What are Best Places for Christmas Vacation in U.S. 2024?

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by Albert

Christmas is a magical time where work slows down and you get to spend more time with your loved ones. While staying at home cozying up to the fireplace is ideal for some, others prefer taking a vacation elsewhere.

So where are the best places to take Christmas vacations in the US 2024? Read on for a list that counts down all the fantastic places for Christmas vacations!

1. Christmas Vacations Hawaii — Oahu

Overview of Oahu's coastline

Oahu might sound like a strange choice when it comes to Christmas vacations in the US, but it can be a unique experience. For those who want snow, however, you'll have to look elsewhere. Oahu offers a tropical and warm Christmas break, which might be welcome to those who aren't fond of the cold.

Not only will there be Christmas parades, but also hula performances and luaus. It'll definitely be a holiday season to remember!

Make sure you go see the Honolulu City Lights and Santa's Enchanted Forest in Honolulu Hale.

Book cheap flights to Hononunu and best hotels in Oahu for your Christmas Vacations now!

Trip.com recommends following hotels:

1. The Royal Hawaiian a Luxury Collection Resort Waikiki: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

The Royal Hawaiian a Luxury Collection Resort Waikiki

2. Sheraton Waikiki: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

Sheraton Waikiki

2. Christmas Vacations Florida — Key West

Top-down view of Fort Jefferson

Here's another option for a warm Christmas if you want to stay within the contiguous US. While you won't see any real snow here, the residents decorate as if there were! In addition to pretty lights, you'll see large icicles and snowflakes on houses.

The Christmas celebrations are wide and varied in Key West, with a holiday classic car show on one night and the Harbor Walk of Lights and Key West Lighted Board Parade on others. You can also go on the Holiday Lights Conch Train Tour, which takes you around to view all the spectacular lights after dark.

Book cheap flights to Key West and best hotels in Key West for your Christmas Vacations now!

Trip.com recommends following hotels:

1. 24 North Hotel Key West: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

24 North Hotel Key West

2. Hampton Inn Key West FL: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

Hampton Inn Key West FL

3. Christmas Vacations California — Los Angeles

Skyline of Los Angeles

This is yet another location that doesn't snow (except in the mountains). However, it's colder than the previously mentioned cities for Christmas vacations, so you'll still have the feeling of the Christmas spirit.

Make sure you walk down Santa Monica Beach Pier after dark, as you'll get to gaze upon the boardwalk all lit up with stunning twinkling lights.

If you're looking for something to do, consider walking around the residential areas of Venice Beach. The residents there have a competition for the best-decorated house, plus there's a fun holiday boat parade to watch too.

Book cheap flights to Los Angeles and best hotels in Los Angeles for your Christmas Vacations now!

Trip.com recommends following hotels:

1. Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel

2. SLS Hotel: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

SLS Hotel

4. Christmas Vacations Washington, D.C. — The Capitol

The Capitol

For a more toned-down Christmas vacation, try the Capitol. Washington, DC is home to two large Christmas trees: the National Christmas Tree and the US Capitol Christmas Tree. Snap some excellent pictures by them both.

If you like to soak in the sights, then check out Zoo Lights and the Botanical Gardens. Rest your feet by attending one of the National Cathedral Christmas Concerts.

Like many other Christmas vacations destinations, the Capitol has its own Downtown Holiday Market, as well as ice skating.

Book cheap flights to Washington D.C. and best hotels in Washington D.C. for your Christmas Vacations now!

Trip.com recommends following hotels:

1. Arc The.Hotel: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

Arc The.Hotel

2. Willard InterContinental Washington: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

Willard InterContinental Washington

3. JW Marriott Washington, DC: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

JW Marriott Washington, DC

5. Christmas Vacations Washington — Leavenworth

Did you know that Leavenworth had the title of "Ultimate Holiday Town USA"? Your expectations might be high for this city, and you won't be disappointed.

You'll instantly fall in love with the village, which looks like it belongs in Germany. The snowcapped mountains in the background only add to its Bavarian feel.

If you'd like to experience the feeling of Christmas in Europe while in the United States, then Leavenworth is perfect for you. You and your family can enjoy the Christmas lighting festival and Santa every Friday.

Book cheap flights to Leavenworth.

6. Christmas Vacations New Hampshire — Hanover

Street view of Hanover

Hanover is another American city that'll make you feel like you've been whisked away to Europe. Its older architecture combined with Christmas lights make it feel cozy and warm, even in the coldest winter nights.

Visit The Green at Dartmouth College to see a huge decorated and lit-up Christmas tree. And make a stop in the Hanover Inn to admire an outstanding gingerbread house.

7. Christmas Vacations Colorado — Breckenridge

Breckenridge Ski Resort

When you visit Breckenridge for the holidays, you'll feel like you've been transported to a Christmas village. It's decorated in 250,000 glittering lights, as well as snowflakes.

This town holds the Race of the Santas, where a crowd of people dressed in Santa suits run down 7 blocks in the downtown area.

Breckenridge is also home to an amazing ski resort. Spend your Christmas break skiing or snowboarding on fresh powder and breathing in fresh air, then curling up next to the fireplace with a cup of cocoa.

Book best hotels in Breckenridge for your Christmas Vacations now!

Trip.com recommends following hotels:

1. One Ski Hill: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

One Ski Hill

2. Welk Resorts Breckenridge the Ranahan: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

Welk Resorts Breckenridge the Ranahan

3. River Mountain Lodge: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

River Mountain Lodge

8. Christmas Vacations New York — New York City

A bridge in Central Park

New York City provides the perfect combination of Christmas cheer and big city feel. Add in the fact that it snows in the winter, and it's one of the best Christmas vacations to take in the US.

The entirety of NYC is lit up with decorations and Christmas lights. If you arrive early enough, you might be lucky enough to witness the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting.

Other places to spend your time in NYC include Dyker Heights and Bryant Park Winter Village, which has Christmas market stalls and an outdoor skating rink.

Staying until New Year's Eve? Then don't miss out on the countdown in Times Square!

Book cheap flights to New York City and best hotels in New York City for your Christmas Vacations now!

Trip.com recommends following hotels:

1. Royalton Park Avenue: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

Royalton Park Avenue

2. Mint House at 70 Pine: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

Mint House at 70 Pine

3. DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown

9. Christmas Vacations Massachusetts — Boston

A pathway down Boston Common

If you're looking for Christmas vacations in Massachusetts, then Boston is the place to visit. Its historical buildings combined with the drifting snow in December will make you feel as if you were in a dream.

Boston also has plenty to do. Go to Quincy Market for a holiday light show or stroll through Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park to see it lit up blue with 50,000 lights. Or you can go ice skating at City Hall Plaza, browse the winter markets, or take a holiday cruise around Boston Harbor.

If you're on a long vacation, you can also spend New Year's Eve watching the spectacular fireworks displays in Boston Common and Copley Square.

Book cheap flights to Boston and best hotels in Boston for your Christmas Vacations now!

Trip.com recommends following hotels:

1. Boston Marriott Copley Place: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

Boston Marriott Copley Place

2. Embassy Suites Boston at Logan Airport: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

Embassy Suites Boston at Logan Airport

3. Boston Park Plaza Hotel: Become Trip.com members to get discounts and Trip Coins.

Boston Park Plaza Hotel

10. Christmas Vacations Virginia — Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg Wetherburn Tavern

At the top of our list is Colonial Williamsburg, which is a city rich in history. The small charming town decorates the entire historic center and holds many holiday events that'll please the entire family.

For instance, on the first Sunday of December, there's the Grand Illumination. They light the Christmas tree and also hold concerts and historic reenactments. You can even take some guided holiday tours through Colonial Williamsburg. Most events are free too.

As for Christmas Eve and Day, you can have delicious meals at scenic places like historic taverns and lodges. When it comes to Christmas vacations in Virginia, Williamsburg wins hands down.

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