There’s something irresistible about a town that goes all-in on holiday cheer. Twinkling lights, evergreen garlands, candlelit streets – yes, the whole cozy, Hallmark-movie package. If you’re dreaming of a Christmas getaway filled with festive events, nostalgic charm, and maybe even a surprise encounter with Santa, the U.S. has no shortage of snow-globe-worthy holiday destinations. From seaside escapes to historic mountain towns, these Christmas hotspots serve up serious holiday magic.
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1. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket’s beloved Christmas Stroll turns this New England island into a postcard. Wander downtown among dozens of decorated trees, join wine and cocktail tastings, shop local boutiques, and tour the annual Festival of Trees at the Whaling Museum. It’s one of the best classic Christmas towns in the country.
2. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
The Strawbery Banke Museum transforms its 10-acre historic village into a glowing holiday wonderland. Skate at Puddle Dock Pond, stroll candlelit paths past centuries-old homes, and enjoy Christmas carolers in Market Square. It’s the perfect mix of history and holiday spirit. Downtown has a wonderful light display and the Christmas tree!
3. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Nicknamed Christmas City USA, Bethlehem delivers big festive energy. Shop the Christkindlmarkt, hop on a horse-drawn carriage ride, and admire the famous Moravian star shining over the old stone buildings. It feels wonderfully European and wonderfully Christmas.
Pro Tip: I don’t know about you, but I hate having to carry the bags from shopping, so I found a great bag that can be folded to carry on your shoulder or open up, and it has wheels and a handle when I get carried away with present buying. Find it on Amazon.
4. Newport, Rhode Island
Classy Newport swaps flashy lights for elegant all-white displays. Tour the opulent Newport Mansions, each decorated with towering trees and gilded holiday accents. Don’t miss the holiday boat parade or a Christmas cruise on the bay.
5. Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May’s Victorian architecture already feels storybook-ready, but at Christmas it transforms into a full Dickens-vibe celebration. Stroll the Washington Street Mall, enjoy festive lights, and visit Congress Hall’s seaside winter wonderland.
6. Annapolis, Maryland
This Chesapeake Bay gem shines with waterfront light displays, boat parades, and the beloved Midnight Madness holiday shopping nights. Check out the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade, the gingerbread house tour, and Lights on the Bay for glowing reflections across the water.
Pro Tip: You don’t want to forget your camera when you visit these amazing Christmas displays. I really like my Kodak PixPro because it’s small enough to fit in my purse and I can take videos with it.
7. Lewisburg, West Virginia
A peaceful, small-town holiday escape, Lewisburg charms with carriage rides, festive lights, and the over-the-top holiday decor at The Greenbrier, one of America’s most iconic resorts.
8. Charlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville lights up with festive traditions like the Lighting of the Lawn at the University of Virginia, Santa fun runs, peppermint-themed foodie trails, and downtown scavenger hunts. It’s relaxed, charming, and full of local holiday flavor.
9. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville brings a warm, artsy spin to Christmas. The Biltmore Estate’s Candlelight Christmas Evenings are breathtaking. Add in the National Gingerbread House Competition, Winter Lights at the NC Arboretum, and holiday shopping in the River Arts District – this is one of the best winter getaways in the South.
Pro Tip: Buy Christmas ornaments from the places you visit so every Christmas when you put them on your tree you can remember the fun times you had there.
10. Key West, Florida
If snow isn’t your thing, Key West delivers a tropical twist on Christmas. Enjoy the Harbor Walk of Lights, historic inns tours, lighted boat parades, and yes, photos with Santa (pets welcome!). Warm weather plus holiday lights equals a very merry beach vacation.
11. St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine’s famous Nights of Lights is one of the most impressive holiday light displays in the country. Take a trolley or walking tour, explore historic streets, visit Castillo de San Marcos, and soak in the glowing holiday charm.
12. Natchitoches, Louisiana
This historic Louisiana town goes big for Christmas with weekends full of family-friendly events, riverfront fireworks, and a beloved boat parade reflecting lights across the Cane River. It’s festive, charming, and wonderfully Southern.
13. Grapevine, Texas
Officially the Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine transforms into a full holiday spectacle. Explore Main Street, enjoy ICE! (an ice sculpture display) at the Gaylord Texan, take part in Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge, and ride the vintage North Pole Express.
Pro Tip: If you want to ride the North Pole Express, you’ll need to make reservations well in advance. The spots sell out quickly.
14. Virginia City, Nevada
This old mining town shines during Christmas on the Comstock, a month-long celebration with light parades, saloon crawls, holiday trains, craft fairs, fireworks, and more. It’s quirky, festive, and full of Wild West character.
15. Solvang, California
This Danish-inspired village celebrates with a full Julefest experience including parades, tree lighting ceremonies, Nisse (gnome) scavenger hunts, artisan markets, and delicious Danish pastries like aebleskiver. It’s one of California’s best holiday destinations.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a holiday getaway filled with twinkling lights, festive markets, and nostalgic charm, these Christmas towns deliver the magic. Every state has at least one community that pulls out all the stops, so don’t be afraid to explore closer to home, too. No matter where you go, the best Christmas destination is the one that gets you into the holiday spirit.
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