Travel and Leisure

10 Best Christmas Towns in the USA for Family Holidays 2024

10 Best Christmas Towns in the USA for Family Holidays 2024

The charisma of Christmas now extends beyond our homes. It radiates out on the streets, turning whole towns into glittering wonderlands. Imagine strolling down the streets lined with Christmas lights like fireflies, houses decorated like gingerbread houses, and the melodies of carols echoing through every corner, the Christmas you have been waiting for every year.

After hosting a Christmas party and attending other parties, now is the time to relax and enjoy the festive season by strolling through these 10 Christmas towns. As you walk around these places in the USA , you will find Santa Claus waving at you, Christmas markets with yummy food stalls, Christmas trees, gifts, fun rides, festive parades, and so much more.

1. Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth, a town in the Washington Cascade Mountains, looks like a fairy tale Bavarian village. One of the highlights is Leavenworth's Christkindlmarket, where you can find unique gifts and even enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, creating a delightful Christmas movie-like experience. This magical Christmas town offers an unforgettable European-like holiday experience for romantic getaways or family-friendly gatherings.

2. North Pole, Alaska

North Pole, Alaska

Welcome to the beautiful Christmas town where your favorite Santa Claus resides! At the Santa Claus House, the spirit of Christmas is alive year-round. You can witness candy canes, a really big statue of Santa, and a real house for Santa and his reindeer. They also have a cool event called Christmas in Ice, where you can see sculptures made of ice by artists from around the world. It's a magical destination that fulfills every child's dream of meeting Santa Claus.

3. Vail, Colorado

Vail, Colorado

Plan a magical winter trip to Vail, Colorado, a winter wonderland. Famous for its exceptional skiing events, stunning winter landscapes, and the vibrant Krish Kringle Market, this Christmas town offers a fairy-tale atmosphere with snow-covered mountains, cozy shops, and delightful restaurants. If you like being outside, take advantage of skiing activities at the local resort or go on a snowmobile tour.

4. Solvang, California

Solvang, California

Solvang is a small town in California that captures the essence of Europe in America. It is known as the Danish Capital of America and sits in the Santa Barbara County wine region. Annually, Solvang hosts the grand Julefest, a month-long celebration offering a taste of Danish culture. Enjoy a light and music show each night, join candlelight tours, get pictures with Santa, and watch the Julefest Parade. For an unforgettable holiday experience, visit Solvang in the Santa Ynez Valley this holiday season.

5. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Just a 2-3 hours drive from New York, you enter the German-inspired magical village- Bethlehem in Pennsylvania, famously known as Christmas City, USA. There is a festive Tree Lighting Ceremony at Payrow Plaza with hot cocoa, Santa visits, and performances. Enjoy an ice rink, a Live Advent Calendar with treats, and Holiday Cocktail Trails for adults. Kids can have a blast with Santa and Santa's helpers. Experience the pure joy of Christmas with various stalls and activities for everyone.

6. Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock becomes a super festive place during the holidays for their annual festival weekend, Wassail Weekend, held every December. It starts with a parade led by horse-drawn carriages and has lots of fun stuff to do. You can join in by buying tickets and enjoying things like tours of old houses, shopping for local goodies, having breakfast with Santa, watching the town's tree light up, and many more. You will feel like you are in a Hallmark Christmas card.

7. Franklin, Tennessee

Franklin, Tennessee

During Christmas time, Franklin town gets really lively! They have cool events like the Dickens of a Christmas celebration and holiday movies at the Franklin Theatre. You can also join the Downtown Franklin Parade and the Leiper's Fork Christmas Parade. There's a lot to do, like enjoying the Franktown Festival of Lights and having fun at the Santa Brunch. Franklin is full of merry events, making it a fun place to feel the Christmas spirit.

8. St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida

Want a warm holiday celebration? Visit St. Augustine's Nights of Lights! Each year, this sunny Christmas town sparkles with millions of pretty white lights everywhere around 20 blocks– on streets, roofs, even the Bridge of Lions, turning the Nation's Oldest City into a magical wonderland. National Geographic ranks it among the world's top ten holiday displays, and it is free for everyone to enjoy with no hats, gloves, or winter coats.

9. Natchitoches, Louisiana

Natchitoches, Louisiana

It is a small town established in 1714 that celebrates Christmas in a big way. Beginning preparations in June, they arrange lights and decorations for the Festival of Lights, with the boat parade featuring twinkling lights and fireworks on the Cane River as the highlight event. Tour historic spots and shops while riding in a horse-drawn carriage during the six-week holiday festival.

10. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport uniquely celebrates Christmas with its two-week-long festival, focusing on the more traditional aspects of the holiday season. The celebrations feature historical tours, live music, and local art, opting for a classy vibe with white lights instead of flashy neon ones, evoking an old-fashioned candlelit feel. Visiting Newport's historic Mansions like The Breakers, The Elms, and The Marble House reveals fancy trees and beautiful decorations during Christmas.


Now that you have wandered through these Christmas towns in your mind, you might want to experience the joy of Christmas in real life. Right from wearing festive Christmas outfits to savoring delicious treats like Christmas crack and enjoying heartwarming Christmas movies, do it all this Christmas.

Moreover, visiting these Christmas towns with your loved ones makes this season even more magical. So snuggle up close to your loved ones, sing some carols, and share love through Christmas stocking stuffers and thoughtful Christmas gifts. Start planning your trip if you are close to any of these best Christmas towns in the USA.

Related Post