If you’re dreaming of a perfect December getaway, I’ve got you covered. Whether you chase snowflakes or you prefer warm sunshine, I can point you to U.S. spots that match every winter mood and holiday wish list.
Highlights:
- Whenever I crave cozy charm and twinkling lights, I find myself in Leavenworth, Washington—trust me, you’ll feel like you stepped inside a snow globe.
- If you’re itching to ski while I’m eyeing the après-ski hot tubs, we both win in Aspen, Colorado.
- I love wandering New York City’s festive markets, and you can glide across iconic ice rinks between shopping sprees.
- When you want to swap snow for sand, I soak up the sun right alongside you in Key West, Florida.
- If I’m seeking peace and you’re after mild temps, Sedona, Arizona lets us explore desert beauty without the winter chill.
Unique December Vacations:
1. Morris Inn, Notre Dame
Morris Inn is located on the expansive campus of the University of Notre Dame, close to South Bend, Indiana – a great destination for a romantic weekend escape. You can choose from several romantic accommodation options to suit your budget – even the standard rooms offer everything you need for a pampered weekend away, including premium bed linens and up-market toiletries. You can treat yourself to a show at the Morris Performing Arts Center or the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center or watch the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Footballers in action on campus. There are several excellent dining venues on site where you can enjoy anything from fine food and wine pairing to light meals and craft brews.
Morris Inn, 130 Morris Inn, Notre Dame, IN 46556, Phone: 800-280-7256
2. The Oxford Hotel, Denver
Set the scene for a memorable weekend getaway by checking into Denver’s most historic hotel, located in Lower Downtown, one of the city’s most trendy locations. The lovely Oxford Hotel, which dates back to 1891, combines old and new features to ensure a stylish and sophisticated base for couples wishing to explore all that Denver has to offer.
You can choose one of several interesting hotel packages, which are carefully designed to help you make the most of your getaway – the Vintage Romance Package includes cocktails and other surprises while the Historic Denver Package or the Denver Art Package will appeal to art-loving couples. After a busy day of exploring you can return to the Oxford for a romantic dinner at the Urban Farmer restaurant.
The Oxford Hotel, 1600 17th Street, Denver, CO 80202, Phone: +13-03-62-85-40-06-00
3. The Inn at Round Barn Farm, Vermont
At The Inn at Round Barn Farm in Vermont the romance starts the moment you step inside. Imagine curling up beside a cozy log fire as you sip champagne and plan your weekend entertainment. Several of the rooms at the inn feature private whirlpool tubs and all have large comfortable beds with top-quality linens and toiletries. The Inn at Round Barn is perfectly located for you to spend a romantic weekend exploring Vermont’s Mad River Valley – you can look forward to enjoying exceptional farm-to-fork meals, hiking through some beautiful Vermont scenery, or simply relaxing in the inn’s beautiful landscaped gardens. The inn offers great seasonal and romance packages, including all manner of romantic treats to set the scene for your weekend getaway.
The Inn at Round Barn Farm, 1661 East Warren Rd, Waitsfield, VT 05673, Phone: 802-496-2276
4. L'Auberge Carmel
A member of the acclaimed Relais and Chateaux group, the superb L'Auberge Carmelhotel in lovely Carmel-by-the-Sea offers the last word in luxury and romance for that very special weekend. So that you don’t have to worry about a single detail, the hotel offers the delightful Romance Package, which includes two nights accommodation in one of their signature rooms, a wonderfully pampering 60-minute couple’s massage, and a food and wine pairing dinner to remember. Look forward to spending your days exploring the beautiful coastline of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey Bay or visiting the many art galleries and boutiques. Wine lovers can follow the Monterey River Road Wine Trail, while nature lovers can head to the Point Lobos Natural Reserve for hiking and wildlife watching.
L’Auberge Carmel, Monte Verde at Seventh, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93923, Phone: 831-624-8578
5. Castle in the Country, Allegan
You can plan a romantic escape to the countryside and be treated like royalty at theCastle in the Country Inn near Allegan, Michigan. Set in two delightful period buildings on a 65-acre estate, the Castle in the Country is the last word in romantic elegance, and each of the themed rooms and suites offers luxury extras like whirlpool tubs, cozy fireplaces, and soft robes. If you visit during the summer, you can go walking, hiking, and kayaking on the estate while in winter you can explore with snowshoes. The castle offers a range of romantic packages, which can be tailored to suit your every desire – think pampering spa treatments, dinner vouchers, in-room breakfasts, and much more.
Castle in the Country, 340M-40 South, Allegan, MI 49010, Phone: 269-673-8054
6. Sleeping Lady, Leavenworth
The Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort is an ideal choice for a romantic weekend getaway for couples who enjoy getting back to nature without sacrificing any home comforts. Set in the lovely Leavenworth Valley in Washington, the area offers many activities for you to enjoy, including hiking, biking, golf, river rafting, skiing, and snowshoeing as well as wine-tasting tours, dining, and shopping. You can catch a show at the Icicle Creek Center for the Arts or the Leavenworth Summer Theater or simply stay on site and enjoy a day of relaxation and pampering at the spa. The resort offers a variety of enticing packages to suit all interests, including a birding package, hiking package, and yoga package as well as several special winter package treats.
Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, 7375 Icicle Road, Leavenworth, WA 98826, Phone: 509-548-6344
Romantic December Vacations:
7. Hotel le Marais, New Orleans
Located less than a block away from the vibrant nightlife of New Orleans’ famous Bourbon Street, Hotel le Marais offers the ideal location for a romantic getaway weekend. Le Marais is a chic and sophisticated boutique hotel that has the perfect ambiance for romance – get your weekend off to a great start with a complimentary drink or cocktail in the Vive! cocktail bar or sit outside in the courtyard beside the heated saltwater pool and plan your weekend. The accommodation at Le Marais is all you would expect from a boutique hotel, offering stylish plush rooms, large comfortable beds, complimentary robes, and upscale toiletries. To make planning easier, the hotel offers lovebirds a special Romantic Rendezvous package that includes several treats.
Hotel le Marais, 717 Conti Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, Phone: 800-935-8740
8. Acme Hotel, Chicago
If you think traditional hotels are too boring for words, try checking into the Acme Hotel for a trendy and romantic weekend in Chicago. Acme Hotel is a new breed of hotel that caters to today’s technologically advanced traveler, offering modern rooms that perfectly blend comfort and hi-tech style – expect all the gadgets including PC hook-ups, wireless audio systems, and the fastest Wi-Fi in town side by side with Egyptian cotton linen and comfy robes. As for romance, Chicago has something for everyone – try hiking or jogging the 606 elevated trail, rent a Divvy (local blue rental bicycles) to explore the city, or hit the cool waters of Lake Michigan on a rental jet ski or kayak. Finally, wind down for a romantic meal at Eataly, Chicago’s brilliant Italian food zone, before sampling the city’s vibrant music scene.
Acme Hotel Company, 15 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611, Phone: 312-894-0800
9. Inn on Fifth
When I wanted a romantic escape in Naples, Florida, I couldn’t have picked a better place than the Inn on Fifth. You’ll love how it’s just minutes from the beach and right in the heart of all the shopping, dining, and nightlife along Fifth Avenue South—it makes everything feel effortlessly luxurious.
I spent hours lounging by the rooftop pool, and I can tell you—it’s the perfect spot to unwind under the Florida sun. If you’re thinking of doing something special with your partner, you’ve got to try a couple’s massage at the Spa on Fifth. It was exactly what we needed to set the tone for a romantic weekend.
The rooms and suites are beautifully styled and felt so relaxing—ideal if you’re celebrating something or just craving a little luxury. What I really appreciated was how easy they make planning your stay. You can choose from several thoughtfully designed packages that include everything from indulgent dinners to spa treatments. Honestly, it felt like everything was taken care of before I even arrived.
Inn on 5th, 699 5th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102, Phone: 239-403-8777
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why should you go on a weekend getaway?
- I’ve found there’s nothing quite like a weekend getaway to bring back that spark. If you’re celebrating something special—or just need to reconnect—you’ll be amazed how refreshing even a quick escape can feel.
- What are the benefits of these weekend getaways?
- When I pick a spot for a romantic trip, I always look for those magical touches—like cozy surroundings, luxurious rooms, and thoughtful romantic packages. These places deliver exactly that, and you’re going to love how special they make everything feel.
- What should you do before going on a weekend getaway?
- I’d say start by choosing your favorite part of the country. Then pack your bags and get excited—you’re about to enjoy a romantic weekend getaway you’ll always remember.
Plan Your Trip