Home » America Travel News » Las Vegas Leads Christmas Travel Boom as New York, Orlando, Anaheim and San Diego Draw Holiday Travelers
Published on
December 18, 2025
Las Vegas has emerged as the top Christmas destination as travelers favor warm weather, nonstop entertainment, and flexible holiday experiences over traditional snowy getaways. Strong demand for iconic city attractions, theme parks, and festive events is also driving heavy holiday travel to New York, Orlando, Anaheim, and San Diego.
This Christmas season, many travelers are skipping the traditional snowy holiday scenes and heading toward sunnier destinations to celebrate in style. As winter approaches, vacationers are increasingly drawn to destinations that promise warm weather, vibrant experiences, and festive celebrations without the chill of frost and snow.
Leading the charge is a surprising favorite: Las Vegas, Nevada. The famed city of neon lights, endless entertainment, and world-class nightlife has emerged as the top Christmas destination for 2025. According to a comprehensive analysis of travel booking trends, millions of Americans are flocking to Sin City to ring in the holiday season, favoring its unique blend of entertainment and leisure over more traditional snowy settings.
Las Vegas has been actively working to reinvent itself in recent years, moving beyond its reputation as a gambling hub to highlight sports, concerts, and immersive entertainment experiences. This new wave of holiday visitors comes as a welcome boost for the city, which had seen a dip in tourism in recent seasons.
Hot on Las Vegas’ heels is one of the most iconic winter holiday cities: New York City. Known for its sparkling holiday displays, world-famous ice skating rinks, and the legendary Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, New York continues to be a magnet for travelers seeking a classic festive experience.
Rounding out the top five domestic Christmas destinations this year are cities known for their sunshine and family-friendly attractions. Orlando, Florida, offers countless holiday-themed experiences across its world-renowned theme parks, while Anaheim, California, draws visitors with Disneyland’s seasonal magic. San Diego, California, closes out the top five, providing a combination of mild winter weather, scenic beaches, and a variety of festive events.
For those keeping an eye on their wallets, Priceline’s analysis also identified the most budget-friendly destinations for the season. Atlanta, Georgia, ranks highest in affordability, with average round-trip fares hovering around $305 for travel between December 19 and December 28. Other affordable options include Denver, Colorado ($327), San Diego, California ($340), Tampa, Florida ($350), and Dallas, Texas ($358), offering travelers multiple opportunities to enjoy a festive getaway without breaking the bank.
On the international front, Japan continues to captivate travelers during the holiday season. Tokyo leads the list of the most popular international destinations for Christmas 2025, showcasing a blend of modern urban attractions, traditional cultural experiences, and dazzling seasonal illuminations. Osaka also makes the top five, highlighting Japan’s enduring appeal as a festive travel hotspot.
Other international destinations topping the charts include Cancun, Mexico, celebrated for its sunny beaches and all-inclusive resorts; Paris, France, with its romantic holiday ambiance and iconic landmarks; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, which offers a tropical retreat for travelers seeking warmth and relaxation.
Overall, the Christmas 2025 travel trends indicate a clear shift in how people are approaching the holiday season. While traditional snowy destinations retain their charm, an increasing number of travelers are embracing sunshine, entertainment, and affordability, transforming the way America—and the world—celebrates the festive period.
Whether it’s the bright lights of Las Vegas, the winter wonderland of New York, or the tropical beaches of Cancun, travelers are finding new ways to make the holiday season unforgettable in destinations that suit their style, budget, and desire for adventure.
