Winter in the United States is known for traditional holiday celebrations and so much more. It’s the perfect season for world-class skiing and snowboarding, sleigh rides, small town charm, maple syrup experiences, winter wildlife adventures and cosy mountain escapes. July is the perfect time to start planning a winter holiday that could be straight out of a Hallmark movie with TTM’s destinations…
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Boston
Frostival welcomes in the new year and the snow-white city of Boston’s winter season with activations including a 75-foot Frostival Ferris Wheel on the Greenway, the Frostival Lodge furnished by Wayfair in Copley Square and much more. Frostival returns February 2027 for its sophomore run with bigger activations.
Follow Boston’s Holiday Lights Trail to explore the city’s beautiful array of festively festooned landmarks and neighbourhoods. From Back Bay’s spectacularly lit streets to the ‘must do’ tradition of skating on Boston Common’s beloved Frog Pond. Don’t miss the lighting of the Christmas Tree on Boston Common, scheduled for 03 December and always a huge party as the city celebrates its friendship with Nova Scotia. The tree is donated every year by the province to commemorate Boston’s assistance during the 1917 Halifax harbor disaster.
For a comforting winter vibe in Boston, order a hot chocolate from L.A. Burdick’s and stroll one of the city’s parks, like the Charles River Esplanade, Arnold Arboretum, or Mount Auburn Cemetery
https://www.meetboston.com/blog/post/winter-bucket-list/
Tennessee
Experience Southern small-town Christmas charm and the cosiest winter getaways in Tennessee.
The Victorian-era Christmas village of Rugby comes alive each holiday season to spread joy and cheer to locals and visitors alike. Experience how Christmas was celebrated in the 1880s during Christmas at Rugby with seasonal music, hot drinks and cookies, historic buildings decorated for the holidays, carollers throughout the village and a visit from Father Christmas.
Tennessee’s winter months also offer the mildest temperatures, unobstructed views and the least crowded trails for hiking and camping in Tennessee’s State Parks. America’s most visited national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has a wealth of winter hiking opportunities. With waterfalls, forests, panoramic views, and caves, the most difficult part of your trip will be choosing which trail to explore. One of the best winter hikes in the U.S. is the Trillium Gap trail that leads you to the 25-foot-tall Grotto Falls. The best access to this trail is via the Rainbow Falls Trailhead, which adds about 3 miles each way. It’s worth it, though – the falls are even more stunning after a soft layer of snow coats the surrounding trees.
For a cosy family stay, check out Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins in Pigeon Forge, which has an in-home theatre, and an indoor year-round swimming pool. Year-round, celebrate Christmas at The Inn at Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, the Christmas-themed hotel features Bavarian architecture, lush gardens and magical rooms. The Santa Suite transports visitors to the North Pole.
https://www.tnvacation.com/trip-inspiration/articles/winter-getaways-tennessee
Mississippi
Experience the magic of winter in Mississippi, where festive Christmas celebrations blend with scenic outdoor adventures.
Mississippi’s cooler months offer the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures, from peaceful hiking trails to scenic birdwatching spots. Clark Creek Natural Area in Woodville is a must-visit, boasting cascading waterfalls, beautiful hardwood forests, and moderate hiking paths perfect for winter exploration. Mississippi’s mild winters attract migratory birds, making this a prime time for birdwatching. The Mississippi Coastal Birding Trail in Ocean Springs guides bird watchers to the best viewing sites across the six-county coastal region. Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge near Starkville is a top spot for spotting bald eagles, woodpeckers, and ducks.
One of the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s most beloved holiday traditions is Biloxi’s Christmas on the Water Boat Parade. Beautifully decorated boats light up the Mississippi Sound while cruising just offshore. Celebrating 40 years this year, the parade travels east along the Biloxi waterfront from the Biloxi Lighthouse toward Point Cadet, with prime viewing along the shoreline between the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor and Oak Street. Following the parade is a spectacular fireworks show that lights up the night sky over the water, capping off the evening perfectly!
Tupelo, MS
From holiday lights and seasonal drinks to annual Ballet productions, Tupelo has many festive events and activities to get you into the holiday spirit.
The Cadence Bank Arena transforms into a holiday skating rink all season long. Visitors can take a spin beneath the glow of sparkling lights. Winter mornings are made a little more magical with a holiday-inspired cup of coffee, like the gingerbread latte paired with a fresh blueberry Danish from Strange Brew Coffeehouse, on North Gloster Street.
The Tupelo Ballet invites guests to experience its 44th year of “The Nutcracker” – a festive tradition for the whole family. The North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra provides the live music bringing Tchaikovsky’s timeless and magical score to life. The ballet will also have the honour of welcoming guest artist Lori Wilson, courtesy of Saint Louis Ballet, performing as the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Louisiana
From the twinkling lights of Christmas to classic Louisiana traditions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the holiday and winter season.
For six weeks, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival features more than 300,000 lights to charm visitors. Throughout December there are cookies with Santa, drone and fireworks shows, live music, a holiday market and the Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights. With seven stops along the trail, there’s Christmas magic for everyone.
Lafayette rings with zydeco beats throughout the holiday season, especially at their annual Cajun and Creole Christmas celebrations. Activities include everything from Christmas markets and concerts to holiday window displays and carolling. Visitors can enjoy Noel Acadien au Village with more than 500,000 lights illuminating the night. The living history village of Vermilionville hosts Old Time Winter Traditions, a monthlong celebration with demonstrations of historic arts and crafts of days past, from candle and soap making to cooking.
The Christmas Eve Bonfires are a classic Louisiana tradition. Locals believe that the fires light the way for Santa Claus (or Papa Noël, as the Cajuns say) and his flying sleigh to find the homes of good children. On Christmas Eve, the groups who built these bonfires gather to cook and mingle between the fires, continuing a tradition that has lasted for generations.
https://www.explorelouisiana.com/articles/things-do-celebrate-holiday-season-louisiana
New England
Ski season, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, wildlife tracking and maple syrup await travellers in New England.
Less than half an hour from Hartford, Powder Ridge Mountain Park & Resort in Middletown kicks off a Connecticut winter adventure with skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, and the fast-growing sport of “ski biking,” which has thrill seekers zooming downhill on bicycle frames attached to skis… Hang on to your bobble hats!
In New Hampshire, visitors can take a sleigh ride tour of The Rocks, a forest reservation and Christmas tree farm set on a 1,400-acre historic estate in Bethlehem or unleash the excitement of dogsledding at Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel in Jefferson. For a double dash of sugar and ski, Appleton Farms in Massachusetts is a working farm that welcomes winter visitors with snowshoe rentals and miles of cross-country ski trails. On maple season weekends, there are syrup-making demos and tastings at the property’s Sugar Shack.
Keen photographers will enjoy the setting of Portland Head Light in winter, whether settled in the snow, or during a wild Atlantic storm. Visitors can drive right up to the Lighthouse to catch the perfect shot, then head for a hearty and thawing seafood lunch in the Old Port district just fifteen minutes away.
https://discovernewengland.org/winter-family-fun-itinerary/
Tucson
Experience a uniquely Tucson holiday, where dazzling festive light displays meet the charm of historic ranches.
Each year, during the holiday season, the Winterhaven neighbourhood puts on a spectacular Festival of Lights. The neighbourhood residents decorate for the season with themes ranging from traditional Christmas lights to celebrations of Hanukkah. With over 60 illuminated buildings, trees brightly wrapped with LED lights lining the streets, and dozens of decorated storefronts, Downtown Tucson is fully immersed in the yuletide spirit.
The historic 1876 Empire Ranch house is decorated for the holidays and ready to welcome visitors for an old-fashioned country Christmas celebration. Enjoy complimentary holiday treats, seasonal beverages, strolling musicians, food trucks and more. Taking place on 12 December this year, visit the ranch for some holiday cheer and Christmas shopping.
https://www.visittucson.org/blog/post/holiday-must-dos-in-tucson/
North Carolina
Discover North Carolina’s winter magic, from thrilling outdoor adventures to local festive celebrations.
For those looking for adventure, during icy winters, the land of waterfalls becomes a frozen wonderland, making North Carolina one of the best ice climbing destinations in the South. Fox Mountain Guides operates in the Pisgah National Forest and offers expert-led trips. North Carolina is just one of two states where the climbing school offers ice-scaling expeditions.
Experience the 12 Bars of Christmas from Kitty Hawk to Manteo, where 12 local restaurants transform into festive holiday destinations, decked out with lights and garlands. Visitors can enjoy 33 days of delicious food, seasonal drinks, live music, and events from 27 November 2026 to 03 January 2027. Visit each location to collect stamps and redeem a keepsake ornament.
https://www.visitnc.com/list/hit-slopes-winter-sports-resorts
Raleigh, NC
The holiday season in Raleigh comes alive with wholesome traditions that capture the true spirit of the season.
For more than 80 years, the Raleigh Christmas Parade has been one of the biggest and best annual traditions in the Raleigh area. It is filled with marching bands, dancers, giant balloons, superheroes and more along a 1.4-mile route that draws a crowd of 60,000 spectators.
One of the most iconic Christmas displays is at Angus Barn, a family-owned steakhouse and Raleigh landmark. Thousands of lights, towering nutcrackers, animated reindeer, and more festive fun have decked the halls and dining rooms for more than a quarter-century. The tradition, started by two grieving sisters, has continued through the passion of community volunteers.
San Antonio
Winter in San Antonio warms visitors with a welcoming spirit. The festive lights meet centuries-old traditions, promising a special celebration.
The San Antonio River Walk glows with almost 200,000 lights and festive music fills the air. Natural Bridge Caverns’ Christmas at the Caverns features a walking trail of lights, ice skating, a reindeer maze, s’mores stations, and carolling inside the famous cave network’s spectacular natural ‘Ballroom’ cavern.
The Historic Market Square becomes the heart of San Antonio’s tamale season as La Gran Tamalada returns, offering workshops, food vendors, live music, and tamales to sample throughout the weekend. A timeless San Antonio tradition, La Gran Tamalada is a celebration of heritage and hands‑on culture.
https://www.visitsanantonio.com/winter/
New Orleans
Winter is one of the most wonderful times of the year in New Orleans with diverse traditions, heart-warming events, and dazzling decorations.
The historic French Quarter and Garden District mansions open their doors for holiday home tours. For a classic New Orleans experience head to the Celebration in the Oaks in City Park and take a train ride through 25 acres of holiday displays and view 600-year-old live oak trees dripping in lights.
It is a great time to experience Mardi Gras before the crowds as Carnival season officially starts on 6 January (Twelfth Night). Visiting in January or early February offers the chance to experience the city’s Mardi Gras atmosphere and enjoy smaller neighbourhood parades, colourful walking groups, king cake parties and community events.
In early February the city’s vibrant Vietnamese community is celebrated during Tet Fest at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine, dance and music, children’s activities, and firework displays on the final night.
https://www.neworleans.com/events/holidays-seasonal/christmas/
Maverick Helicopters
With cooler temperatures, winter is the perfect time to experience a helicopter tour with Maverick.
This winter, take the Las Vegas Strip Helicopter Flight night tour and enjoy unparalleled views of the Las Vegas Strip. Soar high above the world-famous neon landscapes including Bellagio, Allegiant Stadium, Caesars Palace, High Roller, Wynn Las Vegas, The STRAT, Circa, historic downtown and more. This ultimate flight over Las Vegas is a 10-12 minute experience offering stunning views above this iconic destination.
This November, feel the excitement of the Las Vegas Grand Prix from a dynamic and unique perspective with the Vegas Victory lap. Enjoy a glass of champagne before taking to the skies in a luxury helicopter and marvelling at the contrast between the Vegas Skyline and the twists and turns of the 3.8-mile street track on a cool winter evening.
https://www.maverickhelicopter.com/
Ends
For more information on the above destinations, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk
For media enquiries, more information, hi-res images or video, please contact:
Caroline Donaldson-Sinclair, PR Account Director: caroline@ttmworld.co.uk
For Meet Boston, Discover New England, and Visit San Antonio
Jennie Jordan, Senior PR Account Manager: jennie@ttmworld.co.uk
For Visit Mississippi and Tupelo CVB
Adam Aspinall, PR Account Manager: adam@ttmworld.co.uk
For New Orleans and Company, Explore Louisiana, Maverick Aviation and Tennessee Tourism
Anisha Hegde, PR Account Executive: anisha@ttmworld.co.uk
For Visit Tucson and Visit Raleigh
Maxine Hanson, PR Executive: maxine@ttmworld.co.uk
For North Carolina
Kirsty Dillury, Chief Communications Officer kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk
For any other enquiries, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk, email ttmoffice@ttmworld.co.uk or
call +44 (0)208 313 1717