Niña •Oct 22, 2025
Niña •Oct 22, 2025When it comes to celebrating the holiday season, few places sparkle quite like the United States in December. From snow-covered towns straight out of a Hallmark movie to warm coastal escapes filled with Christmas lights and cheer, there’s a destination for every kind of festive traveler.
Whether you’re craving a white Christmas, a cozy mountain cabin, or a palm-fringed escape where you can sip hot cocoa by the sea, these are the best USA Christmas vacations that capture the true spirit of the season.
→ Explore Wander’s luxury Christmas vacation rentals for your next unforgettable holiday stay.
Best for: Iconic Christmas lights, holiday shopping, and big-city Christmas spirit.
No list of best Christmas vacation destinations in the US is complete without New York City. From the huge Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center to ice skating in Central Park, the city radiates holiday cheer.
Stroll along Fifth Avenue’s glittering window displays, explore festive Christmas markets at Bryant Park and Union Square, and warm up with hot chocolate after watching the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
But when you’re ready to step back from the buzz? Wander’s luxury Christmas vacation rentals in Hudson Valley, the Catskills, and Long Island offer the perfect balance.
Spend your days immersed in holiday shopping and festive events, then retreat to the quiet of snow-dusted forests, private hot tubs, and stylish homes stocked with luxury amenities.
→ Explore Wander Catskills Woods
Best for: Families, skiing enthusiasts and festive-season lovers.
For a quintessential white Christmas escape with world-class skiing, twinkling lights, and postcard-perfect charm, Breckenridge checks every box.
This historic Colorado mining town transforms into a festive alpine village during the Christmas season, complete with a towering Christmas tree in Blue River Plaza, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and festive holiday events like the annual Race of the Santas.
Beyond the festive cheer, Breck offers some of the best skiing in the country, cozy mountain restaurants serving up comfort food and hot chocolate, and a bustling downtown lined with Victorian buildings decked out in holiday lights.
→ Explore Wander Breckenridge Cloud
Best for: Families, small-town magic, and storybook winter scenes.
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth, Washington, transforms into a Bavarian-style Christmas wonderland every December.
The Village of Lights festival covers the town in over half a million twinkling bulbs, and visitors can enjoy sleigh rides, festive parades, and live carolers.
→ Explore Wander Leavenworth Mountain
Best for: Wine lovers, couples, and warm but cozy Christmas vibes.
For a more refined take on the holiday season, Sonoma offers the best of Christmas vacations paired with world-class wine and cuisine.
Vineyards shimmer with festive lights, and cozy tasting rooms pour seasonal blends beside roaring fireplaces.
Don’t miss: Sonoma’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in the historic Plaza, followed by a Christmas dinner paired with local Pinot Noir.
→ Explore Wander Sonoma Haven
Best for: Families, snow lovers, and timeless holiday charm.
Snowy mountains, quaint inns, and horse-drawn sleigh rides make Stowe a perfect place to spend Christmas. The downtown is filled with festive decorations, while nearby resorts offer skiing, snowboarding, and cozy lodges serving hearty comfort food.
Be sure to catch the traditional tree-lighting ceremony and local craft markets, where you can buy everything from maple syrup to handmade ornaments.
→ Explore Wander Stowe Falls
Best for: Skiers, couples, and families seeking a serene mountain escape.
If your Christmas vacation calls for fresh snow and peaceful lake views, Tahoe delivers.
Spend your mornings skiing world-class slopes, afternoons by the fireplace, and evenings watching festive fireworks reflected on the lake.
Insider tip: There's ice skating at Heavenly Village, followed by s’mores under a canopy of festive lights.
→ Explore Wander Lake Tahoe Vista
Best for: Architecture lovers, mountain scenery, and luxurious holiday escapes.
Home to the iconic Biltmore Estate, Asheville’s Blue Ridge Mountains turn into a glowing holiday wonderland each December. Explore candlelight tours, festive wine tastings, and cozy mountain cabins surrounded by twinkling forests.
Remember to make time for The Biltmore’s 55-foot Christmas tree, which has more than 100,000 lights, and the live music performances.
→ Explore Wander Asheville Meadows
Best for: Peaceful Pacific holidays, coastal hikes, and festive small-town charm.
On Oregon’s rugged southern coast, Bandon offers a refreshing change of pace for those seeking serenity, scenic beauty, and cozy holiday vibes. This quiet town transforms into a festive hideaway during the Christmas season, with twinkling lights adorning its quaint downtown, local holiday bazaars full of unique gifts, and dramatic ocean views.
You can spend Christmas Eve with a cup of hot cocoa watching the waves crash against the sea stacks, then wake up on Christmas Day for a misty forest hike or a wander through the festive Cranberry Sweets shop, an institution for holiday treats and handmade local candy.
Bandon’s slower pace and windswept beauty are perfect for anyone looking to spend Christmas away from the crowds, wrapped in warmth, comfort, and natural beauty.
→ Explore Wander Bandon Beach
Best for: Mountain views, peaceful forests, luxury cabins, and traditional small-town holiday cheer.
Looking for a Christmas destination that feels like stepping into a snow globe? Blue Ridge, Georgia transforms into a Southern-style winter wonderland during the holiday season.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this charming small town celebrates Christmas with twinkling lights, festive events, and traditional decorations that line the streets of its cozy downtown.
Hop aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway’s Holiday Express for a magical ride with Santa, or explore the holiday bazaar at the Arts Center for unique gifts and local crafts. The annual tree lighting ceremony lights up the night with Christmas cheer, while the crisp mountain air and scenic trails offer the perfect backdrop for a festive escape.
→ Explore Wander Blue Ridge Stream or discover more of our luxury mountain cabin rentals across the US
Best for: Families and couples who want mild weather and a lively cultural scene.
Austin is a fantastic choice if you're looking to celebrate Christmas somewhere vibrant yet relaxed. While you won’t find snow-draped cottages or mountain ski towns here, you will find twinkling lights, festive events, and a buzzing creative spirit that’s uniquely Texan.
Each December, Zilker Park transforms into a winter wonderland with its iconic Trail of Lights, one of the largest holiday light displays in the state. Add in the massive Zilker Holiday Tree, pop-up holiday bars, and open-air markets offering unique gifts and live music, and you’ve got a festive city break full of holiday cheer.
What makes Austin shine during the Christmas season is the way it blends cozy traditions with quirky charm. Think: ice skating under the Texas sky, watching local bands, and strolling through neighborhoods draped in lights (the Clarksville historic district is especially magical). It’s a great way to spend Christmas if you’re after something a little unexpected.
→ Explore Wander Austin Ridge
Whether you dream of a snow-dusted ski trip in Colorado or a sunny Christmas by the sea in South Carolina, Wander’s collection of luxury vacation rentals makes your holiday season effortless and unforgettable.
Every home is beautifully designed, fully equipped, and ready for festive gatherings. Features like hot tubs, chef-ready kitchens, and cozy fireplaces make them perfect for Christmas memories.
Browse Wander’s luxury Christmas vacation rentals and plan your next Christmas getaway in comfort and style.
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