Best Places to Visit in the United States for Christmas Cheer

As the holiday season approaches, expats and digital nomads living in the United States might be looking for places to soak up the festive atmosphere and experience the country's Christmas spirit. From iconic cities with dazzling light displays to quaint towns with unique holiday traditions, there are numerous destinations across the U.S. that come alive in December. Whether you're craving a traditional Christmas market, a spectacular parade, or simply a picturesque winter wonderland, these places are sure to fill your holidays with cheer.

New York City's Rockefeller Center

New York City is a winter holiday mecca, and the Rockefeller Center is its glittering heart. The lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is a time-honored tradition that typically takes place after Thanksgiving and draws crowds from all over the world. The massive tree, adorned with thousands of lights, is a sight to behold. Skating on the iconic ice rink beneath the tree is a quintessential New York Christmas experience. The surrounding area is also filled with festive decorations and the window displays along Fifth Avenue are not to be missed.

We Recommend: Don't miss the chance to sip on hot chocolate from nearby cafes as you marvel at the tree and the skaters. It's a perfect way to warm up and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Chicago's Christkindlmarket

Nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago, the Christkindlmarket is a traditional German Christmas market that sets up shop in Daley Plaza. This market, which usually runs from mid-November to Christmas Eve, offers a wide array of holiday crafts, ornaments, and gifts. Visitors can also indulge in German treats like sausages, pretzels, and the famous Glühwein (mulled wine) served in collectible mugs. The market's festive atmosphere, complete with carolers and twinkling lights, makes it a must-visit for anyone in the Windy City during the holidays.

We Recommend: Be sure to try the potato pancakes with applesauce and the schnitzel. These hearty dishes are crowd-pleasers and embody the spirit of German culinary traditions.

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian-styled village in the Cascade Mountains that transforms into a winter wonderland come December. The town's Christmas Lighting Festival, which takes place on weekends in early December, features live music, sledding, and a stunning display of lights. The entire town is decked out in holiday décor, and the snow-covered mountains provide a picturesque backdrop. It's a small slice of the Alps right in the Pacific Northwest, complete with nutcrackers, gingerbread, and all the holiday trimmings.

We Recommend: Don't leave without trying the traditional Bavarian Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and warming up with a cup of spiced cider or hot cocoa as you stroll through the illuminated streets.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is not just a ski destination; it's also a magical place to celebrate the holidays. The town's 12 Days of Aspen event, which culminates on New Year's Eve, offers a variety of free and paid activities, including ice skating, concerts, and winter crafts. The town is beautifully lit, and the Aspen Holiday Market is a great place to find artisanal gifts. The snowy setting and festive atmosphere make Aspen a winter holiday paradise.

We Recommend: Experience the unique Aspen tradition of the "Soupsköl," a soup cook-off competition among local chefs, which is a part of the 12 Days of Aspen festivities.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Known as "Christmas City USA," Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, takes its holiday spirit seriously. The city's Christkindlmarkt is a renowned holiday market that features aisles of handmade works by the nation's finest artisans, live Christmas music, and glassblowing demonstrations. The market typically runs from early November through December. Bethlehem's historic Moravian Book Shop, the oldest continuously operating bookstore in the world, is also a festive stop for unique gifts and holiday cheer.

We Recommend: Make sure to sample the Moravian Sugar Cake and the deliciously unique Bethlehem star cookies, which are local holiday favorites.

San Antonio's River Walk

San Antonio's famous River Walk shines even brighter during the holiday season with the annual Ford Holiday River Parade and lighting ceremony, which takes place the day after Thanksgiving. The River Walk is adorned with over 100,000 lights draped over the bald cypress trees, creating a magical atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the lights by walking along the river or by taking a festive boat ride. The parade features elaborately decorated floats and is a beloved holiday tradition in the heart of Texas.

We Recommend: Taste the Mexican hot chocolate and churros from one of the riverside cafes to enjoy a local twist on holiday treats.

Little Italy in NYC

Little Italy in New York City is known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious cuisine year-round, but during the holidays, it takes on an extra layer of charm. The streets are adorned with festive lights and decorations, and the scent of Italian pastries fills the air. The neighborhood's Christmas market offers unique gifts and traditional Italian holiday treats. Visitors can also attend the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner that many of the local restaurants participate in.

We Recommend: Indulge in a cannoli or pignoli cookie from one of Little Italy's famed bakeries, and you'll understand why these treats are holiday staples.

McAdenville, North Carolina

McAdenville, also known as "Christmas Town USA," is a small town with a big reputation for its Christmas spirit. Each December, the town's homes and trees are covered in red, white, and green lights. Visitors can drive or walk through the town to experience this spectacular display. The lighting ceremony usually takes place in early December and the lights continue to shine brightly through the end of the month.

We Recommend: Enjoy the local tradition of hot cider and kettle corn as you wander through this illuminated wonderland.

Each of these destinations offers a unique way to celebrate the holiday season in the United States. Whether you're looking for a big city experience or a cozy small-town celebration, there's something for every expat and digital nomad to enjoy.