10 Warm Places to Spend Christmas in the US
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Dreaming of a white-sand Christmas instead of a white one this year? You’re not alone. While some travelers crave snowflakes and sleigh rides, others are more interested in palm trees wrapped in fairy lights, 75-degree afternoons, and the possibility of sipping eggnog poolside.
Luckily, you don’t have to leave the US to find warm weather and holiday spirit. From beachy getaways to desert retreats and historic Southern cities that know how to deck the halls, these sunny spots prove that festive cheer doesn’t require frostbite.
Here are 10 warm places in the US where you can celebrate Christmas with sun, sparkle, and zero chance of shoveling snow.
San Diego, California
If your idea of holiday joy includes sunshine, ocean breezes, and zero risk of snow, San Diego delivers. The city goes big on festive cheer without the frost—think palm trees wrapped in lights, outdoor ice rinks by the bay, and surfers in Santa hats.
Christmas Highlights:
- December Nights at Balboa Park – A two-day holiday festival with food from around the world, live music, lights, and museum admission.
- Skating by the Sea – An oceanfront ice rink at the historic Hotel del Coronado, open from mid-November through early January.
- Holiday Bowl Parade – America’s largest balloon parade, held along the waterfront the week after Christmas.
- Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo – Festive lights, live entertainment, and holiday-themed animal experiences.
- Seaport Village Holiday Market – Great for local crafts, gifts, and live performances with a bay view.
Hotels that go all out for Christmas:
- Hotel del Coronado – A Southern California icon that fully embraces the season with elaborate decor, beachside Christmas trees, and the Skating by the Sea rink.
- Pendry San Diego – Stylish and centrally located in the Gaslamp Quarter, close to holiday events and perfect for people looking for something a little upscale.
Palm Springs, California
Christmas in Palm Springs is all about desert sunshine, mid-century flair, and festive fun with a retro twist. While you won’t find snow, you will find twinkle lights strung across palm trees, open-air holiday markets, and cool nights perfect for stargazing or sipping something seasonal by the fire pit.
Christmas Highlights:
- WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo – A beloved local tradition with over a million lights, animated displays, and holiday treats in a beautiful desert setting.
- Festival of Lights Parade – A big draw in downtown Palm Springs, with floats, marching bands, and thousands of spectators lining Palm Canyon Drive.
- Merry Movie Nights at The Park – Outdoor Christmas movie screenings in downtown’s new park, complete with food trucks and seasonal snacks.
- El Paseo Tree Lighting & Shopping Events – Head to nearby Palm Desert for upscale holiday shopping and festive window displays.
Hotels that go all out for Christmas:
- The Parker Palm Springs – Stylish, playful, and dressed up for the holidays with classic decor and an extra dose of retro charm.
- La Quinta Resort & Club – Just outside Palm Springs, this desert resort goes big on Christmas decor, from lit-up palms to cozy courtyards with seasonal music and fire pits.
Scottsdale, Arizona
If you’re after warm desert days, glowing holiday displays, and luxury resorts that go all out for Christmas, Scottsdale is a top pick. It offers a festive escape without the crowds or chaos of bigger cities—plus, the Southwestern backdrop makes for a unique seasonal twist.
Christmas Highlights:
- Christmas at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – A massive holiday spectacle with millions of lights, an outdoor skating rink, a Christmas carousel, and Santa meet-and-greets.
- Scottsdazzle – A month-long celebration in Old Town with tree lightings, artisan markets, wine tastings, and holiday-themed art installations.
- ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo – One of the best light displays in the Southwest, just a short drive from Scottsdale.
- Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park – Vintage trains, hot cocoa, and a glowing holiday village, perfect for families.
Hotels that go all out for Christmas:
- Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – Over-the-top in the best way, with elaborate light displays, themed attractions, and plenty of Christmas cheer for all ages.
- Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows – A stylish, modern option with outdoor fireplaces and desert-chic holiday touches in a quieter setting.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe blends Southwestern culture with old-world Christmas traditions for a holiday experience that feels both magical and deeply rooted. Expect adobe buildings lit by farolitos (paper lanterns), crisp mountain air, and a festive atmosphere that’s equal parts cozy and spiritual.
Christmas Highlights:
- Canyon Road Farolito Walk – On Christmas Eve, this iconic art street glows with thousands of lanterns, warming fires, carolers, and a peaceful, community-focused vibe.
- Santa Fe Plaza Holiday Lights – The historic plaza lights up with garlands, wreaths, and one of the most beautiful tree displays in the Southwest.
- Christmas Eve at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis – A traditional candlelight service with music and local flair.
- Winter Indian Market – A chance to shop for handmade art, jewelry, and gifts from Native American artisans.
Hotels that go all out for Christmas:
- La Fonda on the Plaza – A historic hotel right on the decorated plaza, with traditional architecture, cozy fireplaces, and holiday décor throughout.
- Inn of the Five Graces – Boutique and beautifully eclectic, it feels extra magical during the holidays with flickering lanterns and warm desert charm.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio brings big holiday energy with a uniquely Texan twist—think tamales, mariachi carols, and thousands of twinkling lights draped over the River Walk. The weather is mild, the food is fantastic, and the festive atmosphere lasts all month long.
Christmas Highlights:
- River Walk Holiday Lights – Over 100,000 lights adorn the trees along the river, creating a magical glow for nightly boat rides and riverside strolls.
- Ford Holiday Boat Caroling – Choirs perform on boats as they cruise the river, and guests can book their own caroling boat for a group night out.
- La Gran Tamalada at Market Square – A beloved cultural tradition where families gather to learn the art of tamale-making during the holiday season.
- San Antonio Christmas Market & Tree Lighting – A European-style market with food vendors, artisan goods, and festive performances downtown.
Hotels that go all out for Christmas:
- Hotel Valencia Riverwalk – Elegant and perfectly situated, with a lobby that glows during the holidays and some rooms offering river views of the lights.
- Mokara Hotel & Spa – A luxury pick with great riverfront access and a cozy, peaceful vibe that contrasts nicely with the lively festivities outside.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans may be known for Mardi Gras, but it does Christmas with serious style—think Creole traditions, jazz carols, and festive lights under the oaks. You’ll get mild winter weather, ornate decorations, and a unique blend of old-world charm and holiday cheer.
Christmas Highlights:
- Celebration in the Oaks – City Park transforms into a wonderland with over a million lights, animated displays, and decorated oak trees dripping with Spanish moss.
- Réveillon Dinners – A historic Creole holiday tradition revived by local restaurants with special prix fixe menus throughout December.
- Caroling in Jackson Square – A beloved community event where hundreds gather by candlelight to sing in front of St. Louis Cathedral.
- Holiday Home Tours in the Garden District – Explore festively decorated historic mansions, complete with garlands, bows, and Southern hospitality.
Hotels that go all out for Christmas:
- Hotel Monteleone – A French Quarter classic with lavish holiday décor, walking distance to Jackson Square, and its famous (and festive) Carousel Bar.
- The Eliza Jane – Boutique and beautifully designed, with cozy lounges and a quiet-but-central location for holiday exploring.
Orlando, Florida
If you want over-the-top holiday magic without the snow, Orlando has you covered. With mild weather, palm trees wrapped in lights, and every theme park going full festive, it’s one of the best places in the US for Christmas that’s both warm and wildly entertaining.
Christmas Highlights:
- Walt Disney World’s Christmas Events – Each park has its own festive touch, from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom to EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays.
- Universal Orlando’s Holiday Celebration – Featuring the Grinchmas show, the Macy’s-style holiday parade, and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens – An immersive light experience with lanterns, projections, and music in a tropical garden setting.
Hotels that go all out for Christmas:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – Decked out in full Victorian holiday elegance, complete with a life-size gingerbread house and nightly carolers.
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (Universal) – A laid-back but festive resort with tropical vibes and easy access to Universal’s holiday fun.
St. Augustine, Florida
America’s oldest city shines during the holidays—literally. With its historic architecture wrapped in millions of white lights, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights celebration transforms this coastal town into one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations in the South. And the mild December weather means you can enjoy all the charm without bundling up.
Christmas Highlights:
- Nights of Lights – Running from mid-November through January, this award-winning display lights up the entire historic district, from rooftops to courtyards to palm trees.
- Holiday Trolley & Boat Tours – See the lights by land or water. Trolleys and boat cruises offer nightly rides through the glowing city, often with cocoa and carols onboard.
- Colonial Night Watch Weekend – A historic reenactment parade and holiday event in early December, complete with cannons and carolers.
- Christmas Parade & Artisan Markets – Family-friendly events throughout the month, with plenty of local food, music, and handcrafted gifts.
Hotels that go all out for Christmas:
- Casa Monica Resort & Spa – A historic and beautifully decorated hotel right in the heart of downtown, with Spanish-style elegance and front-row views of the lights.
- The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens – Quiet, romantic, and set in a group of restored historic homes—perfect for a cozy, festive escape.
Key West, Florida
Christmas in Key West is quirky, colorful, and 100% warm. Expect tropical drinks instead of hot cocoa, lighted boat parades, and palm trees dressed in ornaments. It’s festive in a flip-flops-and-sunglasses kind of way, and perfect if you’d rather be snorkeling than shoveling snow.
Christmas Highlights:
- Key West Holiday Fest – A month-long celebration with light displays, parades, and events all across the island.
- Lighted Boat Parade – Boats decked out in dazzling lights cruise along the harbor, often with music, costumes, and a floating Santa or two.
- Historic Inn Holiday Tours – Several of the island’s most beautiful inns open their doors to visitors, offering tours of over-the-top decorations and island hospitality.
- Holiday Bazaars & Sunset Celebrations – Local markets, live music, and festive cocktails at Mallory Square as the sun sets over the water.
Hotels that go all out for Christmas:
- The Gardens Hotel – Lush, elegant, and located just off Duval Street, with beautiful seasonal décor and a peaceful garden vibe.
- Ocean Key Resort & Spa – Waterfront views, walkable to everything, and just festive enough to feel like Christmas—without losing the laid-back island feel.
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