Where to celebrate the season in the lower 48

Key takeaways

• Winter magic manifests in many forms, from the glittering ice sculptures of St. Paul to the fiery traditions in New Orleans.
• You can enjoy the mountains without hitting the slopes: Denver and Lake Tahoe offer accessible ways to take in the scenery sans skis.
• Urban centers like New York City and Minneapolis sparkle with special energy around the holidays, with experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
• Cold can (and should) coexist with comfort. The best winter trips balance outdoor beauty with indoor luxury.

Whether you’re craving outdoor adventures, frost-kissed landscapes or heaps of festive fun, some of the best winter vacations can be found in the continental U.S. The following destinations, ranging from the iconic to the idyllic, are ideal spots to make the most of the season with must-see holiday spectacles and can’t-miss activities.

Make merry in Manhattan

It’s the setting of all your favorite holiday films — and for good reason. New York City transforms into a wonderland come wintertime, with millions of twinkling lights and snow-dusted skyscrapers. Whether you stay around Manhattan to visit The Met’s massive Christmas tree (located in the Medieval Sculpture Hall), head to Brooklyn to ogle over-the-top home displays in Dyker Heights or escape to the Bronx to enjoy the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show, you’ll find spirit bursting from every borough.

Big Apple, bigger to-do list

Crafting the perfect seasonal itinerary can feel impossible in a city this vast. But you can’t go wrong by moving the Winter Village at Bryant Park to the top of your list. An alternative to the sardine-packed Rockefeller Plaza, this cluster of glass-enclosed shops is where you can indulge in some holiday shopping, free ice skating and serious snacking at The Lodge, a food hall that makes après-skate bites feel Euro-chic. It’s almost as classic as catching the New York City Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker.

Scenic detours

Not sure about New York’s notorious crowds? No sweat. There’s plenty of wintertime bliss to be found off the beaten path. The West Village carries an air of romance sure to thaw any chill, with winding cobblestone streets and historic taverns that feel straight out of a storybook. The Upper East Side is home to a more refined charm, with a plethora of impeccably decorated brownstones to admire. Grab a hot cocoa and spend a few hours picking out your favorites.

Have a Creole Christmas in New Orleans

Once you step foot in the historic French Quarter, inhale the nutty scent of fresh-roasted chicory coffee and hear a trumpet’s trill escaping a nearby jazz set, you’ll forget all about having a white Christmas. Because what your New Orleans stay lacks in snow, it more than makes up for in deep-rooted holiday customs, hearty feasts, spirited performances and, as always, a healthy dose of Southern hospitality.

Traditions as old as time

A city with as much history as New Orleans is bound to have collected a few holiday traditions over the years. Lucky for you, the locals still practice many of them today, giving you a peek into the past and memories that will last long after you leave. Make your way to the levee on Christmas Eve, when dozens of dazzling bonfires are lit along the Mississippi River to help guide Papa Noël (Cajun Santa) to midnight mass. Then head to your pre-made reservation for a Réveillon dinner. Once shared by families returning home from midnight mass, this celebratory feast is now a chance to revel with the entire community at world-class restaurants around the city. 

Sights, sounds and celebrations

For an even bigger spectacle, Celebration in the Oaks is an annual light festival that turns City Park into an awe-inspiring outing for the entire family. Whether you walk or drive the captivating 2-mile route, the more than 1 million twinkling lights are sure to take your breath away. Next, follow the sounds of the season to Jackson Square, where carolers of all abilities gather to sing beloved holiday tunes. With the iconic St. Louis Cathedral towering above and candlelight flickering across smiling faces, the “laissez les bons temps rouler” (“let the good times roll”) attitude can be felt long after the last verse fades. 

Discover double the delight in the Twin Cities

If you’re looking for the perfect mix of wind-chilled adventures and holiday activities that warm the soul, look no further than Minneapolis and St. Paul. With the widely celebrated Ice Castles, frozen waterfalls and 150-plus miles of well-maintained cross-country ski trails (check out the Three Rivers Parks day pass for access to 80-plus miles), the Twin Cities are the easiest way to experience a Nordic wonderland without the transatlantic flight.

Live it up in low temps

Embracing the cold is what the Twin Cities do best. Follow suit by gliding across a free outdoor ice rink or renting a fat bike with extra-wide tires made specially for snowy rides. Add a little culture to the mix with a snowshoeing expedition through Franconia Sculpture Park, where 50 acres of free exploration and contemporary art installations await. When your toes are just numb enough, don’t fret. There is a bevy of saunas and spas throughout the area to get your après-ski on (even if you never hit the slopes).

Festive fun abounds

The holiday spirit is strong in St. Paul. Held at the end of every January, the annual Winter Carnival is proof, with 10 days of festive parades, ice-carving competitions and tasty indigenous foods — all intended to share the magic of Minnesota winters. And where else could you stumble upon an immersive art exhibit on a frozen lake? Over four weekends in January and February, Art Shanty Projects invites locals and visitors alike to step out onto Lake Harriet and into a quirky world of DIY structures inspired by pop-up ice fishing villages.

Take advantage of the snow in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is certainly lovely in the summertime, but thanks to its consistent snowfall come winter, it’s one of the hottest ski spots in the country. But that’s not all. You can take part in a whole host of outdoor activities, from snowshoeing and ice skating to plain old sightseeing. The stunning alpine scenery, luxury infrastructure and numerous ski resorts that cater to every skill level make this West Coast destination a place where you can do winter your way.

Serious slopes

From bunny slopes to black diamonds, Lake Tahoe has no shortage of places to carve your own path. Palisades Tahoe is where the pros go, with chutes and cliffs galore — or try the equally formidable Kirkwood for fewer crowds. If you have family in tow, Diamond Peak has gentle slopes and killer views to keep the whole crew happy. Bonus points: It’s close to SNOWFEST, an annual 10-day festival starting the last week of February where you can take a break, enjoy live music or chow down on a stack of flapjacks with some locals.

The slower side of the Sierra Nevada

When it’s time to lay down the skis (if you ever picked them up), historic Truckee is the first place you’ll want to go. Venture around resort villages like Northstar and Heavenly before finding refuge in a heated cabana. Order a glass of wine and watch the snow fall. Take your spectating to new heights on the Heavenly Gondola, which leads to panoramic views of the surrounding mountains from a 9,000-foot-high observation deck. Or, to sightsee at sea level, board the M.S. Dixie II. The ship’s sunset dinner cruise to Emerald Bay is a crowd favorite thanks to magnificent views of Vikingsholm castle blanketed in snow.

Be charmed by alpine culture in Aspen

Everywhere you turn are snow-covered slopes, crackling fires and cozy lodges. This picturesque winter playground isn’t a figment of your imagination — it’s Aspen. Arguably the après-ski capital of America, it’s the best spot for travelers who want to mimic the decadent sporting lifestyle… but may never step into a pair of skis their entire stay. From gourmet restaurants and charming boutiques to a vibrant nightlife that shines through a veil of snow, this is where cold and comfort collide.

No skis, no problem

Skiing is undeniably a big draw for Aspen, but not everything here is intended to get your heart rate up. A foot pass ticket for the Silver Queen Gondola will guarantee you a leisurely, scenic ride up Aspen Mountain. Grab a table at the Sundeck Restaurant at the summit for innovative eats with a side of sweeping views. The Aspen Art Museum is a great place to escape the cold for a couple hours — and with free admission, you really can’t put a price on a visit to this cultural landmark.

’Tis the season to indulge

Aspen offers plenty of festive ways to fuel up, but none quite as memorable as the Pine Creek Cookhouse. Arrive for your reservation to the steady rhythm of a horse-drawn sleigh and settle in for a true bucket-list fine dining experience, complete with locally sourced fare and unobstructed views of the Elk Mountains. Then settle in for a fireside nightcap at one of the cozy cocktail lounges around town. Pro tip: Find one with live music to add even more joy to your alpine journey.

Beat the chill in blue-skied Denver

So you want snow globe vibes with 50-degree temperatures? Welcome to Denver. It’s the best of both worlds during the wintertime. Mild, sun-drenched weather makes weaving through colorful craft stalls at the Denver Christkindlmarket and ducking into eclectic galleries in the RiNo Art District even more enjoyable. And with glistening, snow-capped peaks as an enchanting view from your hotel room window, the spirit of the season is ever present — even if your choice of outerwear suggests otherwise.

Keeping the adventures central

Don’t want to stray from Denver proper? A mix of breweries, museums and art galleries ensures you never have to. Pop over to the Denver Botanic Gardens to witness Blossoms of Light, a decades-old holiday tradition that turns its winter gardens into a brilliant flash of light and color. Be sure to bring your appetite, too. Denver is home to excellent restaurants, many of which have earned recognition from Michelin, James Beard or The New York Times.

Venturing outside downtown

If you’re staying for more than a couple days, consider renting a car; much of the winter fun extends to the outskirts of the city. A short drive will take you to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which is not only a great spot for winter hiking but also home to Christmas in Color — a drive-through show that promises miles of lights, music and holiday cheer from the warmth of your car. A little farther northwest, a snowshoeing outing in Golden Gate Canyon State Park awaits. Feeling really adventurous? Take a day trip to Evergreen Lake for a spin on the world’s largest Zamboni-groomed outdoor ice rink.

A winning winter vacation

Whether it’s festive charm, snowy slopes or cultural vibrancy that will make your winter trip extra special, booking with Citi Travel can help to make it extra rewarding. Use an eligible Citi® credit card to earn points on hotels, flights, car rentals and attractions while you savor the season.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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