One of the best things about the holiday season is watching the neighborhoods, towns, and cities around you transform in the most festive ways, big and small. The pop-up artisan markets, buildings decorated in Christmas lights, and sweet community traditions are truly a joy to behold. And seeing all things merry and bright, well, it's one of the best winter activities! After some careful digging, we found the best Christmas towns to visit across the country and make all your holiday dreams come true.
If you're looking to hit the slopes, consider lively and fun ski resorts, like Vail, Colorado. It's the Drummond family's favorite destination for a hard-earned vacation from the ranch. If a more refined type of Christmas charm is what you're after, the famous Gilded Age mansions in Newport, Rhode Island, offer grand holiday displays that will make you feel like you're living in the lap of luxury. In all of these locations, you'll also find sweet and cozy winter cabin rentals, Christmas inns and hotels to stay in. Some might even offer a Christmas train ride or the ability to visit a charming Christmas tree farm! Scroll through these top Christmas towns in the U.S. and start planning.
1
Park City, Utah
The stunning scenery of this mountain town is only the beginning! Kick off the holiday season with Park City's Electric Light Parade, featuring cars and the town trolley decked out with lights. Then, visit Snowfest at Park City Resort for a variety of festive events. Gather to watch Santa come down the ski lift, then enjoy the annual Torchlight Parade, which lights up the mountain as resort staff ski down with giant flares.
2
Nantucket, Massachusetts
You won't want to miss Nantucket's annual Christmas Stroll. Held at the beginning of December, the holiday tradition dates back to the 1970s and includes live entertainment, craft shows, food and drink tastings, tours, Santa’s Village Marketplace, a visit from Santa himself, and decorations galore! You'll also want to stop by the Whaling Museum's annual Festival of Trees to see Christmas trees uniquely decorated by community members.
3
Jackson, Wyoming
It's a real life winter wonderland! Settled at the base of the Teton mountain range, this quaint town offers plenty of fun seasonal activities, like skiing, horseback riding through the snow, and snowmobile tours. Another unique attraction is the monumental arches of elk antlers lining the square that are decked out in festive lights for the holiday.
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4
Branson, Missouri
For a country Christmas done right, head to this lively town in the Ozarks! You'll get to experience the Ozark Mountain Christmas, a month-long festival with holiday music, lights, shows, parades, and more! While in the area, you can also head to Silver Dollar City theme park to enjoy An Old Time Christmas extravaganza or hop aboard the Branson Scenic Railway's Polar Express Train Ride.
5
Bozeman, Montana
Get your fill of majestic natural beauty and twinkling Christmas lights by visiting the city of Bozeman. Nestled between the Rocky Mountains, this city hosts one of Montana's largest Christmas markets, the Holiday Market Jubilee, where you can find local hand-made gifts for everyone on your list.
6
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is famous for its extravagant Mardi Gras parties and parades but this port city also knows its way around a Christmas celebration! Many of its gorgeous public spaces and attractions get spruced up during the holidays, like the historic Roosevelt hotel. Just look at that stunning lobby!
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7
Sante Fe, New Mexico
Trade in your white Christmas this year for a unique holiday experience in the American West. The Canyon Road Farolito Walk is one of Santa Fe’s most beloved holiday traditions. You'll feel merry as you stroll the historic neighborhood streets lined with twinkling paper bags.
8
Solvang, California
Located in the heart of Santa Barbara County's wine country, this picturesque Danish village is brimming with holiday charm every Christmas. Attend the town's annual Nordic-inspired Julefest, a month-long celebration with food, entertainment, a parade, a night market, and plenty of string lights.
9
San Francisco Bay Area, California
There's so much to see in the Bay Area but during the holidays, The Great Dickens Christmas Fair is the place to be! Located in the historic Cow Palace Exhibition Hall, this immersive experience allows visitors to step back in time to Victorian London. Enjoy music halls, theater groups, pubs, and charming shops overflowing with artisan holiday treasures.
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10
Pawhuska, Oklahoma
Ree Drummond's hometown of Pawhuska is pure magic at Christmas time. The downtown area is lit up with glittering Christmas lights and a big, beautiful tree. Don't forget to stop by The Merc—you'll know it when you see the Christmas-red Drummond Ranch truck parked out front!
11
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh kicks off its Christmas celebration early with Light Up The Night, a full-day event that happens the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The festivities include a tree lighting, holiday market, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
12
Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin transports you back in time with their annual Dickens of a Christmas festival! Victorian-era musicians create the ambiance while actors and dancers bring to life characters from classics like A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist. While you stop by the warm whiskey lounge, kids can snack on old-fashioned sweets and treats.
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13
Boothbay, Maine
Boothbay and its charming harbor town host the extensive "Boothbay Lights." Activities include Gardens Aglow community lighting contest (New England's biggest!), a lighted fire truck parade, and fireworks. The most exciting moment for the little ones is when Santa and Mrs. Clause arrive on lit-up tug boats for the boat parade!
14
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is a gorgeous destination all year round, but especially during Christmas. The city market comes alive with full-blown holiday spirit, and they have not one but two lit-up Christmas parades: An old-fashioned car parade and a boat parade!
15
Snowmass, Colorado
You may know Snowmass as part of the four ski areas rolled into Aspen, but it has its own village full of Christmas cheer (in addition to fantastic skiing). This winter wonderland village is nestled in the mountains and earns its name for the blankets of snow delivered throughout the cold months. There's ice skating, dog sledding, and a picturesque interactive light and art display.
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16
Rhinebeck, New York
This small Hudson Valley town pays homage to its Dutch heritage with the yearly tradition of Sinterklaas, a celebration where children are honored for bringing light during the darkest months! It's an all-day non-denominational festival perfect for the whole family and features food, performances, and crafts.
17
Lahaska, Pennsylvania
Peddler's Village in Lahaska is home to a host of unique specialty shops that all light up for the holidays in a dazzling display. There are plenty of festive events throughout season, too, including Santa visits, parades, and an annual gingerbread house competition.
18
Burlington, Vermont
Church Street Marketplace in Burlington is ablaze with 250,000 glittering lights during the holiday season. Do some Christmas shopping as you stroll through the marketplace overlooked by a stunning 50-foot holiday tree.
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19
Essex, Connecticut
There's no shortage of things to do in Essex during Christmastime. You can ride the North Pole Express, attend the annual Holiday Train Show, or catch a magical light display at the holiday village. If you're having too much fun to go home, book a stay at the historic Griswold Inn, where parts of the Hallmark Channel movie Christmas at Pemberley Manor were filmed!
20
New York, New York
It may not be a small town, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a more festive place to visit during the holidays than the Big Apple! Go see the famous Rockefeller Christmas tree, take a spin around the ice skating rink, or catch a Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular show.
Erin Cavoto
Erin Cavoto is the Editorial Assistant at ThePioneerWoman.com, covering food, holidays, home decor, and more.
