25 Best Places to Travel Solo for Christmas in the US

Not sure where to travel solo for Christmas in the US this year?

Whether you’re dreaming of cozy snow-covered villages, festive light displays, relaxing spa days, or even sun-soaked getaways with a spiritual twist — this list has something for every kind of solo traveler.

Christmas can be complicated. Maybe you’re skipping the family gathering this year. Maybe you need to reset, reflect, or just have some fun. A solo holiday trip is one of the best ways to break free from expectations, create new memories, and reconnect with yourself.

From Hallmark-style towns to desert vortexes, snowy retreats, wellness getaways, and party spots that go all out for the season — here are the best places in the US to spend Christmas solo.

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Best Winter Wonderland & Ski Destinations

These destinations are definitely known for their winter sports, outdoor activities and snow, but many also have holiday festivals and even wellness activities that are perfect for solo getaways!

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is a popular holiday destination for the obvious skiing, but also for events and more that include the 12 Days of Aspen and adults-only 12 Days of Après with afternoon parties, plus tree lightings, ice skating, holiday market, sleigh rides and entertainment.

For those who don’t downhill ski you can go snowshoeing, tubing, cross-country skiing, go on naturalist-led hikes, dog sledding, coasting, snowmobiling, ride the gondola for the views, plus even more activities!

Where to stay: Hotel Jerome, An Auberge Resort

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is a great spot to visit during the holiday season. Highlights include Ski Santa Fe, one of the most popular US ski destinations with all levels and kinds of runs plus a ski school and holiday events.

There are multiple festivals for Christmas, such as the Native American Feast Days and Festivals. There are also events like a fireside artist chat and Winter Spanish Market in December.

Las Posadas is a community reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in the Christmas story as well as multiple concerts, such as the Santa Fe Symphony and Chorus and the Nutcracker.

On Christmas Eve there is the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, where thousands of people walk through historic neighborhoods lined with candles. If you’re in Santa Fe for New Years, there is also a free New Years Eve event!

Santa Fe is also a spiritual vortex and UNESCO site where many people visit to relax, as the iron content of the red rocks is known to help. There are also spas and mineral hot springs where you can go, including the Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa.

Where to stay: Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort

Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock, Vermont is probably best known for its Wassail Weekend in the holiday season, with the Wassail Parade where carolers dress in 19th-century style clothing, there are horse-drawn carriages and holiday decor and more festivities!

In addition, you can go cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing and more outdoor activities, and/or opt for a relaxing spa day.

Where to stay: Woodbridge Inn Bed & Breakfast

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

If you’re looking for ice and snow and the great outdoors, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge might be the place for you. You’ll probably want to go on a tour if it’s your first time and also if you’re going solo, because there’s no cell service in the refuge and you have to bring your own food and gear.

This area is pure nature, and you can photograph the wildlife and have adventures – if you’re into the cold weather and snow, of course!

Where to stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Fairbanks

Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Pagosa Springs is famous for its historic hot springs with 13 minerals, perfect for winter relaxation! For the holiday season, there is an Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration through downtown Pagosa, a Holiday Lighting Tour, and more activities.

Pagosa is also a winter wonderland where you can go cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh riding, dog sledding, ice fishing, skating, sledding, tubing and trail sliding.

Where to stay:

• The Springs Resort, where you can also get a day pass for the hot springs
• Healing Waters Resort & Spa
• Club Wyndham Pagosa

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is another amazing winter destination where you can go solo for the holidays. It’s known for its small-town charm, holiday events that include a Christmas Eve torchlight parade, ice skating, skiing and snowboarding and more winter sports, Noel Night, the Holiday Prelude, Christmas at Schmid Ranch, holiday concerts and more festive activities.

Where to stay: The Auberge Residences at Element 52

Deer Valley, Utah

Deer Valley, Utah is known for its Austrian ski vacation vibes, horseback riding, winter wonderland and events that include a torchlight parade, New Year’s Eve Party, Santa visit and more.

Where to stay: Goldener Hirsch, Auberge Resorts Collection

Best Destinations For Holiday Festivity

The following places are known for their festive events and attractions, and many also have wellness opportunities and places to mingle and party, outdoor activities and nearby skiing destinations!

Sedona, Arizona

Even though Sedona is in the desert, they’re well known for going all out at Christmastime, when the weather does get cold due to the altitude (it’s in Northern AZ). Storefronts are lit up with lights and there are a lot of holiday events you can attend. If the weather isn’t too cold, you can also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking with less crowds, ATV, skiing and horseback riding.

You can visit Tlaquepaque, the famous arts and shopping village, and they have a tree lighting you can attend in early December (the day after, there is also the Festival of Lights event).

There’s even a place to ski about an hour’s drive away in Flagstaff, the Arizona Snowbowl, where you can also take the gondola for panoramic views!

In addition, Sedona is an energy vortex where you can reconnect with your spirituality and gain clarity, as vortexes are considered to be places on earth where the veil between the spiritual and physical realms is thinner.

You can reach specific vortex locations by hiking, like Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa and more places (but be aware, these are a modern concept by a tourist – you can find your own vortexes by exploring, as this area has been considered to be sacred from indigenous tribes).

You can make Sedona even more of a spiritual and wellness trip by finding retreats, yoga and more healing experiences.

Where to stay: Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas (I stayed here – it has a great location right in Uptown, plus it includes hot breakfast and access to the neighboring time share’s hot tub, sauna and pool (without the sales pitch)!

Solvang, California

Solvang, California is known as one of the best holiday destinations around the world, known for its Danish-style celebration, Julefest.

There are tons of decorations and events including the tree-lighting weekend, Julefest parade, Market, Carolers, “Solvang Nisser” (where you track down Danish Christmas Elves), Candlelight tours, a trolley light tour and more!

Where to stay: Hotel Corque

Greenough, Montana

Greenough is an underrated holiday destination, especially known for Montana Ranch The Resort at Paws Up with the green o and winter experiences at the green o. You get your own private residence with a Christmas tree and more to make a perfect holiday getaway.

They have a lot of Christmas festivities to enjoy on a vacation like gingerbread houses, downhill tubing, outdoor hot tubs, visits from Santa and much more!

You can also participate in all the winter sports like skiing, tubing, sleigh riding, snowshoeing, snowmobiles, dog sledding and more.

Where to stay: The Resort at Paws Up

Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport, Maine has been called the “#2 Christmas town in America” by HGTV because it’s like visiting a Hallmark Movie set with small town charm and Christmas magic! There’s a town square with a giant Christmas tree and more, plus the 11-day Christmas Prelude, which includes a hat parade, fireworks display, street festival, Santa arriving by lobster boat, caroling, and more.

In addition, you can find more activities going on in town for the festive season!

🏨 Where to stay: Waldo Emerson Inn

This historic inn, named after writer and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, offers a cozy and reflective atmosphere—perfect for a solo traveler seeking quiet charm during the holidays.
If you’re someone who finds comfort in peaceful moments and thoughtful reflection, you’ll appreciate these quotes on solitude—including a few from Emerson himself.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is one of the most festive places to go because you’ll literally be surrounded by decor and events for the holiday season. From performances, to driving around and seeing the lights or going on the Santa Tram, or seeing amazing gingerbread houses, you’ll be able to find all the holiday spirit in Vegas.

There’s an ice rink, a holiday-themed scavenger hunt, holiday experiences and the world’s largest Christmas lights maze! You can also check out theme nights all December long through Enchant Christmas.

In addition, Las Vegas is a spiritual and energy vortex with many retreat centers like the Las Vegas Center for Spiritual Living, so you can visit with this as a focus for a meaningful solo holiday getaway.

Where to stay: Hilton Vacation Club Desert Retreat Las Vegas

Enchant Christmas: Various Locations

Held in several cities like Washington, D.C., Dallas, and St. Petersburg, Enchant Christmas is an event that offers the world’s largest Christmas light maze, ice skating trails, and markets filled with holiday cheer.

New Orleans, Louisiana

I live in New Orleans, where I’ve been for the past few years for the holiday season. It’s a favorite US holiday destination because of the many events and displays, like Celebration In The Oaks light display in City Park, the bonfires on the levee to guide Papa Noel, Caroling by candlelight in Jackson Square, the Krewe of Krampus parade, and touring homes decorated for the holidays in the French Quarter and Garden Districts.

You can also see performances like the Nutcracker (the traditional or a hip hop one), and gospel performances at St. Louis Cathedral. There’s a lot of good food and four course meals at restaurants, as well as ice skating at the ChristmasFest, Sailing with Santa on the Steamboat Natchez, and more!

One of my favorite things to do is go to the Chanukkah pop-up at Saba, where they have special dishes and drinks for the holiday. Also be sure to indulge in a Christmas King Cake (watch for the plastic baby hidden inside)!

Where to stay: Club Wyndham Avenue Plaza

New York City, New York

I’ve spent multiple Christmases in NYC, including one Christmas day working at Starbucks in Rockefeller Center (it was crazy!).

NYC is a dream at Christmastime because there are light displays everywhere, concerts and shows (I still need to go see the Rockettes), the amazing storefront displays on 5th Ave, the Christmas Market and Lodge with ice skating and the Lodge at Bryant Park (plus ice skating at other places), the Rockefeller Tree and much more!

Where to stay: Club Wyndham Midtown 45

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

I’ve been to Bethlehem, PA during Christmastime for an overnight stay (on a road trip to NYC) at Christmastime, and it’s a great spot to visit during the holidays! There is a lot going on – it is called Bethlehem, but it’s also known as The Christmas City.

There are many events, such as the Trees of Historic Bethlehem display, the Bethlehem by Night Motor Coach Tour, a Spirits of Christmas Pub tour, and more. There’s also a unique live Advent Calendar, Christmas Markets to explore, a walking tour through the historic Moravian district and much more!

Where to stay: Wilbur Mansion

Manitou Springs, Colorado

Manitou Springs is a well-known Christmas destination. Located at the foot of Pikes Peak, this mountain town has a Christmas Parade, Santa and tree lighting, New Year’s Eve fireworks, holiday markets, Victorian Christmas at Miramont Castle, concerts and more!

In addition, Manitou is a great destination for solo travelers who want to visit for wellness and relaxation. This destination is well known for its historic healing mineral springs, multiple spas and wellness centers like the Manitou Wellness Center.

Where to stay: The Owl’s Nest @ Manitou

St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is a favorite warmer-weather destination for the holidays because of the many events, lights and more. The Nights of Lights holiday display was called one of the top 10 lights displays in the world by National Geographic.

There are tours, concerts and performances, New Year’s fireworks, Sailing packages, carriage rides and much more!

Where to stay: Bayfront Inn

Taos, New Mexico

Yuletide in Taos is a great time to visit this area that is also known for its many spiritual vortexes. and UNESCO site, the Taos Pueblo.

For the holidays, the historic adobe homes are lit up with Christmas lights, and there are events, a holiday pop-up store, arts and crafts fair, Festival of Trees, the Lighting of Ledoux Street, tree lighting, bonfire, concerts, markets, Las Posadas, Procession of the Virgin Mary, a Deer Dance, parades and fireworks, New Year’s Eve at Taos Ski Valley, and much more!

Where to stay: Adobe and Pines Inn Bed and Breakfast

Saratoga, Wyoming

Saratoga Hot Springs Resort blends a relaxing hot springs getaway with their annual Christmas Celebration, Gingerbread House Reveal and New Years’ Celebration.

The resort has multiple holiday celebrations throughout the year, including a Thanksgiving Dinner, Haunted Hayride and even Oktoberfest – they have a Pub and Biergarten, Silver Saddle Room and Snowy Mountain Brewery you can hang out in while you’re there.

Solo travelers won’t get bored because when you’re not celebrating or soaking, you can go for a spa treatment or go on one of the many available outdoor adventures in the area.

Where to stay: Saratoga Hot Springs Resort

Williamsburg, Virginia

Christmas at Colonial Williamsburg is literally like time traveling back to the 18th century! They have tons of events throughout the entire season, reenactments, colonial decorations, live performances, ice skating, events like outdoor movies, candlelight tours, dining and more to enjoy. The Grand Illumination fireworks show is a standout event.

Where to stay: Bluegreen Parkside Williamsburg, Ascend Resort Collection

Chicago, Illinois

Inspired by traditional German markets, Christkindlmarkt is a holiday market in the US that offers a rich selection of holiday foods, crafts, and gifts. There are also live performances and events, from alpine brass bands to ballet performances. It’s a great spot for festive activities, from caroling to ice skating at Millennium Park.

There’s also a Christkindlmarkt in Aurora, Illinois.

Where to stay: The Hotel & Athletic Club at Midtown

Galveston, Texas

Galveston holds Dickens On The Strand the first weekend of December. It’s a festival based on 19th-century Victorian London, complete with Dickens-themed parades, street performers, costumed characters, street carts offering food, drinks, gifts and much more! Galveston’s historic district is beautifully lit, creating a festive and magical atmosphere.

Where to stay: The Mansion on 17th, formerly Schaefer Haus

Leavenworth, Washington

Christmastown is a Bavarian-themed village that transforms into a winter wonderland with over half a million lights for the annual Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival. The lighting ceremony is accompanied by live music, caroling, Santa, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Where to stay: Icicle Village Resort

San Diego, California

San Diego boasts the interactive Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour, a historic celebration with candlelight tours, carolers, and period-specific decorations throughout San Diego’s Old Town. Festivities include the Las Posadas re-enactment and lively mariachi performances.

Where to stay: Crowne Plaza Hotel Mission Valley, an IHG Hotel

Santa Claus, Indiana

This town is literally named Santa Claus, which makes it perfect for a solo holiday getaway for those who want to make it all about Christmas! Home to the Santa Claus Post Office, this town celebrates with holiday light displays, Santa’s Candy Castle, and festive parades during the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration. The Santa Claus Museum is a fun stop for visitors too.

You can also see Lincoln’s boyhood home while you’re there.

Where to stay: Santa’s Lodge

Natchitoches, Louisiana

One of the oldest holiday festivals in the US, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival (pronounced Nack-a-tish) is a six-week-long Louisiana tradition that includes a fireworks show over the Cane River Lake, a parade, and riverbank displays of lights.

Where to stay: Church Street Inn

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Experience New England charm with a historic Christmas Stroll down the cobblestone streets of Nantucket, where you can enjoy holiday shopping, Santa’s arrival by boat, Victorian carolers and more festivities.

The season starts with the Nantucket Noel, which includes the tree lighting on Main Street, and on the Friday following Thanksgiving there are decorated holiday trees lining the streets of downtown.

Where to stay: Carlisle House Inn

Pine Mountain, Georgia

Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens is an award-winning light show that covers over 2,500 acres, featuring dazzling light displays and a magical Christmas village where visitors can meet Santa.

Where to stay:

• Combine your ticket with an overnight stay on specific nights (and even add breakfast and/or a holiday decor package).
• Callaway Resort & Gardens

Asheville, North Carolina

I lived in Asheville for a few years growing up, and my first job was at the Biltmore Estate – one of the best places to go in the US for Christmas! My extended family also used Asheville as a meeting spot for Thanksgiving for many years, and we’d always go see one of our favorite things from living there – the Gingerbread House competition at the Grove Park Inn.

In addition, you can do a lot of outdoor winter activities in Asheville, like hiking, ice climbing and more. Asheville Wellness Tours has wellness activities like goat yoga and sound baths, which would make a great addition to any solo trip!

Where to stay: The Omni Grove Park Inn

What If This Christmas Could Be Your Best One Yet?

If you’re traveling solo for the holidays this year, it might not be what you originally planned — but it might be exactly what you need.

Because when you take the pressure off of how it’s supposed to be, you open space for something new: freedom, clarity, and the chance to make this season your own. Whether you’re soaking in hot springs, walking through lights in a historic town, skiing through fresh snow, warming up in a sauna or hiking under a desert sky — solo travel gives you the power to redefine tradition.

This kind of travel isn’t about running away — it’s about reconnecting. With yourself. With your values. With the possibility that this chapter of your life could feel freeing, even healing.

If you’re craving meaning through movement, check out my post on transformational solo travel, or explore the symbolic elements in The Field Guide to Sacred Symbols and The Power of Four eBook. You’ll find themes like Earth for grounding, Water for emotion, Air for release, and Fire for renewal — all woven through the kinds of journeys that change you.

Because travel is spiritual.
And sometimes, the most unexpected holidays are the ones that start to change everything.

Want to read about more places to travel solo for Christmas around the world? Read my guide here next!

💬 Travel may be solo, but you don’t have to go it alone.
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