If your perfect holiday season involves fresh snow, twinkling lights, cozy towns, and as many winter activities as you can squeeze in, you’re in the right place. Some destinations just feel like stepping into a holiday movie, think gingerbread-cute main streets, ski slopes begging for fresh tracks, and enough festive events to keep you buzzing like you mainlined hot cocoa.
Whether you’re chasing the perfect powder day, a nostalgic town filled with holiday charm, or a place that mixes snowflakes with serious seasonal sparkle, these winter wonderlands deliver.
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Northwestern Snowy Escapes
North Pole, Alaska
Welcome to the “official” home of Santa Claus- at least according to the town that proudly claims him. While this little Alaskan town is not exactly on the North Pole, it’s pretty close (1,700 miles to be exact), yet still in the US. Visit Santa Claus House, stroll Santa Claus Lane, and check out the massive Santa statue. Kids love it, adults secretly love it, and the whole town is basically Christmas turned up to eleven.
Outdoor activities include ice fishing, riding snow mobiles and snow shoeing along the trails.
Nevada City, California
Nestled in the Sierra foothills, this Gold Rush town goes all-in with its annual Victorian Christmas celebration. This celebration is held on Sundays and Wednesdays in December. Expect costumed carolers, roasting chestnuts, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice skating and charming shops selling seasonal treats and handmade gifts.
If you’re craving snow sports, Donner Ski Ranch is less than an hour away.
Leavenworth, Washington
A Bavarian-themed village in the Cascades, Leavenworth glows under half a million lights each winter until February. Wander the Village of Lights, visit the Reindeer Farm (who doesn’t want to pet a reindeer), explore the Nutcracker Museum which houses over 7,000 nutcrackers and stock up on festive German goodies. It’s like flying to Europe without the long-haul flight.
For skiing action, Leavenworth Ski Hill is just outside town or for more adventurous outdoor activities and great skiing head to Stevens Pass about 45 minutes from town.
Whitefish, Montana
This postcard-perfect town serves classic Christmas vibes with snowy streets, wreathed lampposts, and the annual Christmas Stroll. The town’s annual Christmas Stroll offers wagon rides, ornament decorating, and carols. Add in sleigh rides at Bar W Guest Ranch, and you’ve got a winter getaway that checks every holiday box. Go ice skating at the Stumptown Ice Den.
For great skiing and snowshoeing, head to Whitefish Mountain Resort.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole turns downright magical in December. Wander past the iconic elk antler arches wrapped in Christmas lights, take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge, and spend your days skiing, snowboarding, or tubing your way through winter bliss.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget your camera for the beautiful memories you’ll create. We use this Kodak PixPro because it’s a great size and has video capabilities.
Southwest Winter Adventures
Park City, Utah
Park City shines, literally during the holidays. Watch the Torchlight Parade where skiers light up the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort, catch Santa coming down the mountain into town on a glowing lift, and explore the glittering Christmas tree in Miner’s Park. Continue your tour of holiday decorations at Stein Eriksen Lodge, which builds a giant gingerbread display every year.
Skiing is a given, but the holiday charm is the real star.
Midway, Utah
This Swiss-inspired town knows how to celebrate winter. Midway’s Town Square is home to one of Utah’s largest outdoor ice rinks, then warm up with hot chocolate and hot apple cider. Visit the Ice Castles for a winter wonderland. This magical attraction features intricate ice sculptures and stunning ice formations; these are illuminated at night. Ride the festive North Pole Express on the Heber Valley Railroad, complete with cocoa, cookies, carols, and Santa.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe does Christmas a little differently. Its Canyon Road Farolito Walk flips the script on conventional festive displays, instead of modern-day LED string lights, a trail of lanterns sets the iconic pink adobes aglow. Santa Fe Plaza is filled with decorated shops and the town’s Christmas tree. Enjoy “Holidays at the Palace”, where there are music and refreshments at Palace of the Governors. Visit La Luz de las Noches at the Botanical Gardens for a beautiful light show.
When you’re ready for the slopes, head to Ski Santa Fe for views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos is the perfect southwestern town for the holidays. With influence of Native culture and the amazing skiing, you can’t go wrong here. Lighting of Ledoux Street and Father Winter Parade is one of the best events in Taos for Christmas. You’ll find the Yuletide tree in Historic Taos Plaza where many businesses will be full of seasonal décor. Visit Taos Folk, which is a pop up market featuring local artists and New Mexico crafts. Taos Pueblo Market is another must visit at the Taos Pueblo Heritage Center. Taos Pueblo Deer or Matachinas Dance is open to visitors on Christmas Day.
Taos Ski Valley also has some beautiful decorations for Christmas and of course lots of skiing.
Midwest Holiday Magic
Frankenmuth, Michigan
This Bavarian-inspired Christmas town goes all-out. Think horse-drawn carriages, steaming cider, twinkling lights, and Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store. Frankenmuth ChristKindlMarkt is a traditional German-style market with handmade goods and mulled wine. No skiing here, but endless charm and plenty of skating.
If you don’t mind a drive, head to Boyne Mountain Resort, about four hours from Frankenmuth for lots of skiing, tubing and ice skating.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Twinkling lights dance across the midnight black surface of Geneva Lake. An elf testing toys with Rudolph winks from his reflection as you float by, en route to Santa’s Hideaway, the finale to the Santa Cruise boat tour. These are just some of the things to do here. Besides taking a cruise to look for Santa, you can go to the World’s Tallest Glass Tree Festival, or you can ride a trolley for the tour of lights. For maximum cheer, book a room at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, which hosts six weeks of holiday activities at its Christmas in the Country celebration, including Brunch with Santa, holiday lights, an Elf Mail Run, and an optional upgrade to have a fully decorated tree in your guest room.
You’ll find plenty of slopes at Grand Geneva Resort along with sledding and snowshoeing.
Charming East Coast Snow Towns
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, Maine, transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, evoking the charm of a Nordic retreat. The snow-dusted harbors provide a peaceful retreat, while the quiet, snowy landscapes of Acadia National Park capture the essence of a winter wilderness. Park Loop Road at Acadia becomes a playground for snowmobiles or snowshoeing. In town, the magic of Christmas comes alive with festive lights and decorations adorning the streets. Seasonal events such as the pajama sale and bed races, where local businesses decorate beds and race along the street, and the Village Holidays Celebration and Sale, where local businesses offer discounts and hold festive activities, including a visit from Santa, make Bar Harbor an unmissable Christmas escape.
North Conway, New Hampshire
North Conway is the kind of winter retreat that feels straight out of a holiday postcard, just like Lapland. Surrounded by snow-dusted peaks and trees, this charming New England town captures the magic of the season with its understated Christmas celebrations and beautiful natural landscapes. Take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad’s Santa’s Holiday Express, a must for creating holiday memories. It’s a whimsical hour-and-a-half trip, which offers beautiful wintery views of the Mount Washington Valley, cookies, chocolate milk, and a visit from Santa himself! The town’s glowing holiday lights and decorated storefronts make it a delightful spot for shopping and dining.
Cranmore Resort draws skiers and snowboarders to its slopes while snowshoeing through the Whitaker Woods.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is the epitome of a classic Christmas town. The Traditional Christmas in Stowe festival brings lantern parades, holiday markets, and tree lighting ceremonies. The town is also beautifully decorated during the festive season encouraging a stroll through town. Visitors can make an appointment to visit Vermont Reindeer Farm to visit Santa’s helpers.
Stowe is home to the Spruce Peak Resort, which offers visitors a range of winter activities, including skiing and snowboarding, dog sledding, and ice skating.
Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock shines during the holidays, especially during Christmas at the Billings Farm. Enjoy 19th-century holiday traditions, decorated farmhouses, and snowy trails perfect for skiing, snowmobiling, or winter hikes.
Woodstock’s most iconic holiday tradition is Christmas at Billings Farm. Here, your family can enjoy the classic holiday traditions of a 19th-century Vermont Christmas! The farmhouse and dairy farm are decked with historically accurate decorations. Families can take part in timeless activities like candle dipping, apple tasting (including dried apples and homemade applesauce), and interactive butter making. The festive downtown is perfect for browsing charming boutiques while soaking up the twinkling lights and cozy atmosphere.
Woodstock offers everything from Nordic skiing to snowmobiling to downhill skiing. No matter what your winter sport is, you’ll find it here!
Colorado’s Iconic Winter Destinations
Aspen, Colorado
Wandering along Cooper Avenue, you may chance upon cookie-decorating workshops, public s’mores roasts, or elf meet-and-greets. The 12 Days of Aspen Christmas festival is a signature event held in Aspen annually from December 20th through to the end of the year. The festival features a host of varied activities such as ice-skating performances, holiday treats cooking classes, and Santa’s workshop where kids can interact with Santa himself. You’ll find cookie decorating and s’mores. The streets come alive with Christmas carolers spreading the yuletide spirit with their harmonious songs. Take a stroll in Snowmass Village where you’ll find lights and decorations, giving visitors a feeling of walking in a winter wonderland. You can also take part in various activities like ice skating, sleigh rides, holiday concerts, and more. And don’t miss skiing on Aspen Mountain.
Skiing Aspen Mountain is always a must!
Vail, Colorado
Vail turns storybook-bright for the holidays. Stroll Vail Village and Lionshead along heated walkways for a true Christmas wonderland. Don’t miss the lighted cover bridge at night. Visit Kris Kringle Market, a European-style market with artisan gifts, warm drinks and live music. You can do a sleigh ride or go dog sledding. There are two ice skating rinks in Vail, to enjoy skating under the stars for a magical night.
Of course you can’t miss the ski resort for skiing, snowboarding or tubing.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge knows how to party – winter style. Festivities abound in December including the tree lighting and the Race of the Santas, a half-mile footrace featuring costume-clad runners. Downtown transforms into a real-life holiday card thanks to more than 59,000 feet (or 11.22 miles!) and 250,000 LED holiday lights. Grab your Viking hats and celebrate all things winter at Ullr Fest! Breckenridge invites locals and visitors of all ages to praise Ullr, the Norse god of snow, in hopes of a powder-filled ski season. You can enjoy sleigh rides to round out your day.
Outdoor activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even dog sledding among others.
Telluride, Colorado
The festive centerpiece is the Ski Tree, which is literally made of old skis. Noel Night is a unique Telluride Christmas tradition. It signifies the beginning of the Holiday season and is held on the first Wednesday of December each year. It includes tree lighting ceremony and has plenty of opportunities to shop locally for gifts and souvenirs. Attend the Telluride Fire Festival, the annual event that takes place during the week of Christmas. It features fire performances, art, live music, and a market with food and drinks. Go to the North Pole in Mountain Village. Here you can go ice skating, take train rides, and enjoy aSanta meet and greet. Kids can participate in holiday craft workshops, sip hot cocoa, and watch family friendly movies. You can enjoy sleigh rides around town and much more.
Oh, and don’t forget the great skiing!
Durango, Colorado
Like Vail, the city of Durango has winter wonderland charm, but its main attraction is its scenic railroad tours. Families with kids will love the Polar Express-themed ride, during which staff reenact the beloved tale. If you’re traveling without kids, you might prefer the Cascade Canyon winter train route, which is best enjoyed while sipping hot chocolate. Stroll through downtown for all the festive lighting and shopping.
Of course, there is plenty of skiing here but if skiing isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other winter activities to keep you busy. Exciting winter adventures like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and fat biking are popular options for visitors to the area.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a holiday getaway wrapped in snow, sparkle, and made-for-a-movie magic, these towns deliver the full winter experience. From skiing and sleigh rides to lantern festivals and cozy main streets, each destination offers its own version of holiday wonder. Add a few, or all, of them to your winter travel bucket list and get ready for your most magical holiday season yet.
We love to share information and tips we learn to help you plan your next vacation. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make lots of memories.
Pro Tip: Keep a small notebook with you to jot down your thoughts and information you want to remember when you get home. We use these notebooks because they have pens attached to them so we don’t have to look for something to write with.
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