Places To Visit In December

1. Stockbridge, MA

Stockbridge might look just like a Norman Rockwell painting—and that's because it is! Each year, the town re-creates the 1967 Rockwell painting, "Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas (Home for Christmas)" during their annual festival. Old-fashioned cars line the main street to recreate the painting, and the public can tour historic homes decorated for the holidays.

2. Park City, UT

Why not escape to a literal winter wonderland for Christmas? Park City is a breathtaking place nestled in the mountains. There are tons of Christmas events throughout December such as holiday markets, sleigh rides, and a Christmas Eve torchlight parade, where skiers and snowboarders come down the mountain carrying torches to lead Santa into town.

3. Franklin, TN

Step back in time at the annual Dickens of a Christmas festival in historic downtown Franklin. The festival, which is in its 35th year, brings characters from A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist to life throughout its weekend-long festivities. Roam the Victorian Village and try Victorian era Christmas treats like sugar plums while listening to carolers. Stop for a chat with Jacob Marley or Ebenezer Scrooge before visiting Father Christmas.

4. Duluth, MN

Thousands flock to Duluth during the holidays to witness Bentleyville, a massive light display. The event is free to the public and runs through November and December. There's also a scenic train journey along Lake Superior, as well as a bustling Christmas village set up in front of the historic Glensheen mansion.

5. Essex, CT

There are plenty of reasons to visit Essex at Christmastime. Ride the North Pole Express, then keep things locomotive-themed at the annual Holiday Train Show, or do some Christmas shopping at the holiday village where you can also catch a stunning light show. Have dinner or even stay at the historic Griswold Inn for the perfect New England holiday.

6. New Hope, PA 

Who wouldn't want to spend their Christmas in this lovely East Coast locale? You're bound to experience a "white Christmas" if you do. New Hope is also home to the North Pole Express, where you and your family will be treated to Christmas carols, hot cocoa, cookies, and even a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus themselves.

7. Darby, MT

Tucked within Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains, this gorgeous town is the perfect place to enjoy a true cowboy Christmas. Over at Triple Creek Ranch, you can enjoy horseback riding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and more, and you'll find elaborate holiday décor all around the property and cabins. Guests are even given the option of choosing a real or artificial tree for their cabins, with ornaments provided.

8. Big Spring, TX

What's better than an all-American Christmas right in the heart of West Texas? This charming town is big on holiday spirit. In fact, it's been dubbed the "Lighted Poinsettia Capital of Texas." At the town’s historic Hotel Settles, you can expect to find a beautifully decorated grand lobby lounge complete with traditional décor. There's even a massive Christmas tree with presents underneath.

9. Denton, NC

All aboard! The Denton Farmpark’s Country Christmas Train in Denton, North Carolina is well worth the trip—both for you and any little ones you're bringing along. You'll stop by Santa's cabin, travel through a real-life "gingerbread house," and even sing carols at a church. With a population under 3,000, Denton is a fabulous, homey place to spend Christmas this year.

10. Blue Ridge, GA

A train ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and bona fide Southern charm? It's almost too good to be true. All that and more is available for your family to explore in this northern Georgia town.

11. Cape Cod, MA

Looking for boatloads of Christmas cheer with a New England twist? Head to Cape Cod! There are few things more picturesque than lighthouses decked to their nines in Christmas garlands, wreaths, and lights. What's more, the quaint seaside destination hosts dozens of craft fairs, parades, theater productions, and even a "Train to Christmas Town."

12. Manchester, VT

If you're a fan of White Christmas and are hoping to recreate the movie's iconic, rural Vermont atmosphere this year, there's no better place to do it than in Manchester. Guests from all over the country (not to mention the world!) look forward to spending their Decembers in the village. Our recommendation: Check out the mahogany-lined Wilburton Inn for a truly authentic Vermont Christmas experience—the whole place is lit up like a Christmas tree each year.

13. Atchison, KS

There may be less than 15,000 people living in this town, but that doesn't mean they're short on holiday spirit. Join the Atchison community for fun-filled, kid-friendly events including a Christmas parade, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a "coloring contest," and a Mr. & Miss Winter Wonderland Pageant. Trust us, grown-ups: You'll be jealous you can't partake in all of them yourself!

Best Places To Visit In Fall

 There are some amazing places to visit in our world. In fact, there are to many for me to name in one blog post but I'll list a few for you. In this specific post I'll be listing places that you can visit in the fall of the year. These places are know for their beautiful fall scenery and there's not a lot of tourists either. If you get a chance to visit any of  these places please feel free to share your experience and photos if you have them.

1. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville has everything you could want in a fall getaway. The quaint downtown area is filled with unique shops, galleries, breweries, and restaurants, and you’re almost guaranteed to see some local street performers as you wander around. Go for a hike in nearby Pisgah National Forest to spot beautiful waterfalls among the changing leaves, or take a scenic drive through part of the park to take in the beauty without working up a sweat. The Biltmore Estate is another popular Asheville attraction worth visiting; this Gilded Age mansion is the largest privately owned house in the U.S., complete with gardens and a winery. For private and cozy accommodations, opt to stay in a nearby tree house or cabin found on Airbnb.

2.  Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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Located near some of the country’s best national parks and most popular ski areas, Jackson Hole is a great place to visit year-round, but fall is ideal if you want to avoid some of the crowds and see the colorful mountain foliage. The ski season typically starts at the end of November, so time your trip for early fall to enjoy milder weather without the summer season visitors. A short drive to both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

3.  Berkshires, Massachusetts

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If you want to escape to rolling hills of stunning fall foliage, head to the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. There are several charming towns to choose from, including Lenox, Stockbridge, and Pittsfield, and at this time of year, you can drive from town to town while enjoying views of the colorful changing leaves. Blantyre, a Relais & Châteaux resort in Lenox, Massachusetts, was built in 1902 as a Tudor-style mansion and estate; today, it offers luxury accommodations for guests looking for a perfect fall getaway.

4. Sonoma, California

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Fall is an ideal time to visit California’s wine country. Wine lovers will want to tour the area’s vineyards and wineries – cloaked in beautiful red, orange, and yellow foliage at this time of year — or take a ride on the open-air Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley. Take a break from the wineries and go for an easy hike on the Bodega Head Trail for sweeping ocean and bay views, and be sure to grab some fresh seafood for lunch. Nearby Farmhouse Inn (voted one of Travel + Leisure’s top 15 resort hotels in California) offers guests a luxurious stay in wine country, complete with sommelier-led wine tours and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

5. Flagstaff, Arizona 

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Flagstaff is a nature lover’s dream in early fall. This Arizona city is surrounded by national forests, monuments, and parks, so there’s plenty to see and explore at this time of year. Learn about Native American history and culture at Wupatki National Monument, where you’ll find pueblos that were occupied 900 years ago, and visit the Petrified Forest National Park to see petrified wood and the hills of the Painted Desert. Grand Canyon National Park is just an hour and a half away, so you can easily take a day trip to this incredible national park and enjoy milder weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer months. If you visit in September or early October, you can go glamping at nearby Under Canvas Grand Canyon, which is open until Oct. 26.

6. Burlington, Vermont

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Burlington, Vermont is covered in red, orange, and yellow hues as the leaves change every autumn, making it one of the best fall vacation destinations in the U.S. Spend a day picking your own apples at one of the many nearby orchards, visit a pumpkin patch, or take a scenic drive to check out the beautiful foliage. After a day spent exploring, enjoy a local beer or two at one of the craft breweries in town. Hotel Vermont offers charming accommodations in the heart of the city, near the Lake Champlain waterfront.

7. Telluride, Colorado

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You might think of Telluride as a winter ski destination, but this Colorado town is beautiful all year round. Early fall is ideal if you’re looking for colorful foliage in a breathtaking mountain setting. Visit in September or early October to take full advantage of the season’s offerings. Go for a hike or bike ride, or take in 360-degree views of the mountains and valley from the gondola, which runs until the end of the summer season on Oct. 18, before pausing until the winter season begins. You could also opt to visit in early December to enjoy the first days of the ski season (which typically starts around Thanksgiving Day). The Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection is a perfect basecamp for all your outdoor activities, with ski-in, ski-out access and close proximity to hiking trails.

8. Maui, Hawaii

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Sure, brightly colored fall foliage is nice, but autumn is also the perfect time to head to beachy, tropical destinations. Maui was voted the top island in Hawaiiby Travel + Leisure readers in the 2020 World’s Best Awards, and once you visit, you’ll see why. Here, you can lounge on beautiful beaches, go hiking in a rain forest, or just relax at one of the many stunning resorts on this island. Adults-only Hotel Wailea is perfect for a romantic getaway, while Montage Kapalua Bayoffers Paintbox, a program for kids ages five to 12. This summer, Hawaii required all visitors to quarantine upon arrival, but soon, visitors may be able to avoid that if they show proof of a negative coronavirus test.

9. Bermuda 

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Escape cooler autumn temperatures for sunny Bermuda this fall. Bermuda reopened for international travel in July, and visitors have to follow a number of health and safety protocols, including showing a negative COVID-19 test taken up to one week before departure. Bars and restaurants have reopened, and beaches have physical distancing measures in place, so you can enjoy the island’s popular pink-sand beaches in peace. The Loren and the Hamilton Princess are among the popular luxury accommodations on the island.