The 39 Best Christmas Towns in the United States

• Things to Do: Nutcracker Museum, Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, Icicle Brewing Company
• Where to Stay: Bavarian Gasthaus (from $122/night, sleeps 2); Haus Haflinger (from $175/night, sleeps 6); Storybrook Riverside Inn (from $499/night)

A Bavarian-style village with heaps of holiday spirit, Leavenworth puts seasonal sights, smells and sounds on display all December. It doesn’t earn the appellation of the ultimate holiday town for nothing. Here, the intoxicating aroma of roasted chestnuts wafts through the air and carolers sing in the holiday light-laden streets. You’ll want to go sledding on one of the town’s many hills, visit the Nutcracker Museum and make friends with Santa’s transit workers at Leavenworth Reindeer Farm. The only thing missing is a Hallmark movie credit. We’re guessing that’s coming soon.

• Things to Do: Santa Claus Christmas Store, Land of Lights
• Where to Stay: Christmas Cottage (from $260/night, sleeps 8); Christmas Homestead (from $249/night, sleeps 14); Comfort Inn (from $146/night)

With a name like Santa Claus, you already know this spirited southern Indiana community isn’t going to cut corners in the holly or jolly department. Tourists can mail letters to Kris Kringle from the town’s first post office, snap a pic in front of the 22-foot-tall Santa statue, visit the original 1880 Santa Claus Church and ride themed roller coasters at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. Don’t leave town without a stop at the Santa Claus Christmas Store and a drive through the Land of Lights.

• Things to Do: Go maple sugaring, shop at Stowe Maple Products, dog sledding
• Where to Stay: Mountain Meadow Home (from $219/night, sleeps 4); Black Bear’s Den (from $222/night, sleeps 6); Trapp Family Lodge (from $730/night)

Snow-covered scenery, church spires, cozy cabins and historic downtown bedecked in festive flourishes. Stowe is totally picturesque, so it should come as no surprise that many holiday flicks were filmed in this quintessential New England town, like Always and Forever Christmas. Be sure to pop into Stowe Maple Products to stock up on syrup and take a dog sled ride.

• Things to Do: Winterfest Tour of Lights, Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival

• Where to Stay: Pigeon Forge Cabin (from $167/night, sleeps 9); Downtown Pigeon Forge Cabin (from $113/night, sleeps 4); Clarion Inn (from $225)

Dolly Parton is basically the patron saint of everything. Seemingly the holidays are no exception. Her theme park, Dollywood (which, no disrespect to Disney World, might just be the happiest place on earth), hosts the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival with millions of twinkling lights, fireworks and live performances. The town of Pigeon Forge itself throws Winterfest and illuminates the 200-foot-high observation wheel in a spectacularly festive fashion.

• Things to Do: Ski the San Juan Hut System, take a sleigh ride, ice climbing
• Where to Stay: Modern Mountain Home (from $493/night, sleeps 8); Ski-In-Ski-Out Condo (from $206/night, sleeps 5); Hotel Telluride (from $504/night)

Powder chasers flock to Telluride. There’s plenty of fun to be had off the slopes, too. The Polar Express train is a festive, family-friendly way to take in the beautiful scenery. Sleigh rides, holiday movie screenings, Santa’s workshop and the torchlight parade are always a hit. Don’t miss the famous Christmas “tree” constructed out of donated skis.

• Things to Do: Julefest, Santa’s Village, gnome scavenger hunt
• Where to Stay: Merkantile Loft (from $125/night, sleeps 2); Couples’ Cottage (from $208/night, sleeps 3); Wine Valley Inn (from $399/night)

You don’t have to jet off to Europe for a Danish-style Christmas. Just head to Solvang. This storybook village in the Santa Ynez Mountains outside Santa Barbara marks the season with its annual Julefest celebration, a month of candlelit tours, caroling, extended shopping hours, authentic food, wine, beer and festive scavenger hunts. Santa's Village at Solvang Park even has real reindeer!

• Things to Do: Santa Claus House, see the northern lights
• Where to Stay: Gnome Home (from $120/night, sleeps 4); North Pole Lakeside Cabin (from $99/night, sleeps 4); Alaska Log Cabins on the Pond (from $127/night)

No, it’s not the *actual* North Pole. However, unless you somehow manage to nab a seat on Santa’s sleigh, this Alaska town is as close as you’re going to get to toy-making elves. If you visit the Christmas decoration store Santa Claus House, you'll see hand-written letters from children to jolly Saint Nick. Candy cane-striped streetlights, roads called Mistletoe Lane and Kris Kringle Drive and an enormous statue of St. Nicholas really do blur the line between Christmas fantasy and reality. But perhaps the most magical part of all is the very real northern lights.

• Things to Do: skiing, sleigh riding, dine at Mountain Creamery, try Nordic snowshoeing
• Where to Stay: Hidden Pines Cottage (from $179/night, sleeps 4); Dutch Cottage ($128/night, sleeps 2); Ogden’s Mill Farm (from $149/night, sleeps 4)

Christmas in Woodstock means full-on Hallmark movie vibes (the Last Vermont Christmas was actually filmed in this Vermont idyll). Wassail Weekend brings candle dipping, gingerbread house demos, cider donuts and sleigh rides. Caroling and special performances at the Woodstock Opera House pack the holiday event calendar. While you’re in town, be sure to grab a meal at the farm-to-table establishment Mountain Creamery and try your hand (er, feet) at traditional Nordic snowshoeing.

• Things to Do: Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, Merchants Square

• Where to Stay: Historic Williamsburg Condo (from $216/night, sleeps 4); Colonial Condo (from $85/night, sleeps 4); Courtyard by Marriott (from $269/night)

Williamsburg blends the best of Christmas old and new. Caroling by torchlight and candles shining in historic houses that date back to the colonial era give visitors a peek into the past. Meanwhile, Busch Gardens does it up in a more modern way with the largest Christmas light exhibition in North America, a fantastical ice show and peppermint fudge hot chocolate.

• Things to Do: Silver Dollar City, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Christmas Tree Tour
• Where to Stay: Modern Branson Condo (from $110/night, sleeps 8); Cozy Cedar Cabin (from $155/night, sleeps 8); Branson Towers Hotel (from $150/night)

The family-fun capital of Missouri, Branson has something spirited to appeal to kids and young-at-heart adults. There are almost too many holiday highlights to hit them all on a weekend trip—we’re talking 6.5 million lights in Silver Dollar City alone. Prepare to pack your schedule with eye-catching trees, drive-through light installations, a nativity petting zoo and a ride on the Polar Express.

• Things to Do: Flossie’s General Store, Christmas Farm Inn, skiing
• Where to Stay: White Mountain Valley Chalet (from $223/night, sleeps 9); Jackson Village Home (from $265/night, sleeps 4); The Inn at Thorn Hill and Spa (from $1,406/night)

We’re always down for Christmas in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Jackson is the perfect spot to post up for some joyful alpine fun in the Granite State. It’s pretty much imperative to stay at the always-festive Christmas Farm Inn. Naturally, you’ll want to explore the snowy hills and cross-country ski trails and capture a family photo on the 150-year-old covered bridge. Did we just figure out next year's Christmas card? Before you leave town, visit Flossie’s General Store to pick up a few souvenirs (and snacks) for the road.

• Things to Do: Christmas Festival, Holiday Trail of Lights
• Where to Stay: Cane River Charmer (from $350/night, sleeps 10); Bird’s Nest on the Cane (from $141/night, sleeps 5); Opus House (from $196/night)

The holiday season in Natchitoches glows for six weeks thanks to the annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival, which dates back to 1927. From the Saturday before Thanksgiving to early January, more than 300,000 lights glow every night. Add to that a fireworks display over the Cane River Lake, as well as a parade with themed floats and costumed characters, and you’ve got quite the party.

• Things to Do: Festival of Lights, Ligonier Country Market, check out the ice sculptures
• Where to Stay: Loyalhanna Creek Cottage (from $150/night, sleeps 4); Ligonier Creekside Cabin (from $92/night, sleeps 4); Colonial House on Main (from $165/night)

A place that we’d love to gift wrap and give to our friends and family on December 25, Ligonier really does feel like a Christmas card come to life with its enchanting town green that even has a Stars Hollow-esque gazebo. There are holiday markets and horse-drawn sleigh rides, plus ample opportunities to go skiing, snowboarding and tubing.

• Things to Do: Bronner’s, musical tree show, write a letter to Santa

• Where to Stay: Saginaw Cottage (from $121/night, sleeps 4); Mitten on Main (from $180/night, sleeps 6); Frankenmuth Motel (from $73/night)

Frankenmuth sounds like frankincense and myrrh (aka two of the gifts that the wise men brought to the newborn king). And that’s just the start of the Christmas-y connection to this Michigan town. Also known as the state’s “Little Bavaria,” it’s home to Bronner’s, the world’s largest Christmas store, which is the size of nearly two football fields and sells legitimately all manner of lights, decorations, trimmings and trees. Be sure to catch the musical tree show at the visitor center and meander the streets to admire the Bavarian architecture.

• Things to Do: ski and snowshoe, shop Taos Folk store, see the lights and shops on Ledoux Street
• Where to Stay: Rustic Adobe Retreat (from $145/night, sleeps 3); Taos Townhouse (from $144/night, sleeps 4); The Historic Taos Inn (from $227/night)

To see Taos lit up for the holidays is to be wowed by the wonder of it all. This New Mexico town turns up the mirth with a mix of decorations and artisan-made gifts, plus gleeful events like the annual tree lighting ceremony and Twirl Aglow Party. Shop the Taos Folk holiday pop-up store and wander down Ledoux Street for sumptuous light displays and galleries. We’ll leave you with three final words: Christmas morning hike.

• Things to Do: Hudson River Maritime Museum, explore the Stockade District, see the frozen Kaaterskill Falls
• Where to Stay: 1735 Stone Colonial (from $170/night, sleeps 3); Dutch Touch Woodstock Cottage (from $128/night, sleeps 2); The Wiltwyck (from $127/night)

Christmas in the Catskills resembles the cutesy title of a Hallmark movie, when in fact it could be the way you describe your December family vacation in Kingston. Holiday happenings include cookie bake-offs and The Sinterklaas Festivities, which celebrate the area’s Dutch heritage with some mirthful modern twists. Our fave festivity activity? Donning matching PJs and sipping hot cocoa aboard the Polar Express.

• Things to Do: see the downtown Christmas lights display, McAdenville Baptist Church nativity scene
• Where to Stay: Belmont Bungalow (from $113/night, sleeps 6); The Belmont Cottage (from $155/night, sleeps 5); Home2 Suites by Hilton (from $169/night)

Ever heard of McAdenville? Maybe you know it by another name...Christmas Town, USA. This tiny Charlotte suburb rivals towns twice its size when it comes to seasonal spirit and decorations. So much so, it’s been named one of the ten best Christmas light displays three years in a row by USA Today. Each year, the residents trim 250 evergreen trees in more than 500,000 red, white and green twinkling bulbs. The eye-catching house ornamentation is next level, too. If you time your visit well, you can catch the tree lighting ceremony (December 1) and yule log ceremony (December 14).

• Things to Do: Olde Mystic Village, Stonington Borough, Mystic Seaport Museum
• Where to Stay: Artist Loft (from $223/night, sleeps 2); Mystic Manor House (from $211/night, sleeps 4); Hyatt Place (from $179/night)

Christmas in the Connecticut shore town of Mystic is really special. Walk around the historic waterfront district and marvel at old-school sea captain’s homes decorated with twinkling lights. Pick up nostalgic candy, whaling trinkets and other adorable stocking stuffers at the many shops. You’ll also want to indulge your sweet tooth with a cup of hot cocoa and a Mystic cream doughnut.

• Things to Do: tree lighting ceremonies, West Cape May Christmas Parade, Congress Hall Winter Wonderland
• Where to Stay: Saltbox Bungalow (from $298/night, sleeps 4); Beachfront Condo (from $306/night, sleeps 3); Cape Cottage Inn (from $147/night)

Something about Victorian architecture just says Christmas to us. (Maybe it’s a Dickensian thing?) Lights, dazzling decorations and an outdoor shopping village at Congress Hall enhance Cape May’s festive appearance. This popular summer destination is also pleasantly uncrowded in the winter. That sense of solitude really adds to the peacefulness of the season.

• Things to Do: Mistletoe Stroll, Holiday Fire in the Sky, Territory Holiday Market
• Where to Stay: Romantic Cottage (from $160/night, sleeps 4); Sunrise Villa (from $175/night, sleeps 4); Irish Cottage Inn & Suites (from $144/night)

Historic and picturesque with impressive architecture, warm hospitality and charm in spades, Galena already has all the making of a postcard-worthy destination. Throw in heaps of snow, twinkling lights, hot coco, horse-drawn wagon rides and some tinsel? You’ve got a picture-perfect Christmas vacation that will undoubtedly delight even the Scroogiest family members. A few can’t-miss attractions include the fireworks show (December 2), holiday market (December 2) and Mistletoe Stroll.

• Things to Do: Nights of Lights, Lighthouse Illuminations, Christmas Parade
• Where to Stay: Winter Hawk Hideout (from $49/night, sleeps 2); HGTV Home (from $238/night, sleeps 4); Southern Oaks Inn (from $75/night)

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all the vacationers in St. Augustine were out and about in T-shirts and shorts, peeping the impressive displays of glowing white bulbs that illuminate the entire Historic District during the annual Nights of Lights festival. Admire the luminaries while walking around or consider a horse-drawn carriage ride.

• Things to Do: winter tour in a national park, dog sledding, ride the aerial tram
• Where to Stay: Spirit Dance Outpost (from $210/night, sleeps 8); Downtown Jackson Condo (from $289/night, sleeps 3); Four Seasons Hotel (from $1,140/night)

An epic outdoor playground with a wild western spirit, the mountain town of Jackson Hole shines (merry and) bright during the winter. Throughout the month of December, Santa frequently stops by the beautifully decorated Town Square to the delight of children of all ages. Kiddos can also ski with Saint Nick and go ice skating at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

• Things to Do: tour the Newport mansions, Newport Harbor illuminated boat parade, Christmas in Newport festival
• Where to Stay: Thames Guest House (from $300/night, sleeps 4); Gull’s Nest (from $316/night, sleeps 2); Armistead Cottage Bed & Breakfast (from $260/night)

Impeccably decorated gilded mansions, larger-than-life Christmas trees, lavish parties with plenty of eggnog, cobblestone streets dusted in fresh flakes and ocean views is how Newport does the holidays. Weather permitting, the town puts on a dazzling harbor display of bedecked boats. The whole month of December is dedicated to the Christmas in Newport festival, whose program includes a tree lighting, concerts, craft fairs and candlelit house tours. What you really want to do is beeline it to The Breakers to see all the opulent wreaths, poinsettias and ornaments before ordering a Winter Kiss cocktail at Jo’s American Bistro.

• Things to Do: Annual Lighting of the Village, shopping at the Christkindlmarkt, eat breakfast with Santa

• Where to Stay: Alpine Cabin (from $226/night, sleeps 4); Hawks Nest (from $92/night, sleeps 4); Holiday Inn Express (from $266/night)

We have a feeling that if the Grinch visited Helen at Christmas, his heart would grow two sizes. This adorable town in the Blue Ridge Mountains is known for its glorious holiday celebrations with Bavarian flair. On the docket? Watch the annual Lighting of the Village in Edelweiss River Park, have breakfast with Santa, watch the parade and slog back Glühwein (a traditional German spiced wine).

• Things to Do: cross-country skiing, see the decorations at Dock Square, walk Goose Rocks Beach
• Where to Stay: Kennebunkport Farmhouse (from $361/night, sleeps 4); Boat Shop Cottage (from $250/night, sleeps 6); Kennebunkport Captains Collection (from $365/night)

Most people think of Kennebunkport as a summer destination, but this enchanting Maine town is like stepping inside a snow globe in the winter. From snow-dusted streets and mom-and-pop shops perfect for purchasing any last-minute gifts to cozy restaurants that serve mulled wine and quaint inns, there’s no shortage of seasonal splendor.

• Things to Do: walk historic King Street, Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, shop the holiday markets
• Where to Stay: Old Town Home (from $536/night, sleeps 16); Old Town Townhouse (from $213/night, sleeps 4); The Alexandrian Old Town (from $379/night)

A Victorian-inspired holiday full of singing carols, handbell choirs and crafts awaits in historic Alexandria. Colorful lights and art-adorned lampposts transform King Street into a winter wonderland, while the annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade is a lively cavalcade of tartans and bagpipes. Swing by Market Square to see the shimmering tree, go ice skating and patronize the holiday markets.

• Things to Do: stroll Central Avenue, Christmas Eve torchlight parade, Nordic skiing
• Where to Stay: Downtown Whitefish Condo (from $232/night, sleeps 6); Luxury Whitefish Cabin (from $168/night, sleeps 4); Lodge at Whitefish Lake (from $360/night)

Winter is the most wonderful time of the year in Whitefish. This vibrant mountain town in northwest Montana and gateway to Glacier National Park pulls out all the stops for Christmas. Visitors can look forward to colorful decorations, caroling, the torchlight parade on December 24, yuletide cocktails, sledding and cross-country skiing at Glacier Nordic Center.

• Things to Do: ride the North Pole Express, Christmas with the Celts at the Egyptian Theater, Snowfest
• Where to Stay: Park City Treehouse (from $184/night, sleeps 2); Park City Hideaway (from $223/night, sleeps 4); The Chateaux Deer Valley (from $304/night)

So, what exactly does Christmas in Park City entail? Obviously, you’re going to find world-class slopes and a white-hot après-ski scene. Don’t skip ice skating on the outdoor rink at the base of the atmospheric and impressively decorated Park City Mountain Resort. Afterward, warm up with a steamy cup of hot chocolate. Your itinerary is not complete without a ride on the North Pole Express, a day at Snowfest and a trip to the Egyptian Theater to see “Christmas with the Celts.”

• Things to Do: Dickens of a Christmas festival, see A Christmas Carol

• Where to Stay: Rustic Log Home (from $99/night, sleeps 6); The Rexford Cabin (from $150/night, sleeps 6); Penn Wells Lodge (from $115/night)

Feeling nostalgic for ye olde holiday traditions? The annual Dickens of a Christmas festival turns back the clock on downtown Wellsboro with a Victorian marketplace featuring street entertainers, musicians, artists, craftsmen and food vendors—and, yes, everyone dresses in period garb. Streets close to cars and the gas lamps glow, giving the cobblestone lanes an even more old-timey feel.

• Things to Do: Holiday Jul Market, Fire of Stockholm
• Where to Stay: Maiden Rock Barn (from $155/night, sleeps 8); Historic Schoolhouse (from $150/night, sleeps 4); AmericInn (from $135/night)

Stockholm may be in Wisconsin, but it draws seasonal inspiration from Sweden and observes Christmas for an entire month. Almost all the residents and local businesses get involved in the festivities, which include a winter solstice fire celebration, tin ornament making class, gingerbread bake-off and photo ops with Jultomte (the Swedish version of Santa Claus).

• Things to Do: Lighting of the Square, Christmas parade
• Where to Stay: Dahlonega Estate (from $896/night, sleeps 10); Modern Glass Cabin (from $279/night, sleeps 4); Comfort Inn & Suites (from $112/night)

Dahlonega—where the Hallmark movie Christmas in Homestead was filmed—is a picturesque former gold rush town in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains that spreads heaps of holiday cheer. Revel in the convivial spirit of the annual tree lighting, carolers, carriage rides, parades, live music, giving your wish list to Santa and Christmas markets.

• Things to Do: see the giant tree at Russell and Main Streets, shop the Christmas bazaar, see the holiday display at the Trego County Historical Society Museum
• Where to Stay: WaKeeney Bungalow (from $115/night, sleeps 6); Garden Cottage (from $105/night, sleeps 8); Best Western Plus (from $99/night)

No one would dare to utter the words “bah, humbug” when exposed to such pageantry as WaKeeney whips up for the festive season. The “Christmas City of the High Plains” (a title the town has proudly held since 1950) puts on the largest holiday extravaganza between Kansas City and Denver, complete with a 35-foot-tall evergreen tree that flaunts 6,800 colored lights and a crown of ivory stars. If you head into town November 25, you’ll catch the Christmas extravaganza kickoff, with a holiday market, carriage rides and live reindeer.

• Things to Do: Festival of Trees, North Pole Cruise, downtown art and music walks
• Where to Stay: 1940s Cottage (from $94/night, sleeps 4); The 611 Suite (from $114/night, sleeps 2); Greenbriar Inn (from $155/night)

The name Coeur D’Alene calls to mind a twee French village. However, this Idaho community is all American in the way it celebrates Christmas. And while it's going to be cold outside (the monthly average hovers around the freezing mark), a festive lake cruise and 1.5 million twinkling lights strewn across downtown will give you all the warm, fuzzy feels.

• Things to Do: Christmas tree lighting, Lady Lion’s Craft Fair
• Where to Stay: Oma’s Lake Cottage (from $134/night, sleeps 4); Lake Roosevelt Bungalow (from $140/night, sleeps 6); Garden Estate Bed and Breakfast (from $169/night)

A bonafide winter wonderland located just 30 miles south of the U.S.-Canada Border, Kettle Falls brings joy to the most curmudgeonly of visitors with its access to cold-weather recreation and festive celebrations like the annual Christmas tree lighting and a holiday craft fair that’s sure to put a dent in your shopping list.

• Things to Do: walk down Main Street, historic holiday property tour, nutcracker display at the Stockbridge Library
• Where to Stay: The Granary at House on Golden Hill (from $131/night, sleeps 4); GreenHouse (from $141/night, sleeps 4); Seven Hills Inn (from $111/night)

A cozy community in the Berkshires that gives off idyllic New England Christmas vibes, Stockbridge spreads merriment with lights, wreaths and joyous energy. No wonder it ended up in a Norman Rockwell painting. Locally owned shops, galleries and restaurants welcome patrons with a warm smile and festive offerings. Plus, you can take a tour of the historic properties, bedecked in holiday decorations. The original “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas” painting at the Norman Rockwell Museum is a timeless reminder of the wonder of the season.

• Things to Do: Winter WonderFEST
• Where to Stay: Teeny’s Place (from $250/night, sleeps 6); The Book Nook (from $164/night, sleeps 4); Suds and Sand (from $228/night, sleeps 8)

Even Buddy the Elf might learn a thing or two about getting in the Christmas spirit from Milton. This wondrous little town in Sussex County, Delaware just radiates joy. The centerpiece of the holiday season is Winter WonderFEST at Hudson Fields, which runs the entire month of December. The Light Spectacular, ice skating and the carnival are just some of the many can’t-miss attractions.

• Things to Do: Wyoming Historical Museum, walk down main street
• Where to Stay: Wapsi River Retreat (from $284/night, sleeps 8); Deer Camp Cabin (from $204/night, sleeps 9); Boho Chic Farmhouse (from $161/night, sleeps 9)

Wyoming may have just 500 residents, but that doesn’t hamper the holiday cheer. Thousands of people visit this tiny town in Jones County, Iowa, each year to see the beautiful lights of The Christmas City and imbibe the convivial spirit. BTW, local vineyards mean you’re all but guaranteed to get some delicious mulled wine.

• Things to Do: catch a beach sunrise, Brant Point Light, Nantucket Christmas Stroll
• Where to Stay: Sconset Beach Cottage (from $223/night, sleeps 2); The Nantucket Farmhouse (from $563/night, sleeps 6); Greydon House (from $372/night)

You probably associate Nantucket with summer, but this idyllic island is a peaceful and joyous slice of paradise during Christmas time. Heart-warming holiday traditions range from the annual Christmas Stroll that’s chock full of cookie decorating, caroling, ugly sweaters and ice sculptures to the Nantucket Whaling Museum getting the winter wonderland treatment.

• Things to Do: Snowmass Luminescence, Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, New Year’s Eve fireworks

• Where to Stay: Chez Valerie (from $264/night, sleeps 2); Summit’s Rest (from $338/night, sleeps 6); Limelight Hotel (from $399/night)

Snowmass Village captures the true essence of the Christmas season with decorations, delicious food and downhill action. The coolest thing that goes down during the holidays? Snowmass Luminescence is a sensory-stimulating collection of large-scale interactive LED installations. Eggnog-fueled après ski roistering certainly exists, while the Viceroy Snowmass serves a more wholesome spread of fresh-baked cookies and hot chocolate.