Published on December 6, 2025
New York joins Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia, and more in surging US travel as top Christmas and New Year destinations. With exciting events, light shows, and parades, these cities offer unforgettable holiday experiences. As the holiday season kicks into high gear, travelers are flocking to the country’s most festive cities, with New York leading the charge. From the dazzling Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center to the world-famous New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square, these cities offer a whirlwind of holiday cheer. Alongside Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, and Philadelphia, New York shines with vibrant celebrations, iconic light displays, and unforgettable parades, making it the ultimate holiday getaway for both locals and tourists.
New York City is a winter wonderland with timeless traditions. The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the dazzling Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes are must-see attractions. Dyker Heights in Brooklyn is famous for its extravagant holiday light displays, while the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Lightscape is a spectacular illuminated trail. Times Square hosts the world-famous New Year’s Eve ball drop, and The Nutcracker Ballet at Lincoln Center rounds out this magical season.
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| Event Type | Event Name | Description | Running Dates (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Show | Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree | Iconic tree lit 24/7 until New Year’s Eve. | All December – Mid-January |
| Performance | Radio City Christmas Spectacular | Rockettes’ dazzling holiday show. | All December – Early January |
| Event/Light Show | Dyker Heights Christmas Lights | Famous for over-the-top Christmas light displays. | Mid-December – Early January |
| Event | New Year’s Eve Ball Drop | The world-famous Times Square ball drop and fireworks. | December 31 |
| Light Show | Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden | After-dark illuminated trail with Winter Cathedral. | Late November – Early January |
| Performance | The Nutcracker Ballet | Performed by New York City Ballet. | All December |
Los Angeles offers an eclectic mix of holiday magic. The LA Zoo Lights and Enchanted Forest of Light bring vibrant after-dark displays, while the L.A. County Holiday Celebration showcases the city’s cultural diversity. Newport Beach’s Christmas Boat Parade is a dazzling spectacle on the water. For music lovers, the “Messiah” Sing-Along at Walt Disney Concert Hall is a festive highlight.Event Type Event Name Description Running Dates (Approx.) Light Show LA Zoo Lights: Animals Aglow Holiday light experience at the Los Angeles Zoo. Late November – Early January Light Show Enchanted Forest of Light Interactive nighttime light displays at Descanso Gardens. Late November – Early January Performance L.A. County Holiday Celebration Free, 3-hour music and dance spectacular on Christmas Eve. December 24 Parade/Event Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade Famous parade of decorated boats. Mid-December (Dec 17-21) Performance “Messiah” Sing-Along Holiday sing-along at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Mid-to-Late December
Chicago is a classic winter destination, blending world-class performances with festive fun. The Joffrey Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker is a must-see. The Christkindlmarket brings the magic of a German-style holiday market, while the Midnight Fireworks at Navy Pier light up Lake Michigan on New Year’s Eve. Chicago’s New Year’s Eve Celebration along the Riverwalk is a celebration not to be missed.
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| Event Type | Event Name | Description | Running Dates (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event/Performance | Chicago’s New Year’s Eve Celebration | Riverwalk event with live music and fireworks. | December 31 |
| Light Show/Event | Midnight Fireworks at Navy Pier | Fireworks over Lake Michigan at midnight. | December 31 |
| Performance | Grand Chicago New Year’s Eve | Massive party with live music and balloon drop. | December 31 |
| Performance | The Nutcracker | Performed by Joffrey Ballet at Lyric Opera House. | All December |
| Event/Light Show | Christkindlmarket | German-style holiday market with food, drinks, and crafts. | Late November – Late December |
Houston mixes Texas flair with festive lights and performances. The Houston Zoo’s Zoo Lights transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland, while Moody Gardens in Galveston boasts over 2 million lights. The Houston Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker is a local holiday tradition. On New Year’s Eve, the city hosts upscale parties and fireworks, ensuring a grand start to the new year.Event Type Event Name Description Running Dates (Approx.) Light Show Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo Winter wonderland with light displays. Late November – Early January Light Show/Event Moody Gardens Festival of Lights (Galveston) Over 2 million lights and outdoor skating rink. Late November – Early January Performance Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker Classic holiday ballet performance. All December Event New Year’s Eve Celebrations Parties and upscale dinners with rooftop firework views. December 31
Phoenix offers a distinct holiday experience, where desert landscapes meet festive lights. Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden is a breathtaking event featuring thousands of luminarias. Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker is a staple holiday performance, while Phoenix’s New Year’s Eve celebrations bring lively galas and DJ events to the city.
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| Event Type | Event Name | Description | Running Dates (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Show | Las Noches de las Luminarias | Desert Botanical Garden illuminated by luminarias and lights. | Late November – Late December |
| Performance | Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker | A major annual production of The Nutcracker. | All December |
| Event | New Year’s Eve Celebrations | Galas and parties in downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale. | December 31 |
Philadelphia is a city of rich history, and its holiday celebrations reflect this charm. The Philadelphia Christmas Village offers a German-style market, while Macy’s Christmas Light Show is a free light and sound experience. The Mummers Parade on New Year’s Day is a colorful spectacle, and the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Holiday Pops concert is a beloved tradition for music lovers.Event Type Event Name Description Running Dates (Approx.) Event/Light Show Philadelphia Christmas Village German-style outdoor Christmas market at LOVE Park. Late November – Christmas Eve Light Show Macy’s Christmas Light Show Free light and sound show in the Wanamaker building. Late November – New Year’s Eve Parade/Event Mummers Parade Colorful New Year’s Day parade down Broad Street. January 1 Performance Philadelphia Orchestra’s Holiday Pops Holiday concert series with classics and carols. Mid-to-Late December
San Antonio’s holiday season shines bright, especially along the River Walk, where over 100,000 lights illuminate the trees and bridges. The Fiesta de las Luminarias event features hundreds of candles lining the walk, while the Ford Holiday River Parade is a grand spectacle of decorated floats. San Antonio’s New Year’s Eve Celebration promises live music and fireworks for a perfect start to the year.Event Type Event Name Description Running Dates (Approx.) Light Show Holiday Lights on the River Walk Over 100,000 lights illuminating the River Walk. Late November – Early January Event Celebrate San Antonio New Year’s Eve celebration with live music and fireworks. December 31 Performance Fiesta de las Luminarias River Walk lined with hundreds of candles. Select weekends in December Parade Ford Holiday River Parade Extravagantly decorated floats on the River Walk. Usually the Friday after Thanksgiving
San Diego’s holiday spirit is full of festive cheer, from the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, a floating parade of decorated boats, to Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo. Balboa Park December Nights offers free museum entry and holiday festivities, making San Diego the perfect destination for holiday fun.Event Type Event Name Description Running Dates (Approx.) Parade/Light Show San Diego Bay Parade of Lights Floating parade of boats with holiday lights. Select Sundays in December Light Show Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo Special light displays, animal encounters, and festive fun. Mid-December – Early January Light Show Balboa Park December Nights Free museum entry and holiday festivities. Early December
Dallas dazzles during the holiday season with incredible light shows like the Dallas Zoo Lights, featuring over a million twinkling lights. The NYE Reunion Tower Fireworks Show is the city’s star attraction for New Year’s Eve, while Reliant Lights Your Holidays offers a festive celebration with live performances and fireworks.Event Type Event Name Description Running Dates (Approx.) Event/Performance Reliant Lights Your Holidays Holiday celebration with live performances and fireworks. Early December Light Show Dallas Zoo Lights Zoo transformed with over 1 million twinkling lights. Late November – Early January Event New Year’s Eve Dallas Multiple events including the NYE Reunion Tower Fireworks. December 31
San Jose is where Silicon Valley meets holiday magic. Christmas in the Park is a beloved tradition with over 40 musical exhibits, while Winter Wonderland at California’s Great America features millions of lights. San Jose’s local production of The Nutcracker is also a holiday favorite.Event Type Event Name Description Running Dates (Approx.) Event/Light Show Christmas in the Park Annual holiday tradition with over 40 exhibits and a 60-foot tree. Late November – Early January Event/Light Show Winter Wonderland at California’s Great America Theme park transformed with millions of lights. Late November – Early January Performance San Jose Nutcracker Local production of the beloved ballet. All December
New York joins Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia, and more in surging US travel as top Christmas and New Year destinations. With exciting events, light shows, and parades, these cities offer unforgettable holiday experiences.
New York joins Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia, and more as top US travel destinations for Christmas and New Year. These cities are experiencing a surge in holiday tourism, thanks to their exciting events, dazzling light shows, and festive parades. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic celebrations in New York or the vibrant holiday atmosphere in other major cities, each destination offers something unique to make your holiday season unforgettable. The combination of world-class entertainment and festive charm continues to make these cities the go-to places for the holidays.
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Saturday, December 6, 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025