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Vast snowy mountains surrounded by trees with clouds reaching the peaks.

Grand Teton National Park, WY. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Top 10 winter destinations across the U.S.

Indira MidhaNovember 13, 2024

Winter is a magical time to explore breathtaking landscapes and vibrant traditions across the U.S. From hitting the slopes to festive celebrations, there are several ways to turn winter into a season you’ll never forget. Here are the top 10 destinations to visit during winter and activities that make these places so special.

A mountain retreat: Jackson Hole, WY

Bison herd grazing in winter on the Antelope Flats with snowy mountains in the background.
Grand Teton National Park, WY. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Wyoming’s sprawling mountainous landscape and snowy winters make it the perfect place for picturesque winter activities. Whether you love spending time in nature, spotting wildlife or hitting the slopes, Jackson Hole has something for everyone.

Visit Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge to watch wandering mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, bison and elk. Some wildlife tours, like the Private Grand Teton Wildlife Safari & Elk Refuge tour, even offer complimentary sleigh rides.

Jackson Hole is also known worldwide for its breathtaking slopes and challenging runs, making it the perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders alike. With three ski resorts across the city, including Snow King Mountain, there’s no shortage of runs to choose from. And don’t worry, despite plenty of black diamonds, every resort offers terrains that every level of skier and snowboarder can enjoy.

Closest airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)

A holiday dream: Detroit, MI

A snowy scene featuring a wood-covered bridge with subtle seasonal decorations, like Holly, at the edges of the wood.
Frankenmuth, MI. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Detroit boasts the largest Kinara in the world, measuring over 30 feet tall. Every year, the Motor City Kwanzaa Celebration occurs on the first day of observance of Kwanzaa with a Kinara lighting ceremony, live performances and more in Cadillac Square at Campus Martius Park.

Less than a two-hour drive from Detroit is a unique town called Frankenmuth, nicknamed Little Bavaria. Detroit might have the tallest Kinara, but this tiny town is home to the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. With thousands of ornaments across the store, you’re bound to find unique treasures and any specific decoration you’re looking for. The store is open year-round, but nothing can quite beat visiting during the holidays. It helps that the store’s address is, fittingly, 25 Christmas Lane.

Closest airport: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

The oldest winter festival: Saint Paul, MN

Lake covered in snow with diverse trees surrounding it.
Lake outside the Twin Cities, MN. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Minnesota is cold. Really cold. So, locals know a thing or two about celebrating in the snow. Cue the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the country’s oldest winter festival. The 11-day polar party is held in Rice Park, where the Minnesota State Fairgrounds get transformed into a winter wonderland.

The grounds become scattered with intricate ice sculptures, an ice palace and Vulcan Snow Park, where you can get lost among mazes and snow sculptures. This carnival is not without some friendly competition. Between ice fishing and ice sculpture contests, freezing fun is what visitors flock for.

Closest airport: Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)

Adventure and art: Denver, CO

The skyline and mountains of Breckenridge covered in snow at dawn in the winter with a blue and orange sunrise.
Breckenridge, CO. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Central Colorado is home to world-famous ski destinations, like Vail, offering over 5,000 acres of rugged terrain for a perfect snow-sport haven. Everyone, from downhill and cross-country skiers to snowboarders and snowshoers, will fall in love with these mountainsides.

Just under 40 miles away, is the International Snow Sculpture competition in Breckenridge, CO. Artists from across the world gather to hand-carve 25-ton blocks of snow. Using only hand tools, competitors get five days to create a winning piece. After the competition, visitors can come walk through the icy gallery in Downtown Breckenridge and admire all the finished pieces for five days.

Closest airport: Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) or Denver International Airport (DEN)

A holiday in the city: New York, NY

The large Rockefeller Christmas Tree illuminated at night and surrounded by angel wing and trumpet decorations.
Rockefeller Center, Manhattan, NY. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

New York City is the city that never sleeps. But it’s especially alive during the holidays. New York City is home to the world’s tallest Menorah, standing proud in Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan at 36 feet tall. Its slightly smaller sister Menorah is just across the East River in Grand Army Plaza’s Brooklyn location.

Or head to Midtown and visit the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Plan a visit to witness the infamous tree lighting ceremony, which happens every year on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. Rockefeller Tree continues to serve as the hallmark symbol of Christmas in New York. After admiring the spruce of the season, head down to Union Square Park to browse the Union Square Holiday Market, filled with 150+ vendors selling unique decorations, art and seasonal food. The spirited atmosphere is unmatched.

Closest airports: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

A Christmas Carol: Daly City, CA

Aerial shot of Daly City showcasing its neighborhoods and hills from above.
Daly City, CA. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Grab your Victorian-era garb and step back into Charles Dickens’ mid-17th century London. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is a truly immersive experience, bringing to life the author’s infamous characters, including Ebenezer Scrooge and others from “A Christmas Carol.” Enjoy shopping, performances, cuisines of the time and the world-renowned Dark Garden corset-fittings. The festival spans five weekends, from Thanksgiving to Christmas, and takes place at the historic Cow Palace.

Closest airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

The Whitefish Winter Carnival: Whitefish, MT

Snow-covered mountains under a blue sky with white clouds where a few people are skiing.
Skiing in Whitefish, MT. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

The town of Whitefish, Montana, hosts quite a unique annual winter event: the Whitefish Winter Carnival. The festival honors Ullr, the Nordic god of snow, who ruled over winter activities in the Nordic region. But he was eventually forgotten, and as legend says, settled in Flathead Valley after years of roaming the world. Aside from the event’s rich storytelling, there is a Penguin Plunge in Whitefish Lake, a Grand Parade downtown, Skijoring, ski races, a yeti snow skate, fireworks, a pie social, a beer barter, a rotary pancake breakfast, an art expo and more. While in Whitefish, you can also hit the slopes at the Whitefish Mountain Resort, boasting over 100 trails. Try out night skiing and whizz down the glittering slopes under a star-speckled sky.

Closest airport: Glacier Park International Airport (FCA)

A winter wonderland: Chicago, IL

Ice skating rink filled with skaters at night. The rink is at street-level in Chicago’s Millenium Park with city buildings in the background.
Millenium Park, Chicago, IL. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Chicagoans take their holiday markets very seriously. With three locations across the city, Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is the largest of its kind in the U.S. The original location is downtown in the Loop at Daley Plaza. But, depending on where you stay in the city, you can visit the market’s other locations. There’s one in Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs on the city’s North side, and another just outside the city in Aurora, a southwest Chicago suburb. From ornaments to unique snacks to rich hot chocolate, the Christkindlmarket offers something for everyone. And every year, the market releases a new limited-edition mug that collectors go crazy for.

Continue the holiday festivities at Millenium Park, where the iconic “Bean,” officially known as Cloudgate, resides. Right below is the park’s seasonal ice-skating rink that the whole family can enjoy. Glide across the ice while taking in the breathtaking skyline and the city’s largest Christmas tree looming overhead.

Closest airport: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

A traditional Mexican Gran Posada: San Antonio, TX

Cathedral at night illuminated with yellow light and surrounded by trees and flowers.
San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio, TX. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

San Antonio hosts some of the largest annual Gran Posada, or Great Inn, celebrations in the U.S. every year. La Gran Posada is a performance of traditional villancicos (Spanish holiday songs) and some specific songs called letanía that are used when “pidiendo posada,” or engaging in the symbolic act of requesting shelter.

A merienda (snack meal) typically follows the performance, including a piñata, hot chocolate and buñuelos, a traditional dessert made from fried dough covered in cinnamon sugar. Our favorite places to experience a Gran Posada in San Antonio are the San Fernando Cathedral, one of the Lone Star State’s oldest cathedrals, and the Little Flower Basilica, featuring remarkable stained-glass art.

Closest airport: San Antonio International Airport (SAT)

Christmas City: Bethlehem, PA

An empty street of Bethlehem at night with holiday lights in the shape of stars and circles hanging from streetlamps.
Streets of Bethlehem, PA. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, known as Christmas City, lives up to its name with a 5-week-long Christmas festival. Walking in the Christmas City Village, nestled in the Moravian Historic District, is like experiencing a real-life holiday Pinterest board, complete with wooden huts full of goodies that make the perfect gift. Get around town on foot, in the Christmas City Trolleys or take a horse-drawn carriage ride. Bethlehem also offers many charming shops worth visiting. And though they are open year-round, the decorations and magical atmosphere is unparalleled during the holidays.

Closest airport: Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

From active thrill-seekers to cultural admirers, these winter destinations offer something for everyone. Enjoy the spirit of the season in and around many of these locations, and find your perfect winter getaway.

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