Whether you're planning a family trip or a vacation-themed adventure, here are six top-ranked U.S. vacations journey destinations in 2024.
new York
The holiday season in New York is a famous pastime for a reason. In addition to the beautiful city lights and dazzling Christmas trees, it's also the perfect place to shop for gifts, catch a Broadway show, sip hot chocolate, or watch the Radio City Rockettes perform their Christmas show annual. Fans of the classic Alone at home Movies can also visit the Plaza Hotel, which was featured in the second film in the franchise.
Colorado
For travelers looking to spend their vacation on the slopes, Beaver Creek features a ski village offering festive activities for the whole family, including the annual Christmas tree lighting, holiday movie nights, and baking competitions.
Denver also offers a range of holiday-themed activities, including the annual festival Denver Christkindl Market, a traditional European holiday market set to return this winter to Denver Civic Center Park. Travelers visiting the area can also enjoy ice skating, shopping, and the lights of the Denver Zoo, while sipping delicious seasonal drinks such as authentic glühwein (spiced mulled wine), Bavarian beers, European coffee or hot chocolate.
North Carolina
Experience your Hallmark movie moment in quaint Highlands, North Carolina. Located in Southern Appalachia and the Nantahala National Forest, visitors can shop at Main Street's winter window displays and then vote for which one is the best in the town's annual window display contest.
Known as “Christmas Town USA“, McAdenville also transforms from a small town into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights and decorations each year during the holiday season.
California
Solvang was founded by a group of Danes in the early 1900s to create a similar small-town atmosphere with warmer temperatures. It is now known for its community, businesses and Danish-inspired architecture. Solvang also welcomes Julefest, a month-long village celebration with outdoor gatherings and holiday decorations.
For the first time this year, the town of Healdsburg will host A season to shinean event that will see the streets lined with dazzling lighting displays, tree lighting ceremonies, holiday markets and festive cocktails.
Washington, D.C.
From the National Christmas Tree to Washington Harbor Ice Skating, this city hosts a range of holiday activities. Travelers can also enjoy a choral concert at the National Cathedral, a light show at the National Zoo, and a range of free holiday-themed activities to save space in your budget for shopping gifts. Escape the cold by heading to the city's Smithsonian museums or National Mall with a hot chocolate or hot coffee in hand.
New Mexico
Santa Fe offers several holiday events, including the Santa Fe Botanical Garden. The Light of Las Noches light display and Christmas concert series inside the Loretto Chapel. Winter sports enthusiasts can travel approximately 15 miles and visit Ski Santa Fe to enjoy snowy thrills and chills.
Taos Ski Resort also offers a New Mexican twist on holiday traditions, including its annual festival Christmas in Taoswhich features holiday markets, bonfires and other festive events.
