15 Christmas Getaways in the Western US You’ll Love This Winter
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Dreaming of a white Christmas? Or maybe one with palm trees and a beach chair? Out west, you don’t have to choose—you can have both. From snow-dusted ski towns that look straight out of a holiday movie to sun-soaked cities where Santa trades his sleigh for a surfboard, the Western US serves up every kind of Christmas magic.
Whether you’re craving alpine adventures, desert light displays, or big-city festivities, these destinations are worth adding to your holiday travel list.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen turns into a real-life snow globe in December, thanks in part to its popular 12 Days of Aspen celebration. From December 20–31, the town hosts free ice-skating, caroling, cookie decorating, and visits from Santa—all capped off with fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
Add in world-class skiing, charming holiday window displays, and festive torchlight parades on the slopes, and you’ve got the ultimate winter wonderland.
Where to Stay: Limelight Hotel Aspen – A modern yet cozy stay right in the heart of town, with complimentary breakfast, an outdoor hot tub, and easy access to both the slopes and downtown holiday events.
Park City, Utah
Park City is magical in December, especially during its Electric Parade and Snowfest at Park City Mountain. Snowfest runs in the days leading up to Christmas, with live music, holiday crafts, s’mores by the fire, and Santa himself skiing down the slopes on Christmas Eve.
Historic Main Street twinkles with thousands of lights, and the nearby Deer Valley Resort adds more mountain charm with sleigh rides and gourmet holiday dining.
Where to Stay: Washington School House Hotel – This boutique hotel blends historic character with modern luxury, just steps from Main Street’s Christmas lights and events.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole turns into a snow-dusted holiday wonderland in December, with Town Square’s elk antler arches glowing under thousands of lights. The season kicks off with the Town Square Lighting Ceremony, followed by the 12 Days of Christmas at Teton Village—think caroling, visits from Santa, outdoor ice skating, and torchlight parades down the slopes on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
For a truly magical experience, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, where you can see hundreds of elk against a snowy mountain backdrop.
Where to Stay: Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa – Cozy cabins and lodge rooms within walking distance of Town Square, plus a spa for warming up after a day outside.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe blends Southwestern charm with timeless holiday traditions, making it one of the most enchanting Christmas destinations in the West. The season begins with the Christmas Tree Lighting on the Plaza, followed by Las Posadas, a candlelit reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, complete with caroling and hot cider.
But the real highlight is the Canyon Road Farolito Walk on Christmas Eve, when thousands of glowing paper lanterns and luminarias line the adobe streets, creating a warm, flickering glow against the crisp desert night.
Add in festive markets, art shows, and plenty of green chile-infused holiday treats, and you’ve got a Christmas like no other.
Where to Stay: Inn of the Governors – A cozy, centrally located hotel with Southwestern style, just steps from the Plaza and all the holiday action.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona’s red rock scenery gets an extra dose of magic during the holidays, when twinkling lights and Southwestern traditions turn this desert escape into a winter wonderland.
The Tlaquepaque Festival of Lights is the star of the season, with over 6,000 luminarias illuminating the charming Spanish-style village, live music drifting through the courtyards, and carolers setting a joyful tone. The town also hosts plenty of Holiday events, featuring visits from Santa, decorated storefronts, and art gallery happenings.
Even without snow, the backdrop of crimson cliffs and starry night skies makes for a Christmas you’ll never forget.
Where to Stay: L’Auberge de Sedona – A luxurious yet nature-connected retreat along Oak Creek, perfect for couples, families, or anyone looking to soak in Sedona’s holiday beauty.
Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada
Lake Tahoe pairs its stunning alpine scenery with plenty of holiday cheer, making it one of the West’s top Christmas getaways.
On the Nevada side, Heavenly Holidays in South Lake Tahoe transforms the Heavenly Village into a festive playground, with an ice-skating rink, holiday concerts, and a massive New Year’s Eve celebration complete with fireworks.
Over on the California side, resorts like Squaw Valley and Northstar deck out their villages with lights, sleigh rides, and family-friendly activities.
Whether you’re skiing fresh powder or sipping cocoa by a roaring fire, Tahoe’s blend of winter sports and seasonal charm makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Where to Stay: Edgewood Tahoe Resort – A spacious, beachfront hotel just steps from Heavenly Village and the gondola.
San Diego, California
San Diego may not have snow, but it more than makes up for it with twinkling lights, warm weather, and a jam-packed holiday calendar.
The December Nights Festival in Balboa Park is a local favorite, offering free admission to museums, international food stalls, live performances, and over 350,000 holiday lights. At the waterfront, the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights sees dozens of decorated boats sail through the harbor in a sparkling maritime display.
Add in festive zoo lights at the San Diego Zoo and shopping in the Gaslamp Quarter, and you’ve got a sunny yet spirited Christmas getaway.
Where to Stay: Hotel del Coronado – This iconic beachfront resort goes all out for the holidays, with beachfront ice skating, towering Christmas trees, and a magical seaside setting.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco’s hilly streets and waterfront views set a dreamy stage for holiday magic.
Union Square becomes the city’s festive heart, with an enormous Christmas tree, open-air ice rink, and plenty of holiday window displays to admire while you shop.
The Illuminate SF Festival of Light adds a modern twist, with more than 40 light art installations spread throughout the city. Over at Pier 39, a 60-foot Christmas tree sparkles nightly, while the San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker continues its tradition as one of the most beloved performances in the country.
For something unique, catch the Parol Lantern Festival in the South of Market district, celebrating the city’s vibrant Filipino community.
Where to Stay: Fairmont San Francisco – This historic hotel is famous for its life-sized gingerbread house, lavish holiday décor, and unbeatable Nob Hill views.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas may be known for neon lights year-round, but come December, the city dials up the holiday glitz.
The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland, complete with thousands of flowers, twinkling lights, and a giant holiday train display.
The Ethel M Chocolate Factory Holiday Cactus Garden offers one of the most unique light displays in the country, with over a million lights draped over desert plants.
Ice skate under the stars at The Cosmopolitan’s Boulevard Pool, then head to the Enchant Christmas Village at Las Vegas Ballpark for an immersive light maze, market, and visits with Santa. Even Fremont Street gets in on the cheer with themed Viva Vision shows on its massive LED canopy.
Where to Stay: The Venetian Resort – Spacious suites, gondola rides with holiday music, and over-the-top decorations make this a surprisingly cozy pick for a Vegas Christmas getaway.
Anchorage, Alaska
In Anchorage, Christmas feels like stepping straight into a snowy storybook. The Town Square Park Holiday Tree Lighting kicks off the season, followed by twinkling displays throughout downtown.
The Colony Christmas Festival in nearby Palmer is a must for carolers, craft fairs, and reindeer visits, while Zoo Lights at the Alaska Zoo turns the grounds into a glowing winter trail.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch the northern lights dancing overhead — talk about the ultimate holiday backdrop. And for a truly Alaskan touch, hop aboard the Holiday Train for breathtaking snowy views along Turnagain Arm.
Where to Stay: Hotel Captain Cook – A cozy, upscale base with great views of the mountains and Cook Inlet, plus a central location for enjoying Anchorage’s holiday events.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley turns into a Hallmark-level holiday wonderland each December, with snowy slopes, sparkling streets, and plenty of mountain-town charm. The season kicks off with the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Sun Valley Village, complete with live music, cocoa, and a visit from Santa.
Throughout the month, you can enjoy festive sleigh rides, holiday markets, and special performances at the Sun Valley Opera House. Christmas Eve brings the magical Torchlight Parade on Dollar Mountain, followed by fireworks lighting up the crisp winter sky — a tradition that’s been wowing visitors for decades.
Where to Stay: Sun Valley Lodge – An elegant yet family-friendly lodge with cozy fireplaces, an ice rink on-site, and direct access to all the village festivities.
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride’s snow-dusted Victorian streets and dramatic mountain backdrop make it one of the most magical Christmas destinations in the West. The town’s Holiday Prelude kicks off the season with sleigh rides, visits with Santa, and tree lighting ceremonies.
Throughout December, you can catch festive concerts, shop the charming boutiques for unique gifts, and enjoy après-ski hot chocolate (or something stronger) by a roaring fire.
On Christmas Eve, locals and visitors gather for the Torchlight Parade down Telluride’s slopes, where skiers and snowboarders carrying glowing torches snake their way down the mountain before a grand fireworks display lights up the alpine night.
Where to Stay: The New Sheridan Hotel – A historic downtown hotel with elegant rooms, a cozy bar, and unbeatable proximity to Telluride’s holiday happenings.
Flagstaff, Arizona
At 7,000 feet in elevation, Flagstaff delivers a true white Christmas experience—yes, in Arizona! Downtown twinkles with lights, shop windows decked in holiday cheer, and the air filled with the scent of roasting chestnuts.
The North Pole Experience is a hit with families, offering a magical “trolley ride” through the forest to Santa’s workshop. Don’t miss the Annual Winter Wonderland & Tree Lighting or a ride on the Polar Express Train in nearby Williams, which whisks you straight to the “North Pole” with cookies, cocoa, and carols along the way.
Add in the surrounding snow-covered San Francisco Peaks for sledding or skiing, and you’ve got a Southwestern Christmas with a cozy alpine twist.
Where to Stay: Little America Hotel Flagstaff – Spacious rooms, a forested setting, and festive décor make this a comfortable and convenient holiday base.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City truly shines in December—literally—thanks to the breathtaking Temple Square Christmas Lights, where more than a million bulbs illuminate the historic buildings and gardens. T
he German-style Christkindlmarkt at This Is the Place Heritage Park offers handmade gifts, festive foods, and live performances, while the Downtown Holiday Lights and ice skating at Gallivan Plaza keep the cheer going all season long.
Families love ZooLights! at Hogle Zoo, and if you’re craving snowy adventures, the ski resorts of the Wasatch Mountains are less than an hour away.
Where to Stay: The Grand America Hotel – Elegant holiday décor, afternoon tea service, and spacious suites make it perfect for a luxurious yet family-friendly Christmas getaway.
Vail, Colorado
Vail transforms into a storybook Christmas village each December, with twinkling lights draped over its Bavarian-style architecture and snowy streets.
The season kicks off with Vail Snow Days, featuring free concerts and winter activities, followed by the Vail Holidays series—think ice skating shows, torchlight ski parades, and a spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display over the slopes.
Between runs on the world-class ski terrain, you can browse charming boutiques, sip hot cocoa by the fire, or take a sleigh ride through the snow-dusted countryside.
Where to Stay: The Arrabelle at Vail Square – A luxury slopeside hotel with alpine-inspired rooms, a rooftop hot tub, and easy access to both ski lifts and holiday festivities.
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