Contrary to what most of the people believe, even the United States celebrate Christmas with as much fervor as the European countries. Some cities and towns go out of the way to make the season bright by decorating the houses and streets with thousands of twinkling lights. And not to mention the towering Christmas trees.
Below, we have rounded up 20 of the best United States Christmas destinations for you, in no particular order.
1. McAdenville, North Carolina:
This small town, located at 20 minutes distance from Charlotte gets into the Christmas spirit from as early as mid-November. So much that this town is now referred to as the Christmas Town, USA. Around 6 billion people head to McAdenville every year, just to marvel the 4.5 million lights that dress up this hamlet.
2. Bernville, Pennsylvania:
Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville is considered a hot spot Christmas destination in the United States since 1948. Apart from the dazzling decoration, people gather here to visit the cottage dioramas, where they can meet our very own Mr. Claus. When in Bernville, you must try the American foods served at Judy’s on Cherry.
3. Hershey, Pennsylvania:
There could be nothing better than celebrating Christmas with chocolates. The chocolate special resort completely transforms during the holiday season. The two million lights set the amusement park in a vibrant glow. Your children are sure to enjoy cruising through the exhibitions of sculptors and illuminations.
4. Keystone Resort, Colorado:
This one looks straight out of a winter wonderland postcard. And it isn’t just pretty looking. Keystone offers a host of other exciting activities as well, like skiing and sledding. The restaurants here offer fine dining, buffet and casual dining options.
5. New York City:
The Big Apple is the ultimate Christmas destination in the United States. It boasts of several holiday traditions. For instance, the giant tree at the Rockefeller Center, the inauguration of which is celebrated by the musical performances. Radio City Christmas Spectacular is another tradition that scores big during Christmas. If you want to go the offbeat path, see the Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History.
Related: Top 10 Luring Restaurants of New York
6. Chicago:
This windy city has the perfect weather condition to present you a white Christmas. Besides it awesome weather, you have plenty of activities to indulge in, like enjoying the heritage of Chicago in Christkindlmarkt, which is filled with German special food, drink and decorative items or viewing the lights on the Magnificent Mile. Do not forget to check out the large Christmas tree set in the Daley Plaza.
7. Aspen, Colorado:
This Rocky Mountain Town, with its combination of elegant charm and lux lifestyle, is one of the merriest of all the cities in the United States. Wander along the Coope Avenue to try your hands at cookie exchanges, elves meet and greets and public s’mores roasts. Sounds cool, right? And for your stay, Little Nell, The Ajax Tavern and Hotel Jerome would be your best bet.
8. Vail, Colorado:
There’s a reason why Colorado tops the Christmas destination state in America. Vail is for the budding skiers out there. And for music lovers as well. Snowdaze is a fest, which celebrates the arrival of fresh snow with live concerts every evening. And Holidaze is the village’s tree lighting ceremony.
9. Leavenworth, WA:
This Bavarian themed town has an Alpine charm to it. The houses and streets shimmer with lights and the Christkindlmarkt spring with joy. Along with these, you’ll get to experience a week-long festival around the town tree, hand-bell concerts and of course, Gluhwein.
10. Woodstock, Vermont:
This place appears like it can happen only in postcards. You may have to pinch yourself to believe you are actually experiencing it. Buggies circling the village and horses parading the streets. You’ll feel that you’ve gone back in time. But the highlight is the Woodstock Wassail Weekend, where commoners and carolers gather for the lightning of the yule log and town tree.
Related: 10 Stunning Places To Visit In Canada
11. Beaufort, South Carolina:
If you are tired of the cold weather and want something warm for Christmas, you can head to Beaufort in South Carolina. This small town, located in the heart of the Lowcountry, celebrates Christmas in a grand way. The temperature here is as low as the 60s. So you’ll get to wear your summer clothes in winter.
12. Orlando, Florida:
Another warm destination for you to visit this Christmas. You can enjoy each of the attractions offered, without the crowds of summer. The Disneyland theme parks organize special attractions like “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas”, though it may require a special ticket. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade must also not be missed.
13. San Juan, Puerto Rico:
A quintessential American Christmas destination! You can experience the old-world style of Christmas celebration without having to leave the United States. You’ll have all types of lights, food and parties. The colorful El Yuque rainforest and the bioluminescent bay are something you must not miss.
14. Las Vegas:
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, even during Christmas. Las Vegas is slowly, but steadily moving on to become the hottest Christmas destination in America. The Fremont Street is decked in green and red and the Bellagio Fountains dance to the holiday special music. It has even reduced its pricing to make it more affordable for people. So now, you can get a lodging in Las Vegas for as low as $50 a night.
15. Boston, Massachusetts:
This city boasts of the strong American history. The trees are wrapped in white lights, and the 2800 gas lamps deck the streets and window sills. The highlight is the impressive Christmas tree located in the Faneuil Hall.
Related: 20 Wonderful Restaurants To Visit When In America
16. Tucson, Arizona:
You’ll witness fiesta of all kinds in Tucson in Arizona during the holidays. For instance, take the Southwestern version of the Nutcracker, where dancing coyotes, chili peppers and Calvary replace Sugarplum and other characters in the ballet.
17. New Orleans, Louisiana:
This city celebrates the holidays with a twist. It organizes a month long festival to celebrate Papa Noel, where every corner comes to life, with the glowing lights and candlelight caroling. You can spend your vacation taking a tour of the antebellum homes, catching a theater performance, listening to the sounds of caroling cruises and shopping along the French quarter. And do not miss the 12-foot long menorah at the Riverwalk.
18. Charleston, South Carolina:
Christmas in Charleston has a southern flair to it. You can enjoy eggnog spiked with bourbon and super yummy shrimp with grits. And how can we forget the beautifully decorated streets lined with shops. You just have to enter any of these spots to experience the southern hospitality.
19. Santa Claus, Indiana:
How can a city named Santa Claus be missed during Christmas? It all happened in the late 1910s, when a local postmaster began promoting the town as Santa’s residence. Soon, letters to Santa began pouring from kids all over the world. The festivities here include a candy castle, a themed parade and Santa’s Land of Lights.
20. San Diego:
Christmas is the migration time for the Californian gray whales. So if you want to check out the whales in all their might, head to San Diego, where whale watching is one of the free 25 activities offered during the holidays. And it’s a budget friendly town as well, with accommodations ranging from resorts, to hostels to hotels.
Related: Top 10 Places To Visit In California
How did you like our compilation? Let us know your favorites in the comment section below.