Man, December in America? It's like the whole country puts on its party clothes. Snowy wonderlands, sunny escapes, cities sparkling with lights - there's something crazy magical about traveling this month. But here's the real talk: planning sucks if you don't know where to go. Crowds? Weather nightmares? Overpriced everything? Been there, hated that. So let's cut through the noise and find those perfect December spots that actually deliver.
New York City, New York
Look, NYC in December is pure madness. But the good kind of madness, like a holiday movie come to life. Yeah, it's packed and pricey, but when you see Rockefeller Center all lit up? Worth every penny. I still remember freezing my nose off drinking hot cocoa there last year - totally cliché but man, that tree is spectacular.
Why December Rocks Here
The energy is electric. Holiday markets pop up everywhere, Broadway shows hit their stride, and every neighborhood feels festive. Plus, that crisp winter air makes walking everywhere actually enjoyable (well, until your toes freeze).
Can't-Miss Experiences
- Rockefeller Center Tree & Ice Rink: Opens late November. $25-38 for skate rental. Open 8:30am-midnight. 5th Ave between 49th/50th St.
- Dyker Heights Christmas Lights: Free walking tour of insane house decorations mid-Dec to Jan. Best 6-9pm. Take D train to 79th St.
- Radio City Christmas Spectacular: About $60-150. 1260 6th Ave. Shows multiple times daily.
| Category | Details | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Costs | $250+/night (Midtown) | Stay in Brooklyn for better deals |
| Getting Around | Subway $2.90/ride | Walk when possible - sights everywhere |
| Must-Eat | Junior's Cheesecake ($8/slice) | Skip Serendipity - tourist trap |
The Good: Unbeatable festive atmosphere, endless activities, great public transport
The Bad: Crazy expensive, huge crowds, freezing temperatures (avg high 41°F)
Personal gripe? Times Square on New Year's Eve. Did it once - never again. You're packed like sardines for hours with no bathrooms. Watch it on TV with hot cider instead.
Asheville, North Carolina
Okay, this one surprised me. Went for the Biltmore Estate but discovered this mountain town has serious chill vibes. Perfect if you want festive but not insane crowds. Their gingerbread competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn? Absolutely wild - some houses are bigger than my apartment.
December Perks
Way less crowded than big cities but still festive. Christmas at Biltmore is unreal, and the Blue Ridge Parkway has gorgeous winter views (if weather cooperates). Plus, brewery scene means you can warm up with local craft beer.
Top Activities
- Biltmore Candlelight Tour: $90-110+. Book MONTHS ahead. Opens Nov 3. 1 Lodge St.
- Gingerbread House Competition: Free to view. Omni Grove Park Inn. Nov-Jan.
- Blue Ridge Parkway Winter Hikes: Free access. Check closures first. Craggy Gardens best for views.
| Essential Info | Details | Local Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Biltmore Tickets | Daytime $85+ | Evening $110+ | Park free at Antler Hill Village |
| Average Weather | High 49°F / Low 29°F | Layer up - changes fast |
| Food Must | Biscuit Head ($10 meals) | Go early to avoid lines |
My Airbnb host told me about the secret Biltmore back entrance - saved me 45 minutes waiting!
Sedona, Arizona
Need to escape winter? Sedona's your spot. Red rocks dusted with snow? Chef's kiss. Plus, December crowds thin out after Thanksgiving rush. Hiking in 50-60°F weather while friends back home shovel snow? Priceless.
Why It Shines in December
Mild temps perfect for outdoor adventures. Holiday decorations against those red rocks create surreal photo ops. And the stargazing? Unreal when skies are clear.
Must-Do List
- Cathedral Rock Hike: Moderate difficulty. Free. 179 Back O Beyond Rd.
- Tlaquepaque Arts Village Lights: Free nightly light shows. Dec 1-31. 336 SR 179.
- Pink Jeep Broken Arrow Tour: $119/person. Dress warmly - open air! 204 SR 179.
Book jeep tours early! They sell out fast during holiday weeks. And bring gloves - desert nights get cold.
| Sedona December Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel Prices | $180-$400/night (resorts higher) |
| Getting There | 2hr drive from Phoenix Airport (PHX) |
| Best Free Activity | Airport Mesa sunset viewing |
Leavenworth, Washington
Ever seen a Bavarian village plopped in the Cascades? This place is bonkers. Half expect lederhosen-clad elves around every corner. Their Christmas lighting festival? Next-level cozy.
December Magic
The entire town transforms into a Christmas snow globe. Real snow guaranteed (usually). Festivals every weekend with carolers, nutcrackers, the works. Feels like stepping inside a holiday snow globe.
Top Experiences
- Village Lighting Festivals: Weekends Dec 1-22. Free entry. Get there early!
- Sleigh Rides: $35/person. Eagle Creek Ranch. Book weeks ahead.
- Nutcracker Museum: $5 entry. 735 Front St. Open daily 1-5pm.
| Logistics | Details | Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Book 6+ months in advance | Nearby Wenatchee has options |
| Parking | Shuttle recommended $5/ride | Downtown parking impossible |
| Must-Eat | München Haus sausages ($12) | Cash only at some vendors |
Honest take? The main street gets jam-packed during festivals. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder crammed. Go midweek if you hate crowds.
Sunny December Escapes
Not everyone wants snow angels. If beach > snowman, these spots deliver winter warmth without leaving the US:
| Destination | Avg Dec Temp | Key Attraction | Budget Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key West, FL | 77°F | Holiday Lights Boat Parade | Stay in Marathon for savings |
| San Diego, CA | 66°F | Balboa Park December Nights | Free museum entry during event |
| Honolulu, HI | 82°F | Waikiki Christmas Boat Parade | Use TheBus instead of cabs |
That Honolulu flight price jump in December still hurts my wallet. Book by August or suffer.
Snow Lover's Paradise
If you live for powder days and cozy cabins, these winter wonderlands top my list:
- Park City, UT: World-class skiing + Sundance prep events. Lift tickets $180+
- Lake Tahoe, CA/NV: 12+ ski resorts. Heavenly Village ice rink $35
- Woodstock, VT: Classic New England charm. Billings Farm candlelit tours $18
Ski resort lodging doubles in price Dec 20-Jan 2. Go first two weeks of December for deals.
Budget-Friendly Hidden Gems
December travel doesn't have to break the bank. These underrated spots deliver big charm without big costs:
| City | Why It's Great | Avg Hotel Rate |
|---|---|---|
| St. Augustine, FL | 4 million lights in historic district | $120/night |
| Taos, NM | Farolito Walk on Christmas Eve | $110/night |
| Frankenmuth, MI | World's largest Christmas store | $100/night |
December Travel Hacks I've Learned the Hard Way
After fifteen years of December trips, here's what guidebooks won't tell you:
- Flight prices plummet Dec 1-14 and Jan 2-10. Seriously, I saved $400 flying to Denver on Dec 5
- Always pack: Portable phone charger (cold kills batteries), microfiber towel (wet snow = misery), earplugs (thin hotel walls)
- Hotel trick: Call directly and ask about unadvertised December packages. Worked at Asheville's Grand Bohemian
- Rental car gotcha: Snow states require winter tires by law. Verify before booking!
FAQs: Best Places to Go in the US in December
These questions pop up constantly in travel forums. Here's the real scoop:
Where's warmest in December besides Florida/Hawaii?
Try Palm Springs (75°F avg), South Texas (Corpus Christi 68°F), or Arizona (Tucson 65°F). Surprisingly coastal Georgia stays mild too.
What's the cheapest festive destination?
Branson, Missouri hands down. Christmas shows from $25, hotel rooms under $80, and driveable for many. Decorations are over-the-top everywhere.
Best place for white Christmas guarantee?
Anchorage, Alaska (88% chance) or Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan (79%). Honestly? I gambled in Denver once and got brown grass. Stick to statistics.
Where to avoid crowds but still feel festive?
Smaller college towns nail this. Think Ithaca, NY with gorge lights or Boulder, CO with Pearl Street carolers. Enough sparkle without suffocation.
What's actually open on Christmas Day?
Big cities (NYC, Vegas) and ski resorts mostly. Small towns shut down hard. Always check restaurant hours - learned this starving in Savannah once.
Weather Wisdom
December weather varies wildly. Some hard truths:
- Rockies/Northeast: Expect snow delays. Always fly in a day early for critical events
- Pacific Northwest: Rain is guaranteed. Waterproof boots aren't optional - they're survival gear
- Desert Southwest: Days = perfect hiking weather. Nights = freezing (literally). Pack for both
- South: Can swing from 75°F to 35°F in days. Pack layers like an onion
Last December taught me this: check road conditions constantly. Got stranded outside Flagstaff for 8 hours because I ignored warnings. Don't be me.
Final Reality Check
Finding the best places to go in the US in December boils down to your tolerance for three things: cold, crowds, and costs. Want epic snow? Embrace freezing temps and premium pricing. Hate crowds? Skip NYC and hit secondary cities. Tight budget? Focus on driveable locations and shoulder dates.
After dragging my family to fifteen December destinations, here's my brutal ranking no one asked for:
- Most Magical: Leavenworth (if you tolerate crowds)
- Best Warm Escape: San Diego (balanced cost/activities)
- Biggest Bang for Buck: Asheville (festive + affordable)
- Most Overrated: Vail (unless you're made of money)
Whatever you pick? Book accommodations yesterday. Seriously. The good stuff vanishes faster than Christmas cookies.
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