Best Places to Visit in the US at Christmastime

Many would consider vacationing at Christmastime a "Bah! Humbug!" kind of move, but for many it is the perfect time to take off work and seek those wintertime deals.  If you have a large family that is scattered throughout the Country, it also is an excellent way to group everyone together.  I'm sure there are some amazing places to visit outside of the US, however in my opinion,  Americans really go way out when it comes to celebrating Christmas. So, if you want to travel but still celebrate Christmas in a big way, then stay in the US.  According to several travel websites, here are the top places to visit in the US at Christmastime.

Chicago: I'm  not surprised that Chicago is one of the top places to visit this time of the year.  It is beautiful with the millions of lights on the Magnificent Mile and the giant Christmas tree at Daley Plaza. Want a "White Christmas"?  No problem, The Windy City is likely to produce plenty of snow or at least very cold temperatures.  Many visit Chicago to take in the big city activities, like the popular "Christkindlmarkt", a German market filled with holiday crafts, wooden toys and plenty of food and drink.  Also, the annual "Christmas Around the World Exhibit" at the Museum of Science and Industry is a popular destination.  There is lots of shopping, amazing restaurants, ice skating, hot chocolate stands, horse drawn carriage rides and much  more. 

New York City: Like Chicago, New York City can be pretty amazing at Christmastime.  Aside from the suburb shopping, there are holiday-themed windows at New York's famed department stores.  They also, have a giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and the lighting includes a special ceremony with musical performances.

Don't forget about visiting the famous Radio City Music Hall, where the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular" is held.  Here you can witness the "highkicking" Rockettes"!
Also, the New York City Ballet performs the "Nutcracker" every year. There is so much to do in New York City that it is too much to mention. If you can swing a trip here at Christmas, it will be a trip of a lifetime. 

Florida: If you want to get away from the winter weather and enjoy some sunshine, Florida is the place to be.  During this time of the year, the weather is somewhat mild- not too hot.  Aside from beach destinations, there is Disney World.  This time of the year, Disney world is over-the-top decorated in Christmas lights and decorations Disney style.  Another destination in Florida is Miami, where the holiday has a more Latin flavor.

Puerto Rico:  Well, you will definitely come back North with a great tan!  If you don't care about a traditional Christmas, vacationing in Puerto Rico at Christmas can be a wonderful experience.  They begin celebrating Christmas in November and it is their most anticipated holiday event.  The 500 old city of Old San Juan is fully decorated for the holiday season.

You will enjoy amazing food and shopping.  And, it seems there are some pretty good end-of-the-year deals on hotels. For example, at the Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa they offered guests, who are staying there Christmas Eve, a beachfront room for under $ 100!  
When one thinks about Christmas, it usually entails great shopping, lots of highly decorative streets, twinkling Christmas trees, and great food.  I'm pretty certain that you will find all of those things here in the US at Christmastime.  Travel arrangements made early will save you a lot of heartache, so make your plans well in advance and enjoy those end-of-the-year deals.
If you have a favorite place to visit in the US at Christmas, let us all know. We would love to hear how others spend their Christmas.