Holiday getaways hold a special kind of magic. What makes holiday travel particularly fun is experiencing festive and unique regional traditions across the U.S. Whether it’s a family affair, a romantic rendezvous or a solo vacation, these winter escapes cover all the bases: food, entertainment, history, outdoor recreation and shopping. Whether you opt for a bustling city excursion or a quieter retreat, these places promise holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
Santa Fe, NM
Luminarias light the way along Farolito Walk, a holiday favorite in Santa Fe.
Santa Fe is immediately recognizable for its captivating desert scenery, its singular architecture, dramatic red rock vistas, the bracing smell of pinon trees and clear, crisp winter weather. The arts flourish in this iconic Southwest city, influencing culture, food and design. Reserve tickets to visit the Georgia O’Keefe Museum where you can peruse the permanent collection of her world-famous paintings, sketches and sculptures. Afterwards, savor a green chili dish at Maria’s New American Kitchen before taking a stroll among the holiday lights, boutique shops and paper bag luminarias lining the Farolito Walk on Canyon Road.
Asheville, NC
After a day at Biltmore Estate, you can warm up inside any of Asheville's craft breweries and enjoy a cold pint.
Candlelit rooms, the smell of Fraser fir trees in the air, the sound of joyful carolers—if you're looking for an old-fashioned Christmas getaway, Biltmore Estate in Asheville awaits. A visit to this North Carolina attraction—built in the 1890s—remains one of the grandest holiday traditions in the Southeast, with an array of activities both day and night, including carriage rides with sleigh bells ringing. For holiday cheer outside the estate grounds, Asheville is a craft beer-lover's paradise. You'll find many breweries with takeaway options for enjoying near many downtown Asheville hotels.
Savannah, GA
Fountains, architecture and gardens are the holiday highlights of Savannah's parks.
Steeped in Southern charm and rich in colonial history, Savannah is an outdoor winter wonderland. Mild temperatures that range from the mid-40s to mid-60s create comfortable conditions for exploring around town. The downtown historic district is one of the largest in the U.S. with beautiful buildings, twinkling holiday lights and Forsyth Park as its crown jewel. You’ll discover 30 acres of picturesque pre-Civil War homes with manicured gardens, an iconic, fountain draped in garland and elegant wreaths, plus children’s play areas. The best way to take it all in is on a trolley tour replete with holiday treats.
Traverse City, MN
Turn your winter holiday into a sweet experience with the cherry-filled treats of Traverse City.
Sweeten up your holiday in the “Cherry Capital of the World.” Traverse City, in northwest Michigan, grows 74% of the tart cherries that are consumed in the United States. After devouring your fair share of cherry pie, swing by Cherry Republic and pick up a Secret Santa Gift Box for that special someone on your list. The Village at Grand Traverse Commons has been transformed from a 19th century asylum to a thriving development of chef-owned restaurants and local shops in a pastoral setting. Guided tours—including the especially atmospheric twilight stroll—offer a fascinating window back in time.
Branson, MO
You'll barely have time to do it all in Branson, where there's Christmas entertainment around every corner.
Branson goes big as “America’s Christmas Tree City,” with more than 700 creatively decorated pine trees, many towering 20 feet high with dazzling lights and scenes. Kids of all ages will delight in a visit to the World’s Largest Toy Museum, a favorite holiday attraction in this Midwest heartland destination, with more than 1 million toys on display. For an old time Ozark Christmas, head to Silver Dollar City to watch a Christmas light parade. It’s a dazzling spectacle of floats festooned with 10-foot candy canes, wooden soldiers, animated reindeer and drumming bears. Branson has a number of family-friendly, Christmas-themed shows, including Dolly Parton’s Stampede, The Texas Tenors-Deep in the Heart of Christmas and Hot Rods & High Heels 1950s Christmas. Tickets are in high demand, so be sure and book well in advance.
Washington, DC
The lighting of The National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., has kicked off the American holiday season for nearly 100 years.
The nation’s capital glitters with Christmas light displays, holiday markets and seasonal events. The National Christmas Tree, in President’s Park at The White House, is a display of hope and unity. The 30-foot Colorado blue spruce is decked out with one-of-a-kind ornaments from every state and U.S. territory. Free nightly musical performances add to the holiday cheer. The 17th Annual Downtown Holiday Market stretches across two blocks of F Street, and features wonderful arts, collectibles, crafts, jewelry and specialty gifts from more than 150 vendors. This outdoor shopping village also hosts a lineup of live entertainment and serves revelers cinnamon-dusted churros and hot chocolate to keep you cozy. The Nordic-inspired Enchant Christmas at Nationals Park is an imaginative fairyland. Elves, Santa and Mrs. Claus are on hand as you meander amid the sparkly lights and take to the ice-skating rink.
Estes Park, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, offers many splendid hikes like this one at frozen Dream Lake.
The stately Rocky Mountains are gorgeous year-round, but Estes Park really glows under cerulean skies and a glistening blanket of snow. Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park where about 3,000 elk roam. Jaw-dropping sightings of these regal animals are commonplace—but nothing short of thrilling. Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages will thrill to such alpine adventures in the wide-open expanses as fatbiking (an off-road bike outfitted with oversized tires for traction on snow), hiking, sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Après-ski options abound: warming up with an adult beverage at one of the breweries, distilleries or wineries, pampering yourself at a spa or shopping the art galleries, bookstores and boutiques downtown.
Seattle, WA
The annual Christmas Ship of Boats on serene Lake Union is just one of many holiday events held throughout the season in Seattle.
Known as “The Emerald City,” Seattle’s densely forested landscape makes for a storybook holiday setting. The Northwest’s biggest and most dynamic metropolis shines brightly during WildLanterns at the Woodland Park Zoo. Walkways feature enchanting, larger-than-life, illuminated lantern sculptures, along with performances including kung fu and folk dances that highlight Chinese culture. Winterfest takes over Seattle Center for five weeks with an uplifting series of holiday diversions. There’s a 19th century model train and village display and seasonal entertainment, plus themed ice sculpting demonstrations, which could make an unusual backdrop for the holiday family photo. Community pride is on brilliant display at the Winter Porch Light Parade. Businesses and residents in four cities—Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park and Shoreline—whimsically decorate balconies, patios, porches and cars to reflect diverse customs and heritage. An online map will steer you to the locations that you can drive or walk.