Contents

• Greenville, South Carolina
• Washington, D.C.
• Crested Butte, Coloradо
• Branson, Missouri
• Santa Claus, Indian
• Franklin, Tennesse
• Woodstock, Vermont
• Bethlehem, Pennsylvani
• Denver, Colorado
• Chicago, Illinois
• St. Louis, Missouri
• Orlando, Florida
• Book your Christmas getaway with ZenHotels

1. Greenville, South Carolina

• Where to stay: Hyatt Regency Greenville
• What to do: Explore downtown Greenville, including the ice rink

Festive offerings: 

• Greenville Gingerbread Exhibit
• Poinsettia Christmas Parade

Step into your own Hallmark movie when you visit Greenville in South Carolina. This is a city where everyone gets into the festive spirit and even has its own replica of the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink. You’ll be spoilt for choice with holiday-inspired activities and festive celebrations. The annual Greenville Gingerbread Exhibit is a recent addition to the city’s holiday offering but is a hit with locals and tourists alike. 

The Poinsettia Christmas Parade marks the start of the city’s holiday celebrations and includes a college marching band and lights display that leads an electric Santa sleigh through its main street.

Downtown Greenville is the perfect choice for a December weekend getaway or a road trip.

If you’re planning a staycation this December, don’t forget to check out our guide to traveling with a cat if you’re planning on bringing your furry friend along.

Don’t forget to visit Poppington, a gourmet popcorn store, famous for its Grinch green popcorn, which makes the ultimate souvenir. 

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2. Washington, D.C.

• Where to stay: Hotel Lombardy
• What to do: Visit the National Tree outside the White House

Festive offerings: 

• DC Holiday Market
• movie showings at Ford’s Theatre

Washington, D.C. is often overlooked as a December destination, but it’s the perfect alternative to a New York getaway with plenty of non-festive activities to explore. The National Tree is one of the main attractions outside the White House with visitors often snapping up the annual White House Christmas decoration, sold next to the National Tree. 

Other famous landmarks around the city are decked out in festive lights and decorations. If you like to escape the cold, there’s no shortage of museums close to the National Mall to keep you warm. Visiting close to the Christmas holidays will give you the benefit of exploring iconic destinations like the Smithsonian museums without the usual crowds and field trip groups.

Many of D.C.’s famous hotels, including the Watergate Hotel, host seasonal offerings and special menus. If you’re a movie fan, head to Ford’s Theatre for its annual showings of A Christmas Carol. The DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle runs from late November to mid-December and hosts artisan boutiques, food stalls, and unique shopping experiences.

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3. Crested Butte, Coloradо

• Where to stay: Elk Mountain Lodge
• What to do: Get your skis on at Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Festive offerings: 

• Torchlight Parade on New Year’s Eve

You’ll find Crested Butte along the Slate River Valley. It’s one of Colorado’s most popular ski havens as a historic mining town that welcomes thousands of visitors every year. The fresh alpine air offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and is guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit. 

While there’s plenty to explore along Crested Butte’s main street, the Crested Butte Mountain Resort at Mt. Crested Butte is popular with novice skiers and experts alike with its steep terrain and beginner-friendly ski lifts. Don’t worry! There’s more to this Christmas town than just its ski slopes. 

Just like in your favorite festive movies, you can expect to find quirky independent restaurants like Soupcon, a renovated mining cabin and small stores stocked to the ceiling with homemade goods and festive décor like at Vincent Cranberry’s. The Crested Butte Mountain Theatre is hosted inside the historic Old Town Hall, putting on annual Christmas productions. 

Crested Butte is the perfect choice for a New Year’s getaway with its annual Torchlight Parade held on New Year’s Eve with a torch display down Crested Butte Mountain and a firework display.

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4. Branson, Missouri

• Where to stay: Westgate Branson Woods Resort and Cabins
• What to do: Ice skating at the Branson Ferris Wheel

Festive offerings: 

• “An Old Time Christmas” festival at Silver Dollar City

If you love the idea of visiting Las Vegas for the holidays but want a more low-key option that’s suitable for kids, head to Branson. This is a town in the Ozark Mountain that goes all out for the Christmas season. Visitors can take in the sight of 1,500 Christmas trees dotted throughout Branson to tour the various festive holiday light displays. You can even take a movie-worthy starring role by ice skating at the rink at the Branson Ferris Wheel. 

One of the most popular visitor attractions at Christmas is Silver Dollar City, an amusement park themed to the 1880s, that hosts an annual “An Old-Time Christmas” festival. While it’s a chance to step back in time, this theme park hosts over 1,000 trees with more than 6.5 million lights throughout the park. There are over 40 rides, an array of parades, and seasonal outdoor shows to fill your itinerary. 

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5. Santa Claus, Indiana

• Where to stay: Clarion Pointe
• What to do: Take a festive hike through nearby Lincoln State Park

Festive offerings: 

• Visit during Santa Claus’ three-weekend Christmas celebration festival

Santa Claus isn’t just a mystical guy in a red suit with a fluffy white beard. Known as “America’s Christmas Hometown,” this festive destination in Indiana is the ultimate getaway for fans of the holiday season. The town hosts an annual three-weekend celebration with a series of events, including its “Santa Claus Land of Lights” drive-through experience. 

Just west of Santa Claus, you’ll find the 2,000-acre Lincoln State Park, named after Abraham Lincoln, with the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. It’s the perfect spot for fans of outdoor exploring with walking trails, picnic areas, and campsites. If you have a sweet tooth, head to Santa’s Candy Castle, where you’ll find traditional candies, homemade confectionery, and even frozen hot chocolate.

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6. Franklin, Tennessee

• Where to stay: Hyatt Place Franklin
• What to do: Catch a show at Franklin Theatre

Festive offerings: 

• Annual “Dickens of a Christmas” weekend festival

“A Christmas Carol” is one of the most famous Christmas stories of all time. Whether you enjoy the book, film adaptations, or even The Muppets’ version, you can see the characters brought to life during Franklin’s annual Dickens of a Christmas festival.

Hosted over a weekend in mid-December, this festival has independent vendors, main stage entertainment, and a Victorian village with themed characters and holiday dancers. Over 200 performers take part in the celebration, which includes all the festive holiday offerings you can dream of – from cider that feels like a warm hug to live musical performances for evening entertainment. 

Just over 20 miles from Nashville, Franklin is one of the most popular Christmas destinations in Tennessee with its historic, small-town charm. It offers something for everyone, from local breweries and a craft whiskey distillery to a massive Christmas tree that towers over the town center.

Pack your comfiest travel shoes as most of Franklin’s Christmas activities are held outdoors.

The Franklin Theatre hosts events year-round but is busiest during the Christmas season, showcasing the most popular festive holiday movies. It first opened its doors in 1937 and remains at the heart of the historic downtown area following its extensive renovation works that have kept it true to its Art Deco look. Grab a ticket to a holiday classic like “Miracle on 34th Street” or settle in for a night of live entertainment. This intimate 300-seat venue has limited availability, so book early to secure tickets before your Christmas vacation. 

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7. Woodstock, Vermont

• Where to stay: The Lyme Inn
• What to do: Explore this charming small town’s quaint main street

Festive offerings: 

• Visit the Billings Farm and Museum for seasonal events

Woodstock looks like it’s straight from the front of a Christmas card. Nestled in the Green Mountains, this New England town is idyllic with its old-fashioned charm as a cozy Christmas town in the USA. 

Billings Farm & Museum is just a short scenic stroll from the town center and is one of the country’s best outdoor museums, famous for offering horse-drawn sleigh rides during the holidays. Start your holiday shopping with a visit to FH Gillingham & Sons, opened in 1886, with its handmade souvenirs, traditional foods, and iconic Vermont maple syrup.

Woodstock feels like the backdrop of your favorite Hallmark movie with its historic American charm, boutique stores, festive lights, and year-round hiking trails. The Saskadena Six Ski Area is perfect for beginners and families with its easy-to-ski terrain, just a short drive from the town center.

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8. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

• Where to stay: Sonesta Select Allentown Bethlehem Airport
• What to do: Book a carriage ride to see the festive holiday lights

Festive offerings: 

• German-inspired Christmas village experience

Bethlehem is at the heart of the Christmas story, but you don’t have to travel across the Atlantic to make Bethlehem part of your festive holiday celebrations. You’ll find another Bethlehem in Pennsylvania, a small town known for its German-inspired “Christkindlemarkt” Christmas village, hosted from mid-November until Christmas week. A traditional family event, you can expect to see handmade works by talented artisans, live music, festival food, and even the chance to visit with Santa Claus.

Visitors flock to Bethlehem as a walkable town with historic houses, with many of them converted into holiday accommodation. If you’re a fan of holiday lights, book a carriage ride through the town center to take in the spectacular light displays. Nearby Lehigh Valley Zoo also offers a Winter Light Spectacular with exhibit displays throughout the zoo with more than one million lights.

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9. Denver, Colorado

• Where to stay: Hotel Teatro
• What to do: Book tickets to The Polar Express Train Ride experience

Festive offerings: 

• Explore the traditional German market at Civic Center Park

Denver is one of the best cities to visit during the holidays as it also takes inspiration from traditional European markets. The Denver Christkindlmarket is one of the top German markets on offer in the USA and is hosted at Civic Center Park until December 23rd. This winter wonderland offers an authentic German-style market and is free to the public with daily events, a Parade of Lights, and over 40 vendors operating every day. 

As a popular destination for the holiday season, Denver offers a variety of festive performances from “A Christmas Carol” at Wolf Theatre to “The Nutcracker” at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. One of the most popular traditions in Denver is the Polar Express Train Ride, hosted by the Colorado Railroad Museum, as a magical theatrical re-enactment of the train ride as an immersive experience. There’s also plenty of opportunities across the city to meet Santa.

Don’t forget to stop by the Mile High Tree, which stands 110 feet tall, making it larger than the tallest Rockefeller Center Christmas tree with over 60,000 LED lights.

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10. Chicago, Illinois

• Where to stay: Cambria Hotel Chicago Loop – Theatre District
• What to do: Discover the array of Christmas light displays hosted throughout the city

Festive offerings: 

• Explore the traditional Christkindlmarket until December 24th.

Chicago is one of the best Christmas towns in the USA – and not just for its snowy conditions. This city embraces all the best parts of the festive season with its traditional Christkindlmarket, open until December 24th, and the Millennium Park Christmas tree that stands at over 50 feet.

The “Let It Shine” drive-through light display is the perfect activity for colder days, while Lincoln Park Zoo also hosts an annual “ZooLights” spectacular with over 2.5 million LED lights. The city is the perfect weekend getaway for holiday shopping and meeting Santa.

Check out our guide to the 7 top-ranked US airlines to help you find the best deal for your budget and destination. 

Are you flying to Chicago?

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11. St. Louis, Missouri

• Where to stay: Magnolia Hotel St. Louis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
• What to do: Discover the array of light displays offered throughout the city

Festive offerings: 

• Book tickets to the Polar Express Train Ride at Union Station

Is it really Christmas if you don’t watch the iconic “Meet Me in St Louis” movie? Judy Garland’s rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” hits the airwaves every holiday season with the movie helping to make St Louis one of the most popular places for Christmas vacations.

The city offers a series of festive holiday events, including a Polar Express train ride at Union Station, a light display at St. Louis Zoo, and a “Garden Glow” light display at Missouri Botanical Garden.

Read our 8 tips for traveling and flying with small children to keep your festive vacation as stress-free as possible. 

Are you heading on a Christmas vacation to St. Louis with the whole family? 

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12. Orlando, Florida

• Where to stay: Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
• What to do: Experience the holiday season like a student at Hogwarts

Festive offerings: 

• All major Orlando theme parks offer included and ticketed seasonal Christmas events. 

Orlando is one of the most popular destinations in the United States, welcoming an estimated 70 million visitors annually. If you want to get into the festive holiday spirit and step inside your favorite holiday movies, look no further than Orlando’s theme parks. The city takes the Christmas season very seriously and goes all out with its decorating and lights. The theme parks transform virtually overnight from their Halloween celebrations to the Christmas season, focusing on over-the-top light displays and festive shopping experiences.

At Walt Disney World, on-site resorts are decorated for the holidays with many classic attractions getting a festive overlay or their own decorations. Magic Kingdom regularly closes early for “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party,” a ticketed event that runs from November to the end of December with additional shows, fireworks, and specialty treats. You can even spot Santa at the end of Magic Kingdom’s festive holiday parade. 

Universal Orlando has a festive holiday offering that rivals that of Disney World, especially if you’re a fan of The Grinch or Harry Potter. With two theme parks, and a third opening in May 2025, Universal allows you to experience the holiday season like a student at Hogwarts with butterbeer at Hogsmeade and even fake snow in Diagon Alley. The Grinch at Universal’s Seuss Landing, dressed up as Santa Claus, goes viral on social media every year with visitors often waiting hours to meet him in the theme park.

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Book your Christmas getaway with ZenHotels

Start the festive holiday season off right or escape the city by visiting one of the best Christmas towns in the USA. The list above offers something for every type of traveler, whether you want a charming historic town or a city getaway with a traditional European-inspired Christmas market. Don’t forget to pack your Santa hat!

At ZenHotels, we’re here to make your festive holiday wish a reality with access to thousands of accommodation options at Christmas towns throughout the USA, from luxury hotels to traditional inns and private apartments.

Get access to the best rates on accommodation in the United States, and download the ZenHotels mobile app to access exclusive rates even lower than on our website.

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