While spending Christmas in some of the biggest and brightest cities in the US is definitely on our bucket list, there's something magical about celebrating in the quaint, charming small towns across America.
Imagine stepping into a classic Hallmark movie, where every shop window is decked out with festive displays, the entire town gathers for the Christmas tree lighting, and villages come to life as the holiday lights begin to glow. These cozy Christmas towns, with their twinkling lights around town squares and beloved local traditions, are where the holiday spirit shines brightest.
If you're looking for that small-town charm this Christmas instead of jetting off to far-flung destinations, start with these 20 best Christmas towns to visit in the US in 2026. Then use our state-by-state guide to find the best Christmas towns closer to home.
What is the most Christmassy town in America?
The most Christmassy town in America is Leavenworth, Washington. It came out on top in a NextVacay study of the most Christmassy towns in America, which scored towns on Christmas search interest, average snowfall, coziness, Instagram posts and Christmas markets, and it is a regular finalist in reader votes for the best Christmas town in the US.What sets it apart is that the whole town commits to the season. The Village of Lights turns the Bavarian-style center into a glowing Christmastown, with Santa, carolers and festive music, all set against snowy mountain peaks.
But it is far from the only small town that does Christmas properly. A few other towns have a serious claim to the title, and each has the nickname to prove it:
- Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is known as "Christmas City USA", with one of the best-known Christkindlmarkts in the country.
- McAdenville, North Carolina calls itself "Christmas Town USA" and lights up the whole town every December. Find it in our guide to the best Christmas towns in North Carolina.
- North Pole, Alaska keeps Christmas going all year round, with candy cane light poles and streets named after Santa.
- Frankenmuth, Michigan is home to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, billed as the world's largest Christmas store. See more in our guide to Christmas towns in Michigan.
20 Best Christmas Towns in America for a Christmas Vacation in 2026
- Leavenworth Christmas
- Branson Christmas
- Aspen Christmas
- Vail Christmas
- Bethlehem Christmas
- Breckenridge Christmas
- Park City Christmas
- Santa Fe Christmas
- Telluride Christmas
- Kennebunkport Christmas
- Stowe Christmas
- Nantucket Christmas
- North Pole Christmas
- Pigeon Forge Christmas
- Solvang Christmas
- Helen Christmas
- Collierville Christmas
- Jim Thorpe Christmas
- Woodstock Christmas
- St. Augustine Christmas
Also in this guide: the most Christmassy town in America, Christmas towns by state and frequently asked questions.
1. Christmas in Leavenworth, Washington
Chance of snow: High
Must see: Village of Lights: Christmastown
Leavenworth, Washington, is one of the best places to spend Christmas in the US and the town we rate as the most Christmassy in America.
This Bavarian-inspired village transforms into a winter wonderland with over half a million twinkling lights, festive music, and endless holiday activities. Throughout the holiday season, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and holiday characters bring joy to every visit.
With its Alpine-style charm and mountain views, Leavenworth feels like a European getaway right in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, making it a perfect Christmas town in the US.
Related: Best Christmas Towns in Washington
2. Christmas in Branson, Missouri
Chance of snow: Medium
Must see: Silver Dollar City's An Old Time Christmas festival
Deep in the Ozarks, Branson, Missouri, is a top Christmas getaway and one of the best places to go during Christmas.
This mountain town transforms into a snow globe of festivities from November to early January, with Christmas trees, live music shows, and festive parades. Experience the best of season with plenty of festive events, featuring lights shows, a towering Christmas tree, and a European-style Christmas market.
For a magical family Christmas, don't miss the Polar Express train ride, where hot cocoa, cookies, and a visit from Santa bring the classic story to life.
Branson is the perfect destination for a family-friendly holiday adventure.
3. Christmas in Aspen, Colorado
Chance of snow: High
Must see: 12 Days of Aspen
Not just a ski destination, Aspen, Colorado, is one of the best places to visit for Christmas in the USA.
During the "12 Days of Aspen" in the run-up to New Year, the town transforms into a winter wonderland with activities for all ages, from ice skating and s'mores to meeting Santa and decorating cookies. Adults can enjoy the 12 Days of Après with drinks and dancing at local hotspots. The celebrations culminate with New Year's Eve fireworks over Aspen Mountain.
Don't miss skiing across the Colorado mountains, and be sure to catch the Christmas tree lighting events at iconic spots like the Sardy House and The St. Regis.
Aspen's blend of luxury and small-town Christmas village charm makes it a must-visit holiday destination.
4. Christmas in Vail, Colorado
Chance of snow: High
Must see: New Year's Eve Torchlight Parade
As one of the best Christmas towns in Colorado, Vail transforms into a frosted winter wonderland during the holiday season.
The festivities kick off in late November with the Lionshead Tree Lighting at Sunbird Park in Lionshead Village and continue with Vail Holidays, featuring ice skating shows and the Kris Kringle Market.
The highlight is the New Year's Eve Torchlight Parade at Golden Peak, where ski instructors ski down the mountain with torches, followed by a fireworks display. Vail's mix of holiday spirit and luxury makes it a special place to spend Christmas.
Related: Best Christmas Towns in Colorado
5. Christmas in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Chance of snow: Medium
Must see: Christkindlmarkt
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, known as Christmas City USA, is one of the best Christmas towns in America and a must-visit destination during the holiday season.
Right in the heart of the Lehigh Valley, this charming city offers a blend of history, tradition, and festive cheer. Highlights include the renowned Christkindlmarkt, a German-inspired holiday market featuring handmade crafts, ornaments, and live entertainment. The city's Live Advent Calendar at the historic 1810 Goundie House adds a unique touch, with daily treats and surprises for visitors.
Don't miss the Winter Light Spectacular at the nearby Lehigh Valley Zoo, where over a million lights create a dazzling holiday display. Bethlehem is one of the best places to visit for Christmas, with something for every age.
Related: Best Christmas Markets in the US
6. Christmas in Breckenridge, Colorado
Chance of snow: High
Must see: Race of Santas
Breckenridge, Colorado, is one of the best Christmas towns in Colorado and a top contender for best Christmas vacation destinations.
This charming resort town kicks off the holiday season with the Lighting of Breckenridge and the festive Race of the Santas, where hundreds of Santa look-alikes dash down Main Street. The town turns into a real-life holiday card, with hundreds of thousands of LED lights adorning the historic downtown.
Visitors can enjoy a scenic sleigh ride, cozy après-ski spots, and a festive atmosphere that lasts all season long. Breckenridge offers the perfect blend of holiday charm and winter adventure.
7. Christmas in Park City, Utah
Chance of snow: High
Must see: Snow Globe Stroll
Park City, Utah, is one of the best Christmas towns in America and one of the best places to visit for Christmas.
The holiday season here is packed with festive events and attractions. Stroll through Old Town on the Snow Globe Stroll, where life-size, interactive snow globes with local themes create a fun scavenger hunt. Ride the North Pole Express on the Heber Valley Railroad, where kids can meet Santa.
Check the event calendars for local ski resorts too, as many host torchlight parades where staff ski down the slopes with flares in hand.
8. Christmas in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Chance of snow: Medium
Must see: Canyon Road Farolito Walk
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is one of the best Christmas vacations for families, with a unique blend of history, cultural traditions, and holiday magic.
As the oldest state capital in the U.S., Santa Fe's adobe buildings and narrow streets provide a timeless backdrop for its distinctive holiday celebrations. The Canyon Road Farolito Walk on Christmas Eve is a must-see, as glowing lanterns light up the historic adobe streets. Families can also enjoy the Santa Fe Botanical Garden's GLOW event, which turns the garden into a twinkling winter wonderland.
For a white Christmas, head to Ski Santa Fe in the nearby mountains. From festive flamenco performances to seasonal shopping at the Winter Indian Market, Santa Fe's holiday experiences make it a perfect destination for a family Christmas.
9. Christmas in Telluride, Colorado
Chance of snow: High
Must see: Noel Night
Telluride, Colorado, is a picture-perfect Christmas destination, where snow-covered peaks and twinkling lights create a magical holiday scene.
Celebrate with Noel Night, featuring shopping, caroling, and the lighting of the unique Ski Tree made from recycled skis. Enjoy the Holiday Prelude in nearby Mountain Village, with Santa visits and a tree lighting ceremony. You can also get into the Christmas spirit with horse-drawn sleigh rides through the San Juan Mountains, with a glimpse of the town's rich history along the way.
10. Christmas in Kennebunkport, Maine
Chance of snow: High
Must see: Christmas Prelude
If you're looking for a Hallmark Christmas town experience, Kennebunkport, Maine, is the place to be.
Every December, this charming New England town bursts with holiday cheer during its Christmas Prelude. Picture a festive tree made of lobster traps, Santa arriving by lobster boat, and the community coming together for tree lightings, caroling, and fireworks.
The event also features street festivals, holiday crafts, and warm drinks at the Nonantum Resort. Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude brings the magic of a Hallmark movie to life, making it one of the top Christmas family vacation destinations in the US.
11. Christmas in Stowe, Vermont
Chance of snow: High
Must see: A Traditional Christmas Event
Stowe, Vermont, is one of the best places to spend Christmas and embodies the spirit of a Christmas Town USA.
This charming Green Mountain town, often called the "ski capital of the East," blends winter sports with holiday magic. The community kicks off the season with a festival that includes a tree lighting, children's lantern parade, wagon rides, a holiday bazaar, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Snow-covered streets, quaint shops, and historic buildings make Stowe one of the best Christmas towns in Vermont & the USA.
Stay at the Trapp Family Lodge, where you can enjoy skiing, sleigh rides, and holiday traditions surrounded by Austrian-inspired decor.
12. Christmas in Nantucket, Massachusetts
Chance of snow: Low
Must see: Christmas Stroll
Nantucket, Massachusetts, is one of the best places to spend Christmas in the US, thanks to its annual Christmas Stroll.
This festive tradition, which began in the 1970s, transforms the island into a holiday wonderland in early December. Visitors can shop amid dozens of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, enjoy wine and cocktail tastings, and take part in walking tours. The event also features Santa's arrival by boat, live entertainment, and the Festival of Trees at the Whaling Museum, where dozens of uniquely decorated trees are on display.
13. Christmas in North Pole, Alaska
Chance of snow: Very High
Must see: Santa Claus House
North Pole, Alaska, is one of the best Christmas towns in the US for snow, and the holiday spirit lives here all year round.
Located in the Fairbanks area, this charming Christmas town is home to the famous Santa Claus House, where visitors can meet the "real" Santa, shop for unique gifts, and visit Santa's reindeer at the Antler Academy. The town's streets are named after Christmas icons like Santa Claus Lane and Kris Kringle Drive, and light poles are decorated like candy canes.
Though it's around 1,700 miles from the actual North Pole, this festive destination is one of the best places to visit for Christmas in the USA, with year-round holiday decorations and the chance to see the northern lights.
14. Christmas in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Chance of snow: Medium
Must see: Winterfest Celebration
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is the ultimate Tennessee Christmas town and one of the best Christmas towns in the United States.
Known as the home of Dollywood, Pigeon Forge transforms into a holiday wonderland with Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas event and the annual Winterfest celebration. Visitors can see millions of holiday lights on a walking trail or driving tour.
Make sure to check out the year-round Christmas village, The Incredible Christmas Place, the largest Christmas store in the South. Whether you're staying at The Inn at Christmas Place or exploring Dollywood's seasonal festivities, Pigeon Forge is the perfect holiday escape.
Related: Best Christmas Towns in Tennessee
15. Christmas in Solvang, California
Chance of snow: Low
Must see: Julefest
Solvang, California, is one of the most enchanting Christmas towns in California, with a unique blend of Danish culture and holiday cheer in the heart of Santa Barbara County's wine country.
During December, this picturesque village celebrates its annual Julefest, a month-long celebration filled with Nordic-inspired traditions. Visitors can enjoy a Holiday Lights Tour, take part in the Santa Sprint, and explore the Julefest Maker's Market for the perfect holiday gift.
The town's streets are adorned with Christmas trees and thousands of lights, creating a magical setting for one of the best vacation destinations during Christmas. Don't miss the Candlelight Tours and the town-wide hunt for Solvang's hidden Christmas elves, known as Nisser.
Related: Best Christmas Towns in California
16. Christmas in Helen, Georgia
Chance of snow: Low
Must see: Christkindlmarkt
Helen, Georgia, is one of the most charming Christmas towns in the US, with an authentic Bavarian holiday feel right in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
This quaint Alpine village on the Chattahoochee River transforms into a festive wonderland in December, complete with holiday wreaths, artist-decorated trees, and a Christmas market at the Marktplatz. Visitors can enjoy the traditional Christkindlmarkt, Kinderfest, and a tree lighting in the cozy downtown area.
With its Alpine architecture, cobblestone streets, and festive décor, Helen is a magical choice for a Christmas trip, where you can shop for unique gifts, savor festive treats, and experience a Victorian Christmas at the nearby Hardman Farm State Historic Site.
Related: Best Christmas Towns in Georgia
17. Christmas in Collierville, Tennessee
Chance of snow: Medium
Must see: Town Square
Collierville, TN becomes one of the most festive Christmas towns in Tennessee when residents brighten up the historic Town Square under a canopy of more than 250,000 lights. On Saturdays from Thanksgiving through Christmas, the square becomes a holiday gathering place that has hosted Santa greetings from the gazebo, model train displays, student choir performances, and local vendors.
Bundle up in the evening for carriage rides, strolling carolers, and a warm atmosphere that has earned Collierville national recognition. You also won't be far from some Christmas in the city, as Memphis is a short drive away, with its own festive attractions such as Christmas at Graceland, Holiday Wonders at the Botanic Garden, and the light display at Shelby Farms.
Related: Best Christmas Towns in Tennessee
18. Christmas in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Chance of snow: Medium
Must see: Olde Time Christmas
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, Jim Thorpe is one of Pennsylvania's most enchanting holiday towns, where Victorian charm meets mountain coziness.
Each December, the town hosts its Olde Time Christmas celebration, filling several weekends with twinkling lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, and festive shopfronts that make downtown feel like a living snow globe.
Highlights include the tree lighting in Josiah White Park, Santa train rides, and a live Nativity, while ghost tours, artisan markets, and late-night shopping give adults plenty to enjoy as well. From warming up with cocoa by the fire to boarding the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, Jim Thorpe captures the magic of a small-town Christmas in Pennsylvania.
Related: Best Christmas Towns in Pennsylvania
19. Christmas in Woodstock, Vermont
Chance of snow: High
Must see: Wassail Weekend
When the chill (and usually snow) blankets Woodstock, VT in December, it becomes a Christmas postcard you can step right into. The centerpiece of the season is Wassail Weekend, when parades of horses travel down the streets, carolers in old-fashioned dress sing by candlelight, and historic homes glow with fresh evergreens.
Downtown feels especially cozy, with small shops lit up for the holidays and shelves stocked with local specialties like maple sweets, Vermont cheeses, and handmade toys. For something even more nostalgic, Billings Farm & Museum recreates a Victorian holiday with gingerbread, fireside snacks, and barnyard animals that children adore.
Related: Best Christmas Towns in Vermont
20. Christmas in St. Augustine, Florida
Chance of snow: None
Must see: Nights of Lights
While not as frosty as a ski town, St. Augustine is Florida's premier Christmas destination, steeped in a history that stretches back centuries. Its Spanish colonial architecture glows under the famous Nights of Lights display, where countless tiny white lights transform the historic district into a winter wonderland by the sea.
Visitors to "The Ancient City" can soak it all in on foot, by horse-drawn carriage, or aboard the Old Town Trolley, which offers a festive guided tour through the best-lit streets. Seasonal favorites include the Christmas Parade, the Holiday Regatta of Lights, and open-air concerts that bring extra cheer to the nation's oldest city.
Related: Best Christmas Towns in Florida
Best Christmas Towns by State
Want to stay closer to home, or plan a Christmas road trip through one region? Here are the Christmas towns to know in each state, with a link to our in-depth guide wherever we have one.
| State | Christmas towns to know | In-depth guide |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | North Pole | See North Pole above |
| California | Solvang | Best Christmas towns in California |
| Colorado | Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Telluride | Best Christmas towns in Colorado |
| Florida | St. Augustine | Best Christmas towns in Florida |
| Georgia | Helen | Best Christmas towns in Georgia |
| Illinois | Galena, Bishop Hill | Best Christmas towns in Illinois |
| Maine | Kennebunkport | See Kennebunkport above |
| Massachusetts | Nantucket | See Nantucket above |
| Michigan | Frankenmuth, Mackinac Island | Best Christmas towns in Michigan |
| Missouri | Branson | See Branson above |
| New Mexico | Santa Fe | See Santa Fe above |
| North Carolina | McAdenville, Bryson City | Best Christmas towns in North Carolina |
| Ohio | Medina, Zoar | Best Christmas towns in Ohio |
| Pennsylvania | Bethlehem, Jim Thorpe | Best Christmas towns in Pennsylvania |
| Tennessee | Pigeon Forge, Collierville | Best Christmas towns in Tennessee |
| Texas | Grapevine, Fredericksburg, New Braunfels | Best Christmas towns in Texas |
| Utah | Park City | See Park City above |
| Vermont | Stowe, Woodstock | Best Christmas towns in Vermont |
| Washington | Leavenworth | Best Christmas towns in Washington |
- Illinois: Galena is the pick in Illinois, a historic river town where the Night of Luminaria lines the streets with thousands of candlelit lanterns. For a Scandinavian twist, Bishop Hill hosts a Swedish-style Julmarknad. See all seven towns in our guide to the best Christmas towns in Illinois.
- Michigan: Frankenmuth, "Michigan's Little Bavaria", is home to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, billed as the world's largest Christmas store. Further north, Mackinac Island swaps cars for horse-drawn carriages on snowy streets. Find more in our guide to Christmas towns in Michigan.
- North Carolina: McAdenville earns its "Christmas Town USA" nickname with lights strung along a route through the whole town, while Bryson City runs a Polar Express ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and Asheville decks out the Biltmore Estate. Read our guide to Christmas towns in North Carolina.
- Ohio: Ohio does small-town Christmas well: Medina's Candlelight Walk fills the historic square with luminaries, Zoar brings out German folk traditions like the Belsnickel, and Cleveland has the house from A Christmas Story. See our guide to Christmas towns in Ohio.
- Texas: Grapevine rides the North Pole Express, while Fredericksburg and New Braunfels lean into their German heritage with Christmas markets and ice skating. Read our guide to Christmas towns in Texas, or plan around the best Christmas markets in Texas.
Prefer Christmas in the city? If skyscrapers and big light shows are more your style, see our guides to Christmas in NYC, Christmas in Chicago, Christmas in Las Vegas and, for a warm-weather Christmas, Christmas in Miami.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Towns in the US
What is the most Christmassy town in the USA?
Leavenworth, Washington is the most Christmassy town in the USA. The Bavarian-style village is covered in over half a million lights for its Village of Lights celebration, gets plenty of snow, and topped a NextVacay study ranking America's most Christmassy towns. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and North Pole, Alaska are close runners-up.
What is the best Christmas town in the United States?
The best Christmas town in the United States is Leavenworth, Washington. This Bavarian-inspired village transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with half a million twinkling lights, festive music, and endless holiday activities. It's like stepping into a European Christmas market without leaving the country.
Which town is called Christmas Town USA?
McAdenville, North Carolina is known as "Christmas Town USA", while Bethlehem, Pennsylvania goes by "Christmas City USA". Both are worth a December visit: McAdenville for its town-wide light display and Bethlehem for its Christkindlmarkt and historic Moravian setting.
Where is the best place to spend Christmas in the USA?
For a truly magical Christmas, Aspen, Colorado is hard to beat. From the "12 Days of Aspen" to skiing on snow-covered mountains, this town offers luxury, charm, and plenty of festive activities. If you'd rather spend Christmas in a big city, New York City is the classic choice.
Where can you have a white Christmas in the US?
Your best chance of a white Christmas is in the mountains and the far north. North Pole, Alaska is as close to guaranteed snow as it gets, and the Colorado ski towns of Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge and Telluride, along with Park City, Utah and Stowe, Vermont, all have a high chance of snow in late December.
What are the best Christmas vacations in the US for families?
Branson, Missouri and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee are built for family Christmas trips, with theme park light festivals, Christmas shows and Polar Express-style train rides. North Pole, Alaska lets kids meet Santa and his reindeer, and Santa Fe, New Mexico mixes Christmas traditions with culture for older children.
Where is the prettiest place to go for Christmas?
If you're looking for picture-perfect holiday charm, Telluride, Colorado is the prettiest place to be. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, this town shines with snow-covered peaks, twinkling lights, and festive events like sleigh rides and Christmas tree cutting at Schmid Family Ranch. It's like living in a Christmas postcard.
What is the best state to go to for Christmas?
Colorado takes the crown as the best state for Christmas. With towns like Breckenridge, Aspen, Vail, and Telluride, it offers everything from ski adventures to cozy sleigh rides, festive parades, and big mountain views. Discover the best Christmas towns in Colorado, or browse our Christmas towns by state.
What is the largest Christmas store in the US?
Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan bills itself as the world's largest Christmas store. In the South, The Incredible Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee claims the title of the region's largest Christmas store.
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