English
Stays
Car Rental
Rewards
Travel Guide 
Contact
Best U.S. Cities to Visit for a Magical Christmas Experience
Carolers singing with rosy cheeks, huge trees covered in sparkling lights, and Santa with lots of gingerbread — these are the things that come to mind when you are planning Christmas in America. But hey, there’s much more than that. Every part of the country has its own unique way of celebration. Some places offer golden sunshine, where you can celebrate in sandals and shorts (yes, shorts in December!), while others turn into a snowy winter paradise.
No matter if you prefer to celebrate Christmas without snow or want a typical holiday filled with traditions, these best Christmas cities in the USA give you an experience that you can’t forget for a lifetime.
So, pack your bags, take your essentials, and let’s make your Christmas memorable (don’t forget to pack stretchy pants for all the gingerbread).
Denver, Colorado
With non-stop festive activities and charming lights, Christmas in Denver truly feels magical. The city offers plenty to keep you merry: visit the Denver Zoo to see dazzling lights, try ice skating, or shop at the Denver Christkindlmarket (one of the best German Christmas markets in the U.S.). For tradition, catch a holiday performance of A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker. Oh, and don’t miss the Mile High Tree at the 16th Street Mall — it shines so brightly you’ll need sunglasses at night.
Holiday stays in Denver:
8.1
Very good
8.7
Very good
Charleston, South Carolina
If you want Christmas cheer without freezing your toes off, Charleston is calling your name. The Charleston Place festival showcases 16 beautifully decorated Christmas trees by local businesses. Music lovers will adore The Sound of Charleston, featuring jazz, Civil War songs, and Gershwin’s tunes. Families can enjoy Aquarium Aglow, where even “Scuba Claus” makes an appearance in the Great Ocean Tank. And for the grand finale? James County Island Park with over 2 million sparkling lights. Who said you need snow for holiday magic?
Holiday stays in Charleston:
9.1
Superb
4.1
Average
Asheville, North Carolina
In the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville delivers mountain charm and sparkling lights. The Biltmore Estate dazzles with more than 100 decorated trees, over 10,000 ornaments, and 100,000+ glowing lights—clearly, going big is their holiday MO. And even though Hurricane Helene made things rocky, the estate and downtown are open and shining brighter than ever. Christmas perfection, indeed!
Holiday stays in Asheville:
9.5
Superb
9.8
Superb
Branson, Missouri
Every winter, Branson transforms into a family-friendly version of Las Vegas — but with more hot cocoa and fewer Elvis impersonators. Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas festival runs through January 4, featuring 6.5 million lights and an eight-story Christmas tree. Downtown Branson also sparkles with 1,500 Christmas trees, festive shows, and ice skating under the Ferris Wheel.
Holiday stays in Branson:
6.7
Pleasant
10.0
Superb
Dallas, Texas
Dallas proves snow isn’t necessary for a stylish holiday. The highlight is Holiday at the Arboretum, running through January with a 50-foot animated tree and millions of lights. Families can skate beneath the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree at Galleria Dallas or drive through the Dallas Zoo Lights. For grown-ups, stop by Miracle, the Christmas-themed pop-up bar, for cocktails as festive as the décor (liquid cheer guaranteed).
Holiday stays in Dallas:
8.6
Very good
7.1
Good
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans adds its own spice to Christmas. Celebration in the Oaks turns City Park into a glowing wonderland from late November to early January, complete with food vendors and sparkling lights strung across ancient oaks. But the true highlight? The traditional Christmas Eve bonfires along the Mississippi River — an experience as unforgettable as the city itself.
Holiday stays in New Orleans:
8.3
Very good
8.9
Very good
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago knows how to deck the halls—and the streets. Millennium Park lights up the season with a towering 53-foot spruce, proudly donated by a Logan Square family—homegrown holiday spirit at its finest. Step into Christkindlmarket for a dose of European charm, then cruise through the “Let It Shine” lights or cozy up in a heated igloo at The Godfrey Hotel (yes, igloo dining is a thing). And don’t skip ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo—with over 3 million glowing lights.
Holiday stays in Chicago:
9.6
Superb
8.5
Very good
New York City, New York
Nothing beats Christmas in New York. Imagine candy canes, sparkling Santas, snowmen bigger than your apartment, and streets glowing with festive magic. Marvel at the Rockefeller Center tree—a 74-ft Norway spruce brimming with over 50,000 LED lights and a Swarovski star. Glide on the ice in Central Park, or catch the Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. And for serious Christmas spirit, wander Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, where over-the-top light displays make Clark Griswold look like an amateur.
Holiday stays in New York City:
7.9
Good
9.9
Superb
Nashville, Tennessee
Music City shines even brighter during Christmas. Gaylord Opryland’s Country Christmas runs from November 8 to January 4, featuring acres of lights, festive shows, and ice skating. Drive through “Jingle Beat” at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, a two-mile light show synced with remixed holiday songs (yes, EDM meets Santa). And of course, no trip is complete without a Christmas performance at the Grand Ole Opry.
Holiday stays in Nashville:
8.1
Very good
8.7
Very good
Wrapping up, from the warm, festive charm of Dallas and New Orleans to the snowy wonderlands of New York and Chicago, Christmas in the U.S. is as magical as the country itself. Each city brings something unique — historic traditions, giant Christmas trees, live music, and bustling markets packed with seasonal treats.
Whether you’re marveling at millions of lights or sipping cocoa at a Christkindlmarket, you’ll be wrapped in holiday cheer that makes your Christmas truly unforgettable.
So, grab your coat (or flip-flops, depending on the city), and let the holiday adventure beg
Next post Romantic Christmas Destinations for Couples in the U.S.
Previous Post 10 America’s Best Street Art Cities
About Author
