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The 30 Most Magical Christmas Towns in the U.S.

Head here for holiday cheer.

By Ann Shields
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While the Christmas season is traditionally a time to head home and hunker down with loved ones, it’s also an excellent opportunity to experience someplace new. If you don’t want to skimp on holiday spirit, then might we suggest booking a trip to one of the best Christmas towns in the U.S.A. this year? From fabulous light displays and shoppable Christmas markets full of fun holiday crafts to streets filled with I’ve-gotta-try-this-next-year outdoor Christmas decorations and plenty of unique Yuletide parades, each of these Christmas towns offers its own unique spin on the holiday.

Seeking someplace where snow will almost be a guarantee? Book tickets to Park City, Utah or Leavenworth, Washington. More in the mood for a warm-weather holiday? Head to Delray Beach, Florida, which lights a 100-foot tall tree each year, or go with the small-town charm of Solvang, California, where Julefest takes place all December long. And we’d be remiss not to mention the year-round Christmas towns of Santa Claus, Indiana and North Pole, Alaska, which find ways to honor the holiday 365 days a year.

Ready to make all your Hallmark Christmas town dreams come true? Then alert the in-laws, bundle up the kids, and hit the road. These magical American Christmas towns are ready to embrace you with open arms, opportunities for new Christmas traditions, and, of course, a warm cup of hot chocolate or two. Happy Holidays, y'all!

1

Middleburg, VA

a group of people riding horses with dogs
Courtesy of Jay Hubbard/The Middleburg Eccentric

Settle in for an old-fashioned Christmas in the heart of Virginia’s horse and hunt country, where you can cheer on a parade of loyal hounds as they ride through the streets, sip on small-batch hard ciders at Mt. Defiance, and shop for old-world holiday decor, including Wilhelm Schweizer pewter ornaments, and Wendt & Kühn windup music boxes, at year-round holiday shop The Christmas Sleigh.

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2

Gruene, Texas

a white house with flags
Jessica Attie

A two-steppin' Texas Christmas awaits in this cotton town-turned-thriving historic district located within the community of New Braunfels. Pose for pics with Cowboy Kringle, Gruene's distinctive wrangler spin on Father Christmas, take in the annual Pony Express Ride, a beloved holiday tradition that sees a horseback cavalcade carry a message of yuletide cheer from the state governor straight through town, then head to Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest continuously running dance hall, for a calendar jam-packed with holiday shows.

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3

Woodstock, VT

a person and a dog outside an old fashioned general store in the winter
Jackie Greaney

In the heart of the Green Mountains, a Christmas card-worthy village and its surrounding hamlets shine with New England charm. Go cross-country skiing, visit covered bridges, and bundle up for horse-drawn sleigh rides through snow-covered pastures at Billings Farm & Museum.

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4

Stockbridge, MA

best christmas towns stockbridge ma
Kirkikis//Getty Images

Stockbridge might look just like a Norman Rockwell painting—and that's because it is! Each year, the town re-creates the 1967 Rockwell painting, "Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas (Home for Christmas)" during their annual festival. Old-fashioned cars line the main street to re-create the painting, and the public can tour historic homes decorated for the holidays.

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5

Park City, UT

best christmas towns park city ut
Jason Cameron//Getty Images

Why not escape to a literal winter wonderland for Christmas? Park City is a breathtaking place nestled in the mountains. There are tons of Christmas events throughout December such as holiday markets, sleigh rides, and a Christmas Eve torchlight parade, where skiers and snowboarders come down the mountain carrying torches to lead Santa into town.

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6

Franklin, TN

best christmas towns franklin tn
Instagram / Williamson Heritage

Step back in time at the annual Dickens of a Christmas festival in historic downtown Franklin. The festival, which is in its 35th year, brings characters from A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist to life throughout its weekend-long festivities. Roam the Victorian Village and try Victorian-era Christmas treats like sugar plums while listening to carolers. Stop for a chat with Jacob Marley or Ebenezer Scrooge before visiting Father Christmas.

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7

Essex, CT

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Walter Bibikow//Getty Images

There are plenty of reasons to visit Essex at Christmastime. Ride the North Pole Express, then keep things locomotive-themed at the annual Holiday Train Show, or do some Christmas shopping at the holiday village where you can also catch a stunning light show. Have dinner or even stay at the historic Griswold Inn for the perfect New England holiday.

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8

Cape Cod, MA

cape cod christmas
DenisTangneyJr

Looking for boatloads of Christmas cheer with a New England twist? Head to Cape Cod! There are few things more picturesque than lighthouses decked to their nines in Christmas garlands, wreaths, and lights. What's more, the quaint seaside destination hosts dozens of craft fairs, parades, theater productions, and even a Train to Christmas Town.

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9

Ann Arbor, MI

ann arbor michigan best christmas towns
Getty Images

There's so much to love about a Christmas in Ann Arbor, from the dozens of holiday events offered (think: free outdoor markets, German food fairs, lantern parades, s'mores roasting, and live music, just to name a few). The annual "Sing Along with Santa" event, presented by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, is a can't-miss spectacle. It's just what is sounds like: A carol sing-along featuring Santa himself, plus plenty of cookies and cider.

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10

North Pole, AK

north pole alaska best christmas town
Getty Images

Bet you never thought you could make a trip to the North Pole! This town may not be the real thing, but it's got the name—and it boasts year-round Christmas spirit. There's also a "Santa Claus house" with live reindeer, a mayor who goes by the name of Santa, and candy cane street lamps. How's that for a winter wonderland?

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11

New York, NY

new york city best christmas towns usa 
Getty Images

It may not be a tiny town, but it's still got all the charm—and it'd be impossible to make a list of the best Christmas towns in America without including the Big Apple! There's simply no place quite like New York City at Christmastime. With its countless attractions, skating rinks, and shopping opportunities galore, it's an obvious choice for at least one of your family's Christmas trips.

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12

Bethlehem, PA

bethlehem pennsylvania best christmas towns
HistoricBethlehem.org

Spend Christmas in Bethlehem without shelling out a fortune on airfare or traveling back in time! This Pennsylvania town boasts horse-drawn carriage rides and a "Christmas City Stroll" that'll have your entire family smiling and laughing.

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13

Greenville, SC

Greenville South Carolina Best Christmas Towns
Courtesy Greenville / TK PR

Want to feel like you're walking around on the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie? Then you'll want to head to Greenville, South Carolina, where the sidewalks twinkle with lights as Santa’s electric sleigh drives by with an elf in tow. There's even a miniature outdoor skating rink on Main Street, a "Festival of Trees" competition, tree lighting ceremonies, and more. It's downright magical!

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14

Solvang, CA

best christmas towns in usa california
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Take a trip to gorgeous wine country this holiday season and visit Solvang, located in the Santa Ynez Valley. The town hosts Julefest, which lasts all December long. Guests can go on go on a Holiday Lights Tour, take part in the Santa Sprint, listen to live holiday music, and much more.

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15

Andalusia, AL

best christmas towns in usa candyland
Christmas in Candyland

It doesn't get too cold in Andalusia, but that doesn't stop the town from turning into a winter wonderland. Every weekend in December, residents flock to Candyland, a kid-friendly event where children of all ages can ice-skate, visit the different holiday cottages, and meet Santa. The best part? Admission is free!

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16

Bardstown, KY

best christmas towns in usa kentucky
Don Sniegowski

This Kentucky town kicks off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving—that's November 23 this year—with the Light Up Bardstown celebration. Kids will have a blast at the Fun Christmas Corner, where they can enjoy sweet treats and face painting. Everyone in the family will love the annual Christmas tree lighting and an appearance by Santa Claus himself.

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17

Leavenworth, WA

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On any day of the year, this Bavarian village gives off an Alpine holiday air. But during snowy December, visitors are met with 21 miles of lights along the homes and fences, and can also anticipate handbell concerts, a lively Christkindlmarkt, harp music, and a weekly festival with carolers, Gluhwein, and sledding gathered 'round the town's tree.

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18

Branson, MO

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Each year, this Missouri city hosts the Ozark Mountain Christmas festival, a month-long extravaganza with festive music, light shows, and plenty of parades. You can even hop aboard the Branson Scenic Railway's Polar Express Train Ride and feel like you're in a scene from the classic movie. Don't forget the hot chocolate!

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19

Asheville, NC

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Courtesy of the Biltmore

Not surprisingly, much of Asheville's holiday focus is on Biltmore, the historic Vanderbilt mansion, which dresses up lavishly with ribbons, garlands, and sparking lights. Elsewhere in this active mountain town, locals gather to watch Santa rappel down Chimney Rock as a warm-up exercise for his upcoming Christmas Eve activities. The well-established arts scene in town makes shopping for unique gifts easy at craft shows and studio visits in the River Arts District.

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20

Frankenmuth, MI

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Getty Images

Known as Michigan's Little Bavaria, Frankenmuth's European heritage is on full display during the Christmas season. Some of the town's charming holiday highlights include a traditional Christkindlmarkt, a holiday home tour hosted by the Frankenmuth Women's Club, whimsical light displays, and Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, the world's largest Christmas store.

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Best Small Towns

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