Top 10 U.S. Islands to Visit for a Magical Christmas Getaway
If you're dreaming of a Christmas escape that mixes holiday cheer with breathtaking coastal scenery, the U.S. offers some spectacular island destinations perfect for a festive getaway. Whether you're looking to trade snow for sunshine or experience Christmas in a cozy seaside town, these islands blend unique holiday traditions with charming atmospheres. From lighted boat parades and Victorian-themed festivals to whale watching and Hawaiian Christmas feasts, here are the best islands to visit during Christmas in the U.S.
1. Key West, Florida
Key West’s Christmas is special because it pairs tropical warmth with a laid-back, nautical holiday celebration. The island’s iconic palm trees are wrapped in Christmas lights, and its signature events reflect its quirky, vibrant culture—where even Santa arrives by boat.
Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade
The Schooner Wharf Bar Lighted Boat Parade is a highlight of the Key West holiday season. Boats of all shapes and sizes, from kayaks to luxury yachts, are decked out with thousands of lights and festive decorations as they sail through Key West’s historic harbor. Spectators gather along the Harbor Walk to enjoy live music, festive food, and holiday cheer. This beloved parade captures Key West’s maritime spirit, making it a must-see event.
Location: Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St, Key West, FL
Date: December 15, 2024
Time: 8:00 PM
Key West Holiday Parade
The Key West Holiday Parade lights up Duval Street with brightly decorated floats, marching bands, and community performances. Local businesses, schools, and organizations join in the parade, making it one of the island’s most lively holiday events. The grand finale? Santa Claus himself arriving to greet the crowds. It’s the perfect event to kick off the Christmas season in Key West.
Location: Duval Street, Key West, FL
Date: December7, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:30PM
Lighted Bike Parade
The Lighted Bike Parade is a quirky event where locals and visitors alike decorate their bikes with festive lights and ornaments. Participants dress up in Christmas costumes and pedal their way through the streets of Key West. The parade kicks off after the Wesley House Family Services’ Holiday Village, which offers games, crafts, food trucks, and photos with Santa. It's a unique and creative way to celebrate the holidays, Key West style.
Location: Coffee Butler Amphitheater, Truman Waterfront Park
Date: December 2, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Annual Holiday Bazaar
Held at the historic Custom House, the Annual Holiday Bazaar is the perfect spot for holiday shopping. The event features local vendors selling handmade crafts, food, and drinks, while live music and a light show keep the festive spirit alive. It’s a cozy, community-oriented event that highlights the talent of local artisans while providing a great spot to pick up unique holiday gifts.
Location: Custom House, 281 Front St, Key West, FL
Date: December 8, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Waterfront Winter Wonderland
Despite the warm weather, Key West embraces the festive season with the Waterfront Winter Wonderland. The Coffee Butler Amphitheater is transformed into a holiday-themed wonderland complete with rides, light displays, and even a custom ice-skating rink. It’s a fun, family-friendly event that brings together holiday magic and island charm, offering something for all ages.
Location: Coffee Butler Amphitheater, Truman Waterfront Park
Date: December 15-30, 2024
Time: All Day
Parade of Paws
The Parade of Paws is a fun event where Key West’s furry friends strut their stuff in holiday costumes. Held by the Florida Keys SPCA, this parade is a community favorite, where dogs and their owners parade through Higgs Beach Dog Park. There’s live music, vendors, and the chance to have photos taken with Santa. Proceeds from the event support local animal shelters, making it a festive event for a good cause.
Location: Higgs Beach Dog Park, Key West, FL
Date: December 9, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
2. Maui, Hawaii
Maui is unique for Christmas because of its blend of tropical warmth and Hawaiian traditions. Instead of snow-covered pine trees, you’ll find palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights and Christmas celebrations filled with aloha spirit.
Lahaina Banyan Tree Lighting
The Lahaina Banyan Tree Lighting is one of Maui’s most iconic holiday events. The century-old banyan tree in downtown Lahaina is adorned with over 6,000 sparkling lights, creating a magical scene. The lighting ceremony features Hawaiian Christmas music, local food vendors, and hula performances, making it a vibrant mix of culture and festive cheer. Visitors can also browse holiday markets selling local crafts and gifts, all under the glow of the massive tree.
Location: Front Street, Lahaina, Maui
Date: December, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Hawaiian Christmas Feast
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, several of Maui’s resorts offer Hawaiian Christmas Feasts, blending traditional holiday dishes with local flavors. Guests can enjoy roasted pig, fresh seafood, and poke, while also experiencing live Hawaiian music and hula performances. The feasts often take place outdoors, allowing you to celebrate Christmas by the beach, under the tropical stars.
Location: Various Resorts in Maui
Date: December 24-25, 2024
Time: Evening
Whale Watching
December also marks the beginning of whale-watching season in Maui. Visitors can embark on a whale-watching tour from Lahaina Harbor to witness humpback whales as they migrate to the island’s warm waters. Watching these majestic creatures breach and tail-slap adds a magical touch to your Christmas celebration.
Location: Lahaina Harbor, Maui
Date: December through April
Time: Various Times
3. Amelia Island, Florida
Amelia Island’s Christmas stands out because of its rich Victorian history and Southern charm. The island’s historic downtown transforms into a festive wonderland, complete with horse-drawn carriages, Victorian carolers, and beautifully lit streets.
Dickens on Centre
Step back in time with Dickens on Centre, a Victorian-themed Christmas festival inspired by Charles Dickens’ "A Christmas Carol." Downtown Fernandina Beach is filled with costumed characters, carolers, and horse-drawn carriages, creating a whimsical holiday atmosphere. Visitors can explore holiday markets, enjoy festive performances, and indulge in local food and treats. This event is perfect for families and those seeking an old-world Christmas experience in a charming seaside setting.
Location: Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island
Date: December 7-10, 2024
Time: All Day
Holiday Cookie Tour of Inns
The Holiday Cookie Tour of Inns invites visitors to tour Amelia Island’s most beautiful historic inns, all decked out for Christmas. At each stop, guests can sample homemade holiday cookies and collect recipes to recreate at home. The inns are also adorned with festive decorations, making the tour a sweet and festive way to explore the island’s history and hospitality.
Location: Various Inns, Amelia Island
Date: December 14,15, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
4. San Juan Island, Washington
San Juan Island offers a serene, wintry escape during Christmas, with misty waters and cozy community celebrations. The island’s peaceful atmosphere, combined with festive traditions, makes it the perfect spot for a quiet yet festive holiday retreat.
Friday Harbor Winterfest
The Friday Harbor Winterfest is a month-long celebration that transforms the town into a winter wonderland. The festivities kick off with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Memorial Park, followed by holiday markets, art exhibits, and Santa sightings throughout December. Visitors can enjoy local crafts, live performances, and holiday treats, all while taking in the picturesque views of the harbor and surrounding islands.
Location: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Date: December 1-31, 2024
Time: Various Events
San Juan Islands Lighted Boat Parade
The Lighted Boat Parade in Friday Harbor is one of the most magical holiday events on the island. Boats of all shapes and sizes, decorated with twinkling lights and festive decorations, sail through the harbor. Spectators gather along the waterfront to watch the illuminated boats glide by while sipping hot cocoa and enjoying holiday music. It’s a peaceful, scenic way to celebrate the season.
Location: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM - 8PM
5. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island blends coastal beauty with Southern charm, creating a relaxed yet festive atmosphere during the holidays. The island’s holiday events, from light displays to parades, combined with mild winter weather, make it perfect for families and couples seeking a peaceful, yet festive Christmas escape.
Harbour Town Lights
The Harbour Town Lights event transforms Hilton Head’s iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse and marina into a holiday spectacle. Thousands of lights are draped over the lighthouse and surrounding palm trees, creating a beautiful backdrop for the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy festive live music, stroll along the illuminated marina, and shop at local vendors offering holiday treats and crafts. This laid-back yet festive celebration is ideal for families looking to relax while soaking in the holiday spirit.
Location: Harbour Town, Hilton Head Island, SC
Date: December 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Holiday Boat Parade
The Holiday Boat Parade at Shelter Cove Marina is one of Hilton Head’s most anticipated Christmas events. Boats festooned with colorful lights and holiday décor parade through the marina, while spectators line the docks to cheer them on. Local restaurants along the waterfront offer holiday specials, making it a great evening to enjoy festive food and drinks while watching the boats sail by. The parade captures the island’s maritime spirit, blending Christmas cheer with coastal charm.
Location: Shelter Cove Marina, Hilton Head Island, SC
Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM- 9PM
6. Molokai, Hawaii
Molokai stands out for its quiet, authentic Hawaiian atmosphere, which remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Christmas on Molokai is a deeply local affair, filled with community-driven events that reflect the island’s close-knit culture and laid-back spirit. The celebrations here emphasize tradition, family, and aloha spirit.
Molokai Christmas Parade
The Molokai Christmas Parade is a heartwarming event where the entire island comes together to celebrate the season. Floats, cars, and walkers adorned with lights and festive décor parade through the streets of Kaunakakai, the island’s main town. Local organizations, schools, and families participate, making it a deeply personal and communal celebration. The parade ends with a visit from Santa, and the festivities continue with live music, Hawaiian food vendors, and local crafts.
Location: Kaunakakai Town, Molokai, HI
Date: December 7, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM
Molokai Christmas Craft Fair
The Molokai Christmas Craft Fair is a two-day event where local artisans and vendors gather to sell handmade crafts, traditional Hawaiian goods, and holiday-themed items. Visitors can browse booths filled with everything from jewelry to artwork, making it a perfect opportunity to find unique, locally made gifts. The fair also includes holiday music and food, providing a relaxed and festive atmosphere in true Molokai style.
Location: Molokai High School Gym
Date: December, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
7. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket is known for its quintessential New England charm, and during Christmas, the island turns into a picturesque winter wonderland. Its historic downtown, with cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings, is the perfect backdrop for a traditional holiday celebration filled with nostalgia and warmth.
Nantucket Christmas Stroll
The Nantucket Christmas Stroll is the island’s signature holiday event, drawing visitors from across the country. During the stroll, downtown Nantucket is transformed into a festive scene straight out of a Victorian Christmas postcard. Carolers dressed in 19th-century attire serenade shoppers, while stores offer special holiday discounts and festive displays. Santa arrives by boat, and the streets are lined with twinkling lights and Christmas trees, making this one of the most charming holiday celebrations in New England.
Location: Main Street, Nantucket, MA
Date: December 6-8, 2024
Time: All Day
Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees at the Nantucket Whaling Museum is a holiday tradition where over 80 creatively decorated Christmas trees are displayed throughout the museum. Each tree is uniquely designed by local businesses, organizations, and artists, turning the museum into a magical indoor forest. Visitors can admire the trees while learning about Nantucket’s rich maritime history, making it a perfect blend of holiday cheer and cultural exploration.
Location: Nantucket Whaling Museum
Date: December 1-31, 2024
8. St. Simons Island, Georgia
St. Simons Island combines coastal beauty with Southern hospitality during Christmas. The island's historic charm and festive events, such as tree lightings and holiday parades, create a relaxed yet festive environment for holiday visitors seeking a peaceful coastal escape.
Festival of Lights & Parade
The Festival of Lights in St. Simons Island kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony in Neptune Park, followed by a festive parade through the town. Local businesses and community groups participate, decorating floats with lights, holiday décor, and festive themes. Carolers serenade the crowd, and local vendors offer hot drinks and holiday treats. This family-friendly event brings the community together and highlights the island’s laid-back charm and festive spirit.
Location: Neptune Park, St. Simons Island, GA
Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM
Jekyll Island Holly Jolly Light Parade
Just a short drive from St. Simons, the Holly Jolly Light Parade on nearby Jekyll Island is a fun addition to your holiday itinerary. Decorated floats, golf carts, and bicycles parade through Jekyll’s historic district, lighting up the streets with holiday cheer. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere, complete with holiday music, light displays, and seasonal food offerings.
Location: Jekyll Island, GA
Date: December 14, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
9. Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is unique for its blend of traditional Hawaiian culture and vibrant holiday celebrations. The island's lively city life, world-famous beaches, and festive Christmas events make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a full-on Hawaiian Christmas experience. Oahu offers everything from dazzling city lights to peaceful beach escapes, ensuring there’s something for every holiday traveler.
Honolulu City Lights
The Honolulu City Lights event transforms downtown Honolulu into a glittering holiday wonderland. The month-long celebration kicks off with the lighting of an enormous Christmas tree at Honolulu Hale, the city’s main municipal building, and continues with festive parades, live entertainment, and local food trucks offering delicious Hawaiian treats. There’s a large display of holiday decorations, including iconic island-themed Christmas displays, which attract visitors and locals alike. This event truly captures the fusion of island culture and holiday cheer.
Location: Honolulu Hale, Downtown Honolulu, Oahu, HI
Date: December 2-31, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Waikiki Beach Christmas
If you’re looking for a tropical Christmas Day experience, Waikiki Beach is the perfect spot. Visitors can spend Christmas Day lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun, or enjoying water activities such as surfing and snorkeling. Local beachfront resorts and restaurants often offer special holiday packages, complete with tropical drinks, festive buffets, and beachfront dining. Waikiki Beach offers a peaceful yet festive way to celebrate the holidays while staying warm in the Hawaiian sun.
Location: Waikiki Beach, Oahu, HI
Date: December 25, 2024
Time: All Day
Holiday Luau
Experience a traditional Holiday Luau at one of Oahu’s many resorts or cultural venues. These special Christmas luaus blend Hawaiian customs with festive holiday flair. Guests are treated to live Hawaiian music, hula performances, and a traditional luau feast featuring dishes like kalua pork, poi, and haupia (coconut pudding). This cultural celebration offers a unique and memorable way to celebrate Christmas, island-style, with a warm tropical breeze and the sound of the ocean in the background.
Location: Various Resorts and Cultural Venues, Oahu
Date: December 24-25, 2024
Time: Evening
From the snowy lanes of Nantucket to the warm, secluded beaches of Molokai, and the charming Southern traditions on St. Simons Island, there’s an island Christmas getaway for every kind of traveler in the U.S. Whether you're chasing winter wonderlands or tropical warmth, these islands offer one-of-a-kind holiday experiences you'll never forget.
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