The entire building is decorated with a multitude of trees, fresh pine garland, twinkling lights, and a gingerbread replica of the White House itself. Coleman Concierge has me ready to book my tickets with this descriptions of Key West in December. Of course, this isn’t exactly a secret—winter is typically Key West’s busiest and most expensive season. Maui is full of adventures, and it’s recommended to rent a car and drive the iconic Road to Hana where you get beautiful scenery, lush waterfalls and gorgeous beaches along the way. Add to … There is the San Diego Holiday Parade, Christmas Pet Parade, Balboa Park December nights, La Jolla Christmas Parade, and The Holiday Bowl. The mountains of East Tennessee will always be my home and always capture my heart most vividly during the holidays. If you are looking to escape the cold this and celebrate Christmas in your shorts and flip flops, these United States December travel destinations. Santa frequently visits the Chocolate Village so make sure to ask the front desk when he will be there. There's plenty for kids to see and do (such as Macy's Santaland, watching the Rockettes, and ice skating under the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree), but the adults will be treated to plenty of entertainment, too.Tour the festive storefronts along Fifth Avenue, go see … Not only that, but MOA is also home to four of Minnesota’s top attractions – SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, Crayola Experience, FlyOver America and world-famous Nickelodeon Universe. .Â, What could be more all-American than spotting a bald eagle along the Mississippi River? Santa Fe is a beautiful place to visit at time of the year due to its unique architecture and blend of Anglo, Hispanic and Native American cultures. Don’t let the winter blues put a damper on your December wanderlust travel dreams. You can even go galactic snow tubing at night under LED lights. Walk down King Street, the main shopping street, and admire the Christmas decorations (and get any last minute gift shopping done)! Slightly less hectic weeks in January and February are also good times to visit the French Quarter and jazz-rich historic neighborhoods like the Marigny and Treme. Find out more about this year’s Brewery Light Festival on their website. Although a few can usually be found swimming through the preserve no matter the season, you’re pretty much guaranteed to see dozens if you visit between November and April. My family’s favorite thing to do in Keystone around Christmas time is to visit the chocolate village in the lobby of the Keystone Lodge. If warmer, but not HOT, is what you seek, consider Charleston, SC for your December family vacation. The 18th-century narrow streets with numerous galleries, shops, restaurants, and historic row houses is the perfect setting to experience a Charles Dickens style Christmas. From the top of the falls, you can even see seven US states on a clear, sunny day. The weather is mild yet the Christmas celebrations are out in full force! Back in town, Asheville punches above its weight class when it comes to arts and culinary offerings, with tons of galleries, Appalachian crafts exhibits, live music venues, gastropubs, and coffee shops. There’s no doubt the level of bias that lies in the heart of this travel writer! Sandpoint is a lake community in northern Idaho and is the perfect destination for families looking to experience the outdoors in December. More laid-back pursuits include dining on fresh seafood, catching sight of the famous six-toed cats at the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, and simply lounging on sandy beaches. Â. That’s right: Minneapolis. PLEASE NOTE: In order to tour the White House, you must contact your local congressman at least three months in advance to request the tour. YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Best Places To Travel In October. Caves covered in icicles feel like crystal ballrooms, while enormous frozen waterfalls and towers of ice prove irresistible to climbers equipped with picks and cleats. New York City is downright magical during the holidays, no matter how old you are. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. This area is home to awesome historic warehouses that have been converted into super unique shops & restaurants. Be warned: If you want to attend any of the above, start planning early—buy your tickets, like, yesterday.Â, Opened in 1960, this New England classic in Londonderry, Vermont, is a throwback to the small-scale ski resorts of the era before wide, treeless trails became the norm. Perfect for those looking to escape the harsh December … While in Bloomington, stay at the Radisson Blu or the JW Marriott, both of which are directly connected to the Mall of America. Here you can learn all about Alaska's human and natural history at the Museum of the North, and feast your eyes on the Northern Lights, which are often visible between September and March.Â. There’s more to the festivities than beads and booze (though if that’s what you’re after, get thee to Bourbon Street). There’s no airport and no pier for cruise ships (most visitors arrive by ferry from St. Thomas), and a lush national park occupies more land than resorts do. “Another tender Tennessee Christmas is the only Christmas for me…”. It is incredible. My favorite place in the city is the area downtown known as The Old Market. To mark the annual event, river towns along the route host special events such as Bald Eagle Days in Rock Island, Illinois, and Iowa’s Dubuque Bald Eagle Watch. With average daily temperatures ranging in the low to mid-70s, Phoenix, Arizona, serves as one of the best warm places to visit in December in the USA. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan, Upper Mississippi River Towns, Illinois and Iowa, Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada, our favorite U.S. destinations for that time of year. Idaho is one the country’s best-kept secrets, and December is especially a great time to visit the state. Find a great place to stay in South Padre Island. Lake Tahoe has 12 ski resorts and a number of world-famous ones, such as Squaw Valley, which was the host of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Charleston is the perfect destination for a mild December getaway, with temperatures ranging from the upper 40s to 60s! Hawaii’s lush “Garden Isle” is blessed with pleasant year-round temps and a tropical climate ideal for trekking through rainforests and the colorful Waimea Canyon, marveling at the seaside bluffs at Na Pali Coast State Park, and discovering hidden golden-sand beaches. Welcome to VeraVise Outdoor Living. I know I said that Tennessee was a special place for me in December, but you know that I am easily persuaded that Florida is the place to be when those temperatures start to drop. The city’s top cold-weather outdoor events have been combined to form a 10-day superfest called the Great Northern, featuring family-friendly winter carnivals, ice sculptures, the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships on Lake Nokomis, and the beloved City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival. Page 1 of 17. Asheville is an ideal choice for winter travelers who crave a mountain getaway but don’t care for heavy snowfall. Next >> Related Insider Monkey … Christian. With more than 100 hotels welcoming guests, 4,000+ restaurants cooking away, and 107 tourist attractions open to visitors, San Juan’s post-Maria comeback is something to behold. No place does Christmas better than New York City! Visit in the winter months, though, and you’ll find that those punishing temps of 120 degrees Fahrenheit have dropped to a downright pleasant range in the 60s and 70s. And now, read on for the 25 best places to visit in the United States in 2020. Every Saturday and Sunday in December there’s a Christmas Lighting Ceremony complete with the arrival of St Nikolaus, roaming carolers, live music, sledding, and seasonal treats like hot chocolate, mulled wine, and hot chocolate. See the National Christmas tree, … Wife. Most park roads are closed to regular traffic starting in early November, leaving many areas accessible only to “oversnow” modes of transit such as cross-country skis or guided snowmobile and snowcoach tours. Thanks to the size, natural diversity, and varied climates of the United States, there are plenty of destinations across the country to suit both the pro-snow and pro-sand factions. While you’re researching the best places in the US to visit in December, consider staying at a Select Registry property! There are two, that’s right, TWO national Christmas trees. For even more ideas about check out this non-skiers guide to Jackson Hole in the Winter. As the nation’s largest indoor theme park, it’s always 70 degrees and sunny at Nickelodeon Universe. The area is a white winter wonderland that is an enchanting backdrop for numerous outdoor activities suitable for all ages. Elizabeth from Elizabeth Everywhere has a few pointers for making Charleston your December travel destination in the US. Best Places to Go in 2020. Be sure to visit the model train in Charleston Place and the Christmas tree in Marion Square! If a romantic weekend getaway is more your speed, La Spa Foret is a great place to relax and revitalize. Christmas is a magical time full of gorgeous decorations, lights, and cheer. Migrating south by the thousands, the birds keep close to the water in order to feed on fish and roost in the surrounding bluffs. Welcome to VeraVise Outdoor Living. Santa will be waiting for you there, and you’ll sip on warm cider or hot cocoa while enjoying holiday music performed by local choirs and live bands. I recommend staying in Kihei or Wailea beach as it’s a nice place for families with a relaxed vibe, nice accommodation alternatives and not too far away by car. Camelback Mountain is famous for their 42 lanes of snow-tubing available for people of all ages. As a matter of fact, this is where the annual Michigan Ice Fest is held for ice climbers each February. If you really want to thrill the kids in the middle of December, enjoy the indoor water park located at the Great Wolf Lodge which is located only steps away from the mall.”. If you’re more into skiing and snowboarding, Camelback has that too, but there is also Shawnee Mountain and Blue Mountain with a variety of hills for all skill levels. Bookmark this page, get your booking websites ready, and read on to know the 16 best places to visit in USA in December! 11 Gatlinburg Restaurants That Will Please Your Taste buds and Your Kids! With weather in the mid-seventies, it’s a great time of year for visiting the beach and exploring the city without the heat being too oppressive. Check out Zoolights at the Phoenix Zoo, Cheap Family Vacation Destinations In The US. There’s no shortage of reasons to visit DC in December!”. Every December the amazing Keystone pastry chefs set up a gigantic Christmas display made entirely of Chocolate. Browse things to do and top attractions … If you’re looking for a fun and unique destination to take the family this December look no further than Leavenworth, Washington. Consequently, the terrain can be difficult for those unaccustomed to steep, winding slopes through wooded areas. Whether you’re snorkeling on the coral reefs or taking a sunset cruise. The test date must be within less than 10 days of arrival. While lightweights elsewhere nurse holiday hangovers, Sin City’s shows, gaming floors, offbeat museums, and thrill rides keep going all year round. That tree is also surrounded by 56 smaller trees, one for each US state and territory. Just remember to bring some warm clothes! The theater season is still at its height in winter, and with less competition from other tourists for tickets, there’s a better chance of snagging seats at hit Broadway plays and musicals. December is the holiday season, and there are plenty of places you can visit to slough off the stress of the year and immerse yourself in feel-good festivities. During the “Brewery Lights Festival”, the brewery grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland in which you can walk around and enjoy the Christmas lights as well as a free sample of Anheuser Busch beer. Most of the destinations below are in Latin America and Southeast Asia, so depending on where you are starting … Thanks to the size, natural diversity, and varied climates of the United States, there are plenty of destinations across the country to suit both the pro-snow and pro-sand factions. Start at the Nation’s Capital Washington D.C and work your way around the world through Tokyo, Paris, Italy, India, and China. Post-slope drinks in the tavern come with live music, views overlooking the mountain, and a chance to confab with the resort’s devoted fans.  Â, The indisputable highlight of a New Orleans winter arrives in February with the city’s annual Mardi Gras celebration—the mother of all street parties held the day before Ash Wednesday. Still want to see some Christmas lights? All passengers arriving from the United States 12 or older are required to upload negative Covid-19 test results to get travel authorization. We are an online digital resource for the outdoor enthusiast in the Southeast. Day trippers as well as overnighters are treated to turquoise waters great for snorkeling, pristine beaches such as Trunk Bay, emerald peaks, verdant groves with hiking trails, and close-up views of tropical flowers, pelicans, turtles, and other denizens of paradise. The area’s Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is the only spot in the U.S. dedicated entirely to protecting the distinctively corpulent creatures. Chicago, Illinois Despite being in the cold north, Chicago is one of the best cities to visit in December. Things to do in the Smoky Mountains In Every Season, Things To Do In The Smoky Mountains In Every Season, Kid Friendly Hotels In Pigeon Forge Near Dollywood, Kid Friendly Hotels In Pigeon Forge Near The Island, The Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station, Tannenbaum Christmas Shop-a shop dedicated to all things Christmas, Holiday Lights Festival from Mid-November to New Years Eve, Visit the Capitol District Ice Rink on 10th & Capitol Avenue, these tips for booking the perfect Keystone family ski vacation, non-skiers guide to Jackson Hole in the Winter, Visit the Oasis Water Park at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa: Voted one of the top 10 Waterparks in the US by the Travel Channel. “When you think Christmas, I am sure San Diego is not the first place that comes to mind. When the Gulf of Mexico cools down each winter, hundreds of manatees make for the perpetually 72-degree springs of Kings Bay on Florida’s western coast about 80 miles north of Tampa. There is no shortage of activities available for families in the Christmas spirit. Where are your favorite US destinations to travel in December? We provide resources to help you discover the Smoky Mountains , Hilton Head, Florida, and  beyond, while having a ton of fun ATV riding, boating, hiking, and RV camping. There are a slew of ways to explore your frosty surroundings in Anchorage, from glacier hikes to dogsledding tours (the famous Iditarod race kicks off here every March). It’s one of the best places to visit in the US in December. A rich and colorful tradition of parades, pageantry, krewes, and king cakes surrounds the event, not just on Fat Tuesday but in the weeks leading up to it as well. Pam from the Directionally Challenged Traveler. The President’s home is open to public tours all year, but Christmas is the best time to visit. Despite Minnesota’s reputation for cold weather and snow in the winter, Via Travelers tell us that the coldest months of the year don’t hit until January and February, making a visit in December a great time to experience the snowy beautiful city. Head into the imposing Sangre de Cristo Mountains for skiing and snowshoeing, or get pampered by sampling the spa scene. Since its an island, you can catch sunrise, sunset, and enjoy sunshine all day. Take a ride further inland aboard the Aurora Winter Train, chugging through a Christmas-card landscape characterized by heavy snow and the occasional moose, to reach Fairbanks. The best places to visit in December are of course close to the equator or even below it. Phoenix is the capital of Arizona and enjoys year round warm temperatures as well as lots of fun things to do for families.”. 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