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Come Christmas and the holiday spirit gets charged up. There are lighting, decorations, and Christmas markets across the best Christmas towns in USA. There is happiness and excitement in the air. It is great to celebrate the holiday with family and friends and what better to plan a Christmas vacation in the USA?
Here’s our list of the best places to visit during Christmas in USA as suggested by fellow travelers based on their personal experiences.
Read More: The Best Christmas Quotes and Captions of All Time
Best Christmas Towns in USA
To feel the magic of Christmas in the US, visit these most Christmassy towns in USA not only during the holiday period but throughout the year. Here is our list of the best Christmas towns in America.
Santa Claus, Indiana
Stephanie from Consistently Curious
Enjoy Christmas year-round in the small town of Santa Claus, Indiana. Known as America’s Christmas Town, Santa Claus offers visitors a unique Christmassy experience for all ages. Explore the thrills of Holiday World, a Christmas-themed amusem*nt park, to relax in one of Santa’s Cabins overlooking Lake Rudolph.
The holiday season goes unmatched as parades, pancake breakfasts, light displays, and endless festive events take center stage during their Christmas Celebration. Local organizations get caught up in the holiday spirit with special activities such as storytimes, cookie baking, and more.
Venture to Santa’s Candy Castle to attempt their Fire & Ice Challenge, which features their signature frozen hot chocolate and “Fire” popcorn. Then stock up on plenty of goodies before trying to find all the Santa Statues scattered throughout the town.
Send a special letter to Santa at the original Santa Claus Post office and then discover how the town got its iconic name at the Santa Claus Museum and Village. Peer inside the original church adored for the holiday before snapping a photo of the impressive 22-ft solid concrete Santa Claus Statue.
Take a break from the Christmas hoopla to discover the historical landmarks nearby. Visit the site where Abraham Lincoln spent his childhood and learn about the pioneer community he lived in. Take a stroll through Lincoln State Park to enjoy the rolling forested hills and scenic lakes.
Return to sip hot cocoa while Christmas shopping, enjoy a lovely dinner with Kris Kringle, and then end the day roasting chestnuts over an open fire. No doubt it is one of the best Christmas cities in USA. A visit to Santa Claus is an ideal way to get into the Christmas spirit!
Mobile, Alabama
Wendy Werneth of The Nomadic Vegan
The coastal Southerntownof Mobile, Alabama is probably not the first place you would think of for aChristmasescapade. After all, winters here on the Gulf of Mexico are usually pretty mild, so you’re unlikely to experience a whiteChristmas.
Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a place to escape from the bitter cold of the north while still reveling in theChristmasspirit, then Mobile is a great choice. The city feels very festive during the holidays, and with a little imagination, you can even pretend that the white sand at the nearby beaches is snow!
Mobile’s topChristmasattraction is the spectacle known as “MagicChristmasin Lights“, which happens every year at the Bellingrath Gardens and Home just outside oftown. All year round, this private estate attracts visitors who come to see the carefully manicured lawns and beautiful flowers in bloom.
But during the month of December, the real show takes place after dark, when the gardens are lit up with more than 3 millionChristmaslights. You can take your time walking along the pathways and stopping to look at the different displays, which change each year.
Another fun activity to do during theChristmasholidays is to visit the Historic Oakleigh House Museum. Located in the Oakleigh Garden Historic District in downtown Mobile, this mansion was built in 1833. Inside are more than 1,000 artifacts related to life in Mobile between 1830 and 1900.
AtChristmastime, the mansion plays host to a special “Christmasat Oakleigh” event. The crowds are decorated with old-fashionedChristmasdecorations like the ones used in the 19th century. Local high school students, known as “Oakleigh Belles”, dress up in period costumes and make the history of this place really come to life.
Insider Tip: Unlike “MagicChristmasin Lights” though, the Oakleigh event is one day only, so plan your trip accordingly.
While you’re intown, stop in at some of thegreat restaurants Mobile has to offer. Many of them serve local seafood specialty dishes, but a growing number also provide options for vegans and vegetarians.
Also Read: 16 Best Winter Destinations in the USA
New York City
Editor’s Pick
When I think of Christmas in the USA, the first destination that comes to my mind is New York City aka NYC. The holiday spirit perfectly matches this city that never sleeps.
The holiday season is special in New York, guess that’s the reason Christmas in New York City has been part of so many Hollywood movies from Home Alone, Serendipity, and Elf to Miracle on 34th Street.
The whole city lights up like no other. Starting from Manhattan by visiting the Rockefeller Center which is synonymous with Christmas celebrations. Be a part of the large Christmas tree lighting ceremony in late November or early December or visit it later.
Don’t miss the Christmas decorations all across the Rockefeller Center. This is also the best place to watch the Christmas light show at the Saks Fifth Avenue building. It is a sight to watch the colors and light play magic with the creations. The Rockefeller Ice skating rink is famous among the skaters with the gold Prometheus statue in the backdrop.
Another place that cannot be missed is Central Park. The Wollman and Lasker ice skating rinks in the park are a delight for skaters with views of the mighty sky skyscrapers.
Macy’s has been a big part of holiday season celebrations with its popular Christmas-themed window displays.
If you want to see out-of-this-world holiday decorations, you must visit the Dyker Heights Christmas Lightsin Brooklyn. Join a 4-Hour Christmas Lights Luxury Bus Tour from Manhattan to see the magical decorations.
Walk along the streets of NYC to enjoy the glitz and holiday vibes or take any of the most popular tours across New York to witness the Christmas magic:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Christmas holidays are definitely magical in Philadelphia. With shimmering lights and Christmas markets, there is so much to do and enjoy on cold winter nights. So dress up warmly and grab a cup of hot cocoa.
Ice skating at the Olympic-size Blue Cross River Rink Winterfest overlooking the Delaware River is popular mostly in the evening with a majestic Christmas tree sparkling bright. Or head over to the Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park.
For all those shoppers, visiting theauthentic German market at the Christmas Village in Center City is a must. With both international and local vendors, there is a wide variety of gifts and eatables to shop for.
Kids for sure are in for a treat with ample activities during winter. One of the popular highlights is theholiday special video at the world’s largest state-of-the-art wall screen at Comcast Center.
Walk in any time to a house full of people gathered to watch the 15-minute spectacular show. This is one of the best things to do in Philadelphia with kids.
Macy’s in the heart of the city is another place to visit for some spectacular decorations. Even if you don’t want to shop, head over to see the huge wall display of Christmas trees made with thousands of lights. The store even created Dicken’s Village based on the Christmas theme.
Insider Tip: There is a long line on weekends in Macy’s for the Dicken’s village, so plan to visit on a weekday.
Although it is not in Philadelphia city, if there is time in hand then Christmas lighting at Longwood Gardens is a great day trip from Philadelphia.
Located in Kennett Square in the suburbs of Philadelphia, the garden is decorated with millions of lights and exotic flowers that pull visitors from all across. It gets very busy during the holidays so it is advisable to book your online tickets to Longwood Gardens in advance.
Book Best Hotels in Philadelphia for Families
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Sherry Trautman from Travel-Mi.com
When thinking of magicalChristmastowns, it’s absolutely imperative to visitGrand Rapids Michigan. This city is just bursting withChristmasjoy. There’s nothing more nostalgic than ice skating, so slip on a pair of skates (bring your own or rent a pair) and glide across the ice at Rosa Parks Circle.
Plus, if you time it right, you can be skating during the exciting city tree-lighting ceremony. What a great way to kick off the holiday season!
Another must-see is the spectacularly decorated international trees at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Dozens of indoor trees are decorated to represent countries and cultures from all over the world. The delicate ornaments and twinkling lights are absolutely breathtaking to see!
While you are there, bundle up and head outside to walk the boardwalk overlooking their beautiful pond. It’s also fun to find dozens of impressive sculptures throughout the gardens.
Once it gets dark, drive over to the 5th 3rd ballpark and get ready for an explosion of lights At the Christmas Lite Show! This drive-through light park is a great way to see thousands of moving light displays and twinkling lights from the comfort and warmth of your vehicle.
There are several light tunnels and in the end, you can stop at Santa’s house to see the jolly man himself. If it’s not too cold, you can also reserve a seat on the open-air train as it chugs along the tracks past all the lighted displays. What a great way to get into theChristmasspirit!
Grapevine, Texas
Michelle from That Texas Couple
Grapevine, Texas is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for magicalChristmastownsin the United States. Known as theChristmasCapital of Texas, Grapevine is full of magic during the holiday season.
Thetownhosts over 1,400 events to celebrateChristmas! Making it one of the manyTexasChristmasdestinations,we love!
Guests will love staying at the Gaylord Texan Hotel where they will find themselves surrounded by the holiday spirit. The hotel goes all out decorating for the season.
In addition to all of the decorations, you will find ICE! here also. ICE! is an annual event that allows visitors to explore a holiday scene completely constructed of ice sculptures.
So what are you waiting for? Book the Gaylord Texan Resort
As you explore thetownof Grapevine, you will find its Main Street to be brimming with holiday decorations. The charming shops and great restaurants found here will have you singingChristmascarols in no time.
You will also find thetowndraped inChristmaslights and several displays where you can take the perfect selfie. Ensure that you make time to visit the Grapevine Vintage Railroad as well.
The Grapevine Vintage Railroad has several theme events throughout the year, and during theChristmasseason, riders can enjoy The Polar Express!
All of this and more makes Grapevine one of the best places to visit at Christmas in the USA for visitors of all ages!
Must Read:Best Winter Quotes and Captions for Winter Lovers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Ashley from Jetlagged Mama
Christmas is the most magical time. I love the way the dark nights become lit up with colorful lights. The most magical Christmas getaways in the USA have got to be Salt Lake City. Downtown Salt Lake turns into a winter wonderland. People from all over flock here this time of year to see the millions of lights downtown.
On the Main Square (Temple Square), is the most spectacular display of Christmas lights that you will ever see. Over 800,000 Christmas lights are found here. Every tree in this large square is decorated from the trunk to each little branch.
As you wander through the lights, make your way to the live nativity towards the back of the square. Take in the magic of Christmas one brightly lit tree at a time.
The second reason Salt Lake City is one of the most magical US destinations for Christmas is that you can take a step back in time at this place’s Candlelight Christmas market. The market is also known as Christkindlmarkt.
This is one of Salt Lakes’ oldest and only Christmas Markets. This is my favorite thing to do at Christmas. Dress warm as you wander through the Christmas market to find homemade gifts and Christmas goodies.
Then stay awhile as the sun goes down and the village transforms into a sparkling small town with the Christmas lights shining off the fresh Utah snow. It looks like something right out of a postcard.
It’s hard to describe just how magical this place is at Christmas. This market is great for adults to find their favorite adult Christmas indulgences and for kids. The old traditional homes have activities, crafts, storytimes, a live nativity, and so much more for all to enjoy.
Salt Lake City is by far one of the best cities for Christmas in the USA. The Christmas transformation makes it feel like something out of a Disney movie. The magic is impossible to describe, you must visit Salt Lake City this holiday season to experience it for yourself.
Book a Hotel in Salt Lake City
Prescott, Arizona
Dee from Vanilla Papers
With its historic Courthouse Plaza twinkling with lights, it’s easy to see why Prescott is Arizona’s designatedChristmasCity.
There’s an annualChristmasLighting ceremony (usually on the first Saturday of December) at the white-columned courthouse and a funChristmasparade that puts even the most cynical soul into the holiday spirit.
The downtown is charming enough to compete with Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow. Tall elm trees line the streets and there’s a historic Whiskey Row that features The Palace – Arizona’s oldest frontier saloon and bar.
If you wander the residential side streets, you’ll spot Victorian-style homes and old buildings converted into adorable boutiques and tempting restaurants.
Prescott’s great selection of antique shops, art galleries, and the independent Peregrine Book Company will tempt you to come early and do your holiday shopping away from Phoenix’s shopping mall rush.
Browse and pick up an underrated novel recommended by a local, some beautiful turquoise jewelry or soap infused with herbs.
There’s also Acker Night in early December to kick off your holidays with some music. Put on solely by volunteers, Acker Night was created to keep music alive and thriving for local youth and to promote Prescott’s beautiful downtown.
For a bit of history, head to the Bashford House, a historic Victorian home that’s part of the larger Sharlot Hall Museum dedicated to preserving the region’s history and the early days of the pioneers.
The Bashford House is linked to some of Prescott’s earliest residents and features a charming interior that includes a wooden solarium and a fireplace with hand-carved designs.
It’s done up beautifully atChristmasso step inside for a bit of old-timeChristmasmagic in the US.
To help you with Christmas Shopping: Unique Gifts for Travelers for Christmas
St. Augustine, Florida
Kelly from Snap Travel Magic
When people think of Florida, they don’t automatically think of Christmas. However, during Christmas time, St. Augustine, Florida is one of the most magical cities you can visit for the holiday season.
The famous Nights of Lights turn the city into a wonderland. Sprawling over 20 city blocks, millions of white lights hang from palm trees, greenery, city balconies, and the famous Bridge of Lions.
Note: Nights of Lights begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving and continues until the end of January.Book the Nights of Lights Tour to view the display of holiday lights that have been voted among the top 10.
There are many ways to experience this wondrous display. Book a tour on the Old Town Trolley or Ripley’s Big Red Christmas Train for a tour of the lights at night.
Or, take a boat tour and see the lights from the water. Other options include a horse and carriage ride or a golf cart tour. Simply walking among the lights in the historic district is a magical experience in itself.
During the day, can even opt for a Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour to see one of the oldest cities.
If you visit St. Augustine on a Saturday and December, there will be even more Christmas magic. The first Saturday of December marks the annual Christmas parade.
The second Saturday in December hosts the Holiday Regatta of Lights: all of the boats in the harbor are decorated with festive lights.
On the first Wednesday in December, attend the Luminary Festival at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. There is Christmas fun for the whole family including visiting Santa, holiday treats, and a beautiful light display.
St. Augustine kicks normal tours up a notch during the holiday season. Options include touring the Castillo de San Marcos by candlelight or candlelight tours of Villa Zorayda.
No matter what you decide to do in St. Augustine during Christmas time, you are certain to feel the holiday magic in this small town. For more amazing reasons to visit St. Augustine, check out the best things about St. Augustine!
Mammoth Lakes, California
Jenny Kotlyar from Campsite Vibes
Mammoth Lakes in California is one of the best US cities for Christmas. Spend the day skiing or snowboarding on some of the best snow in California.
If you’re new to it, there are lessons and a variety of runs perfect for beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. You can also opt-in to go tubbing or snowshoeing instead.
The holiday season usually kicks off with the tree lighting ceremony at the Village, which is usually shortly after Thanksgiving.
Through the month of December, there are concerts, pop-up holiday shops, and Santa Claus events. The whole town is decorated in lights with Christmas lights twinkling and snow falling. It’s truly a winter wonderland nestled in California.
One of the best holiday events that Mammoth puts on is Night of Lights. The whole town gathers at Canyon Lodge for a light show put on by the staff and for a grand fireworks show. Dress warmly and wear well-insulated boots, it can get chilly. Buy the insulated boots from the recommendations below:
After the fireworks show, you can stay at Canyon Lodge for the live concert, or head down to the Village where there is usually another live concert going on.
Everyone is having a blast and dancing in their snow clothes. Kids, adults, teenagers, and everyone is just having a blast and dancing around in their snow clothes. For more things to do in Mammoth Lakes during the winter months, read through this blog post.
Book your choice of Hotel in Mammoth Lakes
San Diego, California
Maria from San Diego Explorer
San Diego, in sunny Southern California, has some really fun and unique things to offer during theChristmasHolidays. It is the perfect winter destination, especially if you are looking to escape the cold and maybe evenstay on the beach.
Temperatures in San Diego in December are usually in the mid-50s to low60s and sunny, but they are also known to reach the mid-70s – the perfect temperature to goout and explore.
San Diego will get you a seemingly paradoxicalChristmas. Want to go skiing and surfing in one day? No problem! In San Diego, you can actually do that. But I honestly never met anyone who has.
Here in SoCal, wecelebrate the beginning of theChristmasseason with the arrival of Surfin’ Santarather thanChristmasCarols.
Did you know that there is an actual ice skating rink onthe beach? Nothing cooler than hitting the ice, while looking at palm trees and hearing the oceanwaves crash in the background.
Another funChristmasevent – usually the first weekend in December – is December Nights. This event will definitely put you in theChristmasspirit – it is our San DiegoChristmasMarket with lots of beautiful light displays and Christmas decorations, Christmas music, booths selling treats and gifts, Glühwein, and delicious snacks.
Insider Tip: Parking isreally bad, so I recommend taking either public transportation or Uber/Lyft.
Highly Recommend: Theodore Seuss Geisel aka Dr. Seuss lived the majority of his life in SanDiego. Every year, the Old Globe in Balboa Park – a replica of the Globe Theatre in London –putsDr. Seuss’ How the Grinch StoleChristmas! on its schedule and I highly recommend it.
Washington DC
Nicole Sunderland from Oh My DC
One of themost magical US Christmas getawaysis Washington, D.C. At first thought, you wouldn’t think it because the city is so much of a concrete jungle, but alas, the city comes alive.Christmasis one of thebest times to visit Washington DC.
If you arrive via Union Station, your first sight of the city upon leaving the station will be the gargantuanChristmastree in the lobby. This unmissable sight is extra magical and is a great start to aChristmasgetaway.
Each year the NationalChristmasTree is put up on The Ellipse by the White House. It stands about 34 feet tall and glimmers with light. Even more magical when it is snowing. You can visit the city when they do the lighting to see it first come on.
Georgetown has an amazing light spectacle called GLOW which is installed in the area and is great to see at night. You can walk through them enjoying each of them.
Palmer’s Alley in the City Center lights up above with snowflakes and lights making the perfect magical walk for shopping.
The city has aChristmasmarket with delicious foods and gifts. While it is not Europe, it is a nice market.
Last but certainly not least, the city hosts a boat parade each year around the holiday where people decorate their boats with lights and boats from Alexandra to the Wharf. It is quite the view of magic on the Potomac River and should not be missed if you are looking for that extra something special.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Paulina from Paulina on the Road
If you’re looking for a winter getaway thisChristmasseason for festive activities to create folklore for your entire family, plan your trip to one of the most magical Christmas towns in the US – Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Assuredly, theChristmascelebration in Lake Geneva is all about vibrant colors, briskness, and refreshing weather, which never fails to delight its visitors. Geneva goes all-in on itsChristmasembellishments, and the city is elegantly decked out throughout November-December.
The surroundings are filled up with more than two millionChristmaslights, in and outs, offering a short family-favoriteChristmasdrive-through light show.
Explore a mixture of activities, from Breakfast with Santa to classicChristmas tale readings, making this the most mystic time of the year. Plus, the six-week-long picture-perfectChristmas celebration greets citizens and visitors alike to encounter the festive holiday spirit.
Alongside this, Lake Geneva converts into a new ideal winter-getaway spot during Christmastime, where there are plenty of other things to do duringChristmas, in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
It includes Skiing, Snowboarding, Sledding, Ice Skating/Fishing, Ziplining, attending the Winterfest, and so on! In addition to all on-site activities, you can also ride on Santa’s boat cruise and reindeer calls in downtown Lake Geneva.
Besides that, you’ll enjoy the festive window displays of the city’s excellent shopping scene at the traditional antique shops in the OldTown, opening in late November-December.
The typical range of stalls offersChristmas gifts, trinkets, locally baked treats, handmade ceramics, artworks, jewelry, candles, and more. Further, taste dishes, like pasta, fried calamari, seafood, cubed-cheeses, cookies, tortes, muffins, etc.
Apart from that, plan your stay at one of the most fabulousluxury resorts in Wisconsin, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, which is well-decorated, and provides diverse ventures for its visitors.
So here is the list of Best Christmas towns in USA Suggested by fellow travelers for your Christmas vacation in the USA. And personal experiences can never go wrong. Do you have your favorite Christmas town in the USA?
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