There’s no better time like the present to start planning your holiday travel. Give yourself the gift of a getaway at these eight festive cities across the United States.
1. New York City
The Big Apple makes a big deal about the holidays. Look at the larger-than-life floats of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center for proof. After the famous parade takes over Manhattan, Chabad of Park Slope lights the largest menorah in Brooklyn.
Hanukkah and Christmas events unite the city across the month of December, including the Union Square Holiday Market and the menorah lightings throughout the city, concluding in the ultimate New Year’s Eve party in Times Square.
Where to stay: Spend your vacation near all of the Big Apple’s holiday celebrations at one of five fantastic Hilton Grand Vacations properties in New York City.
2. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is one of the great places to travel during Christmas on the East Coast. The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is one of the longest-running Christmas events in Washington, D.C. President Calvin Coolidge started the tradition in 1923 and it continues today. Tickets to this ceremony on the Ellipse, just south of the White House, are available via lottery; details to enter are available here.
As November comes to a close, D.C.’s Christmas Markets pop up around the city and neighboring Maryland and Virginia. The Downtown Holiday Market is one of the oldest, longest and largest, taking place for an entire month between 7th and 9th Streets NW. Depending on the weekend, you can also visit the Christmas market at Heurich House Museum, shop at the Finn Spark Christmas Bazaar or visit Alexandria, Virginia, to watch the Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.
Where to stay: The District, a Hilton Club is only a Metro ride away from D.C.’s Christmas markets, monuments and museums.
3. Estes Park, Colorado
Colorado has a flurry of December vacation ideas to choose from and spending the winter holidays in Estes Park should be at the top of your list. This resort town at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park hosts a dazzling holiday celebration called Glow in the Park.
The festivities start the weekend after Thanksgiving and continue through New Year’s Day. The Catch the Glow holiday parade kicks off the celebrations. You can also watch the light shows in Bond Park or sip local brews at the Frosty Beer Fest. With a Holiday Makers Market and Miracle On 7 pop-up holiday bar, it’s easy to get into the holiday spirit in Estes Park.
Where to stay: Enjoy a winter wonderland near Rocky Mountain National Park at The Historic Crags Lodge.
4. Chicago, Illinois
Plan your post-Thanksgiving holiday travel with a stop in Chicago and the city will greet you with a month full of festivities. Chicago hosts a German-style Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza; these market stalls appear before Thanksgiving and last through Christmas.
But before Santa makes his appearance, Chicago’s Jewish community comes together to celebrate Hanukkah throughout the city and suburbs. Strawdog Theatre Company set the stage for a performance of “Hershel & The Hanukkah Goblins” and an 8 Crazy Nights pop-up bar keeps the festivities flowing.
Where to stay: Check-in to Chicago Magnificent Mile, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club when you blow into the Windy City for Hanukkah.
5. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is an all-season destination that doesn’t wait for Thanksgiving to officially ring in the holidays. Gatlinburg SkyPark signals the start of the season with its Lights Over Gatlinburg walks. Other events follow suit, including Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees and the Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta celebrations.
As the nights get longer, more holiday fun lights up Gatlinburg. From the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade and Great Smoky Arts & Craft Community Holiday Show to the Winter Magic Tunes and Tales and Sensory Santa painting events, Gatlinburg embraces the season even after the New Year’s ball drops.
Where to stay: Sleep close to Gatlinburg’s exciting seasonal shows at Bent Creek Golf Village, a Hilton Vacation Club.
6. San Francisco, California
Thanksgiving is a truly communal experience in San Francisco. Many neighborhoods host turkey trots — fun, often family-friendly foot races — which are fun ways to explore diverse corners of the city.
Take time to give back this holiday season. Mama G, a volunteer organization, provides food for at-risk members of the community; its annual Thanksgiving Street Dinner is just one of the many seasonal charity events you can volunteer for.
The Friday following Thanksgiving kicks off the Christmas season with The Great Dickens Christmas Fair in nearby Daly City. This immersive annual event at Cow Palace launched in 1970 as an elaborate Victorian London-themed party with costumed actors, artisan shops and pubs. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair invites you to dance, dine and drink your way through this merry event dedicated to Charles Dickens, author of the holiday classic, “A Christmas Carol.”
Where to stay: Spend time enjoying the Bay Area when you stay at the stylish Club Donatello.
7. Williamsburg, Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg has such an eventful holiday season that they release an annual planning guide detailing the many dining, shopping and entertainment experiences taking place between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Christmas in Williamsburg includes the Williamsburg Christmas Market on Main, Feast of the Seven Fishes events at restaurants like the Rockefeller Room and holiday-themed workshops like wreath decorating at Landscape Design Studio.
The Grand Illumination is a hallmark event held on select weekends in December. Decorations adorn the Historic Area, stages fill the streets with live music and a spectacular fireworks display lights up the night sky.
Where to stay: Warm up at the heated indoor pool or cozy up in your Suite with a cup of cocoa when you stay at The Historic Powhatan, a Hilton Vacation Club.
8. Branson, Missouri
Branson, the Live Entertainment Capital of the World, knows how to draw a crowd and they double down on the showmanship during the holidays. The magic of Christmas makes its way to Missouri for two full months, starting in early November and ending within the first days of January’s calendar page.
The Ozarks shine with walk-through and drive-through holiday lights tours. Santa Claus makes his way around Branson, stopping everywhere from the Promised Land Zoo to Bass Pro Shops. Silver Dollar City hosts an Old Time Christmas and Holly Jolly Light Parade.
In true Branson fashion, the live show schedule is the star atop the tree. Over a dozen performances fill the program ranging from murder mysteries and variety shows to comedy jamborees and performers crooning the Christmas classics.
Where to stay: Wrap last-minute gifts or watch your favorite holiday movies at The Suites at Falls Creek.
Read “12 Travel Tips To Make Holiday Travel A Breeze” for help planning your Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas getaways.