Destinations all around the United States and the rest of the world are feeling the spirit of the season as the loveliest time of the year draws near. It helps if there is gorgeous landscape, but the greatest places to go for the holidays are those that offer cheery décor and festivities that encapsulate the holiday spirit. Not to mention that you may have the ultimate December getaway with only a short drive to many of these great Christmas spots spread out across the nation.
These are the greatest locations to visit for holiday this year, from warm beaches to ski slopes in wintry wonderlands.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Take advantage of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s ideal skiing conditions and fun holiday activities this December. From December 23 to December 31, visitors can take part in family-friendly activities like New Year’s Eve fireworks. The opulent Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa and the ski-in/ski-out Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole are just two of the gorgeous slope side lodges available. Keep an eye out for the elk antler arches that frame the Town Square as you stroll through downtown Jackson because they will be decorated with white lights over the holiday season. Or you may plan a trip to the Granite Hot Springs Pool, which can only be reached by snowmobile, fat bike, dog sled, or on foot for a unique experience that embraces the hot and cold.
New York, New York
Christmas in New York City is unlike any other. Walking through a city decorated with sparkling lights and tall trees while sipping hot cocoa or finishing off last-minute holiday shopping is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can take part in cherished seasonal customs like the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes and the holiday bazaars.
Beaver Creek, Colorado
At Beaver Creek in Colorado, hit the slopes for the best winter wonderland experience. The holiday season offers fun family-friendly activities; see the resort’s calendar for a complete schedule of festive activities. Stay at The Osprey at Beaver Creek, a RockResort, which is only 26 feet from the closest chairlift and features opulent lodging and an outdoor heated pool, or reserve one of the 60 rooms at The Pines Lodge, a RockResort, which offers breathtaking views and ski-in/ski-out access.
Saint Lucia
Go to Saint Lucia if spending time on a warm beach with white sand is your idea of a “white Christmas.” From December 21 to January 1, luxurious Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort, provides a complete schedule of holiday festivities, including Santa visits, a traditional Christmas dinner, a New Year’s Eve beach party, and more. Of course, you may also spend your days relaxing on the lovely beach or taking use of the resort’s numerous services and activities.
Highlands, North Carolina
This holiday season, visit Highlands, North Carolina, for a quaint, small-town Christmas that feels like it came right out of a Hallmark movie. This charming village is one of the coziest locations to visit for Christmas because it is situated in the southern Appalachian Mountains, inside the Nantahala National Forest. With seasonal decorations and inviting lodgings, Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite hotels Old Edwards Inn and Spa and Half-Mile Farm give a ton of holiday cheer.
Solvang, California
If you can’t travel to Munich or London this winter, you can still experience what it’s like to be in Europe here in the United States. In the early 1900s, a group of Danes founded the little settlement of Solvang in California’s Santa Ynez Valley. They established this charming Danish village, now renowned for its European architecture and Danish enterprises. Solvang normally hosts Julefest every holiday season, complete with festive activities and decorations. Another option is to book a room at one of the charming boutique hotels in the city, like The Landsby or the Winston.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, one of the most idyllic places to spend Christmas and a favorite ski resort of East Coasters, is easily accessible from a number of significant northeastern cities. If you want a snowy Christmas, this is the best spot to go because the ski season begins here in November (and plenty of outdoor activities). For stunning mountain views and the only ski-in/ski-out access in town, stay at The Lodge at Spruce Peak.
Florida Keys, Florida
If you want to spend the holidays at a U.S. beach area, Florida Keys is a great getaway because of the nice mild weather in December. Visit islands while traveling through Florida Keys on your way to the renowned Key West. It’s a busy season to visit these lovely islands in December, so you might wish to choose a quiet stay at Sunset Key Cottages. Visitors board a ferry from Key West to the 27-acre island to reach this quaint resort. Upon arrival, you’ll discover peace only a short ride from Key West’s activities.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Any time of year is a terrific time to travel to Santa Fe. The city, which is well-known for its culture, culinary scene, and gorgeous surroundings, frequently conducts holiday festivities throughout December. Even local winter sports are available at Ski Santa Fe, a short drive away. Consider staying at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe, which offers a variety of holiday facilities, or reserve a room at the La Fonda on the Plaza to spend the night on the famed Santa Fe Plaza.
London, United Kingdom
Spending the holiday season in London has a certain enchantment to it. The city comes to life during the holidays with all of the glistening lights, Christmas markets, themed pop-up pubs, and numerous ice-skating rinks spread out from Hyde Park to the Queen’s House Greenwich. For a genuinely festive experience, book a night at The Lanesborough in London. The opulent inn features lovely holiday decor, in-suite Harvey Nichols shopping, and the choice to have your room entirely decorated as part of the hotel’s Christmas in Residence program.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Celebrating the holidays in Santa Claus’ hometown seems like a good idea. The Santa Claus Village and SantaPark are located in Rovaniemi, the Finnish Lapland region’s capital, and are where visitors may find Santa Claus as well as reindeer and other holiday attractions. The polar landscapes are blanketed with snow throughout the winter, and you may even be able to see the northern lights. Many hotels offer the renowned glass igloos as lodging, providing breathtaking views of the northern lights from your own room.
The Maldives
Visit the Maldives this Christmas season if you’d rather trade in your snowshoes for a swimsuit. Make the most of it by visiting the location that is at the top of many tourists’ wish lists because this can be the ideal time of year for an extended holiday in a far-off location. Both The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island provide opulent lodgings as well as family-friendly activities.
Bavaria, Germany
Visit this charming area of southern Germany during the Christmas season. Begin your journey in Munich, where you may have mulled wine while exploring the quaint city. Go skiing in the German Alps or find the Christmas spirit in fantasy tiny villages like medieval Rothenburg, but watch out for the creepy Krampus, a terrifying Christmas beast of local legend.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas is a well-liked destination for holiday tourists looking for sun and sand because it’s only a short journey south for East Coasters. The Bahamas offers a variety of lodging alternatives, from expansive resort communities like Baha Mar with seemingly unlimited amenities to more secluded private island resorts like T+L reader favorite Kamalame Cay.
