December transforms ordinary destinations into extraordinary experiences, and discovering cheap places to travel in December in the US doesn't mean sacrificing quality or adventure. From the snow-dusted peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the warm shores of Gulf Shores, America offers incredible value for winter travelers seeking memorable experiences without breaking the bank.
Whether you're drawn to the festive lights of Branson Missouri, the thermal springs of Hot Springs Arkansas, or the historic charm of Savannah, these destinations provide the perfect blend of affordability and enchantment. You'll find fewer crowds, lower accommodation rates, and that special December magic that makes every moment feel like a scene from your favorite holiday movie.
Get ready to discover ten remarkable destinations where your December travel dreams become reality—without the premium price tag.
List of Contents
- 1. Great Smoky Mountains: Nature's Free Winter Wonderland
- 2. Hot Springs Arkansas: America's Spa City at Holiday Prices
- 3. Branson Missouri: Christmas Capital of the Midwest
- 4. Myrtle Beach: Coastal Christmas Charm
- 5. Gulf Shores: Warm Weather, Cool Prices
- 6. Asheville: Mountain Magic Without the Crowds
- 7. Savannah: Southern Elegance at Winter Prices
- 8. St. Augustine: Florida's Oldest Christmas
- 9. San Antonio: Fiesta Navideña Style
- 10. New Orleans: Jazz Up Your Christmas
- Your December Adventure Awaits
1. Great Smoky Mountains: Nature's Free Winter Wonderland
The Great Smoky Mountains become a crystalline paradise in December, offering one of America's most spectacular free attractions. I still remember my first December morning in Cades Cove—the mist rising from the valleys while deer grazed peacefully in frost-covered meadows, creating a scene so perfect it felt orchestrated by nature itself.
Winter transforms the park into a hiker's dream. With leafless trees revealing distant mountain vistas and trails blissfully empty of summer crowds, you'll discover why locals call this the “undiscovered season.” The Alum Cave Trail becomes particularly magical, with icicle formations creating natural sculptures along the rock faces.
Accommodation costs plummet during winter months, with cabin rentals starting around $80 per night. The park itself charges no entrance fees, making it an unbeatable value for budget-conscious travelers. Pro tip: visit the visitor centers first thing in the morning to check trail conditions and score the best parking spots before other adventurers arrive.
2. Hot Springs Arkansas: America's Spa City at Holiday Prices
Hot Springs Arkansas embodies the perfect marriage of relaxation and affordability, especially during December's off-season rates. The city's natural thermal springs have been drawing visitors for over a century, and December offers the delicious irony of soaking in 147-degree spring water while winter air nips at your cheeks.
Bathhouse Row transforms into a holiday wonderland, with Victorian architecture providing the perfect backdrop for twinkling lights and festive decorations. The Quapaw Baths & Spa offers day passes starting at $35, while the historic Buckstaff Bathhouse provides authentic thermal bath experiences for under $25.
December brings the magical Holiday Lights display at Garvan Woodland Gardens, featuring nearly 5 million lights that rival any major city's display. The Tom Daniel Holiday Chili Cook-off kicks off the season, where you can sample championship chili recipes while watching downtown's holiday lights illuminate for the first time.
3. Branson Missouri: Christmas Capital of the Midwest
Branson Missouri becomes America's Christmas playground each December, offering more holiday magic per square mile than perhaps anywhere else in the country. The city's commitment to Christmas borders on the obsessive—in the most wonderful way possible.
Silver Dollar City's “An Old Time Christmas” festival features over 6.5 million lights and an 8-story Christmas tree that serves as the centerpiece for nightly light shows. The park's holiday transformation includes Rudolph's Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade and enough seasonal treats to satisfy any sweet tooth. Admission starts at $79 for adults, but the experience justifies every penny.
The true magic happens beyond the theme parks. Branson's famous music shows offer December-specific holiday performances, with ticket prices often discounted compared to peak season. The city's unique “America's Christmas Tree City Tour” showcases over 100 creative Christmas displays throughout the community, including trees made from unexpected materials like racing flags and library books.
4. Myrtle Beach: Coastal Christmas Charm
Myrtle Beach proves that holiday magic doesn't require snow, offering a coastal Christmas experience that's both unique and budget-friendly. December temperatures hover around 60 degrees, perfect for beach walks without the summer crowds or premium pricing.
The Winter Wonderland at the Beach stretches one mile along the famous Boardwalk, featuring over 10,000 lights and completely free admission. The nightly display from 5 PM to 9 PM transforms the oceanfront into a twinkling paradise, with holiday music creating the perfect soundtrack for romantic evening strolls.
Hotel rates drop significantly in December, with oceanfront rooms available for as low as $45 per night. The Great Christmas Light Show in North Myrtle Beach offers a drive-through experience with 2 million lights for just $20 per vehicle, making it an affordable family activity that creates lasting memories.
5. Gulf Shores: Warm Weather, Cool Prices
Gulf Shores Alabama delivers the rare combination of warm December weather and off-season pricing that makes budget travelers' hearts sing. While the rest of the country bundles up, you'll be walking pristine beaches in comfortable 65-degree weather.
The Annual Christmas Lighted Boat Parade represents one of the South's most unique holiday traditions. Watching dozens of decorated vessels glide across dark waters while positioned along the canal creates an almost surreal experience that costs nothing but provides priceless memories.
The Wharf offers ice skating and Photos with Santa, bringing traditional holiday experiences to this coastal paradise. With vacation rental condos available for under $100 per night and free beach access, Gulf Shores provides exceptional value for families seeking both relaxation and holiday fun.
6. Asheville: Mountain Magic Without the Crowds
Asheville North Carolina becomes a winter wonderland in December, offering all the charm of this beloved mountain city without the summer tourist hordes. The Blue Ridge Parkway provides stunning winter vistas, and with fewer visitors, you'll actually find parking at popular overlooks.
The iconic Biltmore Estate creates its most magical display during the Christmas season, with the mansion decorated throughout with holiday finery. Candlelight Evening tours offer an intimate experience of America's largest private home, while January visits provide significant discounts for those willing to wait until after the holidays.
Asheville's legendary craft brewery scene remains active year-round, with cozy taprooms providing perfect retreats from chilly mountain air. Many breweries offer seasonal beers unavailable during other months, and December's smaller crowds mean you'll actually get to chat with the brewers about their craft.
7. Savannah: Southern Elegance at Winter Prices
Savannah Georgia transforms into a Christmas card setting each December, with historic squares draped in Spanish moss and twinkling lights creating an atmosphere of old-world elegance. The city's mild December weather—averaging 65 degrees during the day—makes walking tours comfortable and enjoyable.
The Historic District becomes a living museum of holiday decorations, with Victorian mansions and antebellum architecture providing the perfect backdrop for festive displays. The Savannah Christmas Market in the Plant Riverside District offers a European-style shopping experience with local vendors and live entertainment.
Accommodation prices drop significantly after Thanksgiving, with boutique bed-and-breakfasts in the Historic District offering December rates starting around $120 per night. The city's famous trolley tours provide holiday-themed routes that showcase the best Christmas displays while keeping you warm and comfortable.
8. St. Augustine: Florida's Oldest Christmas
St. Augustine Florida creates one of the country's most spectacular holiday light displays during its famous “Nights of Lights” celebration. From mid-November through early February, millions of warm white lights transform the nation's oldest city into a glowing masterpiece.
The Grand Illumination marks the official start of the season, featuring live music and entertainment in Cathedral Plaza. What makes this destination particularly budget-friendly is that the main attraction—the lights themselves—costs nothing to experience. Simply walking through the historic streets provides a world-class holiday experience.
The Lighthouse Illumination offers over 20 lighted Christmas trees and luminaries lining the pathways, creating a magical atmosphere that locals describe as “Hallmark movie perfect.” Hot chocolate and spiced cider are available, while local ensembles provide carol performances throughout the evening.
San Antonio Texas brings unique Southwestern flair to December celebrations, blending Mexican traditions with American holiday customs. The city's River Walk becomes a ribbon of lights reflecting off the water, creating one of the most photographed Christmas scenes in the Southwest.
The holiday river boat tours provide a unique perspective on the city's decorations while offering shelter from occasional December chills. At around $15 per person, these tours represent excellent value for the experience provided. The boats feature holiday music and often include complimentary hot chocolate.
San Antonio's famous Market Square hosts Las Posadas celebrations, traditional Mexican Christmas processions that bring authentic cultural experiences to holiday visitors. The combination of affordable Tex-Mex cuisine, free cultural events, and budget-friendly accommodations makes San Antonio an excellent December destination.
10. New Orleans: Jazz Up Your Christmas
New Orleans Louisiana offers a Christmas experience unlike anywhere else in America, where jazz music mingles with holiday carols and Creole traditions blend with familiar Christmas customs. December weather remains mild, typically in the 60s, making French Quarter exploration comfortable and enjoyable.
The historic Roosevelt Hotel creates a winter wonderland with 50 themed Christmas trees and thousands of holiday lights decorating the lobby. The display costs nothing to view and provides a stunning backdrop for holiday photos. Nearby, Jackson Square hosts holiday markets and street performers who bring the season to life with music and entertainment.
Hotel rates drop significantly in December as the city prepares for Mardi Gras season, offering visitors luxury accommodations at budget-friendly prices. The famous streetcar rides provide an affordable way to see the city's holiday decorations while experiencing this unique form of public transportation.
Your December Adventure Awaits
December travel in America offers endless possibilities for creating magical memories without emptying your wallet. These cheap places to travel in December in the US prove that extraordinary experiences don't require extraordinary budgets.
Whether you're drawn to mountain snow or coastal warmth, historic charm or modern attractions, your perfect December getaway is waiting. Lower accommodation rates, fewer crowds, and special seasonal attractions make December an ideal time to explore these remarkable destinations.
Start planning your December adventure today. Your future self will thank you for choosing experiences over expenses, memories over materialism, and adventure over staying home. The holiday magic is real, affordable, and calling your name.
