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- What is the most Christmassy town in the USA?
- What to look for in a Christmas town for a festive getaway
- 12 of the most magical Christmas towns and cities across the USA
What is the most Christmassy town in the USA?
There are several towns throughout the USA that lay claim to being the most Christmassy of them all – and it depends on what type of experience you’re looking for.
Alaska’s North Pole embraces the Christmas season year-round, while ski enthusiasts will probably associate spots like Park City and Leavenworth with their idea of a winter escape. Meanwhile, other towns and cities like Chicago and Franklin offer what we consider to be a more European Christmas, from traditional German-inspired markets to interactive performances of “A Christmas Carol.”
There are several towns throughout the USA that lay claim to being the most Christmassy of them all.
Photo by victor217 on Freepik.com
What to look for in a Christmas town for a festive getaway
Every Christmas town has something that makes it different, bringing tourists back year after year. It’s worth considering that most of these can be difficult to reach without a hired car or planning a road trip. Don’t forget to consider the logistics, especially if you’re traveling to or from a state that is likely to have turbulent weather during December.
Smaller places may not have hotel chains, focusing instead on bed and breakfast establishments, which can make it harder for large groups and families. Before you start planning your Christmas getaway, consider how many days you want to stay, what type of things you’d like to try, and how you’ll navigate the local area.
If a small town isn’t for you, there are plenty of cities across the USA that take Christmas very seriously, especially if you love watching “Home Alone 2” every year or if you’ve always dreamed of celebrating Christmas with Mickey Mouse.
12 of the most magical Christmas towns and cities across the USA
Heading off on a trip over the Christmas holidays is the perfect way to lean into the nostalgia of the holidays, whether you’re planning a solo trip to Vail, going with your family to California, or bringing a group of friends together in NYC.
1. Chicago, Illinois
- Budget accommodation: The Midland
- Best for couples: The Langham, Chicago
We’re kicking off with a strong contender for one of the best places to visit in the USA over Christmas. Chicago is known for its German-inspired Christkindlmarket, making it feel as if you’re at a European Christmas market without having to cross the Atlantic. Christkindlmarket is a family-friendly event with live entertainment, traditional cuisine (including mulled wine!), and thousands of sparkling decorations to admire. While the market is free to enter, you’ll want to visit mid-week or earlier in the day to avoid peak crowds.
Other things to do in Chicago at Christmas include skating at Millennium Park at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink under the twinkling Christmas Tree and indulging in some holiday shopping along the Magnificent Mile. Chicago is also a great option for musical lovers, with the city hosting several festive-themed shows, including A Christmas Carol, Elf the Musical, and The Nutcracker.
Christkindlmarket is a family-friendly event with live entertainment, traditional cuisine (including mulled wine!), and thousands of sparkling decorations to admire.
Photo by EQRoy on Shutterstock.com
2. New York City, New York
- Kid-approved hotels: Hyatt Centric Times Square
- For luxury travelers: The Carlyle
Is it even a Christmas travel guide if we don’t mention New York City? December is perhaps the busiest time of year in NYC, with millions of domestic and international tourists flocking to the city to see the tree at Rockefeller. It’s easy to romanticize NYC during the holidays, whether you grew up watching the original “Miracle on 34th Street” or if you always re-watch “Home Alone 2.”
December is perhaps the busiest time of year in NYC, with millions of domestic and international tourists flocking to the city to see the tree at Rockefeller.
Photo by George Wirt on Shutterstock.com
While it’s easy to get distracted by all the shopping on Fifth Avenue, the real Christmas magic can be found close to Broadway. The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall is the perfect multi-generational experience, especially if you’re visiting the city with your parents and kids. If you’re looking to see a non-holiday show, there’s no shortage of must-see musicals and plays on Broadway, with all theatres putting on additional performances throughout December for the Christmas period. You won’t want to miss shows like “Death Becomes Her,” “Hadestown,” and “Wicked.”
3. North Pole, Alaska
- Nearby accommodation: Hotel North Pole
- Great for families: Springhill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks
Yes, you read that, we’re talking about where Santa lives! This is not the one most of us associate with Christmas and Santa, but Alaska’s North Pole, which is over 1,700 miles south of the town it shares a name with. This Alaskan town takes its name seriously, even claiming to be the official home of Santa and his elves, with Santa Claus House being one of its most visited tourist attractions.
Look out for names like Holiday Road, Santa Claus Lane, and Snowman Lane. It’s tradition to post a letter to Santa when you visit here.
Photo by Victoria Ditkovsky on Shutterstock.com
You’ll want to keep your camera close at hand while you explore the town, as the street names are an attraction in themselves. Look out for names like Holiday Road, Santa Claus Lane, and Snowman Lane. It’s tradition to post a letter to Santa when you visit here. The local post office is manned by “elves” who sort through the thousands of letters that Santa Claus receives every year.
4. Nashville, Tennessee
- Budget accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Vanderbilt – West End
- Perfect for groups: Thompson Nashville, by Hyatt
Christmas might not be the first thing you picture when you think of Nashville, but the country music capital is a great option if you’re a fan of live entertainment and want to celebrate over the holidays. The Gaylord Opryland is hosting its annual “Country Christmas” through to early January with hand-carved ice sculptures, millions of holiday lights, a Broadway-inspired cirque show, and add-on experiences like ice skating and carriage rides.
Christmas might not be the first thing you picture when you think of Nashville, but the country music capital is a great option.
Photo by rylansamazingphotography on Shutterstock.com
Like most other major zoos throughout the USA, Nashville Zoo also hosts a holiday celebration, known as Zoolumination. It’s the country’s largest Chinese lantern festival and features more than 1,000 dazzling custom silk lanterns with whimsical holiday scenes and nightly live performances.
5. Aspen, Colorado
- Ideal for groups: Residences at the Little Nell
- Romantic weekends: Aspen Square Condominium
Aspen is a city that encapsulates the feeling of a winter wonderland and is known as one of the USA’s most popular destinations for skiing and snowboarding. Between Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Highlands, there is plenty of space for experimenting with winter sports, whether you’re a newbie to the world of skiing or if you want to take things slower with a gondola ride through the mountains. It’s also one of the best alternatives to Vail if you want a world-renowned ski resort.
Aspen is a city that encapsulates the feeling of a winter wonderland and is known as one of the USA’s most popular destinations for skiing and snowboarding.
Photo by jjfrommia on Shutterstock.com
If you’re a fan of Hallmark movies and want to experience what it’s like to be the main character of your own Christmas fairytale, it’s hard to look beyond Aspen. Beyond the mountains, the city offers traditional Christmas markets, focusing on local produce and small businesses, specialist menus served fireside in cozy lodges, and ice skating under the Christmas tree.
6. Burlington, Vermont
- Budget accommodation: Hotel Champlain Burlington
- Boutique option: Blind Tiger Burlington
Burlington offers the ultimate mixture of cozy activities, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly experiences for a weekend Christmas break or an extended break. Church Street Marketplace is one of the most popular malls in the area and acts as a hub for the area’s festive events. If you’re a fan of craft beers, you’ll want to stop by local breweries like Foam Brewers and head to Stowe to celebrate the festive season with Vermont’s most famous export, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.
Burlington offers the ultimate mixture of cozy activities, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly experiences for a weekend Christmas break or an extended break.
Photo by vermontalm on Shutterstock.com
7. Park City, Utah
- Best for ski enthusiasts: The St. Regis Deer Valley
- Best for couples: Park City Peaks Hotel
When it comes to skiing in the United States, there are few destinations that can rival Park City. If your idea of a perfect Christmas is dog sledding, snowmobiling, and skating, you’ll be easily able to fill your itinerary with plenty of winter magic. Warm up after a day in the snow with a hot cocoa and by exploring the Christmas lights.
If your idea of a perfect Christmas is dog sledding, snowmobiling, and skating, you’ll be easily able to fill your itinerary with plenty of winter magic.
Photo by Prestigious PHotos on Shutterstock.com
If you’re visiting Park City with kids, make sure to grab tickets to ride the North Pole Express at Heber Valley Railroad for a classic Santa themed evening. You’ll receive a special gift from Santa, a souvenir cocoa mug, hot cocoa, and snacks while you enjoy a 90-minute journey with festive performances, special guests, and even the chance to meet Mrs. Claus.
8. Seattle, Washington
- Kids-approved option: Hyatt at Olive 8
- Luxury accommodation: Lotte Hotel Seattle
If you’re looking for a quieter – and more affordable – alternative to NYC or Chicago, consider Seattle. It captures the spirit of a Christmas town, while giving you plenty of activities and experiences to entertain everyone in your group. The Washington State Fair has transformed its Puyallup fairground into a winter wonderland, open on advertised days from December 5 to December 23, with a small Christmas market, light displays, comfort food, and ice skating.
It captures the spirit of a Christmas town, while giving you plenty of activities and experiences to entertain everyone in your group.
Photo by Aldo Garcia on Shutterstock.com
One of the most popular activities is Winterfest at Seattle Center, held from November 28 to New Year’s Eve. This five-week festival takes its inspiration from European Christmas markets, with over 60 local and international vendors and free holiday film screenings on Friday nights.
If you have a rental car, you’ll also want to head to nearby Bellevue to join the Snowflake Lane celebration and discover the joy of a white Christmas with a nightly parade of holiday floats at 7 pm from NE 4 to NE 8 streets between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square.
9. Orlando, Florida
- Budget-friendly accommodation: Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites
- Special occasion splurge: Universal’s Hard Rock
Theme parks often feel like a city, especially Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. If you’re focusing on your inner child this holiday season, a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth is guaranteed to give you an unforgettable festive vacation to make memories you’ll cherish for life.
If you’re focusing on your inner child this holiday season, a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth is guaranteed to give you an unforgettable festive vacation to make memories you’ll cherish for life.
Photo by Paula Montenegro Stock on Shutterstock.com
The Magic Kingdom hosts a ticketed event, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, on advertised dates in November and December, with holiday events also held in the California park, but there’s also plenty to enjoy during regular park hours. Over at Epcot, you can celebrate with the International Festival of the Holidays, which runs until December 30, with holiday entertainment, global cuisine, and family-friendly fun.
10. Hershey, Pennsylvania
- Close to Hersheypark: Courtyard by Marriott Hershey Chocolate Avenue
- Best for families: SpringHill Suites by Marriott
Heading to Orlando isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re on a budget or if you prefer to indulge in chocolate rather than character meet and greets. Hershey, in Pennsylvania, is often overlooked as a Christmas town, but Hersheypark is a reason to add this town to our list. Compared to Disney and Universal, a visit to Hersheypark is easier to arrange last-minute, and it’s a great option for a first-time amusement park.
Heading to Orlando isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re on a budget or if you prefer to indulge in chocolate rather than character meet and greets.
Photo by George Sheldon on Shutterstock.com
During the holiday period, your “Hersheyprk Christmas Candylane” ticket will include access to family rides, select coasters, the TREEville trail, visits with Santa, and the chance to see over 5 million twinkling lights. You can also catch a holiday show in the Chevrolet Music Box Theatre and follow the trail of 25 trees that share the stories of The Sweetest Place On EARTH.
You can also elevate your visit with an additional ticket (per vehicle) to drive through the Hershey Sweet Lights attraction close to the main park or by booking breakfast with Santa at The Chocolatier, available on select Saturdays and Sundays.
11. Washington, D.C.
- Kid-approved option: Capital Hilton
- Worth the upgrade: The Ritz-Carlton
If you’re looking for a weekend escape over the holiday season, Washington D.C. is a great choice if you want to take things at a slower pace. It’s one of the best recommendations for where to visit on the East Coast. Start your visit by admiring the holiday displays at the National Christmas Tree in front of the White House before picking up a decoration from the White House Historical Society to commemorate your visit.
Start your visit by admiring the holiday displays at the National Christmas Tree in front of the White House.
Photo by Popova Valeriya on Shutterstock.com
Many of the free museums throughout the city, including the Smithsonian museums, often incorporate the holiday season into their exhibitions, while Ford’s Theatre is known for hosting its annual production of “A Christmas Carol”. Other activities to add to your itinerary include ice skating, seeing the holiday lights at the National Zoo, and stopping by the winter igloos at the Watergate Hotel.
12. Franklin, Tennessee
- Close to town: Candlewood Suites Nashville – Franklin by IHG
- Perfect for couples: Hilton Franklin Cool Springs
If nothing on this list has caught your eye, then the chances are that you’re looking for something a little more old-school. Our final recommendation is Franklin in Tennessee, a historic downtown district nestled within the city, making it feel like it exists within its own bubble. The town is famous for hosting the annual “Dickens of a Christmas” festival with actors, playing famous Charles Dickens characters, strolling through the town and interacting with visitors.
Our final recommendation is Franklin in Tennessee, a historic downtown district nestled within the city, making it feel like it exists within its own bubble.
Photo by Olena Tselykh on Shutterstock.com
Make sure to stop by The Franklin Theatre, an Art Deco movie theatre that dates back to 1937, to take a photo in front of its iconic red marquee and dazzling lights before catching a showing of popular Christmas movies, including White Christmas, The Polar Express, and Elf.
Book your dream Christmas vacation with ZenHotels
At ZenHotels, we’re here to help plan your winter vacation, whether you’re jetting off to the Big Apple, hitting the beach, or exploring a small Christmas town with its nostalgic decorations. Are you looking for more options for your next getaway? Explore top destinations on ZenHotels, including Charleston and Maine, and get more expert-curated travel tips by visiting our blog.
