14 Best Winter Travel Destinations in the USA for Families in December
If you’re looking for winter travel destinations in the USA that are especially good for families in December, I’d mix snowy destinations with festive cities and a few warmer escapes. December can be particularly magical because of Christmas lights, holiday markets, winter activities, and seasonal events.
Here are the 14 Winter Travel Destinations in the USA;
New York City, New York
One of the best choices for a classic family Christmas. See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, holiday window displays, ice skating, Central Park, and festive shows. December is busy and expensive, especially around Christmas and New Year’s, so early December can be easier on the budget.
Free things to do:
- See the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- Walk along Fifth Avenue and see the holiday window displays
- Visit Central Park
- See the Dyker Heights Christmas lights
- Walk around Bryant Park Winter Village
- Explore Times Square
- Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
- See holiday decorations around Manhattan
Paid things to do:
- Ice skate at Rockefeller Center
- Visit the American Museum of Natural History
- Visit the Statue of Liberty
- Go to the Empire State Building
- Visit Top of the Rock
- See a Broadway or holiday show
- Watch the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall
- Visit the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Orlando, Florida
A great choice if your family wants winter fun without freezing temperatures. Disney World, Universal Orlando, and other attractions have Christmas decorations, seasonal shows, and holiday events. Early December can also be less crowded than the Christmas week.
Free things to do:
- Explore Disney Springs
- See the Christmas decorations at Disney resorts
- Walk around Lake Eola Park
- Visit Old Town Kissimmee
- Look for holiday light displays
Paid things to do:
- Walt Disney World
- Universal Orlando Resort
- LEGOLAND Florida
- SeaWorld Orlando
- Kennedy Space Center
- Holiday-themed theme park events
- Water parks, depending on weather
Aspen, Colorado
Perfect for families dreaming of a snowy December vacation. You can ski, snowboard, ice skate, play in the snow, and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. Aspen is more expensive than many other winter destinations, but it offers the classic Colorado ski-town experience.
Free things to do:
- Walk around downtown Aspen
- Explore the pedestrian shopping areas
- Enjoy the mountain scenery
- Take family photos around town
- Walk around the holiday decorations
Paid things to do:
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Ski lessons for children
- Snow tubing
- Ice skating
- Snowshoeing
- Gondola rides
- Winter wildlife or snow tours
Park City, Utah
A fantastic option for families who want skiing and a charming winter town. Families can spend the day on the slopes and then explore the walkable historic Main Street. It also works well for families where some people ski and others prefer sightseeing and shopping.
Free things to do:
- Walk along Historic Main Street
- Browse the galleries and shops
- Enjoy the mountain scenery
- Take holiday photos
- Explore the historic downtown area
Paid things to do:
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Ski lessons
- Snow tubing
- Snowmobiling
- Sleigh rides
- Scenic gondola rides
- Ice skating
Leavenworth, Washington
This small Bavarian-style town feels like a Christmas village in December. Families can enjoy millions of holiday lights, snowy scenery, seasonal events, shops, and German-inspired food. It’s particularly appealing if you want a cozy Christmas atmosphere rather than a large city.
Free things to do:
- Walk around the decorated village
- See the Christmas lights
- Take family photographs
- Browse the Bavarian-style downtown
- Enjoy the festive atmosphere
- Visit Front Street
Paid things to do:
- Sleigh rides
- Horse-drawn carriage rides
- Snow tubing
- Skiing nearby
- Snowshoeing
- Holiday concerts and performances
- Seasonal food and treats
Branson, Missouri
Branson is a strong choice for families looking for Christmas entertainment without the prices of major cities. Silver Dollar City’s Christmas celebration, shows, lights, and family attractions make it especially lively during the holiday season.
Free things to do:
- See Christmas lights around Branson
- Walk around Branson Landing
- Explore downtown
- Enjoy some holiday displays
- Visit parks and scenic viewpoints
Paid things to do:
- Silver Dollar City
- Christmas shows
- Holiday concerts
- Titanic Museum Attraction
- Aquarium at the Boardwalk
- Branson Ferris Wheel
- Family entertainment shows
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Choose Jackson Hole if your family wants mountains, snow, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. Skiing, snowboarding, sleigh rides, and the nearby Grand Teton scenery can make this a memorable winter vacation.
Free things to do:
- Walk around Jackson’s historic town square
- See the famous elk antler arches
- Explore downtown Jackson
- Enjoy mountain views
- Look for wildlife from safe viewing areas
Paid things to do:
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Ski lessons
- Sleigh rides
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoe tours
- Wildlife tours
- Gondola rides
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe offers the classic New England winter experience, with snowy mountains, cozy inns, skiing, and pretty small-town scenery. It’s a good pick for families who want a quieter Christmas vacation surrounded by nature.
Free things to do:
- Explore Stowe village
- Walk around the downtown area
- Enjoy mountain views
- Photograph winter scenery
- Visit local shops
Paid things to do:
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Ski lessons
- Snowshoeing
- Ice skating
- Sleigh rides
- Gondola rides
- Winter tours
San Antonio, Texas
This is a great option if you want holiday atmosphere without extreme winter cold. Families can walk along the beautifully decorated River Walk, visit the Alamo, explore the San Antonio Missions, and enjoy seasonal light displays.
Free things to do:
- Walk along the San Antonio River Walk
- See the Christmas lights
- Visit San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
- Visit the Alamo grounds
- Explore Hemisfair Park
- Walk around downtown
Paid things to do:
- San Antonio Zoo
- SEA LIFE San Antonio
- The DoSeum children’s museum
- River cruises
- Tower of the Americas
- Natural Bridge Caverns
- Holiday light events
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon looks completely different in winter, and snow can add an incredible backdrop to the South Rim. December can also bring fewer visitors earlier in the month, although temperatures are cold and snow is possible.
Free things to do:
- See the canyon from South Rim viewpoints
- Watch sunrise or sunset
- Walk sections of the Rim Trail
- Take family photographs
- Enjoy the winter scenery
Paid things to do:
- Guided tours
- Helicopter tours
- Mule trips, where operating seasonally
- IMAX or visitor attractions nearby
- Guided hiking experiences
Best for: Families who enjoy nature, photography, and spectacular scenery.
Tip: Winter weather can be cold and snowy, so check road and trail conditions before heading out.
Yellowstone & Grand Teton, Wyoming
These parks are ideal for families who want a true winter wonderland. Snow-covered landscapes, wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobile experiences can make the trip unforgettable. However, many roads close during winter, so you’ll need to plan around seasonal access.
Free things to do:
- See snow-covered mountain scenery
- Look for wildlife from accessible areas
- Photograph winter landscapes
- Enjoy scenic viewpoints where accessible
- Walk on appropriate winter trails
Paid things to do:
- Snowcoach tours
- Snowmobile tours
- Guided wildlife tours
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Winter photography tours
Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
This is particularly good for families interested in skiing and snow activities. The resort is known for family-oriented winter programs and can be a more value-focused alternative to some of the major Colorado ski destinations.
Free things to do:
- Enjoy the snowy scenery
- Walk around the resort area
- Build a snowman
- Play in the snow
- Take winter photographs
Paid things to do:
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Children’s ski lessons
- Snow tubing
- Ice skating
- Snowshoeing
- Winter family activities
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe gives families a different kind of December experience, with adobe architecture, holiday lights, winter scenery, museums, and seasonal traditions. It’s especially appealing if you want a festive trip without needing to spend the entire vacation skiing.
Free things to do:
- Walk around Santa Fe Plaza
- Explore the historic downtown
- See holiday decorations
- Walk Canyon Road
- Enjoy the city’s distinctive adobe architecture
Paid things to do:
- Meow Wolf
- Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
- Museum of International Folk Art
- Skiing at nearby resorts
- Guided cultural tours
- Santa Fe Botanical Garden seasonal events
Everglades National Park, Florida
Not every family wants snow for a winter vacation. December is an excellent time to explore the Everglades, when the area enters its dry season and families can enjoy wildlife, airboat rides, kayaking, and birdwatching in warmer weather.
Free things to do:
- Hike short trails
- Visit visitor centers
- Go birdwatching
- Look for alligators
- Enjoy scenic drives
- Explore the park’s natural landscapes
Paid things to do:
- Airboat rides
- Guided kayak tours
- Wildlife tours
- Boat tours
- Guided nature walks
- Fishing trips
| If your family wants… | Best choices |
|---|---|
| 🎄 Classic Christmas | New York City, Leavenworth, Branson |
| ❄️ Snow and skiing | Aspen, Park City, Stowe |
| 🏔️ Mountain adventure | Jackson Hole, Yellowstone & Grand Teton |
| 🎢 Theme parks | Orlando |
| ☀️ Warm December weather | Orlando, San Antonio, Everglades |
| 🏞️ Nature | Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Everglades |
| 💰 More budget-friendly | Branson, San Antonio, Santa Fe |
| 🏘️ Small-town Christmas | Leavenworth, Stowe, Branson |
One important December tip: If you have flexibility, early December is usually easier and cheaper than the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Holiday travel demand rises sharply during that week, while some national parks and destinations can become considerably more crowded and expensive.
