Winter Holiday Hotspots in the USA
Dreaming of a cozy Christmas getaway?
There’s no better time to start planning your holiday escape!
From enchanting mountain towns to lavish resorts, the U.S. offers countless winter destinations perfect for making magical memories.
Whether you’re gathering the whole family, looking for a romantic retreat, or treating yourself to a solo adventure, these festive hotspots will make this season unforgettable.
So, bundle up and prepare to be inspired—your holiday destination awaits!
👉 Use Skyscanner to book your flight to Lake Tahoe and experience a classic winter wonderland.
Western U.S.
The Western U.S. offers a blend of snow-capped mountains, luxury resorts, and charming towns that come alive with holiday magic.
From California’s serene lake retreats to Colorado’s iconic ski spots, these destinations provide the perfect backdrop for a festive winter escape.
👉 Reserve a rustic, luxurious retreat near Lake Tahoe’s snowy landscape for an unforgettable holiday escape.
1. Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe, California embodies the spirit of winter with its picturesque landscapes and festive activities that make it an ideal holiday destination.
The town transforms each season, starting with the annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Heavenly Village, where a towering 65-foot tree sparkles with lights and holiday decorations.
December brings the much-anticipated Festival of Winter Lights, a two-day event featuring live music, dazzling light displays, and a bustling artisan market with handcrafted gifts and homemade treats.
Sleigh rides through the snow-covered scenery add to the magic, letting visitors take in the crisp mountain air while gliding past snow-dusted pines and frozen lakes.
Whether you’re browsing for unique holiday gifts, warming up with a cup of hot cocoa, or enjoying cozy fireside moments, Lake Tahoe offers a quintessential winter wonderland experience for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
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2. Montage Deer Valley, Park City, Utah
Montage Deer Valley is a winter haven for families and holiday enthusiasts alike, nestled in the snowy beauty of Park City.
Known for its excellent skiing, the resort also pulls out all the stops with festive holiday events.
Visitors can enjoy ornament decorating workshops, marvel at gingerbread house displays, and immerse themselves in a whimsical Candy Land-inspired experience that delights kids and adults alike.
The holiday magic peaks with a special reading of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve, followed by an extravagant three-course Christmas Day buffet.
With its mix of outdoor adventures and cozy, family-friendly festivities, Montage Deer Valley is an unforgettable holiday destination.
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3. The Resort at Paws Up, Montana
Set across a sprawling 37,000 acres of Montana wilderness, The Resort at Paws Up delivers a luxurious yet rustic winter experience.
This resort captures the holiday spirit with gingerbread house contests, festive sleigh rides, and visits from Santa himself.
Outdoors, visitors can enjoy dogsledding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing through snow-blanketed landscapes, combining adventure with a cozy Montana charm.
After a day of wintry fun, guests can unwind with fireside cocktails or elegant meals featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Paws Up creates the perfect balance of outdoor excitement and holiday warmth, making it an idyllic setting for families and couples seeking a one-of-a-kind Christmas.
👉 Secure your flight on Skyscanner to the Catskills and enjoy a cozy white Christmas at Villa Roma.
4. Sunriver Resort, Oregon
Sunriver Resort feels like stepping into a holiday postcard, with its snow-covered surroundings and festive atmosphere.
The season kicks off with the vibrant Holiday Glow Party, featuring a DJ and dance floor under twinkling lights.
Guests can take horse-drawn sleigh rides through powdery white glades, experience the magic of brunch with Santa, and dine on festive buffets offered throughout Christmas Day.
For those on the go, the resort even offers holiday dinners to-go, perfect for a cozy celebration wherever you are.
With activities for every age and a warm, welcoming ambiance, Sunriver Resort is a perfect spot to gather and celebrate the season with loved ones.
👉 Choose a cozy stay in Fort Collins and explore the town’s festive lights and seasonal events.
5. Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Colorado
Nestled in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, Devil’s Thumb Ranch is an eco-luxe resort that offers the ultimate winter holiday experience.
The ranch’s snowy landscape is perfect for festive activities like sleigh rides, scenic horse-drawn tours, and hearty holiday feasts.
Guests can enjoy ice skating under twinkling lights, indulge in fireside s’mores, and participate in Christmas karaoke to create lasting holiday memories.
With its blend of rustic charm and luxury, Devil’s Thumb Ranch is an ideal choice for families looking to embrace the winter season and connect with nature in a festive setting.
👉 Book your flight to Fort Collins with Skyscanner and enjoy this charming Colorado town’s holiday lights.
6. Fort Collins, Colorado
Old Town Fort Collins becomes a holiday spectacle each winter, adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and featuring a free outdoor ice-skating rink for all to enjoy.
This vibrant town offers a range of holiday activities, including festive concerts, artisan markets with unique gifts, and traditional caroling that fills the streets with cheer.
The holiday lighting display downtown illuminates 22 block faces, making Fort Collins a cozy and charming destination for a holiday weekend getaway filled with festive warmth.
👉 Book a charming cabin near North Pole, Alaska, for an immersive winter holiday experience.
7. Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge truly embraces the holiday season with over 250,000 LEDs illuminating the town and a tree promenade decorated by local businesses and community members.
The renowned Breckenridge Ski Resort, with 187 trails spread over five peaks, caters to skiers of all levels, from easygoing beginners to seasoned pros seeking thrilling bowl runs above the treeline.
A holiday destination for both skiing enthusiasts and festive travelers, Breckenridge offers the quintessential Colorado winter wonderland experience, perfect for soaking up holiday magic on and off the slopes.
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8. Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Colorado
Nestled between Beaver Creek and Avon, the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, offers luxurious accommodations alongside ski-in/ski-out access, making it a premier winter destination.
Each year, the resort celebrates the season with a tree lighting ceremony, Hanukkah celebrations, and the “16 Days of Wonder” event, which includes holiday crafts, ornament making, snow globes, and guided snowshoe adventures.
Guests can even send letters to Santa and savor holiday cookies, adding a touch of magic to their winter stay.
With its dedication to holiday charm and snowy mountain access, this Ritz-Carlton provides a splendid blend of elegance and adventure for a memorable holiday retreat.
👉 Reserve a stylish resort near Devil’s Thumb Ranch for a scenic and snowy Colorado Christmas.
Midwest
The Midwest brings its own holiday charm with bustling cities and quaint towns that sparkle under festive lights.
From vibrant holiday festivals to scenic winter landscapes, these destinations offer unique seasonal experiences perfect for a cozy and cheerful holiday escape.
👉 Grab your flight to Breckenridge on Skyscanner and explore its world-class skiing and holiday charm.
9. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering numerous festive attractions.
Visitors can explore Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden, where illuminated paths and artistic displays create a magical experience.
Morton Arboretum’s Illumination adds to the enchantment, with colorful lighting effects set among the trees, and Lincoln Park ZooLights brings whimsical displays and musical light shows.
For a special treat, families can visit the Santa Suite at Swissôtel, complete with a hot chocolate bar and meet-and-greet with Santa himself, making Chicago a perfect city for holiday magic.
👉 Find a luxurious ski-in, ski-out spot in Breckenridge for your perfect winter adventure.
10. Milwaukee & Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s holiday spirit shines in Milwaukee and Lake Geneva. Milwaukee hosts a captivating Holiday Lights Festival, with animated displays brightening the city.
Visitors can take a ride on the Jingle Bus to tour the holiday lights around town, including Cathedral Square Park.
In Lake Geneva, the annual ice castle offers a whimsical experience with tunnels, slides, and sculptures made entirely of ice, while the town’s holiday tree lighting and Santa appearances on weekends bring extra cheer.
With its blend of festive events and charming winter attractions, Wisconsin is a cozy holiday escape for all ages.
👉 Plan a holiday escape to Woodstock with Skyscanner and experience Vermont’s picturesque winter beauty.
Northeast
The Northeast captures the essence of a classic holiday season with charming towns, historic inns, and festive cityscapes.
From cozy retreats in the mountains to dazzling holiday displays in iconic cities, this region offers a timeless winter experience filled with warmth, tradition, and plenty of holiday cheer.
👉 Choose a historic inn in the Berkshires to enjoy the seasonal lights and holiday charm of Massachusetts.
11. Villa Roma, Catskills, New York
Nestled in the scenic Catskills, Villa Roma Resort is the perfect spot for families looking to experience a snowy, activity-filled holiday.
This all-inclusive resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and a variety of festive packages that make it ideal for a classic white Christmas.
After a day on the slopes, guests can warm up by the fire with après-ski drinks and treats, capturing the cozy charm of a Catskills winter.
👉 Book your flight to Seattle with Skyscanner and enjoy the seasonal magic at Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
12. North Pole, New York
Bringing the magic of the North Pole to New York, this quaint Adirondack hamlet is a whimsical holiday destination.
Families can visit Santa’s blacksmith, meet live reindeer, and explore Santa’s own home.
With holiday-themed attractions and plenty of festive spirit, North Pole, New York, offers an enchanting experience for anyone seeking a bit of Christmas magic closer to home.
👉 Stay in a refined suite in Seattle’s heart, just steps from the Fairmont Olympic Hotel’s holiday celebrations.
13. The Plaza Hotel, New York City
For an iconic New York City holiday, The Plaza Hotel offers an experience fit for the movies.
Known for its “Home Alone 2: Fun in New York” package, the hotel allows guests to relive classic holiday scenes with limousine rides to NYC landmarks, a lavish suite adorned with a Balsam Hill Christmas tree, and the “Suitest Season of All” package for a beautifully decorated Christmas retreat.
With its historic elegance and festive offerings, The Plaza brings timeless holiday glamour to the heart of Manhattan.
👉 Use Skyscanner to book your flight to Lake Tahoe and experience a classic winter wonderland.
14. The Lodge at Woodloch, Pennsylvania
For a serene and rejuvenating holiday experience, The Lodge at Woodloch offers a peaceful escape in the snow-dusted hills of Pennsylvania.
This destination spa resort features holiday festivities like caroling and evergreen lighting, alongside luxurious spa treatments.
Guests can take part in unique winter activities like birding and archery, or simply relax in the cozy ambiance of the resort.
Surrounded by tranquil, snow-covered landscapes, The Lodge at Woodloch provides a restorative holiday getaway for those looking to unwind.
👉 Reserve a rustic, luxurious retreat near Lake Tahoe’s snowy landscape for an unforgettable holiday escape.
15. The Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires come alive with holiday charm, especially at The Red Lion Inn and Naumkeag estate, where festive decorations include live Christmas trees, wreaths, and caroling.
Nearby, the Winterlights event at The Mount and the pop-up holiday market at Hancock Shaker Village offer beautiful light displays and seasonal goods.
With its classic New England feel, the Berkshires make for a nostalgic and picturesque holiday escape.
👉 Plan your trip with Skyscanner and fly to Park City for a festive getaway at Montage Deer Valley.
16. Woodstock Inn & Resort, Vermont
The Woodstock Inn & Resort captures the essence of a Vermont holiday with its charming homegrown decor, including a life-size gingerbread house and locally sourced holiday decorations.
Guests can take festive sleigh rides and participate in Victorian ornament-making at nearby Billings Farm, where a grand 12-foot Christmas tree awaits for family photos.
Embracing the holiday spirit in every detail, this Vermont gem is perfect for a cozy, family-friendly celebration.
👉 Find an elegant suite close to holiday festivities at the Montage Deer Valley for a dreamy winter retreat.
South
The South brings its own unique holiday magic, combining warmth, hospitality, and festive traditions that make the season truly special.
Whether it’s the charm of historic hotels or lively city celebrations, the South embraces the holidays with a mix of elegance and cheer.
👉 Secure your flight on Skyscanner to the Catskills and enjoy a cozy white Christmas at Villa Roma.
17. The Peabody, Memphis, Tennessee
Celebrate Christmas in true Southern style at The Peabody in Memphis, known for its iconic blend of tradition and festive cheer.
Guests can enjoy unlimited hot chocolate and a lavish Christmas brunch, surrounded by the holiday grandeur of this historic hotel.
The highlight of the season is the Peabody Duck March, where the hotel’s famous mallards waddle through the decorated lobby each day.
During the holidays, the duck fountain is dressed up with poinsettias and holiday lights, adding an extra dose of seasonal joy to this beloved tradition.
With its rich history and warm holiday ambiance, The Peabody offers a memorable and festive Southern holiday experience.
👉 Choose a cozy stay in Fort Collins and explore the town’s festive lights and seasonal events.
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest combines natural beauty with a cozy holiday spirit, offering enchanting winter scenes and unique seasonal celebrations.
From bustling city festivities to tranquil coastal retreats, this region is perfect for those seeking a mix of holiday excitement and peaceful moments in nature.
Whether you’re marveling at snow-capped mountains or warming up in luxury settings, the Pacific Northwest provides a magical holiday experience that embraces the season’s spirit.
👉 Book your flight to Fort Collins with Skyscanner and enjoy this charming Colorado town’s holiday lights.
17. Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s Fairmont Olympic Hotel is a timeless holiday destination that takes seasonal decor to a whole new level.
The grand lobby and historic architecture are adorned with lavish holiday decorations, creating a festive atmosphere that’s both elegant and welcoming.
Guests can partake in a variety of holiday events or escape the winter chill by relaxing in the hotel’s glass-enclosed solarium pool, kept at a cozy 83 degrees.
With its blend of luxury and festive charm, the Fairmont Olympic is an ideal choice for a holiday getaway in the heart of Seattle.
👉 Book a charming cabin near North Pole, Alaska, for an immersive winter holiday experience.
Alaska
Alaska brings the holiday spirit to life with its snow-covered landscapes and a festive atmosphere that feels straight from the North Pole.
In fact, one special town takes this sentiment literally!
With its frosty vistas, cozy shops, and winter markets, Alaska offers a holiday experience that’s both magical and uniquely remote.
For those seeking a true winter wonderland, Alaska is the perfect destination for a holiday adventure.
👉 Fly with Skyscanner to the North Pole, Alaska, and experience Santa’s town in a true winter landscape.
18. North Pole, Alaska
In the small town of North Pole, Alaska, it’s Christmas all year round, but the holiday season adds an extra layer of magic.
Visitors can explore the famous Santa Claus House, where shelves are lined with ornaments, toys, and festive treats.
During the holidays, local bazaars feature handcrafted goods, and Santa himself makes appearances, handing out “Good Girls and Boys” certificates to delighted children.
With its charming decor and Arctic allure, North Pole, Alaska, delivers a holiday experience that feels truly enchanted, making it a unique destination for anyone eager to embrace the Christmas spirit.
👉 Reserve a stylish resort near Devil’s Thumb Ranch for a scenic and snowy Colorado Christmas.
Discover Your Perfect Winter Wonderland: A Guide to America’s Top Holiday Destinations
Each of these winter hotspots offers a magical way to celebrate the holiday season.
Whether you’re in search of snow-covered mountains for skiing, cozy fireside retreats, or vibrant holiday markets to find the perfect gift, there’s a destination here for every holiday dream.
Picture yourself gliding through snowy forests, sipping hot cocoa by a crackling fire, or exploring charming towns adorned with twinkling lights.
Give yourself the gift of a winter escape this year—the hardest part is choosing just one destination!
Do you have a favorite winter getaway or dream spot on this list?
Share your go-to holiday destination and inspire others to find their perfect seasonal retreat!
👉 Grab your flight to Breckenridge on Skyscanner and explore its world-class skiing and holiday charm.
