25 Best Places to Visit in the USA in December (+ Winter Tips!)

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December is one of the most magical times of the year to be in the United States! And these are the best places to visit in the USA in December.

Whether you’re looking to spend Christmas at one of these destinations or simply explore somewhere new, they all offer something unique during the winter months.

Best places to visit in USA in December
Best places to visit in the USA in December

This guide is a curated mix of warm and cold places – since many of us (including me!) actually love the cold!

Did I miss any amazing places to visit in December in the USA? Let me know your top picks (and why) in the comments. Thanks!

Best Places to Visit in the USA in December

1. Boston

Location: Massachusetts
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 42°F and lows of 28°F; 9 days of rain
Reasons to visit Boston in December: winter activities like sledding and ice skating, Boston Common Tree Lighting Festival

Boston is meant to be enjoyed in the winter, and on average is about 37° Fahrenheit. While beautiful in summer, I believe the winters in the American city are super underrated (although cold)!

After sledding at Flagstaff Hill in Boston Common, you can warm up with some New England Clam Chowder from Union Oyster House or hot chocolate from the L.A. Burdick before continuing with activities in the same park.

There are also many amazing Boston day trips that are great during the winter (including some of the best state parks in New England). Be sure to dress warmly though!

Boston in December
Boston in December

Here, you can do everything from ice skating at Boston Common Frog Pond to watching the lighting of a massive tree in the Boston Common Tree Lighting Festival, where food, activities, and performances take place.

Some of the best things to do in Boston in December are to shop at the SoWa Winter Festival & Holiday Market, watch the Nutcracker at the Boston Ballet, and drink a few beers at the Samuel Adams Brewery.

And of course, you can’t forget a New England Patriots game (Steelers fan here – so that is for the international visitors). Be sure to grab one of the city’s best lobster rolls beforehand and enjoy!

2. Moab

Location: Utah
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 45°F and lows of 22°F; 3 days of rain
Reasons to visit Moab in December: hiking opportunities at the nearby national parks, fewer crowds in winter

The contrast of the snow over the red rocks, paired with empty parking lots and fewer crowds makes Moab worth visiting during the winter months.

The weather during the winter is fairly chilly, with highs averaging around 45°F and lows at about 22°F; however, with the sun heating the rocks, you’ll barely even notice.

Around Moab in December
At Arches near Moab in December

If you’re visiting Moab for a bit of hiking, be sure to head toward the La Sal Mountains where you’ll see the Colorado River bending into the canyons of Dead Horse State Park. Sometimes the trails are covered in a dusting of snow but it often melts by the afternoon if the sun hits it hard enough.

Moab is a fantastic base for Arches National Park, where you’ll find the world’s largest arch called the ‘Landscape Arch’. It is also home to the renowned Delicate Arch rock.

3. South Padre Island

Location: Texas
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 72°F and lows of 57°F; 3 days of rain
Reasons to visit South Padre Island in December: fewer crowds but still nice temperatures, birdwatching

South Padre Island is ironically, a place people go to avoid the winter weather. A famous spring break destination, don’t rule it out as a winter hotspot. While locals will think it is cold during December, if you’re from the north, you definitely won’t!

With the winter temperature averaging in the 60s or 70s and lows in the 50s, most days are sunny and mild.

South Padre Island in December
South Padre Island in December

There is an abundance of water activities to keep busy with if you’re okay getting into the water at this time of the year. You can bring your own kayak or paddle board or rent one locally from Eh Brah SUP, and trail the Gulf Coast, or go boating or a relaxing restaurant cruise!

In addition to the water activities, bird watching is another popular activity as South Padre Island is a halfway point between migratory checkpoints.

4. New York City

Location: New York
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 44°F and lows of 31°F; 8 days of rain
Reasons to visit NYC in December: famous for Christmas and NYE events, ice skating at Rockefeller Center

Winter is the ideal time to visit NYC because of its smaller crowds, mostly due to the cold. It is somewhat cold in December; however, it’s far worse in January and February.

New York City in December
New York City in December

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is lit for over a month in the Rockefeller Center. It is adjacent to the ice rink, where people skate under the festive lights and grandiose decorations (very famous in so many movies!).

Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan is busy with its legendary holiday sales, seasonal presentations, and events.

The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Times Square is one of the city’s most anticipated events, with afterparties throughout the block until early morning. You’ll also find seasonal shows on Broadway and the New York Ballet.

While December is a great time to visit the Big Apple, do be aware that the prices skyrocket during this time of the year!

5. Sedona

Location: Arizona
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 60°F and lows of 34°F; 3 days of rain
Reasons to visit Sedona in December: hiking opportunities, stargazing, Red Rock Festival of Lights

Sedona is at its least crowded during the winter and has average high temperatures in the mid-50s, whereas average lows range from the high 20s to the low 30s.

The Arizona city does get snow; however, it doesn’t last too long when the sunlight hits the red rocks. Sedona is located between two state parks and four renowned wilderness areas.

Sedona in December
Sedona in December

The landscape has a seemingly endless list of trails of various difficulty levels for you to enjoy the landscapes. You can also enjoy the breeze during a jeep tour deep into the desert or stay at a cabin overlooking it!

As for winter events, the Red Rock Festival of Lights has over 6,000 luminarias illuminating its courtyards, complete with live entertainment. You will also find so many amazing day trips from Sedona that are worth doing if you can extend your stay a little.

6. Seattle

Location: Washington
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 45°F and lows of 36°F; 14 days of rain
Reasons to visit Seattle in December: can easily warm up with coffee, day trips, Bellevue Botanic Garden lights

The temperature in Seattle during the winter averages around the 40s with occasional dips, and it sometimes snows in the city, but not consistently.

Bellevue Botanic Garden’s every inch is illuminated in its Garden of Lights, and in the winter months, a more seasonal and holiday accent is highlighted throughout the garden and its arrangements. It is a must to get into the festive spirit!

Seattle in December
Seattle in December

Pike Place Market is a must-see when visiting Seattle, especially during the winter months when the seasonal vendors and handmade artisanal items are put on display. The neon lights are augmented with Christmas ones, and the market’s essential fingerprint in the city grows in value.

The original Starbucks is also in Seattle, and you can stop by to warm yourself up with a delicious coffee before exploring what else the city has to offer.

If you want to escape a bit, you can check out my winter day trips from Seattle guide – otherwise, you can hop onto one of the city’s local ferries and go somewhere with a lot more nature (easily).

7. Las Vegas

Location: Nevada
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 60°F and lows of 27°F; 1 day of rain
Reasons to visit Vegas in December: fewer crowds and nice temperatures, Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens lights

Las Vegas is an oasis in the middle of the desert, and in the Vegas winter, high temperatures average around the 60s, and the lows average near the upper 30s and low 40s.

During this season, the city is more accessible throughout due to fewer crowds. Tickets for entertainment and performances in the city, like the Cirque du Soleil show, are easier to get and can sometimes be cheaper if you find the right deal.

Las Vegas in December
Las Vegas in December

One of Sin City’s most famous locations, the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, transforms into a winter wonderland with festive lights and decorations for its Majestic Holiday Magic exhibit.

The LINQ Promenade is also transformed with its Christmas Tree Lighting, and the adjacent Flamingo Las Vegas becomes a center of joyous holiday performances as it hosts its annual Flamingo Holiday Festival.

Visitors can even participate in seasonal activities, like ice skating, at the Cosmopolitan’s famous Boulevard Pool, which is converted into an ice rink!

If you’re keen to get out of the city, there are plenty of day trips to choose from. My favorite is Valley of Fire State Park, one of the nation’s best state parks.

8. North Pole

Location: Alaska
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 1°F and lows of -16°F; 3 days of rain
Reasons to visit North Pole in December: home of Santa Claus (in the US), snowy Alaskan beauty

The small Alaskan town of North Pole is named after Santa Claus’ home and headquarters for his Christmas gift-giving operation.

The temperature of the small town averages with highs of 1°F and with lows averaging at about -16°F. Yup, super cold, but I don’t think you’d expect anything less in a place called ‘North Pole’!

North Pole, Alaska in December
North Pole, Alaska in December

Santa Claus Lane, the prominent street of the town, is decorated all year with festive candy cane motifs and striped light poles.

The Santa Claus House, where Santa officially lives (which I contest as a person living in Finnish Lapland), is open to visitors and welcomes thousands every year to see the home, gift shop, and pastry shop of locally made items, along with a statue of Santa himself.

One of the most popular activities during the Christmas season, especially with children, is to take a photograph with Santa in front of his house! On your way out of town, grab a postcard written by Santa from the gift shop as a souvenir.

9. Sanibel Island

Location: Florida
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 77°F and lows of 57°F; 3 days of rain
Reasons to visit Sanibel Island in December: gorgeous winter temperatures and little rain, fewer crowds

During the winter season, Sanibel’s year-round subtropical climate cools down to the perfect temperature of the mid to upper-70s, making this a high-season destination and one with warmer weather that you can flock to.

There is an occasional frost and freezing temperature but the island and its many resorts and hotels don’t stress too much over it, and neither should you.

Sanibel Island in December
Sanibel Island in December

Instead, focus on the many beautiful, sandy beaches of Sanibel Island, like the popular Bowman’s Beach, Blind Pass Beach, and Lighthouse Beach Park.

The one-of-a-kind Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum has over 30 exhibits dedicated entirely to shells and mollusks.

In addition, one-third of the island was turned into a Wildlife Refuge by conservationist J.N. “Ding” Darling, and for a reasonable fee, you can not only trail the area but can also help finance the conservation of the wildlife!

10. Bethlehem

Location: Pennsylvania
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 56°F and lows of 47°F; 7 days of rain
Reasons to visit Bethlehem in December: nickname is Christmas City USA, markets in the city

Christmas City USA was founded in the mid-18th century by a German Count and a small group of religious Moravians, who together christened and named the settlement Bethlehem.

Their established bookstore in 1745, known as the Moravian Book Shop, is today known as the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world.

Bethlehem in December
Bethlehem in December

Christmas City Village, which is built and decorated with German-inspired motifs and architecture, has a Christmas market that is held on the weekend during the holiday season along Main Street in two different locations. It sells popular handmade treats, pastries, and gifts!

To get a better history of the historic city and its Christmas charm, there are tours offered a few times every week during the season by guides wearing costumes. They educate their groups on the Moravian roots of the city and how it came to be known as the nation’s Christmas City

11. Aspen

Location: Colorado
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 35°F and lows of 11°F; 8 days of rain
Reasons to visit Aspen in December: skiing, Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, many festivals and fun

Aspen is heaven for nature lovers and thrillseekers, with four resorts located in the Rocky Mountains. It is a great getaway from Denver and other places in the state.

Buttermilk Ski Resort is the ideal place for beginners with five lifts and a large number of its 21 miles of trails being rated as easy.

Aspen in December
Aspen in December

At Snowmass, you’ll find four different mountains:

  • Aspen Highlands has 84 miles of trails with five lifts and is more suitable for intermediate and expert levels
  • Ajax or Aspen Mountain has 4 miles of trails with eight lifts and is also more suitable for intermediate and expert-level skiers
  • Aspen Snowmass has over 3,300 acres of skiable land with trails of all difficulty levels and a 4,406-foot vertical drop
  • Buttermilk has a lot for kids and beginners

For another type of thrill, the Breathtaker Alpine Coaster gives a 28 mph ride through the nature of Aspen on a mile-long track!

Also in the Aspen area is the White River National Forest, which is home to the Maroon Bells, a popular and scenic hiking destination. Please be warned that this is not for beginners and can be very dangerous in the winter (and even the summer) months.

I have, personally, had a friend injured here. But you can take in the views without doing the hikes if you wish!

12. Newport Beach

Location: California
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 64°F and lows of 49°F; 3 days of rain
Reasons to visit Newport Beach in December: comfortable temperatures and little rain, Christmas Boat Parade

Lots of Americans flock to the warmer regions like the migrating birds during the winter, with one of California’s best destinations being Newport Beach.

In the winter, the temperature averages with highs around the mid-60s and lows around the 50s.

The renowned sandy beaches and surf-friendly waters are perhaps the most alluring part of Newport Beach, with Crystal Cove and Corona del Mar State Beach being two of the most popular beaches to choose from.

Newport Beach in December
Newport Beach in December

You’ll catch people lounging on the beach, enjoying the sunset, or watching the whales in the distance!

If you’re looking to still stick with the festive season while visiting Newport Beach, the Christmas Boat Parade is an event that takes place in December for five consecutive nights, in which various boats are decorated with ornaments, festive lights, and even inflatables all around Newport Bay.

It’s no wonder that this is consistently rated as one of the best beach towns in the state!

13. Adirondacks

Location: New York
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 30°F and lows of 13°F; 7 days of rain
Reasons to visit the Adirondacks in December: skiing and trailing, ice climbing, and other winter activities

The Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York aren’t just full of natural beauty, they also host a handful of winter carnivals and interesting winter sporting events, like arctic golf.

This is an excellent area for downhill skiing and snowboarding and McCauley Mountain, Gore Mountain, and Whiteface Mountain are three of the most famous mountains for both.

Adirondacks in December
Adirondacks in December

The natural attractions of the park are especially highlighted in the winter and one of the most famous ones is High Falls Gorge, where you can see the ice and even do a bit of climbing (with a guide, of course).

Natural Stone Bridge & Caves Park is renowned for its marble caves hidden amongst the blanketing snow, and the massive icicles of the frozen Ausable River at Ausable Chasm’s Gorge are two of the biggest lures of the park!

Other popular activities nearby are ice climbing (as mentioned above briefly), winter hiking, and snowmobiling.

14. Savannah

Location: Georgia
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 64°F and lows of 45°F; 6 days of rain
Reasons to visit Savannah in December: fewer tourists but nice temperatures, Savannah Christmas Market

The winters in Savannah have pleasant high temperatures averaging in the low 60s, with its lows averaging around the 40s. The historic city takes a magical turn during the winter.

In the Plant Riverside District, you’ll find the Savannah Christmas Market, live performances, fireworks, and a list of events, including the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Boat Parade of Lights, in which Santa arrives by boat on the festively lit river near the Historic River Street.

Savannah in December
Savannah in December

The Hamilton-Turner Inn, Marshall House, and all of Broughton Street are decorated with Christmas bows and lights, looking like a picturesque town from a Christmas Hallmark movie.

Forsyth Park is also a stunning sight to behold during the winter as it is decorated with garland and more. If you’re lucky enough to witness snow (rare though), this park becomes so beautiful!

15. Lake Tahoe

Location: Nevada and California
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 44°F and lows of 28°F; 5 days of rain
Reasons to visit Lake Tahoe in December: snowy heaven with lots of skiing, snow tubing

Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful spots in the US – I will always stand by this! And I find it especially beautiful during the winter when the contrast of snow lines the clear shores of the lake.

You can explore that scenic landscape with skiing, snowboarding, and even snow tubing if you find yourself in Lake Tahoe during the winter. There are a handful of trails to choose from for hiking, like the Tahoe Rim Trail, which offers jaw-dropping views of the lake up close.

Lake Tahoe in winter
Lake Tahoe in December

In South Lake Tahoe, you’ll find ski resorts and a lot of food options to choose from when you’re looking to replenish yourself between runs.

After a day’s worth of outdoor activities, you can rejuvenate with a deep tissue massage, or any other revitalizing treatment at one of the local spas, like the Lighthouse Spa.

16. Leavenworth

Location: Washington
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 34°F and lows of 21°F; 12 days of rain
Reasons to visit Leavenworth in December: a Bavarian village in the US, heaps of winter activities!

In the heart of the Cascade Mountains, you’ll find the Bavarian-inspired village of Leavenworth. The village looks like something straight out of a fairytale, especially during the winter when the homes and streets are decorated with Christmas motifs, ornaments, and lights.

Additionally, its Nutcracker Museum holds the largest collection of nutcrackers from all over the world.

Snowshoeing in Leavenworth in winter
Leavenworth in December

The nearby mountain range is surrounded by many trails that you can explore with snowshoes or even snowmobiling. There are also plenty of winter hiking opportunities in Leavenworth.

You’ll also find additional outdoor winter activities available, such as Nordic skiing, where you can discover the alpine country’s famous trails, like the Icicle River Trail. Or, you can simply head to nearby Lake Wenatchee State Park where there are plenty of other trails available.

17. Williamsburg

Location: Virginia
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 53°F and lows of 33°F; 7 days of rain
Reasons to visit Williamsburg in December: ice skating in Merchant’s Square, Christmas Village at Busch Gardens

Williamsburg has a plethora of outdoor activities throughout the winter season and holidays, making it one of my favorite places to spend the holidays as a Virginian!

There is ice skating at Liberty’s Ice Pavilion in the middle of Merchant’s Square, where you’ll also find performances, an abundance of shopping opportunities, and a giant Christmas tree are located.

The Christmas Village is where local vendors can sell their Christmas treats and beverages, beer, artisanal crafts and gifts, and more. It is also possible to pay a visit to Santa here, which is a great thing to do if you’re traveling with kids!

Williamsburg in December - Christopher W Becke - Shutterstock
Williamsburg in December – Christopher W Becke – Shutterstock

While checking out these events and attractions, you can also stop by the largest living history museum in the country at Colonial Williamsburg.

As for other events and things to do in Williamsburg, Busch Gardens (an amusement park that has different countries as its theme) has an outdoor Christmas Town that is also decorated for the season!

Sweethaven Lavender Farm has an annual Country Christmas event, in which live music, its specialty lavender hot cocoa, and shopping opportunities come together to celebrate the season.

18. Oklahoma City

Location: Oklahoma
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 51°F and lows of 30°F; 2 days of rain
Reasons to visit OKC in December: Devon Ice Rink at the Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma City Tree Lighting

The winter weather in Oklahoma City is fairly moderate, averaging around 50°F until January when it drops an additional 20°F on average.

You’ll find plenty of things to do for the season in OKC. The Oklahoma City Tree Lighting is a traditional festival with performances, family activities, and photos with Santa Claus.

Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City in December
Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City in December

In downtown Oklahoma City, the Devon Ice Rink at the Myriad Botanical Gardens is open every day for outdoor ice skating as early as mid-November.

In addition to the holiday activities, there are also a few museums with exhibits worth checking out, such as the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the Museum of Osteology, and the Museum of Art.

19. Asheville

Location: North Carolina
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 50°F and lows of 31°F; 7 days of rain
Reasons to visit Asheville in December: the Biltmore is beautiful during the holidays, North Carolina Arboretum tree lighting

In North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains sits Asheville, a city with historic architecture and beautiful, natural scenery. It is a great place to visit in the USA in December!

The North Carolina Arboretum is a free arboretum and botanical garden of a variety of different plants from around the world and has a winter lights show, which includes the lighting of a massive Christmas tree.

Pisgah National Forest is part of the Appalachian Mountains. It has jaw-dropping visuals of waterfalls and mountain peaks during the winter, as well as hundreds of hiking trails.

Biltmore in Asheville in December - Delaney Juarez - Shutterstock
Biltmore in Asheville in December – Delaney Juarez – Shutterstock

The famous Blue Ridge Parkway and DuPont Forest are also excellent options for hiking during the winter, the latter known for its waterfall trails, like Hooker Falls.

To avoid the cold, you can tour the interior and garden of the iconic Biltmore Mansion, or for more exposure to the city’s history, the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center showcases crafts from the Southern Appalachian region.

20. Stowe

Location: Vermont
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 23°F and lows of 8°F; 19 days of rain
Reasons to visit Stowe in December: top ski town, dog sledding, other winter activities!

Forbes ranked Stowe as one of the “Top 10 Best Ski Towns in America” because of the mountain resort town’s plethora of winter activities and trail system.

With options including sleigh rides, fat biking, dog sledding, snowmobiling, Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, ice climbing, ice fishing, and snowshoeing, you won’t be running out of things to do!

Its terrain is sculpted by several Green Mountains Peaks and Byways, including Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest mountain.

Stowe in December - Best places to visit in the USA in December
Stowe in December – Best places to visit in the USA in December

The Après skiing and craft beer scene is also renowned and you can head to the slopes then have a drink at the Alchemist Brewery, von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall, or Stowe Cider.

If skiing and enjoying the cold weather is not your cup of tea, you can find the more relaxing side of Stowe at its salons, spas, and saunas!

21. Washington DC

Average temperatures and precipitation: highs of 48°F and lows of 30°F; 7 days of rain
Reasons to visit Washington DC in December: museums to flee the cold, ice rink at Washington Harbor

The mild climate of Washington DC welcomes December guests with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the high 50s, with the (kind of rare) possibility of snow.

You’ll see buildings, streets, and light poles festively decorated for the holiday season if you happen to be traveling to DC in winter.

On the Potomac River shoreline is the District’s Holiday Boat Parade, where ice skating, a large Christmas tree, and the waterfront nightlife draw visitors.

Washington DC in December
Washington DC in December

In Washington Harbor, the large central fountain transforms into an ice rink, where locals can ice skate as early as mid-November.

If you want to escape the chill, check out a few of the many, many amazing museums DC offers, such as the Smithsonian museums of even the International Spy Museum. I loved it there – but it is also a great place for kids if you have them traveling with you.

22. Nashville

Location: Tennessee
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 51°F and lows of 32°F; 8 days of rain
Reasons to visit Nashville in December: Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas, Holiday LIGHTS Experience at Cheekwood

The temperature in Nashville during the winter is mild, ranging from 30 to 50 degrees on average, making it a great place to visit! Tennessee’s music city has an annual holiday tradition combining country music with Christmas in an event called A Country Christmas (at Opryland).

Nashville in December
Nashville in December

At the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, there is also the Holiday LIGHTS Experience which is known to have one million lights illuminating its mile-long gardens.

Some places worth checking out if you’d rather spend your days inside are the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Adventure Science Center, and the Pinewood Social.

23. Dallas

Location: Texas
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 58°F and lows of 39°F; 5 days of rain
Reasons to visit Dallas in December: ICE! at the Gaylord Texan, shopping at Holiday Village

Dallas is epic during the winter months as the heat is long gone and there is SO much to do in the Texas city. You will also find several day trips worth adding to your itinerary.

At the Gaylord Texan resort, wander through the winter wonderland of ICE!, a magnificent Christmas-themed ice sculpture display. Each year has a different theme and they always have some cool things to do on the ice (like ice sliding, etc).

Dallas in December
Dallas in December

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden has another holiday tradition of transforming its Main Garden into the 12 Days of Christmas, depicting various scenes from the carol.

Don’t miss visiting Grapevine, dubbed “the Christmas Capital of Texas,” and the many lights, decorations, parades, ice skating, and fun events the town has during this time of the year. You can also take a ride on the North Pole Express train!

For other Christmas entertainment, there is the Holiday Village for shopping and pictures with Santa and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra which performs a collection of Christmas tunes.

The Galleria Dallas is the city’s impressive mall, and it houses the largest Christmas tree in the nation in the center of its indoor ice skating rink. 

24. Park City

Location: Utah
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 35°F and lows of 14°F; 6 days of rain
Reasons to visit Park City in December: skiing opportunities (as well as other winter sports), top-notch dining experiences

Park City is bordered by the Valley Resort and the huge Park City Mountain Resort has over 330 trails, making it one of the largest ski and snowboarding destinations in the US!

These trails provide visitors with an endless list of activities to choose from, including cross-country skiing, dog sledding, ice skating, snowboarding, skiing, sleigh rides, snow biking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and snow tubing. 

Park City in December
Park City in December

Olympic Park also includes the Alf Engen Ski Museum, which traces the history of skiing culture from all over the world, and in the nation. There is also a one-of-a-kind six-course fine dining experience in a Viking Yurt which is worth adding to your Park City bucket list.

For other quality dining experiences, historic Main Street boasts a selection of award-winning restaurants. The best thing is that Park City is a pretty easy weekend or day trip from Salt Lake City!

25. Charleston

Location: South Carolina
Average temperatures and precipitation:
highs of 61°F and lows of 46°F; 6 days of rain
Reasons to visit Charleston in December: James Island’s Festival of Lights, mild temperatures, oyster festivals

The winters in Charleston are temperate, with winter temperatures ranging from the low 40s to the mid-60s. Snow is rare, which is why Charleston is a popular winter getaway location for those seeking a milder place to spend the holidays!

Winter is the ideal time to eat oysters as it is their prime season. Along the coast of South Carolina, there is an abundance of restaurants offering their take on oyster dishes – so be sure to put them all to the test and see which is best!

Charleston in December
Charleston in December

For the holiday season, there is the James Island Festival of Lights, which has two million lights sparkling for miles and miles as well as Middleton Place, which famously hosts a holiday market. 

Did I miss any of the best places to visit in the USA in December in this guide? Let me know your favorite cities and states to visit in the USA in December below!

Traveling another time of the year? Check out my month-by-month guides!

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