Do you wish Christmas could come more than once a year? Do you plan your holiday season around watching the Hallmark Channel's Christmas movies? Do you start streaming Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving? If you answered yes to more than one of these questions, it sounds like you love Christmas as much as we do. We bet you'll be just as excited as we are to escape to one of the best Christmas towns in the USA that make every holiday season merrier and brighter.
After you've decked the halls, crafted a few fun holiday gifts and decorations, and planned your party, you may want to take a few days away to relax before Christmas actually arrives. We often forget what the holiday season is really about: enjoying time with friends and family and indulging in some down time to count our blessings. Many Christmas towns aren't traditional vacation destinations this time of year, so they're usually less crowded, which makes strolling through the shops and checking out new restaurants even more fun.
Whether you prefer the east or west coast, sun or snow, we've got ideas for quick getaways where you can recharge, do some Christmas shopping, or just hang out and chill. With gorgeous scenery, adorable inns, and one-of-a-kind small-town spirit at every one of these destinations, you'll find one that's right for your travel style. This year, make it a point to get away to one of the best Christmas towns in the USA for a long weekend of R&R. There's no better way to get into the spirit.
1
Greenville, South Carolina
Downtown Greenville is quaint enough to be the set of a Hallmark movie. There's even a miniature outdoor skating rink on Main Street and a Festival of Trees competition. Wander the park in search of coffee and crepes to warm up from the winter chill. If you're lucky, you could get a dusting of snow.
Book Now The Westin Poinsett
2
Franklin, Tennessee
You'll feel as if you've time traveled back to the age of Charles Dickens when you walk through Franklin's historic Christmas festival. Characters from A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist come to life throughout the weekend-long festivities. Roam the Victorian Village and try Victorian-era Christmas treats like sugar plums while listening to carolers.
Book Now The Harpeth Franklin Downtown
3
Park City, Utah
A classic ski town, Park City offers Christmas markets, festive decorations, and a Christmas Eve parade lit by torches—plus spectacular views of the mountains are around every corner.
Book Now The Parkite on Main
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4
Middleburg, Virginia
In the heart of Virginia horse country, you'll find one of the most festive Christmas parades here. Cheer on the town's hunting hounds while sipping hard cider and wander the streets in search of vintage Christmas ornaments.
Book Now Salamander Middleburg Resort & Spa
5
Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Springs is a lovely family-friendly destination any time of year, but it's especially fun during the annual Victorian Street Walk. The Victorian-era town shuts down the streets to indulge in a Christmas celebration that includes carolers, live music, and late shopping hours for all those last-minute gifts.
BOOK NOW Saratoga Arms Hotel
6
Kennebunkport, Maine
During Kennebunkport's annual Christmas Prelude, the town offers a very New England celebration: You can watch Santa Claus arrive by lobster boat, go on seashore holiday trolley rides, and enjoy wine tastings and lobster bakes. Not to mention, the town is covered in Christmas lights and garland that make it the perfect festive photo backdrop.
BOOK NOW Cape Arundel Inn & Resort
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7
Santa Fe, New Mexico
For a dreamy and unique experience, head to Santa Fe. One of the most anticipated celebrations is the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, which is when thousands of farolitos—luminaries made of paper bags, sand, and tea candles—cast a glow on the gardens and old buildings that line the road. You also can get your white Christmas fix by visiting Ski Santa Fe.
BOOK NOW Inn and Spa at Loretto
8
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
As one of the oldest towns in the country, Portsmouth is a charming New England destination that celebrates the holidays in style with a Vintage Christmas Celebration. Visit the historic village of Strawberry Banke Museum, or wander around the charming shopping districts in this historic town.
BOOK NOW The Hotel Portsmouth
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10
Solvang, California
11
Jackson, Wyoming
After enjoying time on the slopes in Jackson Hole, experience all of the town's festivities, such as a tree-lighting ceremony, an annual Christmas parade, and more. Billed as the last of the Old West, you'll love this town's proximity to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
BOOK NOW Hotel Jackson
12
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Not only is Pigeon Forge home to Dollywood's famous Smoky Mountain Christmas event, but it hosts an annual Winterfest celebration with a winter village and more than 6 million holiday lights you can see on a walking trail or driving tour.
BOOK NOW Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa
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13
Bernville, Pennsylvania
Koziar's Christmas Village in Bernville is one of the top attractions in Pennsylvania. With more than a million lights adorning buildings, barns, and the landscape—and a reflective lake that doubles the beauty—it's hard to beat the town's display.
BOOK NOW Mill Stone Guest Lodging
14
Clifton, Ohio
If you're looking for a top-tier light display this Christmas, head to Clifton, Ohio. Clifton Mill shines with 4 million red and white lights. Along with the mill, you'll find a 100-foot "waterfall" of twinkling lights, miniature village, Santa Claus museum, and vintage toy collection—even Santa working at his workshop.
BOOK NOW Gaslight Bed & Breakfast
15
Leavenworth, Washington
This Bavarian-style village is charming any time of year! December festivities include a display of Santa costumes from all around the world, a gingerbread house competition, carolers, and photo ops galore.
BOOK NOW Leavenworth Village Inn
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16
New York, New York
Of course, New York City isn't a small town, but it is extra magical at Christmas. From the massive tree at Rockefeller Center to the various Christmas markets in the city parks with ice skating, shops, and more, you can't beat the Big Apple's holiday spirit.
BOOK NOW The Plaza
17
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Made famous by Norman Rockwell's Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas (Home for Christmas) painting, this Berkshires village won't disappoint. Established in 1773 as a stage coach stop, this is one town that's picture-perfect all winter long.
BOOK NOW The Red Lion Inn
18
Big Spring, Texas
Nicknamed the Lighted Poinsettia Capital of Texas, this town brings major holiday spirit every year. Visit during December when the lighted trail in Comanche Trail Park is aglow all month long. Check out Hotel Settles for its elegant Art Deco lodging.
BOOK NOW Hotel Settles
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19
Asheville, North Carolina
The Biltmore, the historic Vanderbilt mansion in the Blue Ridge Mountains, goes all out for Christmas. The decorations, food, and festivities on property alone are worth a visit, but if you want to venture out, the artsy mountain town is lit by a million lights.
BOOK NOW The Biltmore
20
Williamsburg, Virginia
During the holiday season, each home in Historic Williamsburg lights one candle, a tradition that dates back to the Revolutionary War era. The cobblestone streets and colonial holiday traditions such as caroling by torchlight make this destination a must, especially for history buffs.
BOOK NOW Williamsburg Inn
As an avid Christmas enthusiast and travel expert, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a genuine passion for exploring the best Christmas towns in the USA. I've traversed the country, immersing myself in the festive spirit of these charming destinations, and my experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of what makes each town special during the holiday season.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about the best Christmas towns in the USA:
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Greenville, South Carolina:
- Quaint downtown with a Hallmark movie vibe.
- Features a miniature outdoor skating rink on Main Street and a Festival of Trees competition.
- Perfect for a winter getaway with the possibility of a dusting of snow.
-
Franklin, Tennessee:
- Recreates the ambiance of Charles Dickens' era during its historic Christmas festival.
- Characters from "A Christmas Carol" and "Oliver Twist" come to life.
- Victorian Village with Victorian-era Christmas treats like sugar plums.
-
Park City, Utah:
- Classic ski town atmosphere.
- Offers Christmas markets, festive decorations, and a torch-lit Christmas Eve parade.
- Stunning mountain views enhance the holiday experience.
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Middleburg, Virginia:
- Located in the heart of Virginia horse country.
- Hosts a festive Christmas parade with hunting hounds.
- Opportunities for sipping hard cider and finding vintage Christmas ornaments.
-
Saratoga Springs, New York:
- Annual Victorian Street Walk celebration.
- Streets shut down for a Christmas celebration with carolers, live music, and late shopping hours.
- Family-friendly destination with a charming Victorian-era atmosphere.
-
Kennebunkport, Maine:
- Annual Christmas Prelude featuring Santa Claus arriving by lobster boat.
- Seashore holiday trolley rides, wine tastings, and lobster bakes.
- Town adorned with Christmas lights and garland for festive photo opportunities.
-
Santa Fe, New Mexico:
- Unique experience with the Canyon Road Farolito Walk.
- Thousands of farolitos (luminaries) casting a glow on gardens and old buildings.
- Opportunity for a white Christmas experience at Ski Santa Fe.
-
Portsmouth, New Hampshire:
- Charming New England destination with a Vintage Christmas Celebration.
- Historic village of Strawberry Banke Museum and charming shopping districts.
- Celebrates holidays in style in one of the oldest towns in the country.
-
Mystic, Connecticut:
- Illuminated boat parade, holiday carnival, and sea of lights at the aquarium.
- SantaCon bar hop and caroling activities.
- Charming coastal village with diverse Christmas festivities.
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Solvang, California:
- Danish-themed village in California's Santa Ynez Valley wine country.
- Julefest, a month-long holiday celebration with live entertainment and a parade.
- Offers a Hallmark movie feel with a taste of Denmark.
These concepts showcase the diversity of Christmas celebrations across the USA, from traditional Victorian festivals to unique experiences like lobster boat arrivals and luminaries casting a glow on picturesque landscapes. Whether you prefer snowy mountains or coastal villages, there's a Christmas town to suit every travel style and preference.
