If you enjoy a beautiful winter break just as much as a sunshine break, then the US is full of places that really come to life in the wintertime. With plenty of mountainous areas, snowy peaks and other winter wonderlands, nothing quite says Happy Christmas like a visit to these places:
New York
New York is often covered in snow in the winter, making it a truly beautiful setting. There are Christmas Markets to visit, ice skating in Central Park and if you are planning your visit over New Year then there is nowhere better to celebrate than in New York City. The famous NYE Ball Drop takes place in Times square, drawing huge crowds to the city and also being broadcast on TV to people around the globe. Each year some of the world’s best singers take to the stage and this year the Ryan Seacrest hosted event Rockin’ Eve will have performances from Christina Aguilera, Dua Lipa, Shawn Mendes, Post Malone and many others.
Aspen
If you are looking for a ski resort holiday, then one of the best places in the world to spend a winter vacation is Aspen in Colorado. It is ideal for skiers of all abilities and has an amazing Apres ski to enjoy after you have hit the slopes. Snowmass is just 16km from Aspen town which is also a great place to ski. The stunning snowy topped landscape makes this destination enjoyable for even the non-skiers in the party.
Yellowstone National Park
Hiking might not be an option in the height of winter but another great way to see the beauty of Yellowstone National Park is by snowmobile. A snowmobiling vacation is fun for all of the family, allowing you to get up close with the wildlife, see the stunning parts of the park and also visit the many restaurants to warm up and enjoy your evenings. You can also try cross country skiing, which is one of the most amazing ways to view the hot springs and other features of the famous national park. There are also night tours that will take your breath away.
Chicago
Chicago can get very cold in winter, so make sure that you pack your warm clothes! There is an epic sledding hill at Soldier Field where families can spend hours of fun and the Lincoln Park Zoo is another great place to visit. The zoo is actually free to enter and the ZooLights display is amazing. You can expect to spot polar bears and snow monkeys as well as loads of other animals. See Chicago’s enormous Christmas tree in Millennium Park before heading to the Christkindl market.
The US is one of the most perfect destinations for a winter break. Before you book your trip, make sure that you have arranged your ESTA, so visit the website to complete your US ESTA visa application. You are not able to visit the US without a visa or an ESTA, so don’t leave it too late to send your application.
