When the mercury plummets, it evokes a feeling of wintry bliss that is all about fun, frolic, and fervour. The excitement of the Christmas celebration accompanied by New Year’s Eve adds immense charm to winters.Doesn’t it sound like a perfect recipe for a rejuvenating winter vacation? There are many of the best places to visit in the USA during winter to elevate your travel game in this beautiful destination. Winters make an ideal time for a USA trip. To kick start your new year by satiating the hunger for wanderlust, you can spend your winter vacations in the USA while indulging in cherishable experiences. Upon visiting these handpicked abodes, we bet you’ll return with more blood running into your veins.
Top 8 Places To Visit In Winter In USA
There’s no denying that winter is the most tempting season when the urge for travel rises like a phoenix. We have rounded up 8 beautiful places to visit in winter in the USA that will surely lend your mind, body, and soul an awe-worthy treat.
1. North Pole, Alaska
The North Pole is your ultimate haven if your heart pumps for snow, frozen lakes, and paradisiacal settings. Here, you can witness the entire city immersed in Christmas elation, which also makes it one of the best places to visit in December in the USA. To add to your delightful experience are the northern lights that give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With a population of only 2,740, Alaska is one of the happiest in the USA.
This quaint town is fully lit during Christmas when the annual ‘North Pole Christmas In Ice Contest’ and The ‘Winter Festival’ occur. While the contest welcomes ice sculptors to flaunt their craftsmanship, the festival gathers people for exciting activities and events. Besides this, Santa Claus House is another element that draws travellers’ attention. This huge store is crammed with aisles showcasing Christmas decorations and a real Santa who calmly listens to everybody’s Christmas wishes.
Famous for: Northern lights, frozen lakes, Christmas festival
Things to do: Partake in Winterfest, buy Christmas ornaments from Santa Claus House, witness northern lights
Places to visit: Santa Claus House, Sean Kurdziolek Portraits and Gallery, Chena Lake Recreation Area
Also Read: Food Festivals In USA
2. Whitefish, Montana
If you are looking for the best places to visit in December in the USA with family, look no further. Underlined for its natural beauty, Whitefish is a small mountain town where oodles of tranquillity prevail. The place is always dipped in a complete zest to treat visitors with nature’s delight. So, if your soul desires to loosen up in the lap of nature, spare some of your vacation days for this destination. Whitefish enjoys the vicinity of the emerald peaks of Glacier National Park and hanging valleys. Besides this, the lush alpine meadows, majestic mountains, soulful lakes, and glistening rivers exude the utmost charm to set your mood. It is one of the best places to visit in December in the USA on a budget, and this should be on your list for your next trip.
While being among the most beautiful places to visit in the USA during winter, whitefish offers numerous enjoyment opportunities for everyone. This quaint town features “Whitefish Mountain Resort,” where a myriad of winter activities like snowboarding and skiing are offered. If thrills are not what you fancy and you’re more inclined towards art, head to Whitefish Theatre Company, where remarkable performances can be enjoyed. Moreover, this is the perfect place to offer the best food, art, and culture.
Famous for: River, mountain views, hanging valleys, culture, Christmas celebration
Things to do: Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, fishing, sightseeing
Places to visit: Whitefish Lake State Park, Whitefish Mountain Resort, City Beach, Flathead National Forest
3. Boulder, Colorado
Widely renowned as “the city between the mountains and reality,” Boulder lets you enjoy the best of both worlds. Colorado’s enjoyment options are multifold with striking vistas of rocky mountains, contemporary lifestyle, and tremendous winter activity opportunities. While Flatirons enthrals you with its mystical sandstone slabs, the Museum of Boulder allows you to peek into the history and present of the city. And, for all food connoisseurs, Boulder Farmers’ Market can be touted as a second home where a wide range of locally produced cheese, eggs, meats, herbs, wines, etc., are offered.
Another marvel in the city is the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, where the skill of craftsmen from Dushanbe can be seen from every corner. The awe-inspiring paintings and carvings are something you would love more than your tea and snacks here. All this and much more make Boulder one of the best places to visit in the USA during winter, where families and couples can enjoy entertainment.
Famous for: Majestic views, adventurous activities, Winter Craft Beer Festival
Things to do: Biking, beer tasting, winter hiking, snowshoeing
Places to visit: Pearl Street, Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, The Flatirons, Museum of Boulder
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4. Vail, Colorado
Do you always go gaga when there’s mention of winter sports? If your soul is screaming yes, make plans for this winter paradise right away. Enhancing the beauty of Colorado, Veil also imparts its visitors with a quintessential snow experience. From trying hands at skiing on the 5,289 acres of iconic terrain to relishing upon exotic delicacies at Gourmet Eats and other eateries, Vail is equipped with fun and mind-relaxing opportunities.
Without a doubt, you can expect the best winter vacations with snow in the USA while visiting this renowned ski resort. Regarding snow activities, the destination is not only confined to skiing or snowboarding. Other snow adventures like sleigh rides, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and snow tubing equally spoil you. Skier or non-skier, you are bound to revel in the ecstasy of Veil.
Famous for: Ski resort, snow activities, exquisite hotels, dining experiences
Things to do: Skiing, ski-biking, attending winter festivals, snowboarding
Places to visit: Vail Mountain, Vail Valley, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
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5. Death Valley, California
Conjuring up thoughts of fascination and mystery, Death Valley is a picturesque destination where nature meets adventure. Bragging magnificent mountains, barren salt flats, mysterious sailing stones, rainbow-coloured mountains, and more such wonders, this place draws the attention of travellers from all over the globe. Although the temperatures are always soaring high here, winter makes the best season to witness the unusual elegance of this place. While being a top-notch national park in the USA, Death Valley covers 3,000 square miles and takes pride in being the driest, hottest, and lowest point in North America, also making it one of the best warm places to visit in December in the USA.
Don’t underestimate it as a desolate wasteland; you will enter a new world of adventure and nature’s beauty once you explore this place. Doing justice to its name is Artist’s Palette, an area that puzzles visitors with its colourful hills. Another marvel is The Racetrack, where stones sail amid the dried mud bed. There’s nothing about Death Valley that leaves you unamazed. So, if you are done exploring the winter wonderlands and seeking a warm place to visit in the USA during winter, you know where to sail the boat.
Famous for: Majestic views, hiking trails, hot & dry weather conditions
Things to do: Hiking, nature photography, going on a long drive
Places to visit: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin, The Racetrack, Zabriskie Point
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6. New York City
A picture postcard of a flashy lifestyle and ultra-modern attitude, New York is among the best places to go in winter in the USA. When planning a trip to this city, be sure to make it during winter, which is just after Thanksgiving. New York City seems to come alive from a Christmas movie during this time. With glistening lights, sparkles, decorations, and a blanket of snow all over the city, New York has the utmost Christmas celebrations. From enjoying ice skating in Central Park to witnessing the 75 ft tall Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and from satiating the shopaholic in you at Fifth Avenue to dining at top-notch restaurants, New York in winter offers unparalleled perks.
The newly built attraction, Radio City Music Hall, embellished with Art Deco interiors, is another treat for travellers. If you plan to visit here, don’t dare miss the “Christmas Spectacular Show,” which features the Radio City Rockettes dance troupe throwing marvellous synced performances. These and many more enchanting elements make New York one of the USA’s best places to visit in winter.
Famous for: Christmas celebrations, winter activities, Shopping hubs, culinary experiences
Things to do: Shopping, ice skating, pub crawling, sightseeing, snow adventures
Places to visit: Pop-Up Christmas Market, Central Park, Bryant Park
7. Key West, Florida
Are you seeking an international destination that isn’t heavy on your pocket? Well, Key West in Florida is your answer. Marinated in laid-back vibes, Key West is a destination where you can be far away from all woes and throes. Vacationers from all walks of life can enjoy the nightlife, watersports, shopping, and other rejuvenating experiences at this serene southernmost point in the USA. For water babies, Marathon is a true haven offering numerous water activities.
Additionally, a sunset champagne snorkelling cruise is the best to indulge in snorkelling. Besides this, upscale restaurants and cosy cafes like Prime Steakhouse, Cafe Marquesa, and Latitude’s Restaurant pamper your taste by relishing seafood and various cuisines. The replenishing ocean breezes and bright sunny days let you enjoy the ultimate warm winter vacation in the USA. So, if you want to ditch the snowflakes and chilly vibes of winter destinations, this is your ultimate refuge.
Famous for: Water sports, dining experiences, natural beauty
Things to do: Cruising, snorkelling, dolphin watching, scuba diving, bus tours
Places to visit: Dry Tortuga National Park, Mallory Square, Dry Tortugas National Park, Key West Aquarium
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8. Bend, Oregon
Yet another mountain town called one of the best places to visit in winter in USA, Bend in Oregon is an adventurer’s paradise. If you are visiting Bend in the winter months, gear up to get hypnotized by the wintry warmth of the place. The destination houses 22 breweries and an enormous area to indulge in water sports. Have an unbridled urge for snow sports? Begin your festive holiday while visiting Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo Ski Area, which offer unparalleled skiing and snowboarding experiences. Don’t fret if you are a beginner, as the trainer will ward off all your worries.
Another exceptional experience is visiting top breweries in Bend and sampling various locally produced beers. Devote a day to visiting some of the best breweries, such as Boneyard Beer, Crux Fermentation Project, Sunriver Brewing Co., and Deschutes Brewery. If you wish to see the best of Bend, plan a 4-5 day trip.
Famous for: Snowsports, culinary experiences, photography spots, shopping hubs
Things to do: Skiing, hiking, biking, snowboarding, mountain biking
Places to visit: Tumalo Falls, High Desert Museum, Smith Rock State Park, Drake Park
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The above places are only a glimpse of the best places to visit in winter in the USA, as there are a plethora of other destinations that carry their own unique charm. Leavenworth, Midway, Anchorage, and several other winter destinations await to cast a spell on you. So, this winter, plan a trip to the USA and enjoy a cherishable Christmas extravaganza.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Places To Visit In Winter In USA
Which are some of the ideal places to visit in USA during winters?
There are a plethora of winter destinations in USA where you can indulge in a wide range of activities and memorable experiences. Some of the best places to visit in winter in USA to complete a chilly vacay include Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming), Key West (Florida) Minneapolis, Pasadena (California), New Orleans, Breckenridge (Colorado), Hanover (New Hampshire), and more.
Are there any warm places to visit in USA in the winter?
Yes, there are a few warm destinations in winter where the weather is delightful despite the warmth. Some top-rated destinations include Phoenix in Arizona, Los Angeles in California, Orlando, Tampa, and Miami in Florida.
Where can I spend my Christmas in USA?
There is no shortage of Christmas destinations in the USA where you’ll find happiness and celebration. The top-rate places lending you the best Christmas experience include:
1. New Orleans, Louisiana
2. Charleston, South Carolina
3. Taos, New Mexico
4. Chicago, Illinois
5. Hershey, Pennsylvania
6. Aspen, Colorado
7. Jackson, New Hampshire
8. Andalusia, Alabama
What is the best month to see the northern lights in Alaska?
The northern lights can be witnessed at any time of the year, provided the conditions are appropriate. However, the dark and clear nights of the winter months, from September to April, are likely to offer phenomenal views of the aurora borealis.
Is Boulder in Colorado a touristy place?
Yes, Boulder is one of the best destinations to add to your USA trip plan. From a fantastic trail system to numerous adventure opportunities.
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Completely smitten by creativity & innovation, I am a person who likes to wallow in various fields. After dipping in fashion & jewelry designing, here I am aiming to mark my field in content writing as well.
