<\/h2>\nIf you\u2019re anything like us, sometimes the best gift in December is a break from the cold. Trust us, we know after living in Toronto, Canada. Those winters are brutal. These are our favourite spots to find sunshine and warm weather, where you can trade your winter coat for a light jacket or even a swimsuit.<\/p>\n
1. Key West, Florida<\/h3>\n We love the laid-back, quirky vibe of Key West, and it\u2019s even more special in December. We have a great memory of biking around the island, seeing the historic inns draped in holiday lights, and then ending the day at Mallory Square for the sunset celebration. It\u2019s a perfect escape from the cold.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in December:<\/strong> This is the perfect time to visit. The summer humidity is gone, the weather is sunny and warm (often in the high 70s), and the risk of hurricanes is very low. The whole island is in a festive spirit, with unique events like the \u201cBight Before Christmas\u201d boat parade.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nWatch the \u201cBight Before Christmas\u201d lighted boat parade.<\/li>\n Take a ride on the Conch Train to see the historic homes decorated for the holidays.<\/li>\n Visit the Southernmost Point in the continental US for a classic photo op.<\/li>\n Go on a sunset sail to enjoy the view from the water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> We recommend finding a guesthouse or inn in the historic Old Town to be close to the action.<\/p>\n2. Maui, Hawaii<\/h3>\n We once went to a holiday luau in Ka\u2019anapali, and it\u2019s an experience we\u2019ll never forget. You\u2019re eating kalua pork and sipping a mai tai, watching a beautiful hula performance\u2026 and then Santa Claus arrives on an outrigger canoe. It was the perfect, uniquely Hawaiian way to get into the festive spirit.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in December:<\/strong> You get tropical weather, festive holiday luaus, and it\u2019s the official start of the humpback whale watching season. Be aware that this is a popular time, especially around Christmas, so prices can be high and you\u2019ll need to book in advance.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nGo on a whale watching tour to see the humpbacks arrive for the season.<\/li>\n Attend a festive Christmas luau, where Santa sometimes arrives in a red canoe.<\/li>\n Browse the holiday markets at Whalers Village in Ka\u2019anapali.<\/li>\n Drive the Road to Hana to see the waterfalls, which are often fuller in the winter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> Look to the resorts in Wailea or Ka\u2019anapali for a classic Maui experience.<\/p>\n3. U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas \/ St. John)<\/h3>\n\n
We\u2019ll always remember snorkeling the underwater trail at Trunk Bay in St. John. The water was so calm and clear, and seeing all the colourful fish felt a world away from the snow back home. That\u2019s the magic of a Caribbean trip in December, and the USVI makes it so easy for American travelers.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in December:<\/strong> It\u2019s the start of the dry season, with fantastic weather and warm, clear water. You get a full-on tropical, warm-weather Christmas experience, all without needing a passport.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nSnorkel the famous underwater trail at Trunk Bay, St. John.<\/li>\n Relax on the world-famous white sands of Magens Bay in St. Thomas.<\/li>\n Explore the Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins in St. John.<\/li>\n Enjoy the unique \u201cChristmas Second Day\u201d (Crucian Christmas Festival) celebrations, a local tradition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> You can choose from large resorts in St. Thomas or more eco-friendly villas and lodges in St. John.<\/p>\n4. St. Augustine, Florida<\/h3>\n\n
We were not prepared for how magical St. Augustine is in December. We took one of the Old Town trolley tours at night, and seeing the entire historic city, from the old Spanish architecture to the palm trees, draped in millions of white lights\u2026 it was breathtaking. It\u2019s a holiday light display unlike any other.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in December:<\/strong> The famous \u201cNights of Lights\u201d festival. The entire city is illuminated, and the mild Florida weather is perfect for walking around and enjoying the atmosphere. It\u2019s one of the most festive and<\/em> warm places you can visit.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTake a trolley or walking tour of the \u201cNights of Lights\u201d display.<\/li>\n Stroll through the historic streets and visit the Castillo de San Marcos.<\/li>\n See the city\u2019s Christmas tree in the Plaza de la Constituci\u00f3n.<\/li>\n Visit the St. Augustine Distillery for a holiday-themed tasting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> We recommend a historic inn or bed & breakfast in the downtown district to be within walking distance of all the lights.<\/p>\n5. Honolulu, Hawaii<\/h3>\n\n
While Maui is our go-to for a resort escape, Honolulu is where you go for a vibrant, city-meets-beach holiday. We loved seeing the massive Santa surfing with his reindeer in the fountain at the Iolani Palace. The whole city has this amazing \u201cMele Kalikimaka\u201d (Merry Christmas) spirit.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in December:<\/strong> It\u2019s the perfect blend of warm beach weather, world-class shopping, and festive displays. It\u2019s also a significant month for history, with the memorial events at Pearl Harbor.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nSee the \u201cHonolulu City Lights\u201d display at Honolulu Hale.<\/li>\n Pay respects at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial (especially moving around Dec 7th).<\/li>\n Watch professional surfers ride the massive winter waves on the North Shore.<\/li>\n Relax on the world-famous Waikiki Beach.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> Waikiki has a huge range of hotels, from historic beachfront properties to modern high-rises.<\/p>\n6. South Padre Island, Texas<\/h3>\n\n
If your idea of a winter getaway is to truly get away from everything<\/em>, the crowds, the noise, the stress, then South Padre is a perfect choice. We spent a week there, and our days consisted of long, quiet walks on the beach. It was a total reset and the perfect way to escape the winter blues.<\/p>\nWhy Visit in December:<\/strong> The weather is mild, and the crowds are gone. It\u2019s one of the warmest places in Texas and offers a simple, relaxing beach vacation without the high prices or holiday chaos of other destinations.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nGo birdwatching at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.<\/li>\n Visit Sea Turtle, Inc. to learn about their rehabilitation efforts.<\/li>\n Take a dolphin-watching cruise in the Laguna Madre.<\/li>\n Simply enjoy the quiet, uncrowded beaches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> You\u2019ll find many beachfront condos and hotels offering great off-season rates.<\/p>\n7. Phoenix\/Scottsdale, Arizona<\/h3>\n\n
We thought we knew desert holiday lights, but the \u201cLas Noches de las Luminarias\u201d at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is on another level. Walking the garden paths lit by thousands of hand-lit luminaria bags, with musicians playing, was a top-tier holiday experience.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in December:<\/strong> You get two trips in one: perfect, sunny weather for outdoor adventures like hiking during the day, and stunning, sophisticated holiday light displays at night.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nWalk through the \u201cLas Noches de las Luminarias\u201d at the Desert Botanical Garden.<\/li>\n Hike Camelback Mountain or explore the trails in Papago Park.<\/li>\n See the \u201cZoolights\u201d at the Phoenix Zoo.<\/li>\n Explore the festively decorated shops and galleries in Old Town Scottsdale.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> Choose from upscale resorts in Scottsdale or stylish hotels in downtown Phoenix.<\/p>\nBest Christmas Towns & Festive Cities to Visit in December<\/h2>\nSometimes, the warm weather destinations just won\u2019t cut it, especially if you are looking for that winter wonderland feel. So, this section is for travellers who want to dive head-first into the holiday spirit. These are the cities and towns that go all-out for December, with millions of lights, Christmas markets, and an atmosphere of pure magic.<\/p>\n
8. New York City, New York<\/h3>\n We\u2019ve visited NYC many times, but there\u2019s a specific energy in December. We grabbed hot chocolates and walked through the Bryant Park Winter Village, watching the ice skaters zip around the rink under the lights of the surrounding skyscrapers. It felt like being in the opening scene of a holiday movie. There is nothing like New York City at Christmas.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in December:<\/strong> It is the quintessential American Christmas destination. From the iconic tree to the world-famous window displays, the entire city is on a different level of festive.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/p>\n
\nSee the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and go ice skating at the rink below.<\/li>\n Browse the holiday shops and go skating at the Bryant Park Winter Village.<\/li>\n See the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes.<\/li>\n Admire the elaborate holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> Midtown is convenient for seeing the main holiday sights, but we also love the West Village for its cosy, neighbourhood feel.<\/p>\n9. Leavenworth, Washington<\/h3>\n\n
We\u2019d heard Leavenworth was a \u201cChristmas Town,\u201d but we weren\u2019t prepared for the reality. We visited during the Village of Lights festival, and walking through the snow-covered Bavarian-style village while every single building was covered in over half a million lights\u2026 it\u2019s not an exaggeration. It\u2019s the closest we\u2019ve ever felt to being inside a real-life snow globe.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in December:<\/strong> The entire town transforms into a \u201cHallmark movie\u201d Christmas village. It\u2019s a full-immersion holiday experience with carolers, festive food, and incredible decorations.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nSee the \u201cVillage of Lights\u201d (it\u2019s lit up all month).<\/li>\n Visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm to get up close with reindeer.<\/li>\n Explore the Bavarian-themed shops looking for unique gifts.<\/li>\n Visit the Nutcracker Museum, which features over 7,000 nutcrackers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> Book a Bavarian-style lodge or inn right in the village. You must book many<\/em> months in advance for December.<\/p>\n10. Asheville, North Carolina<\/h3>\n\n
We love Asheville, but visiting in December is all about the Biltmore Estate. We took the candlelight evening tour, and seeing the main banquet hall with its 35-foot tree, fireplaces roaring, and carolers singing\u2026 it felt like we\u2019d stepped back in time into a Gilded Age Christmas party.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in December:<\/strong> Christmas at Biltmore is one of the most iconic holiday events in the country. The city itself is a cosy mountain retreat, and the Blue Ridge Mountains are just beautiful with a dusting of snow.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nTake the Candlelight Christmas Evening tour at the Biltmore Estate.<\/li>\n See the National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn.<\/li>\n Explore the Winter Lights display at the NC Arboretum.<\/li>\n Browse the independent shops and galleries in the River Arts District.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> You can stay on the Biltmore Estate for the full experience or choose a boutique hotel downtown.<\/p>\nHere are the remaining destinations for the \u201cBest Christmas Towns & Festive Cities\u201d section, all written with unique, December-focused content.<\/p>\n
11. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania<\/h3>\n\n
We\u2019ve visited a lot of Christmas markets, but visiting the one in Bethlehem, known as \u201cChristmas City USA\u201d, just felt right. We sipped hot cider and browsed the stalls in the old quarter, and you can feel the city\u2019s 250+ years of Christmas tradition. The whole place is lit by the glow of a giant Moravian star on the hillside.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in December:<\/strong> This is<\/em> Christmas City USA. It was nicknamed this on Christmas Eve, 1741. It offers one of the most authentic and historic holiday experiences in the country, blending its Moravian heritage with a European-style Christkindlmarkt.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nBrowse the artisan stalls at the Christkindlmarkt, a large European-style market.<\/li>\n Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic, candlelit streets.<\/li>\n See the single, giant Moravian star shining over the city.<\/li>\n Explore the historic Moravian stone buildings downtown, which are beautifully decorated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> Look for a hotel or inn in the historic downtown area to be close to the festivities.<\/p>\n12. Solvang, California<\/h3>\n\n
Walking into Solvang in December felt like we\u2019d been transported to a Danish village during its Julefest celebration. We spent the day exploring the half-timbered buildings, windmills, and bakeries, all decorated for the holidays. It\u2019s such a unique and charming way to experience a winter getaway in the middle of California.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in December:<\/strong> The town\u2019s month-long \u201cJulefest\u201d (Yule-fest) celebration is in full swing. It\u2019s a one-of-a-kind Danish-style Christmas with parades, markets, and, of course, delicious European pastries.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nAttend the Julefest Parade and see the tree lighting ceremony.<\/li>\n Go on the \u201cNisse Adventure,\u201d a fun scavenger hunt to find the town\u2019s mischievous Nisse (gnomes).<\/li>\n Browse the Julefest Maker\u2019s Market for local artisan crafts.<\/li>\n Sample Danish pastries, like aebleskiver<\/em>, from the local bakeries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhere to Stay:<\/strong> Choose one of the charming Danish-themed inns right in the village to be in the middle of the Julefest activities.<\/p>\n13. Grapevine, Texas<\/h3>\n\n
We had to see the \u201cChristmas Capital of Texas\u201d for ourselves, and it did not disappoint. The entire historic Main Street is transformed. We loved seeing the vintage railroad, which becomes the \u201cNorth Pole Express\u201d for the month. They take the \u201cChristmas Capital\u201d title seriously; there are over 1,400 events in 40 days.<\/p>\n
Why Visit in December:<\/strong> It is the officially designated \u201cChristmas Capital of Texas\u201d. The sheer number of festive events, light displays, and activities is staggering, making it a top-tier destination for families and holiday lovers.<\/p>\nTop Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n
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