2026 holiday travel: 5 festive spots worth a year-end visit

Key takeaways

• These five U.S. towns go above and beyond to celebrate the holidays, making them the perfect destination for travelers seeking festive surprises.
• New England towns like Carroll, New Hampshire, and Manchester, Vermont, offer a quintessential snowy wonderland, complete with sleigh rides and skiing.
• Those seeking warmer climates don’t have to sacrifice holiday cheer when visiting coastal towns like Mobile, Alabama; Charleston, South Carolina; and Santa Barbara, California.
• For our 2025 holiday travel guide, discover destinations with cozy accommodations, wintry activities and seasonal celebrations.

Merry and bright spots across the U.S. to celebrate the season

Carroll, New Hampshire: A classic winter wonderland

Situated in the heart of the White Mountains, Carroll and the surrounding area offer a quintessential New England holiday experience, often blanketed in snow. Spend the day exploring outside, then head to local lodges to join the après-ski scene and warm up with a drink by the fire.

What to do:

• Ride the Cog Railway: While winter trips on the Mount Washington Cog Railway don't reach the 6,200-foot-high summit, they do travel to the scenic Waumbek Station, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Special holiday-themed rides featuring Mr. and Mrs. Claus come with hot chocolate and a bonfire at the station, where you can roast marshmallows for s’mores.

• Enjoy Christmas at Omni: The Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods hosts a month-long Christmas celebration with a calendar full of festive activities, dining experiences and seasonal entertainment. Book your stay during the holidays to take part in the traditions, which include hand-cutting your own Christmas tree.
• Indulge in the Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour: Head over the mountains to Jackson, where you can ride in a horse-drawn sleigh on the Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour, stopping to sample locally crafted chocolates and sweets along the way.
• Hit the slopes: With its prime mountain location, Carroll is a stone’s throw from some of New Hampshire’s best alpine and Nordic skiing, including resorts like Bretton Woods — the state’s largest ski area.

Where to stay:

Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa: This large luxury resort makes it easy to plan your winter getaway. In addition to a spa and multiple dining options, you’ll have easy access to the largest ski area in New Hampshire.

Omni Bretton Arms Inn at Mount Washington Resort: Located just a short walk from the Omni Mount Washington Resort, this cozy bed and breakfast offers a quieter, more intimate experience — without sacrificing access to resort amenities.

Mobile, Alabama: Coastal cheer on the Gulf

Mobile knows how to have a good time. This Gulf Coast town may be recognized for its annual Mardi Gras festival — the oldest in the United States — but don’t overlook it as a holiday destination too. Experience balmy weather, fresh seafood feasts and a unique roundup of winter traditions.

What to do:

• Tour the Bellingrath Gardens Magic Christmas in Lights: This spectacular event at the historic Bellingrath estate features thousands of twinkling lights in intricate displays throughout the 65-acre garden. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best holiday light displays in the country.
• Ring in the New Year with a giant MoonPie: MoonPie Over Mobile is one of the town’s biggest events of the year — and one of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the South. The 12-hour festival features live music, kid-friendly activities and a humongous MoonPie cake to help you keep your energy up until the electric MoonPie drops at midnight.
• Take a holiday historic home tour: Explore Mobile’s beautiful historic homes, such as the 19th-century Ezell House and Oakleigh, which are lavishly decorated for the holidays and host special events such as a Candlelight Christmas choral concert.

Where to stay:

• Downtown: Book a hotel in the historic downtown area, and enjoy walkable access to the vibrant restaurants, museums and culture of Mobile.

Santa Barbara, California: Where palm trees sparkle

If you’re dreaming of a warm and sunny Christmas, consider spending the holidays in Santa Barbara, a seaside town on California’s famed Central Coast. While the town is a year-round destination thanks to its beautiful natural setting and vibrant art scene, there’s something extra special about it during the holidays, when its creative culture manifests in a host of festive events with a distinctly California-cool vibe.

What to do:

• Attend the Paseo Nuevo Tree Lighting Ceremony: Kick off the holiday season at the official tree lighting ceremony in downtown Santa Barbara, a festive gathering with live entertainment and photo ops with Santa Claus.
• Go sock skating: Don’t let Santa Barbara’s mild climate stop you from skating. Every year, the MOXI museum turns its rooftop into a skating rink using a specialty tile reminiscent of ice. Skate around in your socks while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.
• Browse holiday markets and window displays: Throughout the season, Santa Barbara hosts multiple markets and holiday fairs, where you can browse unique vendors and sample some of the area’s well-known wines. Stroll down State Street and through the paseos to enjoy the beautifully decorated shop windows of local businesses.
• Cruise the Santa Barbara Harbor: Take your celebrations on the water with special holiday-themed boat rides, ranging from 25-minute kid-friendly trips aboard the Lil’ Toot water taxi to elegant New Year’s Eve Champagne cruises.

Where to stay:

• Kimpton Canary Santa Barbara: This Spanish-style hotel in downtown Santa Barbara is just steps away from the upscale Paseo Nuevo and within walking distance of most of the town’s holiday events. It’s home to the farm-to-table Finch & Fork restaurant and offers perks such as a hosted wine hour and complimentary bikes.

Charleston, South Carolina: An architectural rainbow decked in holly

Charleston somehow gets even more charming during the holidays, when the city’s already picturesque historic houses are adorned with elegant wreaths, swags and other festive decor. The city also offers an escape from dreary weather — while winters in Charleston can get chilly, you’re unlikely to run into freezing temperatures.

What to do:

• Admire holiday decorations: Take a stroll through the Charleston Old and Historic District — especially along The Battery — to see beautifully decorated Southern homes. Think window boxes dripping with holly berries, wrought iron fences wrapped in evergreen boughs and grand magnolia wreaths hanging on front doors.
• Meet the Charleston Santa: Swing by for a free photo with Santa himself at the Best Friend Train Museum, home to the country’s first passenger locomotive. The Charleston Santa is a popular choice for families traveling with young children; make a reservation to join the fun.
• Watch the Holiday Parade of Boats: The classic holiday parade gets a maritime twist with the Holiday Parade of Boats on Charleston Harbor. Head to viewing locations around the city, including Waterfront Park and Mt. Pleasant Pier, to see dozens of boats studded with holiday lights sail by.
• Experience Aquarium Aglow: While the South Carolina Aquarium is a popular destination year-round, it’s especially dazzling during the seasonal Aquarium Aglow event. Visit during the holidays to see the aquarium decorated with tens of thousands of lights and enjoy holiday music — with a special appearance by Scuba Claus.

Where to stay:

• The Vendue: Located in Charleston’s historic French Quarter, The Vendue is an art-filled hotel with a vibrant rooftop bar and a modern Southern restaurant that shines a spotlight on local ingredients.
• Andrew Pinckney Inn: This elegant hotel is located in a suite of restored 19th-century buildings in downtown Charleston, making it a top choice for architecture lovers. Head to the glassed-in rooftop deck for complimentary wine and cheese tastings every afternoon.

Manchester, Vermont: A skier’s paradise

This quaint Vermont hamlet, with its picturesque, white-steepled church and covered bridges, is the perfect setting for a classic holiday vacation. Visit historic attractions and experience natural beauty in the Green Mountains.

What to do:

• Watch the Lighted Tractor Parade: The Manchester Lighted Tractor Parade celebrates the town’s agricultural roots with festively decorated tractors rolling down Main Street. Don’t miss out on this delightful local tradition, complete with sightings of Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
• Get outside at the Viking Nordic Center: Explore Vermont’s snow-covered forests at the Viking Nordic Center in Londonderry, which has groomed trails for classic and skate skiing as well as dedicated snowshoe trails. On-site gear rentals and family ski lessons make it easier for everyone to enjoy the snow.
• Tour Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home: Located just five minutes from downtown, Hildene is the 20th-century estate and former summer home of Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert Todd Lincoln. During the holidays, the historic mansion is beautifully decorated in turn-of-the-century style. Come to experience an old-fashioned Christmas and shop locally made gifts.

Where to stay:

• Downtown: There are several hotel options within walking distance of downtown Manchester’s shopping and dining and just a short drive from nearby ski resorts.

Book your holiday travel with Citi Travel

If you have an eligible Citi^® credit card, booking your holiday travel with Citi Travel feels like unwrapping a present to you, from you. Citi credit cardmembers can redeem their points to book hotels, flights, car rentals and attractions. Apply to become a Citi credit cardmember today, or log in to your account to start exploring your benefits.

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