Top 24 Places in the USA to Make Your Christmas Stand Out!

Everyone wants to be swept away in the spark of the holiday season. When it comes to Christmas, the USA celebrates it with the utmost excitement and charm. 

The USA is a perfect place, having all the features for the celebration—snowy landscapes, dazzling lights, and festive markets. There is an ideal place for everyone to celebrate Christmas in the USA. This guide will take you to the 24 best places to visit for Christmas in USA. Let’s go!

Top 24 Places in the USA to Make Your Christmas Celebration a Success

Let’s know about the 24 best places to celebrate Christmas in the USA below: 

1. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem was founded on Christmas Eve of 1741 and is nicknamed the Christmas City. Rotating displays by artisans, live music, and glass-blowing demonstrations can be witnessed in Bethlehem for the Christmas celebration. Take a look at handmade ornaments and nutcrackers; Consider taking a carriage ride through downtown Bethlehem. 

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

The Entertainment Capital of the World is another place that comes under the 24 best places to visit for Christmas in USA. There are several reasons why you will love celebrating Christmas in Las Vegas. Firstly, compared to colder places, Las Vegas has mild temperatures during Christmas. It makes the Christmas celebration easier for you. Popular for its dazzling lights, Las Vegas is also popular for its culinary delights. The city is home to award-winning restaurants for their delectable offerings for celebration feasts. 

3. New York City

New York City (NYC) is the ultimate Christmas destination you should not miss. The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, ice skating in Central Park, and sparkling holiday window displays are the things to witness here during the festive season. The streets of Manhattan shine with twinkling lights, decorated windows, and holiday melodies. Indulge in ice skating at Central Park, Window shopping along Fifth Avenue, and visiting the tree at Rockefeller Center to make your Christmas experience stay on your mind forever!

4.  Chicago, Illinois

The European-inspired Christkindlmarket is one of the best holiday markets in the country. Witnessing the 51-foot Christmas tree in Millennium Park and enjoying cozying up in a heated igloo at The Godfrey Hotel during your Christmas holidays are activities that can not be missed when you choose Chicago as your Christmas celebration destination. Apart from this, you will be overwhelmed by an annual light festival held at Lincoln Park Zoo. You can enjoy this festival from November 15 through January 5. 

5. Washington, DC

Washington, DC can not be missed by including it on the list of the best 24 places to visit for Christmas in the USA. The capital city offers much to see and do during these exciting festive months. Washington, DC, can be seen in the Christmas spirit during the last few weeks in various ways. These include the National Christmas Tree, seasonal markets, ice skating rinks, and festive performances. Some other exciting ways to make your Christmas celebration a success in the city are as follows:

• Enjoy Christmas in Mount Vernon
• Explore the decor and food in Georgetown
• Visit Union Station for Christmas on the architecture tour
• Witness the National Christmas Tree
• Experience tradition at Christmas markets

6. Newport Beach

While celebrating Christmas at a snowy and chilly location is the norm, Newport Beach is for you if you want to make it different. Away from snow and cold, enjoy the sun’s warm rays and Christmas air. There are several exciting things to do in Newport Beach during Christmas. Following are some of them: 

• Join the lively Christmas Boat Parade
• Enjoy nights of 1000 lights 
• Attend the Winter Fest OC 
• Relish a Christmas Meal 

7. Park City, Utah

This former Olympic City demands that you visit it during Christmas for several reasons. From experiencing various adventure-based activities like skiing, fly fishing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding to resorts for making you reconnect with yourself, it is a perfect holiday destination. One thing on the list of must-dos in Park City is to enjoy a 90-minute Train ride with the North Pole Express. Indulge yourself in sipping hot cocoa and getting pictured with Mrs. Claus during the ride. Choose JetBlue Airlines when thinking of flying to Park City. 

8. Seattle

Seattle is one of the best cities to brighten your Christmas celebration. According to The News Tribune, the Emerald City is ranked as the seventh most Christmas-friendly city, filled with the colors of the festive season. The Annual Winter Festival and Crafts Fair is a must-visit for you, where you can see 100 local vendors featuring various things from jewelry to homeware to wreaths. This fair is featured every December. SantaCon, ice skating, the Winter Beer Festival, and the Seattle Center Winterfest are other festive activities you must enjoy when visiting Seattle for your Christmas celebration. In the market, you can get yourself clicked with Santa Claus, enjoy live music performances, and shop for locally made Christmas gifts. 

9. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans celebrates Christmas like no other city in the USA. From celebrating it modernly with gadgets to offering prayers, you can make your Christmas experience versatile in New Orleans. Without faith and a moment of reflection, the Christmas of New Orleans is incomplete. The churches across the city fill with families praying while attending midnight mass or Christmas morning services. New Orleans is also one of those cities that don’t have a white Christmas. The streets feel alive even without snow and cold. During the Christmas celebration, the children ride shiny new bikes, chase remote-controlled cars, and play games with cousins in the courtyard. Similarly, little girls use porches as the stages to show off their little, colorful dolls. 

10. Boston, Massachusetts

From late November to New Year, Boston can be seen all sparkly. You can see the glittering Christmas trees lightening up the entire city. Your Christmas celebration in Boston will be accompanied by the sound of Christmas carols, surprise Santa appearances, carnivals, and fun activities for kids. Shop at the Winter Holiday Markets, go skating at the Warrior Ice Arena, or listen to holiday pop at the Symphony Hall to make your Christmas Celebration colorful. United Airlines will be the best choice for you when flying to Boston. 

11. Portland, Oregon

The Christmas spirit of the American city, Portland, is reflected by the hosting of displays, concerts, and other relatable performances. The annual traditions of Portland include the Christmas Ships Parade, Peacock Lane, the Pioneer Courthouse Square Christmas tree, and the art installation Santa Clones to celebrate Christmas. The following are some other significant Christmas celebration traditions in Portland: 

• The Grotto Christmas Festival of Lights features over 2 million lights. 
• Christmas ships parade
• Peacock Lane, a street where all the homes are decorated beautifully. 

12. Nashville

Nashville is definitely on our list of 24 best places to visit for Christmas in USA, as it is usually a festive city at any time of the year. Below are a few things you can make your Nashville trip for the Christmas celebration memorable: 

• Be a part of a Christmas Concert at the Ryman Auditorium
• Enjoy the Nashville Christmas Parade 
• Experience the GLOW light show 
• The Carol Street Show of Christmas 
• Get indulged in the enchanting light displays 

13. Greenville, South Carolina

Greenville is a city where everyone feels the holiday spirit. The annual Greenville Gingerbread Exhibit has been added to the celebrations recently. The Poinsettia Christmas Parade is conducted as the start of the holiday season. The main attractions of the Christmas season in Greenville are as follows:

• United Community Ice on Main 
• Downtown Holiday Light Displays
• A display of the Greenville Christmas market 

14. Branson, Missouri

Branson might be suitable for several reasons to celebrate your Christmas holidays. It is a mini version of Las Vegas, and you can be tension-free about taking your kids with you. Thus, it is a more low-key option. Visitors can have a sight of 1,500 Christmas trees in Branson. The following are the things you should not miss when in Branson for your Christmas Celebration: 

•  An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City is a much-appreciated festival. It features over 6.5 million lights. 
• Branson’s adoration parade is a heart-warming non-commercial parade. Marching bands and festive floats are part of this parade. 

15. Santa Claus, Indiana

Apart from the mystical protagonist of Christmas, Santa Claus is known as “America’s Christmas Hometown”.  The Christmas festival in this town of Indian features an annual three-weekend celebration. It includes a series of events. Nearby of the Santa Claus, Lincoln State Park is perfect for those passionate about outdoor activities. Explore walking trails, picnic areas, and park campsites for a peaceful morning. Choose Delta Air Lines to fly to this Christmas hometown of America. 

16. Woodstock

Another USA city on the list of the 24 best places to visit for Christmas in the USA is Woodstock. Woodstock sounds like it is straight out of a Christmas card. This New England town is situated amidst of Green Mountains. Following are some of the charming gifts Woodstock offers you if you decide to celebrate Christmas here:

• Lighting of the Square: This features thousands of twinkling lights illuminating the historic Square. 
• Witness a series of festive floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer through the Christmas parade. 
• The Cookies and Churros with Santa fest offers you to have a treat with your family, along with having a meeting with Santa. 

17. Denver, Colorado

Denver has taken its inspiration from the traditional European markets. The Denver Christkindlmarket is one of the top German markets. Polar Express Train Ride is one of the most popular traditions of Denver; tourists can experience it during the festive season. Explore Denver in the following ways to make your Christmas experience everlasting: 

• Union Station’s Grand Illumination
• Inhale the Zoo lights at the Denver Zoo 
• Bring the adventure out by indulging in Ice skating at Skyline Park. 
• Meet Santa in Santa’s Village at Chatfield Farms

18. St. Louis, Missouri

To make your Christmas celebration memorable, watch the “Meet Me in St Louis” movie in St. Louis. The city offers an array of lights throughout this festive season. The following are some of the major attractions of St. Louis, which make it a must-visit for you when it’s Christmas time: 

• Winterfest at Kiener Plaza
• Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights
• Winter Wonderland of Tilles Park
• The Nutcracker by Saint Louis Ballet

19. Orlando, Florida

Orlando must go on the list of the 24 best places to visit for Christmas in USA. The city welcomes 70 million visitors annually. If you are a big fan of Hollywood, Orlando’s theme parks just take you inside your favorite Hollywood movie. The Christmas Season is of utmost importance for the city. The entire town is decorated with lights. Resorts are the center of attractions at Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom also regularly closes early for “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” from November to the end of December. 

20. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe has a naturally beautiful plaza that turns magical with Christmas lights. Moreover, the holiday spirits at the Santa Fe go from midnight mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis de Assisi, holiday exhibits at the New Mexico Museum of Art, holiday flamenco performances at El Flamenco Cabaret, and seasonal shopping at the Winter Indian Market. Taos Ski Valley and Ski Santa Fe attract tourists even after the Christmas festival ends. 

21. Seneca Falls, New York

How can Seneca Falls not be one of the best destinations for Christmas celebration when it inspires Bedford Falls in It’s a Wonderful Life? The city hosts “It’s a Wonderful Life Festival”, demonstrating its connection with the beloved movie. The following are the exciting things that make it a perfect Christmas Celebration destination:

• Explore the popular It’s a Wonderful Life Festival. 
• The It’s A Wonderful Life Museum is a must-visit. 
• Attracting holiday lights and festivities. 

22. North Pole, Alaska

Popular for the Santa Claus House, North Pole in Alaska is the main subject of Christmas Cheers. Here, the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony offers you plenty of opportunities to take photos with Santa himself. Get engaged in the following exciting activities in North Pole, Alaska: 

• Santa Claus’ house features festive decorations, holiday gifts, and many more. 
• Christmas in Ice is an incredible way to indulge in Frozen art and interactive displays. 
• The holiday light display makes every corner of the pole look magical. 

23. Ogunquit, Maine

This stunning beach town is situated 90 minutes away from Boston. If you want an affordable and quieter option amidst the buzz and crowd of the festive season, choose this mesmerizing site. 

What are the things that make your Christmas celebration in Ogunquit a success? Find below: 

• Witness an exhibition of tree and bridge lighting, concerts, craft shows, a parade, a bonfire, fireworks through Christmas by the Sea Festival, and Santa visits. 
• Explore the local restaurants to indulge in the culinary delights of the place. 
• Southern Maine Christmas Parade showcases holiday floats, music, and seasonal cheer. 

24. Dallas, Texas

The holiday spirit in Dallas for the Christmas celebration proves that you don’t need snowy and cold weather to make Christmas significant. Holiday at the Arboretum is a notable Christmas Village with millions of lights, accompanied by cheerful music and the visits of Santa. This festival features a 50-foot-high tree with lights. 

The following are some of the significant features of the Christmas festival in Dallas: 

• It features the world’s largest Christmas light maze. 
• Dallas holiday parade features festive floats, marching bands, and holiday performances. 
• Dallas Zoo Lights are millions of lights that spark the Christmas vibe. 

Summing Up

The USA is a vast territory with many magical places that make your Christmas experience really magical. From Bethlehem to Chicago, New York City, Washington, DC, Boston, Portland, and Dallas, there are several options. To make your journey to these amazing places effortless, make sure you go for high-service airlines like United Airlines, Delta Airlines, or JetBlue Airlines. Go according to your budget, time, and preferences, and make your next Christmas celebration magical!

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