With the winter travel season just around the corner, it’s time to start looking for the best Christmas towns in the US to visit during your holidays! The old saying “there’s no place like home for the holidays” is definitely true. But taking a trip now and again is also a top-notch way to enter the holiday spirit.
So instead of visiting the jam-packed usual cities this year, why not taste the sweetness of America’s small towns that genuinely know how to celebrate holidays? Christmas towns in USA are the epitome of holiday decorations, light displays, and craft fairs. This makes them perfect for family activities. So, even if you’re staying closer to home this season, it’s always worth taking a short weekend trip to experience this heartfelt joy.
We know what you’re thinking. Where can I find the best Christmas towns in the US that capture the essence of Christmas activities? We strongly believe that there’s a hidden gem for everyone out there. That’s why we’ve rounded the top Christmas towns in USA for you to feast on holiday greatness. Ready? Let’s dive in!
5 Best Christmas Towns in the US
1. Santa Claus, Indiana
Kicking off this list is a strong contender called “America’s Christmas Hometown.” As if it came out of our greatest fantasies, this place celebrates Christmas every day of the year! It all started back in the 1920s when a postmaster promoted the town. Pretty soon, thousands of Santa’s letters started pouring in, and to this day, they’re answered by volunteers called Santa’s Elves.
The town hosts themed parades, local festivities, and a 1.2-mile drive-through holiday light show! You can even enter the candy castle, home to rare and nostalgic treats. Looking for accommodation? Save big with Hotwire and find a hotel for cheap.
2. Frankenmuth, Michigan
This charming Bavarian-inspired town is no seasonal pop-up. The whimsical light displays, the historic house tours, and the biggest Christmas store make it a German Christmas heaven. Perhaps its greatest highlight is Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, a 96,000-square-foot retail shop. It also has the world’s largest Christmas-themed store. With over 50,000 different items, including 300 Christmas trees, calling it a store seems like an irony. It even has its own restaurant to taste some awesome delicacies.
3. Newport Beach, California
For those enjoying escaping to warmer destinations, Newport Beach will be their December heaven. This town is renowned for its annual Christmas Boat Parade, where boats, sailboats, yachts, and kayaks participate in a 5-night festival. They sail for 14 miles around Newport Harbor with stellar decorations that cost up to $50,000! Prizes are given out for originality and animation.
This is an excellent opportunity to escape your frigid town into a place warmer and sunnier. Make sure to book your tickets through OneTravel and start packing for a special Christmas treat. Looking for convenient airport parking? Check out Cheap Airport Parking!
4. Durango, Colorado
You can’t go wrong visiting this historic little mining town in Colorado this Christmas. Apart from the town’s skiing and snowboarding opportunities, this is living heaven for the Polar Express fanatics. So don’t be surprised if you see hundreds of kids lining up in their pajamas every night to take the real-life steam-engine Polar Express to the “North Pole” while sipping hot cocoa and singing Christmas carols. What’s even cooler? During the weekends, you can board the same train to visit Christmas tree farms, cut down your own tree, and take it back home. Prepare for all your movie fantasies to come true in this entry to the list of the best Christmas towns in the US!
5. Williamsburg, Virginia
If you’ve ever thought about caroling through the streets while holding a torchlight in an idyllic atmosphere, you’ll be glad to know that this Christmas town hosts many traditions. This town is mainly kid-centric, hosting an ice show and different play areas. However, you can be sure that both adults and kids will be wowed by the 8 million Christmas lights and its signature delicacy, peppermint fudge hot chocolate. Enjoy performances, fireworks, and historical events from the 17th and 18th centuries, and immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit.
Ready to Visit the Ultimate Christmas Towns in USA?
If you’ve always imagined strolling around snow-blanketed mountain towns, being part of Bavarian festivities, and spending Christmas (including dinner) in charming historic villages, you simply have to book your trip! Our list of the best Christmas towns in the US is only a taste of what’s out there, ready for you to explore. So embark on a journey this Christmas and live your own winter movie.