Traveling during the holidays can be very costly, especially for families. This year, think bigger than spending your Christmas on a tropical beach or at a Disney park. Explore some of the most unique, extra festive places within the USA.
Here are some fun suggestions:
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Washington DC
- New York City, New York
- Lake Arrowhead, California
- Chicago, Illinois
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- Denver, Colorado
- Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- Branson, Missouri

Why You Should Travel in the USA During Christmas
There are many unique places to travel during Christmas in the USA. The advantages of traveling in the USA during Christmas are:
- There are less tourists than usual, which makes it easier to find affordable accommodations, especially in large cities like New York City or San Francisco.
- You can enjoy a good weather without having to leave the country.
- There are lots of special holiday-related events happening in different places around the country.
- You will get to enjoy delicious food that is specific to different states in America.
New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the USA, and it’s even more so during Christmas. Beautiful lights are everywhere, as well as other decorations and traditions that make this city extra festive.
Festive activities include: The annual Christmas parade with floats and marching bands, Christmas concerts featuring local artists, caroling around town with friends or family (and often joining up with others), and cooking classes where you can make your own holiday treats at home.
Washington DC

Have you ever wondered what to do when in Washington DC during Christmas? Well, there are plenty of places to visit.
The National Christmas Tree is a lighted tree in the Ellipse south of the White House. It’s decorated with over 50,000 lights and more than 3,000 ornaments and features an interactive light display that allows visitors to control it on-site. There are also special events throughout the year including a ceremony where they light up the tree every evening in December.
You can also see Zoo Lights at the National Zoo from November through January. This festive attraction features millions of colorful lights throughout eight acres of land with more than 100 sculptures created by local artisans and businesses.
New York City, New York

New York City has a lot going on during the holidays.
Rockefeller Center is a great place to see the Christmas tree, ice skate and enjoy some hot chocolate. The Rockettes perform every day at Radio City Music Hall throughout December. Fifth Avenue is lined with decorated shops and windows that are worth checking out. If you’re into art, there are plenty of museums open year-round that will be decked out in holiday cheer as well!
If you’re lookin for a more romantic getaway, take a look at “Awesome Experience Gifts For Vibrant Couples in NYC”
Lake Arrowhead, California – Santa’s Village

This quaint village has been a favorite destination for families since 1960s and offers a variety of activities for all ages. Enjoy sleigh rides, skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing and other winter sports on your visit. There are also plenty of rides for kids including roller coasters and water slides, as well as an indoor arcade, restaurants and shops at this ski resort.
Chicago, Illinois

You can’t go to the Windy City and not experience the magic of Christmas. Chicago is home to some of the most iconic holiday events in America, and they’re all within walking distance of each other. From stately buildings covered in twinkling lights to live performances on stage every night of the week, there are plenty of ways for you and your family to get into the holiday spirit. Here’s what you need to know:
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival—This event takes place along Michigan Avenue, one of Chicago’s main shopping streets. It features hundreds upon hundreds (upon hundreds) of white twinkly lights strung up over trees and storefronts along this section of town. You’ll be able to see all kinds of families walking around holding hands as they admire these beautiful decorations!
Macy’s on State Street—This department store offers free carriage rides through downtown during December so that people can enjoy all their holiday displays from above ground! And don’t forget about Santa Claus himself; he’ll be stopping by regularly throughout December so that young ones can tell him what they want for Christmas before it’s too late!
Williamsburg, Virginia

Williamsburg is a great place to visit during the holidays. You can find Christmas markets, shows, and festive decorations around town. The historic area of Williamsburg is filled with lights and holiday cheer as you walk through Colonial Williamsburg on your way to Busch Gardens for Christmas Town. This park will be decorated for the season with special events such as Santa Claus Parades, fireworks displays and more!
If you want to stay in Virginia Beach there are plenty of options including staying at Great Wolf Lodge where their indoor waterpark will keep everyone warm during winter months.
If that wasn’t enough holiday fun, head back towards Norfolk where Historic Yorktown has a number of activities happening surrounding Christmas including their annual tree lighting ceremony held on December 7th at 6 pm followed by some fabulous food trucks!
Denver, Colorado

Denver is a great place to visit for Christmas. Consider visiting the Denver Botanic Gardens, taking the kids to the Santa’s Workshop at the Denver Zoo, or going ice skating at City Park Ice Rink.
You can also enjoy Christmas events like local Christmas Markets, the WaterCourse Restaurant in Littleton, or if you are looking for something a little bit more festive try out one of their amazing hotels such as The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa. The hotel, located right downtown next door to Larimer Square, has charming shops, restaurants, and an outdoor ice skating rink!
Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a great place to visit during Christmas. It’s a ski resort, so you can do winter sports like skiing or snowboarding.
If you enjoy hiking or rock climbing, Gatlinburg is near the Smoky Mountains. The Smoky Mountains have beautiful scenery and this time of year they’re covered with snow!
You’ll also love the Christmas decorations in Gatlinburg!
Branson, Missouri

Branson, Missouri is a great place to visit during the Christmas season. This area is full of beautiful lights, shows and other attractions that will keep you busy all day long.
If you’re traveling with family or want to take your kids on an adventure this holiday season, Branson is a perfect place for that! It is also an ideal location if you are looking for inexpensive travel options as well as a short vacation spot. Another great thing about Branson, Missouri is it has plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking trails and biking paths so you can get away from all the excitement at night and relax in nature while enjoying some peace and quiet with your loved ones!
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