Where to travel in December in the US
A gingerbread city, a new ski lodge, and more.
Hot or cold? When you travel in December, you can easily go either way. Start a new family tradition by spending the holidays somewhere new, like on the beach in Florida or on the slopes of Colorado. Or, treat yourself to a quick weekend getaway in between all the holiday parties, school concerts, and other December hustle and bustle. Below, our top picks for December vacations in the US.
Copper Mountain, CO
For the snow-obsessed
Average temps: 29°F high; 3°F low
The stoke is high at Copper Mountain, a ski area perched high in the Rockies just an hour-and-a-half west of Denver. This winter, the resort is unveiling The Aerie, a beautiful new 25,000-square-foot lodge that offers 270-degree views of the surrounding Gore and Ten Mile mountain ranges. Situated at 11,200 feet above sea level, the lodge is home to a food hall, a coffee shop, and a high-end restaurant called Forage and Feast.
Ski Copper’s 2,538 acres of family-friendly terrain yourself, or watch the pros at two gravity-defying events in December: an Olympic-qualifying contest on Copper’s 22-foot halfpipe and a big air freeski and snowboard competition. Both are free to watch, and spectating feels like one big party.
Take a break from the slopes and hit the tubing hill, where you can glide, spin, and bump down groomed runs, then ride back to the top on a magic carpet lift. Cooper also has an impressive “Snow Maze” and a snow play and sledding zone that’s ideal for families.
Duluth, MN
For cold-weather superfans
Average temps: 25°F high; 11°F low
You don’t have to travel all the way to Bergen, Norway, to experience Pepperkakebyen, the beloved annual tradition of building an entire town out of gingerbread. Since 2011, Duluth has constructed its own gingerbread city each winter, and you can see it for yourself at the Nordic Center of Duluth.
The similarities don’t stop there: Like much of Scandinavia, Duluth embraces the snow and ice with activities like cross-country and downhill skiing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing. You can even book a Nordic sauna and cold plunge session.
Warm up with a holiday tour of Glensheen Mansion, an elaborately decorated, 39-room estate built in the early 1900s. For an extra special experience, reserve its candlelight tour, when the mansion is illuminated by the glow of 27 Christmas trees and lots of candles.
Travelers say: “The [Glensheen] ticketing office sells a Treasure Hunt book that is very nicely put together. It only cost a couple bucks and kept [my kids] occupied. Each page is labeled with the name of a room and the picture of something in each room that they have to find. …Once they've found all the pictures, they can go to the gift shop and receive a stamp on the booklet and a coin. I think there were some temporary tattoos as well.”—@Andrewrue
White Sands National Park, NM
For off-the-beaten-path adventurers
Average temps: 58°F high; 29°F low
Venture way down south in New Mexico and you’ll feel like you’ve landed on another planet.
White Sands National Park protects 145,000 acres of rolling white sand dunes that formed between 7,000 and 10,000 years ago. The park’s rugged, otherworldly landscape is the perfect place to escape from the stressors of daily life: Camp under the stars, sled down the dunes, take long hikes, and practice your photography. It’s especially stunning at sunset, when the sky glows orange and pink above the sand. Rangers even lead guided “sunset strolls” on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Travelers say: “Be certain to drive all the way to the back of the loop [in White Sands] so you can see the larger dunes and vistas of white upon white upon white with little vegetation. Just make sure that you are keeping track of where you are walking so you can find your way back to your car. You could easily get turned around while walking on the dunes.”—@tfabtrips
The closest town is Las Cruces, an artsy, eclectic community at the base of the Organ Mountains. Do not skip the weekly Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market, which takes place every Saturday on seven blocks of downtown. Shop Southwest-inspired pottery, jewelry, photos, and paintings, as well as fresh veggies, herbs, eggs, and locally raised meats to take back to your vacation rental.
Avila Beach, CA
For laidback sightseers
Average temps: 65°F high; 43°F low
December is part of Avila Beach’s low season, so you can find great deals on lodging and smaller crowds in this San Luis Obispo County jewel. And since temperatures are slightly cooler at this time of year, it’s the perfect month to soak in the soothing mineral waters at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa or Avila Hot Springs.
Rent a kayak from Avila Beach Paddlesports, then paddle over to get a look at Point San Luis Lighthouse, which has been standing since 1890. Paddle back, then stroll down the pier to Mersea's Seafood Restaurant, where you can snack on clam chowder (white New England or red Manhattan-style) while watching sea lions and sea otters in the water below.
Travelers say: “The view is nothing short of spectacular. We were there on a beautiful clear blue sky breezy day.”—@StephandBaxter
Don’t miss a stop at Avila Valley Barn, a rustic, year-round farmstand with seasonal fruits and veggies, pies and other baked goods, and tons of cute gifts and decor. In December, it also transforms into a Christmas tree farm. Post up at the Avila Village Inn, a 2023 Travelers’ Choice Award winner.
St. Petersburg, FL
For artsy beach bums
Average temps: 72°F high; 57°F low
Ditch the December chill and escape to St. Petersburg for a getaway filled with sunshine, art, and wildlife. Flop down on the soft sands of St. Pete Beach—which was named a “Best of the Best” beach in our Travelers' Choice Awards—and take a dip in the warm, clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Another great option is Treasure Island Beach, where you’ll often see beach-goers flying kites or kayaking.
When you’ve had enough sun for the day, cool off with a walk through the Dalí Museum, an architecturally-stunning venue dedicated to Spanish artist Salvador Dalí. Or, admire the whimsical blown-glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly at the Morean Arts Center, for which the renowned American artist created a towering, 20-foot-tall custom piece.
More to explore
Dahlonega, GA
For Hallmark movie fanatics
Average temps: 52°F high; 30°F low
Plan a girls’ trip to Dahlonega—just an hour from Atlanta—but don’t be surprised if you feel like you’re in a Hallmark Christmas movie. This small Georgia town near the Blue Ridge Mountains is so picturesque that three have actually been filmed here.
Every winter, Dahlonega hosts a month-long Old Fashioned Christmas, complete with twinkling lights, Santa visits, horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping, a parade, and decked-out Christmas trees. (This year’s fête runs from November 24 through December 31.)
Festivities aside, Dahlonega also has a thriving wine scene. Book a private wine tour or join a group outing with DSH Transportation so that everyone in your crew can sip and sample without worrying about the logistics.
Travelers say: “Sam, our driver/tour guide [from DSH], was fabulous! We went to several wineries and wine tastings (Monteluce was our fav) and to a bourbon/whiskey tasting at Big Creek (Andrea was fantastic). So much scenery. The private vehicle has plenty of space and large windows for viewing. Never felt rushed.”—@traseaw
