Surprising fact: more than 3 million lights are packed inside one Tennessee resort each December, and I still found quiet towns that feel like a storybook.
I write this as someone who has spent many Decembers scouting festive towns, snowy escapes, and warm coastal spots. I share how I plan a trip that mixes twinkling lights, big-city shows, and beach sunsets in one season.
I pick each city or town for a reason: Leavenworth’s Village of Lights, Waikiki’s warm beachfront energy, Gaylord Opryland’s indoor spectacle, and New York’s iconic tree and markets. This guide shows why certain hotels make the magic easy and what weather to expect each month.
There’s no one best place, but plenty of destinations that deliver season spirit in different ways. Use this post as a practical planning map for your holiday travel and the days you’ll spend soaking in lights, markets, and memorable moments.
Key Takeaways
- I balance big-city icons with quieter towns for varied holiday moods.
- Expect a mix of winter chill and warm escapes—pack layers and sun gear.
- I note hotels that make events easy to reach and save time on routes.
- Book at specific times to save money and avoid peak travel stress.
- This guide focuses on real activities, food, and hotels I actually tried.
Why I Love December Getaways in the USA and Beyond
December trips teach me how mood and weather shape a holiday better than any brochure. I plan with intent: markets and music, alpine snow, or a bit of beach calm when I need warmth.
I often aim for early December windows because hotels are easier to secure and crowds are lighter. That sweet spot saves money and gives me more time for signature experiences like Leavenworth’s Village of Lights or Aspen’s 12 Days of Aspen.
For international contrast, Lapland offers husky rides and northern lights, while Tokyo pulses with dazzling illuminations. Australia and New Zealand flip the script with summer barbecues—perfect when I want sun instead of snow.
“I reserve popular events early and use mid-week flights to stretch my schedule and budget.”
- I build one longer trip or several short ones around direct flights and mile redemptions.
- I pack layers, a swim kit, and cozy outfits for markets day and night.
- My go-to tips: book signature experiences early, buy timed entries, and bookmark market maps.
| Seasonal Highlight | Typical Month | Vibe | Why I Pick It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leavenworth Village of Lights | December | Storybook, snowy | Atmosphere and markets |
| Waikiki early December | Early December | Mild, sunny | Better deals and lighter crowds |
| Lapland | December | Arctic adventure | Huskies and northern lights |
The best places to visit during Christmas for storybook lights and markets
I learned early that a single string of lights can change an ordinary town into a memory I replay all year. Below I map short, festive options that mix small-town charm and big-city spectacle for a holiday trip you can actually enjoy.
Leavenworth, Washington
Village of Lights feels like a snow-globe: thousands of lights, Santa meet-and-greets, Krampus figures, sleigh rides, snowshoe trails, tubing, and glühwein. Temperatures hover around -6°C to 1°C, so I pack warm layers and a hot thermos for those evening markets.
New York City
I plan a full day here: Rockefeller tree photos, a morning skate at Bryant Park, hot cider at the Winter Village, and Fifth Avenue window gazing at night. Radio City or the Nutcracker make great night shows if you have the time.
Germany and Central Europe
I link Munich, Nuremberg, Prague, and Vienna into a compact christmas market circuit. There’s plenty of food, artisanal gifts, and affordable museum time between stalls. I sip regional wine and move fast to avoid long lines at the busiest booths.
London, England
Citywide lights, mulled wine stalls, and easy Tube hops make London a convenient stop. I mix free displays with a few paid shows and leave room for a museum day if snow or ice forces me indoors.
“I split nights between a town market and a city day of lights to feel the full range of cheer.”
Cozy mountain towns and ski destinations with peak holiday spirit
When snow starts falling, I chase mountain towns that pair lively events with quiet slopes. On one holiday trip I balanced luxe evenings and easy, uncrowded runs under town lights.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen turned upscale each December with the 12 Days of Aspen, fireworks, and top-tier skiing at resorts near The Little Nell. Temperatures dropped into the negatives, but the après-ski warmed each night and made the destination feel special.
Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish felt like a classic mountain town. I joined the Christmas Stroll and a torchlight parade after powder days on 3,000+ acres near Glacier National Park.
Vermont
Vermont gave me New England charm: Wassail Weekend, Festival of Trees, and inns with real hearths. The streets had gentle lights and compact markets that begged for a slow stroll on icy sidewalks.
Solitude Mountain, Utah
Solitude Mountain offered reliable winter conditions and friendlier lift ticket prices, so I kept it on my radar for budget-minded activities. I planned my days: morning laps, afternoon cocoa, then an evening event or spa time.
“I saved time and energy by picking midweek ski days, booking lessons early, and using shuttles when parking filled fast.”
Warm-weather escapes: beaches, sunshine, and twinkle-lit boardwalks
For a different kind of seasonal cheer, I pick shorelines where palm trees wear string lights and the air smells like salt, not snow. This short guide maps warm options when you want sun, festive nights, and easy hotel access.
Waikiki, Hawaii
I plan a sunrise beach walk, a surf-watch for the Vans Triple Crown, and Honolulu City Lights after dark. Early December often brings lighter crowds and hotel deals; I love the Na Lani Sky Lounge at Hokulani Waikiki for rooftop cocktails and ocean views.
Siesta Key, Florida
Siesta Key feels like a summer day in winter thanks to low humidity and quartz sand. The Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade adds coastal lights at dusk, and restaurants stay friendly for sunset dinners.
Avila Beach, California
Avila’s microclimate keeps temps mild. I slow down with tasting rooms like Sinor‑LaVallee and a soak at Sycamore Mineral Springs. Santa’s Doggie Parade is a quirky local draw.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
All-inclusive resorts decorate for the holiday season and bundle meals so your money stretches further. I base in Tulum for ruins and cenotes, then trade time between beach and town for a mix of calm and culture.
- How I pick hotels: beachfront, walkable boardwalks, and easy access to lights and restaurants.
- Packing note: sun protection, lightweight layers, and a light jacket for breezy nights.
“Split a two-stop trip—Waikiki plus Riviera Maya or Siesta Key plus Avila—if you want varied coastal vibes in one holiday.”
Colonial charm and heritage holidays with carols, candles, and cheer
Some colonial towns wrap the season in candlelight and carols, making evenings feel deliberately slow and warm. I pick these spots when I want low-key lights and handcrafted stalls instead of crowded spectacles.
Williamsburg dazzles with Grand Illumination fireworks, Busch Gardens Christmas Town, and candlelit streets lined with colonial taverns. Average temps sit near 9–13°C, so I dress in layers and plan evening tavern dinners.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
I love Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt and the Christmas City Village in wooden huts. The Live Advent Calendar and steaming glühwein stop warm -1.8°C to 4.5°C nights.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth’s Strawbery Banke Candlelight Stroll pairs handmade decor with a waterfront parade. Nights hover around -4°C to 3°C and feel intimate under soft lights.
- I plan a colonial weekend with Grand Illumination, a Busch Gardens evening, and candlelit meals that feel transported in time.
- I move on foot between events, use timed tickets, and find warming stations near markets and mulled wine lines.
- Pair Williamsburg and Bethlehem on one Mid‑Atlantic to Northeast route, or add Portsmouth after a Boston flight.
“Carols, candles, and craftsmanship give these towns a real spirit worth the trip.”
| Town | Key Event | Avg Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsburg, VA | Grand Illumination; Busch Gardens | 9–13 |
| Bethlehem, PA | Christkindlmarkt; Christmas City Village | -1.8–4.5 |
| Portsmouth, NH | Strawbery Banke Candlelight Stroll | -4–3 |
European style in the USA: festive villages and Nordic vibes
Some U.S. destinations package a continental vibe—candles, pastries, and grand holiday displays—under one roof.
Solvang, California
I build a Solvang weekend around Julefest headliners: tree lighting, a parade, and nightly light shows. Bakeries serve aebleskivers and gløgg, and small markets and candlelight tours add cozy charm.
I pick walkable inns so I can run for pastries and return for evening events. For timing, plan arrivals early in the month for quieter streets and easier ticket time slots. See my holiday guide for calendar tips.
Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville
The resort layers spectacle and convenience: over 3 million lights, ICE! sculptures, indoor snow tubing, skating, riverboat rides, and shows. Staying onsite gives effortless access to events and dining.
Timing tip: buy ICE! tickets in advance and pick earlier time slots to avoid long lines and cold waits.
Biltmore Estate, Asheville
My ideal evening at Biltmore is a candlelight tour through the mansion, pausing beneath the 55-foot tree and sipping complimentary seasonal tastings in Antler Hill Village.
Wander the illuminated gardens slowly and book candlelight tours ahead—prime slots fill fast as winter evenings shorten.
- I recommend hotel strategies: onsite at Opryland and walkable inns in Solvang.
- Compare the feels: cozy hygge village, resort wonderland, and Gilded Age elegance to match your holiday spirit.
International bucket-list cities for a different kind of Christmas
For a global take on holiday magic, I pick a mix of arctic nights, neon cityscapes, and sunlit shores. Each option shows a different rhythm of the season and a clear set of activities that shape the trip.
Lapland and Kiruna: I plan night tours for aurora chances, book daytime husky rides, and base in a cozy chalet. Finnish Levi gives classic winter options and easy access to snowmobile outings.
Tokyo and Niseko: I split time between neon illuminations and legendary powder. City nights feed the lights appetite, then Niseko delivers deep skiing and quiet alpine evenings.
Australia & New Zealand: I flip the script—beach barbecues, fireworks, and open restaurants make for a summer festival feel. Pack swimwear and a light jacket for evenings.
Rome and the Vatican: I plan a Rome weekend that ends at St. Peter’s for midnight mass. Buy tickets early, respect dress codes, and allow extra time for crowds and transit.
| Destination | Highlight | Season | Packing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lapland / Kiruna | Northern lights, husky rides | Winter | Insulated boots, thermal layers |
| Tokyo + Niseko | Illuminations & powder | Winter | City layers, ski kit |
| Australia / New Zealand | Beach BBQs, fireworks | Summer | Swimsuit, sun protection |
| Rome / Vatican | Midnight mass, historic markets | Winter | Smart coat, respectful attire |
“Pairing a city and an alpine stop or a neighboring country gives a fuller sense of how the world marks the season.”
My last tip: book high-demand experiences early and use city passes or regional rail to simplify movements if you’re planning multiple cities on one trip.
Uncrowded, affordable, and alternative Christmas trips
When I want a low-key holiday, I look for destinations that trade spectacle for space. These options give lights and small markets without the crush of headline cities, and they stretch your money further.
Panama, Dubrovnik, and Malmö: Panama mixes beach time and carnival parades with far fewer tourists than Costa Rica. Dubrovnik’s winter markets feel calm along old stone streets. Malmö channels Scandinavian festival charm but with lighter crowds than Stockholm.
Hocking Hills and Helen: I spend a morning on frozen trails at Hocking Hills, then trade into Helen for Bavarian-style cheer and a Christkindlmarkt without big-city prices.
Thailand, Laos, and Morocco: I pick warm weather, low costs, and minimal holiday fanfare. Morocco may show hotel décor, but local life keeps a different rhythm.
Faroe Islands and Oman: In the Faroes I rent a cottage and embrace slow nights. Oman’s Six Senses Zighy Bay is my go-to when I want spa days and reset time instead of holiday to-dos.
- Pick midweek flights and smaller cities to save money.
- Use all-inclusive or local markets for cheaper meals.
- Route nearby countries in one or two legs to avoid time-zone zig-zags.
“Choosing quieter destinations lets me enjoy lights and markets at my pace.”
For more on avoiding busy holiday hubs, see where I find space and calm.
Smart planning tips: timing, money, hotels, and travel deals
Good timing, flexible routes, and layered packing make holiday travel feel manageable rather than frantic. This short guide shares practical rules I follow when I plan winter trips and book high-demand events.
When to book and when to fly
I lock flights and hotels by the end of October because prices often climb after Halloween. Mid-week flights usually save money, and flying on December 25 can be a real bargain if you don’t mind arriving later that day.
Airports get busy: TSA screened 77+ million passengers in December 2024. I arrive early, use TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, and avoid tight connections during peak times.
Stretching your budget
All-inclusive resorts like those in the Riviera Maya can control daily costs. City passes cut museum and transit fees, and market food often tastes better and costs less than sit-down restaurants.
- I stack deals with points, price alerts, and secondary airports or regional trains.
- I pack light for mixed climates, weigh bags before leaving, and reserve one open day for weather or last-minute finds.
“Book early, fly smart, and leave a little slack in your schedule.”
Conclusion
, In short: pick the trip that matches your mood and calendar. There is no one best route for a holiday—big city lights and bustling markets or a quiet small town can both feel like magic.
Use this post as a map. Plan time, set a budget, and mix a new city with a familiar favorite each year.
I find that people make the season: carolers, market vendors, and hosts turn decor into warm moments. Before you go, confirm reservations, double-check show tickets, and pick two restaurants to anchor special nights.
Grateful for snowy chalets and sunny shores, I hope you wander well-lit streets and keep something warm in hand.
