With the holiday season in full swing, it can be a great time for a winter vacation escape. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a vacation with the family or friends, or just an affordable escape, there are plenty of amazing places to experience in December. December is in fact, one of those months when a lot of folks do take those much needed vacations.
I figured I would try to help you along with a few ideas, if you are one of those people looking to get away around the holidays. It was hard to narrow down a specific area of the country, simply because so many of the destinations that have amazing holiday festivities, happen to also be spread throughout the entire country. So…you will find some suggestions in warm weather areas and some in colder areas. Every one of them has something special that sets them apart from the average December traditions. Take a peek and get ready to feel inspired!
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1. Phoenix, AZ
Average December Weather: 68°/44° F
Where To Eat: Restaurants & Eateries, Both Small and Large
Where To Stay: Phoenix Hotels, Resorts, Vacation Rentals
Events & Things To Do: Phoenix is one of the best places to visit in December for a couple of reasons. First, the temperatures are perfect with low’s in the 60’s and highs in the 70’s. The weather makes it ideal for any outdoor activity you can imagine, from hiking, to browsing a farmer’s market, to going on any of the multiple tours in the area. Second, the month of December is even more special, because it brings with it various festive events, light displays and activities. Even the Phoenix zoo has it’s own special moment, when it gets 2 months (December & January) of light displays throughout the property!
2. Lake Tahoe, CA
Average December Weather: 44°/26° F
Where To Eat: Lake Tahoe Restaurants
Where To Stay: Hotels, Resorts, Vacation Rentals, Cabins, B & B
Events & Things To Do: What better way to celebrate the holiday month, than with stunning snow covered mountains and breathtaking turquoise waters? Of course, those are not the only reasons to visit Lake Tahoe in the month of December. Besides the numerous fun outdoor sports to keep you entertained, the area boasts over 16 casinos, and a variety of luxurious spas for a bit of self care 😉
Ice skating, ice carvings demonstrations, fireworks, and sleigh rides are only a few of the festive additions to the month of December. You can also expect to find winter markets and events sprinkled throughout the month, and holiday light displays for your viewing pleasure. Great way to spend Christmas!
3. Aspen, Colorado
Average December Weather: 35°/11° F
Where To Eat: Restaurants & Nightlife
Where To Stay: Hotels, Resorts, Vacation Homes, Other Lodging
Events & Things To Do: With the stunning views of the mountains, Aspen is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year! December in Aspen is even more breathtaking with it’s snow blanketed hills and mountain sides. When you’re not skiing or taking your chances at one of the skating rinks, why not investigate the culinary scene for some savory soul warming cuisine? Looking for a festive atmosphere? There are plenty of events, celebrations, lights, and decorations to choose from, and all without the large crowds!
4. Key West, FL
Average December Weather: 77°/70° F
Where To Eat: Best Restaurants In Key West: 20 great Places To Eat & Drink
Where To Stay: Key West Hotels, Resorts, Vacation Homes, B & B
Events & Things To Do: Anything you can think of involving water and the outdoors, is available for your entertainment any time of the year in Key West. Along with all of the watersports you would typically enjoy like snorkeling, fishing, dolphin encounters, there are plenty of things to do on land. For all of it’s tropical appeal, Key West, FL does not slack when it comes to festive holiday events. Check out their extensive calendar of celebrations here. I can think of every reason possible for planning a holiday getaway to Key West in December!
5. Miami, FL
Average December Weather: 76°/65° F
Where To Eat: The 39 Best Restaurants In Miami
Where To Stay: Hotels, Resorts, Vacation Homes, Villas
Events & Things To Do: Some of us feel like we desperately need vacation either right before Christmas, or right after. For some people, it’s the only way to get through the hectic holiday season. Miami is another perfect destination for much needed down time. Enjoy numerous outdoor water sports that are offered in the area. Lounge on the beach for a day or visit a spa for a bit of pampering. If you want to incorporate a little holiday cheer, check out the calendar of fun events that Miami has scheduled for this year. With so much to do (or NOT do), this is an excellent warm weather vacation spot for the winter months like December.
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6. Orlando, FL
Average December Weather: 75°/55° F
Where To Eat: Orlando Restaurants
Where To Stay: Orlando Hotels, Resorts, Vacation Homes, Other Lodging
Events & Things To Do: Orlando, Fl is a magical place any day of the week. If you have ever witnessed the Disney magic in person, you can only imagine what types of displays, events, and festivals are put on throughout the month of December. Don’t want to mess with the whole stay at home with the big Christmas dinner and traditional schedule of events? Hop on over to Orlando for a super fun holiday this year that the kids will never forget! There are so many festive holiday celebrations in the area during that time of the year that they had to be broken down into two separate lists…one for happenings at the Disney theme parks, and then one for the general area of Orlando. Lol! There’s more than enough holiday fun to be had in December. Who knows? Maybe it will even become an annual tradition for your family!
7. Savannah, Georgia
Average December Weather: 64°/45° F
Where To Eat: Restaurants – Savannah, GA or Nightlife & Lounges
Where To Stay: Savannah Hotels, Resorts, Vacation Homes, B & B’s
Events & Things To Do: Savannah is a beautiful vacation spot for the holiday season with all of it’s southern charm! Aside from the tourist attractions that Savannah typically offers, December promises a variety of Christmas markets, light displays, and holiday festivals to make your trip even more memorable. Don’t forget to make time for one of the delicious culinary tours available. Before that, work up an appetite with an outdoor activity like a sightseeing, ghost, or water tour. Feeling a little more low key? Visit any one of the golf courses in the area for a match, or even a spa for a bit of self care. Either way, Savannah is a lovely, warm location for a December holiday.
8. New Orleans, LA
Average December Weather: 65°/46° F
Where To Eat: New Orleans – Where To Eat or The 40 Best Restaurants In New Orleans At Every Price Point
Where To Stay: New Orleans Hotels, Vacation Homes, B & B’s, Other Lodging
Events & Things To Do: There is so much to do already in New Orleans and it only gets better in December. Maybe you’ve decided to treat yourself to a getaway, for Christmas. Lots of people do. Maybe your anniversary is coming up and a romantic long weekend is past due. Whatever the case might be, you can be sure New Orleans will set the tone for a bit of relaxation and overall, good vibes. Incorporate a little festive holiday cheer with any of the many events, decorations and light displays throughout the city. Perfect way to end the year 🙂
9. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Average December Weather: 40°/28° F
Where To Eat: The 18 Best Restaurants In Nantucket
Where To Stay: Nantucket Hotels, Resorts, B & B’s, Other Lodging
Events & Things To Do: Nantucket is a charming island just off of the coast of Cape Cod. Every year, it attracts tourists who are looking for a romantic getaway or breather from the city. It offers various museums and art galleries, along with live performances at a number of theatres and festivals. If you happen to be there the first week of December, you can catch the annual Christmas Stroll, Festival Of Trees, and other special entertainment and performances. When you’ve had your fill of Christmas joy, visit any of the breweries, cideries, or wineries, for an interesting afternoon tour. Nantucket is the perfect escape for a bit of relaxation during the busy holiday season.
10. Coastal, Mississippi
Average December Weather: 61°/50° F
Where To Eat: 71+ Sensational Mississippi Gulf Coast Restaurants in Coastal Mississippi
Where To Stay: Places To Stay – Coastal Mississippi
Events & Things To Do: Coastal Mississippi is a beautiful 62 mile stretch along the coastline of the Gulf Of Mexico, with several small communities along the way. All of the communities are unique and offer a variety of attractions and activities, like one-of-a-kind shopping, savory cuisine, casinos and more. Not only are all of these communities perfect for some relaxing, low key down time, but they all offer festive holiday activities, events, parades, and displays.
11. Branson, Mo
Average December Weather: 48°/26° F
Where To Eat: Branson Restaurants
Where To Stay: Places To Stay In Branson
Events & Things To Do: While Branson, Mo gives plenty of reasons to plan a visit, there are none bigger than their festive holiday spirit that goes on for more than 2 months! From November 1 – January 7, Branson is decked out with Christmas cheer. You can catch a live holiday show, go on a walking or driving light tour. Between the Holly Jolly Christmas Light parade, the 8 story Christmas tree with special effects and the 1000 decorated Christmas trees, you would think the spirit couldn’t be any bigger. Not true. One of the “Must-Do” activities on many lists for Branson, is the festival known as An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City. There, you will find an amazing display of lights, totaling 6.5 million. This is also where you will find the amazing 8 story Christmas tree with special effects. The entire area is in full Christmas mode during these months. Wow! That’s a lot of Christmas fun! lol
12. New York City
Average December Weather: 44°/31° F
Where To Eat: Savor NYC
Where To Stay: NYC Accommodations
Events & Things To Do: New York City has long been known for it’s spectacular holiday displays and events. Between full holiday markets, stunning window and light displays, and the annual tree lighting ceremony complete with live performances and ice skating, it’s nearly impossible to not catch a bit of the Christmas spirit. Want a really cool experience? Take one of the helicopter tours offered and view the city decked out in Christmas lights, from above. Not into helicopters? There are festive holiday cruises that can be booked as well, so the beautiful displays can be seen from the water. With so much to do, a NYC Christmas is surely one you will fondly remember for years to come!
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13. Asheville, North Carolina
Average December Weather: 50°/31° F
Where To Eat: Foodtopia Asheville
Where To Stay: Asheville Hotels, Resorts, Inns, Vacation Homes
Events & Things To Do: The Blue Ridge Mountains offer breathtaking views any time of the year, but especially so in December. When you’re not enjoying nature and the outdoors with a hike or fishing, take any one of the various tours that are regularly offered, such as winery and brewery tours, culinary tours, or historic walking tours. There are even haunted tours and comedy tours you can go on! When you want a bit of holiday cheer, don’t worry. Asheville has that well under control with winter lights displays, elaborate decorations at the Biltmore, and live performances of the Nutcracker. Asheville is no doubt, one of the nicer places to stay in December, and certainly with plenty of Christmas spirit.
14. Charleston, South Carolina
Average December Weather: 61°/46° F
Where To Eat: The Best Restaurants In Charleston
Where To Stay: Hotels, Inns, B & B’s, Resorts, Vacation Homes
Events & Things To Do: Charleston is a charming little town that is not shy about their Christmas spirit, either! Winter festivals, light displays, and ice skating are just a few of the things that will make your December vacation, memorable. There are elaborate Christmas light shows, holiday markets, and various parades to keep the cheer going all month long. In between the festivities, why not do a little light shopping on historic King Street, where you’ll find a mix of larger nationally known retailers, along with small boutiques with unique treasures and gifts. If you need to recharge, Charleston’s culinary scene won’t let you down!
15. Austin, TX
Average December Weather: 63°/43° F
Where To Eat: Austin Food & Drink
Where To Stay: Hotels, Resorts, Vacation Homes, Cottages
Events & Things To Do: While Austin has always been known mostly for it’s music scene, and delicious barbecue, it has in recent years also become known for it’s talented ballet, museums, and beautiful parks. However, when it comes to December and the holidays, Austin knows how to get down to business on Christmas. There is no shortage of holiday markets, Christmas light displays, and strolls. Ballet and ice skating are popular ways to add a bit of Christmas cheer, in spite of the warmer temperatures. If that doesn’t excite you, you will love the “Miracle On 5th Street” pop-up Christmas cocktail bar. Yes, you read that right! This festive little gem not only features wall-to-wall Christmas Decor, but it has multiple bars, all serving up festive holiday cocktails in a charming and nostalgic setting. Sounds like a fabulous place to go on a December vacation!
16. Fort Worth, TX
Average December Weather: 60°/39° F
Where To Eat: 50 Best Restaurants In Fort Worth
Where To Stay: Hotels, Resorts, Inns, B & B’s
Events & Things To Do: The residents of Fort Worth, Tx, take Christmas almost as seriously as they do their rustic western lifestyles. If you’re into cowboys, cowgirls, ranch life and the old west, this is a fabulous place to vacation in December! The most popular Fort Worth attractions include Fort Worth Herd which is a twice daily cattle drive that can be observed in the Stockyards District. If you’re in the mood for a leisurely afternoon of shopping and lunch, Sundance Square is the best spot for that with it’s various western themed shops, restaurants, and galleries. Other hot attractions include the Ale Trail, various sporting events, and the Cultural District. For Christmas, you will be amazed by events and displays such as the North Pole Express, Yesterland Farms Christmas Carnival, Fort Worth Botanic Gardens Lightscape, and the Christmas & Ice At Gaylord Texan. See the complete list of Christmas Must-Do’s for Fort Worth, here.
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17. Arches National Park, Utah
Average December Weather: 41°/20° F
Where To Eat: Best Places To Eat In Moab, Arches & Canyonlands
Where To Stay: Hotels, Resorts, B & B’s, Lodges, Vacation Homes
Events & Things To Do: Why not celebrate Christmas this year by giving yourself the ultimate Christmas gift? A getaway to this Breathtaking vacation destination! The views are absolutely amazing in any of the photos I’ve ever seen. I can only imagine what it’s like to see in person! There are so many things to do and ways to discover the park, including but not limited to camping, cycling, fishing, hiking, rafting…you get the idea. It’s definitely a wonderland for any nature enthusiast and the views just can’t be beat. You might miss out on decorated Christmas trees, but how could you be sorry under such stunning circumstances? Complete list of things to do here.
18. Burlington, VT
Average December Weather: 33°/18° F
Where To Eat: Restaurants In Burlington
Where To Stay: Hotels, Inns, Resorts, B & B’s, Cottages
Events & Things To Do: If outdoor winter sports happens to be your thing, then Burlington, VT is a beautiful place to go. From snow covered mountains, to quaint little brightly lit towns with breweries, country stores, and shops, there is something for everyone. The most popular outdoor sports include skiing of course, along with snowshoeing and sleigh rides. For warmer indoor activities, visiting the local breweries and shops on Church Street are among the favorite things to do for tourists and locals, alike. No matter what your interests, Burlington makes for the perfect quiet little holiday getaway.
19. Leavenworth, WA
Average December Weather: 34°/21° F
Where To Eat: 18 Delicious Places To Eat & Drink In Leavenworth, WA
Where To Stay: Hotels, Resorts, Inns, B & B’s, Other Lodging
Events & Things To Do: Leavenworth, WA is another ideal vacation spot, especially if Christmas cheer is a part of your plans! Among the many reasons to visit Leavenworth in December, the biggest reason is the Christmas Lighting festival (aka “Village Of Lights”). Between the light displays, hot chocolate, and good food, it’s hard not to feel the holiday cheer! Against the snow covered mountain back drop, this town screams charm with it’s Bavarian style buildings, Gingerbread Factory, candy boutiques, and scenic river banks. The photos look like something straight off of a Hallmark card. Perfect for a quiet Christmas getaway!
20. Yellowstone, WY
Average December Weather: 26°/4° F
Where To Eat: Yellowstone Food & Drink
Where To Stay: Hotels, Lodges, Vacation Homes, Cabins
Events & Things To Do: Is there honestly anyone out there who has never wanted to visit Yellowstone? Probably not many. This National Park is the stuff dreams are made of, for anyone who appreciates natural beauty. With it’s abundant wildlife, stunning mountain peaks and geysers, Yellowstone makes for the perfect holiday destination for the outdoorsy type. The crowds are smaller in December, adding a bit of privacy to your trip. The snow covered terrain makes the sightseeing that much more spectacular. When you want a break from nature, there are a few nearby towns that will keep you busy with their various shops, museums, and attractions. So, why not give yourself the Christmas gift of a lifetime, this year? A bit of time away from the rest of the world, to experience some peace and beauty.
Final Thoughts…
There are a variety of amazing winter vacation spots available in December. Each destination above offers its own unique experiences and activities for visitors. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a family vacation, or just an affordable adventure, there is something for everyone. For more inspiration, check out my other articles (below) for more beautiful December vacation destinations. Happy Traveling!
– 24 Best U.S. Vacation Travel Destinations For 2023 By State!
– Best Beach Vacation Destinations In Delaware, New Jersey, & Maryland
– Best Galway, Ireland Landmarks, Hotels, Things To Do, Transportation
– The Grand Canyon & The Most Popular Vacation Destinations in Arizona!
I absolutely love Leavenworth! Perfect Christmas destination.
It’s funny…I actually found it kind of difficult to find information online, about Leavenworth’s specific Christmas events…took a minute. I included what I found, but if you have further recommendations, please share!
Great list – such festive places during the holidays. I love going to NY around Christmas time – the store displays and of course seeing the tree are favorites of mine!
I’ve been to NY plenty of times, but I’ve never been there during the holidays. It has been on my bucket list for quite a while now…someday, we’ll get there 🙂
I would love to visit several of the places you listed. I been to the Bitmore Estate in Ashville, and I heard it’s so beautiful during Christmas.
The Biltmore looks beautiful without the decorations…I can only imagine how it looks at Christmas time!
Great to see Colorado making the list. It is an awesome place to visit in the winter.
We have friends in Colorado, but we’ve only ever been once and not during the winter. It was beautiful then…can only imagine the Christmas effect 🙂
Some really nice places in this post. If I had to choose, I would go for New York City.
Agreed…it looks to be quite breathtaking! Though, I did just see photos of Lisbon at Christmas. That may well top NYC…lol!
I absolutely love the climate diversity! Excellent post and you made me want to book my next trip! P.S. You had me at Aspen…
Thank you! I found myself considering a few those places I wouldn’t have thought of, until I discovered more about them in my search. NYC was one that caught my attention. Never really thought about it, but some of the photos look amazing! May have to add it to my bucket list 😉
Thank you for this guide! New Orleans and Leavensworth look stunning, can‘t wait to visit one day 🙂
I’m so glad you mentioned New Orleans! Just this morning, I realized Mardi Gras is only a few months away and I need to start looking at that. I’ve never been, but I so would love to. Check back later 🙂