The Best US Cities for Christmas Season Travel

by Laurie Baratti
Last updated: 11:25 PM ET, Wed December 20, 2023

If, somehow, you’re still looking for a spot to spend Christmas or the final week of 2023, the personal-finance website WalletHub’s latest report has some important insights for you. It reviewed data on the nation’s 100 largest cities to find out which are simultaneously the most festive and affordable for celebratory getaways this Christmas season.

Key metrics across five dimensions (Christmas observance, fun and traditions, holiday generosity, shopping and cost) were used to determine the “best” cities for Christmas visits. 28 key indicators were used to create the overall rankings, and included considerations like Christmas tree farms, ice-skating rinks, bakeries, restaurants, gift shops, toy stores, hobby shops, candy stores, holiday decorations and charitable giving levels.

Combined with these considerations, WalletHub factored in the costs of travel expenditures like lodging, dining and entertainment, to come up with its list of the top 20 major U.S. metropolises for maximizing holiday enjoyment with a minimal budget. After all, Americans are already expected to spend at least $957 billion between November 1 and December 31 this year alone.

And, with high inflation rates ongoing, the current economy is having a substantial impact on consumers’ spending habits this holiday season. In fact, WalletHub’s recent Holiday Shopping Survey found that more than one in three Americans are foregoing Christmas gifts this year due to spending concerns.

“Inflation is weighing heavily on consumers’ minds, as well as their budgets this holiday season,” remarked WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe. “Whether we find ourselves in what amounts to a humble modern-day manger or one of the best cities for budget-friendly Christmas celebrations, the most important thing is to spend quality time with loved ones and create lasting memories. By doing so, we can find joy and inspiration in the true spirit of the season.”

A little girl waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Best Cities for Christmas Travels

This year’s frontrunning destination for Christmastime travels overall is Atlanta, which boasts a superb shopping scene and ample festive happenings. The Big Peach has a high number of bakeries and places to purchase holiday decorations to help you prepare for the holiday, as well as many opportunities across the city for donating time and money to the less fortunate. And, with its milder weather, outdoor activities like ice skating can be readily enjoyed by all.

“Atlanta features the third-most bakeries as well as the sixth-most shopping centers and holiday decoration options, giving Atlantans more opportunities to find the best deals for their holiday celebration needs,” said Cassandra Happe, WalletHub Analyst. “Pittsburgh is the runner-up for the best Christmas city title, featuring some of the lowest hotel room prices in the nation for your holiday travels and many affordable restaurant options if you’re looking to have an evening out.

“Orlando ranks third overall thanks to a wide variety of attractions, restaurants, and churches, making it an ideal location for those who want to spend their holiday outside the house. Nothing says Christmas like attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World or celebrating Grinchmas in Who-ville at Universal Orlando Resort,” she added.

According to the report, these are the top 20 best U.S. destinations to visit during Christmastime:

1. Atlanta, Georgia	11. Los Angeles, California
2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	12. New Orleans, Louisiana
3. Orlando, Florida	13. Cincinnati, Ohio
4. Las Vegas, Nevada	14. Denver, Colorado
5. San Francisco, California	15. New York, New York
6. St. Louis, Missouri	16. Honolulu, Hawaii
7. Seattle, Washington	17. Buffalo, New York
8. Chicago, Illinois	18. Washington, D.C.
9. Miami, Florida	19. San Diego, California
10. Birmingham, Alabama	20. Minneapolis, Minnesota