Short on time? Watch the 60-second tour of all 8 trips below, then scroll down for each one’s 2-day plan, rough costs and what to book ahead.
Want a plan for your own dates and budget? Ask Kit, free, and you’ll get a day-by-day plan in about a minute.
December weekend getaways are the easiest way to get a real break this time of year. A two-night weekend gives you holiday lights, good food and a real break, without burning vacation days or the budget you need for gifts. Below are 8 December weekend getaways in the US, from snowy Christmas villages to warm desert escapes, each with a simple 2-day plan and a rough cost so you know what to expect.
How to read the costs: each range is a rough estimate for 2 adults, 2 nights, covering lodging, food and one main activity. It does not include flights or gas. December prices change fast, especially on holiday weekends, so check current rates before you book.
Want a plan for your dates, budget and home city? Each trip has a button that opens Kit, our free AI trip planner, with that weekend already started.
Quick picks: December weekend getaways by style
- Most festive: Chicago, Leavenworth, Asheville
- Warm weather: San Diego, Palm Springs, San Antonio
- Best food weekend: New Orleans, San Antonio
- Best views: Sedona, Palm Springs
- Easiest on a budget: San Antonio, Palm Springs
1. Chicago, Illinois
Big-city holiday magic: markets, lights and deep-dish
Chicago goes all in for the holidays. The German-style Christkindlmarket, glowing Magnificent Mile and cozy restaurants make it a classic December weekend. Pack real winter layers.
- Day 1: Christkindlmarket downtown (usually late November through Christmas Eve) for mulled wine and gifts, then a walk along the Magnificent Mile to see the lights. Deep-dish pizza for dinner.
- Day 2: Morning at the Art Institute, a walk through Millennium Park, then ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo in the evening (check whether tickets are needed for your night).
- Where to stay: The Loop or River North, so you can walk to most stops.
- Book ahead: Popular dinner spots on Friday and Saturday, and ZooLights if your night requires tickets.
- Rough cost for 2: about $600–$1,100
2. Leavenworth, Washington
A Bavarian-style village that feels like a Christmas card
Leavenworth turns into a storybook village of lights in December, with snowy mountains all around. It is very popular, so this is the one trip on the list to plan early.
- Day 1: Arrive by afternoon, wander Front Street and the shops, and stay for the lights after dark. Warm up with German food and hot cider.
- Day 2: A snowshoe or sledding outing nearby, or a gentle walk along the river, then a second evening in the village before the crowds peak.
- Where to stay: In town if you book early; Wenatchee (about 30 minutes away) is often cheaper.
- Book ahead: Lodging (December weekends fill up months ahead) and parking or shuttle info for lighting weekends. Mountain passes can need chains, so check road conditions before you drive.
- Rough cost for 2: about $700–$1,300
3. San Antonio, Texas
Mild weather, river lights and Tex-Mex
The River Walk is strung with thousands of lights in December, and the mild weather means you can stay outside all evening. It is one of the best-value festive weekends in the country.
- Day 1: Visit the Alamo, then spend the evening on the River Walk. A river boat ride after dark is the best way to see the lights.
- Day 2: Morning at Mission San José (part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park), then lunch and shopping at the Pearl district.
- Where to stay: Downtown near the River Walk, or the Pearl for a quieter, foodie base.
- Book ahead: River boat tickets on busy weekend evenings.
- Rough cost for 2: about $450–$850
4. New Orleans, Louisiana
Music, holiday lights and a festive dinner
New Orleans in December is festive without the summer heat. Hotel lobbies are decorated, City Park lights up for Celebration in the Oaks, and many restaurants serve special holiday Réveillon dinners.
- Day 1: Explore the French Quarter, see a decorated hotel lobby or two, then live music on Frenchmen Street.
- Day 2: Ride the St. Charles streetcar to the Garden District, then Celebration in the Oaks at City Park in the evening, and a Réveillon dinner if you can get a table.
- Where to stay: The French Quarter for walkability, or the Marigny for a quieter stay near the music.
- Book ahead: Celebration in the Oaks tickets and Réveillon dinner reservations.
- Rough cost for 2: about $600–$1,100
5. Asheville, North Carolina
Mountain town, grand estate and holiday candlelight
Asheville pairs Blue Ridge views with one of the most famous holiday displays in the South: Christmas at the Biltmore estate. Add breweries, craft shops and great food for an easy, cozy weekend.
- Day 1: Arrive, explore downtown and the River Arts District, then dinner and a local brewery.
- Day 2: Spend the day at the Biltmore estate for its Christmas decorations (evening candlelight visits are a highlight), then a relaxed dinner in town.
- Where to stay: Downtown Asheville, or a cabin outside town for a quieter stay.
- Book ahead: Biltmore tickets, especially evening candlelight visits. Parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway can close in winter weather, so check before planning a scenic drive.
- Rough cost for 2: about $650–$1,200 (Biltmore tickets are a big part of it)
6. Sedona, Arizona
Red rocks, crisp air and starry nights
Sedona is a calm December escape: sunny days, red rock views and cold, clear nights perfect for stargazing. If your dates line up, the Tlaquepaque Festival of Lights is a lovely evening.
- Day 1: A short hike or scenic drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, then sunset at a viewpoint and dinner in town.
- Day 2: A guided jeep tour or a longer hike, then shopping at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village in the evening.
- Where to stay: Uptown Sedona for convenience, or West Sedona for better value.
- Book ahead: Jeep tours and popular sunset dinners. Pack warm layers, since nights get cold.
- Rough cost for 2: about $650–$1,200
7. San Diego, California
Sunshine, sea lions and holiday nights
Want December without the cold? San Diego is often sunny and mild, with festive events like Balboa Park December Nights (usually early December) and holiday decorations around Coronado.
- Day 1: Balboa Park and its gardens (or December Nights if your dates match), then dinner in Little Italy or the Gaslamp Quarter.
- Day 2: Morning at La Jolla Cove to see the sea lions, then a relaxed afternoon on Coronado and a sunset by the water.
- Where to stay: Little Italy or the Gaslamp for walkability, or Coronado for a beach feel.
- Book ahead: December Nights parking or transit plans, and any seasonal attractions you want on Coronado.
- Rough cost for 2: about $600–$1,100
8. Palm Springs, California
Warm desert days and a mountain-top view
Palm Springs is the easy warm-weather weekend: pool time, mid-century architecture and desert hikes. Ride the aerial tramway up the mountain for cooler air and big views.
- Day 1: Pool or spa time, then a walk along Palm Canyon Drive and dinner downtown.
- Day 2: Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway in the morning, or take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park (about an hour away).
- Where to stay: Downtown Palm Springs, or a boutique hotel with a pool.
- Book ahead: Tramway tickets on busy weekends, and a spa appointment if you want one.
- Rough cost for 2: about $500–$1,000
How to plan December weekend getaways that feel like a real break
- Keep travel short. Aim for under 3 to 4 hours door to door, so you are not spending half your weekend getting there.
- Pick one base. One neighborhood you can walk around beats moving hotels.
- Book the one thing that sells out. Holiday light events, special dinners and tours fill up first.
- Plan one big thing per day. Leave room for cafes, wandering and rest.
- Watch the weather. Mountain roads and passes can need chains or close in winter, so check before you drive.
Not sure which of these December weekend getaways fits your budget and home city? Tell Kit where you are leaving from, your dates and your budget, and you will get a 2-day plan with where to stay, what to book ahead and a rough cost. You can change the dates or budget with one tap.
Costs are rough estimates for planning only, not live prices. Event dates, opening hours and prices change, so confirm details with each provider before you book. Some links on this site are affiliate links; we may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
