Whether you’re dreaming of sipping cocoa by a Vermont fireplace, ice-skating under New York’s skyline, or spotting Santa arrive by canoe in Hawaii, here’s where to travel during winter and celebrate Christmas with your family in the USA. By Stephanie Zheng
There’s something utterly enchanting about winter travel in the USA. As the first snowfall dusts the mountains and holiday lights twinkle from coast to coast, the country transforms into a playground of family adventures, white, quiet, a reminder that this is a place where peace can reign.
East Coast holiday magic
Winter travel in the USA
The East Coast is where American holiday traditions truly shine. In New York City, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes celebrates its 100th anniversary, an unmissable milestone for families visiting between 6 November 2025 and 4 January 2026. Just steps away, the Perelman Performing Arts Center offers an intimate retelling of A Christmas Carol, perfect for a cosy night in Manhattan.
A few hours north, Vermont transforms into a postcard come to life. Rolling white hills, frozen lakes, and warmly lit inns invite you to slow down and savour the season. While ski resorts abound, the state’s true charm lies in its slower pace. Think fireside chats, snowy strolls through quaint villages, and steaming mugs in snug cafés. Don’t leave without visiting a maple sugarhouse like Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, Silloway Maple, or Baird Farm, where you can taste golden syrup straight from the source, which will be a sweet memory for kids and parents alike.
Christmas and bright lights in the USA
Further south, Washington, D.C. hosts the lighting of the world’s largest menorah, while Alexandria, Virginia, celebrates with its beloved Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Over in Nantucket, the Christmas Stroll turns cobblestoned streets into a living snow globe, while Asheville, North Carolina, adds a sugary touch with the National Gingerbread House Competition.
The South: Warm welcomes and winter fun
You don’t need snow to feel the holiday spirit. In the southern states, winter is all about sunshine, charm, and laid-back family fun. North Carolina and West Virginia are winter gems where gentle slopes, snow tubing parks, and outdoor ice rinks create endless opportunities for laughter. Picture snow-dusted mountains, cascading waterfalls, and a landscape that invites families to slow down and explore together.
If you’re chasing coastal Christmas vibes, head to Jacksonville Beach, Florida, where Deck the Chairs turns lifeguard towers into glowing sculptures, or swing by Pendleton, South Carolina, for a European-style Christkindlmarkt filled with handmade gifts and festive treats. For a unique New Year’s celebration, join the crowds at Nashville’s Music Note Drop or watch a sparkling pineapple descend in Sarasota as fireworks light up the night.
Midwest charm and small-town cheer
In the heartland, the holidays are steeped in nostalgia and warmth. Frankenmuth, Michigan, also known as “Little Bavaria,” comes alive with twinkling lights, traditional markets, and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland — the largest Christmas store in the world. In Kansas City, Missouri, the Hallmark Christmas Experience feels like stepping into one of its heartwarming movies, complete with ice skating, markets, and star-studded appearances.
For something quirkier, pedal along with hundreds of Santas in Wisconsin’s Santa Cycle Rampage, or discover Dasher’s Den, a festive pop-up speakeasy tucked inside Oklahoma City’s Colcord Hotel, where parents can unwind while kids marvel at the decorations.
Colorado and Utah: Where winter dreams come true
Small USA town charm during winter
In the Rockies, winter takes on a cinematic quality. Colorado is every skier’s paradise, home to four of the world’s highest ski resorts, offering perfect powder and postcard views. Iconic towns like Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge pair world-class slopes with lively après-ski scenes, luxurious stays, and alpine charm. For an extra dose of adventure, families can try dog sledding through pine forests or soak in mountain hot springs beneath the stars.
Snow tubing is a great family travel activity
Across the border in Utah, Park City — the former host of the 2002 Winter Olympics — delivers equally breathtaking experiences. Less than an hour from Salt Lake City, this mountain haven combines deep powder with small-town warmth. Beyond skiing, Park City offers a celebrated farm-to-table dining scene and a lively après-ski atmosphere, from wine lounges to secret speakeasies.
For snow-seekers, Breckenridge, Colorado, also plays host to Ullr Fest, celebrating the Norse god of snow with Viking helmets, parades, and plenty of hot chocolate.
Northern lights and island delights
If you’re after something extraordinary, Fairbanks, Alaska, offers an unforgettable Winter Solstice Celebration, where fireworks burst beneath the Northern Lights, an awe-inspiring sight for kids and adults alike. Meanwhile, in the islands, Hawaii offers the ultimate tropical Christmas. At Maui’s Grand Wailea, Santa trades his sleigh for an outrigger canoe, arriving on the beach in his Hawaiian shirt to greet little ones with a hearty “Mele Kalikimaka.”
Discover the beauty of the USA, one festive adventure at a time.
