Best Holiday Destinations in the USA

What’s your holiday vibe: Gilded Age splendor, Hallmark-movie gazebos or Bavarian-style Christmas villages? Americans have always loved decking the halls. Therefore, we’ve identified ten of the best places in the USA to visit during this magical season, no matter what your Yuletide style is.

New York, NY

Nobody does Christmas like New York City. The Big Apple’s flagship tree, at Rockefeller Center, shines bright with over 50,000 lights, topped with a Daniel Libeskind-designed Swarovski star. Bryant Park’s Winter Village features over 180 holiday shopping and dining kiosks and an ice skating rink – a companion to the famed one at 30 Rock near Radio City Music Hall, where the Rockettes put on their legendary Christmas Spectacular.

The Chelsea Market is home to the world’s largest gingerbread village. In the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights, residents go all out with festive decorations. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden puts on a nightly display curated by a range of artists, featuring its annual Holiday Train Show and a light show, NYBG GLOW.

Burlington, VT

Vermont is a holiday wonderland, and the city of Burlington exemplifies this with its Church Street Marketplace, a holiday festival throughout the city’s main pedestrian thoroughfare. Shop windows overflow with flair, thousands of colored lights twinkle above, and a nine-foot-tall menorah will be lit up on December 10. Santa is in residence for visits and requests, complemented by roaming carolers.

Asheville, NC

Bask in Gilded Age holiday splendor at the sprawling Biltmore Estate, the 250-room French Renaissance-style mansion. Christmas at Biltmore is a longtime tradition in Asheville. The estate features 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces, all beautifully decorated in the holiday style, including a magnificent 35-foot Christmas tree in the banquet hall.

Natchitoches, LA

The state of Louisiana excels in throwing festivals, particularly during the holiday season. The city of Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, consistently ranks among the best for holiday celebrations. The six-week Natchitoches Christmas Festival showcases thousands of holiday lights, a parade, live music, and a holiday-themed tour of historic homes.

Branson, MO

If you’re looking for a supercharged holiday celebration, Branson is the place to be. This American mecca for family entertainment goes all in with the dazzling “An Old Time Christmas” at Silver Dollar City, complete with an eight-story Christmas tree and performances of “A Christmas Carol.” Branson boasts multiple drive-through light displays, a tour of over 100 striking Christmas trees, and festive train rides.

North Pole, AK

For the ultimate Christmas experience, there’s no better destination than North Pole, Alaska. Located in the Fairbanks metropolitan area, this small town’s main attraction is the Santa Claus House, which began in 1952 as a trading post. A 42-foot-tall Santa statue welcomes visitors, who can meet the “real” Santa and shop for locally made gifts, or visit Santa’s reindeer at the Antler Academy.

Leavenworth, WA

The small town of Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style village in the Cascade mountains, is picturesque all year round. However, Christmastime takes it to a new level, featuring live entertainment, visits with Santa, and gingerbread exhibits. For additional holiday charm, consider taking the Amtrak Empire Builder from Seattle to Leavenworth instead of driving.

Duluth, MN

Duluth is another Hallmark Christmas location and the setting for “Rescuing Christmas.” Marvel at the charming architecture of the Pepperkakebyen, a giant gingerbread village. Enjoy rides on the North Shore Scenic Railroad’s Christmas Tree Train or catch live performances like “The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale.” Don’t miss Bentleyville, the largest display of Christmas lights in the US.

Myrtle Beach, SC

Experience the magical Low Country holiday festival, Nights of a Thousand Candles, at this famous South Carolina botanical garden. The event features more than 2,700 hand-lit candles that adorn the paths of the 9,000-acre gardens, creating an enchanting atmosphere with live music, hot cider, and art exhibitions every night.

Franklin, TN

The historic downtown district of Franklin hosts the annual Dickens of a Christmas Festival, where characters from Charles Dickens’ works stroll the streets interacting with the crowd. Enjoy musical performances, arts and crafts, and a KidZone, complemented by a GoTravelDaily Lounge, adding to the festival’s charm.