Before you know it, the sound of sleigh bells will be heard on your rooftop. If you love the holidays but hate the cold, why not trade in your heavy coat and wool mittens this year and celebrate a warm Christmas.
1. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah transforms into a southern wonderland of decked out trolleys, gingerbread towns, and boat parades. Festivities begin November 28 and run through Christmastime. Stay in one of the bed-and-breakfasts in the Savannah Historic District to be close to the action. Savannah averages 63 degrees in December.
2. Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort is a small town with a huge heart and is located in heart of the Lowcountry. It is close to Savannah and Charleston, and a short drive to the beaches of Hilton Head Island. It’s location is great for visiting the larger cities and enjoying the sights and sounds of a small town southern Christmas. December temperatures average in the low 60s.
3. Orlando, Florida
Enjoy everything in Orlando without the huge crowds of summer. Theme parks have special attractions this time of year, such as “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas”, but be aware that some of the speacial attractions require a separate ticket. Orlando temperatures average around 72 degrees in December.
4. San Francisco, California
The City by the Bay comes alive in December as it transforms into a wonderland of lights. Stay near Union Square so you are close to all the festivities and can easily get around via the historic cable cars. San Francisco’s December temperatures average in the high 50s.
5. San Antonio, Texas
The Riverwalk at Christmastime should be on everyone’s bucket list. The city offers special attractions that only happen during the holidays. Because this is a popular time of the year to travel to San Antonio, be sure and book early. The average temperature in December is around 64 degrees.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
Celebrate Christmas season in the Big Easy. The Oaks, visited by over 122,000 people last year, has one of the most beautiful Christmas exhibitions in the country. Many hotels in the area offer Papa Noel specials making this a very affordable holiday destination. December temperatures average in the 60s.
7. Santa Monica, California
Ice skate, enjoy the “Candle Light Walk” to the Shopping Cart Tree at Edgemar Courtyard, and find some great deals at sidewalk sales. All while enjoying local bands and holiday parties up and down Montana Avenue. The average December temperature in Santa Monica is around 64 degrees.
8. Honolulu, Hawaii
Mele Kalikimaka! Santa presents himself on a surfboard instead of a sleigh on the big island of Oahu. Honolulu City Lights kicks off the holiday celebrations and is one of the premiere lighting of the tree festivals in the country. Make reservations early as this is also big wave season in Waikiki.
9. Delray Beach, Florida
Delray Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in Florida. This small beach town transforms itself for the holidays with a tree lighting ceremony, ice skating, a holiday parade and carousel rides. December temperatures average in the mid 70s.
10. San Diego, California
Christmastime is migration season for the California gray whales. Whale watching is just one of the 25 activities San Diego offers for free during the Holidays. This is a budget friendly town with accommodations from resort hotels to hostels. The average December temperature is around 65 degrees.
11. Las Vegas, Nevada
The City of Lights does not shut down for the holidays. Everything is open and I do mean everything. If you are coming to Vegas for the holidays, try and avoid the week of Christmas and New Years. It is one of the most crowded weeks of the entire year. December has an average temperature around 57 degrees.
12. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is full of postcard perfect events during the holidays. Choosing which celebration to attend will be your biggest problem. A favorite is the progressive dinner with transport by a horse-drawn carriage. The coastal city of Charleston has average December temperatures in the low 60s.
13. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Parrandas begins as a gift of music then grows into a street partiy that can overtake streets in Old San Juan. A parranda is just one of the unique Christmas traditions of Puerto Rico. Festivals begin after Thanksgiving and continues through New Years Eve. Puerto Rico is named a top spot for Christmastime travel by many travel experts.
14. St. Petersburg, Florida
The popular Snow Fest will return to St. Pete again this year with real snow, toboggans, and of course, Santa. Glice skate in the park or climb the rock wall. St. Pete doesn’t let its average temperatures of 72 degrees stop it from a real winter celebration!
15. Tucson, Arizona
Fiestas are in the Christmas spotlight of this old west town during the Christmas holidays. Take in the Southwestern version of “The Nutcracker”, where dancing chile peppers, coyotes, and the Calvary replace sugarplum ferries and other traditional characters in the ballet. The average December temperature is around 65 degrees.
These 15 warm Christmas destinations are just a sampling of what the U.S. has to offer. From small town celebrations to larger city festivals there are too many to cover.
What is your favorite Christmas time celebration? You should share in the comment section below. I would love to check some of them out!
