The holiday season is a time for festive celebrations and making cherished memories with loved ones. Throughout the United States, towns and cities come alive with thousands of events to help spread holiday cheer and capture the magic of the season. Here are some of the top US destinations perfect for enjoying holiday festivities and experiences:
New York City
One of the most iconic destinations in America during the holidays is New York City. With over 50 million lights adorning trees and buildings, the city truly sparkles. A beloved tradition is the lighting of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center. This mammoth Norway spruce has been illuminated every year since 1933 and draws large crowds who come to experience the switch-on spectacle. Close by in Bryant Park, Winter Village offers evening ice skating surrounded by holiday markets.
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Manhattan's other famous landmark, the Empire State Building, also participates in illumination festivities. For a quintessential New York holiday experience, take a tour through Rockefeller Center and skate under towering skyscrapers aglow with string lights. Don't forget to visit department store windows on 5th Avenue for breath-taking Christmas displays. From parades and concerts to festive meals in cozy restaurants, New York is abuzz with holiday magic.
Chicago
The "Windy City" holds one of the nation's grandest and longest-running holiday traditions—the Chicago Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Millennium Park. This spectacular event takes place the day after Thanksgiving and features a free concert led up to the big moment when the tree is illuminated. This year's 50-foot evergreen will be adorned with 45,000 LED lights. Afterward, stroll the loop and admire window displays along Michigan Avenue as carolers sing seasonal songs. The Magnificent Mile also features the Shops at North Bridge, an outdoor retail complex with a skating ribbon where one can glide under sparkling lights. Don't miss Christkindlmarket, a German-style holiday fair with food, gifts, and live performances held in Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville.
Nashville
Music City's Musicians Hall of Fame festively shines during the holidays. A daily parade strolls through the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum featuring festively attired groups spreading cheer. Downtown's Fifth + Broadway plaza has a 60-foot Christmas tree and an outdoor ice rink with a mountain backdrop—perfect for a romantic couples' skate under the stars.
Nashville lets visitors experience Southern hospitality to the fullest during the holidays. Along Broadway, Santa's Pub offers a place to sip on spiked eggnog by an open fire while listening to live carols. Be sure to drive down Music Row where historic RCA Studio B and other iconic music landmarks twinkle with seasonal styles. A must is attending the Nashville Symphony's Christmas concert at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
New Orleans
In the Crescent City, the holidays take on a distinctly vibrant New Orleans flair. Jackson Square is decked out with thousands of lights and hosts daily concerts along with horse-drawn carriage rides. Stroll the French Quarter at night and marvel at the decorated facades and balconies with garlands and twinkling lights.
Another top attraction is touring the historic homes in the Garden District decked to the nines. On select evenings, doors open to candle-lit mansions adorned with alluring floral Christmas arrangements. For the ultimate Southern Christmas experience, see the New Orleans Ballet Theatre's famous rendition of "The Nutcracker" at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Then cap off the evening savoring beignets and cafe au lait while strolling Jackson Square amongst street performers.
Washington D.C.
The nation's capital sparkles magnificently at Yuletide. Near the White House, the National Christmas Tree is lit in a glorious ceremony usually featuring high-profile guests and entertainers. Afterward, catch the lighting of the menorah on the Ellipse. Stroll through illuminated scenes along the National Mall or take a horse-drawn carriage ride past twinkling monuments.
See magnificent displays at the National Building Museum including the restored room-sized trees representing different cultures. At Union Station, marvel at the largest Christmas tree in the city as carolers serenade passengers. Experience "A Christmas Carol" in period costume amidst snow flurries at Ford's Theatre. No trip to D.C. is complete without seeing the National Cathedral decorated to the max with 25 elaborate trees. Enjoy Christmas concerts here regularly throughout the season.
Salt Lake City
Mormon tradition brings a unique holiday spirit to Salt Lake City. Temple Square hosts a nightly Christmas lights festival with over two million lights illuminating buildings and grounds. Stroll while listening to narrated lessons about the birth of Christ and gaze upon elaborate window displays depicting biblical scenes. Stop by to see the life-sized Nativity creche.
For something sweet, look for traditional date shakes and other Mormon recipes at local bakeries and restaurants. Outdoor ice skating with Wasatch mountain views is a treat at Gallivan Plaza. Catch free organ concerts at City Creek Center, where larger-than-life animated displays delight passersby nightly. Drive through neighborhoods to admire extravagantly lit private homes following LDS Christian principles of light and hope.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Step back in time by visiting Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia decked with holiday décor from the 18th century. Listen to period carolers as costumed re-enactors prepare wax fruit and bake plum puddings in an open kitchen. Watch an 18th-century dance performance in the Governor’s Palace or see artisans demonstrate crafts like woodworking and weaving.
Wander historic buildings trimmed in evergreens and laurel garlands. Attend candlelight church services to experience colonial worship traditions. Treat yourself to a multi-course feast at the Nicholson House Tavern or Cook's Kitchen and keep warm by the fire while listening to fiddle music. An overnight stay at a colonial inn surrounded by twinkling grounds is ideal for total immersion in the Christmas past.
Overall, there is no shortage of stunning holiday destinations across America that allow visitors to make cherished memories and capture the magical spirit of the season. With unique cultural festivities and on
