New York Joins Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and More in Driving Massive Tourism Growth and Skyrocketing Hotel Rates This Christmas – Everything You Need to Know Before Your Holiday Getaway

Published on December 6, 2025

As Christmas 2025 approaches, New York joins iconic cities like Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Honolulu in driving massive tourism growth across the United States. This festive season is set to be one of the busiest in recent years, with travelers flocking to these cities for their unique holiday experiences. Skyrocketing hotel rates reflect this surge in demand, making it essential for visitors to plan ahead. From New York’s magical holiday displays to Miami’s sunny beaches and Los Angeles’ glamorous events, each destination offers something special. However, with hotel bookings at an all-time high, securing a spot in these bustling cities requires early reservations. Whether you’re heading to Orlando for theme parks, Honolulu for a tropical retreat, or Atlanta for cultural events, this holiday season promises to be unforgettable. Everything you need to know before your holiday getaway starts right here.

New York City: The Heart of Christmas Magic

New York City is the epitome of Christmas magic. From the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to the ice skating rink at Bryant Park, the city transforms into a winter wonderland every December. As a global holiday destination, New York has long been synonymous with Christmas tourism, and 2025 is no different.

Tourism Surge in 2025
In December 2025, tourism in New York City is expected to see an uptick of approximately 15% compared to previous years. With more international and domestic tourists flocking to the city for its world-class holiday displays, the surge is attributed to the lifting of pandemic restrictions, increased flights, and the cultural draw of NYC during Christmas. The city is also seeing more families visiting after years of travel disruption.

Hotel Bookings Surge
Hotels in New York are facing over 90% occupancy during the Christmas season, with luxury hotels like The Plaza and The St. Regis experiencing record booking numbers. Visitors are staying longer, and there’s a noticeable increase in last-minute bookings. Official sources like the NYC & Company tourism board report that hotel rates for the peak Christmas period have risen by 20% compared to 2024.

Las Vegas: Entertainment and Holiday Cheer

Las Vegas is not just for gamblers — it’s becoming a premier Christmas destination, offering a unique blend of holiday charm and world-class entertainment.

Tourism Surge in 2025
Las Vegas has seen a 17% increase in tourist arrivals during Christmas 2025. While the city typically sees a holiday influx for New Year’s, this year, a holiday tourism boom is expected to extend through the Christmas season. Many visitors are attracted by the city’s Christmas-themed shows, festive events, and the mild winter weather, making it a perfect escape from the colder regions.

Hotel Bookings Surge
As a result, Las Vegas hotels are filling up fast. Data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) reveals that hotel bookings are up by 25% compared to 2024. Luxury resorts on the Strip like Caesars Palace and The Venetian are seeing their room rates climb by 15-20% during the holiday period.

Orlando: Family Fun and Theme Parks

Orlando, home to the world-renowned Disney World and Universal Studios, is the ultimate family destination during Christmas. Families seeking fun, festive activities, and iconic theme parks flood the city every December.

Tourism Surge in 2025
In 2025, Orlando is expected to see a 20% surge in tourism. Disney World alone anticipates an increase of over 500,000 visitors compared to 2024. This uptick is driven by both domestic families taking vacations and international travelers looking to enjoy the magical atmosphere of the holidays in Florida.

Hotel Bookings Surge
Hotels in Orlando are seeing 98% occupancy during the Christmas period, with many resorts like Disney’s Grand Floridian and Universal’s Cabana Bay Resort nearing full capacity. The increased demand has led to a 30% rise in hotel rates, with many booking platforms reporting peak pricing on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Miami: Sunshine and Christmas Cheer

For those seeking a warm-weather Christmas, Miami is a top choice. With its tropical climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture, the city offers a Christmas experience like no other.

Tourism Surge in 2025
Miami’s tourism surge for Christmas 2025 is forecasted to be up by 10-12%, as travelers from colder climates flock to the city for sunshine and festive events. Key attractions such as the Miami Christmas Boat Parade and the Art Deco district’s holiday lights are drawing both international and domestic visitors.

Hotel Bookings Surge
Miami’s hotels are seeing 95% occupancy, with the demand for beachfront resorts and luxury properties growing substantially. The official Miami Tourism Board has reported an average increase of 25% in room prices compared to last year, with high-end hotels like the Fontainebleau and the Ritz-Carlton offering premium packages for the season.

Los Angeles: Christmas Under the California Sun

Los Angeles offers a different vibe for Christmas, with celebrity-studded events, beautiful weather, and a laid-back holiday atmosphere. The city’s Christmas decorations, parades, and shopping opportunities attract tourists from all over the world.

Tourism Surge in 2025
Los Angeles is seeing a 15% increase in visitors this Christmas compared to previous years. Many tourists are visiting to experience LA’s unique holiday atmosphere, such as the LA Zoo Lights and Christmas at The Grove. The festive season also coincides with the rise in international tourism to the U.S.

Hotel Bookings Surge
Hotels in Los Angeles report 90% occupancy rates, with upscale hotels like the Beverly Wilshire and the Four Seasons Beverly Hills seeing room rates increase by 18%. Visitors are opting for longer stays, with many booking packages that include holiday experiences.

Dallas: Southern Hospitality Meets Christmas Cheer

Dallas, known for its rich cultural scene and southern hospitality, is becoming a top destination for Christmas celebrations. With major shopping malls, live shows, and family-friendly attractions, Dallas is welcoming more holiday visitors than ever before.

Tourism Surge in 2025
Dallas is experiencing a 12% increase in Christmas tourism this year, with visitors flocking to attractions such as the Dallas Arboretum and the Holiday at the Arboretum event. The city’s holiday shopping scene is also a major draw, especially with the high-end retail outlets in the area.

Hotel Bookings Surge
Hotels in Dallas are seeing a 16% increase in bookings, particularly in the downtown area. The Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau reported that hotel occupancy is up by 22% compared to last year, with average room rates increasing by 15%.

Atlanta: A Southern Christmas Getaway

Atlanta’s mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and festive events makes it an increasingly popular destination during Christmas. The city is known for its Christmas Tree Lighting at Centennial Olympic Park and holiday markets.

Tourism Surge in 2025
Tourism in Atlanta is predicted to surge by 14% this Christmas season. The city’s historical charm, combined with events like the Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker, is drawing families and holiday shoppers alike.

Hotel Bookings Surge
Hotel bookings in Atlanta are on the rise, with an 18% increase in occupancy during the holiday period. Hotels like the Four Seasons Atlanta and The Georgian Terrace are reporting room rate increases of 20-25% for Christmas bookings.

Honolulu: Tropical Christmas Bliss

Honolulu offers the perfect tropical Christmas escape with its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. The Hawaiian Islands are becoming increasingly popular for tourists seeking a unique Christmas experience.

Tourism Surge in 2025
Honolulu is expecting a 19% increase in tourism for Christmas 2025, driven by international travelers looking to escape the winter chill and enjoy a warm holiday. Honolulu’s festive spirit, including its Christmas light displays and beach events, is drawing large crowds.

Hotel Bookings Surge
Hotels in Honolulu report 93% occupancy, with high demand for luxury beach resorts like the Halekulani and Aulani Disney Resort. Room prices have increased by 22% compared to last year, with many visitors booking well in advance.

Chicago: The Windy City’s Winter Wonderland

Chicago is known for its deep-rooted holiday traditions, such as the Christkindlmarket and its famous Christmas lights along Michigan Avenue. The city’s festive events are attracting more tourists than ever before.

Tourism Surge in 2025
Chicago is seeing a 10% increase in visitors this Christmas, driven by the city’s iconic holiday events and family-friendly attractions. Tourists are flocking to see the Macy’s holiday windows and experience the festive spirit of the Windy City.

Hotel Bookings Surge
Chicago hotels report 88% occupancy for the Christmas period, with luxury properties like The Langham and The Peninsula experiencing 20% higher room rates compared to the previous year.

Boston: Historic Charm Meets Christmas Cheer

Boston, with its historical sites and charming neighborhoods, has long been a popular Christmas destination. The city is known for its beautiful Christmas decorations, festive markets, and the Boston Common Tree Lighting.

Tourism Surge in 2025
Boston is expected to see a 13% increase in tourism for Christmas 2025. Visitors are drawn to the city’s historic landmarks, festive events, and charming neighborhoods like Beacon Hill.

Hotel Bookings Surge
Boston’s hotel occupancy has surged, with rates increasing by 18% over last year. Iconic hotels like the Fairmont Copley Plaza and The Lenox are seeing record-breaking bookings.

Comparison Table: Christmas 2025 Hotel Booking Trends

Recommended Luxury Hotels for Christmas Travel in Selected US Cities

Why These Hotels Make Sense for Christmas‑Season Luxury Travellers

• Award‑Winning Reputation & Consistent Quality: Hotels such as Mandarin Oriental (NYC), Wynn / Encore (Vegas), and Four Seasons / Waldorf Astoria properties consistently feature in top‑hotel rankings and receive prestigious awards (e.g. AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Five‑Star). This ensures you get reliable luxury, regardless of seasonal crowding.
• Strategic Location for Festivities & Attractions: These hotels are often located close to major holiday‑season attractions — e.g. Mandarin Oriental and The Lowell in Manhattan give you access to Central Park, holiday window displays, Broadway shows; Wynn/Encore in Las Vegas puts you on the Strip for holiday light shows and parties; Waldorf Astoria Orlando puts you close to theme parks.
• Amenities That Matter for Winter / Holiday Travel: Luxury spa facilities, fine dining, concierge services, room comfort (especially important in cold‑weather cities) — all add value when you want a restful, indulgent break during a busy holiday trip.

Additional Advice & Tips for Luxury Travellers Visiting in Christmas Period

Book Early — And Expect Premium Prices

• The Christmas and New Year period is peak season in these cities. Luxury hotels tend to get booked out well in advance. For best availability, aim to book 3–6 months ahead.
• Expect higher nightly rates than off‑season. The premium you pay covers high demand, festive décor, holiday‑specific events, and possibly special packages (dining, events, concierge).

Look for Holiday Packages and Inclusive Deals

• Many luxury hotels bundle festive perks — holiday dinners, special events, spa treatments, or family‑friendly offers. If travelling with someone, choose hotels offering inclusive packages rather than just room‑only bookings.
• In cities like New York or Orlando, a hotel near attractions plus a slightly longer stay may offer better value than hopping between places on peak booking nights.

Check Season‑Specific Travel Conditions & Weather

• For cold‑weather cities (like NYC, Chicago, Boston), ensure the hotel offers robust heating, good insulation, and in‑house amenities (spa, restaurant, room service) so you don’t have to venture out in freezing weather frequently.
• For warm‑weather cities (Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles), beachfront / climate‑controlled comfort helps — but also check if the coastal weather or storms may affect air travel or beach access.

Balance Comfort and Flexibility — Plan But Leave Wiggle Room

• If you book far in advance, you get the best locations and rates — but also lock into fixed dates and pay higher prices. For flexibility, consider hotels with free cancellation until close to the date, or hotels that allow date‑changes (this is useful if flights get rescheduled).
• Luxury travellers often value spontaneity: pick a hotel with good concierge/concierge‑desk reputation (so you can ask for holiday‑special events, last‑minute reservations, in‑hotel experiences).

Factor in Travel Flow & Internal Logistics

• Christmas sees high domestic and international travel volume. Airports, public transport, rideshares in big cities (NYC, Chicago, LA) get crowded. For convenience, choose hotels with easy airport access or good private‑transport connections.
• For beach / theme‑park resorts (Miami, Orlando), think about transport between hotel, beaches / parks / city attractions. Having a hotel shuttle, valet, or easy car hire can ease holiday stress.

How Luxury‑Focused Travellers Can Maximise Holidays This Christmas

1. Mix Value with Luxury – Stay at one luxury hotel for half the trip (for comfort + lavishness), and perhaps split the rest into mid‑range stays near key attractions for cost efficiency.
2. Time Stays Strategically – Arrive a few days before Christmas Eve / Christmas Day, and leave after New Year. That way you get festive build‑up, holiday lights, events — plus avoid the highest peak‑night rates.
3. Use Hotel Concierge Wisely – Good luxury hotels during Christmas often offer concierge‑arranged holiday tours, exclusive dining experiences, spa bookings, early access to events — make use of these extras to elevate your holiday beyond just a place to sleep.
4. Pack for Weather & Events – If visiting cold‑weather cities: warm clothes, layers, waterproof boots. If going to warm/beach cities: light clothes, sun‑protection, and flexible outfits for both day outings and luxury dinners.

Conclusion: The Christmas Tourism Boom in 2025

As we approach Christmas 2025, the US is witnessing an unprecedented surge in tourism, with cities like New York, Las Vegas, and Orlando leading the way. This holiday season is expected to be one of the busiest in history, driven by the combination of post-pandemic travel recovery, increasing international tourism, and the unparalleled festive experiences offered by these cities. Hotel bookings are soaring, room rates are climbing, and the magic of Christmas is alive in every corner of the nation.