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The 31 Most Magical Christmas Towns in the U.S.
Head here for major holiday cheer.
Even if you’ve twirled up the most perfectly rustic Christmas tree and outdone the neighbors with the prettiest Christmas front porch decor, sometimes the holidays are best spent away from home. Looking for a great getaway that doesn’t forgo all the red and green razzle dazzle? Our list of the best Christmas towns for 2024 is sure to help you dream up your destination for December 25th.
Our favorite Christmas towns in the U.S. include a little bit of everything. There are big cities, small towns, warm-weather hotspots, and way-up-in-the-mountain hideaways. Seeking out a steeped-in-history celebration? Try Colonial Williamsburg or the Bavarian-style towns of Helen, Georgia and Leavenworth, Washington. More in the mood to break with the norm? There’s a magic to Taos, New Mexico, and Delray Beach, Florida, will have you giving Christmas on the coast a serious second thought. And if a white Christmas is an absolute must, know you’re pretty much guaranteed to find snow in Crested Butte, Colorado, or Park City, Utah.
Also good to know: the best small towns at Christmas go big on Yuletide activities. From Christmas villages and markets full of holiday crafts and seasonal sweets to the most utterly Instagrammable outdoor light displays, there will be plenty of things to do. (Which is good, because you won’t be spending time in the kitchen cooking up holiday dishes for a big family feast!) So pack your bags, bundle up the kids, and alert the in-laws that you’ll be heading outta town this year. These magical American Christmas towns are ready and waiting for you!
In need of more ways to make merry this year? We’ve got plenty of options:
Crested Butte, Colorado
Nestled high in the Slate River Valley, this historic mining town turned come-as-you-are ski haven brings fresh alpine air and a freewheeling pioneer spirit to the holiday season. Stock up on Christmas decor at holiday haberdashery Vincent Cranberry's, cozy up for a meal in an old mining cabin at Soupcon, or spend a leisurely afternoon on the cross-country skiing trails. Don't miss the Night of Lights in nearby Gunnison, when Main Street businesses serve cookies and hot chocolate while Santa lights the downtown tree.
Middleburg, Virginia
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.
RELATED: Get More Insider Tips With Our Country Girl's Guide to Christmas in Middleburg
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Gruene, Texas
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.
RELATED: Find Out More Ways to Spend the Holidays in Gruene, The Best Christmas Town in Texas
Woodstock, Vermont
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.
RELATED: Get Our Complete Insider’s Guide to Christmas in Woodstock
Park City, Utah
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.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
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. For cozy (and historic!) accommodations, book a room at The Sayre Mansion (pictured).
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
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.
Franklin, Tennessee
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.
Essex, Connecticut
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.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
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 Polar Express Train Ride.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
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.
North Pole, Alaska
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?
New York, New York
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.
Greenville, South Carolina
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 leads the Poinsettia Christmas Parade, complete with a walking performance from a college marching band. 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!
Solvang, California
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.
Andalusia, Alabama
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!
Bardstown, Kentucky
This Kentucky town kicks off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving 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.
Leavenworth, Washington
On any day of the year, this Bavarian village gives off an Alpine holiday air. But during Christmastown, 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, mulled Gluhwein, and sledding.
Branson, Missouri
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!
Asheville, North Carolina
Editor’s Note: The Asheville community is recovering from Hurricane Helene. Visit Explore Asheville for updates on what has reopened in Asheville and Buncombe County.
Not surprisingly, much of Asheville's holiday focus is on the 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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