10 Places To Visit In The USA In December - Updated 2024

Stephen
Stephen 
Updated
| 5 min read

The United States of America is the largest country with 50 states in North America sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the East. Popularly known as the land of opportunity, this is a country full of endless possibilities and blessed with beautiful cities that serve as hubs for tourists from all over the world. Many of its cities are major trade centers and boiling pots for different cultures as well as fashion, design, art, and vibrant nightlife. To discover attractions such as Hollywood and many more, read on to know more about places to visit in the USA in December.

1. Breckenridge, CO

Breckenridge Ski Resort from town
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jasen Miller used under CC BY 2.0

Positioned at the foot of the Rocky Mountains’ Tenmile Range and formerly a mining town, Breckenridge is a lovely town in Colorado popular for its Gold Rush history and adventurous summer activities. But it’s during the month of December and the winter season when the city is buzzing with activities because the skiing season is at its peak. Skiing enthusiasts and ice sport lovers come here to enjoy thrilling fun. The city boasts a number of wonder skiing sites that include Breckenridge Ski Resort, BreckConnect Gondola, Breckenridge Nordic Center, and the popular South Main Street among others.

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2. Winterfest Boat Parade


Boasting a number of pristine beaches and lovely boating canals, Fort Lauderdale is a dream city for boating enthusiasts and adventure seekers lying on the southeastern coast of Florida. It’s a vibrant city with a beautiful culture and a romantic coastal vibe. Blessed with beautiful landmarks such as Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and East Las Olas Boulevard, the city also boasts a variety of fun activities like gondola rides on the canals and the iconic December Winterfest Boat Parade. This is an annual extravaganza attended by people from all over the world to see amazingly beautiful boats of all sizes on a parade.

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3. Chicago, IL (from USD 79.0)

Hosted annually at Daley Plaza in Chicago, Illinois, Christkindlmarket is a one-of-a-kind Christmas market, a magical holiday event that is originally from Germany. This traditional event brings together the local community and more than one million tourists for an unforgettable shopping experience. Different vendors come to sell different products from all over the globe while treating guests to a variety of delicious international cuisines. There are different fun activities for kids as well as performances taking place. The atmosphere is vibrant with energetic music, glittering Christmas decorations, and enchanting scents of food offerings that will make you salivate. To preserve these romantic memories, don’t forget to grab a souvenir.

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Chicago Holiday Stroll and Food Walking Tour with Samples

Duration: 3 hours

54 reviews

4. Miami Beach, FL

Art Basel Miami Beach 2014
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Joyce at STPI Gal... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Are you an artist or an art lover enjoying a romantic December vacation in Miami Beach? Then you should count yourself a lucky person because you will enjoy the most amazing art experience of your life. Art Basel Miami Beach is one of the most important cultural trade fairs in the US. Both local and traveling artists come to Art Basel to showcase different amazing pieces of art and beautiful designs. People get to see original works of modern and contemporary art done by some of the renowned artists, both established and upcoming. The exhibitions include paintings, photos, sculptures, and films and many more.

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5. Newport Beach, CA

2016 Newport Beach Boat Parade 9 by D Ramey Logan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Don Ramey Logan used under CC BY 4.0

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat is a must-see annual holiday event that takes place in December. This magical undertaking brings together families and friends to have fun while partying, enjoying some mouthwatering delicacies, and sharing holiday pleasantries. Hundreds of boats, cruise ships, kayaks, and canoes that are lavishly decorated join in a dazzling floating parade as they traverse the vast Newport Harbor. You’ll be surprised to see some of the most exquisite luxury sailboats and yachts you’ve ever seen in your entire life. The event is glittered with lights and features beautiful animations, vibrant music, and comedy among many different entertainment events.

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6. Aspen, CO

Aspen
Source: Piqsels

Are you in the mood to party over the winter? Visit Aspen during the month of December and enjoy unforgettable experiences over a 12-day period of pure entertainment. This event kicks off from the 20th of December up to New Year’s Eve which is usually illuminated with amazing fireworks. During this festive season, the downtown area of Aspen turns into a winter wonderland filled with holiday fun and charm. The event features entertainment for all age groups including free ice skating, live concerts, and carolers. Kids will be excited to see Santa riding on the back of his reindeer. NYE fireworks finish off this wonderful extravaganza.

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7. Seattle, WA

Christmas Ships at Lake Union Park (21518456840)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Seattle Parks used under CC BY 2.0

The city of Seattle has had a unique way of celebrating their Christmas festive season that dates back to 1949. This is a unique Northwest tradition that brings families and friends to sing, dance, and celebrate the Christmas period together. This is a ship-to-shore event that features a Christmas ship, usually The Spirit of Seattle, which is illuminated by different dazzling white lights hanging all around the ship. The event also features different Puget Sound waterfront communities and Christmas choirs that entertain the guest aboard. Large crowds gather around the shores to admire this magical experience and enjoy some vibrant Christmas fun.

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8. New York City, NY (from USD 248.0)

Perched at the point where the Hudson River greets the Atlantic Ocean on the East Coast, New York City is a charming city, a major cultural center, and one of the world’s major commercial hubs. FromCentral Park and the Statue of Liberty National Monument to the magnificent Times Square, and Empire State Building, among other attractions, the city will always have something exciting to offer. There’s no better time to be in New York than in December when the NYE Celebration happens. This is a magical event filled with fireworks, vibrant live music, beer, wine, and a lot of dancing and partying all night.

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New York City New Year's Eve Circle Line Fireworks Cruise

Duration: 3 hours

104 reviews

9. New York City, NY (from USD 59.0)

The month of December and the Christmas season is usually a big event in many places around the world but it doesn’t get any bigger than in New York. New Yorkers usually celebrate annually with holiday markets and lighting up Christmas lights. No wonder the city is usually flowing with tourists towards the end of the year. The streets and shopping areas are dazzling with beautiful bright lights and lovely displays at different department store windows. You get the chance to interact with the locals and learn about the holiday traditions of the city. Enjoy a dizzying array of fun and entertainment.

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New York Christmas Holiday Lights and Markets Walking Tour

Duration: 4 hours

32 reviews

10. Anchorage, AK (from USD 225.0)

Sitting on the south-central part of Alaska, Anchorage, apart from being the largest city in the state, it’s also a paradise full of endless possibilities. This municipality boasts a myriad of iconic attractions such as Chugach State Park, Portage Glacier, and Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center among other breathtaking features. But what makes the city even more attractive to travelers from all over the world is the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights. Although you can view the aurora from any part of Alaska all year round, you get to enjoy the most dazzling aurora possible in Anchorage during the winter.

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Anchorage Northern Lights Tour

Duration: 5 hours

8 reviews

Enjoy the festive season in the US

The United States is a land of many opportunities and a whole heap of exciting cultural and traditional events making it an ideal destination for vacationers. From the magical aurora borealis and Art Basel to a variety of vibrant New Year’s celebrations, the above activities will leave you mesmerized during this exciting season.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Stephen is an avid content writer with a passion for adventure. He enjoys traveling and has visited several countries around the world. So far, South Africa stands out as his most exciting...Read more

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