This beautiful country has everything you would need on a vacation, no matter the time of year you decide to visit. If you live there you can always find new and amazing places to visit and enjoy.

From mountains, forests, rivers, two oceans and a wide variety of national parks you can always find an exciting new traveling experience. Wintertime is a good of a time as any to take off and enjoy yourself, so here are some of the best US cities to visit in December!

Chicago, Illinois

Beautiful Chicago taken from the lake Michigan

Even though it’s in the northern part of the country this city is a great December destination. If you decide to visit the Windy City this time of year you will have a whole lot of different destinations and events to spend your time on.

Some of the best Christmas shows are taking place right there in Chicago so you don’t want to miss out on the famous Nutcracker or the Christmas Carol. With a large number of events, the 19th Winter Wonderfest could also be the perfect place to spend some family time. And for those of you who didn’t finish your holiday shopping, the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue offers a lot of the best shops in the World!

Where to Stay in Chicago in December: Hilton Chicago and the Willows Hotel are both excellent choices for those traveling with their families. Freehand Chicago is also an option, and quite an interesting one at that if you’re looking for a spa!

Asheville, North Carolina

If you want an amazing mountain view but want to avoid the Rocky Mountain states because of the crowds you can always go to Asheville, NC in the Blue Ridge mountains.

This historic city has milder winter temperatures and offers a lot of spectacular hiking routes all year round. Asheville also offers a lot of family tours like all things gingerbread in the Omni Grove Park Inn. The National Gingerbread House Competition is held there every year and it offers a great experience for kids and parents alike. A visit to the Downtown, a Lazoom bus tour or seeing the Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum could also be great ways to spend time this December.

Where to Stay in Asheville in December: For a more touristy feel, you can rent a room at the Holiday Inn, and you definitely wouldn’t make a mistake. Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Asheville is also a quaint option, and the one best suitable for children.

Read more: Destination in Asia this December

Key West, Florida

If a warm and tropical holiday season is what you are looking for Key West, FL could be the perfect place for your December vacation!

Exploring the Winter Artisan Market, Holiday concerts and Bazaars or going on a Christmas Holiday adventure with jetskiing and snorkeling sounds like a great way to spend this cold month. However, the most famous part of the Key West holiday season is definitely the Key West Lighted Boat Parade at Schooner Wharf. Everything from small boats up to huge luxuries yachts is lightened up in beautiful Christmas lights and this unique experience could leave you breathless.

Where to Stay in Key West in December: Seashell Motel is a great and reasonably priced place to stay in Key West, especially if you have a big family. For a more luxurious December in Key West, try the Banyan Resort or the Sheraton.

New York City, New York

Breathtaking sunset in New York

No list like this would be complete without the Big Apple. The tree lighting ceremony at the Rockefeller center is the best tourist place if you’re visiting NYC this time of year.

The gingerbread house in Madison Square Park and ice skating in Central Park are amazing for the whole family. NYC also has the largest offer of winter and holiday markets and doing your Christmas shopping in this city could result in some of the best holidays presents for family and friends. And of course, if you are there on New Year’s Eve the ball drop in Times Square is a world-famous event that you wouldn’t want to miss out on!

Where to Stay in New York in December: Now, this is a place where all the options are available. Cheap, expensive, luxurious, remote, romantic… There’s no point in describing just a couple of bedding options in a city that’s as great as New York. If you’re really out of ideas, try The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel.

St. Louis, Missouri

Panoramic view of St. Louis

This midwest city with its moderate winter temperatures is an awesome December destination.

Concerts from the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Disney Junior Holiday party for the kids and the performance of Pride and Prejudice are just some of the awesome events to visit.  Of course, there are a lot of historic sites and museums you would want to visit while in St. Louise such as the Missouri History Museum and the St. Louis Art Museum. For animal lovers, you can always go to the St. Louis Zoo or visit the Lone Elk Park with its numerous wildlife such as elks, deers, and others.

Where to Stay in St. Louis in December: Drury Plaza Hotel, Hyatt Regency, and Four Seasons Hotel are just some of the luxurious spots of St. Louis. The former two are also very close to the arch, so you’ll also quite possibly enjoy a unique view.

New Orleans, Louisiana

This amazing Louisiana city will give you a unique look at the holiday season.

The holidays start off with the annual Krewe of the Jingle parade and its just the first of many parades in this wonderful city. Also, Luna Fête is an awesome event with a huge display of amazing lights that get bigger and better every year. The evening at this festival will give you a great art show with all the local food, drinks, and craftsmanship.

Read more: Beaches in Florida this December

Another holiday tradition is the Celebration in the Oaks which will take you on a walk through the City Park with its historic oaks illuminated in wonderful holiday-themed lights. NOLA is definitely one of the best US cities to visit in December!

Where to Stay in New Orleans in December: On the outside, there’s something rustic about Royal Sonesta in New Orleans. But when you enter this hotel, you’ll be amazed at how clean and elegant everything is – just right for families with children.

Big Sky, Montana

Mountains in Big Sky home of the biggest skiing resort

For adventurers and people who enjoy extreme sports look no further!

The biggest ski resort in the states got you covered. With more than 5800 acres for skiing and over 300 named skiing paths, you are for sure going to have a holiday filled with sports activities. Taking a zipline up to the 11000 feet top will give you a dramatic view of the surroundings and a once in a lifetime experience.

The notable Christmas Stroll festival is also something you wouldn’t want to miss out on with a tree lighting ceremony, carolers, food, drink, music, and fireworks. And if you are by car and have the time, make sure to visit the Yellowstone National Park which is just an hour away!

Where to Stay in Big Sky in December: Big Sky Resort is on the more expensive side, but the beauty of its surroundings is unmatched. It goes without saying that the interior is simply breathtaking as well. If it turns out to be too expensive, give Huntley Lodge a chance – it’s got all the style, but with a more reasonable price tag!

Kauai, Hawai

On the other end of the spectrum, a visit to Hawaii is very popular in the December holiday season.

Making a sandman on the beach, which is a Hawaiian take on the snowman, or going to see the Nutcracker with a Hawaiian twist to it is just a couple of awesome things to do on a December trip to Hawaii.

The annual Festival of Lights is also a site to see and you can enjoy it with carrols played on the ukulele make your day! Decorated palm trees and fireworks on beaches are breathtaking in this warm tropical climate. And if it’s underwater scenery you want to see make sure to check out the Hanalei Bay, Kee Beach or Tunnels Beach.

Where to Stay in Kauai in December: Kauai Beach Villas sit beneath lovely palm trees, looking out at some of the most gorgeous beaches you can imagine. It’s also quite affordable, which is amazing considering how great the location is. If you want to go all-in on this Hawaii trip, stay at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort And Spa.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Unforgettable nights in Las Vegas

For a more adult December vacation, Las Vegas is definitely the place to be during the holiday season.

Other than hitting the casinos there is a whole lot of concerts, stand up comedies, musicals and other amazing shows you can visit any day of the week!

Although primarily for adults, there are also family activities in this amazing city. Visiting the Bellagio Conservatory and other wonderfully decorated botanical gardens is a great family activity. The Great Santa Run on December seventh is an awesome event that sees Santa Clauses racing down the streets of Vegas and it’s definitely fun for the whole family.

Where to Stay in Las Vegas in December: Much like in New York, there are also way too many options to choose from. Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Caesars Palace Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay, and many others decorate the Las Vegas skyline. Pick any you like really – Vegas is not about being picky!

Conclusion

The states have so much to offer to a traveler that there is a whole lot more of other places and activities to see and do. These are just some of the best US cities to visit in December and a trip to any of these will make for a wonderful time.

Falling in love with amazing landscapes, visiting small towns and other huge cities is also on the menu for every traveler with a thirst for adventure. Whatever your choices are for the upcoming holiday season make sure to enjoy it and share love and happiness with your family and friends. Happy holidays!