A Very Colorful Christmas: Touring America’s Landmarks from Your Cozy Living Room

The tree is trimmed, the stockings are hung, and the scent of cinnamon and pine is drifting through the air. It is December 17th, which means we are officially in the home stretch of the holiday season. While this time of year brings immense joy, it also brings a flurry of activity—last-minute shopping, wrapping marathons, and travel planning.

But amidst the hustle and bustle of Christmas 2025, it is vital to find moments of stillness. Here at ColorEveryState.com, we believe that one of the best ways to recapture the magic of the season is to slow down, uncap a set of markers, and get lost in a page. Whether you are looking for that final perfect stocking stuffer or simply need a way to unwind after a long day of holiday prep, exploring American landmarks through art offers a unique festive escape.

The Gift of mindful Creativity

By this point in December, you might be scratching your head over those final names on your gift list. What do you get the person who has everything? Or the coworker you drew for Secret Santa?

Adult coloring books have remained a beloved gift for a reason. They offer an experience rather than just an object. They provide permission to disconnect from screens and engage in a tactile, soothing activity. A travel-themed coloring book adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness—it connects the recipient to a place they love, a city they call home, or a destination they dream of visiting.

This year, consider giving the gift of a cross-country tour without the airport stress. Our state-specific collections are designed to capture the architectural soul and natural beauty of America’s most beloved cities.

A Winter Tour Across the States

Even if you are snowed in or simply staying put for the holidays, you can still travel through your art. Here is how some of our featured collections can bring a little extra holiday spirit to your coloring table this week.

Syracuse, New York: A Winter Wonderland

When we think of a White Christmas, Upstate New York often comes to mind. Our Syracuse New York Landmarks & Views collection is the perfect companion for a cozy night in. As one of the snowiest cities in America, the architecture of Syracuse looks stunning when you imagine it blanketed in white.

* Coloring Tip: Use cool blues and light grays to shade the rooftops and streets, leaving white space to represent snow. Contrasting the cold outdoor scenes with warm yellows in the windows of the historic buildings creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Albuquerque, New Mexico: Luminarias and Light

Christmas in the Southwest has a magic all its own. In Albuquerque, the tradition of luminarias (paper lanterns) lining the walkways and rooftops creates a golden glow against the desert night. The Albuquerque Landmarks & Balloons collection offers a chance to play with this unique lighting.

* Coloring Tip: The hot air balloons that Albuquerque is famous for can be colored in festive red, green, and gold patterns to mimic giant ornaments floating in the sky. Use deep indigos and purples for the sky to make your bright colors pop.

Salem, Oregon: Misty Pacific Northwest Vibes

For those who prefer a greener winter, the Salem Oregon Landmarks & Scenery book captures the lush, misty beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The historic state capitol and riverfront parks offer intricate details that are perfect for meditative coloring sessions while sipping hot cocoa.

* Coloring Tip: Focus on the greenery. Use a variety of forest greens, pines, and mossy shades to capture the richness of an Oregon winter. Add silver gel pen accents to represent the glistening rain or morning frost.

Columbus, Ohio: City Lights and festivities

There is something electric about a city skyline during the holidays. The Columbus Ohio Landmarks & Cityscapes collection features the blend of modern and historic architecture that defines the heart of Ohio. These pages are ideal for experimenting with "nighttime" coloring, turning ordinary city views into festive holiday scenes.

* Coloring Tip: Imagine the city decked out for the holidays. You can draw tiny strings of lights on the trees in the park scenes or add wreaths to the doors of the historic buildings. It is your world—decorate it how you see fit!

Raleigh, North Carolina: Southern Holiday Charm

Finally, take a trip down south with the Raleigh, North Carolina Landmarks collection. The City of Oaks offers a mix of Southern history and modern vibrancy. The intricate line work in this collection is perfect for those who love detail.

* Coloring Tip: Raleigh’s mix of brick and oak provides a warm, earthy palette. Complement these warm tones with bright berry reds and emerald greens to give the pages a subtle, traditional Christmas feel.

Seasonal Coloring Techniques to Try

Since it is the holidays, why not upgrade your coloring toolkit? Here are a few ways to make your pages feel extra festive:

Metallic Accents: Grab a set of metallic markers or gel pens. Use gold for architectural details, church bells, or window frames. Use silver for snow, frost, and water reflections.

The "Glow" Effect: To make a streetlamp or window look like it is glowing on a winter night, start with white or very pale yellow in the center of the light source. Gradually blend out to darker yellows and oranges as you move away from the center.

Glitter is Good: If you are feeling bold, use glitter glue or glitter pens for snowbanks or stars. It adds a tactile texture that looks beautiful by the light of the Christmas tree.

Holiday Activity Ideas for the Whole Family

Coloring does not have to be a solitary activity. As family gathers this week, use your coloring books to bring people together.

* The "Quiet Corner": Holiday parties can be loud and overwhelming. Set up a small table with a few open coloring books and a jar of pencils. It invites guests (both kids and adults) to take a breather and chat quietly while they color.

* DIY Wrapping Paper: If you have finished pages you are particularly proud of, they make exquisite, personalized wrapping paper for small gifts. Nothing says "I care" like a gift wrapped in art you created yourself.

* Custom Ornaments: Scan your favorite small sections of a landmark, print them on cardstock, color them, and cut them out. Punch a hole, add a ribbon, and you have a custom ornament representing your favorite city.

Wrapping Up the Year

As we count down the final days to Christmas, we hope you find time to relax. Whether you are coloring the snowy streets of Syracuse or the high desert skies of Albuquerque, taking a moment to create something beautiful is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

From all of us at ColorEveryState.com, we wish you a warm, peaceful, and vibrant holiday season. If you are looking for that last-minute gift or a treat for your own stocking, we invite you to explore our full library of state landmarks and start your artistic journey across America today.