Choosing the best places to visit in December with family can be overwhelming. But, vacation in December is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your family for the end of the year.
It’s the best time to connect as a family, especially after a long year of working and building your income for retirement. It’s also a trip your children will grow up to remember and might be looking forward to since the beginning of the year. So, no pressure.
But if the hassle of planning this once-a-year kind of trip is getting to you, then you need not worry, because, I’ve got you.
As a perpetual traveler and someone who first runs to at any moment of stress, I plan trips to different places, some of which I don’t end up going to. I’ve compiled a list of all the places that make for amazing vacation spots in the USA with family, especially in December.
10 Places to Visit in December in the USA with Family
I recommend visiting these places in the USA in December with family because of the weather, budget, and kid-friendly things to do. You would love them as well.
1. Stowe, Vermont – Best Winter Places to Visit in USA with Family
December is cold in Vermont, providing an avenue for some family time in a cozy room around a fireplace. This is why Vermont is one of the best places to visit in December with family. The town of Stowe is one of the best small towns in Vermont because it personifies the great days of Vermont’s ski industry.
Things To Do in Stowe, Vermont with Kids in December
Take your kids to the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, where you can explore Vermont’s ski history. The museum exhibits ski and snowboard equipment, artwork, and ski clothing.
Not far from the museum is the Stowe Recreation Path. Here, kids can enjoy cycling, walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, or you can make it a family fun time.
We particularly love the views of Mount Mansfield from the upper part of the Mountain Road. Mount Mansfield is the largest mountain in Stowe, but some avid skiers have climbed to its peak before. Fortunately, you could get a view of the summit via a gondola from the Stowe Mountain Resort.
Other fun things to do in Stowe, Vermont with family include a dogsledding adventure in the woods. However, December in Stowe is always marked with traditional holiday parades and tree lightings in the center of the town.
2. Miami, Florida – Best Warm Places to Visit in the USA with Family
Miami, Florida in December
Miami is the place if you’re looking for a destination with friendly warm weather and plenty of activities in December. Also, due to the weather, you can walk around the streets and just take in the vibrant environment with family.
Things To Do in Miami with Kids in December
Miami will put your kids in the festive mood with holiday performances like George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker showcasing beautiful lights and dancers. Also, stroll to Zoo Miami with kids sipping hot chocolates and watch as thousands of animal-shaped lights illuminate the premises.
Let me also mention the Miami Beach events that keep you entertained with the beautiful scenery of lights and decorations.
Take the fun to another level by going on a boat ride with kids. Pack for a family picnic as you visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Remember to snap family photographs in the beautiful scenery. Since you don’t have to worry about snow in December in Miami, you can also explore the local neighborhoods like Little Havana and Miami Design District.
Pro Tip: many visitors from cold regions retreat to Miami, Florida in December, so it is better to plan your lodging far ahead.
3. New York City, New York – Best Places to Visit in the USA in December with Family
New York City is one of the best places to visit in the USA in December with family because of the pomp of festivities. There is never a dull moment in New York City, even in the winter. Prepare to spend at least five days exploring at least a fragment of what the city has to offer in December.
Fun Things To Do in New York City with Kids in December
Start by allowing your kids to meet with Santa Claus in the iconic Times Square for Christmas gifts. Don’t leave until you have taken beautiful family pictures with Santa. You can then move to the famous Rolf’s Bar and Restaurant to get a humongous holiday-themed meal. Also, catch the free Saks Fifth Ave Light Show. The Show runs every fifteen minutes, so if you missed it, just wait till it starts again. Ensure to secure a spot ahead, so that children sitting in strollers can see the Show.
Your kids would be thrilled by the famous Macy’s Santaland and Macy’s Holiday window displays. At Macy’s, you can see everything from a Rainbow Bridge to a giant Lionel Train Escape, Santa’s bustling workshop to a shining red sleigh, and more.
Some of the activities we enjoyed in the big city include:
- shopping in the famous Union Square Holiday Market,
- watching a performance of the popular Rockettes,
- seeing the iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Square, and
- ice-skating at Central Park with the magnificent New York City skyline in the background.
Ice-skating at Central Park, New York |Source; Colin Miller
Pro Tip: You should plan ahead of your visit because snow storms are unpredictable in the northeast which can cause flight delays.
4. U.S Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands, USA
The Virgin Islands is a top destination for some Caribbean cruises in the USA in December. There are three islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands – Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, and Saint John. These islands have natural tropical landscapes perfect for a mid-winter vacation.
Fun Things To Do in the Virgin Islands with Family in December
Kids would love the beaches at this time of the year and snorkeling on the islands. Saint Thomas Island has a cruise ship port, so you can take a tour of the island with other tourists. In Saint Croix, you can visit the attractive Buck Island. Allow the kids to play around the beaches, and eat some perfectly grilled seafood. If you’re up for it, you can go on a hiking adventure with the kids.
Although Saint John is the smallest of the islands, it is the most natural and our favorite of the three islands. This is because of its great snorkeling, hiking, and quiet beaches. If you want some quiet family time, Saint John is where you should go.
5. Hawaii
Best Places to Visit in the USA – Hawaii
This is also one of the best warm places to visit in the USA in December with family. Its tropical breeze, beaches, and mind-blowing scenery make it a place to spend your holiday with family.
Fun Things To Do in Hawaii with Family
There are several islands to choose from or you can visit multiple islands if you have more time and budget. Start with a guided family tour of Pearl Harbor and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The kids can learn about the history of America by exploring the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, the USS Battleship Missouri, and more. Take your kids on a thrilling boat ride to see amazing sea creatures like Whales and Dolphins in their natural habitat.
Then, coast to the Island of Oahu, known as the “heart of Hawaii” and relax on the Waikiki Beach with family. Follow the hiking trails and go for a family walk hand in hand.
Move to the Island of Maui, where you can play golf, and the kids can play around on Wailea Beach. Take your kids on a hike to the dormant volcano Mount Haleakala to witness the beautiful sunrise.
If you have more time, you can visit the Island of Hawaii, popularly called the Big Island formed by five volcanoes. Your kids can explore the lush forests, amazing waterfalls, and lovely beaches.
6. Las Vegas, Nevada
City of lights – Las Vegas, USA
Another top destination for warm temperatures in December is Las Vegas. We know Las Vegas for its elaborate holiday decorations of flowers and lights, especially in the hotels.
Kid-friendly Things To Do in Las Vegas in December
Las Vegas is a great place for holiday shopping, so give your kids a spree. Besides shopping, you can enjoy December in one of the best spots in Las Vegas which is the Botanical Cactus Garden at Ethel M Chocolates. Kids can watch the captivating 3D light displays in Nevada’s largest cactus garden.
Evenings in Las Vegas are pure fun. You can enjoy a nice meal, go to a concert, or watch a show like Cirque du Soleil with kids.
Due to the warm climate, many pools are closed in December, but you can take your kids on a hiking trail around the canyons. The most popular is the Ice Box Canyon, in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
7. Washington D.C – Best Places to Visit in December in the USA with Family
Washington DC, USA
Although the country’s capital is covered in snow in December, it is one of the best places to visit in December with family. December is when you can get cheap lodgings, unlike the busy summer period. Plus, the crowds are fewer in December which means you can explore the city with family without the usual rush of summer.
Kid-friendly Things To Do in Washington DC in December
Your kids would love the Smithsonian museums where they can explore arts, history, culture, and science. Entry is free and it’s indoor, offering an escape from the chilly weather. Another kid-friendly place is the National Zoo, where kids can see mama, papa, and baby Panda. The zoo also has animal carousels that kids can hop on easily.
Let me also mention that December in Washington D.C. comes alive with festive lights and holiday activities like walking tours. Take a family stroll on the streets and enjoy seeing people decorating their houses for the festivities.
Another must-see for you and your kids is the national Christmas tree near the White House which is illuminated after Thanksgiving. Watch the colorful Wharf District Holiday boat parade. Our favorite is the winternational global markets where you can shop crafts from various countries. You can allow your kids to pick a few items here.
8. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City skyline
Utah has the best snow and lots of it in December, great for skiing. There are many top-end ski resorts and thousands of acres of skiable areas in the state. What we find interesting is that Utah is very budget-friendly, so you want to check it out.
Fun Things To Do in Salt Lake City, Utah with Kids in December.
Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah is home to natural, historic, and religious attractions and dozens of ski resorts in the Wasatch Mountains. Take the kids for ski lessons and if they know how to ski, they can enjoy guided skiing in the mountains. The Temple Square is decorated with holiday lights in December, which is an interesting sight to behold for families.
Our favorite part of a Salt Lake City holiday is visiting the This Is The Place Heritage Park. This park showcases life and holidays in the 1800s in Utah in December. So, allow your kids to have an educational-themed adventure exploring the Park.
9. Pasadena, California – Best Places to Visit in the USA in December with Family
December in Pasadena, California
Another best place to visit in the USA in December with family in Pasadena, California. Pasadena offers a unique holiday in December because of the warm weather and splash of events.
Pasadena, California in December with Family
One event you don’t want to miss is the Rose Parade in Pasadena in December. The city hosts the famous Tournament of Roses Parade, an annual event that showcases flower-covered floats, equestrian units, and more. Although the event takes place on the first of January every year, Rose Parade participants make final preparations in December. You can volunteer with your kids to help out in preparing the rose-covered floats. It is an exciting moment for kids to participate in a monumental activity.
Apart from the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California in December, plan a family picnic on the warm beaches and take a family stroll around the vibrant city.
Tip: If you decide to visit Pasadena for the famous Rose Parade, book far in advance to secure your spot.
10. New Orleans, Louisiana
French Quarter, New Orleans
December is warm in the festive city of New Orleans making it a top destination in the USA for family vacations.
Fun Things To Do in New Orleans with Kids
Stroll with kids through the French Quarter and the streets of the city on a story-telling adventure.
For an interesting and enriching family day out, visit the National World War II Museum. The museum has many immersive exhibits for children, especially those over eight years old.
The Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise is another kid-friendly activity. The cruise offers the possibility of seeing swampy animals like the alligators.
Many holiday festivals and over-the-top-light decorations are held in New Orleans to put you and your family in the thrill of the December holidays. We recommend the illuminated artworks in Lafayette and the must-see historic Roosevelt Hotel. In December, the hotel is decorated with 50-themed and decorated Christmas trees and thousands of holiday lights.
Places to Visit in the USA With Family – Conclusion
December is the time of the year when families get to bond and do fun things together. So, if you’re looking for places to visit with family, take a trip to the amazing destinations in the USA that are mentioned above.
For top holiday destinations outside of the US, read our posts on fun places to visit in Italy, the best places to visit in Africa in December, and top destinations to visit in France outside Paris.
