Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Asheville is a medium-sized city (with a population of just under 100,000). It's ideal for a weekend getaway. It is surrounded by nature, including nearby attractions such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Gorge, Mount Mitchell (the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River) and the Pisgah National Forest. As such, there's an enormous variety of things to do in Asheville year-round, there are countless hiking trails, waterfalls, critically acclaimed restaurants, craft breweries, museums, art galleries and more to choose from.
During the summer, temperatures in the park tend to exceed 120° F and do not fall below 90 degrees during the night. During December, the weather tends to be much more pleasant, with average highs in the mid-60s and average lows at the top 30 degrees at the lowest elevations. Death Valley has an enormous elevation range, from 282 feet below sea level in Badwater Basin to more than 11,000 feet at Telescope Peak, the park's highest point. As an added benefit, you can also visit some of Colorado's best hot springs, if you're willing to take a 1.5-hour trip to some of the nearby towns.
Unlike the summer months, you can continue to wear shorts, but avoid daily storms and the possibility of a hurricane. Plan highs in the 70s and 80s and lows in the 50s and 60s. However, while volatile weather is common here, you might be lucky with a milder climate in the 1950s (Fahrenheit). In the center of Bayfront Festival Park, the Bentleyville Tour of Lights shines with more than 4 million Christmas lights and screens.
While every month of the year is a wonderful time to visit, December on the Mississippi coast is particularly special. The Gulfport Harbor Lights Festival is a phenomenal Christmas light show with more than 1.5 million lights, enjoyed on foot or on a heated streetcar. The festival is open from late November to December 31 and was featured in Lifetime's Christmas film Christmas in Mississippi. All communities along the Mississippi coast demonstrate their Christmas spirit with festive events, such as Christmas on the Water Boat Parade (Biloxi), Snowflakes in the Bay (Bay) (St Louis) and Downtown for the Holidays (Pascagoula).
Watch the Bay St Louis Christmas parade and stop by Ocean Springs, the Christmas tree lighting and the Open House. Most hotels, restaurants and stores are heavily decorated for the holidays and the Beau Rivage lobby is worth visiting specifically. Kennebunkport, Maine, is a quintessential New England city that is brimming with the Christmas spirit on December 1. With a wide variety of climates and terrains, the United States has a lot of interesting places to visit in December.
From warm-weather wonders like Florida, Hawaii and California to snowy mountain locations that have the best ski resorts in the United States and big cities like New York and Las Vegas, you'll have plenty of options when it comes to planning your December vacation. Plan your trips with our list of the best places to visit in the United States in December. Aerial view of the Na Pali coast on Kauai One of the best warm places to visit in the United States in December is Hawaii. Its tropical breeze, abundant sun, bathing water, warm ocean waves and captivating landscapes make this an ideal place to relax on the island.
There are several islands to choose from, and you can vacation on one or plan to visit several on the same trip. The more time you have, the more incredible your Hawaii vacation will be. The island of Oahu is a great starting point, especially if you're staying in the capital of Honolulu. Relax on Waikiki Beach, visit the Pearl Harbor National Monument and enjoy the urban scene.
The island of Maui has a pleasant combination of activity and solitude, with golf courses, Wailea Beach and the inactive volcano Mount Haleakala, where you can witness a spectacular sunrise. The Big Island has many natural attractions and outdoor activities, such as Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kaunaoa Beach and Akaka Falls State Park. The small island of Kaui is the oldest island and the ideal place for a quiet and romantic vacation. It is also known for its many tropical waterfalls, beautiful hikes and stunning landscapes.
Lanai is another small island with remote natural locations that isn't as touristy as the other islands. If you're looking for a warm destination with lots of activity in December, Miami, Florida will fit the bill. Miami has a festive scene in winter, with Christmas shows such as The Nutcracker and the Magical Lights that decorate the Miami Zoo. There are a lot of local events on the beach, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds by combining the holiday festivities with the warm Florida climate.
All of Miami's best attractions also include options like boating and visits to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Since you don't have to worry about snow in December in Miami, you can explore local neighborhoods, such as Little Havana and the Miami Design District. Many northern snowbirds retire to Florida during the winter, so you'll want to plan your accommodations well in advance. New York City is one of the most festive destinations to visit in December.
Bundle up and take to the streets of downtown to shop windows at Christmas stores or to see a performance by the famous Rockettes. Be sure to stop by Rockefeller Square to see the iconic Christmas tree. There's never a dull moment in New York City, not even during the winter. Many people visit New York City in December just to shop for Christmas gifts at the famous department stores and to see the many festivals during the holiday season.
Since snowstorms are unpredictable in December in the north, you should budget a little more time and flexibility in your itinerary in the event of travel delays. Utah State Capitol Building in Salt Lake City Not everyone wants to escape the cold in December. In fact, for avid skiers, December is the best time to hit the slopes and ski resorts near Salt Lake City. There are six major ski resorts in Utah's Wasatch Mountains, which are just a short drive from Salt Lake City.
The ski slopes are equipped to accommodate both beginners and advanced skiers. If you prefer to simply look at snow-capped mountains instead of crossing them, that's also an option. Salt Lake City has many festive events in December, such as horse-drawn carriage rides through Temple Square, adorned with Christmas lights. You can also buy unique gifts in small boutiques.
You can enjoy a vintage vacation in Salt Lake City by visiting This Is The Place Heritage Park, which showcases 19th century life and festivities in Utah during the month of December. For a Caribbean vacation in the United States in December, the Virgin Islands are a no-brainer. The islands of Saint Croix, Saint Thomas and Saint John are territories of the United States and have tropical natural landscapes perfect for a mid-winter getaway. Beach days and diving will top your to-do list, as well as visiting some of the islands' natural parks.
Thomas is the most populated of the three islands, as it has a cruise port, so although there are many tours and activities available, you'll be sharing the sandy beaches with many other tourists in December. Croix is the largest of the islands and has many cultural attractions. John is the smallest and most natural, with great places for diving, hiking, tropical plants and pristine beaches. Many December travelers in the United States are attracted by the lights and warm temperatures that are guaranteed in Las Vegas.
You'll find all the normal style, with an overload of sights and sounds along the Las Vegas Strip and a touch of festive December decor. Many of the hotels have elaborate Christmas decorations with lots of flowers and lights. In addition to great shopping in Las Vegas, there's plenty of entertainment to enjoy in December. One of the most beautiful places to visit is the Ethel M Chocolates Botanical Cactus Garden.
The state's largest cactus garden has light screens (sometimes in 3D) that will immerse you in the Christmas spirit. With the mild December temperatures in Las Vegas, you can even enjoy spending a winter day poolside at your hotel. If you're looking for warm weather and a unique experience for your December vacation, you can head to Pasadena, California, where the city is preparing for the famous Tournament of Roses parade. With the temperatures in Southern California, it is possible to spend a day at the beach and the next day participate in one of the city's most important events.
Deco Week is celebrated at the end of December, when Rose Parade participants make their final adjustments to the elaborate rose-covered floats. You can volunteer to help with final preparations. If you're planning on going to Pasadena to participate in this annual tradition, book well in advance to keep your spot. December is a fabulous month to visit Phoenix, especially if you're a fan of outdoor activities.
Popular winter activities include hiking, golfing, cycling, climbing and camping. Shopping is another fun activity, as is going from museum to museum. As for the weather, I'm sure you'll be thrilled. With little rain and highs between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit higher, you won't need to wear a parka or risk sweating through your wrinkle-free travel shirt.
The extra space in your suitcase means you'll have plenty of room for the finds you'll find at the Christmas markets. While you're in town, be sure to visit the Desert Botanical Garden, skate on the CityScape ice rink and tour the Heard Museum. Glendale Glitters is a fun festival-like event near Glendale, with thousands of Christmas lights, music, food and other activities on the weekends of December. The Christmas decoration in Charleston, SC Charleston in December is a refreshing sight.
While the cold ones (the highs are around 60 and the low can drop to 2), this old world southern gem is so charming and charming that it will warm your spirit. And if the weather is nice, you can always go indoors, to the South Carolina Aquarium, the Charleston Museum, or the Old Slave Mart Museum. Make the most of the lack of moisture with a visit to the Middleton Place Plantation, Boone Hall Plantation or Magnolia Plantation gardens &. December hosts a variety of light shows and Christmas markets.
The Christmas Festival of Lights, for example, begins in mid-November and lasts until January. United States Capitol Building in Washington D. C. Key West Beach Trail: December means ski season in Breckenridge, making it one of the best places to enjoy a downhill adventure.
While some of the warm-weather destinations will be crowded in December, so will Breckenridge, but it's the ideal spot if you're looking for quality winter skiing. Hotel and resort rates will be very high, but you can usually pack them with lift tickets during your stay. When you're not rummaging through the white powder on the hillsides, you can enjoy the city's festive scene, where the small shops of Main Street are adorned for the holidays. Although you'll have plenty of company in Breckenridge in December, there are nearly 3,000 acres of ski areas, so there's enough space to accommodate the onslaught of winter travelers.
The French Quarter of New Orleans The festive city of New Orleans is an excellent vacation destination in December, where you can enjoy the warmer weather, stroll through the city streets and the French Quarter, and leave before the influx of Mardi Gras revelers begins to arrive in the following months. December's weather is warm, but it's not the sweltering heat you'd experience in summer, so you can enjoy it more comfortably. Traditional architecture in Santa Fe The southwestern city of Santa Fe is a great getaway in December for those who want to have a good time in a small, artistic place. The city has its roots in Native American culture.
It's fun to wander through historic buildings and small shops while shopping for local artwork, ranging from paintings to jewelry. Santa Fe is a pleasant place to escape the cold and snow and is known for its many health retreats and relaxing spa centers. If you still want to see the snow, you can go to the mountains for a day of skiing. For some December travelers, especially those looking for a romantic vacation, relaxing in a cozy bed and breakfast or cabin, with several meters of snow outside, may be attractive.
If so, then Stowe, Vermont is where you need to spend a vacation. December is cold in Stowe, but that's part of the charm of a getaway full of fireplaces and hot chocolate. You can still spend your days outdoors putting on cloaks and hitting the ski slopes, snowshoeing, or going on a dog-sleigh adventure before returning to your cozy accommodation. December in Stowe is celebrated with traditional Christmas parades, celebrations and tree illuminations in the city center.
Moss-covered oak trees in Savannah, Georgia You'll want to pack a sweater when you visit Savannah in December. With highs between the mid-60s and mid-70s, you may want to block the nighttime (or daytime) cold. That won't stop you from fully enjoying this wonderful Georgian wonderland. Dotted with historic mansions, luxurious parks and picturesque moss-covered trees, this idyllic beauty is even more magical when dressed up for the December festivities.
Visit River Street during the first weekend in December for music, treats and shopping. You'll find handmade socks and other creative gifts from unique sellers. The illuminated Savannah Christmas parade is another must-see during the holidays that takes place during the first weekend in December. Includes a tree-lighting ceremony, carols, dancing and more on Tybee Island.
When you're not busy partying, visit the area's historic homes, museums, and the area's sprawling, lush Forsyth Park. The Augustine skyline and the Lions St. Augustine is a lovely place to visit any time of the year, although it can be unbearably hot during the summer. However, in December, this historic jewel of Florida truly comes to life.
Augustine is located on the northeast coast and offers visitors archaeological masterpieces along with soft sandy beaches. One of Florida's best Christmas cities, this city literally rings and shines during December. The annual Night of Lights festival is held from mid-November to January and features more than three million lights that revolve around the city. It's incredibly charming, even if you don't like Christmas festivities.
Hop on the Old Town streetcar, explore San Marcos Castle, or relax on the beach at Anastasia State Park. You'll have fewer people to fight against, but with temperatures between the lowest and mid-70 degrees Fahrenheit, you might not be tempted to play in the water all day long. Winter is undoubtedly the best time to visit California's deserts. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places to visit in the colder months.
Temperatures in the park drop on average in December to a range of about 40 degrees F at night and close to 60 degrees F in the afternoon, making daytime hiking and rock climbing infinitely more enjoyable than the unbearable summer heat. Head 30 miles south of Yellowstone and you'll find Grand Teton National Park, a park that can still be enjoyed in December. Most of the park can only be reached with cross-country skiing or snowshoeing during this time of year, but the isolation is worth it. See this BMTM post for a deeper look at winter in Grand Teton.
If you want a December full of towering mountains, Colorado is the place to go. On the one hand, the state is known for having the most “fourteen” (mountains over 14,000 feet) in the country. Do you want to see some otherworldly landscapes with names like “alien throne” and “dragon eggs”? Visit Bisti Badlands Wilderness in New Mexico to enjoy all that and more. This incredible portion of untouched nature is a must-see place in New Mexico due to its uniqueness.
The Bisti wasteland covers an enormous area of 45,000 acres, with no real trails or trails to follow, making them ideal for travelers looking for a truly rugged adventure. If you're on a budget, you can consider some of the cheap places to travel in December or specifically cheap Christmas vacation destinations. Plan ahead and consider key travel tips, such as arriving at the airport at least two hours (three hours if traveling internationally) before departure. Now that you've put travel logistics aside, clear your mind and get ready to end the year in a big way exploring some of the best destinations to visit in December.
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