Introduction
December is a magical time of year, full of holiday cheer, cozy evenings by the fire, and glittering lights. It’s also the perfect time for a getaway! Whether you’re looking for a snowy escape or a festive holiday market, there are plenty of amazing places to explore in the United States this December. From must-see Christmas light displays to the best hot cocoa spots in the country, this article has it all. Read on to discover where to travel in the U.S. this December!
10 Must-See Christmas Light Displays in the U.S.
When it comes to Christmas light displays, the U.S. has plenty to offer! Here are some of the most beautiful holiday displays in the country that you won’t want to miss this December:
1. Macy’s Holiday Windows in New York City: Every year, Macy’s flagship store in Herald Square puts on a stunning holiday window display that features larger-than-life characters and snowflakes. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting NYC during the holidays.
2. The National Christmas Tree in Washington D.C.: The National Christmas Tree has been a beloved holiday tradition since 1923. Every year, the tree is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights and surrounded by 56 smaller trees, each representing one of the U.S. states and territories.
3. Zoo Lights in Chicago: If you’re in the Windy City during the holidays, don’t miss the annual Zoo Lights event at Lincoln Park Zoo. The zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with more than two million twinkling lights and festive decorations.
4. The Las Vegas Strip: Las Vegas is known for its bright lights, but during the holidays it gets even brighter! The entire strip is lit up with festive holiday displays and decorations, making it a great place to visit for some winter cheer.
5. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the most beautiful winter scenery in the country. During the holidays, the park is illuminated with millions of sparkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
6. Mission Inn Festival of Lights in Riverside, California: Every year, the Mission Inn Hotel hosts a spectacular holiday light display that draws visitors from all over the world. With more than four million lights and dozens of animated figures, it’s a truly dazzling experience.
7. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada: Red Rock Canyon is a stunning desert landscape that is particularly beautiful during the winter months. Every year, the canyon is illuminated with thousands of lights, creating a breathtaking display.
8. Gurney’s Montauk Yacht Club & Resort in New York: The Gurney’s Montauk Yacht Club & Resort is a luxurious retreat on the eastern tip of Long Island. During the holidays, the resort is decorated with festive lights and decorations, making it a perfect destination for a winter getaway.
9. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn, New York: This annual holiday light display is one of the most iconic in the country. Every year, the streets of Dyker Heights are filled with elaborate decorations, including giant inflatable Santas and reindeer.
10. The Miracle of Christmas in Branson, Missouri: The Miracle of Christmas is a stunning holiday light show held at Silver Dollar City every year. With more than four million lights and festive music, it’s a truly magical experience.
Five Snowy Winter Getaways in the U.S.
If you’re looking for a snowy winter getaway, the U.S. has plenty of amazing options. Here are five of the best places to visit this December:
1. Aspen, Colorado: Aspen is a picturesque mountain town in the heart of the Rockies. With its world-class skiing and snowboarding, as well as its charming downtown area, it’s the perfect place for a winter escape.
2. Breckenridge, Colorado: Breckenridge is another popular ski town in Colorado. With its stunning mountain views and bustling nightlife, it’s the ideal spot for a fun winter getaway.
3. Lake Tahoe, California: Located on the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a stunning alpine lake surrounded by majestic mountains. With its endless outdoor activities and charming towns, it’s a great destination for a winter vacation.
4. Big Sky, Montana: Big Sky is a small mountain town in southwestern Montana. With its incredible skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities, it’s the perfect place to get away from it all.
5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Jackson Hole is a picturesque valley located in northwestern Wyoming. With its stunning natural beauty and endless outdoor activities, it’s the perfect destination for a winter getaway.
Ski Destinations for a December Vacation
If you’re looking for a ski destination this December, the U.S. has plenty to offer. Here are five of the best ski resorts in the country:
1. Vail, Colorado: Vail is one of the most popular ski resorts in the country. With its stunning scenery, world-class skiing, and luxurious amenities, it’s the perfect destination for a winter vacation.
2. Killington, Vermont: Killington is a popular ski resort in the Green Mountains of Vermont. With its challenging terrain and family-friendly activities, it’s an ideal destination for skiers of all levels.
3. Mammoth Mountain, California: Mammoth Mountain is a popular ski resort in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. With its long runs and diverse terrain, it’s a great spot for a winter getaway.
4. Park City, Utah: Park City is a popular ski resort located near Salt Lake City. With its award-winning ski slopes and lively après-ski scene, it’s the perfect place to spend a winter vacation.
5. Beaver Creek, Colorado: Beaver Creek is a luxurious ski resort located in the Rocky Mountains. With its impeccably groomed slopes and upscale amenities, it’s a great destination for a winter getaway.
Exploring America’s National Parks in December
The U.S. is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Here are five of the best to explore this December:
1. Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming: Yellowstone is one of the most iconic national parks in the country. With its stunning geothermal features and abundant wildlife, it’s a great destination for a winter getaway.
2. Yosemite National Park in California: Yosemite is a stunning national park located in the Sierra Nevada mountains. With its towering waterfalls and majestic peaks, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.
3. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona: The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. With its stunning vistas and unique rock formations, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.
4. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado: Rocky Mountain National Park is a stunning alpine landscape located in northern Colorado. With its jagged peaks and abundant wildlife, it’s a great place to explore this December.
5. Zion National Park in Utah: Zion is a stunning national park located in southern Utah. With its soaring sandstone cliffs and lush canyons, it’s a great place to explore this winter.
The Best Holiday Markets to Visit in the U.S.
The U.S. is home to some of the best holiday markets in the world. Here are five of the best to visit this December:
1. Union Square Holiday Market in New York: The Union Square Holiday Market is one of the most popular holiday markets in the country. With its eclectic mix of vendors and festive atmosphere, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.
2. Christkindlmarket in Chicago: The Christkindlmarket is a traditional German holiday market held in Daley Plaza every year. With its authentic German food and handmade gifts, it’s a great place to find unique holiday gifts.
3. Denver Christkindl Market in Colorado: The Denver Christkindl Market is a traditional German holiday market held in Skyline Park every year. With its delicious food, unique gifts, and festive atmosphere, it’s a great place to shop for the holidays.
4. Downtown Holiday Market in Washington D.C.: The Downtown Holiday Market is a festive holiday market held in F Street every year. With its array of vendors and live entertainment, it’s a great place to find unique holiday gifts.
5. Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem in Pennsylvania: The Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem is a traditional German holiday market held in Lehigh Valley every year. With its delicious food, unique gifts, and festive atmosphere, it’s a great place to shop for the holidays.
Where to Find the Best Hot Cocoa in the U.S.
What could be better on a cold winter day than a steaming mug of hot cocoa? Here are five of the best places to find the best hot cocoa in the U.S.:
1. Serendipity 3 in New York: Serendipity 3 is an iconic restaurant in New York City. With its famous frozen hot chocolate and decadent desserts, it’s a great place to indulge in some sweet treats.
2. Ghirardelli Chocolate Company in San Francisco: The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is a Bay Area institution. With its signature hot cocoa and homemade chocolates, it’s a great place to indulge your sweet tooth.
3. Vosges Haut-Chocolat in Chicago: Vosges Haut-Chocolat is a chic boutique in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. With its rich and creamy hot cocoa and artisanal chocolates, it’s a great place to treat yourself.
4. Angelina Paris in Los Angeles: Angelina Paris is a chic cafe in Los Angeles. With its famous hot chocolate and decadent pastries, it’s a great place to satisfy your sweet tooth.
5. Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland in Seattle: Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland is a Seattle institution. With its signature Swiss hot chocolate and artisanal chocolates, it’s a great place to indulge your cravings.
A Guide to Exploring America’s Historic Cities in December
The U.S. is home to some of the most historic cities in the world. Here are five of the best to explore this December:
1. Boston, Massachusetts: Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country. With its cobblestone streets, iconic architecture, and rich culture, it’s a great place to explore this December.
2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Philadelphia is a historic city located in southeastern Pennsylvania. With its colonial-era buildings, vibrant arts scene, and rich history, it’s a great destination for a winter getaway.
3. Savannah, Georgia: Savannah is a charming city located in southeastern Georgia. With its old-world charm and enchanting moss-draped oak trees, it’s a great place to explore this December.
4. Williamsburg, Virginia: Williamsburg is a historic city located in eastern Virginia. With its colonial-era architecture, quaint cafes, and unique shops, it’s a great place to explore this winter.
5. Santa Fe, New Mexico: Santa Fe is a unique city located in northern New Mexico. With its colorful adobe buildings, vibrant art scene, and rich culture, it’s a great place to explore this December.
Conclusion
From must-see Christmas light displays to snowy winter getaways and ski destinations, the U.S. has plenty of amazing places to explore this December. We hope this article has given you some ideas for where to travel in the U.S. this December. Whether you’re looking for a festive holiday market or a cozy winter retreat, there’s something for everyone this season!
Happy travels!
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