The US offers a variety of cities and landscapes to enjoy the magic of the season, after all.
You can choose to go on an outdoor adventure and enjoy the warm weather, or you can choose a traditional holiday complete with snow fights and hot chocolate in a new city. Whatever you decide, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season in the USA.