Washington Joins Florida, California, New York, Hawaii, Illinois, And More In Us Among The Top Christmas Holiday Travel Destinations For Last-minute Booking

Published on December 1, 2025

With Christmas conscionable astir nan corner, travelers scramble for last-minute wintertime escapes. Washington has surged into nan spotlight, joining perennial favorites for illustration Florida, California, New York, Hawaii, and Illinois among nan apical U.S. destinations for Christmas travel. This year’s booking patterns uncover a increasing appetite for festive metropolis breaks, scenic getaways, and culture-rich experiences—and Washington’s blend of seasonal charm, iconic landmarks, and easy accessibility has placed it firmly connected nan nation’s vacation recreation map.

Whether you for illustration a classical wintertime flight pinch twinkling lights and old-world charm, a lukewarm and modern metropolis break pinch minimal stress, aliases an offbeat vacation tucked wrong small-town America, this guideline offers thing for each gait and personality. Think of it arsenic your personal, executive-friendly compass—helping you take a destination that matches your December temper while making nan astir of last-minute recreation opportunities.

CATEGORY 1: CLASSIC, TRADITIONAL & ICONIC CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCES

1. New York City, New York

Vibe: Electrifying, cinematic, and charged pinch vacation glamour.
Signature Experience: Standing earlier nan Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
Activities: Ice skating astatine Bryant Park, Fifth Avenue model displays, vacation concerts astatine Lincoln Center.
What Makes It Unique: Nowhere other captures Christmas astatine this scale—New York feels for illustration a surviving movie group during December.

For nan master arriving pinch constricted time, NYC’s convenience and non-stop ambiance mean you tin measurement disconnected nan level and instantly gaffe into nan season. Everything is close, accessible, and disposable precocious into nan night.

Hotels

• The St. Regis New York – A luxury landmark pinch impeccable service, classical decor, and a premier location adjacent Rockefeller Center, cleanable for a vacation stay.
• The Peninsula New York – An elegant edifice offering rooftop views of nan city’s festive lights and exclusive vacation packages.
• Hotel Plaza Athénée – A boutique edifice pinch a cozy, friendly ambiance and exceptional work successful a charming Upper East Side location.

Activities

• Ice Skating astatine Rockefeller Center – A quintessential New York Christmas acquisition wherever you tin skate beneath nan world-famous Christmas tree.
• Holiday Windows astatine Macy’s Herald Square – Take successful nan elaborate model displays, a vacation contented for complete 150 years.
• Broadway Shows – Catch a Broadway capacity for illustration The Nutcracker aliases A Christmas Carol, cleanable for a festive nighttime out.
• Christmas Markets – Explore vacation markets for illustration nan 1 astatine Bryant Park for unsocial gifts and lukewarm vacation treats.

2. Chicago, Illinois

Vibe: Snow-dusted, cozy, and profoundly accepted pinch a European twist.
Signature Experience: Exploring nan Christkindlmarket astatine Daley Plaza.
Activities: Holiday stream cruise, Millennium Park skating, festive indoor dining.
What Makes It Unique: Chicago blends big-city power pinch small-town warmth, offering nan champion of some worlds for a short Christmas break.

With flights moving often into O’Hare and Midway, moreover last-minute trips are feasible for firm travelers needing a accelerated escape.

3. Boston, Massachusetts

Vibe: Historic, elegant, and steeped successful old-world charm.
Signature Experience: Walking done Beacon Hill nether candlelit wreaths.
Activities: Holiday shows astatine nan Boston Pops, Charles River strolls, boutique shopping connected Newbury Street.
What Makes It Unique: Boston’s layered history adds extent and quiet beauty to nan vacation season—perfect for professionals craving a slower pace.

Its compact size intends you tin spot nan champion of nan metropolis moreover during a speedy two-day getaway.

CATEGORY 2: WARM, MODERN, URBAN & RELAXED CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCES

5. Miami, Florida

Vibe: Tropical, bright, and endlessly energetic.
Signature Experience: Celebrating Christmas connected South Beach pinch thenar trees wrapped successful lights.
Activities: Rooftop dining, curated creation walks, vacation cruises to nan Keys.
What Makes It Unique: Miami offers a vacation that feels wholly different—warm breezes alternatively of wintertime coats, world cuisine alternatively of accepted fare.

For engaged professionals, Miami provides an “instant vacation” effect pinch minimal readying required.

Hotels

• The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne – A luxury beachfront edifice offering backstage bungalows and unparalleled views of Biscayne Bay.
• Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa – A lavish beachfront edifice pinch a full-service spa, festive eating options, and a tropical Christmas experience.
• W Miami – A stylish and vibrant edifice successful nan bosom of Brickell, pinch a trendy ambiance cleanable for professionals looking for some comfortableness and excitement.

Activities

• South Beach Christmas Lights – Stroll on Ocean Drive to spot thenar trees and Art Deco buildings adorned pinch vacation lights.
• Biscayne Bay Cruise – Take a relaxing vessel thrust done nan bay, enjoying festive views of nan metropolis and islands decked retired for nan holidays.
• Holiday Shopping astatine Bal Harbour Shops – Explore 1 of nan astir upscale shopping destinations successful Miami, featuring luxury brands and seasonal sales.
• Jungle Island Christmas – Experience wildlife shows pinch a Christmas twist and tropical-themed vacation celebrations astatine this family-friendly attraction.

6. Los Angeles, California

Vibe: Sunlit, creative, and stylishly laid-back.
Signature Experience: Watching vacation lights astatine The Grove and Beverly Hills.
Activities: Malibu formation walks, festive concerts, hiking nan Hollywood Hills.
What Makes It Unique: L.A. gives you nan elasticity to operation nature, dining, and municipality civilization without analyzable itineraries.

Hotels

• The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles – Located successful nan bosom of downtown LA, this luxury edifice offers freely rooms, stunning metropolis views, and impeccable service. Its location makes it perfect for professionals who want easy entree to vacation events, shopping, and good dining, each while enjoying five-star amenities.
• Shutters connected nan Beach – Situated successful nan charming vicinity of Santa Monica, Shutters offers a relaxed yet elegant seaside retreat pinch breathtaking views of nan Pacific Ocean. Its proximity to some nan formation and upscale shopping centers for illustration Third Street Promenade makes it a cleanable getaway for those wanting a blend of calm and convenience.
• The Langham Huntington, Pasadena – A expansive and historical edifice pinch beautiful gardens, The Langham offers a serene flight conscionable extracurricular of downtown Los Angeles. It’s cleanable for professionals looking for a serene mounting pinch easy entree to adjacent taste attractions and shopping districts.

Activities

• The LA County Holiday Celebration – This yearly arena astatine nan Dorothy Chandler Pavilion brings together performers from divers taste backgrounds for a free vacation concert, featuring music, dance, and different festive performances. It’s an perfect measurement to acquisition LA’s rich | taste diverseness while enjoying nan vacation spirit.
• Holiday Lights astatine nan LA Zoo – The LA Zoo transforms into a dazzling wintertime wonderland, pinch millions of twinkling lights illuminating nan zoo’s pathways. The festive displays see animal-themed lights, elephantine snowflakes, and seasonal decorations. It’s a cleanable outing for those looking for a relaxed yet festive evening.
• Holiday Shopping connected Rodeo Drive – For engaged professionals, Los Angeles offers immoderate of nan champion high-end vacation shopping successful nan world. Wander done nan iconic Rodeo Drive, wherever luxury boutiques and designer shops are decked retired successful festive decor. Whether you’re shopping for gifts aliases simply model browsing, it’s a quintessential LA experience.
• Ice Skating astatine Pershing Square – For those craving a classical wintertime experience, caput to Pershing Square for a festive crystal skating rink surrounded by towering skyscrapers. The rink is simply a celebrated spot for some locals and visitors and offers a nosy measurement to bask nan vacation play while staying wrong nan city.
• Griffith Observatory and Sunset Views – Take a break from nan vacation bustle and hike to nan Griffith Observatory for panoramic views of nan city, nan iconic Hollywood sign, and nan Los Angeles skyline. It’s an perfect spot for a peaceful, reflective vacation acquisition pinch a position that’s thing short of spectacular.

Direct flights from everyplace make it 1 of nan easiest last-minute choices successful nan country.

7. Scottsdale, Arizona

Vibe: Warm godforsaken elegance pinch luxurious calm.
Signature Experience: Staying astatine a spa edifice dressed up pinch Southwestern Christmas touches.
Activities: Golf, sunset hikes, fine-dining patios, festive godforsaken botanical displays.
What Makes It Unique: Scottsdale blends relaxation and sophistication—ideal for travelers who want bid without sacrificing comfort.

Hotels

• The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort – A godforsaken oasis offering refined luxury and exceptional service, pinch stunning views of Camelback Mountain. The edifice features a world-class spa, good eating options, and a beautiful excavation area, making it a awesome spot for professionals seeking some relaxation and indulgence during nan vacation season.
• Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale astatine Troon North – Located successful nan precocious Sonoran Desert, this edifice offers a tranquil and friendly vacation escape, pinch adobe-style architecture, luxury accommodations, and a full-service spa. It’s cleanable for those seeking a quiet retreat while still being adjacent to Scottsdale’s vibrant eating and shopping scene.
• The Scottsdale Resort astatine McCormick Ranch – This beautiful lakeside edifice offers relaxed luxury pinch freely rooms, an expansive excavation area, and respective eating options. Its proximity to Old Town Scottsdale and various outdoor activities makes it an fantabulous guidelines for exploring nan city.

Activities

• Holiday Lights astatine nan Desert Botanical Garden – Each year, nan Desert Botanical Garden transforms into a sparkling vacation wonderland pinch complete 8,000 hand-lit luminarias and thousands of twinkling lights. This breathtaking arena is cleanable for a tranquil evening stroll nether nan stars, surrounded by nan desert’s earthy beauty.
• Scottsdale’s Old Town Christmas Shopping – Old Town Scottsdale is simply a festive shopping destination, pinch section boutiques offering unsocial gifts, vacation decor, and handcrafted ornaments. The area is beautifully dressed up for nan season, pinch festive model displays, twinkling lights, and unrecorded music, providing a relaxed yet vibrant ambiance for vacation shopping.
• Camelback Mountain Hiking – For those looking to enactment progressive during their getaway, a hike up Camelback Mountain offers panoramic views of nan godforsaken scenery and Scottsdale below. The vacation season’s cooler temperatures make it an perfect clip to bask this iconic godforsaken hike without nan accustomed heat.
• Spa Treatments and Wellness Retreats – Scottsdale is known for its luxurious spas, and a sojourn to 1 of these high-end wellness centers is simply a awesome measurement to unwind aft a engaged year. Many resorts connection holiday-themed spa packages, including massages, facials, and rejuvenating treatments designed to thief you relax and recharge.

Its upwind is consistently pleasant, making readying effortless.

8. Honolulu, Hawaii

Vibe: Blissfully slow, oceanfront, and profoundly soothing.
Signature Experience: Christmas greeting connected Waikiki Beach.
Activities: Island drives, hula performances, sunset catamaran sails.
What Makes It Unique: Honolulu lets engaged professionals decompress completely—warm sand, lukewarm water, lukewarm energy.

Hotels

• The Kahala Hotel & Resort – A luxury edifice known for its secluded beach, exceptional service, and festive Christmas décor, cleanable for a tranquil vacation getaway.
• Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa – Offering a nosy and family-friendly ambiance pinch a touch of magic, this edifice connected Oahu has typical Christmas events for each ages.
• Halekulani – A stunning oceanfront edifice pinch world-class dining, offering a serene vacation acquisition pinch views of Waikiki Beach.

Activities

• Christmas astatine nan Honolulu City Lights – Enjoy nan yearly show featuring complete a cardinal twinkling lights astir nan city’s landmarks.
• Surfing aliases Snorkeling – Take a Christmas Day surf instruction aliases spell snorkeling successful nan crystal-clear waters of Hanauma Bay.
• Pearl Harbor National Memorial – Visit this iconic humanities tract for a reflective, quiet time distant from nan vacation bustle.
• Holiday Luau – Experience a accepted Hawaiian luau pinch a festive Christmas twist, offering hula dancing, occurrence shows, and island-inspired meals.

Even last-minute bookings often output bully edifice deals extracurricular highest tourer pockets.

CATEGORY 3: OFFBEAT, SMALL-TOWN & HIDDEN GEM CHRISTMAS GETAWAYS

9. Leavenworth, Washington

Vibe: Bavarian-style colony glowing pinch alpine lights.
Signature Experience: Wandering done nan Christmas Lighting Festival.
Activities: Sleigh rides, mulled cider tastings, cozy compartment stays.
What Makes It Unique: Leavenworth feels for illustration a wintertime postcard—but without nan world flight.

Hotels

• Icicle Village Resort – A Bavarian-themed edifice offering a cozy, charming ambiance pinch views of nan Cascade Mountains. The edifice is cleanable for a Christmas getaway, featuring a ample indoor pool, spa services, and a assortment of festive vacation events passim nan season.
• The Enzian Inn – An elegant, European-style inn pinch a quintessential Alpine ambiance, offering guests accepted German decor, a cozy fireplace, and a complimentary breakfast. The Enzian Inn is centrally located and perfect for those looking to beryllium wrong stepping region of Leavenworth’s festive downtown.
• Leavenworth Ski Hill Lodge – Located conscionable extracurricular nan main town, this rustic lodge offers a much secluded, nature-focused experience. Perfect for travelers looking to unwind successful a quiet retreat pinch easy entree to adjacent outdoor activities for illustration cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Activities

• Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival – One of nan astir magical events successful Leavenworth, nan Christmas Lighting Festival turns nan colony into a twinkling wintertime wonderland. Over 500,000 lights illuminate nan town’s Bavarian-themed architecture, while carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and basking cocoa stands adhd to nan festive cheer.
• Sleigh Rides done nan Icicle Valley – Enjoy a accepted horse-drawn sleigh thrust done nan snow-covered Icicle Valley. This scenic thrust offers a quiet, serene measurement to return successful nan wintertime beauty surrounding Leavenworth, making it a cleanable Christmas activity for couples aliases families.
• Holiday Shopping successful Leavenworth’s Alpine Village – The town’s shops and boutiques are each dressed successful their vacation best. You tin find everything from handcrafted ornaments to German-inspired Christmas decorations, making it a awesome spot to prime up unsocial gifts. Leavenworth’s shops connection a festive, small-town charm that larger cities can’t replicate.
• Wine Tasting astatine Local Vineyards – Leavenworth is location to respective award-winning wineries. Take a break from nan Christmas festivities and bask a wine-tasting acquisition astatine 1 of nan section vineyards, specified arsenic nan Leavenworth Wine Cellars aliases Icicle Ridge Winery. This offers a serene measurement to bask nan area’s section flavors during nan vacation season.

For firm travelers, it offers a near-Europe acquisition connected a U.S. timeline.

10. Asheville, North Carolina

Vibe: Artsy, warm-hearted, and wrapped successful Blue Ridge charm.
Signature Experience: Touring Biltmore Estate dressed up for nan holidays.
Activities: Mountain drives, trade breweries, downtown artisan markets.
What Makes It Unique: Asheville marries productivity pinch earthy beauty—perfect for quiet yet meaningful trips.

Its slower hit makes it perfect for professionals needing a break from fast-paced cities.

11. Park City, Utah

Vibe: Snowy, luxurious, and tailored for adventure.
Signature Experience: Skiing pristine slopes followed by fireside evenings.
Activities: Snowshoeing, spa retreats, and Main Street vacation strolls.
What Makes It Unique: Park City excels astatine blase wintertime travel—great for executives who want some thrill and comfort.

Hotels

• The St. Regis Deer Valley – A luxurious edifice located slopeside, cleanable for those who bask skiing by time and comfortableness by nighttime pinch a stunning position of nan mountains.
• Waldorf Astoria Park City – This upscale upland edifice offers some relaxation and adventure, complete pinch ski-in/ski-out entree and a awesome vacation atmosphere.
• Montage Deer Valley – A luxury spot offering a world-class spa and ski-in/ski-out access, perfect for a festive, upscale vacation experience.

Activities

• Skiing astatine Deer Valley Resort – One of nan country’s apical skis resorts, perfect for those looking for world-class slopes and snowy landscapes.
• Main Street Christmas Stroll – Take a locomotion on Park City’s historical Main Street, which is adorned pinch vacation lights and festive decorations.
• Snowshoeing and Ice Skating – For non-skiers, snowshoeing aliases crystal skating astatine nan section rink provides a wintertime wonderland experience.
• Spa Day – After a time connected nan slopes, indulge successful a relaxing spa time astatine 1 of Park City’s renowned wellness resorts.

It’s only 35 minutes from Salt Lake City airport, making it an fantabulous last-minute option.

12. Woodstock, Vermont

Vibe: Quintessential New England charm astatine its astir picturesque.
Signature Experience: Attending nan Wassail Weekend festivities.
Activities: Cozy inns, horse-drawn carriage rides, snowy stepping paths.
What Makes It Unique: Woodstock offers an intimate, nostalgic Christmas cleanable for professionals craving calm and authenticity. It’s mini standard ensures thing feels rushed.

Hotels

• Woodstock Inn & Resort – This quintessential New England edifice is nan epitome of cozy charm, offering luxury accommodations pinch a classical Vermont feel. It features a world-class spa, good dining, and easy entree to outdoor wintertime activities, making it perfect for engaged professionals seeking relaxation successful a picturesque setting.
• The Kedron Valley Inn – A charming, family-owned bed-and-breakfast offering a much intimate, homely experience. The inn is nestled successful nan scenic countryside and provides a cleanable spot for those seeking bid and serenity distant from nan hustle of metropolis life.
• The Treehouses astatine nan Resort astatine Topnotch – For a unsocial vacation experience, these luxury treehouses harvester comfortableness pinch nature. They are cleanable for professionals looking for a tranquil, off-the-grid flight pinch high-end amenities and scenic views of nan Vermont mountains.

Activities

• Wassail Weekend – A signature arena successful Woodstock, this vacation ceremony is steeped successful tradition, featuring horse-drawn carriage rides, a torchlight parade, and plentifulness of mulled cider. It’s an perfect measurement to soak successful nan small-town charm and festive tone of Woodstock.
• Skiing and Snowboarding astatine Suicide Six – Located conscionable extracurricular of Woodstock, this section skis area offers an friendly and relaxed acquisition for some beginners and knowledgeable skiers. The edifice besides provides snowshoeing and sledding, cleanable for those looking to bask a classical wintertime sports getaway without nan crowds.
• Christmas Stroll Down Elm Street – Wander done nan historical territory of Woodstock, wherever charming homes are adorned pinch wreaths and lights, and section shops show festive windows. This serene stroll offers a existent “Norman Rockwell” vacation experience.
• Vermont Artisan Christmas Markets – Visit section artisans and trade fairs for handmade vacation gifts, from woodwork to pottery to section artisanal food. These markets showcase nan champion of Vermont craftsmanship and are cleanable for purchasing unique, locally made presents.

CHOOSE YOUR CHRISTMAS VIBE

Christmas recreation doesn’t request weeks of planning, particularly for professionals accustomed to tight schedules and changeless movement. The concealed lies successful picking a destination that mirrors your December mood. If you crave cinematic vacation magic, classical cities for illustration New York aliases Vienna present timeless charm. If warmth feels for illustration nan reward you deserve, alert toward nan beaches of Miami aliases Honolulu. And if a quiet reset is calling, small-town gems for illustration Woodstock aliases Asheville connection abstraction to breathe.

The cleanable last-minute Christmas getaway is little astir really early you scheme and much astir choosing nan correct vibe—traditional, warm, aliases wonderfully offbeat. And for engaged professionals, that state to take is nan top vacation luxury of all.