Christmas for many means snow-laden fir trees, choirs singing and festive markets stocked with decadent treats. While for some the weather might be milder, each of these cities takes particular pride in bringing the festive season alive.

Georgetown, Washington D.C.

In the year of a new President what better place to visit than Washington D.C.? In Georgetown, its most historic and picturesque neighbourhood, the Georgetown Glow offers a wonderful light-filled public art display to celebrate the Christmas season.
 
Georgetown Glow - Image courtesy of Georgetown Glow DC
 

Eight local, regional and international artists have been commissioned to make light-art works that are set against the backdrop of Georgetown’s historic location along Wisconsin Avenue NW. As well as this stunning show, there are also Georgetown’s go-to destinations to check out – the excellent shopping, lively bar scene and world-class restaurants, housed in some of America’s best preserved buildings.
 

 
Originally the area where George Gordon constructed a tobacco inspection house in 1745, where a trading post had already been established, Georgetown quickly grew into a thriving port. Now one of America’s smartest towns (in both senses, as it is home to the eponymous university), the food and the shopping fulfil any visitors’ needs.
 
The Georgetown Ritz Carlton - Image courtesy of Ritz Carlton
 

Walk to the waterfront and enjoy a winter warmer as you take in the Potomac, and find a comfy base at the Ritz-Carlton or The Graham. And of course with changes underway in the city’s capital in 2017 stroll to see its top landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, the White House and numerous sites along the National Mall. Fly straight into Ronald Reagan airport and discover Georgetown today.

Charleston, South Carolina

Neighbouring Mexico’s ubiquitous Christmas decoration, the vibrant poinsettia, actually got its name from Charlestonian Joel Roberts Poinsett, the U.S.A’s first ambassador to Mexico in the 1820s, and for a gentile holiday vibe Charleston’s old world charm provides an excellent setting.
 
The Festival of Lights - Image courtesy of Traveler of Charleston
 

This year the James Island County Park hosts its 27th annual Festival of Lights. Named one of the top 10 light shows in the country by USA Today, the park is filled with over 700 light displays, as visitors enjoy food, shopping and entertaining. Food plays an important role here, and from holiday grits to She-Crab soup, there are many warming local delicacies that appear on Christmas menus across the city.
 
The main focus of official celebrations is at Marion Square, which houses a 60-foot tree and entertainment stage, though to see something truly Charlestonian visit Drayton Hall, the 270-year-old plantation house that sits on the Ashley River, where lights twinkle and Gullah spirituals, first sung by the plantation workers, are performed by candlelight. Land at Charleston International airport and be at Marion Square in no time.
 

Las Vegas, Nevada

If you fancy some full-blown fun, head to Nevada’s party and gambling capital in the desert, Las Vegas. The Bellagio’s 14,000 square foot conservatory and botanical garden features a 42-foot white fir Christmas tree, flying reindeer, and spectacular decorations bringing the seasonal spirit to this lush horticultural oasis.
 
The Bellagio Conservatory - Image courtesy of Vital Vegas
 
The hotel’s winter experience also includes a family of penguins and two trains departing for the “North Pole”. Afterwards enjoy what the city is known for, and keep your fingers crossed for a big win to usher in the New Year. Avoid the hustle and bustle of flying commercially and land at McCarran airport, only 11 minutes away from The Bellagio.
 
Whether it’s a colourful party spirit you are after, refined old world charm in a mild climate, or a white Christmas in the desert, these are just some of America’s most festive destinations adding their own spin to the holiday season.