Three Amazing Places to Visit in the U.S. During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a magical time to explore new destinations, as towns and cities across the United States transform into festive wonderlands. Whether you’re dreaming of snow-covered mountain retreats, historic towns aglow with holiday lights, or vibrant cities brimming with seasonal cheer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From classic Christmas celebrations to unique traditions, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Here are three of the best places to visit during the holidays and discover what makes each location special.

NEW YORK CITY

New York City during the holidays is a magical experience filled with iconic attractions, dazzling lights, and festive activities. Here’s a guide to some of the best things to do and see in NYC during the holiday season:

Iconic Holiday Landmarks

1. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
   • See the world-famous Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights and a stunning Swarovski star topper.
   • Ice skate at the Rockefeller Center Rink under the twinkling tree.
2. Fifth Avenue Window Displays
   • Stroll along Fifth Avenue to marvel at the holiday-themed window displays at stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Macy’s.
3. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights
   • Visit Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights neighborhood to experience its over-the-top, extravagant light displays.
4. Bryant Park Winter Village
   • Shop for unique gifts at the open-air holiday market.
   • Enjoy ice skating at the free rink or savor seasonal treats from local vendors.

Festive Shows and Performances

5. Radio City Christmas Spectacular
   • Watch the legendary Rockettes perform in a dazzling holiday show at Radio City Music Hall.
6. The Nutcracker by New York City Ballet
   • Experience this timeless classic with stunning choreography by George Balanchine.

Cultural and Festive Events

7. Central Park
   • Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snowy paths of Central Park.
   • Ice skate at Wollman Rink with picturesque views of the city skyline.
8. Holiday Markets
   • Explore markets like the Union Square Holiday Market, Columbus Circle Holiday Market, and Grand Central Holiday Fair for unique gifts, crafts, and food.

Seasonal Attractions

9. Brookfield Place
   • Visit the Winter Garden Atrium for its luminescent holiday display and ice skating rink.
10. Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden
    • Marvel at intricate miniature trains that wind through replicas of NYC landmarks made from natural materials.
11. Lights at Hudson Yards
    • See the canopy of sparkling lights and festive decorations at this modern shopping and dining destination.

Dining and Drinks

12. Rolf’s German Restaurant
    • Enjoy traditional German dishes in a restaurant known for its extravagant holiday decorations.
13. Holiday Pop-Up Bars
    • Sip festive cocktails at themed pop-up bars like Miracle on 9th Street or Sippin’ Santa.

Unique Experiences

14. The Vessel and The Edge
    • Take in breathtaking views of the city’s holiday lights from these iconic architectural marvels.
15. New Year’s Eve in Times Square
    • Ring in the New Year by watching the famous ball drop live, surrounded by the vibrant energy of NYC.

Whether you’re strolling through snow-dusted parks, shopping for one-of-a-kind treasures, or enjoying festive performances, New York City offers something for everyone during the holidays.

SAINT AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA

St. Augustine comes alive during the holiday season with its historic charm, festive lights, and unique attractions. Here’s a guide to the best things to do and see in St. Augustine during the holidays:

1. Nights of Lights Festival

• What to See:
  • Millions of white lights illuminate the city’s historic buildings, streets, and landmarks, creating a magical atmosphere.
  • Visit Plaza de la Constitución, where the light display is especially enchanting.
• Things to Do:
  • Take a trolley tour or a horse-drawn carriage ride to enjoy the lights.
  • Join a Nights of Lights boat tour for stunning waterfront views of the illuminated city.

2. Historic Downtown St. Augustine

• What to See:
  • Stroll along St. George Street, lined with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants decked out in holiday decor.
  • Visit the Bridge of Lions for picturesque views of the Matanzas River framed by twinkling lights.
• Things to Do:
  • Shop for unique gifts and souvenirs in the quaint local shops.
  • Stop at one of the historic pubs or cafes for warm holiday drinks.

3. Lightner Museum Holiday Decorations

• What to See:
  • The museum features stunning Victorian holiday decor, making it a beautiful stop during the season.
• Things to Do:
  • Take a self-guided tour of the museum to admire its elegant architecture and festive ambiance.

4. St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

• What to See:
  • The lighthouse is beautifully decorated for the holidays and offers breathtaking views of the illuminated city.
• Things to Do:
  • Participate in holiday-themed events, like Luminary Night, where the grounds are lit with hundreds of candles and lights.

5. Castillo de San Marcos

• What to See:
  • The historic fort is a striking sight during the holiday season, often included in the Nights of Lights tours.
• Things to Do:
  • Enjoy living history demonstrations and learn about the fort’s role in colonial history.

6. Colonial Quarter Holiday Events

• What to See:
  • The Colonial Quarter hosts live music, reenactments, and festive events during the season.
• Things to Do:
  • Explore the historic area to get a feel for life during the colonial era, enhanced by holiday cheer.

7. Christmas Parade and Regatta of Lights

• What to See:
  • Watch the annual Christmas Parade, complete with floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus.
  • The Regatta of Lights showcases festively decorated boats parading along the waterfront.

8. The Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse

• What to See:
  • This historic site is adorned with charming holiday decorations, creating a nostalgic holiday vibe.
• Things to Do:
  • Learn about the history of education in colonial times with a holiday twist.

9. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

• What to See:
  • The park offers special holiday-themed events and decorations.
• Things to Do:
  • Explore the exhibits and enjoy family-friendly activities with a festive flair.

10. Holiday Dining and Local Treats

• Where to Go:
  • Try traditional Spanish-inspired holiday dishes at Columbia Restaurant.
  • Savor sweet treats like peppermint bark or holiday cookies at local bakeries.

The Polar Express Experience

The train ride immerses guests in the enchanting story of The Polar Express, complete with costumed characters, music, and interactive storytelling. Passengers are encouraged to wear their pajamas to fully embrace the cozy, whimsical atmosphere.

• Interactive Storytelling
  • The story of The Polar Express is narrated, with passengers encouraged to follow along.
  • Actors bring key moments to life, including the magical arrival at the North Pole.
• Visit to the North Pole
  • The train journey culminates at a charming rendition of the North Pole, complete with twinkling lights and Santa Claus himself.
  • Santa boards the train to greet passengers, hand out bells (as a symbol of belief from the story), and take photos.

Whether you’re marveling at the Nights of Lights, immersing yourself in the city’s rich history, or enjoying holiday parades, St. Augustine offers a unique and unforgettable holiday experience.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Chicago is a vibrant city that becomes even more magical during the holiday season with dazzling lights, festive markets, and iconic winter activities. Here are some of the best things to do and see in Chicago during the holidays:

1. Christkindlmarket

• What to See:
  • This German-inspired holiday market in Daley Plaza features charming wooden stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, festive gifts, and traditional treats.
• Things to Do:
  • Sip hot spiced wine (Glühwein) from a collectible mug, enjoy bratwurst and strudel, and browse unique holiday gifts.

2. Millennium Park Ice Skating

• What to See:
  • The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, located beneath the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (“The Bean”), offers a picturesque skating experience.
• Things to Do:
  • Skate under the city lights and warm up with hot cocoa from nearby vendors.

3. ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

• What to See:
  • Thousands of twinkling lights transform the Lincoln Park Zoo into a winter wonderland.
• Things to Do:
  • Enjoy holiday-themed activities, live ice carving, and festive food and drinks.

4. Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

• What to See:
  • The Magnificent Mile is adorned with millions of sparkling lights, creating a festive atmosphere along Michigan Avenue.
• Things to Do:
  • Shop at high-end stores and enjoy holiday window displays, especially at Macy’s on State Street.

5. The Nutcracker by Joffrey Ballet

• What to See:
  • Watch the renowned Joffrey Ballet’s performance of “The Nutcracker,” set in Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair.
• Things to Do:
  • Enjoy this holiday classic in the beautiful Lyric Opera House.

6. Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park

• What to See:
  • The city’s official Christmas tree, a towering and beautifully decorated tree, stands as the centerpiece of Millennium Park.
• Things to Do:
  • Attend the tree lighting ceremony or simply take in its beauty during a leisurely stroll.

7. Navy Pier’s Light Up the Lake

• What to See:
  • Navy Pier hosts a family-friendly indoor winter wonderland featuring immersive light displays, a skating rink, and holiday-themed rides.
• Things to Do:
  • Enjoy festive treats, visit Santa’s Village, and watch the seasonal fireworks display over Lake Michigan.

8. Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape

• What to See:
  • Lightscape offers an enchanting experience with artistic light installations and musical displays set amidst the garden’s natural beauty.
• Things to Do:
  • Walk the illuminated trails and capture photos of stunning light sculptures.

9. Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier

• What to See:
  • A massive indoor festival with carnival rides, holiday decor, and an ice-skating rink.
• Things to Do:
  • Perfect for families, this event includes giant slides, holiday crafts, and other winter-themed activities.

10. Holiday Pop-Up Bars and Seasonal Dining

• Where to Go:
  • Visit festive pop-up bars like Frosty’s or Rudolph’s Bar for seasonal cocktails and over-the-top holiday decor.
  • Enjoy holiday menus at iconic Chicago restaurants like The Signature Room at the 95th.

11. Explore the Art Institute’s Holiday Spirit

• What to See:
  • Admire the iconic lions outside the Art Institute of Chicago, adorned with festive wreaths.
• Things to Do:
  • Visit the museum to enjoy special holiday exhibits and the dazzling decor throughout.

12. Holiday Train on the CTA

• What to See:
  • The Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Holiday Train is decked out with lights, garlands, and even Santa’s sleigh on a flatbed car.
• Things to Do:
  • Hop aboard the train for a unique and festive ride through the city.

Whether you’re exploring vibrant markets, enjoying world-class performances, or skating beneath Chicago’s iconic skyline, the city offers endless opportunities to create unforgettable holiday memories.

As you can see, the United States transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, offering a plethora of destinations that capture the magic of this special time. Whether you’re drawn to walking the dazzling lights of the Botanic Garden’s Lightscapes in Chicago, watching the legendary Rockettes perform in a dazzling holiday show at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, or the striking sight of the Castillo de San Marcos Fort in Saint Augustine during the holiday season the magic of the holidays awaits you. No matter where your travels take you, these destinations guarantee heartwarming experiences and cherished memories. So pack your bags, embrace the festive spirit, and make this holiday season one to remember.