12 best U.S. cities to celebrate Christmas
The Americana, Los Angeles
One of my personal favourites, The Americana is an outdoor, up-scale shopping center in Southern California that pulls out all the stops at Christmas. A tremendous tree, fake snow storms, twinkling lights, and Santa Claus himself are all on display here.
Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier, Chicago
Go ice skating among the glitter and glitz of the Windy City at Christmastime. Visitors can escape the icy weather with this indoor winter wonderland, which also boasts rides and a Ferris wheel.
Walt Disney World, Orlando
The holiday season is one of the most magical times of year to experience Disney World. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party showcases unbelievable decorations, enchanting parades, live music, and all the Christmas cheer you could ask for.
Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Photo: Shutterstock
Rockefeller Center, New York City
Nothing epitomises Christmas more than Rockefeller Center. This iconic Manhattan attraction is home to a world-famous Christmas tree and the city's best-known ice skating rink. For more yuletide magic, take a stroll around Midtown's famous department store Christmas windows.
Christmas decorations at the Rockefeller Center, New York City. Photo: Shutterstock
Durango, Colorado
Durango is the Christmasy town behind The Polar Express (the beloved book-turned-movie). Here, families can sip on hot chocolate as they ride to the "North Pole" to pick up Santa. Other festivities include train rides to cut down your very own Christmas tree.
Park City, Utah
Experience Christmas and all its snowy splendour in this city, perhaps best known for its incredible skiing. During the holidays, Santa and his reindeer descend from the mountains to ring in the season. Meanwhile, this charming town glows with illuminating lights and decor.
Trail of Lights, Austin
This Texas holiday event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, showcasing a mind-boggling 2,000,000 lights. In addition to yuletide rides and Christmas fun, the Trail of Lights also offers up delectable bites via food trucks and vendors.
Christmas lights adorn a motorcycle on 37th Street, in Austin, Texas. Photo: Shutterstock
Washington D.C.
Christmas in the nation's capital is unlike any other. At the White House, catch a glimpse of the National Christmas Tree in all its glory. Surrounding areas like Maryland and Virginia are also packed with wintery fun and light shows of their own.
Christmas decorations outside the front of the White House. Photo: Shutterstock
Smoky Mountain Winterfest, Tennessee
A magical celebration of Christmas, the Smoky Mountain Winterfest touts millions of spectacular lights each year. Caroling, trolley rides, and Christmas parades are the norm in this delightful mountain town.
The Christmas Festival of Lights, Portland
Located at The Grotto in Portland, this holiday-themed festival truly rings in the season in the Pacific Northwest. The month-long event comes to life with numerous concerts, a petting zoo, puppet shows, and Christmas caroling.
Christmas lights in Portland. Photo: Shutterstock
Speedway Christmas, North Carolina
This revving Christmas event is something Charlotte residents look forward to every year. Cozy up under a blanket and watch your favourite Christmas movies on a 16,000-square-foot TV, or take a horse-drawn wagon ride before having your photo taken with Santa.
Boston Christmas Festival, Boston
Gingerbread house competitions, holiday shopping, and vibrant light decorations are what make this festive wonderland a must-visit holiday attraction. Round out the day by going ice skating at Boston Common.
This article was originally published on December 3, 2015
