9 Warm Winter Vacation Destinations for the Holidays
Celebrate the holiday season with sunshine and warm temperatures
Who says you have to be bundled up in a heavy winter coat to enjoy the holidays? Even without a polar plunge in temperatures, many places across the U.S. put on a spirited seasonal show, ensuring holiday fun for all. And honestly, isn’t there a certain ho-ho-ho in a getaway that lets you pack lightly? These are nine of our favorite warm winter vacation destinations.
Sarasota, Florida
The downtown Sarasota skyline sparkles in the boat-dotted bay.
Average winter temps: in the mid-to-high 70s
Situated on Florida’s western Gulf Coast, this artsy city is at its luminous best during the holidays. At sunset, the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens twinkles with 2 million “Lights in Bloom” that grace the bayfront walkways lined with orchids, banyan trees and bromeliads. Celebrating its 25th year, the Downtown Sarasota Holiday Parade draws an estimated 25,000 spectators and includes brightly painted circus wagons. Upscale Armands Circle on Lido Key hosts the Holiday Night of Lights with caroling sing-a-longs, and the indie boutiques are filled with unique gifts.
Phoenix, Arizona
Let the beautiful Las Noches de las Luminarias light your way at Desert Botanical Garden’s annual holiday celebration in Phoenix.
Average winter temps: in the low 70s
Snowbirds flock to Phoenix to bask in the warm Sonoran sun, which makes golfing, hiking and sunbathing winter pleasures. Las Noches de las Luminarias, an annual tradition at the Desert Botanical Garden in Central Phoenix, mesmerizes with thousands of illuminated brown bags aglow on the grounds. The celebration also features live music, sculptures and storytelling. Scottsdale’s Butterfly Wonderland sparkles with holiday décor under the nation’s largest glass conservatory. Native American flute music provides an ethereal Southwestern soundtrack to the fluttering of all those tiny wings. The Phoenix Zoo morphs into a family-friendly fairyland during the popular ZooLights, as millions of lights, dazzling animal sculptures, and nightly shows delight guests. The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade & Fireworks Show on Tempe Town Lake is a free, glittering desert showstopper.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charlestonians dress their historic homes elegantly during the holidays.
Average winter temps: in the low 60s
Charleston’s restaurants, shops, and streets are decked out in festive finery during the holidays. You’ll take a shine to the annual Holiday Festival of Lights as you stroll Santa’s Village and Winter Wonderland. Each of the nearby beach towns—Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Sullivan’s Island—has its own funky personality, with miles of uncrowded beaches to explore and laidback seafood restaurants to try. The Lowcountry Kwanzaa Celebration honors the region’s rich African American culture with myriad events. It’s held over seven days, starting on December 26.
Sonoma, California
Harvest-ready grapes on the vine translate into award-winning Sonoma wines ready for this sipping this winter.
Average winter temps: in the low 60s
Following the fall harvest, California’s wine country becomes a less crowded—and often less expensive—destination for wine tastings and cozy walks among the grapevines. The sister city of Napa Valley, Sonoma is home to more than 400 wineries, and the balmy Northern California weather is ideal for holiday sipping. Top-notch dining, hiking, shopping, and spas are other excellent holiday excursions. For a memorable wildlife experience, head to pretty Bodega Bay, about an hour away, for winter whale watching excursions. Want to take your trip to whole new level? Climb into the basket of a hot air balloon to view the beauty below from up in the clouds.
El Paso, Texas
A towering Christmas tree and festive lights brighten downtown El Paso’s San Jacinto Plaza.
Average winter temps: in the low 60s
The gateway to West Texas, El Paso celebrates the season with a variety of enchanting activities. Downtown’s Winterfest features a vibrant parade, plus there’s an outdoor ice-skating rink—pretty cool in the desert! Merry-Achi Christmas, held at the spectacular Plaza Theatre, seamlessly blends Mexican and American holiday songs. Tamales are a cherished tradition, and El Paso boasts many family-run restaurants to satisfy your cravings. Mild, high desert weather makes the Hueco Tanks, a massive watering hole, a rewarding place to hike, rock climb and wildlife watch. Want to take some Texas home? Hit up one of the many famous bootmakers like Luchesse, Tony Lama and Rocketbuster.
Lafayette, Louisiana
Kayaking the cypress-studded waterways of Lafayette at sunset is a magical experience.
Average winter temps: in the mid 60s
There’s no Christmas like a Cajun Christmas! Join the merriment with a holiday trip to Lafayette for laughter, seafood gumbo, and that (in)famous Louisiana culinary creation, turducken. The 23-night Noël Acadien au Village at Acadian Village is a magical holiday must-see. Kayaking the cypress and tupelo swamp of Lake Martin at sunset amid roseate spoonbills and anhingas roosting and alligators surfacing is a surreal, Insta-worthy outing. Buck and Johnny’s Zydeco Breakfast is legendary for mouthwatering Cajun-Italian fare and lively dancing. Let the good times roll!
Palm Springs, California
The panoramic views of the valley are unparalleled on the cloud-kissed Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Average winter temps: in the mid 70s
Palm Springs comes alive in the winter, when SoCal weather is prime for outdoor recreation. Visitors pour out of Palm Springs hotels to play the area’s many golf courses, hike the trails of Joshua Tree National Park, marvel over mid-century modern architecture or wander the cheerful downtown streets. Head up Mt. San Jacinto for a breathtaking, birds-eye view of the city from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The top is perched at more than 8,500 feet, so you may even see snow in the desert! Don’t even think about leaving the Coachella Valley without indulging in a date shake. Windmill Market purees locally sourced dates and blends them into vanilla ice cream for a dreamy desert treat.
Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama
The blue-green Gulf waters and sugar-white sands of Orange Beach invite sunbathing and shelling year-round.
Average winter temps: in the low 60s
Looking to trade snow for white sands? The coastal hospitality of Alabama’s Gulf Shores and Orange Beach beckon winter visitors with flip-flop winter amusement. At dusk, brightly decorated vessels depart from Lulu’s and sail along the Intercoastal Waterway in The Christmas Lighted Boat Parade. The Wharf boasts big Yuletide spirit for the whole family, including ice skating, carriage rides, the North Pole Express and the SPECTRA laser light show. Biking and hiking on the well-maintained boardwalk trails of beautiful Gulf State Park almost guarantees encounters of the wild kind, from eagles to armadillos, bobcats to gators, and opossum to red foxes. Don’t leave the area without trying a boozy, slushy Bushwacker at the famous Flora Bama Lounge.
Carlsbad, New Mexico
Homes decorated in brightly colored lights bring cheer along the Pecos River in Carlsbad.
Average winter temps: in the low 60s
The deserts of New Mexico are like an oasis for hiking, biking and even water recreation, especially in the winter months where temperatures rarely get too cold or too warm. When you book a hotel in Carlsbad, you're only 17 miles from Carlsbad Caverns National Park, where ancient sea ledges, rocky canyons and mineral formations transport you to another world. While you’re in New Mexico, sample enchiladas or burgers smothered in green chili at one of the local mom-and-pop restaurants. A bright crimson ristra (a dried chili wreath) is a cheery souvenir.
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