Places to Visit in December
December feels like stepping into a winter postcard, with snow-dusted towns, glittering holiday lights, and cities buzzing with festive energy. In my travels, I’ve been continually amazed by how diverse the experiences can be depending on where you go: from cozy ski lodges in the Rockies to dazzling light displays in New York City and warm desert escapes in Arizona. If you’re planning a December adventure, I highly recommend these destinations.
1. Page, Arizona
Page in winter feels like a desert town reimagined as a Christmas postcard, especially during its annual Holiday Festival of Lights Parade, when floats sparkle down Lake Powell Boulevard and the whole community gathers for cheer.
In December (and well into the colder months, as locals told me), Lake Powell’s red rock backdrops take on a frosty glow, while seasonal markets and craft fairs bring out handmade ornaments, spiced cider, and desert-inspired holiday treats. My favorite stop was the Page Community Center, transformed into a festive hub with gingerbread house displays, photo ops with Santa, and performances by local carolers.
I flew into Page Municipal Airport, then explored the town and surrounding winter landscapes over a long weekend. Highlights included sipping hot cocoa by the fire at a boutique lodge overlooking Lake Powell, joining a holiday light tour through town, hiking to Horseshoe Bend dusted in snow, and marveling at Antelope Canyon’s icy sandstone walls. To top it off, sleigh-bell jingles carried on the desert air during the community tree lighting, a uniquely Southwestern take on Christmas magic.
2. Tuscaloosa
With twinkling light displays, festive music floating through the streets, and families gathered for holiday parades, Tuscaloosa in December felt like stepping into a small-town Christmas story, especially during the annual Holidays on the River celebration, where the riverfront comes alive with ice skating, sparkling decorations, and seasonal cheer.
Throughout December (and into January), downtown shines with glowing storefronts, decorated trees, and community events. My favorite was the Tinsel Trail at Government Plaza, featuring dozens of creatively decorated Christmas trees from local businesses and organizations – each one more charming than the last. Add in the warmth of hot chocolate stands, Santa photo ops, and carolers strolling the sidewalks, and the atmosphere was pure Southern holiday magic.
I drove in for a long weekend and stayed at Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown, soaking up the festive charm. Highlights included gliding across the seasonal ice rink, enjoying the holiday parade with dazzling floats and marching bands, exploring the decorated riverwalk, and joining locals for candlelight carols. Tuscaloosa’s mix of Southern hospitality and sparkling holiday traditions made it a heartwarming winter escape.
3. Huntington, West Virginia
Huntington in December felt like a cheerful holiday painting come to life, especially during the WinterFest celebrations at Pullman Square, where twinkling displays and live performances brought the community together.
All season long, from December into early January, the city sparkles with festive traditions. My favorite stop was the Camden Park Winter Wonderland of Lights, where over a million dazzling lights transform the park into a magical holiday drive-through display. Downtown, the Huntington Holiday Parade of Lights filled the streets with floats, marching bands, and Santa waving from his sleigh, a true highlight for families.
I spent a long weekend in town, staying at Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Huntington, and enjoyed every moment of Huntington’s holiday charm. Highlights included strolling through Ritter Park’s decorated paths, ice skating at Pullman Square, browsing local shops for handcrafted gifts, and sipping mulled cider at cozy cafés. Add in the warmth of Southern West Virginia hospitality, and Huntington became the perfect mix of small-town Christmas spirit and big-hearted holiday traditions.
4. Shreveport, Louisiana
With riverfront lights shimmering on the Red River, lively holiday parades rolling through town, and the sound of carols mingling with jazz, Shreveport in December felt like a Christmas celebration with a Southern twist – especially during the Rockets Over the Red Fireworks Festival, when the night sky exploded in color above the glowing Riverwalk.
All season long, from late November through December, the city is decked out in holiday cheer. My favorite was the Christmas in Roseland event at the American Rose Center, where thousands of twinkling lights, giant Christmas cards, and whimsical holiday scenes transformed the gardens into a wonderland.
Downtown, the Shreveport Christmas Parade brought marching bands, sparkling floats, and Santa’s grand arrival, while local markets buzzed with festive stalls offering pralines, handmade gifts, and warm drinks. I stayed for a long weekend at Hilton Shreveport soaking in the festive energy. Highlights included strolling the lighted boardwalk, enjoying holiday concerts with a Louisiana flair, browsing craft markets for unique holiday treasures, and sipping hot cocoa while fireworks reflected off the water. Shreveport’s mix of Cajun warmth, lively music, and holiday sparkle made it a truly unforgettable Christmas getaway.
5. Martinez, California
For Martinez, California I found that this charming waterfront town in the East Bay made for a surprisingly cozy December escape! I found the weather was cool and crisp, with misty mornings rolling off the Carquinez Strait, giving everything a peaceful, wintery glow. Instead of beaches, I strolled through tree-lined trails, watched migrating birds along the shoreline, and soaked in views of ships passing under golden sunsets.
There were a few rainy days, but honestly, I didn’t mind – visiting in December meant the waterfront trails were quieter, the historic downtown lit up with holiday cheer, and local wineries and breweries were pouring seasonal specialties at a slower, more intimate pace. Also, alongside festive events like the Martinez Holiday Frolic and tree-lighting, the whole town buzzed with small-town warmth and holiday spirit.
Landing just a short drive from Oakland or San Francisco airports, I dove straight into Martinez’s laid-back vibes – cozy coffee shops, antique browsing on Main Street, and waterfront walks with views of the Carquinez Bridge. Going for a tasting flight at a local brewery and sipping on a spiced seasonal ale at a lively taproom gave me the perfect end to the day, with the old-town lights glowing around me.
6. Brooksville, Florida
I found that Brooksville in the Nature Coast made for a warm and relaxing December getaway! I found the weather was pleasantly mild and sunny, with daytime highs in the 70s, perfect for exploring oak-lined streets, historic architecture, and the surrounding rolling hills. Instead of crowded beaches, I discovered peaceful parks, hiking trails shaded by Spanish moss, and the slower rhythm of Old Florida charm.
There were a few light showers, but honestly, I didn’t mind – visiting in December meant less humidity, smaller crowds, and the town sparkling with holiday decorations. Alongside festive events like the Brooksville Christmas Parade and the charming Light Up Brooksville celebration downtown, the atmosphere was buzzing with seasonal cheer and hometown spirit.
Landing just over an hour from Tampa, I dove straight into Brooksville’s welcoming vibes – antique hunting on Main Street, exploring the historic courthouse square, and taking scenic drives along tree-canopied roads. Going for a stroll through Tom Varn Park, then unwinding with Southern comfort food at a cozy local restaurant, I topped it off by sipping a craft brew at a friendly taproom, surrounded by locals swapping holiday stories.
7. Auburn, Alabama
There was an undeniable charm when I visited Auburn, Alabama during the holiday season, which begins in late November and comes alive all through December.
I discovered that this classic Southern college town had transformed into a warm and welcoming holiday hub, with festive lights strung through historic downtown, Auburn University landmarks glowing in seasonal displays, and community parades and concerts filling the air with cheer. Instead of skyscrapers and bustling crowds, Auburn offered a blend of small-town coziness, Southern hospitality, and spirited holiday traditions.
I loved all the seasonal events like the Auburn Christmas Parade, the annual Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes, and festive concerts at the university’s Gogue Performing Arts Center. Strolling through Toomer’s Corner lit up for the holidays and wandering among the boutique shops downtown gave me that “winter village” feeling, Southern-style.
I flew into Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and drove just under two hours into Auburn, staying for a long weekend. I explored the decorated university campus, sipped hot cocoa while browsing the holiday craft fair, took a crisp December walk at Chewacla State Park, and capped my evenings with live music and hearty Southern meals downtown.
8. Boise
There was an undeniable magic when I visited Boise, Idaho during the holiday season, which begins in late November and carries its festive sparkle right through December.
I discovered that the city had transformed into a cozy mountain holiday destination with downtown streets glowing with lights, the Boise Christmas tree shining at the State Capitol, and a lively mix of winter markets, concerts, and community celebrations. Instead of towering skyscrapers, Boise offered a walkable downtown framed by snowy foothills and a friendly, laid-back holiday vibe.
I loved all the seasonal events like the Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden, where over half a million lights turn the gardens into a twinkling wonderland, and the Boise Holiday Parade that brings marching bands and floats through the heart of the city. Stopping by the Capital City Public Market’s holiday edition for local crafts and warming drinks gave me the perfect festive touch.
I flew into Boise Airport and stayed for four days. I skated under the stars at The Village at Meridian, sipped spiced cider while strolling downtown, wandered through Julia Davis Park with its frosty paths and river views, and capped it all off with a cozy evening performance of The Nutcracker by Ballet Idaho.
9. Sydney
I visited Sydney, Australia during the holiday season, which begins in late November and really shines all through December.
I discovered that the city had transformed into a vibrant summertime holiday hub, with festive lights strung across Circular Quay, giant Christmas trees glowing in Martin Place and the QVB, and a lively atmosphere as beaches and harbors filled with locals celebrating the season under the sun. Instead of snowy streets and frosty windows, Sydney offered warm breezes, golden beaches, and holiday cheer with a distinctly Aussie twist.
I loved all the seasonal events like the Martin Place Christmas Tree Light & Sound Show, the Carols in the Domain concert, and the Darling Harbour Christmas Markets. Strolling through The Rocks’ historic laneways with their twinkling lights, taking in the Sydney Opera House dressed up for the holidays, and watching fireworks over the harbour felt like the city was one big festive celebration.
I flew into Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport and stayed for five days. I swam and sunbathed at Bondi Beach, wandered through the Royal Botanic Garden with the Opera House in view, did my holiday shopping in the Queen Victoria Building under its glittering tree, and capped off the evenings with sunset cocktails overlooking the Harbour Bridge.
10. Maui
I found that there was an undeniable magic when I visited Maui, Hawaii during the holiday season, which begins in late November and flows into December with sun-soaked island cheer.
Fast forward a few years when we moved to the Big Island of Hawaii full time. While we lived there for 6 years, we took many trips to Maui, especially in December.
December in Maui carried a slower rhythm, holiday lights strung along palms, whales surfacing just offshore, families lingering by the waves.
After lunch we drove to Ka'anapali Beach or one of the three beaches at Kapalua. We either took the last flight back to the Big Island on Mokulele Airlines. Or we spent the night in West Maui. Napili Kai Beach Resort is a hidden gem there with a great beach and super friendly staff. Their Sea House Restaurant restaurant serves amazing dishes that are reasonably priced, especially for that high-end part of the island.
11. Puerto Rico
I visited Puerto Rico during the holiday season, which begins in late November and carries on with vibrant energy all through December.
I discovered that the island had transformed into a lively Caribbean holiday haven, where historic plazas sparkled with Christmas lights, salsa rhythms mixed with festive parrandas (caroling traditions), and golden beaches provided the perfect warm-weather escape. Instead of snowy streets, Puerto Rico offered cobblestone Old San Juan draped in holiday décor, palm trees glowing with lights, and a mix of tropical warmth and cultural celebration.
I loved all the seasonal events like the San Sebastián Street Festival warm-ups in Old San Juan, the holiday markets in Plaza Las Américas, and the Misa de Aguinaldo (traditional dawn masses filled with music and culture). Wandering through streets lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings, sampling coquito (Puerto Rico’s creamy holiday drink), and joining in the music-filled parrandas gave me a holiday experience like no other.
I flew into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan and stayed for a week. I explored the festive old city with its glowing plazas, relaxed on Isla Verde Beach under swaying palms, hiked through El Yunque National Forest’s misty trails, and ended my evenings dining al fresco while live salsa music spilled into the streets.
12. Christmas on the Upper West Side, NYC
I visited the Upper West Side of New York City during the holiday season, which begins in late November and glows all through December.
I discovered that this iconic neighborhood had transformed into a cozy holiday retreat within the bustle of Manhattan — tree-lined brownstone streets twinkling with lights, festive shopfronts along Columbus Avenue, and world-class cultural attractions dressed in seasonal sparkle. Instead of Midtown’s towering displays, the Upper West Side offered a quieter, more elegant version of New York’s holiday charm.
I loved all the seasonal experiences like the Winter’s Eve Festival at Lincoln Square, the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden (a short ride away), and festive concerts at Lincoln Center. Strolling past the glowing windows of Zabar’s and enjoying the decorated storefronts gave me a uniquely neighborhood feel to the season.
I flew into LaGuardia Airport and stayed for a long weekend. I wandered Central Park’s snow-dusted paths near the American Museum of Natural History, browsed the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, and capped the evenings with hot chocolate at a cozy café before catching a performance of The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
