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23 US Cities That Go All Out for Christmas

By Caitlin Morton

Think of the phrase “Christmas in America” and you’ll likely imagine the usual suspects: giant trees festooned in twinkling lights, people of all ages caroling and singing “Silent Night,” ubiquitous tributes to the jolly man in red named Santa Claus, and gingerbread. Lots of gingerbread. But take a closer look and you may be surprised: Christmas celebrations across the United States can look very different, depending on the environment, local history, and present-day cultures of the people who live there. Not everything is a winter wonderland—in fact, maybe a warm-weather destination for the holidays is exactly what you need. Regardless of temperature, these 23 destinations are some of the best places to spend Christmas this year.

These places below are known for the ways they come alive at Christmastime: from the glitzy and glam festivities of big cities like New York or Chicago to the Santa-hats-and-shorts vibes of Santa Fe and St. Augustine. Of course, your Christmas vacation ideas in the US are far from limited to just these places. Here's one idea: Head out on a multi-destination road trip to check out some fantastical drive-through Christmas lights displays . And while there are a great many places to celebrate Christmas around the world , experience one Christmas in America and you’ll be a person changed for the better.

Here are some of the best places to go for Christmas in the United States this year, ranging all types of atmosphere and styles: from Kennebunkport to Las Vegas , from Dallas to North Pole, Alaska (note the missing the ). No matter where you choose, there are plenty of activities to participate in, events to check out, and places to stay. Happy holidays, y’all.

This article has been updated since its original publish date. All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Alexandria, Virginia

Why we go: Located about 20 minutes south of Washington, DC, Alexandria is a picture-perfect place to spend the holiday season. The Old Town’s row houses and centuries-old brick streets look even more charming when adorned with snow and Christmas wreaths, and you can expect a ton of seasonal activities. The festivities kick off along the Potomac River shoreline with the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (December 2 at 5:30 p.m.) and the annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade (December 3). Come Christmas Eve, try to spot Waterskiing Santa along the Potomac River.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Get a taste of the Christmases of yore at nearby Mount Vernon (George Washington’s former home), where you can take a candlelit guided tour, and enjoy some cider and cookies (with special events on November 24 and 25, December 1, 2, 8, 9, and 17).

Stay here: Book a stay at The Alexandrian, Autograph Collection , which is on King Street, in the heart of Alexandria’s shopping and entertainment area.

Asheville, North Carolina

Why we go: Asheville is easily one of the country’s best places to spend Christmas, offering all the light displays and holiday shopping—not to mention the perfect tucked-away location in the Blue Ridge Mountains —any vacationer could wish for. Some of the city’s seasonal offerings include a lit-up wonderland at the North Carolina Arboretum , and the 29th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn (on display from November 27 to January 2).

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Christmas at Biltmore Estate is just as spectacular as it sounds, with 100 hand-decorated trees, 10,000 ornaments, and 100,000 holiday lights drawing visitors through the new year in January.

Stay here: Cozy up in The Foundry , a hotel that opened in 2018 with a James Beard-nominated chef running its in-house restaurant. It’s Asheville’s best boutique hotel, filled with authentic touches—from lots of exposed brick to the restaurant’s modern spins on comfort food.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Why we go: This Christmas, visit the little town of Bethlehem—in Pennsylvania, that is. The city’s German-inspired Christmas City Village and Christkindlmarkt (November 17 to December 17) feature rotating displays by artisans, live music, and glass-blowing demonstrations. After stocking up on handmade ornaments and nutcrackers, take a carriage ride through Downtown Bethlehem to take in all the Christmas lights.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: The Winter Light Spectacular (through December 31) at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, about 30 minutes northwest of Bethlehem, features more than a million lights and illuminated scenes throughout the zoo.

Stay here: The Sayre Mansion Inn has warm and comfortable rooms, private six-course dinners, and beautiful Christmas decorations. If you want to venture out into the town, Lehigh University, St. Luke’s Hospital, the Steel Stacks Performing Arts Center, and the Wind Creek Casino are all nearby.

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Why we go: Normally, you wouldn’t expect an Arctic experience in southern Kentucky, but Bowling Green is shaking up the holiday game this year. The Christmas spirit is definitely alive at the city’s Reindeer Farm , where families can feed reindeer, watch holiday movies, and drink cocoa while writing letters to Santa. (There's even wine tasting for the grown-ups.)

The one thing to get you in the spirit: End your festive vacation at the SoKY Marketplace Ice Rink , an outdoor rink where you can skate with Santa and the Grinch.

Stay here: Opened in mid-2019, the Lodge at Olde Stone offers 12 cozy, Kentucky-inspired suites and a restaurant serving up Southern dishes. And if you’re a golfer, be sure to pack your clubs: the property boasts 9- and 18-hole courses onsite.

Jessica Puckett

Alex Erdekian

Branson, Missouri

Why we go: Sort of like a family-friendly little sister to Las Vegas, Branson pulls out all the stops every holiday season. The Ozark Mountain town transforms into a winter wonderland with 1,500 Christmas trees in and around town, ice skating under the Branson Ferris Wheel, and several drive-through light displays .

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Head straight to the 1880s-themed amusement park Silver Dollar City for the annual An Old Time Christmas festival. The party lasts until December 30 and includes 6.5 million lights, 1,000 trees (including an eight-story one), outdoor shows, parades, and, of course, rides.

Stay here: Chateau on the Lake is one of the nicest hotels in town, with beautiful lake views, a full-service luxury spa, and the Chateau Marina, where activities include fishing, water skiing, and tubing (though you may want to wait for warmer weather—or not, if that’s your thing).

Charleston, South Carolina

Why we go: Charleston is the perfect destination for any fan of the holidays, but not of the frigid weather that often comes with the season. There are plenty of Christmas-oriented events and festivities in the city that are fit for every type of tourist. Check out the Festival of Trees at The Charleston Place , where 16 Christmas trees, each one decorated by a local Charleston business or organization, will be on display throughout the beautiful hotel’s second floor. For something that sounds (and is) magnificent, catch The Sound of Charleston , where you can hear the music that tells the city’s story: gospel spirituals, music by George Gershwin, Civil War songs, and jazz. For something pleasantly aquatic, head over to the South Carolina Aquarium, which presents the dazzling light show Aquarium Aglow after the sun goes down on select evenings this November and December (be sure to say hi to “Scuba Claus” in the Great Ocean Tank).

The one thing to get you in the spirit: As far as classically Christmassy merrymaking goes, it doesn’t get any more traditional (minus the freezing temperatures) than the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park featuring a spectacular light show that features over two million tiny light bulbs.

Stay here: There are plenty of options in South Carolina’s beautiful port city: There’s the perennial favorite French Quarter Inn , which welcomes guests with a glass of Champagne and is just a few steps away from the famous Charleston City Market. Meanwhile, The Vendue , the city’s first art hotel concept, offers an ever-evolving experience—the hotel has a full-time docent and rotating exhibits. And for something classic, there’s Hotel Bennett , voted the very best hotel in Charleston by Traveler readers in the Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 ; its old-world grandeur and good ol’ Southern charm make this Marion Square hotel irresistible. (The place also hosts a holiday tea on Thursdays and Fridays until Christmas.)

Chicago, Illinois

Why we go: From its European-inspired Christkindlmarket (from November 17 to December 24) to light shows galore (there’s the Let It Shine drive-through Christmas lights display), Chicago knows a thing or two about embracing the Christmas spirit (and freezing temperatures). Can’t-miss activities include visiting the 51-foot Christmas tree in Millennium Park and cozying up in a heated igloo at The Godfrey Hotel .

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Be dazzled by 2.5 million LEDs at ZooLights (from November 17 through January 7), an annual light festival held at Lincoln Park Zoo. Check out the event’s calendar for sensory-friendly visit times.

Stay here: As far as hotels go, travelers truly have their pick of the litter in the Windy City. One top choice is The Langham, Chicago , housed in a landmark Mies van der Rohe building along the Chicago River. It's just a Chicago hotdog’s throw away from Magnificent Mile, where you can get all your holiday shopping done. For the sportier among us, there’s the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel , which has a strong local following for its historic lobby, indoor bocce, foosball in its game room, and the gem-like Milk Room bar, among other things. On the rooftop, and mostly enclosed by an atrium, Cindy’s cranks it up with large format cocktails, shareable dishes, and some of the best views of Millennium Park.

Dallas, Texas

Why we go: Proving you don’t need cold temperatures to get in the Christmas spirit, the holiday celebrations in Dallas put most northern cities to shame. Most notable is Holiday at the Arboretum (now through January 5), a Christmas village with millions of lights, a 50-foot tree with lights animated to music, and visits with Santa Claus. Elsewhere in town, you can drive through the Dallas Zoo Lights route (from November 17 to January 2) and skate next to the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree at the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center .

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Throw a few back at Miracle , a Christmas-themed pop-up bar that returns to Dallas this year at the cocktail bar Royal 38 in Uptown Dallas.

Stay here: If you really want a festive experience, check in at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek , where the grounds are beautiful and the food is so tasty, you could dine on property every night.

Denver, Colorado 

Why we go: Unwrap the magic of the holidays in Denver this season with special events and millions of twinkling lights. Enjoy a family outing to the Denver Zoo Lights , or a fun day of shopping and ice skating downtown. Get a dose of culture with a viewing of A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker (see the full calendar here ), then visit the Mile High Tree at the 16th Street Mall (it’s actually 110 feet tall, but that’s still pretty impressive).

The one thing to get you in the spirit: The Denver Christkindlmarket (one of the best German markets in the country) returns to Civic Center Park this winter, open daily now through December 23.

Stay here: The Crawford Hotel , a boutique property in LoDo’s Union Station, boasts Art Deco rooms, and the city’s most beautiful lobby. Soaring ceilings and sky-high chandeliers hang overhead, while oversized sofas and leather chairs create a casual and bustling “living room” frequented by travelers and locals alike.

Kennebunkport, Maine

Why we go: If you’re wondering where to go for Christmas celebrations unlike anywhere else, look no further. Every December, this tiny New England town bursts with holiday cheer during its annual Christmas Prelude ; check out the site and you’ll see a live countdown to the event’s start date—it’s that highly anticipated. It’s an 11-day bash that’s about as New England as it gets: one of the main attractions is a tree made of lobster traps. Speaking of, the legendary lobster rolls at hotspots like Scales , The Highroller Lobster Co. , and Miyake will make you forget about gingerbread and sugar plums altogether.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Santa Claus’s arrival at the Christmas Prelude on a lobster boat.

Stay here: According to this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards, Traveler readers love the 14-room Cape Arundel Inn & Resort for its oceanside location and restaurant serving up fresh seafood—and, unlike a lot of Maine resorts, it’s actually open during the winter months.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Why we go: If you thought Las Vegas was dazzling before, just wait until you see it decked out for Christmas. Basically, the entire Strip transforms into a winter wonderland full of festive events for the entire family. This year's activities include rooftop ice skating at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (beginning December 2), colorful displays outside The LINQ promenade , a 6-foot-tall gingerbread man at ARIA , and a massive holiday display—complete with a 42-foot Christmas tree—at the Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens .

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Catch an iconic show at the Fountains of Bellagio to see performances set to “Santa Baby,” “Carol of the Bells,” and other holiday classics.

Stay here: It’s hard to go wrong when it comes to the hotels on the Strip in Las Vegas , especially as each property tries to outdo each other—whether for the holidays or just around the year. That said, for a classic experience, stay at The Venetian . The whole place is so marvelously over-the-top that it doesn’t matter that it looks nothing like the real Venice . That’s not the point. This is Vegas, baby.

Nashville, Tennessee

Why we go: The Music City is all about the—wait for it—music during the holiday season. From November 10 through January 1, enjoy “Country Christmas” at Gaylord Opryland , with tons of Christmas shows, plus ice skating and acres of light displays. Or head to the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway and take the two-mile drive through Jingle Beat , a light show set to remixed versions of classic Christmas carols. And when in doubt, you can always catch a yuletide show at the Grand Ole Opry .

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Given the Christmas season, a hotel named Noelle seems as perfect a place as any to spend the season. Its Holiday Glow Package is a nice deal, but even cooler is its Ralphie’s Christmas experience, inspired by A Christmas Story, which features Oval-tinis and other seasonal bites (happening in the hotel’s Hidden Bar until January 8).

Stay here: Well, it’s obvious, isn’t it? Stay at the Noelle—officially Noelle, Nashville, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. It’s in the center of the downtown Nashville action, and its emphasis on art, design, and local artists and designers will help you get to know the city all the more.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Why we go: It’s no surprise that New Orleans leans into the holiday season, but we still get all tingly thinking about Christmas in the city. NOLA lights up with events like LUNA Fête , where the Central Business District around Lafayette Square fills up with installations and animated graphics from December 7 to 10. City Park also becomes a wonderland for the entire month with Celebration in the Oaks (November 23 to December 30), a festival with vendors, food and drink stands, and decorations adorning the centuries-old oak trees.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: The annual Christmas Eve lighting of the bonfires along the banks of the Mississippi River is a seasonal tradition that's as authentically “New Orleans” as they come.

Stay here: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans has lots of holiday offerings this year, including gingerbread house building and a four-course dinner on Christmas Eve.

New York City

Why we go: There’s no shortage of ways to make your New York City Christmas magical, whether it’s ice skating at Central Park, window shopping along Fifth Avenue, visiting the tree at Rockefeller Center, seeing the Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, or lurking around 34th Street hoping to witness a miracle.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Prepare to be incredibly and thoroughly overwhelmed (in a good way!) by the Christmas spirit in this Brooklyn neighborhood, which famously goes all out on the holiday decorations each year. Think candy cane lanes, giant snowmen, illuminated snowflakes, and too many glowing Santa Claus figures than the census can count. Lights go up after Thanksgiving and last through the New Year, so whether you’re driving through in a car or taking the pedestrian route, there’s plenty of time to take in the wall-to-wall displays of life-size nutcrackers, enormous twinkling trees, and lawn ornament reindeer. Big sleigh.

Stay here: Easy answer: The Plaza . If you've ever watched Home Alone 2 , you’ll recognize it as the hotel where young Kevin McCallister, while lost in New York, lived lavishly in a posh suite for the holidays. Fittingly, the hotel has a “Home Alone 2: Fun in New York” experience package, offered throughout the year, that lets guests mimic memorable moments from the movie. It includes a limousine ride all over the city to landmarks like Central Park and Radio City Music Hall, a large cheese pizza (to be eaten in the limo, naturally), and the Home Alone sundae, made to fit Kevin’s exacting taste (specifically: 16 scoops of assorted ice cream, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, M&M’s, brownie bits, chocolate, caramel, and raspberry sauce). If a more traditional Christmas is what you’re looking for, there’s also the “Suitest Season of All” package that comes with a seven-foot-tall decorated Balsam Hill tree placed directly in your suite.

Newport Beach, California

Why we go: The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is one of the longest-running holiday festivals in the entire country, celebrating its 115th anniversary this year from December 13 to 17. (To compare, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting has been running for 90 years.) The “parade” takes place in the harbor of Newport Beach, where yachts, boats, and kayaks have been known to show off up to $50,000 worth of decorations to millions of visitors.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: View the parade from Balboa Island , where the decorated houses threaten to upstage the passing boats.

Stay here: The nautical, all-American feel at Lido House, Autograph Collection fits in perfectly with the theme of the holiday events—especially with the addition of bright, colorful Christmas decorations in the cottages.

North Pole, Alaska

Why we go: Even though this North Pole is 1,700 miles south of the true North Pole, the quaint Alaskan town is 100 percent saturated with Christmas cheer. Most famous for the Santa Claus House (the self-proclaimed “official” home of St. Nick), the North Pole’s nominal spirit even extends to its street names: Snowman Lane, Saint Nicholas Drive, Holiday Road, and Santa Claus Lane, which has light poles shaped like candy canes. Just as adorable is the town’s post office, which gets flooded with tens of thousands of letters addressed to Santa Claus each year.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: The annual tree-lighting ceremony has plenty of photo ops with Santa himself.

Stay here: The North Pole Cabins are comfortable and warm log cabin retreats, located just a mile from the Santa Claus House.

Park City, Utah

Why we go: As if the world-class skiing isn’t reason enough to visit Park City this winter, the town also happens to be a wonderful place to spend Christmas. The former Olympic city has ample opportunities for skiing, fly fishing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding—with no shortage of resorts to warm up in between runs.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Hop on a 90-minute train ride with the North Pole Express at Heber Valley Railroad, where you can sip hot cocoa and meet Mrs. Claus.

Stay here: The 12-room Washington School House is just a hop away from Park City’s lit-up Main Street, and its Christmas decorations are some of the prettiest ever seen. In nearby Deer Valley, there’s also the iconic Stein Eriksen Lodge , a luxurious chalet with easy ski-in/ski-out access. And just 25 minutes from downtown Park City Auberge Resorts’ The Lodge at Blue Sky is a perfect place to unwind in luxury.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Why we go: Santa Fe’s already-beautiful plaza becomes downright magical with the addition of Christmas lights—but the holiday spirit doesn’t start and stop there. The city also offers midnight mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis de Assisi , holiday exhibits at the New Mexico Museum of Art , holiday flamenco performances at El Flamenco Cabaret , and seasonal shopping at the Winter Indian Market. Even when Christmas is officially over, you can keep busy at Taos Ski Valley and Ski Santa Fe —both just an easy drive away.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Santa Fe’s annual Canyon Road Farolito Walk , a Christmas Eve event consisting of farolitos (paper bags filled with sand and topped with a votive candle) lining the streets and walls of adobe buildings, is sure to get you in a pleasant and festive mood for the occasion.

Stay here: Condé Nast Traveler ’s Readers’ Choice Award favorite Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi has a tangible warmth to it, with gaslit kiva fireplaces and hand-carved four-poster beds adorning the rooms.

Seattle, Washington

Why we go: Aside from the delightful sight of a Christmas tree atop the Space Needle, there are plenty of reasons to visit Seattle over the holidays. Your one-stop shop for holiday cheer is Winterfest at Seattle Center (November 24 to December 31), which has family-friendly activities like train rides and ice sculpting demonstrations. There’s also a huge celebration just eight miles east of Seattle in the town of Bellevue: Snowflake Lane (November 24 to December 24), a nightly light show with caroling and snow machines ensuring a white Christmas.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Sheraton Grand Seattle ’s annual Gingerbread Village is probably Seattle’s most beloved holiday tradition, in which the city’s top architecture firms and culinary teams get together to create next-level gingerbread houses. This year’s event runs from November 21 to New Year’s Day.

Stay here: With its mountain lodge interiors, The Edgewater Hotel is one of the best places to cozy up in the Pacific Northwest. If you like to fall asleep while staring out at gentle waves glistening in the moonlight, you won’t find a better spot in the city.

Seneca Falls, New York

Why we go: It’s a Wonderful Life may have been shot on an RKO soundstage in Los Angeles, but the fine folks of Seneca Falls , New York, swear that their five-square-mile upstate hamlet is the inspiration for the real Bedford Falls . Each December, they host an array of old-timey activities to prove it. This year, the event runs from December 7 to 10 and will include special film screenings, gingerbread house contests, and museum exhibits.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: The “It's a Wonderful Bonfire” event on Friday, December 8, which includes caroling, a visit from Santa, and a tree-lighting ceremony.

Stay here: The Gould Hotel has elegant rooms and a restaurant serving hearty, local meals that will warm you from the inside out.

St. Augustine, Florida

Why we go: Christmas in St. Augustine is truly something to behold. The holiday season kicks off this year with the city’s annual Christmas Parade, then continues through January 28 with the famous Nights of Lights festival. During the celebration, St. Augustine glows with three million tiny white lights over the Bridge of Lions and through 20 city blocks in the historic district. Bonus: You can enjoy the whole show without wearing a coat and gloves, because, you know, Florida.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Climb aboard the Old Town Trolley’s Famous Nights of Lights Tour, which departs nightly from November 19 through January 28.

Stay here: The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens pairs all the charm of a bed and breakfast with all the amenities of a true luxury hotel. No little detail is overlooked, from interesting on-site activities (like watercolor painting in the courtyard) to immaculate turndown service. The hotel has an age minimum of 16, making this a great retreat for harried parents.

St. Louis, Missouri

Why we go: It’s been almost 80 years since Judy Garland first graced the world with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” at the end of Meet Me in St Louis , and the Missouri city has embraced its role as one of America’s yuletide capitals ever since. Make sure you hit all the classics, like Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo, the poinsettia show at Jewel Box in Forest Park , and ice skating at Steinberg Rink . For the third year running, there's even a Polar Express -themed train ride at the Union Station development.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Walk among a million dazzling lights at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s annual Garden Glow , which runs from November 18 to January 6.

Stay here: You can’t beat the glittering, Gateway Arch-facing views at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis .

Washington, D.C.

Why we go: There are few holiday displays in the nation that compare with Washington, DC’s National Christmas Tree, but other seasonal perks include private igloos at the Watergate Hotel, the Downtown Holiday Market (now through December 23), and a glorious absence of field trip groups in the Smithsonian museums.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Make it a priority to amble over to the Ford’s Theatre, which puts on an annual run of A Christmas Carol for the holidays.

Stay here: The InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C., an IHG Hotel , is just a few blocks away from the White House and National Christmas Tree, and offers a holiday afternoon tea and tons of gorgeous decorations. You’ve heard it a thousand times: “There's no place like home for the holidays.”

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25 Best Christmas Vacations in the USA

Whether your idea of the perfect holiday getaway is to be surrounded by snowy mountains, twinkling city lights, or sandy beaches, one thing is for sure: there are plenty of unforgettable options for Christmas vacations in the USA that fit your travel style!

In fact, there are many wonderful places to visit in December that choosing just one can be overwhelming (trust me, we’ve learned that the hard way).

Determined to take a festive getaway this December but aren’t sure where you want to go?

We teamed up with several other travel bloggers to create this bucket list of the best Christmas vacations in the USA, from classic white Christmas destinations to beach getaways that will have you pulling out your bathing suit and abandoning your heavy coat at home.

No matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for, there’s a US Christmas getaway here for you!

Table of Contents

Coolest Cities for Christmas Vacations in the US

Charming small-town christmas getaways in the usa, nature-focused christmas trips in the united states, best us destinations for christmas at the beach.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Washington D.C.

From Lara of Both Feet on the Road

If you are looking for the best USA Christmas trips, a visit to the National Christmas Tree in Washington D.C. has to be added to your bucket list!

For nearly 100 years, the lighting of The National Christmas Tree near the White House has been a tradition.

With famous singers, the enormous tree, and spectacular lighting ceremonies are a must for all Christmas lovers in Washington D.C.

However, even if you’re not there at the opening lighting ceremony, you can admire the gigantic Christmas tree from mid-December until the beginning of January.

The National Christmas Tree is surrounded by handmade Christmas ornaments representing all U.S. states and territories, and every night there are different musical performances around the tree.

The lights or on between 4:30 P.M. and10:00 P.M., so make sure you also visit in the evening for the best experience.

Besides ticking “visiting the National Christmas Tree” off your bucket list, there are a number of other great festive things to do in Washington D.C. around Christmas.

Including visiting one of the many Christmas markets, the festive lights at the National Zoo, the Georgetown GLOW, the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree, the Union Station tree, the Library of Congress Tree, The City Center Tree, or the Botanic Garden Tree.

All of these and more feature beautiful festive decorations to help you get in the holiday spirit!

Where to Stay in Washington DC

• CitizenM Capitol : Another stunning example of CitizenM hotels is this location in Washington DC Capitol. Expect all the style and comfort these hotels are known for.
• Riggs Washington DC : Located in the former home of Riggs National Bank this iconic building is now home to a classic and beautiful hotel. Rooms are huge and comfortable and offer views of Penn Quarter.

Chicago, Illinois

From Diana of Travels in Poland

Chicago is a beautiful place to visit for Christmas in the United States. 

As a city that tends to be quite cold in the winter, the chances of snowfall or cold weather are pretty much guaranteed. 

The city itself goes all out in creating a festive atmosphere for its residents as well as out-of-town visitors.

Chicago has an official tree lighting ceremony at Millenium Park every year. Typically the tree lighting is accompanied by musical performances. 

Millennium Park is also a short walk away from the German Christkindlmarket at the Daley Plaza which mirrors Christmas markets in Germany. 

There are dozens of booths, representing different parts of Germany in food and artisan items.

Chicago also has ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo as well as the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. 

The latter has about one million lights adorning Michigan Avenue and creates an illuminated atmosphere during the Christmas season.

Not too far away is the Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier where visitors can experience a festive and decorated pier with numerous holiday attractions geared towards kids and families. 

The Museum of Science and industry also hosts an exhibition where trees are decorated to showcase the way other countries and cultures celebrate the holidays. 

Regardless of what one may choose to do, being in Chicago during Christmas is magical and an experience unlike anywhere else.

Where to Stay in Chicago, Illinois

• CitizenM: Stylish, colorful, trendy, and ultimate comfort. This hotel on the Chicago Loop is the perfect spot for your winter in Chicago.
• Hotel Felix: Located in River North this modern hotel is a great choice for your trip. Rooms are earthy and comfortable, and you are a short distance from Chicago Theatre, perfect for getting home easily after an evening show.

New York, New York

From Anisa of Two Traveling Texans

New York City does Christmas better than any other city in the world. 

The fabulous decorations, holiday markets, ice skating rinks, and special events all over the city are worth the trip: if NYC can’t put you in the holiday spirit nothing will!

When it comes to decorations, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is the most famous, but you should also check out the holiday windows at the big department stores like Saks, Macy’s, and Bergdorf. 

If you want to venture outside Manhattan, the residents of the Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn go all out with decorating their homes!

If you are looking to buy gifts, check out the Bryant Park Holiday Market.  You will find lots of boutique shops, delicious food, and even ice skating. 

Speaking of ice skating, there are several rinks in Manhattan.  The Rockefeller Center rink will generally be the most crowded, but you can also go to the one in Central Park.

One of the most popular Christmas traditions in NYC is the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. The dancing and special effects are inspiring. 

Another special event is the Holiday Train Show at the NY Botanical Gardens. You can see miniature versions of many iconic landmarks. 

This is just the tip of the iceberg, there is so much to see in New York during the holiday season . 

Where to Stay in New York

• The Plaza Hotel : For a memorable place to stay, this is one of the most classic and luxurious hotels in New York. It is located right by Central Park, the Rockefeller Center, and some of NYC’s most popular museums.
• The Renwick: Offering stylish residential style accommodation, this beautiful hotel is equipped with plenty of amenities and high class comfort. It is also a short walk to the Empire State Building and Bryant Park for exploring.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

From Stephanie of Oklahoma Wonders

Oklahoma City might not be the first place you think of for a Christmas getaway, but there are a lot of special winter activities that take place here during the holiday season.

If you love theater and ballet, your first stop should be the Civic Center Music Hall to see the Oklahoma City Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker.

This show tends to sell out early, so make sure to buy your tickets in advance.

If you’re after beautiful Christmas lights, head to “Downtown in December” which is one of Oklahoma City’s most popular festivals .

This event also includes an outdoor ice skating rink, snow tubing, and free rides on the water taxi in the Bricktown Canal, as well as one-off parties like the tree lighting ceremony and Mistletoe Market. 

You can also see great Christmas Lights in Nichols Hills. If it’s a White Christmas, add a drive around Lake Hefner.

If you’re a sports fan, you’ll love attending a game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena to see the Oklahoma City Thunder.

OKC’s NBA team is often selected to play on Christmas Day, but even if they aren’t at home on Christmas you can typically see a game in the days before or after Christmas.

If you’re in town on New Year’s Eve, you can head down to Bricktown’s Opening Night Festival, the most popular New Year’s Eve party in the state.

Boston, Massachusetts

New England’s largest city is absolutely beautiful year-round, but during the holiday season, Back Bay sparkles a little brighter (with seemingly endless rows of Christmas lights), the already-stately brick homes of Beacon Hill are given a festive facelift, and Christmas trees dot the city.

You’ll definitely want to pack your warmest clothes and heaviest coat to explore Boston in winter, but the city’s incredible beauty shines bright in December, making Boston one of the best Christmas vacations in the United States.

While you’re there, be sure to go ice skating in City Hall Plaza, check out the Boston Pops holiday show, and, if you’re into the classics, the Boston Opera House’s gorgeous Nutcracker performance.

It’s hard to say where the best Christmas light displays are in the city–there are simply too many impressive neighborhoods to count–but the Boston Common, Fanueil Hall, Quincy Market, the North End, and of course, Back Bay and Beacon Hill as mentioned above, all deserve a wander.

And, of course, many of the classic things to do in Boston , from exploring the Freedom Trail to museum-hopping, are still a delight (if a bit chilly) in December.

Where to Stay in Boston

• Found Hotel Boston Common: This boutique hotel in the Theatre District is perfect for exploring Boston. Rooms are bright and comfortable, and there is access to public transport a short walk from the hotel.
• Revere Hotel Boston Common: Also in the Theatre District and close to Boston Common is this stylish hotel with a stunning rooftop terrace and bar, perfect for crisp afternoon drinks. Rooms are spacious and have a coffee machine for those of you who need coffee the moment you wake up.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

From Derek of Robe-Trotting

Philadelphia is a wonderful city break to turn into a festive USA Christmas trip.

During the holiday season, Philadelphia comes alive with decorations and lights on every street. A Christmas Market springs up in LOVE Park, a wonderful photo spot all year long, as well as on City Hall’s Dilworth Plaza.

There’s a gorgeous Christmas tree in the City Hall courtyard and an ice-skating rink and hot chocolate stand on the plaza.

Another great destination is the ice-skating rink and Christmas vendors around Penn’s Landing. It’s larger and often less crowded than the City Hall festivities.

Another great stop for Christmas fun in Philly is the Macy’s Department Store on Market Street. Inside you’ll find the normal holiday shopping, but on the third floor is Dicken’s Christmas Village.

It’s a self-guided tour of animatronic scenes from Charles Dicken’s classic, A Christmas Carol. There is also a light show and, of course, Santa Claus himself to entertain the whole family.

If you have more time in the city, explore festivities with some  day trips from Philadelphia .

About 30 minutes outside of the city you can visit Longwood Gardens for its seasonal Christmas displays.

Longwood Gardens is a massive botanical gardens complex that celebrates the art of horticulture.

For the Christmas season, they dazzle with lights, poinsettias, and even festive performances.

If you drive about two hours west, you can visit the Sweet Holiday Celebration at Hershey Park.

The beautiful amusement park reopens for Christmas with rides and a beautiful light display.

Whether you’re downtown or just outside of the city, Philadelphia is a festive place to visit for the Christmas season.

Where to Stay in Philadelphia

• Morris House Hotel : Located right by Washington Square and a short walk from Independence Hall, Morris House Hotel is both a National Historic Landmark dating to the 18th century and a popular boutique hotel!
• Home2Suites By Hilton : The Home2Suites concept of combining the appeal of a hotel and an Airbnb into one property was excellent (our spacious room had a kitchenette), and the customer service is great.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From Paulina of Paulina on the Road

One of my favorite Christmas trips in the US is exploring the largest city in Wisconsin: Milwaukee!

Already throughout the year, Milwaukee has plenty of things to offer to its visitors.

From spectacular museums such as the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Harley Davidson Museum and great restaurants….there is something to do in Milwaukee for every type of traveler.

During the holiday season the entire city lightens up and it’s just the perfect setting for long walks. 

Some of the  best things to do in Milwaukee during winter include taking a brewery tour, going Christmas shopping in Mayfair Mall, and visiting Milwaukee Winter Farmer’s Market. 

The mission of the Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market is to connect neighborhoods to fresh, local food – from farm to market to table.

The Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market brings together about 50 weekly vendors in the Mitchell Park Domes. The best thing is that you can taste some homemade dishes, too!

If you want to learn more about Milwaukee’s brewing tradition, you might consider doing a brewery tour of some of the best ones.

Milwaukee’s most famous breweries include (but aren’t limited to!), Pabst Brewing Company, Miller Brewing Company, or Sprecher Brewing Company.

It’s a must on any trip to Milwaukee, at Christmas, or any other time of year.

Where to Stay in Milwaukee

• The Plaza Hotel : If you’re looking for a memorable place to stay, this is a great choice for your stay in Milwaukee. The Plaza is conveniently located midway between Lake Michigan and the Downtown Riverwalk, so it’s within walking distance of many of Milwaukee’s top attractions. The rooms also have full-sized kitchens to give you more dining options during your vacation.
• The Pfister Hotel: For stunning old world charm and a Victorian art collection on site this is the hotel to book. The entrance way is spectacular and the charming martini bar on the 23rd floor is historic. Many rooms also have views of Lake Michigan.

Los Angeles

From Jodie of Ala Jode

Combining beaches, city life, and fun for the whole family, Los Angeles is a great place to enjoy a Christmas holiday getaway.

The weather in southern California in December is mild and sunny, making it a great time of year to visit, and LA boasts some of the best weather in the state.

Despite the sunny weather, your trip to LA won’t be lacking any festive spirit.

The city knows how to do Christmas in style (what else would you expect from the home of Hollywood?), and puts on a real show. 

As well as the Christmas spectaculars put on by local theme parks, LA has a number of Christmassy events to enjoy.

Little ones will love riding the Holiday Light Festival Train in Griffith Park, while all ages can enjoy the Christmas lights that stretch from Beverly Hills to West Hollywood.  

For foodies, you can also enjoy one of the many Christmas Eve menus available around the city.

If you’re traveling to Los Angeles as a group, the annual Christmas pub crawl is a must!

It’s completely free to join and will take you to some of the best restaurants and bars along Long Beach – just make sure you bring your ID (and your Santa costume!).

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

• Hotel Erwin: With views over the Pacific Ocean and Venice Beach Boardwalk, you will be hard pushed to find a hotel with more iconic views. Rooms are stylish and comfortable and most have balconies to take in the views. You can also lounge in the rooftop bar for a dreamy LA afternoon.
• Palihotel Melrose: For something a little more city based this beautiful hotel in Hollywood spares no expense in charming details, homey comforts and stunning decor. The location is also excellent in the heart of the Melrose Shopping District.

Detroit, Michigan

From Chelsea of The Portable Wife

Detroit may not be at the top of everyone’s travel bucket list, but it’s a truly magical city to visit at Christmastime.

Between the vibrant downtown events, enchanting historic village, and a high chance of snow, you won’t regret a Christmas trip to the Motor City.

Downtown Detroit has undergone a large-scale revitalization in the past decade, with the Campus Martius area getting a major makeover.

This award-winning urban park transforms into a winter wonderland in December, with open-air ice skating, artisan craft stalls, and a towering Christmas tree.

The surrounding streets are also lined with twinkling lights and illuminated branches, making a simple evening stroll into a festive experience.

Just outside the city center lies Greenfield Village, the famous living history museum depicting how Americans have lived and worked since the late 1700s.

While nearly two million tourists come here every year to see historical places like Henry Ford’s home and the Wright Brothers’ bicycle shop, the Holiday Nights event draws in the Christmas crowd.

Every weekend in December, Greenfield Village dials the holiday magic up to 11.

Visitors can step back in time as they ride in decorated Model T cars, pass by carolers dressed in historical outfits, and skate beneath the stars.

All of the historic buildings are decked out in garland and lights, and the smell of roasted chestnuts wafts through the air.

It’s one of the closest places you can get to a European winter break   without leaving the country!

San Antonio, Texas

From Ketki of Dotted Globe

San Antonio , located in southern Texas, is famous for its rich history and Spanish colonial heritage.

It is home to many Spanish frontier missions including the famous Alamo, the beautifully landscaped Riverwalk, and many famous museums.

The city has amazing markets including the Farmer’s Market in Pearl District and the Historic Market Square which has a variety of Hispanic goods.

San Antonio is also a great destination for a family vacation, featuring much-loved spots like Six Flags: Fiesta Texas and the San Antonio Zoo.

While San Antonio is a year-round destination, it is especially lovely to visit San Antonio in winter , when the Riverwalk trees and bridges are decorated with a million lights.

There is nothing more romantic than taking a stroll along the Riverwalk during this wonderful time of the year.

The Riverwalk restaurants have music and great Mexican food while the neon-lit riverboats add to the ambiance.

Christmas magic is present all over the city and even the horse carriages near the Alamo are decorated with fairy lights.   

Don’t miss the many holiday lights at the UNESCO-listed San Antonio Missions or 18th-century San Fernando Church, either.

Leavenworth, Washington

From Marissa of Postcards to Seattle

When you’re looking for a getaway around the holidays, head right to Washington State’s small town of Leavenworth.

Located in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, you’ll feel like you’ve gone to Germany with the Bavarian theme here.

All the storefronts have a European feel to them, and you’ll be delighted to find multiple sausage stands and beer gardens.

Christmas is the best time to visit Leavenworth , as the entire town is decorated in lights.

You can find traditional German music and Christmas carols playing with musicians dressed in Lederhosen during the weekends.

Mulled wine and spiced nuts are also sold this time of year for a special treat that makes you feel like you’re visiting traditional German Christmas markets.

Kids will love sledding down the hill in the middle of town during the day.

You can also visit the Gingerbread Factory and the Nutcracker Museum to take home a few souvenirs.

Speaking of nutcrackers, the whole family can go on a nutcracker hunt during this time of year to find a list of nutcrackers hiding around the museum.

You won’t want to miss out on visiting Leavenworth in the winter .

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

From Darcy of Plan, Ready, Go

Christmas is a great time to visit Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia.

Colonial Williamsburg is the world’s largest living history museum, and they pull out all the stops at Christmas.

Not only is the entire historic center of the town beautifully decorated for the holidays, but there are also many special Christmas events to choose from to fill out your Colonial Williamsburg itinerary .

Colonial Williamsburg Christmas events include the Grand Illumination held on the first Sunday of each December in addition to a host of special concerts, historical re-enactments, dramatic presentations, special guided tours, and more.

Many of the special events are free though there are some that require the purchase of additional tickets.

Detailed information about each event is always available on the Colonial Williamsburg website , or you can stop by the Visitor’s Center for a complete schedule of each day’s events and activities.  

Although the hours are limited, the historic center of the town is open on Christmas Day.

There are a wide variety of special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meal options hosted at the Colonial Williamsburg resorts and historic taverns such as the Christmas Day brunch buffet at the Williamsburg Lodge.

Helen, Georgia

Situated in Georgia’s idyllic Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen, Georgia offers a taste of Bavaria in the heart of the American South!

Featuring Alpine architecture and an outsized list of things to do ranging from browsing the boutiques and shops along Main Street to hiking along the Chattahoochee River, Helen makes for a quirky, charming, and unforgettable Christmas holiday destination.

It has even been used as a filming location in a few Lifetime Christmas movies (and likely in more to come)!

Dreaming of visiting German Christmas markets but not able to make it across the pond this year?

Head to Helen, where 2 weekends feature a traditional German Christmas market, perfect for doing your shopping and eating plenty of treats.

And, while the weather will be cold enough that it will feel like Christmas, you won’t need more than a warm coat to comfortably visit outdoor attractions like Anna Ruby Falls.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

From Tori of Tori-Leigh.com

A little over an hour away from both New York City and Philadelphia , Bethlehem sits in Pennsylvania’s gorgeous Lehigh Valley.

Affectionately known as Christmas City, Bethlehem is an absolute must for anyone looking for a Christmas-inspired trip in America.

Take a day trip or spend the weekend and enjoy Christmas markets, holiday shopping, festive treats, drinks, decor, and more.

There is no shortage of magic and festivities when visiting Bethlehem, Pennsylvania during the Christmas holiday season.

Though small, downtown Bethlehem truly captures the magic of Christmas.

Visitors can peruse Christmas City Village, an outdoor market with handmade goods and European-inspired fare.

Stroll the city’s cobblestone streets or take a narrated carriage ride through the historic city, tree displays, and twinkling lights.

Don’t skip the iconic Moravian Bookstore, the oldest continually operated bookstore in the country.

Pay a visit to (or even spend the night at) Historic Hotel Bethlehem , which displays over 35,000 lights and decorations during the holidays.

A short way from downtown, tourists and locals alike flock to Christkindlmarkt, a German-inspired Christmas market set behind the famous Bethlehem SteelStacks.

Listen to live Christmas music, enjoy demonstrations such as glass-blowing, or finish up holiday shopping.

Look no further than Bethlehem, PA, America’s very own Christmas City, for a charming holiday getaway.

Asheville, North Carolina

From Stephanie of Explore More Clean Less

Asheville, North Carolina is a quiet, quirky city with stunning mountain views and wonderful Christmas events!

Weather is typically mild and snow is rare, making it a nice escape from northern winds.

The city’s main tourist attraction, the Biltmore Estate , goes all out with a replica gingerbread house and more than 55 decorated trees throughout the house and grounds.

There are special tickets for candlelight tours with live choral singers but visiting during the day is special too!

The North Carolina Arboretum puts up a huge winter lights display that makes for a lovely night (but buy tickets early!) drinking hot cocoa.

Strolling through the garden is extra special when it’s decorated with over half a million twinkling lights in different, creative displays.

Kids will love the festive model train and free crafts to make while watching the animatronic winter animal show!

Downtown Asheville puts up lots of lights while musicians play holiday music on the street, perfect for dinner and a stroll before you check out the famous National Gingerbread House Competition at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn !

Browse the content entries from young kids up through professional adults after you grab some cookies from the life-size gingerbread house concession stand.

The mild weather won’t keep you from hiking to see waterfalls or mountain views, so be sure to pack a hat and make time to take an  easy hike around Asheville  before you head home.

Or, if you want to see if you get lucky and are able to see some snow, consider extending your trip and heading up to one of North Carolina’s mountain towns that sits at a higher altitude.

The Rocky Mountains, Colorado

From Meg of Fox in the Forrest

When it comes to beautiful mountain scenery, it doesn’t get much better than the Colorado Rockies.

Of course, you can find world-class skiing and snowboarding at one of Colorado’s many ski resort towns.

However, there are lots of other activities to enjoy when you need a break from the slopes.

Enjoy one of the many beautiful Colorado winter hikes , take a dip in a famous hot spring, visit one of the state’s 4 national parks, or take a snowmobiling tour.

There are lots of different mountain towns that make the perfect place to spend Christmas in Colorado.

For those that like an upscale feel, check out Vail or Aspen.

There’s plenty of family-friendly fun to be had at Winter Park, Copper Mountain, Keystone Resort, and Steamboat Springs.

Those that want plenty of options simply must base themselves out of Frisco or Dillion where you can access Loveland Ski Area, Arapaho Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, and more.

There’s no wrong answer when it comes to spending Christmas in Colorado.

With so many different places to choose from, you’ll find plenty of winter-filled adventures that are suitable for almost any budget.

If you love having a white Christmas and you’re looking for an iconic mountain landscape, look no further than the Colorado Rockies.

Yosemite National Park, California

From Allison of She Dreams of Alpine

If you’re looking for a natural winter wonderland, Yosemite National Park is an absolutely magical place to visit during Christmas time.

Most people think of Yosemite as a summer destination, with visitors coming from all over the world to take in the awe-inspiring views of giant granite walls and hike the best trails in Yosemite .

However, a little-known secret about Yosemite is that it becomes uniquely breathtaking in the wintertime.

Seeing the iconic monoliths of Half Dome and El Cap dusted with snow is a very special experience.

Also, winter in Yosemite features fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere, as everyone gets into the holiday spirit.

If you visit Yosemite for Christmas, you’ll have lots of fun winter adventure options to choose from, from snowshoeing to ice skating to skiing at Badger Pass Ski Area.

Plus, the Majestic Yosemite Hotel, Yosemite Valley Lodge, and Big Trees Lodge all celebrate the season with Christmas festivities and grand holiday dinners.

Grab your winter gear and head to Yosemite National Park for a magical and merry Christmas experience you’ll never forget!

Whitefish, Montana

From Jenn and Ed of Coleman Concierge

Everybody dreams of a classic White Christmas in the US.

It brings back memories of a simpler time when people still carol in the streets, and miracles wait around every corner.

That spirit of Christmas past is alive and well in Whitefish, Montana.

The Whitefish Christmas season officially begins on the first Friday in December with the Whitefish Christmas Stroll.

Carolers are singing, bells are ringing, and chestnuts are roasting on open fires.

What’s more, snow is already falling on the slopes of Big Mountain, which are visible from the decorated streets of the quaint, historic downtown.

It’s a white Christmas, “just like the ones you used to know”.

The freshly fallen Christmas snow is perfect for Whitefish’s primary winter passion, skiing.

Big Mountain is perhaps the best place to learn to ski in America.

Besides having the perfect skiing snow from the moist Pacific air hitting the Rocky Mountains, Big Mountain also has an incredible learn-to-ski package where you get two half-days of skiing, including lessons and rentals for under $100.

There are many   things to do in Whitefish for every season , but Christmas is special. 

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

From Sarah of Lets Grow Cook

The Wyoming town of Jackson is a simply awesome place to spend Christmas.  

Not only do you have 3 ski areas on your doorstep (Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King Mountain Resort, and Grand Targhee Resort), but the scenery, in general, is quite simply stunning.

To the north of the town are the jagged peaks of the Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park is also close by.  

At Christmas, Jackson’s town square, quite normally adorned with shed elk antlers has them lit up for the festive season.  

Those elk antlers have been shed by elks overwintering at the nearby National Elk Refuge, which makes a magical place to take a horse-drawn sleigh ride to see these magnificent creatures up close.   

Even Santa makes an appearance in the town square every day from December 15 th  until Christmas Eve when he becomes otherwise occupied!

Before Santa leaves, though, he does begin his journey by rappelling out of the Jackson Hole aerial tramway at 4:30 P.M. on Christmas Eve – another great reason to spend Christmas in Jackson!

The downhill skiing and snow sports here are simply beyond compare, but if it’s a more gentle exercise you want, then taking a snowshoe tour through the National Park with the Park Rangers is a simply superb experience and an unforgettable addition to a Christmas holiday vacation!

Colorado Springs, Colorado

From Oksana and Max of Drink Tea & Travel

If you want to combine holiday cheer with outdoor adventures, Colorado Springs is a great destination, where you’ll find a city alive with holiday spirit.

The outdoor skating rink is a big hit and people come from miles around to attend the annual Festival of Lights .

If you happen to miss the Festival of Lights, you’ll still have a chance to check out some beautiful displays at the Cheyenne Zoo or the Broadmoor Hotel. 

Just outside the city is Pikes Peak, one of the highest mountains in the area and a great place to explore year-round.

However, Pikes Peak’s Cog Train takes on another dimension during the holiday season.

If you chose the Santa Train you’ll be accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Claus and their elves for the ride. It’s a great activity for the little ones.

The Garden of the Gods is another famous Colorado Springs attraction.

It is a great place to go for a hike if you would rather bliss out in nature for a few hours.

However, don’t miss stopping by the Garden of the Gods Trading Post during the Christmas season.

It has become an iconic holiday shopping destination for the area and a must-see when visiting Colorado Springs in December!

Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah

From Anna of My Travel Scrapbook

Monument Valley might seem like an odd place to go for Christmas cheer in the USA!

Monument Valley is known for its iconic desert landscape of orange buttes where cowboys roam.

Yet for a few months of the year, Monument Valley is sometimes covered in a light layer of snow.

What an unusual place to celebrate Christmas cheer by seeing such an iconic US sight in the snow!

Monument Valley is located in Navajo Nation which straddles Utah and Arizona, and is prominently featured on many American Southwest road trip itineraries !

There are many things to do and see in Monument Valley. You can visit famous movie spots such as Forrest Gump point and John Wayne point, eat local Navajo dishes, hike around the beautiful mesas and discover Navajo petroglyphs.

In winter, you will want to bundle up on the   hikes in Monument Valley  as it can get quite cold up on the plateau!

To warm up after your Christmas visit to Monument Valley consider staying at the Desert Rose Resort in nearby Bluff, Utah.

They have an amazing pool meaning you can enjoy the winter landscape from the warmth of the swimming pool!

As it is low season, you will also avoid the summer crowds and have an amazing time at Monument Valley in winter!

Key West, Florida

From Pauline of Beeloved City

Key West is particularly famous for being the most southern point in the continental USA.

Part of the Florida Keys , it’s one of the best places to go for the perfect Christmas vacation. 

With an average temperature of 67°F, December is one of the best times of the year to go to Key West and Florida in general.

The weather is dry and warm, making it the perfect sunny escape in the United States! 

Key West is surrounded by coral reefs. It’s the ideal place to go on a diving or snorkeling trip.

If you want to explore the mangroves and maybe see some manatees, another option is to go paddleboarding or kayaking!

After that, you can head to the Southernmost Point Buoy, it’s a very nice photo spot! 

Key West is also home to The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum which was the official residence of the famous author.

If you are looking for shops and bars, bustling Duval Street will be the place for you!

There is live music everywhere, it’s a very nice place to relax and enjoy a drink. 

In the evening, head to Mallory Square for the sunset celebration. You will get to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world!

Galveston, Texas

From Patricia of Travel Fam Live

Galveston can be a great escape around the holidays, Christmas in particular.

This barrier island is located about 50 miles from Houston and it’ll offer an array of activities in a warm environment perfect for enjoying a laid-back Christmas on the beach in the United States.

With the festivities starting at the beginning of November, there is always something to see or do around the Island.

Founded in the early 1800s, Galveston has so much history and historical sites that would enhance anyone’s Christmas.

Around Thanksgiving weekend, all the City’s Christmas trees are lighted and Galveston becomes a magical place.

And the best part is that if you are lucky, you might be able to enjoy the beach even in December. 

The East End Victorian Homes Tour takes place at Christmas and is a tour of some of the luxurious homes built by the first European settlers to come to Galveston (check the calendar for this year’s date and time).  

Dickens on the Strand is a well-known festival organized by the Galveston Historical Foundation that brings you back to the Charles Dickens era.

There is a parade, costume contest and a ball to celebrate the event, complete with attendees dressed in Victorian fashion as they stroll up and down the Stand.

Dickens on the Strand has been happening for almost 50 years on the first weekend of December.

Other Galveston holiday events include the Moody Gardens Festival of Lights, A Lone Star Christmas, Ice Land at Moody Gardens, and many others. 

Plus, most of the typical things to do in Galveston are still doable in December, too!

Oahu, Hawaii

From Anne of Travellers Archive

Spending a couple of days in Oahu, Hawai’i , will quickly let you fall in love with the island, its vibe, and its uniqueness.

The best thing to do on Oahu is to leave Honolulu behind and head up North along the North Shore, which is one of the most famous surf areas in the world.

It’s not only the place where surfing was actually born but also an area where huge waves roll in and international pro surfers would quickly take their board for a ride in their “living room”.

The best way to experience the North Shore is by car during a very easy and chilled day trip. 

From here follow the Kamehameha Highway and make your way up to the old surfing village of Haleiwa, where you’ll find little shops and an amazing lunch spot – Haleiwa’s Joe.

Once filled up with fresh fish burgers follow up North and enjoy the constant views of the coastal landscape with amazing surf spots passing by, such as Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, and Banzai Pipeline.

Usually, when the swell is up, you can simply stop on the side of the road and join hundreds of other visitors watching the pros take their waves.

This will quickly turn into an unforgettable Christmas experience.

Destin, Florida

From Disha of Disha Discovers

Some people enjoy staying home for Christmas. Others like to get away and have a vacation.

If you fall into the latter category, Destin, Florida is a great place to escape for a warm USA Christmas on the beach.

Destin truly feels like one of those picturesque towns you see in a Hallmark Christmas movie.

While others are dealing with cold weather, you’ll be hanging out on the beach in a t-shirt and a light jacket.

If you’re worried about not having a white Christmas, don’t worry too much. The gorgeous white sand on the beaches is just as white as snow.

Also, Destin offers several Christmas activities throughout the month of December with everything from tree lightings to parades.

Aside from Christmas activities, there are plenty of other great things to do in Destin.

The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is filled with restaurants and shops. It’s fun to walk around and sample fresh seafood from all of the eateries.

Another memorable thing to do in Destin is to take a sunset dolphin cruise. It’s a magical experience, especially at sunset.

The best part about spending Christmas in Destin is that there won’t be very many tourists around.

By then, peak season has died down and you can enjoy everything Destin has to offer without tons of people around.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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Journey of Doing

7 Christmas Market Trip Itinerary Ideas

Hopefully by now, I’ve convinced you to make your own Christmas market trip to Europe!  Despite the cold, there is nowhere I’d rather celebrate the holiday season than in Europe.  The smell of roasted chestnuts, the warmth of mulled wine, traditional wooden stalls selling beautiful Christmas decor, and glimmering Christmas lights all get me out of our hotel room on the coldest of nights.  That being said, even if the Christmas markets don’t get you going, these Christmas market trip itineraries can help you plan your vacations at any point in the year.

This post is heavily focused on central Europe.  Did you know that Hungary and the Czech Republic are not  considered to be part of Eastern Europe?  Test your knowledge through this  European map quiz .  It’s sure to inspire a whole host of alternate itineraries to try, particularly if you want to experience Eastern Europe destinations.  Estonia, Latvia, and the entire Balkan peninsula are calling to me.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out this list of some of the  best European Christmas markets !

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links for tours and products I love at no additional cost to you.  You can read my  full disclosure policy here.

Christmas Market Trip Travel Tips

To maximize your trip, I highly suggest that you book an open jaw ticket.  A open jaw ticket is one that arrives in one city and departs from another city.  Typically, I like to choose my two furthest points to minimize any backtracking.  I use Skyscanner to get an idea of what are the cheap travel deals. Using my home airport (DFW) I search to anywhere in Europe.  I also subscribe to Scott’s Cheap Flights and CheapDFW .  Once I know what is on sale, I use ITA Matrix to figure out which flights I want. I use Book with Matrix to find the best deal for my specific flight.

Use Rome2Rio to compare train, bus, and car transportation options.  Trains are usually the most efficient way to travel, but it depends on the size of your group.  In some cases, it might be better to drive.  We’ve done both.  If you’ve never been abroad and you’re not comfortable navigating public transportation, you might want to consider a river cruise, but I promise that you can do this!

Winter in Europe is cold.  I could do a whole packing post on what I’ve learned, but I haven’t done it yet.  My suggestions are to purchase cuddledud base layers that can be layered under leggings or jeans.  I find cashmere sweaters to the best for staying warm.  I have a pair of wool lined waterproof Ugg books that I’ve had for six years.  They keep my feet warm and dry.  Beyond that, you’ll want a scarf, a hat, an ear band, and gloves, too.  I am all about the layering!

One Week Christmas Market Trip Ideas

Classic central europe.

Salzburg, Austria (2 nights)

Vienna, Austria (2 nights)

Prague, Czech Republic (3 nights)

Affordable Central Europe

Munich, Germany (2 nights)

Bratislava, Slovakia (2 nights)

One Week Itinerary for France Christmas Markets

The Alsace wine route is great at any time of year, and it’s perfect for Christmas markets, too!  I recommend flying into Paris and immediately catching a train from Charles de Gaulle to Strasbourg.  We’ve done this Paris to Strasbourg itinerary twice and it’s super easy!  From there, you can rent a car or take the train.  If you opt for the train, I think Strasbourg and Colmar are the best connected.  On the return, you can spend a couple nights in Paris and enjoy their Christmas markets, too.  We’ve spent Christmas in Paris twice and it’s just magical at Christmas time.

Note:  Not all Alsatian Christmas markets are open every day.  You’ll want to check the Alsace Christmas market calendar before making plans, especially for some of the smaller towns in Alsace.  The suggested itinerary below is for markets that stay open consistently, but there are some off the beaten path towns in Alsace that I love!  I would choose Strasbourg or Colmar and then fit together some of the smaller towns based on your own Christmas market trip timing.  (We actually walked from Colmar to the Eguisheim Christmas markets one day.  That might be a little intense, but it’s doable!  

Strasbourg (2 nights)   

Colmar (2 nights)

Paris (3 nights)

10 Day Christmas Market Trip Itineraries

Both of these itineraries will allow you to see some of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe.  Many popular river cruises use some variation of these itineraries, but this will allow you to enjoy seeing the cities at night.  I think they appeal to difference audiences, though I love each of these itineraries equally.  

Don’t miss the incredible ice rink in Slovakia.  It’s one of my favorite memories of our first trip, though I love the ice rink in Salzburg as well.  (I came home from studying abroad with black and blue knees from ice skating!)

Central European Capitals

Budapest, Hungary (3 nights)

Bavarian Christmas Tour

Salzburg, Austria (3 nights)

Nuremberg, Germany (2 nights)

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany (2 nights)

Munich, Germany (3 nights)

Two Week Christmas Market Trip Itinerary Ideas

This is the first Christmas market trip itinerary that we used, and it is intense.  It’s worth it though.  For me, there was nothing more magical that ending our trip with the big Christmas tree in the middle of Old Town Square.  It felt like my favorite scene in the Nutcracker and I loved every minute of it.

Classic Central Europe Itinerary

Vienna, Austria (2 nights)

Prague, Czech Republic (3 nights)

German Christmas and Central Europe Itinerary

This itinerary flies into and out of Munich.  If your trip will end on or shortly after Christmas Day, I recommend reversing it to end your trip in Salzburg .  On Christmas Eve, you can visit the chapel where Silent Night was first performed .  How’s that for a magical Christmas Eve??

Nuremburg, Germany (2 nights)

Which are the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets?

All of these cities are beautiful in their own right.  There are things I love about all of them.  Nuremberg is the original German Christmas market.  I think Salzburg has the most beautiful views.  Vienna has the most beautiful Christmas lights.  Marienplatz in Munich is one of the most beautiful squares I’ve ever seen.  Old Town Square is a scene out of The Nutcracker.  Budapest at night is pure magic.  The old town in Bratislava epitomizes Christmas cheer.  Rothenburg ob der Tauber is the Christmas village of  Kathe Wohlfahrt in real life.

You can’t go wrong with any combination of these cities.  Pick your favorite Christmas market trip and get excited!  They are all lovely in their own right.  If you’re looking for more Christmas markets in Germany, Lorelei has a lot of unique Bavarian Christmas markets, villages, and towns on her blog!

Salzburg:  The Alpine Christmas Markets

Where to Stay:   Hotel Goldgasse or Hotel Goldener Hirsch

Where to Eat:   Zum Zirkelwirt or Gasthof Wilder Mann

Don’t Miss:   Apple Strudel and Christmas Cookie Class

Who Loves Salzburg:   People who don’t mind being outside.  Between the Christmas market at Hohensalzburg Fortress, the one at Helbrunn Schloss, and the lakeside village markets, you have to enjoy spending time outside.  I wouldn’t recommend missing any of those markets, in addition the ones in the middle of the aldstadt, but if you don’t enjoy being outside, I would head to a city that offers more indoor activities.

Vienna:  The Beautiful Christmas Markets

Where to Stay:   Hotel am Stephansplatz or Ritz Carlton Vienna

Where to Eat:   Trattoria da Angelo – I love the rose ravioli!

Don’t Miss:   The Christmas lights!  I love the chandeliers near St. Stephan’s Cathedral.

Who Loves Vienna:  If you love music, culture, and cafes, Vienna has plenty of things to do on cold, wet days.  After touring Schonnbrunn Palace, you can take in a classical concert or see a strudel show.  I love sipping amaretto hot chocolate and reading at Cafe Central.  There are numerous museums, covering every topic you could imagine in the heart of Vienna.  If that’s not enough to satisfy your culture appetite, take a class to learn the Viennese waltz.  (We did; it was fun!)

Bratislava: Christmas Markets for Foodies

Where to Stay:   Sheraton Bratislava or Roset Boutique Hotel

Where to Eat:   Rio Grande Restaurant – I love the lava steak!

Don’t Miss:   A food tour of the Christmas markets !  You’ll try a lot of Slovak specialties.  Find a place where you can comfortable enjoy the ambiance around the ice rink in the old town.  A lot places have outdoor heaters and blankets to keep warm!  It’s worth it!

Who Loves Bratislava:   If Vienna is too big, too modern, or too expensive for you, Bratislava feels like a world away from the grand architecture of Vienna.  Less than an hour away, it offers a similar beauty to Prague without the crowds.  Despite the cold temperatures, we enjoyed the public art, seeing the fortified city walls, and learning more about the differences between Slovakia and the Czech Republic, which ultimately led to their split during our lifetime.  I find this piece of modern history fascinating.

Budapest:  The City Backdrop for Christmas Markets

Where to Stay:   Hilton Budapest

Where to Eat:   Pest Buda Bistro and Strudel House

Don’t Miss:   Any of these tours: Budapest night walking tour with river cruise , historical Budapest , Budapest Christmas market tour .  These are some of my favorite tour guides in Europe.  I can’t wait to go back and book them again!

Who Loves Budapest:   How can you not love Budapest?  That being said, if you love history, you’ll love Budapest.  If you love beautiful architecture and grand boulevards, you’ll love Budapest.  Budapest is the coldest of the Christmas markets we visited, so you’ll want to be prepared for that, but I think it is worth it.

Prague: The Fairytale Christmas Markets

Where to Stay:   Four Seasons Prague or Mandarin Oriental Prague

Where to Eat:   Pasta Fresca  or Meat and Greet

Don’t Miss:   St. Vitus Cathedral .  The Spanish Synagogue .  Old Town Square at night.  Charles Bridge in the early morning light.  Mala Strana.  The list for Prague goes on and on, doesn’t it??

Who Loves Prague:   If you like nightlife, Prague is your city.  (That’s not really my jam, but I recognize that it may be other people’s.)  If you love awe-inspiring stained glass and fairy tales come to life, don’t skip Prague.  One of my most fond memories of Prague is wandering the lamplit streets of Mala Strana on the way to the castle.  I could picture easily what it must have felt like in the 1500s.  I love getting out early and experiencing the Charles Bridge when its mostly empty with only the lamps are illuminating it.  The entire city seems mysterious and magical.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: The Christmas Village

Where to Stay:   Hotel Klosterstuble

Where to Eat:   Profumo di Pasta da Guiseppe

Don’t Miss:   The Night Watchman’s Tour, eating a schneeballen , and visiting Kathe Wohlfahrt .

Who Loves Rothenburg ob der Tauber:   Anyone who loves Christmas.  It’s hard not to be a Grinch in this postcard perfect town.  If you love medieval town walls (my husband does), it’s neat to be able to walk around the city as though you are the night watchman.  The views of the German countryside are beautiful, too.

Munich:  The Traditional German Christmas Markets

Where to Stay:   Aloft Munich

Where to Eat:   TBD – we’re still in search of truly great meals in Munich!  That being said, Aldi has fresh and delicious pretzel rolls that Tom and I both still talk about.  (Why yes, my husband has identified the best products at Aldi in Europe, too.  It’s his favorite store.  He tells our family if Aldi doesn’t sell it, you don’t need it.)

Don’t Miss:   Listening to the traditional band and making friends at Hofbrauhaus .

Who Loves Munich:   Anyone who loves science or history.  Munich occupies a large space in World War II history, and I highly recommend learning more about its role in the world during that time.  The Deutsches Museum is the most comprehensive science museum I’ve ever visited, and I highly suggest visiting it.  Munich is much larger than it seems, so you’ll want to plan to get out of the old town and experience more of the neighborhoods with different feels.  The Aloft gave us a map of all the Christmas markets in the city, and many offer more traditional crafts than the markets in the city center.  (That’s yet another reason to stay with them – they encourage you to see more!)

Nuremberg:  The Original German Christmas Market

Where to Stay:   Melter Hotel and Apartments

Where to Eat:   at the Christmas market!  (I love the Nuremberg sausage.  And the pretzels.)

Don’t Miss:   Taking a food tour of Nuremberg !

Who Loves Nuremberg:   People who love history.  You need to visit the Documentation Center.  Not everything can be filled with Christmas cheer, but it’s important to understand that the atrocities that happened during World War II didn’t happen over night.  It is the result of a slow and methodical stripping away of the humanity of others.  We’re in danger of repeating that again, so I encourage you to learn more than we were taught it school.  It remains one of the most transformative experiences of my education.

Strasbourg Christmas Markets: The Capital of Christmas

Where to Stay:   Regent Petite France Hotel & Spa or Le Bouclier d’Or

Where to Eat:   at the Christmas market!  Don’t miss the Vin Chaud Blanc – my favorite is right in front of the Strasbourg Cathedral – literally smack dab in the middle.  It’s an additional Euro and it’s worth it.  

Don’t Miss:   Strasbourg Christmas Market Food Tour  

Who Loves Strasbourg:   People who are looking for a bigger city with their Christmas market.  For me, it felt like a smaller Vienna or similar to Bratislava.  I really loved being able to take a break from the crowds at our hotel spa, too.  (It overlooks the Petite France canals, too!)    

Colmar Christmas Markets: Christmas Markets with Canals

Where to Stay:   La Maison des Tetes

Where to Eat:   Via Roma , La Pignata , or the Covered Market right across from Petite Venise.  (You’ll want reservations anywhere in Colmar during Christmas time.  Colmar gets so busy!   

Don’t Miss:   Alsatian wine tasting at Domaine Martin Jund

Who Loves Colmar:   People who don’t mind crowds.  People who love holiday decor.  People who want to feel non-stop Christmas cheer.  The entire town is decked out for Christmas and it’s busy.  It can be a little overwhelming if you have sensory overload issues.  If you find yourself in that position, take a morning and head over to Eguisheim.  It’s a little quieter, a little calmer, and absolutely gorgeous.  

What Should I Buy at a Christmas Market?

For me, the best souvenirs at Christmas ornaments.  Tom and I have started a tradition where we purchase a Christmas ornament from the cities we visit.  Many of the Christmas markets have regulations that you can’t sell cheap crap that is mass produced.  Thus, you’ll find beautiful hand-painted or hand-blown Christmas ornaments.  I could look at them for hours, to be honest.  Whether your Christmas tree has a theme or a color, chances are, you’ll find something that is absolutely perfect for you.  Strasbourg had the best selection of the incense houses to create a Christmas village at home.  

Beyond that, look for things you can’t find at home.  In each city, I’ve always found something that was unique to the region.  My grandmother loves her potpourri Christmas tree we purchased in 2016 and it still smells great!  Similarly, my cousin loves the wooden dog statue we found for her on this last trip.  My mother-in-law loves her traditional German wooden pyramid decoration.  I love the bath salts my mom found me; she loves the schnapps, spices and oils she purchased for herself.  You can certainly purchase things like jewelry and journals, but I think the best part of Christmas markets is finding the specific regional things that you can’t find easily in the United States.

Sara loves to help people use their vacation time more effectively by planning beautiful, memorable, and delicious trips. She spends several weeks every year exploring Italy and central Europe. In addition to her full-time job, she is constantly searching for beautiful places and spaces. She loves the direct flights between Dallas and Italy, France, and Germany but is always up for wherever a great deal on an airline ticket will take her. (Sara also really loves European Christmas markets and tries to visit at least one new one every holiday season.)

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Stockholm is yours to explore ttoday oon a guided tour.

WOW, absolutely beautiful! I can’t believe how many cities/countries you’ve traveled to in Europe and have gotten to experience the true Christmas spirit each has to offer!

great ideas for christmas ITINERARIES 

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0330 440 3999, monday - friday 9am to 5pm, christmas market breaks 2024, christmas market breaks.

• Chester Christmas Market
• ©Marketing Cheshire

• Valkenburg Christmas Market
• ©VVV Zuid-Limburg

• Lille Christmas Market
• ©Christmasmarkets.com/Laurent Ghesquière

• Berlin Christmas Market

• Brussels Christmas Market
• ©Visit Brussels

• Christmas Markets to visit

With plenty of new and old-favourite destinations to explore, check out the best selection of Christmas market breaks by coach and air. Get a festive filling of Gluwein in a range of UK and European locations like Brussels, Bruges, Edinburgh , Paris , Prague, Valkenburg, the Black Forest, York , Berlin, Vienna, Barcelona, Krakow and more!

Christmas Markets have been around in Europe since the late middle ages and are a great place to look for stocking fillers and get the whole family into the spirit of Christmas. Markets usually take place during the last week of November through to December, with stalls selling a range of wonderful products including hot mulled wine for the adults and cookies (among other treats) for the children. They're also a great place for the locals to showcase their talents with a range of handmade items such as nutcrackers, candles, music boxes and other decorations, all of which make great Christmas gifts. Nativity scenes, skating rinks and Christmas trees all add to the magical winter wonderland setting with twinkling lights.

Germany is the birthplace of the Christmas Market where you can shop to a magical backdrop of cathedrals and candlelit caves. You should visit German Christmas Markets if you want to escape commercialism and swap it for a more traditional and authentic shopping experience beneath a sky of twinkling fairy lights. Popular markets in Germany are Cologne, Rüdesheim, Berlin and Aachen. You should also, if budgets allow, take a cruise along The Rhine where you will also get the opportunity to visit a few destinations. 

Although extremely popular, Germany isn't the only place to visit, you should also experience the Christmas Markets in Holland where you are taken underground to follow a cobweb of candlelit corridors to a beautiful velvet cave setting for the Valkenburg Xmas Market. Belgium is another great place for Christmas Markets with its sparkling winter settings and traditional delicacies of ' klaasjes ' and 'speculoos' in Bruges, Ypres and Liege. Other continental Christmas Markets can be found in France, Switzerland, Italy and the Czech Republic.

A variety of markets can also be found in the UK for those of you who do not wish to travel far, but would still like to soak up the festive spirit. UK Christmas often have a continental theme bringing over French, German or Italian traders. You'll find them in a variety of venues from town centres to stately homes such as Chatsworth House with some taking place over a weekend and others lasting a lot longer.

It doesn't matter which Christmas Market break venue you visit, you'll find stalls to explore, goods to sample and festive carols combining, where you can lose yourself in the holiday spirit.

Tis' the season to be jolly! The Door2Tour.com Miniguide to Christmas Markets.

What do i wear.

The majority are held outside so make sure that you dress suitably for spending time in the open air. Warm clothing, comfortable shoes and a brolly should help you deal with the British weather in winter.

What should I take?

Layers, layers and more layers as it's chilly outside. Loose change or small currency notes are also advisable for the stalls as credit or debit cards are not always accepted. Take a big bag and some 'J' cloths or kitchen towels to protect those delicate gifts you've purchased.

Plan your trip?

It's worthwhile visiting the websites for the Christmas Market that you intend to visit so you can find out who will be exhibiting and what delights will be on offer. Some also provide programmes that you can download but if you can't find a particular stall, ask the friendly guides who will be happy to help.

Avoid the hustle and bustle

If you want a more leisurely experience, visiting the markets on weekdays would be best. Evenings tend to be busier than the daytime, whereas Monday to Thursday nights are usually the quietest. Expect the weekends to be busy and crowded.

Are the markets easily accessible?

The majority are suitable for wheelchair users but it might be worth considering that some are located on cobbled streets (not suitable for high heels) and there could be narrow alleyways to contend with.

Where can I eat and drink? You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink with many stalls offering Glühwein, Bratwurst, Christmas Stollen, Lebkuchen, hot chocolate, mince pies and mulled wine. Make time to eat in a traditional cafe or restaurant if you're visiting a continental market.

Can I take photographs?

Yes you can but photography should be for personal use only.

Can I bring the children with me?

Of course, children are welcome at any of the Christmas Markets but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. They're a great experience for the whole family to get into the spirit of Christmas.

What will I find at the Christmas Markets? Christmas Markets are perfect for finding that elusive Xmas gift for someone who has everything! You'll find traditional handicrafts, lighting, decorations, nutcrackers, candles, glass baubles, music boxes and wonderful edible treats!

What else can I do there?

As well as exploring your Christmas Market of choice, make time to see some of the sights in the city you're visiting. These can vary from churches and museums to baroque palaces, shopping arcades and popular tourist attractions.

What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by visiting one of these great destinations in the UK and across Europe:

York - St Nicholas Fayre  Enjoy the historic charm of medieval York at Christmas. A great destination to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas. 

Leeds - Christskindelmarkt Leeds' traditional German market, Christkindelmarkt, brings a taste of Germany to Leeds. With the authentic wooden chalets, Christmas carousel ride and a range of festive treats. This seasonal event is not to be missed. 

Lincoln  Experience a truly festive time in Lincoln this Christmas time. The gothic cathedral provides the perfect backdrop and with over 200 stalls to browse around, you will not be disappointed with this traditional Christmas fair. 

Edinburgh  The Scottish capitals' Christmas event does not disappoint, with traditional wooden stalls, rides for the whole family and atmospheric ice rink. The perfect place to get you in the seasonal spirit. 

Bath  Located in the centre of Bath, amid stunning architecture, this famous Market is a great way to immerse yourself in the Christmas Spirit. With a picture perfect backdrop of Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths there are around 120 chalet stalls with a great selection of fantastic gift ideas, locally produced food and drink - you will be spoilt for choice when finding that unique Christmas gift.

Rudesheim  Set in the Old Quarter, Christmas is a fabulous time to visit this quaint German town. Beautifully decorated with twinkling Christmas lights, Rüdesheim is the perfect destination where you'll find a market consisting of 120 stalls selling a large collection of food and gifts perfect for that unique Christmas present. 

Valkenburg Velvet Caves One of the most popular destinations in Europe at this time of year, the Valkenburg Christmas Markets are unique for one reason – they are held in an underground network of caves! The caves are full to bursting of stalls selling gifts and food perfect for a great Christmas present. The caves are also beautifully decorated with impressive mural paintings, twinkling lights and sculptures.

Brussels As the largest market in Belgium, it has over 240 stalls full of handmade crafts, unusual stocking fillers and speciality food and drink. Located in the heart of Europe, Brussels rises to the festive occasion with a beautifully decorated Town Hall and Guild Houses – adding up to the perfect pre-Christmas getaway! 

The 22 best places to do your Christmas shopping this year

I t’s the most wonderful time of the year – but it can also be the most stressful. With multiple gifts to buy and a packed social calendar to contend with, Christmas shopping can feel like a drag.

It’s all too easy to let certain online superstores do the hard work for you, resulting in run-of-the-mill gifts that don’t exactly scream “especially for you” when unwrapped on the big day.

Instead, we’ve scoured the UK for the best destinations to do your Christmas shopping, whether you’re looking for charming independent boutiques or iconic department stores with mega-displays.

It goes without saying that every single place on the list has great gifts to offer, but they also have something more, be it epic Christmas decorations, an abundance of Christmas spirit or a plethora of festive events to enjoy alongside your shopping.

With just 30 days to go, it’s time to get ready, set, shop…

Best for stocking fillers

Choosing keeping, covent garden .

Anyone who has stepped inside Choosing Keeping can attest to its wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere. Packed full of beautiful stationery, art supplies, desk-top accessories and decorations, all of its products are sourced from small European family businesses. 

“We want to delight our customers and surprise them with small items that they’ve never seen before,” says owner Julia Jeuvell. The Christmas window alone is worth a visit and this year features characters inspired by a 1930s German Christmas.

21 Tower St, WC2H 9NS | choosingkeeping.com

Best department store

Selfridges in london, birmingham and manchester.

Seeking a (sleigh) bells-and-whistles Christmas shopping experience? Head to one of Selfridges’ four UK locations. The department store goes all in at Christmas, with live DJs to soundtrack your shop, plentiful opportunities to meet Santa and even a special Christmas Spectacle involving elves, dancers, a choir and confetti cannons. 

The London store is always a gifting go-to for influencer Kavita Mehta: “I love its trustworthy curation of brands, from Chanel to Caramel – and the toy section is amazing for kids of all ages.”

selfridges.com

Best town for independents 

Penzance, cornwall.

Bianca Fincham, founder of Fincham Communications, spends Christmas at her home in Newlyn and does all her gift shopping locally in Penzance. “I like Causewayhead and Chapel Street because all the shops are independent and really thriving,” she says. “There are a few art galleries and antique furniture shops such as Daphne’s and Lay’s Auctioneers, which are great for thoughtful gifts.” Also recommended are Pure Nuff Stuff for natural beauty, Zennor Wild for locally-grown flowers and wreaths, Hobbs The Kitchen Shop and SevenStones.

Best luxury treats

Fortnum & mason, piccadilly.

“Is there anywhere more Christmassy than F&M ?” asks Emily Campbell, founder of nightwear brand If Only If. “I love that it feels entirely special while being completely inviting to every shopper that steps inside – bustling with warm energy, gold-embossed tins and perfectly-packaged goodies.” The store will run various festive food and crafting masterclasses in the run-up to Christmas, head to the events section of the website for more information.

181 Piccadilly, St James’s, W1A 1ER | fortnumandmason.com

Best gifts for the home

Style your spaces, edinburgh.

Interior designer Katie Strickland opened Style Your Spaces in 2022. “I wanted it to feel like you are walking into my living room, with cosy lighting and a carefully-curated collection of handmade homewares for sale,” she says. Alongside beautiful Christmas bits, there’s a wealth of ceramics, tableware and textiles to choose from, all created by skilled makers and small brands you won’t find elsewhere in the city. Plus, every gift can be artfully hand-wrapped by the team.

6A Howe St, EH3 6TD | styleyourspaces.co.uk

Best for picture-perfect shopping

Broadway, cotswolds.

If you want to feel like you’re shopping on the set of a Nancy Meyers movie, head to the Cotswolds, says Instagram influencer Josie Fear ( @josieldn ) who moved to the AONB mid-lockdown. 

“There are plenty of picturesque villages that look like something straight out of The Holiday but one of my favourites is Broadway. The high street glitters with Christmas lights and has plenty of great spots to grab a warm mince pie and locally-made treats, like the Broadway Deli. There are lots of independent boutiques with one-of-a-kind gifts to offer, and for foodies there’s The Cotswold Chocolate Company.”

Best online experience

We’re all guilty of resorting to for-the-sake-of-it presents because we feel giving something is better than nothing. But Virginia Chadwyck-Healey wants to change that. Her annual VCHRISTMAS initiative helps shoppers discover smaller brands with transparent ethics and sustainability practices by offering three days of exclusive discounts from Dec 1-3. This year, 28 brands including AllBirds, Bamford and Beulah are taking part. “Buy fewer, better gifts and reduce the waste – of money, time and unwanted gifts,” she says.

Best one-stop shop

The hambledon, winchester.

A department store but not as you know it, The Hambledon was opened by owner Victoria Suffield in 1999. Put simply, it only sells the good stuff, from fashion and homewares, to books, beauty and kids items – and, of course, a Christmas shop for decorations. 

“It’s hard to describe what we do (‘department store’ conjures images of toasters and towels) but we work across all sorts of categories selling what we love,” explains Victoria. “We’re proud of what we do.” If you can only bear to brave one shop this Christmas, make it this one.

10 The Square, SO23 9ES | thehambledon.com

Best Christmas markets

Manchester is home to nine spectacular Christmas markets this year, all running until Dec 21. Centered around the pop-up Winter Gardens in Piccadilly, the various sites run from Cathedral Gardens (where there’s also an ice rink) down to St Peter’s Square, where you’ll find an enchanting light display. 

“The markets are always great for gifting and food and drink,” says designer and Manchester-native Sarah Hughes. “I love the stalls at New Cathedral Street, where you can combine market shopping with a great selection of high street and designer stores.”

Best for gardeners

Petersham nurseries, richmond-upon-thames.

More than a traditional nursery, Petersham is the perfect place to pick up plants, garden accessories, beautiful homeware and decorations and also grab a bite amidst its enchanting setting. 

“Petersham is my idea of Christmas perfection,” says designer Savannah Miller, founder of Savannah Miller Bridal and Vivere, who even had her wedding reception there. “Wandering around with crisp, frosty gravel underfoot to the welcoming arms of their cafe and restaurant is exactly how I imagine heaven to be.”

Church Lane, Petersham Rd, TW10 7AB | petershamnurseries.com

Best for pre-loved gifts

Oxfam superstore, oxford.

Striving to give more sustainably this Christmas? Head to Oxfam Superstore, an emporium of second-hand wonders , from furniture to fashion, highly recommended by stylist and sustainability advocate Danielle Copperman Sersoub. 

“It’s a large warehouse all on one floor, making it really easy to navigate and it’s really well organised,” she says. “Some of the most exclusive high-end brands and vintage pieces make their way there.” She suggests setting an afternoon aside: “This isn’t a quick shop. Take time to browse fully – that may mean running a few rounds of the shop floor.”

Oxford Business Park, Alec Issigonis Way, OX4 2JZ

Best christmas windows

Fenwick, newcastle.

 Fenwick’s flagship store has so much more to offer than purely its window displays, but its creativity in this department is particularly notable (see this year’s Narnia-themed window). “There’s no Christmas without Fenwick’s Christmas window – it’s absolutely magical and everyone waits for the big reveal each year,” says Instagram influencer Renia Jaz ( @venswifestyle ), who lives in the city. 

“It’s a perfect place to buy beautiful Christmas ornaments and find amazing gifts, from stocking fillers to something more personal.” There are plentiful festive events at the store – from tea with Santa to the Christmas Cinema, which screens Yuletide classics complete with complimentary treats.

39 Northumberland St, NE1 7AS | fenwick.co.uk

Best for book lovers

Topping & company booksellers, ely and bath.

Books are one of the greatest gifts you can give so buying them should be an experience. Enter Topping & Co, one of the UK’s finest independent booksellers. For Ova Ceren, who reviews books for her Instagram audience of more than 280k ( @excusemyreading ), the Ely branch is catnip: “The warm ambiance and the variety of signed books make it my go-to choice for finding unique and thoughtful gifts for fellow book lovers.” 

For Amy Buckle of Amy’s Bookshelf ( @amysbookshelf ), it’s the majestic Bath store that gets her vote. “The shop is run by people who clearly love to read, so help is at hand if you need to find the perfect present.”

9 High St, Ely & York St, Bath | toppingbooks.co.uk

Best for on-the-go gifts

Tebay services, cumbria.

Driving home for Christmas? You’re very lucky if your journey takes you along the M6 and passes Tebay, the UK’s first independently-owned motorway services. Far from a run-of-the-mill stop-off, Tebay boasts not only a restaurant serving fresh local produce but a farm shop selling the finest foods, crafts and clothes from a community of 80 farmers and makers within 30 miles. 

“We want to share something different; food, drink and gifts you can’t get just anywhere,” says Sarah Dunning, the chief executive of Westmorland, the family-run company that owns Tebay.

M6, Tebay | tebayservices.com

Best for a family day out

Brighton and hove.

 Brighton’s always a great destination for families, but especially at Christmas. For gift shopping, creative consultant and Instagram influencer Alexis Foreman ( @alexisforeman ) heads to North Laine for independent shops, “specifically Kensington Gardens – I think it’s pretty endearing any time of year and it looks lovely with the Christmas lights up”, and the newer Hanningtons area for more mainstream offerings. 

There’s an abundance of choice for family-friendly eating too. Afterwards, you can skate at the Royal Pavilion or drive over to Wakehurst’s Glow Wild light trail, and, on Dec 21, enjoy Burning the Clocks, an annual lantern parade to mark the winter solstice.

Best for beauty fanatics 

Sephora, westfield london.

The US beauty mecca Sephora opened its first UK store to much fanfare in March and has fast become a destination for beauty fans countrywide. 

“It’s truly a beauty lover’s playground – you can swatch, spritz and try products to your heart’s content and there’s a range of exclusive brands you can’t get elsewhere,” says beauty journalist Lucy Partington. “The staff are always so willing to help – but never pushy – and knowledgeable, which is super helpful if you’re not 100 per cent sure about what to buy for yourself or for somebody else.”

Ariel Way, W12 7GF | sephora.co.uk

Best for foodie gifts

The newt in somerset, bruton.

One of the world’s best hotels, The Newt, is also an excellent destination for gift shopping, with an on-site farm and homeware shop, as well as an abundant online store. Foodies are particularly well catered for. “This year’s range has everything from Somerset cheese to estate preserves, butchery meats and cases of wine; all the delicious things needed to take the stress out of festive hosting and gifting,” says Alan Stewart, The Newt’s head of food. 

You’ll also find hampers, artisan ceramics and tableware, as well as beautiful books and gifts for children. A Christmas market is held Dec 9-10 that showcases the South West’s most talented makers and producers, as well as a chance for little ones to meet St Nick.

Hadspen, BA7 7NG | thenewtinsomerset.com

Best for high-street shopping

Battersea power station, nine elms.

Not technically a high street, but London’s newest retail mecca is a hub of great stores, from Zara, LEGO and Jo Malone, to smaller brands like ME+EM, Jigsaw and Le Labo – a high street on overdrive, and the perfect destination for all your gift-shopping needs. 

Plus, there’s a wealth of festive experiences happening there, from the Glide riverside ice rink, to Christmas markets and even the chance to Hurry Up The Chimney, where you can ascend 109 metres up one of the iconic chimneys in a glass elevator to take in the panoramic view at the top.

Circus Road West, SW11 8DD | batterseapowerstation.co.uk

Best Christmas lights display

Bents garden & home, warrington.

Recently voted Destination Garden Centre of The Year, Bents really puts the work in at Christmas. The creative and visual team, headed by Rachel Bent, spend a year sourcing and planning the numerous epic displays ahead of their unveiling in mid-October, and visiting them is an annual tradition for many in the north-west. With stress-free late-night shopping, gifts for all the family and an epic winter food market also on offer, Bents will have you snapping and shopping full of Christmas cheer.

Warrington Road, Glazebury, WA3 5NT | bents.co.uk  

Best for Christmas-on-sea

Addington street, ramsgate.

There’s something delightful about Christmas shopping at the seaside. Sarah Tomczak, the editor-in-chief of Red magazine, lives in Ramsgate and heads to Addington Street for all her gifting needs. 

“This charming little street looks out over the sea at one end and is a treasure trove of independent shops,” she says. “Buy books and stocking trinkets for kids at Tales On Moon Lane, feel-good original art from Margo McDaid, vintage homewares from Albie & Pearl, pre-loved designer clothes and Loel jewellery from Positive Retail, gifts for just about anyone from No 36 by SP, and niche records from VinylHead.”

Best for kids gifts

My small world toy store, bath.

There’s an overwhelming amount of choice (and tat) out there for kids. So somewhere like My Small World is a lifesaver with its thoughtfully selected items. Filled to the brim with the most beautiful toys, games and books, it’s where “children are awestruck and grown-ups remember the thrill of stepping into the toyshops of their childhoods,” says owner Dawn Burden.

St Lawrence Street, BA1 1AN | mysmallworld.co.uk

Best for style devotees

Coggles, alderley edge.

With over 200 men’s and women’s designers on offer, independent boutique Coggles is one of the UK’s best destinations for fashion lovers. The store in leafy Alderley Edge is packed with pieces from brands including Anine Bing, Ganni, Sleeper and New Balance. “Our clients enjoy shopping with us because of the personable experience the team provides in-store,” says manager Oliver Davies-Bailey.

52 London Road, SK9 7EF | coggles.com

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• Holiday Travel

25 Best Christmas Towns in the U.S.

From coast to coast, here are the most charming towns to visit for Christmas.

Nothing quite compares to the joy of seeing a town bedecked with holiday decorations. The sight of boughs of holly and string lights can warm you even in the coldest temperatures. Everyone wants to spend Christmas in a town like that, seemingly plucked from a Hallmark movie, and there are plenty of them dotted all around the U.S.

Festive destinations across the country beckon families and solo travelers alike. Prepare to find yourself drinking a hot toddy among locals at a cozy tavern, see some of the most epic light displays , and cross paths with Santa Claus himself as you stroll the streets of these charming Christmas towns.

Aspen, Colorado

A combination of luxe living and small-town charm makes this Rocky Mountain town one of the merriest in the country. Wandering along Cooper Avenue, you may chance upon cookie exchanges, public s'mores roasts, or elf meet-and-greets. Get into the spirit at Aspen's treasured hotels — the lobby of the Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection , often hosts carolers, while Ajax Tavern and Element 47 at The Little Nell both serve fabulous holiday meals. Looking for a bird's-eye view of the decorations? Book one of the Sky Residences at W Aspen to get access to a private rooftop lounge overlooking incredible mountain scenery.

Ogunquit, Maine

Travelers may be drawn to this former artists' colony in Maine as a beach getaway, but the holiday season offers a different set of perks — namely lower prices and an overall calm, with just enough festivity to keep things humming. December's Christmas by the Sea festival typically includes a bonfire on the beach and visits with Santa. From Ogunquit, you can also easily reach two areas prime for Christmas shopping: the Kittery Outlets and, about an hour's drive away, Freeport, where you can shop at the L.L. Bean Flagship store and pose with the famous big boot. For distinctive local shopping, browse the Harbor Candy Shop on Ogunquit's Main Street (the gift boxes make great stocking stuffers).

Vail, Colorado

Chris McLennan/Vail Resorts

Ski season kicks into high gear during the holidays in this Colorado wonderland. December brings fresh powder, the village tree lighting, and New Year's Eve festivities. Vail is not only one of the best Christmas towns in the U.S., it's also known for good coffee and cocktails. Try local favorites Yeti's Grind and Loaded Joe's in the morning, and sip well-crafted drinks at Root & Flower in the evening. You might ring in the New Year at Flame, the fine dining restaurant within Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail , before having a nightcap at The Sebastian - Vail, a Timbers Resort . Finally, rest your head at the ever-charming, alpine-chic Lodge at Vail, a RockResort , whose heated outdoor pool is flanked by gorgeous fire pits.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket's annual Christmas Stroll is its banner holiday event. The tradition started in the 1970s — shopkeepers would stay open later in the evening so locals wouldn't have to travel to Cape Cod to buy gifts. Now, on the first weekend in December, you can shop downtown amid dozens of Christmas trees, take part in wine and cocktail tastings, and go on organized walking tours. Pick up some gifts at Murray's Toggery Shop (the mothership for holiday-ready Nantucket reds) and Jessica Hicks , the boutique of a local jewelry designer. And don't miss the many Christmas trees, all uniquely decorated by community members, at the Whaling Museum 's annual Festival of Trees.

Orlando, Florida

The country's theme park capital is unsurprisingly one of the most festive places to visit over the holiday season. At Walt Disney World, you can attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party , which includes a Christmas-themed fireworks show and classic attractions like the Jungle Cruise and Space Mountain decked out in festive cheer on select days from early November to late December. Meanwhile, at Universal Orlando, there's nowhere dreamier than The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Christmastime, when the scenery is topped with a layer of (manufactured) snow and the butterbeer is best served hot.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge gets revved up during the holidays as ski season swings into high gear. This resort town dances between thrills and tranquility. During the month of December, festivities abound, from the tree lighting to the Race of the Santas , a half-mile footrace featuring costume-clad runners. You're also bound to fall for the charming après-ski options in Breck, from the house-made beers at Breckenridge Brewery to the martinis and flights at Base Nine Bar .

Lewisburg, West Virginia

Every year, Lewisburg transforms into a winter wonderland with Christmas lights and carriage rides. It's a peaceful getaway for holiday travelers hoping for a low-key escape. But there's plenty of opulence — especially at the nearby Greenbrier , the Lewisburg area's epicenter of holiday splendor. The 18th-century resort keeps visitors entertained with over-the-top decorations and family programming.

Beaufort, North Carolina

You probably won't find snow on the ground in this Outer Banks town come December, but the mild climate means you can celebrate Christmas on the water. Typically, the weather is still warm enough to kayak or join a boat tour along Taylor's Creek. The Christmas lights take to the water, too: one of the biggest holiday events is the Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla , a twinkling lights-strewn boat parade held on the first weekend in December.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Travel Pictures/Alamy

This California town with a rocky coastline doesn't experience much in the way of winter weather, but Carmel-by-the-Sea does get chilly (around mid-40s to high 50s) in December. The city decorates a tree in Devendorf Park and holds a tree and menorah lighting ceremony in early December. Because this is the low season for tourism, it becomes a little easier to get a table at popular restaurants like La Bicyclette and Flying Fish Grill .

Park City, Utah

This Utah mountain town demands serious wattage during the holidays. The season kicks off with an Electric Light Parade, featuring cars, bicycles, and the town trolley all bedecked with lights. Even if you miss the parade, typically at the end of November or early December, you'll get to admire the glittering lights of the town Christmas tree in Miner's Park. Continue your tour of holiday decorations at Stein Eriksen Lodge , which builds a giant gingerbread display every year.

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Visit Florida's 30A in the off-season to get white-sand beaches practically to yourself. With daily highs in the 60s throughout December, you could easily forget it's Christmas. You would be reminded, however, at the Annual Holiday Market at The Artists Warehouse, which happens to be the perfect place to shop for unique gifts. For more one-of-a-kind finds for under the tree, stop by Kitchen Garden Books and Antiques , which calls its own selection "odd" and "unusual."

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Winter is the best season to score lower rates in this family-friendly beach town, but that doesn't mean the place goes totally quiet. People go to Myrtle Beach for the low-season deals and holiday-specific sights like Brookgreen Gardens' annual display of 2,700 hand-lit candles and Ripley's Aquarium's Festival of Trees . The decorations at the Carolina Opry Theater are worth a visit alone, but you should especially go to see the time-honored tradition that is the “ The Christmas Show of the South ."

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe does Christmas a little differently. Its Canyon Road Farolito Walk flips the script on conventional festive displays — instead of modern-day LED string lights, a trail of lanterns sets the iconic pink adobes aglow. And although you might be imagining only desert and earthen homes, you can still have a white Christmas in Santa Fe by making a trip up to the Ski Santa Fe resort in the Rocky Mountains.

Newport, Rhode Island

If flashing neon holiday lights make you cringe a little, head to classy Newport, where only white lights are encouraged to conjure an old-fashioned candlelit vibe. Touching on its upscale history, tours of the Mansions of Newport take you through Gilded Age architectural icons like The Breakers , The Elms, and The Marbles, all decked out with sumptuous trees, fine china, and decorations. Since crowds are lighter, it's a good time to try Newport's most in-demand restaurants, like The Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn .

Annapolis, Maryland

D. Trozzo/Alamy

This military town along the Chesapeake Bay does plenty of pomp, circumstance, and tailgating during the holiday season. Annapolis boasts a plethora of Christmas lights, notably strewn on boats and along the water's edge. On some Thursdays leading up to December 25, the adorable shops downtown stay open until midnight, making for a special shopping experience. Appropriately, the event is called Midnight Madness , and you can expect not just late-night deals but also treat giveaways and Christmas decorations galore.

Paso Robles, California

Cecily Ray Photography

Forget green — red reigns as the premier holiday color in this Central Coast town. We're talking about pinot noirs, cabernets, and syrahs. Leading up to Christmas, wineries offer low-key tastings, musical performances, and great gift shopping. Check out Parrish Family Vineyard 's tasting room and teleport to a '20s-era Christmas at Hearst Castle . The elaborate decor makes the 40-mile drive worth it.

Healdsburg, California

Healdsburg is a charming Sonoma County town known for great restaurants and even better wineries. Visit Flowers Vineyards and Winery for the pinot noir and Aperture Cellars for the view. If you can make it over to Napa, grab a few bottles from Faust to bring back to Montage Healdsburg , where the charming decor, Christmas trees, and roaring fireplaces will put you in the holiday mood.

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is a pleasantly quirky town whose flair becomes even clearer this time of year. The centerpiece is the Ski Tree, which is literally made of old skis. It's illuminated during an annual tree lighting, during which there's an accompanying bonfire made of more old and broken skis. You'll love the Telluride nightlife in any season. Grab a cocktail in the Timber Room at Madeline Hotel and Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection , and stop by New Sheridan Hotel's Historic Bar , which has kept the same mahogany-paneled look since 1895.

Leavenworth, Washington

Connie Coleman/Getty Images

Leavenworth is an American town that looks more like a portal to Germany in the middle of the Washington Cascade Mountain Range. The town was built to resemble a traditional Bavarian village, and the nearby mountains, poetically named the Enchantments, are reminiscent of the Alps. You'll feel like you're really in Europe this Christmas.

More than half a million lights go up across town in late November and don't come down until February. You can see them any night from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Weekends are often full of holiday activities like gingerbread house displays, caroling, and frequent appearances by Santa.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

David J. Murray/Clear Eye Photo

This waterfront New England town is steeped in history, with settlements dating back to the 1600s. Winter is a festive time to explore its 10-acre time capsule, the Strawbery Banke Museum . In December, you can join the museum's open-air Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond or walk along paths lit by candle lanterns to see decorated homes from centuries past. New Hampshire offers one big 21st-century draw, too: tax-free shopping statewide — the best excuse to load up on classic toys and kids' books in Portsmouth.

Cape May, New Jersey

This Jersey Shore town has a strong Victorian streak easily recognized by its quaint architecture, and the holiday season pushes it a little further on the Dickensian scale. Walk the Washington Street Mall to admire garlands and festive lights as you shop. While you're there, drop by The Original Fudge Kitchen , which also offers great fudge and saltwater taffy gift boxes. Book a stay at Congress Hall , especially if you have kids. The hotel typically turns its Grand Lawn into a seaside winter wonderland complete with festive activities.

Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville quiets down as college students cram for finals and then head home for the holidays. Before they go, though, the University of Virginia campus is decorated for the annual Lighting of the Lawn , which usually happens in early December. Another fun tradition is the gingerbread display competition at the Ronald McDonald House.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Peter Tobia/ACA

A casino and boardwalk don't exactly conjure images of plum puddings and carolers, yet you might appreciate Atlantic City's wild weekend spirit and vivid people-watching around the holidays. Festivities include the annual tree lighting at The Quarter at Tropicana shopping center and the Atlantic City Holiday Bazaar at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University .

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Natchitoches, pronounced "nack-a-dish" and named for its native people, is one of the oldest settlements in Louisiana. During the holidays, the whole city is lit up with impressive displays, and family-friendly festivities are on offer every weekend from Thanksgiving through Christmas. However, the star event is arguably the boat parade, when string lights and fireworks reflect on the Cane River.

Laguna Beach, California

There's no chance of a white Christmas in Southern California. But instead of watching the sky for snowflakes, you can scan the waves for migrating whales. The gallery-lined streets of Laguna Beach get people into the Christmas spirit with an annual arts and crafts festival, Sawdust Winter Fantasy , that spans five weekends in November and December. Stay at the elegant Montage Laguna Beach for more holiday programming and easy access to Christmas Cove, a beautiful and isolated beach.

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• Around the Midwest

10 Perfect Christmas Shopping Getaways

Midwest Living's experienced editors create best-in-class travel, lifestyle, food, home and garden content you won't find anywhere else. We're loudly, proudly Midwestern, and we're passionate about helping our audience explore and create through award-winning storytelling.

Immerse yourself in the happy bustle of the season at 10 of our favorite Midwest towns and cities for holiday shopping.

Galena, Illinois

Like ornaments on a giant Christmas tree, fanciful 1800s homes and red brick shops decorate this town amid the hills of northeast Illinois' Galena River Valley (85 miles west of Rockford). Garlands of lights outline gables, steeples and rooftops. Old-fashioned trolleys depart for Yuletide tours. If you visit in early December, see if you can time your visit to the Holidaze Festival.

More than 100 stores and galleries, as well as a selection of restaurants, line Main Street. Newer spots like Galena Book and Paper and Galena Spoon Co . tuck in among traditional favorites like Grateful Gourmet for shopping; get a fresh pastry or empanada to go at Galena Bakehouse , or head to Fritz and Frites for a full menu of both French favorites and German dishes. Best bets for an overnight include the luxury rooms at downtown's newly renovated Ulysses Suites , the cottages at Goldmoor Inn or lodging at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa .

Branson, Missouri

Missouri's Silver Dollar City theme park hosts one of the most sparkly, lively holiday celebrations anywhere, An Old Time Christmas, with more than 6.5 million lights, a five-story musical Christmas tree and an evening holiday parade. Shoppers can browse the handiwork of 100 resident crafters, who make blown-glass ornaments, copper art, custom jewelry, pottery, leather crafts and more. Elsewhere in Branson, the lakeside Branson Landing offers more shopping options. Overnight visitors will find upscale accommodations at Big Cedar Lodge or Chateau on the Lak e; budget-minded travelers head for Marriott's Willow Ridge Lodge .

Horse-drawn carriage rides, live music and dazzling lights add holiday charm to Omaha's Old Market , a 12-square-block revived warehouse district. Shop for antiques, books, music, clothing, gifts, custom jewelry, home decor and more. Nouvelle Eve lures fashion-conscious suburbanites. Munch on pretzel sticks dunked in caramel, nuts and chocolate, dubbed "Chicken Legs," at the Old Market Candy Shop . Omaha's lively restaurant scene offers tempting options such as mouth-watering pizzas and specials at Pitch , lahvosh in a variety of options at M's Pub , and a Reuben made with the original recipe at Crescent Moon .

For overnight visitors, the Residence Inn Omaha Downtown in a historic downtown building puts you close to the Old Market; the Magnolia has cozy touches such as nightly milk and cookies. The city's Holiday Lights Festival adds sparkle to everything.

Kansas City

Kansas City makes most lists of iconic holiday destinations thanks to historic Spanish-style Country Club Plaza , which comprises 15 blocks of stores and restaurants outlined in 80 miles of holiday lights (decorating begins in August; the lights go on at Thanksgiving).

While you're there, explore some other highlights of this jazzy, barbecue-loving, state-line-straddling town, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and its edgy Bloch Building; the Crossroads Arts District's galleries, shops and restaurants; Union Station's model train display (a holiday favorite) and cool Dino Lab for kids; and the hands-on exhibits of the College Basketball Experience . The 1926 Hilton President Hotel , host to generations of stars and politicos, offers posh renovated rooms.

In Daley Plaza, surrounded by the Loop's high-rises, Christkindlmarket Chicago looks wildly out of place—and that's part of the annual event's appeal. Inspired by a four-century-old festival in Nuremberg, Germany, the month-long Christkindlmarket features German tastes and trinkets. Bundled shoppers mill about an impromptu village of 50-plus tents and wooden stalls, sipping gluhwe in from boot-shape mugs and listening to Lederhosen-clad musicians belt holiday tunes.

Visitors who want to explore beyond the market can walk to Macy's, the Art Institute of Chicago or Millennium Park . And if you're in Chicago in early December, head to The Mart for the annual One of a Kind Show and Sale to browse tempting handmade creations from 500 artisans.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Bronner's Christmas Wonderland brings more than 2 million visitors a year to the town that calls itself "Michigan's Little Bavaria" (about 15 miles southeast of Saginaw). Bronner's is the self-proclaimed world's largest Christmas store, with more than 6,000 types of ornaments alone. But there's more to this pretty community of 5,200 than the giant year-round holiday store.

Fortify yourself with a bratwurst lunch at the Frankenmuth Brewery or fried chicken at Zehnder's , then explore 130 specialty shops along Main Street and in River Place, a shopping area modeled after a German village. Watch cheeses being made at Frankenmuth Cheese Haus and wool being processed at Zeilinger Wool Company . Or hear 1,000 clocks chime at Frankenmuth Clock Company , reminding you time is ticking away till Christmas.

Bloomington, Minnesota: Mall of America

More than 40 million people visit the Mall of America , just south of Minneapolis, each year. A little planning before your outing will ensure you're not overwhelmed by this shopping mecca's 520 stores and 60 restaurants. More than 50 hotels are within a 10-mile radius of the mall, many of which provide a free shuttle service.

Lebanon, Ohio

Lebanon rests in pretty, snow-dusted farm country 30 minutes north of Cincinnati. This Yankee-influenced town has all the ingredients of the perfect holiday shopping weekend: dozens of stores, a North Pole Express ride, inns and food worth throwing away the calorie counts.

The downtown, with narrow brick and stone storefronts, looks as if it could have been drawn from the pages of a Dickens tale. Among our favorites in Lebanon: for shopping, Oh Suzanna; for eating, Village Parlor Restaurant and Ice Cream ; for lodging, the 220-year-old Golden Lamb, the state's longest continually operating business, with rooms named after famous guests like Charles Dickens and Samuel Clemens.

Nashville, Indiana

The winter holidays are one of the busiest seasons in Nashville, which has fewer than 1,000 people but more than 150 shops, galleries and artists' studios (60 miles south of Indianapolis). The town, in scenic Brown County, has been an artists' mecca since the late 1800s.

Today's visitors can make their own Christmas gifts at holiday workshops or shop for locally made art at the Brown County Craft Gallery . Dine on fresh, local ingredients at the Artists Colony Inn and Restaurant or hearty helpings of pot roast at Hob Nob Corner Restaurant. For overnight visitors, the Victorian-style Cornerstone Inn has individually decorated rooms; the Abe Martin Lodge at nearby Brown County State Park offers both woodsy cabins and lodge rooms.

Petoskey, Michigan

Old-time lampposts and 19th-century storefronts draped in greenery and tiny lights decorate downtown Petoskey's eight-block Gaslight Shopping District. More than 100 shops line streets that slope to Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay.

Look for hand-dipped chocolates at Kilwin's of Petoskey , gourmet delicacies at American Spoon Foods , handmade and collectible items at Grandpa Shorter's . A blaze glows nearby in the lobby of the century-old Stafford's Perry Hotel , the perfect place to relax after an afternoon's shopping. City Park Grill serves a hearty, varied menu and fine wines.

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Christmas and festival inspiration

Music festivals, spiritual celebrations & Christmas tours

The world is full of wonderful festivals and we’ll take you to some of the best. Join our Local Specialists and get under the skin of the most famous celebrations from Christmas in Europe to Holi in India.

Christmas in Europe

An enchanting winter wonderland awaits in Europe with our Christmas travel experiences. Indulge in mulled wine and gingerbread as you wander the city squares, Christmas stalls and magical fairy lights. See handcrafted toys, hear joyful carols and discover old-world traditions. From Dresden's Striezelmarkt to Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt, this will be your best Christmas vacation yet.

Colorful festivals in Asia

You’re never too far away from a festival in Asia, with a calendar packed with spiritual events. We’ll meet local families in India who will show you how to perform the puja sacred ritual of Diwali, or celebrate Holi by throwing bright powder. In Japan, we’ll experience the ancient Takayama Festival and admire the beautifully carved floats that date back to the 17th century.

Party in the USA

The United States loves to celebrate and you’ll find a wonderful variety of festivals across the country. We’ll take you to Albuquerque to see the spectacular Balloon Fiesta, where hundreds of hot air balloons take to the sky. If you’re in the mood for some music, head to New Orleans for their annual Jazz Festival that celebrates the music and culture of the Southwest.

All you need to know about Christmas Festivals

How do they celebrate christmas in europe.

Christmas is celebrated differently all over Europe, from the traditional Christmas Eve feast in France to the arrival of Sinterklaas in the Netherlands on December 5th. Other popular Christmas traditions include the Queen of Lights festival on December 13th in Norway and St Nicholas Day on December 6th in Germany.

Where is the best place in Europe to spend Christmas?

The best places in Europe for a Christmas vacation are Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Russia. You’ll find enchanting Christmas markets, magical fairy lights, delicious festive food, a blanket of snow, and plenty of Yuletide cheer. Enjoy a mug of mulled wine, go shopping for handmade crafts, and keep watch for Santa Claus.

What are the best European festivals?

Europe is known for its incredible festivals, full of music, food and drink, and old-world traditions. Some of the best European festivals include the Christmas markets of Germany, Switzerland and Austria, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, and the Carnival of Venice in Italy.

Where is the best place to go for Christmas markets?

Our Christmas market breaks take you to the best places to experience the beautiful Christmas markets including Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Russia. The cities with our favorite Christmas markets include Vienna in Austria, Dresden and Munich in Germany, Lucerne in Switzerland, and Moscow in Russia.

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Christmas in New York: a guide to where to eat, sleep and shop in the Big Apple

Don’t leave Christmas in New York on your bucket list; it’s a trip of a lifetime you won’t regret...

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Christmas in New York is an experience unlike any other, and the festive season really is the most wonderful time of the year to visit The Big Apple. 

From ice rinks with breathtaking views to glittering window displays, Broadway shows, and (if you’re lucky) snow in Central Park, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing trip if you visit New York at Christmas time. New York offers some of the most iconic festive sights in the world, including the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lights, Santa’s Grotto in Macy's, and bustling Christmas markets across the city. 

Christmas in New York is a bucket list destination, along with the likes of visiting the best Christmas markets in Europe and seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland , or visiting the most iconic places in India , such as the Taj Mahal. If you're planning to spend some of the festive season in The Big Apple, here's our guide to what to do and see for a magical trip, from where to eat and drink, to shopping tips and the most incredible winter experiences - as well as how much money you're likely to need while you're out there.

Is Christmas a good time to visit New York?

Absolutely, 100% yes! Christmas in New York is the most wonderful time to visit. There’s simply no other time like it. There’s a chill in the air – but it’s before the temperature really drops come January – and the city's streets are decked out in shimmering lights and dazzling displays of the best Christmas decorations , from ornaments to snowflakes and tinsel. 

The setting of some of the best Christmas movies on Disney Plus , Netflix, and more (we're looking at you, Home Alone 2), Christmas in New York City is a special time and, undoubtedly, your visit will always hold a special place in your memories. 

Where to shop during Christmas in New York

If Christmas shopping is at the top of your agenda for a trip to New York, there's no better place to find brilliant Christmas gifts for her , for him, and for the whole family. 

For department store trips, Midtown does it best. Walk up Fifth Avenue from Saks at 49th Street, to Bergdorf Goodman at 58th, and don’t miss outliers like Macy’s (34th Street & Broadway) on the way. 

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If New York is famous for anything around Christmas time, it has to be their impressively ornate holiday window displays. As always, all of these stores join in to show off their holiday spirit and latest merchandise - and window shopping is a festive experience that won't cost you a penny. 

While Macy's is an iconic sight, Saks Fifth Avenue strings up enough bulbs to illuminate the entire block after dark. We don't know what this year's theme is going to be just yet, but looking at previous years, we'll be in for a treat.

If you're going to take the whole family to New York for Christmas, FAO Schwarz is one of the best toy stores in the city, and not only will their displays be the stuff of childhood dreams, but you can't pick a better destination to shop for Christmas gifts for kids either. 

If you’re after something a little more unique, there are lots of different Christmas markets scattered across the city. The Grand Central Terminal Holiday Fair, which sits in the lavish Vanderbilt Hall, focuses on handmade, unique gifts using locally sourced materials. 

Held from late November through to Christmas Eve, it's an unforgettable festive one-stop-shopping experience. You’ll find everything from men’s and women’s clothing and jewelry, to home accessories and holiday ornaments for new Christmas centerpiece ideas .

The market at Bryant Park is more food-oriented, while the one at Union Square is great for quirky, cheap Christmas gifts . It's also home to its own ice rink to round off a fun-filled afternoon. 

If outlet shopping is your thing, head to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. Its 220 stores offer savings of 25-65% off the original price of many US brands including Ralph Lauren, Converse, and Calvin Klein. In addition, you'll find that most stores offer flash sales offering extra money off.

Woodbury Common is approximately a one-hour drive from Manhattan, so it will most likely be a day trip. If you can't spend the whole day shopping the discounts at Woodbury Common, back in the City you will find that most shops have impressive seasonal sales. You're sure to find a bargain just about everywhere you go.

What to do while spending Christmas in New York

Make the most of Christmas in New York with our list of Christmas things to do in the big city, including tree-lightings, impressive shows, and mind-blowing views. 

Pre-book any attractions ahead of time through AttractionTickets.com . As well as making savings on tickets, you’ll also jump the long queues at the most popular tourist spots. Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, closed-toe shoes, or boots so you can enjoy your time walking around the city, as well as something a bit more fancy for the nightlife.

1. Visit the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Nothing says Christmas in New York more than the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Every winter, thousands travel to the city’s brightest landmark; the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, which is a Norway spruce around 75 feet high. There’s been a tree at the Rockefeller since 1931, these days boasting around 50,000 LED lights.

This year, we don't have a date for when the tree will be lit just yet but the unlit Rockefeller Center Christmas tree usually arrives in mid-November. Then, about a week after Thanksgiving and Black Friday, when the department stores unveil their famous window holiday displays, the tree is lit.

If you miss the big switch-on, you can see the real Christmas tree lit up in all its glory, it's usually kept on until January. For most it's considered a must-see if you're spending Christmas in New York - so plan a visit into your trip. 

TOP TIP : When visiting the tree, enter Rockefeller Center from 5th Avenue and walk through the horn-blowing Angels toward the tree for an iconic and Insta-worthy view. Entering from the side, 47th or 50th streets is just not the same experience.

2. Try one of the many observatory decks

Head up to the roof of the 66-story Rockefeller skyscraper, to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck , which offers sweeping unobstructed views right across the city, including Central Park. 

Do you really need travel insurance?

Winter escapes can be exhilarating, but frigid weather and winter sports could wreak havoc on your holiday and travel insurance can give you peace of mind should the worst happen. Many travel insurance policies will cover things like emergency medical expenses, stolen or damaged possessions and even lost luggage. You can even get tailored cover if you are planning a trip to enjoy some winter sports.

Compare Travel Insurance Quotes at GoCompare

Make your way up and peer down on the streets of New York, lit up with its gorgeous sparkling Christmas lights. 

Its location right in the heart of midtown means it’s also surrounded by some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment in the city.

For other unforgettable views, the Rock is in competition with the nearby Empire State Building , a 102-storey Art Deco tower in central Manhattan, and the One World Observatory on the top of the One World Trade Center. 

It’s worth a slightly stomach-dropping lift ride to get to the 102nd floor for the breathtaking 360-degree views of the city’s iconic skyline and surrounding waterways.

3. See a show

Show business is part of New York’s DNA and Broadway is the home of musical theatre. It’s also the home of the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular. 

A yearly tradition since 1933, this classic Christmas spectacle offers tap dancers, a flying Santa Claus, and, of course, the world-famous synchronized high-kicking Rockettes. You can book tickets to see the Rockettes in 2022 here .

Meanwhile, family shows on Broadway include Frozen and Wicked , with perennial favorites including The Lion King , School of Rock – The Musical , and Aladdin . Book tickets ahead here for cheaper deals and to ensure you get a seat!

4. Visit award-winning New York museums

If the weather app says rain all day, why not head over to one of New York's many museums? Whether your interest is in art, science or history, there’s something for everyone in just about every neighbourhood. 

Pick from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Whitney Museum of American Art or Museum of the City of New York.

5. Explore Dyker Heights

There’s decorating your home for Christmas and then there’s decorating your home for Christmas the Dyker Heights way. Head out to Brooklyn and see the residents of this neighborhood take getting into the festive spirit to new heights year after year.

Think inflatable snowmen, carols blasting from loudspeakers, and enough Christmas lights to put Manhattan to shame. The lights at the houses usually stay on from 5pm to 9pm. The nearest subway station is the 86th Street/4th Avenue station on the R line and the area is about a 20-minute walk away. 

Christmas in New York: Where to eat

In New York at Christmas, you’ll find a foodie hotspot on every corner - half the battle is deciding which one to choose.  

New York is busier than usual in the run-up to Christmas, so book ahead for dinner and drinks and prepare for some queues. And remember, the portions across the city are impressive so don't be scared to ask for a doggy bag. Don't waste any of that good food!

Cafes and bakeries

For relaxed festive food take a trip to one of the many cafes and bakeries in New York for an easy-going bite to eat in between Christmas shopping. 

• Jack's Wife Freda: One of our favorite spots for brunch, Jack's Wife Freda is a lively all-day dining bistro serving American-Mediterranean cooking and some tasty cocktails.

• Magnolia Bakery: This treasure trove of sweet treats was made famous after featuring in Sex and the City . There's usually a big line for the Magnolia Bakery , but it's worth the wait.

Street food

Street food in New York is iconic. There's nothing quite like that sloppy slice of pizza in the Big Apple, a super-sized hot dog, or a Mister Softee cone. Street food is available all over the city, but there are a few places where the offering is particularly strong.

• Greenwich Village: Enjoy The Kati Roll Company with delicious Calcuttan casual fare served here, or the legendary NY Dosas cart , parked on the southwest corner of Washington Square Park, with vegan-friendly dosas, a southern India–style crêpe.
• East Village: Packed with interesting and unique street food vendors, there's so much choice in East Village. We love DokoDemo , no-frills Japanese street food. 

• Williamsburg: Smorgasburg is a weekly festival of over 100 food vendors, as well as a full outdoor bar overlooking the river.

Casual dining

• Peking Duck House: A hot spot for delicious Chinese food in the heart of China Town, you'll want to try everything on the menu a Peking Duck House .
• Rubirosa: Its clientele is a mix of new and regular, young and old, vibrant neighborhood restaurant Rubirosa serves traditional Italian cuisine.  

Fine dining

• Jean Georges: Enjoy delicacies like foie gras, Wagyu beef, and Maine lobster at the exceptional restaurant Jean Georges , perfect for a special festive occasion, with views over Central Park.
• The Modern : The Modern is a Michelin-starred contemporary American restaurant led by Chef Thomas Allen, with stunning views of the Museum of Modern Art.

Drinks and snacks

• MO Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental: For something extra special during Christmas in New York, head to MO Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental , which has the most exquisite views across Manhattan. Enjoy comfort food and well-crafted cocktails with a stunning view overlooking Central Park and the ever-impressive Manhattan skyline.

• 230 Fifth Rooftop: Head to 230 Fifth Rooftop for a hot cider, boozy hot chocolate, or Irish hot cream coffee in a cozy igloo. Heated (thankfully) and transparent, they offer a spectacular view of the city.

Where to stay if you visit New York at Christmas

If you’re going to be in The Big Apple for a few days, make the most out of your Christmas in New York and stay centrally. Within minutes from Broadway and major Midtown attractions – think Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, and Madison Square Gardens – The Westin New York at Times Square is the perfect base for a New York stay.

With over 800 rooms, from a standard double to a one-bedroom suite, there's something for everyone's needs. By New York standards, the rooms are large and they come with Westin's famous 'Heavenly Bed', flat-screen TVs, and rainfall showerheads. If you're lucky, you might even get a view of the Empire State Building.

Family Rooms come with two queen beds, microwaves, and refrigerators. Other rooms can easily fit a rollaway bed for an extra per night fee. Cribs are free.

Most commendable, though, is the hotel's commitment to energy conservation and all-around sustainability. There's recyclable carpet on the walls, non-toxic paint on the walls, and low-flush toilets and faucets in all bathrooms. Even the room keys are 100% recycled and biodegradable.

For a casual meal or a quick cocktail before heading out, go to the Foundry Kitchen & Bar. Steal a seat by the window and watch life happen on Eighth Avenue while sipping a Manhattan.

Rooms start from around $463 per night, mid-week, in early December. 

Is New York expensive at Christmas? 

Just like any major city, New York is expensive in general, but especially so at Christmas. Hotel prices and airfares are high, as this is peak travel time and visitors flood to the most popular attractions. 

Book your flights and accommodation in advance for the best prices. Midtown and Times Square are the most popular choices for accommodation, but there are plenty of other options, especially in Brooklyn with convenient transport options to Manhattan attractions.

However, Christmas in New York doesn’t have to be more expensive when you're there. In fact, if you’re heading to the Big Apple to shop, you’ll save money compared to other times of the year thanks to the city’s impressive holiday sales. 

Save money on admission to New York’s best attractions and skip main-entrance ticket lines at attractions including Top of the Rock with a CityPASS . Valid for nine consecutive days, beginning with the first day of use, it costs $132 for adults and $108 for ages 6-17.

How much spending money will I need for a week in New York at Christmas?

How much money you need will depend entirely on where you stay and what you get up to while you’re there. Flights and hotels can vary hugely, but as a blanket rule, they do tend to hike the prices up in New York around Christmas time. New York can be an expensive city, so you may need to save up if you want to make the most of your time there. "You should probably budget for around $150-$200 (approx £130-£175) around a day per person if you want to have a great time in New York - that should cover eating out, getting around and sightseeing  - and add more if you’re planning on shopping in the Big Apple," Melanie Wright , Money Editor at Rest Less, explains.

For UK visitors, prices may feel higher due to the weak exchange rate at the moment. "Sterling has taken a real battering this year due to economic and political uncertainty and at one point in October, one pound would barely get you one dollar, making holidaying in New York much more expensive," Wright explains. 

"Things have slightly improved since then, and at the time of writing (1 November 2022), £1,000 would get you around $1,145, but we’re still a long way from the times a few years back when £1 was roughly equivalent to $2."

That being said, there are cheaper ways to enjoy the city for less. "Make the most of sights you don’t have to pay entry for. Walking the Skyline in New York is a fantastic way to see the city and it won’t cost you anything, and window shopping can be a great way to get all the festive feels you need without spending a penny," says Wright.

"Whatever you want to do in New York, planning ahead is really important and can prevent you from making spur-of-the-moment decisions that might cost you more than you’d intended to spend."

Kia Commodore, the founder of the financial advice website Pennies To Pounds , adds that a great way to save money is to be organized about transport. "Opt for public transport over taxis. Although taxis can be convenient, they can become costly if you’re getting them frequently. 

"Why not opt for the NY metro? Purchasing a metro card for the period of time that you away allow you to save money on transport as well as experience NY in an authentic way, it’s a win-win!"

Christmas in New York 2022: What you need to know before you go

• Covid-19: With travel now firmly back on the menu after the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions of last year, Christmas in New York is a perfectly viable option for the 2022 festive season. Do bear in mind that all travelers over the age of 18 must be fully vaccinated. The latest news from the New York State Travel Advisory can be found here , and advice from the CDC for International travelers wishing to enter the US can be found here .
• Know your way from the airport: T he two main airports in New York City are LaGuardia and JFK International Airport. Be wary of cabs outside the station that will bump up the prices for tourists.
• Tipping: It's customary to tip in the US, even when you're just having drinks.  As a general rule of thumb, tip between 15% to 20% of your bill for restaurants and bars - cabs often have an automatic tipping service built into the price. 
• Be aware of cab signals: It's a simple formula, if you want to hail a cab in NYC, keep an eye out for taxi tops with their lights on. If a taxi does not have its light on, then the driver is signaling that the cab is already filled. 

Helena is the Travel Editor for Woman & Home, Woman’s Weekly, Woman, Woman’s Own and Chat. As a journalist with 8 years’ experience, she has also worked for titles including Stylist, The Evening Standard and Heat.

She is a keen traveller who loves nothing more than exploring a new country. Her dream trip is a safari. A fierce animal lover, she dreams of seeing some of the big five out in the wild. Her wish-list also includes India – to explore her husband’s heritage more – as well as exploring more of America’s stunning national parks.

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The holiday season is upon us, and Americans have plans to shop: Nearly 217 million Americans (84%) plan to buy gifts for friends and loved ones this holiday season, according to a new NerdWallet survey and analysis. These 2022 holiday shoppers plan to spend $823, on average, for a total of more than $178 billion in gift spending.

NerdWallet’s annual holiday shopping survey was conducted online by The Harris Poll and surveyed more than 2,000 U.S. adults, among whom 1,751 plan to buy gifts for friends and loved ones this holiday season (referred to throughout this report as “holiday shoppers”). We asked holiday shoppers how they’re paying for gifts and what impact, if any, inflation will have on their holiday shopping plans. We also asked about last year’s holiday shopping credit card balances.

Key findings

Close to a third of last year’s holiday shoppers are still in debt. According to the survey, 31% of 2021 holiday shoppers who used a credit card to pay for gifts still haven’t paid off their balances.

Most of this year’s holiday shoppers will use credit cards. Nearly three-quarters of 2022 holiday shoppers (72%) say they will pay for holiday gifts this year using a credit card, charging $663, on average.

Inflation is impacting how some shoppers approach gift-giving this year. The majority of 2022 holiday shoppers (83%) plan to take action as a result of inflation when purchasing gifts this year, like giving different types of gifts compared to years past (36%) and spending less per person compared to years past (35%).

Pressure may lead some shoppers to spend above their means. More than 2 in 5 2022 holiday shoppers (43%) feel pressure to spend more money on holiday gifts than they’re comfortable spending, perhaps why some plan to buy gifts using cash advance apps (11%) and payday loans (7%) this year.

Most consumers plan to shop holiday sales, but not just for gifts. Nearly 7 in 10 Americans (68%) plan to shop Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales this year. Half of those shoppers (50%) say they’ll spend the most on gifts while shopping these sales, and 30% plan to spend the most on necessities for their home or family that aren’t gifts.

“Nothing can stop Americans' love of celebrating the holidays — not even rising prices and economic uncertainty,” says Kimberly Palmer, personal finance expert at NerdWallet. “That means many shoppers feel squeezed financially and are taking on more debt to handle the extra demands on their budget.”

Some 2021 holiday shoppers still have credit card debt

Last year’s debt continues to haunt some gift-givers: Our survey found that of 2021 holiday shoppers who used a credit card to buy gifts, nearly a third (31%) still haven’t paid off the balances. That’s almost 42 million Americans still in credit card debt from gifts purchased last year.

Other 2021 holiday shoppers who used credit cards have since paid them off, but it’s likely that many of them incurred interest expenses in the process. While 30% paid off the balance with the first statement, 2021 holiday shoppers who put gifts on a credit card took 2.2 months, on average, to pay them off. Millennial shoppers (ages 26-41) who used credit cards took 3.1 months, on average, to rid themselves of these balances, longer than the other generations — 1.9 among Generation Z shoppers (ages 18-25), 2.4 among Generation X shoppers (ages 42-57), and 1.3 among baby boomer shoppers (ages 58-76).

Savvy shopping strategy: If your credit card balance still includes 2021 holiday gifts, it’s time to make a plan to get rid of it. As interest costs increase, this debt gets more expensive, so aim to pay more than the minimum to knock your balance out faster. Doubling your minimum, adding $50 to your monthly payment or rounding up to the nearest hundred dollars are all seemingly small additions that can help you pay down your balance much quicker and save you money.

Let’s say you still owe $1,000 on last year’s holiday gifts, your credit card interest rate is 18% and your minimum monthly payment is $20. If you just pay the minimum amount, it will take you 93 months — almost eight years — to pay off your balance and it will cost you $862 in interest. But here’s how a few payment changes could cut that down:

“Debt often lingers long after the last holiday celebration is over. Making a plan to pay it off as soon as possible and reining in spending before it accumulates can help alleviate that post-holiday budget strain,” says Palmer.

Credit cards are a popular way to pay for gifts this year, too

Nearly three-quarters of 2022 holiday shoppers (72%) will use credit cards for this year’s gift purchases, charging $663, on average, according to the survey. That’s more than $103 billion on credit cards. This may be a good choice — credit cards can provide gift-givers with rewards and purchase protection benefits. But these perks are generally only worth it if you avoid paying interest on your purchases.

A third of 2022 holiday shoppers who will use a credit card for gifts (33%) plan to pay off the balance with the first statement. But according to the survey, it will take holiday shoppers using credit cards 3.1 months, on average, to pay off these balances. According to NerdWallet analysis, that would cost nearly $3.3 billion in credit card interest.

Savvy shopping strategy: While the best choice is not to charge more than you can pay off by the first statement, the second best option is to pay off your balance as quickly as possible, or even get a 0% interest credit card to make gift purchases.

“While paying with credit cards can be a helpful way to earn rewards and spread out spending, paying off your balance in full each month is the only way to avoid paying interest charges, unless you have a 0% intro APR credit card,” Palmer says. “Saving up money in advance of the holidays and spreading out purchases over several months can also help you avoid accumulating credit card debt.”

Most gift-givers are taking steps to combat inflation

A recession hasn’t been declared, but experts say that current economic conditions may suggest one, either now or in the future. So it makes sense that nearly three-quarters of 2022 holiday shoppers (74%) say economic uncertainty makes them wary of spending too much on holiday gifts this year. In addition, close to 2 in 5 2022 holiday shoppers (37%) have a strict budget for the amount they’ll spend on gifts this year, which may require some cost-cutting due to higher prices.

Annual inflation is 8.2% as of September 2022, making just about everything more expensive. As a result, most 2022 holiday shoppers (83%) plan to take action when purchasing gifts this year. Some of the most popular ways shoppers are handling inflation are giving different types of gifts (36%) and spending less per person (35%) compared to years past.

Millennial shoppers are more likely than holiday shoppers in other generations to say they’ll use credit card rewards to pay for gifts — 34% compared with 18% of Gen Z shoppers, 25% of Gen X shoppers and 17% of baby boomer shoppers. Particularly with cash-back credit cards , saving these rewards for expenses such as holiday gifts can be a good idea.

Savvy shopping strategy: Make a budget and set boundaries. While it’s tempting to spend what you always spend on gifts, this year has been expensive for just about everyone, including the people on your holiday gift-buying list. If you need or want to cut back, do it. Set a budget for your gift-giving and communicate any limits with loved ones with whom you exchange gifts. You may be surprised that they’re relieved to dial back holiday spending.

Many shoppers feel pressure to overspend on gifts

More than 2 in 5 holiday shoppers in 2022 (43%) feel pressure to spend more money on holiday gifts than they’re comfortable spending, according to the survey. Younger generations are most likely to feel this pressure: 55% of Gen Z shoppers and 58% of millennial shoppers say this compared to 42% of Gen X shoppers and 23% of baby boomer shoppers.

This pressure, internal or external, may lead some gift-givers to overextend themselves financially. The survey found that 1 in 5 holiday shoppers in 2022 (20%) will use buy now, pay later services to pay for gifts this year, 11% will use a cash advance app and 7% will use a payday loan. Due to interest charges and potential fees, each payment option can be costly, making the holidays even more expensive.

Holiday shoppers seem to be aware of the implications. The survey found that around a third of 2022 holiday shoppers (34%) say they’ll probably go into more debt than usual to purchase holiday gifts this year. In addition, some shoppers (7%) say they’ll go into debt using BNPL services, and 4% will go into debt using cash advance apps to buy holiday gifts this year.

Some gift-givers are raiding their rainy day funds — 15% of 2022 holiday shoppers say they’ll likely need to use some of their emergency savings to buy holiday gifts this year. Parents of children under 18 are even more likely to say this than holiday shoppers without minor children, 26% versus 10%, respectively.

Savvy shopping strategy: Understand the costs of different payment options and avoid withdrawing from your emergency fund, if possible. More than 2 in 5 2022 holiday shoppers (41%) prefer to do their holiday shopping at retailers that offer point-of-sale loans over those that don’t. While BNPL can be a convenient way to break up the expense of gift buying into installments, it can be costly if you miss a payment and can also make it difficult to track your spending.

Like credit cards, BNPL services, cash advance apps and payday loans can put you into debt for holiday gifts. Unlike credit cards, these options don’t have benefits outside of giving you more time to pay for your holiday shopping expenses. Before using any of these options, ensure you understand any fees or interest charges you’ll incur, because the added costs could make gift-giving much more expensive.

Pulling money from your emergency savings to pay for holiday gifts isn’t advisable, as it could put you in a tough spot if a true emergency arises. Instead, we recommend you either trim expenses from your monthly budget or aim to lower your holiday gift budget a bit to avoid tapping into savings.

“It’s easy to get swept up in the spirit of the season and overspend, but there are ways to minimize that risk so the holidays can be truly festive without the added financial strain: Plan out your purchases in advance, talk with loved ones early about scaling back spending, shop sales strategically and consider giving homemade and creative gifts that costs less,” suggests Palmer.

Not all Black Friday, Cyber Monday shoppers are buying gifts

According to the survey, more than half of 2022 holiday shoppers (55%) say sales offered over the last six months have lessened their interest in shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales this year. Still, more than two-thirds of Americans (68%) plan to shop these sales.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are generally associated with gift buying, but they’re also good opportunities to purchase necessities. The survey found that while half of Black Friday/Cyber Monday shoppers (50%) plan to spend the most on gifts when shopping these sales, 30% plan to spend the most on necessities for their home and family and 13% plan to spend the most on non-necessities.

Speaking of sales, some people are stocking up on decor after the holiday season at a serious discount. More than 3 in 5 Americans (62%) say they’ll buy discounted holiday items after the upcoming holiday season, like gift wrapping items (33%) and Christmas tree lights (25%).

Savvy shopping strategy: Around two-thirds of 2022 holiday shoppers (67%) prefer to do their holiday shopping online instead of in-store this year. You can often combine sales with cash-back apps and websites like Rakuten or Honey to get even more bang for your buck. And make sure to compare prices; sometimes the best deal may come from a retailer you wouldn’t expect.

Take advantage of sales for necessities you planned to buy anyway. Black Friday sales can be a great time to stock up on essentials for less.

“The holiday season offers families a great chance to talk about how to celebrate together without straining budgets,” says Palmer. “Having those discussions in advance and planning out your own gift-giving before you make any purchases can also help.”

Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NerdWallet from Sept. 15-19, 2022, among 2,075 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 1,751 plan to purchase gifts this holiday season (2022 holiday shoppers). The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Sarah Borland at [email protected] .

“Holiday shoppers” refers to Americans who plan on purchasing any gifts during the 2022 holiday season.

“Holiday season” refers to the period between Sept. 15 and the end of 2022.

We used U.S. Census population estimates and survey responses to calculate the total number of Americans who plan to buy gifts this holiday season, as well as the total gift spending and the total gift spending charged to credit cards.

We used the most recent average annual percentage rate data from the Federal Reserve of St. Louis (18.43% as of August 2022) to calculate total credit card interest.

NerdWallet disclaims, expressly and impliedly, all warranties of any kind, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or whether the article’s information is accurate, reliable or free of errors. Use or reliance on this information is at your own risk, and its completeness and accuracy are not guaranteed. The contents in this article should not be relied upon or associated with the future performance of NerdWallet or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties as indicated by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should” or “anticipates” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements may materially differ from NerdWallet’s presentation of information to analysts and its actual operational and financial results.

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Christmas gift guide to Moscow surroundings

Visitors from America and Western Europe might be surprised to discover that Russia celebrates Christmas on January 7th. That’s because the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar. After the end of the Soviet Union, some Russians have begun celebrating Christmas on December 25 in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. But many Russians still observe the tradition of fasting on January 6th, breaking the fast with a large feast on Christmas Eve after the first star has appeared in the sky.

During the Soviet era, Christmas and religious traditions were banned in Russia. Santa Claus was replaced by Ded Moroz, or, Grandfather Frost, an old man with a long white beard who would bring gifts to children on New Year’s instead of Christmas. According to Russian tradition, Ded Moroz is accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka, the Snowmaiden, who helps him on his journey to give presents to children.

Although the tradition of having a Christmas tree, known as a yolka in Russian, was also banned during Soviet times, Russians got around this by having New Year’s trees from which they hung homemade decorations. Today, the restrictions of the Soviet Union have faded into history, and during the Christmas season visitors to Russia can even purchase Christmas ornaments in the shape of matryoshka dolls, or religious icons that depict nativity scenes.

Heading counterclockwise around the Golden Ring this holiday season, northeast of Moscow, your first stop will most likely be the city of Vladimir, home to some of Russia’s most striking churches and cathedrals. The Vladimir region is known for its fine crystal. Stop by the Crystal, Lacquer Miniatures, and Embroidery Museum ( 2 Bolshaya Moskovskaya ) for an overview of traditional crafts before visiting the gift shop in the museum to browse the crystal selection. Vladimir Chic ( 2 Dvoryanskaya ) also sells local glass and crystal work.

Typical souvenirs are also for sale in Vladimir’s old town, especially by the Golden Gate, a triumphal arch and defensive tower that is one of the last-remaining parts of the wall that once surrounded ancient Vladimir and a sure stop on any tour of the Golden Ring.

Just 63 kilometers from Vladimir lays the nearby city of Gus-Khrustalny , the ‘Crystal Goose,’ also home to a rich glass and crystal making tradition. You can visit the glassmaking factory in Gus-Khrustalny and buy gifts ranging from plates and vases to decanters, or visit the outlet store back in Moscow ( 4 Ilyinka ) just east of the Kremlin.

North of Vladimir, you’ll arrive in Suzdal, one of the Golden Ring route’s more tranquil towns. Suzdal boasts a number of small bazaars and stands outside the main tourist sites where visitors can purchase local honey mead, called medovukha, along with traditional crafts, like a pair valenki, or Russian woolen boots, which make an ideal Christmas gift for friends and family back home. The shopping stands outside Suzdal’s Museum of Wooden Architecture and Peasant Life ( Ul. Pushkarskaya ) are also highly recommended. Market Square ( Torgovaya Pl ) houses a number of shops where visitors can search for arts and crafts.

Following the Golden Ring north of Suzdal, many tours will stop in the city of Kostroma, a former trading outpost on the immense Volga River. One of the city’s highlights is the Museum of Linen and Birchbark ( 38 Tereshkova ), where visitors can view exhibits on traditional Russian crafts woven from flax and bark. A gift shop in the basement sells tablecloths, napkins, baskets, linen dolls, and traditional clothing typical of the region.

South from Kostroma, stop in the city of Rostov-Veliky for enamel jewelry, a craft which allows artists to produce small paintings on metal that are then fired to produce a thin glaze over the image. Rostov became famous for its tradition of enamel work. Today, visitors can purchase rings, earrings, bracelets, brooches, and jewelry boxes in the gift shop of the Rostov Enamel factory ( 3 Borisoglebskoye Highway ).

While you’re in Rostov, visit the House of Crafts ( 16 Vtoraya Tolstovskaya Naberezhnaya ) for local pottery and the Souvenirs shop ( 5 Ul. Kamennyi Most ) for ushanka hats—Russian fur caps with earflaps—paintings, and samovars for tea lovers.

The last two stops on a tour of the Golden Ring are the cities of Pereslavl-Zalesskiy and Sergiev Posad. Pereslavl is most famous for its embroidery work, available at the Art Salon ( 12 Ul. Sovetskaya ) along with souvenirs made of wood and stone. Nearby Sergiev Posad is considered the place where Russia’s matryoshka dolls were first invented, and was the chief production center of the dolls before Soviet times. Visit the city’s Toy Museum ( 123 Pr. Krasny Armii ) to get a better sense of the birthplace of one of Russia’s most recognizable toys, then head over to the market alongside the Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius—one of the city’s most important sites—to load up on matryoshka dolls, painted eggs, and icons before going home.

If you’ll be in the Golden Ring during New Years, the city of Vladimir hosts an impressive Christmas fair, with an iceskating rink and performances by local artists, in the main square ( Sobornaya Pl ). In most other Golden Ring cities you’ll find similar events in the center square as Christmas nears.

Most shops and markets in the Golden Ring are open year round. If you’re coming to Russia for a short period of time, whether in winter or summer, consider a trip to this stunning part of the country, and bring an extra bag if you plan to go shopping for Christmas gifts.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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MINI HOTEL BANIFATSIY Reviews (Elektrostal, Russia)

On January 4, a heating main burst at the Klimovsk Specialized Ammunition Plant in the town of Podolsk, which is about 30 miles south of central Moscow. Since then, tens of thousands of Russians are reported to have no heating in their homes.

Affected areas include the cities of Khimki, Balashikha, Lobnya, Lyubertsy, Podolsk, Chekhov and Naro-Fominsk, a map published by a Russian Telegram channel and shared on other social media sites shows.

Other Russian media outlets reported that in Moscow, residents of Balashikha, Elektrostal, Solnechnogorsk, Dmitrov, Domodedovo, Troitsk, Taldom, Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Krasnogorsk, Pushkino, Ramenskoye, Voskresensk, Losino-Petrovsky and Selyatino are also without power.

The Telegram channel said that at the 820th Main Center for Missile Attack Warnings, "the crew...is on duty around the clock."

"It is here that the decision on a retaliatory nuclear strike is executed," the channel said.

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Newsweek could not independently verify the report and has reached out to the Russian Defense Ministry by email for comment.

Power outages have also been reported in Russia's second-largest city, St. Petersburg, in the country's western Voronezh region, in the southwest city of Volgograd, and in Rostov, which borders Ukraine, a country that Russia has been at war with since February 24, 2022.

On Sunday, two shopping malls in St. Petersburg were forced to close because of problems with light and heating, reported local news outlet 78.ru. Hundreds of other homes in the city have had no electricity, water or heating for days amid temperatures of -25 C (-13 F).

Russian authorities have also been forced to compensate passengers of a train that ran from Samara to St. Petersburg (a 20-hour journey) without heating during -30 C (-22 F) temperatures. Videos circulating on social media showed carriage windows frozen over. A passenger also said the toilet didn't work during the trip because of frozen pipes.

Do you have a tip on a world news story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about the Russia-Ukraine war? Let us know via [email protected].

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About the writer

Isabel van Brugen is a Newsweek Reporter based in Kuala Lumpur. Her focus is reporting on the Russia-Ukraine war. Isabel joined Newsweek in 2021 and had previously worked with news outlets including the Daily Express, The Times, Harper's BAZAAR, and Grazia. She has an M.A. in Newspaper Journalism at City, University of London, and a B.A. in Russian language at Queen Mary, University of London. Languages: English, Russian

You can get in touch with Isabel by emailing [email protected]  or by following her on X @isabelvanbrugen

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