Last updated on February 19, 2024
What you'll learn:
Best Cities for Christmas in USA
If cozying up at home for the holidays isn’t your vibe this year, perhaps exploring new festive corners is calling your name.
Luckily, WalletHub’s latest study, “Best Cities For Christmas in 2023,” has your back with the ultimate guide to merry celebrations without breaking the bank.
The Quest for Glittering Christmas Escapes WalletHub delved into 28 key indicators across the 100 largest U.S. cities, encompassing traditions, observance, generosity, shopping, and costs to unveil the brightest holiday hotspots that won’t dent your wallet.
Forget the North Pole—let’s peek at the 9 cities weaving their magic into holiday cheer right here in the States.
Discover Atlanta, GA, a hub for fantastic shopping, numerous bakeries, and places teeming with holiday decor. Or consider Orlando, FL, reigning with the highest number of gift shops per capita.
Dive into the holiday spirit at Las Vegas, NV’s Cosmopolitan Ice Rink, boasting over 4,000 square feet of genuine ice, or embark on St. Louis, MO’s Union Station Polar Express, channeling the mythical North Pole as seen in beloved holiday movies.
And guess what? Miami, of all places, flaunts the most Christmas tree farms per capita!
Ranking the Festivities Check out the rundown of these festive cities:
Rank | City | Total Score* | Traditions & Fun Rank | Observance Rank | Generosity Rank | Shopping Rank | Costs Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Atlanta, GA | 62 | 8 | 26 | 5 | 5 | 70 |
| #2 | Pittsburgh, PA | 62 | 23 | 3 | 7 | 9 | 28 |
| #3 | Orlando, FL | 60 | 4 | 10 | 68 | 2 | 81 |
| #4 | Las Vegas, NV | 61 | 3 | 44 | 63 | 1 | 38 |
| #5 | San Francisco, CA | 58 | 2 | 68 | 4 | 11 | 93 |
| #6 | St. Louis, MO | 58 | 21 | 5 | 22 | 14 | 47 |
| #7 | Seattle, WA | 58 | 9 | 80 | 1 | 13 | 97 |
| #8 | Chicago, IL | 56 | 5 | 93 | 10 | 17 | 40 |
| #9 | Miami, FL | 56 | 6 | 24 | 75 | 10 | 88 |
How to Save Money on Christmas
While reveling in the holiday spirit, here are some tricks to keep the festive spirit high without straining your wallet:
- Craft a Budget: Entertaining a large group? Consider a “Secret Santa” or setting limits on gifts to keep costs manageable.
- Shop Smart: Keep an eye out for holiday sales at major stores like Amazon, Target, or Walmart. Consider credit cards tailored for holiday shopping.
- DIY Gifts: Personalize your presents by crafting or baking them yourself, saving money and adding a personal touch.
- Flexible Travel: Be savvy with your travel plans; opt for less popular travel days and snag lower airline rates.
- Meal Planning: Plan holiday meals in advance, jot down shopping lists, and capitalize on food discounts to rein in costs.
- Smart Credit Card Use: Leverage credit cards offering travel rewards or cash-back on specific purchases. Opt for 0% APR cards to skip interest payments, but remember to clear balances before the intro period ends.
- Reuse and Recycle: Consider gently unwrapping gifts to reuse the wrapping materials next year, cutting down on costs and waste.
This holiday season, let the festive spirit light up your world without dimming your financial glow.
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🔥 Daily Inspiration 🔥
When I was young I thought that money was the most important thing in life; now that I am old I know that it is.
— Oscar Wilde
