We love a Christmas holiday destination. There’s nothing else like packing your cozy clothes for Christmas morning, talking about what you might serve or be served for Christmas lunch, and imagining all the snowmen you’ll build and the snowball fights you’ll have that will be followed by hot chocolate with marshmallows. Spending the holidays in the US might mean a long flight or a short drive, a white Christmas, or perhaps a warm one, but it always means a lot of love, some time off with family and friends, and delicious food wherever you are. For the perfect Christmas backdrop, check out these incredible destinations.
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Solvang, California
Christmas comes early in the Danish-inspired village of Solvang, so you should plan to visit any time from late November. Quaint and charming describe Solvang year round, but the town's transformation over Christmas takes it to the next level.
Julefest, as the celebration is known, is an experience that will make you think you’ve landed in Europe rather than California. The magical tree lighting ceremony takes place on December 6th, and the parade (which features floats, marching bands, and street food) takes place down the town’s main road the following day.
The hygge (a Danish term that encompasses concepts like coziness, contentment, and friendliness) spirit overflows all season long at events like the Maker’s Market. Though Solvang is a small town, Santa Ynez Airport is easy to reach, whether on a luxury plane charter or a commercial flight.
Charleston, South Carolina
Southern hospitality is genuine and kicks into high gear over the festive season. If you love Christmas and everything that comes with it, except for the below-freezing weather, then Charleston is calling out your name.
The city is already a beautiful destination, but wait until you see it with all its classic Christmas decorations. The festive spirit is strong in Charleston, and there's a lot to do and see, both holiday-themed and otherwise. Make sure to check out which events are happening when so you can experience all the fun.
Charleston hosts the Festival of Trees every year, featuring 16 gorgeously decorated fir trees. The Sound of Charleston also happens every year, bringing you a massive dose of Christmas spirit through heartwarming carols, Christmas tunes, gospel, and jazz.
New York, New York
New York is known as one of the most enticing Christmas destinations in the world, and we certainly agree with that assessment. As the snow begins to fall, the city transforms from a hustle and bustle into a winter wonderland full of steamed-up cafe windows, sparkling lights, and the delicious scent of freshly baked goods.
If you like to stay busy, this might be your holiday destination. From the Rockettes’ Christmas special at Radio City Music Hall to ice skating in Central Park, there's festive cheer all over town. New Yorkers in general, but Brooklynites in particular go hard for the holidays, so there are a few neighborhoods worth a visit to walk by all the beautifully decorated homes.
PHOTO CREDIT | Pexels/Marani Ceja
Kennebunkport, Maine
Are you looking for something completely different from any Christmas destination you’ve tried? Spend the weeks leading up to Christmas and the holiday in Kennebunkport in snowy, cozy New England. Since Maine is so focused on fishing, it's no surprise that Santa Claus arrives on a lobster boat at the Christmas Prelude event.
The town overflows with festivity during Prelude (December 5th to December 15th), including classic holiday activities like caroling at the Franciscan Monastery. During this street festival, you can sip, nibble, and shop away any winter blues and view the town’s most famous Christmas tree made from lobster traps.
In most cultures, Christmas isn't traditionally a seafood season, but spending the holidays here will make gingerbread and sugar plums a thing of the past. Lobster rolls are the new turkey.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans doesn't do half-measures when it comes to its celebrations. The installations and decorations that pepper the city during December are the perfect complement to all the delicious festival food and drinks served up at festivals like Celebration in the Oaks, and that's over and above the delightful foodie experiences available in New Orleans all year long.
If you’re in the city on Christmas Eve, you’ll be in for a real treat at the annual lighting of the bonfires along the banks of the gorgeous Mississippi. If you’re lucky enough to stay at the Ritz Carlton, you can enjoy events like gingerbread house building and even a four-course dinner after watching the bonfires spring into action.
PHOTO CREDIT | Pexels/Luka Susak
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Christmas in a desert climate is different for many Americans, and Santa Fe is ready to be your host with the most. The city is gorgeous, warm, and welcoming all year round, but the way the plaza is lit up and twinkling every holiday season adds a bit of happiness and cheer.
If you’re the church-going type, you can attend a traditional midnight mass at the well-known and visually stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis de Assisi. If art galleries are your version of church, check out the seasonal exhibits at the New Mexico Museum of Art every year. There are flamenco performances, gorgeous winter markets and fairs, and wonderfully mild temperatures to enjoy.
The Most Wonderful Time of Year
The Christmas holidays are a wonderful time of year best experienced with the ones you love. Choosing any one of these unique and enticing Christmas destinations will help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
