15 Festive Holiday Weekend Escapes
The most magical destinations to visit this Christmas season
If your holiday wishlist includes twinkle lights, cozy stays and maybe a little champagne by the fire, this list is for you.
Whether you’re dreaming of a snowy mountain getaway or a coastal town where palm trees shine in fairy lights, these destinations bring serious holiday charm. Here are some of our favorites to spark your holiday wanderlust. (For the rest of the list, grab the FREE Holiday Weekend Escapes Guide!
1. Leavenworth, Washington
A Bavarian alpine village that feels straight out of a snow globe. Over half a million lights transform the streets into a glowing wonderland filled with carolers, mulled wine and alpine charm.
Hidden Gem: Step inside Kris Kringl, a year-round Christmas shop overflowing with handcrafted ornaments, nutcrackers and holiday décor. It’s the perfect place to find a keepsake or spark inspiration for your own tree.
Don’t Miss: The Christmas Lighting Festival, where thousands gather as the village lights up, carolers sing and steaming cups of cider keep everyone cozy.
✨Bonus: Check into Posthotel Leavenworth, an adults-only alpine spa retreat where the entire focus is on rest and renewal. Think heated stone floors, roaring fireplaces, hydrotherapy pools and mountain views. It’s one of the coziest, most tranquil escapes in Washington and the perfect place to slow down after a day of festive activities.
2. Aspen, Colorado
Where luxury meets the mountains. Spend your days skiing powdery slopes and your evenings by the fire with champagne in hand. The whole town sparkles with garlands, lights and lively après-ski energy.
Hidden Gem: Plan your trip around The 12 Days of Aspen, a festive series of concerts, holiday movie nights, cookie decorating events and pop-up surprises throughout town.
Don’t Miss: Ice skating at Silver Circle Rink, right in the heart of town. Surrounded by mountain peaks and Christmas lights, it’s the perfect blend of cozy and cinematic.
3. Chicago, Illinois
If you love big city sparkle mixed with nostalgic charm, Chicago shines brightest in December. Think festive markets, rooftop igloos and twinkling city streets.
Hidden Gem: Step into Frosty’s Christmas Bar, a four-story pop-up packed with ornaments, themed cocktails and photo ops around every corner. It’s over-the-top in the best way possible and a must for anyone who loves a little holiday fun.
Don’t Miss: Stroll through Christkindlmarket, a European-style market filled with handmade ornaments, steaming mugs of mulled wine and traditional German treats like roasted nuts and strudel.
✨Bonus: Download our full Holiday Chicago Guide to make the most of your Christmas trip.
4. Charleston, South Carolina
Warm weather meets Southern charm with pastel homes wrapped in garlands and palm trees strung in lights. It’s a festive escape without the frost.
Hidden Gem: Cozy up inside one of The Vendue’s rooftop igloos, where you can sip cocktails above the city under string lights. Each clear dome feels private and festive, complete with blankets and skyline views.
Don’t Miss: The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, one of the Southeast’s most dazzling displays. Drive or walk through millions of lights, visit Santa’s Village and toast marshmallows by the firepit.
5. New York City, New York
Because no one does the holidays quite like NYC. From iconic window displays to skating beneath the Rockefeller Tree, the whole city feels like a Christmas movie come to life.
Hidden Gem: Head to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, where local homeowners go all out with elaborate displays that rival theme parks. The lights stretch for blocks, creating an unforgettable neighborhood tradition that’s become one of the city’s best-kept holiday secrets.
Don’t Miss: Visit Rockefeller Center to see the world-famous tree and skating rink, then wander Fifth Avenue to admire the ornate holiday window displays that make the city shimmer each season.
✨Bonus: Download our full Holiday NYC Guide to make the most of your Christmas trip.
