Winter in United States with a white Christmas
Jul 7th, 2012, 04:02 AM
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Winter in United States with a white Christmas
Hi Everyone,
Our 48 year old Daughter and Son-in-law wish to visit USA in December, hoping to experience a White Christmas during their 4 week vacation.
We all live in Perth Western Australia where Christmas is HOT and it never snows here.
They will be flying in to SanFrancisco and hope to have enough time to see las Vegas,
Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Mt Rushmore and New York.
Suggestions on bus tours, sightseeing, accommodation, and parks which will still be open during winter would be much appreciated.
Thanks, helsylucy
Our 48 year old Daughter and Son-in-law wish to visit USA in December, hoping to experience a White Christmas during their 4 week vacation.
We all live in Perth Western Australia where Christmas is HOT and it never snows here.
They will be flying in to SanFrancisco and hope to have enough time to see las Vegas,
Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Mt Rushmore and New York.
Suggestions on bus tours, sightseeing, accommodation, and parks which will still be open during winter would be much appreciated.
Thanks, helsylucy
Jul 7th, 2012, 04:19 AM
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I'm sure you will get more in depth answers but for basics-
Grand Canyon-good chance they will see snow and possible they won't see the canyon, if they go make sure to schedule more than one night, just in case. Stay in the park.
Yellowstone-An almost guarantee for snow BUT almost the entire park is closed to car traffic and can only be seen by snowmobile. It will be cold and much of the scenery won't be seen...did I mention it will be cold??? They would need a whole outfit of specialty clothes
New York-a slight chance for snow. Christmas is the peak season with hotel prices being some of the highest all year.
You don't mention what their interests are. It may make more sense to break down each area and make a new topic. Also, if you search for YNP and Christmas and do the same for GCNP, you will see many threads on winter in these areas.
Grand Canyon-good chance they will see snow and possible they won't see the canyon, if they go make sure to schedule more than one night, just in case. Stay in the park.
Yellowstone-An almost guarantee for snow BUT almost the entire park is closed to car traffic and can only be seen by snowmobile. It will be cold and much of the scenery won't be seen...did I mention it will be cold??? They would need a whole outfit of specialty clothes
New York-a slight chance for snow. Christmas is the peak season with hotel prices being some of the highest all year.
You don't mention what their interests are. It may make more sense to break down each area and make a new topic. Also, if you search for YNP and Christmas and do the same for GCNP, you will see many threads on winter in these areas.
Jul 7th, 2012, 04:25 AM
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Weel, if they really want a White Christmas I'm not sure this will give it to them. they will certainly get winter in NYC, Mt Rushmore and Yellowstone - but snow isn't. Snow is most likely in Yellowstone (and many park services and entrances close in November) so they need to investigate in detail how to get there and what limited access and services are available (the park has special snow vehicle access in the winter - not regular car). Rushmore may well have snow - but no guarantee.
At that time of year NYC may - but not likely will have snow. We have had snow on Christmas twice in the past 10 or 12 years - two years ago it was a blizzard of abour 22" which shut much of the city and perhaps 8 or 9 years before that about 12" - which made a mess but really didn;t shut anything. NYC is about 100 miles south of the snow belt and some years gets practically none and som eyears may have several maor storms - but usually after Christmas.
The most likely place to have snow and things to do is one of the ski resorts high in the rockies (ester mountains often don;t have natural snow either at this time o year - but manmade just for ski trails). So they might want to trade that out - unless all they want to do is see and touch it and then leave.
They will need cold wether clothing - heavy woll or down coats, hat, scarf mittens and waterproofed warm snow boots - or their feet will absolutely freeze - as well as multiple layers for underneath if they plan on being outdoors any amount of time. (In NYC you often get cold - esp at night may be in the teens F with strong winds and possible sleet/snow - which can be really bone-chilling, esp if you aren't used to it.
At that time of year NYC may - but not likely will have snow. We have had snow on Christmas twice in the past 10 or 12 years - two years ago it was a blizzard of abour 22" which shut much of the city and perhaps 8 or 9 years before that about 12" - which made a mess but really didn;t shut anything. NYC is about 100 miles south of the snow belt and some years gets practically none and som eyears may have several maor storms - but usually after Christmas.
The most likely place to have snow and things to do is one of the ski resorts high in the rockies (ester mountains often don;t have natural snow either at this time o year - but manmade just for ski trails). So they might want to trade that out - unless all they want to do is see and touch it and then leave.
They will need cold wether clothing - heavy woll or down coats, hat, scarf mittens and waterproofed warm snow boots - or their feet will absolutely freeze - as well as multiple layers for underneath if they plan on being outdoors any amount of time. (In NYC you often get cold - esp at night may be in the teens F with strong winds and possible sleet/snow - which can be really bone-chilling, esp if you aren't used to it.
Jul 7th, 2012, 04:27 AM
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I assume they have a flight to NY. How much time out west before heading east?
If I were coming to the US to see a white Christmas, I'd focus on the northeast....maybe Colonial Williamsburg all the way up to NH/VT.
If they want to do west coast stuff as well, I'd go warmer and do the Utah National Parks. They are gorgeous and will be easier to get around in the winter.
If I were coming to the US to see a white Christmas, I'd focus on the northeast....maybe Colonial Williamsburg all the way up to NH/VT.
If they want to do west coast stuff as well, I'd go warmer and do the Utah National Parks. They are gorgeous and will be easier to get around in the winter.
Jul 7th, 2012, 04:33 AM
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Oh, and my northeast itinerary may not have much snow, but it will have the beauty that I associate with Xmas time. I love the old historical homes decorated for the holidays. And the quaint New England villages...
Jul 7th, 2012, 06:37 AM
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Mt Rushmore could be the first outlier even for a month. It's a long way to go to look at it, in my opinion, and then you have to go "back"!! ;o)
I would try very hard to stay IN NYC--taking a train in can not only be expensive, but just so inconvenient. They can look on Hotwire and Priceline for some better prices. Even hotels.com might work.
There will be such a limited amount open in Yellowstone that it may not be worth the distance to get there.
They could think about flying to Denver and visiting a ski resort for a few days. There's a lot to do in Denver also.
The American West is a true wonder of the world.
Perhaps heading to Vegas and the Grand Canyon--and then on to Telluride for some snow? There are also the Indian sites.
I would try very hard to stay IN NYC--taking a train in can not only be expensive, but just so inconvenient. They can look on Hotwire and Priceline for some better prices. Even hotels.com might work.
There will be such a limited amount open in Yellowstone that it may not be worth the distance to get there.
They could think about flying to Denver and visiting a ski resort for a few days. There's a lot to do in Denver also.
The American West is a true wonder of the world.
Perhaps heading to Vegas and the Grand Canyon--and then on to Telluride for some snow? There are also the Indian sites.
Jul 7th, 2012, 06:57 AM
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Check on flights from either Chicago or Denver to Rapid City SD for the visit to Mt. Rushmore.
Are they coming to the US late enough to spend New Year's day?
NYC and Las Vegas are both great places for New Year's Eve.
Are they coming to the US late enough to spend New Year's day?
NYC and Las Vegas are both great places for New Year's Eve.
Jul 7th, 2012, 08:53 AM
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The north east is not great for snow at Christmas - you may get it far north of NY - or you may not.
NYC is fantastic at Christmas - all sorts of decorations and wonderful holiday atmosphere and a huge number of activities - but I would say the chance of snow is about 10% at most.
Hotel rates will be the highest of the year and unless you are there just the day or two before (when rates are a little lower due to lack of business travelers and many vacationers going home for the holiday). Getting something via Priceline is doubtful and any deals on other websites are not likely to be available until 5 or 6 weeks in advance - if there are any. Best bet is to make advance reservations as soon as they know their dates (5 or more months out you can sometimes get lower rates if you are willing to prepay). Definitely check all he discount websites as well as modest hotel sites that early - and they may find something for $300 or so per night.
They should NOT stay outside the city and travel in - this is a false economy - given what it takes in time and travel costs. (Those places outside the city that are convenient are not much less expensive; those that cost substantially less are usually not convenient to the city - esp in holiday traffic - often an hour or more into the city).
NYC is fantastic at Christmas - all sorts of decorations and wonderful holiday atmosphere and a huge number of activities - but I would say the chance of snow is about 10% at most.
Hotel rates will be the highest of the year and unless you are there just the day or two before (when rates are a little lower due to lack of business travelers and many vacationers going home for the holiday). Getting something via Priceline is doubtful and any deals on other websites are not likely to be available until 5 or 6 weeks in advance - if there are any. Best bet is to make advance reservations as soon as they know their dates (5 or more months out you can sometimes get lower rates if you are willing to prepay). Definitely check all he discount websites as well as modest hotel sites that early - and they may find something for $300 or so per night.
They should NOT stay outside the city and travel in - this is a false economy - given what it takes in time and travel costs. (Those places outside the city that are convenient are not much less expensive; those that cost substantially less are usually not convenient to the city - esp in holiday traffic - often an hour or more into the city).
Jul 7th, 2012, 09:40 AM
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I won't use hotels.com because of a bait-and-switch they pulled last year, BUT, I just checked, too and the rates are extraordinarily low (I used Dec 21-26). If those rates are "good", then they're great. You might want to pick one of the hotels on hotels.com and then call or write the hotel directly.
I also think your best chance of snow at Xmas is the Rocky Mountains - Breckenridge is very close (90 minute drive?) to Denver, and Park City is very close (35 min. drive) to Salt Lake City. The towns where the ski areas are are nice themselves, so in addition to snow, I think they'd find the whole experience enjoyable for a few days.
I also think your best chance of snow at Xmas is the Rocky Mountains - Breckenridge is very close (90 minute drive?) to Denver, and Park City is very close (35 min. drive) to Salt Lake City. The towns where the ski areas are are nice themselves, so in addition to snow, I think they'd find the whole experience enjoyable for a few days.
Jul 7th, 2012, 10:15 AM
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I really commend the effort to come to the U.S. and know a white Christmas when one is from Perth, although betting on the weather to provide that, while at the same time gaining from seeing the popular sights is the tricky part.
This is sort of crazy, but since you spoke of their flying into San Francisco, a west coast spot that is very Christmas-y and snowy is Leavenworth, Washington State.
Use Google images to search for "Leavenworth, WA" (adding the word "Christmas") and you'll find photos of what makes for an exceptional Christmas town. Surrounded by mountains, Leavenworth is never too far away from snow in December.
FYI - Leavenworth is about a 120-mile drive from Seattle, Washington, USA (Seattle being 800 miles north from San Francisco)
While dates have apparently not been set for 2012 yet, here is a website at which you can peruse some of the festivities in Leavenworth for last year:
http://www.icicleinn.com/festivals/c...aslighting.htm
Aside from that, surely Denver, Colorado and nearby surrounds would be a good bet for snow at/near to Christmas. Oh, and the temperatures in places like Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone Park aren't as bad as I'd anticipated in terms of mere 'averages'. If you reach the wrong extreme, then it could be terrible.
This is sort of crazy, but since you spoke of their flying into San Francisco, a west coast spot that is very Christmas-y and snowy is Leavenworth, Washington State.
Use Google images to search for "Leavenworth, WA" (adding the word "Christmas") and you'll find photos of what makes for an exceptional Christmas town. Surrounded by mountains, Leavenworth is never too far away from snow in December.
FYI - Leavenworth is about a 120-mile drive from Seattle, Washington, USA (Seattle being 800 miles north from San Francisco)
While dates have apparently not been set for 2012 yet, here is a website at which you can peruse some of the festivities in Leavenworth for last year:
http://www.icicleinn.com/festivals/c...aslighting.htm
Aside from that, surely Denver, Colorado and nearby surrounds would be a good bet for snow at/near to Christmas. Oh, and the temperatures in places like Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone Park aren't as bad as I'd anticipated in terms of mere 'averages'. If you reach the wrong extreme, then it could be terrible.
Jul 7th, 2012, 11:41 PM
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I was in the USA in December and they will have enough time to see all the sights that you have mentioned.
There are only a few problems they will need to be aware of.
Parks like Yellowstone can be a bit iffy because you need to be careful of road conditions in December.
For christmas you will not see snow in any of the places that you mentioned. Even in NYC you do not get snow over christmas. I think about January is the time for snow.
I was in NYC from 15th December for a week and even though it gets cold in Melbourne it was freezing for us in NYC. That was at the end of 2010, but the end of 2011 was a lot milder. So you really never know how the weather will go.
There are only a few problems they will need to be aware of.
Parks like Yellowstone can be a bit iffy because you need to be careful of road conditions in December.
For christmas you will not see snow in any of the places that you mentioned. Even in NYC you do not get snow over christmas. I think about January is the time for snow.
I was in NYC from 15th December for a week and even though it gets cold in Melbourne it was freezing for us in NYC. That was at the end of 2010, but the end of 2011 was a lot milder. So you really never know how the weather will go.
Jul 8th, 2012, 04:52 AM
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I like the idea of staying in a ski resort town (east coast or west coast, depending on itinerary) for, say, 3 nights over Christmas. Snow is more likely to be found in the mountains, and if there isn't any natural snow for the skiers then by golly they will make some.
It isn't necessary for them to actually ski while there (although it might be fun to take beginner lessons). These towns have other activities like sledding, ice skating, sleigh rides, spas, and shopping. And probably a nice holiday dinner.
This could be a good trip combining cities and national parks, but it is important to check which parks are even open in December, and be willing to change plans if the weather turns impossible: SF + Coast or Yosemite, Denver + Mt.Rushmore, Las Vegas + Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, and NYC plus New England (ski resorts in Vermont) or Cape Cod.
How worried are they about driving in snow/icy conditions?
It isn't necessary for them to actually ski while there (although it might be fun to take beginner lessons). These towns have other activities like sledding, ice skating, sleigh rides, spas, and shopping. And probably a nice holiday dinner.
This could be a good trip combining cities and national parks, but it is important to check which parks are even open in December, and be willing to change plans if the weather turns impossible: SF + Coast or Yosemite, Denver + Mt.Rushmore, Las Vegas + Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, and NYC plus New England (ski resorts in Vermont) or Cape Cod.
How worried are they about driving in snow/icy conditions?
