The holiday season is one of the most magical times to travel in the United States. Whether you’re chasing snow‑and‑sleigh rides, blockbuster city light displays, or mild‑weather escape with a twist of “holiday spirit”, Christmas 2025 offers a rich palette of options. Below we dive into five standout destinations for Christmas in the USA in 2025 — what makes them special, how to plan your trip, insider tips — so you can decide where you want to be when the lights go on.
1. New York City (NY) – The Ultimate Big‑City Holiday Spectacle
Why go: NYC is arguably the most iconic U.S. city to spend Christmas. From the monumental tree at Rockefeller Center to the open‑air market at Bryant Park, there’s no shortage of festive energy. The tree lighting at Rockefeller Centre is a decades‑old tradition.
Meanwhile, Bryant Park’s “Winter Village” transforms into a European‑style Christmas market (2025 edition runs Oct – Mar) with hundreds of vendors, rink skating and holiday treats.
Top things to do:
- Visit Rockefeller Center tree & plaza; go ice‑skating on the rink nearby.
- Take a stroll along Fifth Avenue to view elaborate holiday window displays.
- Spend time at Bryant Park Winter Village: browse artisan booths, enjoy food & drink, skate.
- Book a show: In 2025 the Radio City Rockettes celebrate their 100th anniversary with the “Christmas Spectacular” at Radio City Music Hall.
Insider tips:
- Book accommodations early: Manhattan hotels fill fast for the festive season.
- For lower crowds, consider visiting early in December rather than Christmas week.
- Dress warmly: even if you plan largely indoor activities, NYC December nights can be biting.
2. Leavenworth, Washington – A Bavarian‑Style Snowy Holiday Town
Why go: Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth becomes a story‑book “Christmastown” in December: snow‑covered Bavarian‑style streets, lights, carolers, and an atmosphere straight out of a holiday movie.
Top things to do:
- Walk through the village lit with thousands of lights (look for “Village of Lights” theme).
- Sleigh or tubing rides in nearby Icicle Valley for that snowy holiday feel.
- Visit local nutcracker museum and enjoy hot mulled cider / German‑style snacks.
Insider tips:
- Check road conditions: mountain passes may be snowy or closed.
- Stay in a cozy lodge to maximize the winter‑wonderland feel.
- Bring warm boots & outerwear; even daytime in December can be near or below freezing.
3. St. Augustine, Florida – Mild Weather + “Nights of Lights”
Why go: If you want holiday magic without freezing temps, St. Augustine offers a standout experience with its famed Nights of Lights — over three million twinkling white lights draped throughout the historic downtown and waterfront.
Top things to do:
- Take a trolley or walking tour through the lit‑up historic district; the Bridge of Lions and 20+ city blocks sparkle with lights.
- Enjoy mild December coastal weather — perfect for combining holiday shopping and light‑viewing.
- Try local seafood and desserts in historic inns for a distinct holiday meal.
Insider tips:
- Visit earlier in December for easier parking and fewer crowds.
- Even though temps are milder than northern states, bring a light jacket for evenings.
- Book lodging in town (historic district) to be near walking access to lights after dark.
4. Chicago, Illinois – Christmas Market & Urban Holiday Vibes
Why go: Chicago combines big‑city amenities with standout holiday attractions — especially the German‑inspired Christkindlmarket (Daley Plaza) which draws over 1 million visitors.
Top things to do:
- Browse Christkindlmarket for handcrafted gifts, mulled wine (“glühwein”), and holiday treats.
- Walk the Magnificent Mile for lights, window displays, and maybe some shopping.
- Ice‑skate at Millennium Park or other downtown rinks to complete the winter feel.
Insider tips:
- Dress warm: Chicago December is cold and often windy.
- Consider staying in a hotel near downtown to walk easily between venues.
- Enjoy the market early in the day (less crowded), and grab lunch inside to warm up.
5. Santa Claus, Indiana – A Small‑Town Holiday Escape
Why go: This uniquely named town goes all‑in for Christmas. According to travel guides, Santa Claus, Indiana features special holiday‑themed activities, lights, and nostalgia‑filled charm.
Top things to do:
- Participate in the town’s “Christmas Celebration” held the first few weeks of December: themed activities, light displays, family‑friendly fun.
- Drive through “Land of Lights” and visit Santa’s Candy Castle.
- Enjoy a cozy, slower‑paced holiday break away from big‑city crowds.
Insider tips:
- Ideal for families with young kids: less overwhelming, more intimate.
- Lodging options are more limited; book ahead if you plan to stay overnight.
- Because it’s small town, expect less public transit; a car is ideal.
Planning Your Holiday Trip: Practical Tips for Christmas 2025
Timing & Reservations
- Many major holiday events begin just after Thanksgiving and run through early January. For example, markets and light displays open in late November.
- Book flights & hotels early: December is high season for holiday travel.
- Consider if you prefer a pre‑Christmas visit (early December = lighter crowds) or Christmas week itself (biggest buzz, but also highest pricing & busiest).
Budgeting & Travel Logistics
- Big cities = higher hotel/meal prices; small towns may offer better value.
- Factor in transport: snow/ice may affect mountain destinations; airports may be fuller.
- Pack appropriately: for snowy towns bring winter gear; for mild climate destinations still bring layers (even Florida nights can be cool).
Know Your Travel Theme
- Winter wonderland & snow → Leavenworth, Chicago (if you like snow).
- Big city spectacle → New York City, Chicago.
- Mild‑weather getaway → St. Augustine.
- Family friendly / small town → Santa Claus, Indiana.
- Unique lodging or themed experience: e.g., stay in a lodge in Leavenworth, or choose boutique historic stay in St. Augustine’s district.
Experience Beyond the Lights
- Food & local culture: Try regional holiday specialties (e.g., German sausages and mulled wine in Chicago market, Lowcountry seafood in Florida).
- Shopping & crafts: Many holiday markets offer handcrafted, local goods – great for unique gifts.
- Kids & family: Some destinations have kid‑centric events (sleds, ice shows, Santa visits).
- Take time for quiet moments: A scenic stroll in lights, hot cocoa in hand, embraces the holiday feel.
Why These Destinations Matter for Christmas 2025
- They cover diverse climates & styles: from snowy mountain Bavarian village to sunny Florida coast.
- They are ready for travel trends in 2025: according to recent travel guides, December travel is strong and people are looking for meaningful holiday experiences.
- They offer shareable experiences: light displays, markets, shows — perfect for blog‑content, social media, memory‑making.
- They appeal to different travel budgets and styles: from luxury city breaks to cozy small‑town escapes.
Choosing where to spend Christmas in the U.S. in 2025 means asking yourself: What kind of holiday do I want? A dazzling city spectacle, a quaint winter village, sunshine by the sea, or nostalgic small‑town charm? Once you pick your theme, this guide gives you five strong candidates — each with unique highlights and practical planning advice.
Get ready for twinkling lights, warm moments, family (or solo) memories—and yes, even though the world changes, the magic of Christmas still shines bright. May your holiday season be peaceful, joyful, and full of the kind of experiences that you’ll remember for years.