Here is a list of the most overcrowded holiday tourist attractions.
The holiday season brings joy, cheer, and unfortunately, overwhelming crowds at popular tourist destinations. While this festive time of year offers the perfect opportunity to travel with loved ones thanks to shared vacation days, it seems everyone else has the same idea—transforming beloved attractions into stress-inducing experiences.
A recent study by Rustic Pathways sheds light on this seasonal phenomenon, analyzing over 900 winter destinations worldwide to help travelers make informed decisions. Their methodology involved scrutinizing Tripadvisor reviews, specifically looking for keywords like “crowded” and “long wait” to calculate a complaint rate per 1,000 reviews.
The results? Universal Studios Hollywood tops the list as the most overcrowded holiday destination, with an astounding 38.99% of reviews mentioning crowding issues or lengthy wait times. The iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City follows closely behind, with 34.85% of visitors lamenting the chaotic crowds and lack of crowd control measures.
Perhaps surprisingly, Silverwood Theme Park in Idaho claims the third spot, with 31.29% of reviewers describing mile-long lines. The sunny destination of Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, isn’t spared either, as 31.20% of visitors complain about congestion and extended wait times.
European holiday markets, despite their charm, aren’t immune to overcrowding. The historic Nuremberg Christmas Market in Germany sees shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, with 29.78% of visitors noting the overwhelming masses. Similarly, Vienna’s Christmas Market on Rathausplatz makes the top ten with 27.18% of complaints focusing on overcrowding.
For outdoor enthusiasts, even natural attractions suffer from holiday congestion. Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, Utah, typically known for its serene beauty, receives criticism from 27.22% of visitors due to overcrowding, while Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia rounds out the top ten with 27.08% of reviews mentioning crowd-related issues.
Top ten most overcrowded holiday attractions:
1. Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City, California (38.99% of reviews mentioned “crowding” or “long waits)
2. Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City, NY (34.85% complained about chaotic crowds and no crowd control)
3. Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, Idaho (31.29% cited mile-long lines)
4. Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida (31.20% complained about long waits and congestion)
5. Nuremberg Christmas Market in Nuremberg, Germany (29.78% describe shoulder-to-shoulder crowds)
6. Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, New Jersey (28.16%)
7. Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, Utah (27.22%)
8. Top of the Rock in New York City, NY (27.2%)
9. Christmas Market on Rathausplatz in Vienna, Austria (27.18%)
10. Snowshoe Mountain Resort in Snowshoe, West Virginia (27.08%)
The takeaway? Consider exploring lesser-known destinations during the holiday season, or if these popular spots are must-sees on your list, try visiting during off-peak hours or days.
Twist’s Take: Consider researching alternative destinations or scheduling your visits to popular attractions during less busy seasons to avoid holiday crowds.
