If you’re looking for a festive Christmas holiday or winter vacation this year, consider spending it in one of these charming towns or cities in the United States. There are many beautiful destination ideas in the U.S. for your winter holiday trip! From the picturesque streets of Woodstock, Vermont, to the snow-capped mountains of Colorado and North Carolina, these towns are sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
So pack your bags (maybe with an ugly Christmas sweater or two) and prepare for a holiday vacation you’ll never forget!
Tip: These beautiful winter trip vacation ideas can also be combined in an epic holiday road trip and maybe even visit family or friends along the way!
So, What are Some Beautiful Destination Ideas for a Winter Trip in the US?
Table of contents
- So, What are Some Beautiful Destination Ideas for a Winter Trip in the US?
- Fredericksburg, Texas
- Breckenridge, Colorado is a Charming and Beautiful Winter Destination
- Key West, Florida is a Beautiful Trip Destination Idea Anytime of the Year
- Park City, Utah
- Vail, Colorado is a Classic Beautiful Winter Trip Destination
- Banner Elk, North Carolina
- Woodstock, Vermont
- Asheville, North Carolina
- New York City, New York is a Great Winter Holiday Trip Destination
- New Orleans, Louisiana is one of our Favorite Beautiful Winter Trip Destination Ideas
- Bottom Line on the Most Beautiful Destination Ideas for a Winter Trip in the U.S.
- More Great Travel Articles to Help you Plan Your Next Amazing Vacation!
Fredericksburg, Texas
Looking for the perfect holiday getaway? Look no further than Fredericksburg! This charming town offers everything you could want, from ice skating to a 30-foot authentic German Christmas pyramid, to shopping along a Main Street decked out in its holiday finest. (we also recommend it for a great Oktoberfest in the U.S.!)
Every night from Thanksgiving week through the first week of January, the Marktplatz comes alive with lights at 6pm. There’s a countdown to the lighting and holiday music before the thousands of bulbs turn on. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss!
You can also enjoy a festive wine event and local cuisine or experience one of the many special events. Whatever your holiday plans, Fredericksburg is the perfect place to be!
Breckenridge, Colorado is a Charming and Beautiful Winter Destination
Breckenridge is the perfect place to kick off your Christmas vacation. The town is charming and picturesque, and the surrounding mountain ranges offer plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Throughout December, the town is transformed into a perfect Christmas village. Horse-drawn carriage rides, unique shops, and, depending on when you go, hundreds of racing Santas picking up milk and cookies – a must-see this holiday season!
The Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas occurs during the first weekend of December. What better way to kick it off than with a race down Main Street by hundreds of Santa look-alikes? Afterward, the whole town will transform into a magical Christmas snow globe with 250,000 LED holiday lights. With its joyful atmosphere, this festive event will surely get you in the holiday spirit. Take advantage of this magical event!
Key West, Florida is a Beautiful Trip Destination Idea Anytime of the Year
No trip to the Florida Keys is complete without a stop at this idyllic spot! We have written about Key West many times because it is truly one of our favorites! Christmas in Key West is an unforgettable experience. The island is full of surprises, and the residents decorate with giant snowflakes and twinkling lights.
This charming town is full of grand hotels and quaint bed-and-breakfasts that go all out for Christmas. You’ll feel like you’re in a winter wonderland when you stroll down the streets lined with twinkling lights. And try some delicious Christmas cookies from the one of the best local bakeries, Old Town Bakery!
The weather in Key West is perfect in December – not too hot or cold. And there’s no risk of hurricanes! So pack your bags and head to Key West for fun in the sun.
Tip: If you have the time, stay for the epic “shoe drop” at New Years this year! We will be there for a fun travel meetup to welcome in the New Year Celebration!
Recent Key West Articles:
- Key West One Day Itinerary Guide
- Amazing Sunset Experience at the Key West Lighthouse
- Epic Road Trips including the Florida Keys
- Best Places to Camp in the Florida Keys
- Key West Hotel Review and Comparison
Park City, Utah
On Christmas Eve, you can join Saint Nick on the slopes for a day of skiing! This holiday season, get ready to be dazzled by a life-size gingerbread house nearly 13 feet tall and made with 11,000 cookies!
Looking for something fun to do this holiday season? Check out Snowfest at Park City Mountain, where Santa comes to town via ski lift! Or check out the annual torchlight parade down the mountain. And there are fireworks on New Year’s Eve!
Main Street in Park City is a festive winter wonderland! Giant snow globes and holiday decorations make it a popular spot for bars, restaurants, art galleries, and holiday entertainment.
Vail, Colorado is a Classic Beautiful Winter Trip Destination
Looking for a winter getaway that’s sure to be unforgettable? Then look no further than Vail, Colorado. This ski town is the perfect place to spend Christmas, with its beautiful slopes and stunning winter scenery.
The Kris Kringle Market is the best place to get into the holiday spirit! You can witness the big tree-lighting ceremony and shop while you’re at it. You’ll definitely want to add Vail to your list of must-visit destinations!
Banner Elk, North Carolina
Looking to hit the slopes this winter? Banner Elk is the perfect spot, with two of the largest ski resorts in the South just 10 minutes away. Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Resort offer exciting terrain for skiing and snowboarding, so you’ll be sure to find a challenge regardless of your skill level.
Can’t wait for the holidays? Head to Banner Elk for A Small Town Christmas, the first weekend in December. This is the perfect event to get you into the holiday spirit, with snow, lights, and all the festive cheer you can handle.
Banner Elk is the perfect place to spend some time during the holiday season! With tons of lodging options, you and your special someone will find the ideal place to stay.
Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock is a quintessential New England town that looks like it was the setting of a Hallmark movie. The picturesque streets are nestled in the Green Mountains and is the perfect place to enjoy a cozy Christmas vacation.
There are plenty of charming bed and breakfasts like The Blue Horse Inn, quaint shops, and restaurants to explore. And, of course, no trip to Woodstock would be complete without taking a sleigh ride in the mountains.
You can also go skiing and snow-shoeing near Woodstock! Go to the Nordic Center to rent your equipment for a day of fun out in the snow!
Asheville, North Carolina
If you’re looking for a festive way to get into the holiday spirit, head to the Biltmore Estate. With 55 hand-decorated trees, 1000 live Poinsettias, and 7,500 feet of fresh evergreen garland, it’s a winter wonderland that’s not to be missed.
Looking for something Christmas-themed to do? Check out the Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum or the National Gingerbread House Competition. With so many fantastic holiday displays, you’re sure to get into the holiday spirit in no time!
Asheville is the perfect place to spend the holidays! With numerous local Christmas light displays, you’ll surely get into the holiday spirit!
New York City, New York is a Great Winter Holiday Trip Destination
Looking for a festive way to celebrate the holidays? Then head to New York City, where Christmas is truly magical. From the gorgeous decorations and lights to the positive atmosphere, there’s no better place to get into the holiday spirit.
Rockefeller Plaza is home to an iconic Christmas tree; you can even go ice skating there. The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is a much-anticipated event in New York City. Dating back to 1932, the ceremony signals the start of the holiday season. It is a cherished tradition for many New Yorkers. So put on your best holiday gear and head to the Big Apple!
Check out our recent New York City Iconic Landmarks to Visit article and why Central Park is a Beautiful Fall Colors Destination article!
Find the perfect New York City Hotel for your trip! Have a large group visiting NYC? Stay in this amazing 2 br triplex with a private roof deck from VRBO! The location is perfect for exploring all of the New York City winter fun!
New Orleans, Louisiana is one of our Favorite Beautiful Winter Trip Destination Ideas
New Orleans (our home) is an extraordinary city and we have a fun way of getting into the festive spirit! The Crescent City is known for its amazing Mardi Gras celebrations, but did you know it goes all out for the holidays, too? From elaborately decorated streets and homes to festive parades and parties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this particular time of year.
We even have a New Orleans “running of the santas bar crawl” through the French Quarter!
So if you’re looking for a positive and fun-filled holiday destination, be sure to add New Orleans to your list!
This holiday season, New Orleans is the place to be! Not only will you find incredible light displays and bonfires on the levee, but you can also check out Celebration in the Oaks at City Park! This is one of the country’s most spectacular holiday lights festivals to experience. Don’t miss the Botanical Garden’s light show too while in City Park!
Hot Tip: Our New Years Eve Celebration is also not to be missed! Catch our Fleur De Lis drop at midnight on top of the Jax Brewery Building near Jackson Square.
Check out our DIY Self-Guided Craft Cocktail Crawl article and our Best Haunted Places in New Orleans to visit guide!
Book your Stay in New Orleans for all of the Celebrations!
Bottom Line on the Most Beautiful Destination Ideas for a Winter Trip in the U.S.
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting holiday experience or just want to see great Christmas decorations, be sure to check out one of these incredible destinations in the United States! From the festive lights of New York City to the beautiful snow-capped mountains of Colorado, there’s something for everyone. So start planning your trip today and prepare for a holiday you’ll never forget.
Also, Don’t miss our Black Friday Travel Deals shopping recommendations if you get a chance!
I love your articles!
Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.