Best winter vacations in the US: 10+ Best places to visit in the USA in winter & Celebrate Christmas

It’s time to travel to the US in winter to see the white snow and join the brilliant Christmas rhythm: from Aspen, Lake Tahoe to Alaska – you will definitely have the best white snow experience! Now, let’s check out best winter vacations in the US with 10+ best places to visit in the USA in winter & Celebrate Christmas in this blog!

Winter in the US always has a special attraction: snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes sparkling in the sun and the Christmas atmosphere is brilliant with lights. This is the ideal time to experience skiing in Colorado, strolling through traditional Christmas markets in Chicago or standing in front of a giant Christmas tree in New York.

Whether you like to adventure in the icy nature or find a warm and festive space, winter in the US has a destination just for you. Let’s explore the most beautiful places to see snow and enjoy the festive season during your trip to the land of the stars and stripes.

Best places to visit in the USA in winter: Aspen, Colorado – The Ski Paradise of American Winter Travel

Aspen has long been a symbol of American winter, where the high mountains are covered in white snow and the slopes are winding like paintings. Not only for professional skiers, Aspen also welcomes those who want to try a new feeling when standing on a ski for the first time.

The small town at the foot of the mountain has a classic beauty, sparkling with lights during the Christmas season. Coming here, you can immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, enjoy the cold mountain air and watch the snow fall quietly covering the roof.

Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada – Frozen Lake in the Snowy Mountains

When winter comes, Lake Tahoe turns into a giant mirror surrounded by pine forests and snowy mountains. The dark blue lake surface, sometimes frozen, reflects the clear sky, creating a scene that makes anyone want to stop for a long time.

Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco

This is an ideal place for family trips, because you can combine skiing, ice skating and warm evenings by the fireplace in a log cabin. Tahoe brings a feeling of both grandeur and intimacy, a very unique corner of America in winter, not noisy but full of relaxation.

Best winter vacations in the US: Anchorage, Alaska – Watching White Snow & Mysterious Aurora

If Aspen and Tahoe evoke luxury, Anchorage takes you into a wild world of North America. Thick snow, forests and glaciers create a rare pristine landscape. On clear nights, the brilliant blue-purple aurora stretches across the sky, an experience that visitors will never forget.

During the day, you can try dog ​​sledding, ice fishing or simply hiking through the white snow forest. Anchorage is not noisy with festivals, but opens a winter full of adventure and a strong feeling of connection with nature.

Yellowstone in Winter – Wild Beauty in White

Yellowstone in winter is like a separate world. The low temperature causes the waterfall to freeze, the lake is still covered with snow, only the heat from the hot springs and geysers creates a magical mist. There are fewer tourists than in the summer, this place brings a strangely pristine and quiet feeling.

Amidst the white scenery, you can see herds of bison leisurely walking through the valley or wolf footprints on the fresh snow. Coming to Yellowstone in winter, people do not seek the hustle and bustle but seek the moment of touching the most original nature.

Park City, Utah – The City That Hosted the Winter Olympics

Park City is a familiar destination for ski enthusiasts, with a modern ski slope system that served the 2002 Winter Olympics. The town located in the Wasatch Mountains is not only famous for its white snow and luxurious resorts, but also for its bustling festival atmosphere throughout the winter.

In addition to skiing, you can participate in art events, or simply stroll down Main Street with its ancient wooden houses covered in snow. Park City has both a vibrant sports spirit and the warmth of a small mountain town, enough to make winter here memorable.

Winter Travel Tips in the US You Need to Know

• Prepare warm clothes: thick coats, gloves, wool hats and anti-slip boots are an indispensable “combo”.
• Book air tickets and hotels early because Christmas and New Year are peak seasons, prices increase rapidly.
• Follow weather forecasts to avoid snowstorms affecting your schedule, especially when traveling by road.
• Always bring travel insurance because winter in the US has many adventure sports activities such as skiing, snowboarding.
• Make time for local festivals: Christmas markets, light parades, or New Year’s Eve fireworks are unforgettable experiences.
• Prepare a backup plan: choose some indoor activities such as museums or shopping malls, in case the weather is bad.

New York – America’s Top Christmas Destinations

Niagara Falls Day Tour from New York

Nowhere celebrates Christmas more excitingly than New York. The city lights up with a giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, rows of sparkling lights along Fifth Avenue, and crowded outdoor ice rinks. Central Park is covered in white snow, where residents and tourists can skate together or stroll in the cold air.

New York Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)

In particular, Times Square is always the focal point for the New Year countdown. New York at Christmas is not only beautiful in the lights, but also in the feeling of being immersed in the most vibrant festive atmosphere in the world.

Chicago – Cold but Warm City on Christmas

Winter in Chicago is harsh, but Christmas makes this place unusually warm. The brilliant lights along the Magnificent Mile, the German-style Christkindlmarket Christmas market smells of mulled wine and gingerbread. In the square, the giant pine tree and Christmas music create an atmosphere that makes people want to stay for a long time.

360 Chicago Observation Deck Ticket

Although the cold wind blows across Lake Michigan, the city is still full of energy, bringing a feeling of both tradition and modernity. Chicago at Christmas is a wonderful combination of classic European features and the excitement of America.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania – The City Named “Christmas”

Named after Jesus’ hometown, Bethlehem in Pennsylvania is known as the “Christmas City” of America. Every Christmas season, the entire city is decorated with candles, wreaths and bustling concerts. The main street is lit up with a traditional Christmas market, where handicrafts and warm food are sold.

Washington DC and Philadelphia Day Tour from New York

Locals also organize many performances honoring the meaning of Christmas, creating a sacred and cozy atmosphere. For visitors, Bethlehem brings a complete Christmas experience – a place where the festive atmosphere seems to permeate every corner of the city.

San Antonio, Texas – Celebrate Christmas by the River of Lights

No need for white snow, San Antonio still knows how to make Christmas special. The River Walk – a canal winding through the city center – is decorated with thousands of sparkling lights, reflecting on the shimmering water like a painting.

Tourists often take a boat ride along the canal, admiring the rows of old houses and brightly lit cafes. The atmosphere is both warm and romantic, completely different from the hustle and bustle of the big cities in the North. With a pleasant cool climate and Southern charm, San Antonio brings a Christmas season full of surprises and intimacy.

Orlando, Florida – Welcome Christmas in a Fairytale World

Orlando is an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy Christmas in a different way. At Disney World or Universal Studios, the entire park turns into a fairyland with giant pine trees, light parades and sparkling fireworks displays.

Walt Disney World Resort Ticket

Children and adults can easily immerse themselves in that fairytale atmosphere, even though there is no snow outside. Orlando brings a colorful American Christmas – vibrant, bustling and full of joy. For families who want to combine relaxation and fun, this is a destination not to be missed.

Best winter vacations in the US – Things You Need to Know

When is the best time to travel to the US in winter?

December to February is the main winter season. If you want to see snow and go skiing, choose Colorado, Utah or Alaska. If you want to avoid the cold but still celebrate Christmas, go to Florida or Texas.

Is winter in the US dangerous because of snowstorms?

Snowstorms can cause poor visibility and slippery roads. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, prepare warm clothes, and limit driving when it snows heavily.

Are there any cities that celebrate Christmas brilliantly without snow?

Yes. Orlando in Florida and San Antonio in Texas are places that celebrate Christmas with lights and bustling festivals even without snow.

Which places in the US are famous for traditional Christmas markets?

Chicago with Christkindlmarket, New York with Union Square Holiday Market and Bethlehem in Pennsylvania are top destinations for a European-style Christmas atmosphere.

Is the cost of traveling to the US in winter high?

The cost is often higher due to the festival season and Christmas holidays. Airfare, hotels and tours increase sharply, so book early to save money.

Besides skiing, what other interesting activities are there when traveling to the US in winter?

In addition to skiing, you can try ice skating, watch the aurora borealis in Alaska, attend Christmas markets, or simply enjoy the light festivals in major cities.

Each winter in the US has its own nuances: some places are brightly lit with Christmas lights, others are quiet in white snow. From Aspen full of sports atmosphere to New York with its splendid festivals, the journey will leave unforgettable memories. Whether you choose to adventure outdoors or immerse yourself in the warm atmosphere of festivals, the US winter always has a corner for you.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to New York you can refer to

• Klook Pass New York City
• New York Helicopter Tour
• New York CityPASS
• Aladdin Broadway Show Ticket in New York
• Summit One Vanderbilt Ticket
• New York Landmarks Cruise by Circle Line
• Klook Special: New York Attractions Combo Ticket
• LEGOLAND® New York Ticket
• The Lion King Broadway Show Ticket in New York
• 60 Minute Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Cruise in New York
• New York City Sightseeing Bus Pass
• Empire State Building Ticket in New York
• New York Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• The Edge Observation Deck Ticket in New York
• Top of the Rock Ticket in New York
• The Museum of Modern Art Ticket in New York
• One World Observatory Ticket in New York
• The National 9/11 Memorial Museum Ticket in New York
• Go City – New York Explorer Pass
• American Museum of Natural History Ticket in New York
• Spyscape Spy Museum Ticket in New York

Check out more US guide here.