Best places to visit in the US during Christmas

Head to the United States this December and get a feel of how Christmas is celebrated there. Dream Fly takes a look at some of the best cities in the US to visit during Christmas break!

1. New York

Light up your festive season - head to the City that Never Sleeps. Though some of New York’s Christmas attractions have become tourist traps over the years, they are still worth every push and shove required to get you to the top of the line. Here are the top three –

• Visit the Mecca of NYC Christmas – Rockefeller Centre Plaza – and get a picture with the big tree that has been around since 1931
• Check out the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall – it is just such a Christmas-sy thing to do – watch that iconic musical stage show with glittery Rockettes and dancing Santas.
• Take a window shopping stroll down Fifth Avenue – the dressed up boutiques and department stores are a treat!

Rockefeller Centre Tree Lighting. Photo credit: Guy Dickinson / Flickr

2. San Francisco

San Francisco during Christmas makes for a great visit, especially if you are travelling with kids. The City by the Bay dresses up and puts on events that can keep families busy the entire season. Take a look at three exciting things to do in SF during the festive season –

• Go to the Pier 39 marina for the best views of the holiday boats parade – visualise a whole lot of lit up boats sashaying around the bay, each with a fancier display than the previous one.
• SF’s answer to the big tree at Rockefeller Centre in New York is at Union Square. Check out the sky scraping lit up tree and then head to the ice skating rink.
• Hook yourself up with online tickets for an open air trolley ride from San Francisco to Treasure Island – a 90 minute tour which takes you through all the pretty Christmas sights.

Sausalito Lighted Boat Parade. Photo credit: Jessica Merz / Flickr

3. Chicago

If the Windy City’s icy gusts have been keeping you from visiting Chicago in the winter, then here’s some hope – Chicago’s amazing Christmas wonderland festive energy actually makes it warm and hospitable. Check out three fun things to do in Chicago during December –

• The Magnificent Mile, also called the Mag Mile, is the perfect holiday stroll. Expect a million lights, decked up stores and boutiques, holiday cheer and super icy winds.
• Admire the fantastic window displays at Macy’s as you wait your turn for lunch at the famous Walnut Room.
• Head to Lincoln Park Zoo – let the lit up zoo blow your imagination while you choose amongst Santa, decorating holiday cookies and creating holiday craft.

Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo lit up for the festive season. Photo credit: Kymberly Janisch / Flickr

4. Los Angeles

If you are a fan of all things Christmas, Los Angeles is where you want to be this December. With no cold weather to chill you to the bones, the party with all its Christmas cheer is on full swing through the month of December. Here are three fun things that will keep you occupied in Chicago during Christmas –

• Check out the Hollywood Christmas Parade held every year on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. There are plenty of places to watch the parade for free from, but you can also arm yourself with some grandstand seats on Hollywood Boulevard.
• Any number of holiday themed performances, from classics to LA originals, show up on stages all across the city. Catch a show or two and join the Christmas cheer LA style.
• Get a picture with Rockin’ Santa on his sleigh outside Hard Rock Cafe – you get to hold a colourful guitar and pose as you celebrate the holidays Angeleno style.

Walt Disney World at Hollywood Christmas Parade. Photo credit: Kel / Flickr

5. Washington

The national capital puts up a show like no other. There is so much to do in Washington in December; choose from tree lighting ceremonies and sing alongs, concerts and performances, ice skating and a bunch of other family friendly Christmas themed events. Here are some –

• Attend a live performance by the National Christmas Tree, in view of the White House.
• A really funky interactive holiday attraction is Christmas on the Potomac. With a new theme each year, this winter wonderland is a must see.
• Choose from the many light festivals - recommended are the ones at the National Zoo - it’s free, or the Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Garden. There is also the much cosier option of drive-through light displays.

The National Christmas Tree with the White House in the background. Photo credit: Tim Evanson / Flickr

6. Dallas

In Dallas during the holiday season? Here are some fun filled activities that you and the family can do and be part of the festivities –

• Take the family for a ride to the North Pole on the North Pole Express, one of the most popular holiday attractions in Dallas. This is why – you board at a platform where passengers are welcomed by elves and Christmas carols and get off after a fun journey with live entertainment at a winter wonderland station!
• Spend an evening or two at the Myerson Symphony Centre - holiday themed entertainment, but not kiddie style.
• Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway – a relatively new holiday event, and a huge hit. A Texan spin on holiday attractions, the Gift of Lights features almost two miles of LED lights, shows, events, music and special offers.

Dallas Christmas Parade. Photo credit: DonJinTX / Flickr

7. Boston

In Boston at Christmas time? Make sure you are geared up for the cold because there is lots to do here during the holidays. Take a look at some top ideas –

• If you are in town in the beginning of December, make it a point to attend the annual tree lighting ceremony on Boston Common. One flip of a switch and the huge tree plus 80 others light up to dazzle!
• Put on those ice skates at Frog Pond – one of the prettiest ice skating venues around.
• Catch holiday performances at the many theatres across town – from children’s classics to ballet shows for grown ups.

Christmas tree at Boston Commons. Photo credit: Babbletrish / Flickr

8. Houston

Get into holiday mood in one of the largest cities of the United States. Here are some of the variety of Christmas attractions that Houston offers during the festive season –

• Spend a couple of evenings touring the Houston Christmas Lights displays at various locations through the city.
• Catch holiday themed performances and concerts; including movie screenings and family friendly shows.
• Attend the month long festivals and markets that are Christmas staples. Lasers, Lights and Magic in the Park or the Festival of Lights are good festival options while fun market options include Houston Ballet’s Nutcracker Market and the Tomball German Christmas Market.

A lit up tunnel display at the Festival of Lights. Photo credit: Bill Jacobus / Flickr

9. Atlanta

Celebrate Christmas in Atlanta with lots of fun, excitement and action! With Stone Mountain on the list, Atlanta makes for a great family vacation. Take a look at three fun things to do -

• Start your holiday festivities with the lighting of Macy’s Great Tree at Lenox Square, which is followed by a spectacular fireworks show.
• Take the family to Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain theme park for Christmas parades, shopping, dining and live entertainment.
• Keep an evening for a visit to Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park, which is dressed up every year in a dramatic display of lights. You can also skate in an outdoor ice skating rink or check out the fancy interactive fountain show. It’s free!

Christmas lights at Stone Mountain. Photo credit: Chris Delaney / Flickr

10. Detroit

Spending December in Detroit means lots of Christmas fun – festivals, concerts, tree lighting ceremonies, ice skating and skiing. Check out some of what you can do in Detroit over the holidays –

• Watch the Detroit Zoo come to life with Wild Lights at Detroit Zoo. Millions of LEDs, live entertainment, Christmas tales and arts and craft stations keep everyone in good humour.
• Get the Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village experience – it’s like attending an ancient Christmas celebration – with quaint little holiday shops, old style Christmas carollers and building sets.
• Looking at getting an idea of how Detroit decks up for Christmas? Get in a car and take a drive around town to check out various displays. Recommended area for a dazzling cruise is Lake Shore Drive in Grosse Pointe.