Let’s be real: watching the ball drop in Times Square or ice skating at Rockefeller Center is on everyone’s bucket list. But have you seen the flight prices to NYC in December? Ouch.

If you’re itching for a holiday getaway but don’t want to spend your entire gift budget on a plane seat, you’ve got options. The US is packed with hidden gems that offer all the holiday magic without the big-city markup. For US travelers looking to stretch their dollar, we’ve rounded up the best places to visit during christmas in USA where the cocoa is hot, the lights are twinkling, and the airfare won't make you cry.

Here are the top spots to soak up the holiday spirit complete with flight hacks to get you there for cheap.

1. Leavenworth, Washington

If you can’t afford a flight to Germany, Leavenworth is the best place in America for Christmas to get that authentic European vibe. This tiny village in the Cascade Mountains transforms into a living snow globe, complete with half-timbered buildings, roasting chestnuts, and over half a million Christmas lights. It is quite literally a Hallmark movie come to life.

Flight Hack for Cheap Tickets:

Don't try to fly into a small regional airport nearby. Instead, book a flight to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Since SEA is a major West Coast hub, you can often find competitive domestic fares from almost anywhere in the US. From there, rent a car for the breathtaking 2-hour drive through the mountains.

• Pro Tip: Book at least 3 weeks in advance to snag the lowest "saver" fares into Seattle.

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

Vegas for Christmas? Absolutely. While everyone else is freezing, you could be walking down the Strip marveling at the Bellagio Conservatory’s insane holiday floral displays or ice skating at the Cosmopolitan. The casinos spare no expense on decorations, making it one of the most visually stunning best places to visit during christmas holidays.

Flight Hack for Cheap Tickets:

Here’s a little secret: December is historically one of the cheapest months to fly to Las Vegas. While flight prices skyrocket for New Year's Eve, the weeks leading up to Christmas (specifically early-to-mid December) are often a "dead zone" for Vegas tourism. You can frequently find round-trip tickets for under $200 from major US cities. Or you can call ExperianAirfare to get your cheap flight tickets to Las Vegas. 

3. Asheville, North Carolina

For a holiday that feels a bit more like The Great Gatsby, head to Asheville. It’s home to the Biltmore Estate, America's largest home, which is decked out with dozens of Christmas trees and miles of garland. Beyond the mansion, downtown Asheville is a hipster paradise of craft breweries and art galleries, making it one of the best places to visit around Christmas for couples and friends.

Flight Hack for Cheap Tickets:

Flying directly into Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) can be pricey because it's smaller. The smart move? Fly into Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). It’s a massive American Airlines hub, meaning more flight options and cheaper seats. The drive from Charlotte to Asheville is about 2 hours and super scenic.

4. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Forget the commercial glitter; Santa Fe offers a soulful holiday experience you won’t find anywhere else. Instead of electric lights, the city glows with farolitos (paper lanterns) lining the adobe rooftops. The Midnight Mass and the Canyon Road Farolito Walk are bucket-list experiences that make this one of the most unique and best places to visit during Christmas in USA.

Flight Hack for Cheap Tickets:

Skip the tiny Santa Fe Regional Airport. Book your ticket to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) instead. It’s only an hour away by car (or a cheap shuttle ride). Albuquerque is a major destination for Southwest Airlines, which means you can often score dazzlingly cheap fares and check two bags for free, perfect for bringing home holiday gifts.

5. Chicago, Illinois

If you crave big-city energy bustling markets, tall buildings, massive trees but can’t stomach NYC prices, Chicago is your savior. The Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza is one of the biggest traditional German markets in the country. Yes, it will be cold, but the Midwest hospitality (and deep-dish pizza) will warm you right up.

Flight Hack for Cheap Tickets:

Chicago is a budget traveler's dream because it has two major airports fighting for your business: O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW). This competition keeps prices lower than other major metros.

• Pro Tip: Check flights into Midway first; it’s a focus city for budget carriers like Southwest, often resulting in cheaper fares than O'Hare.

Final Thoughts

You don't need a New York City budget to have a magical holiday. Whether you choose the snowy peaks of Washington or the desert glow of New Mexico, these cities prove that the best places to visit during christmas in USA are often the ones that leave you with a little extra cash in your pocket for stocking stuffers.

Pack your bags, and go book that cheap flight before the secret gets out with ExperianAirfare now. Because who said Christmas has to be all extravaganza.