Getting In The Christmas Spirit
There are a lot of fantastic cities and towns in the US throwing some truly impressive Christmas celebrations, but we've narrowed down a list of the most festive places in every state. From the classics, like tree-lighting ceremonies and Christmas markets, to waterskiing Santas and tacky light displays, there's something for everyone on this list.
Huntsville, Alabama
Nobody celebrates the holidays quite like Huntsville, Alabama. Already a beautiful city at any time of the year, Huntsville takes things up a notch around Christmastime. Check out the Tinsel Trail, an annual display of Christmas trees in downtown Huntsville’s Big Spring Park, or the Galaxy of Lights display at the Huntsville Botanical Garden.
North Pole, Alaska
What, were you expecting something else? Not only is North Pole, AK probably the most festive place in the US year-round, it’s especially special in December, as attractions like the Santa Claus House and the city’s post office are extra decked out.
Srishti Sethi, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Who says you need a thick layer of snow to feel festive? What Lake Havasu City lacks in flakes, it makes up for with beautiful twinkling lights during their annual Festival of Lights—which is only amplified by reflections from the water of Lake Havasu.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Though plenty of homes throughout Little Rock go all out, the State Capitol building is a true sight to behold at the holidays. It’s festooned in lights outside and houses an impressively decorated tree inside.
Ralf-Finn Hestoft, Getty Images
Newport Beach, California
Every year—for the past 116 years (!)—Newport Beach has hosted a Christmas Boat Parade in the harbor, where visitors can view a pageant of beautifully-lit yachts, boats, and kayaks. The Parade can also be viewed from Balboa Island, where residents take great care to light up their homes.
Denver, Colorado
No matter where you look in Colorado, it’s going to be gorgeous during the holidays—but Denver truly outdoes itself with Christmas activities. The incredible German holiday market, the Denver Christkindl Market, can’t be missed. There’s also the Mile High Tree and holiday celebrations at the 16th Street Mall and the Denver Zoo Lights.
Old Saybrook, Connecticut
This small waterfront town in Connecticut attracts visitors to its picturesque beaches in the summer, but it has a lot to offer at Christmas, too. Check out the Starlight Festival, the Torchlight Parade, and the local choir, who performs during the holiday season on the steps of the local cultural center.
Winterthur, Delaware
The Winterthur Museum & Gardens are located on an old historic estate. Every year, it gets covered in lights, decorations, and poinsettias, making it an unforgettable sight.
Orlando, Florida
The Happiest Place on Earth might also be the most Festive Place on Earth come Christmastime, as Disney World gets decked out for the holidays to a nearly unbelievable level. Add in world-class fireworks and every festive treat imaginable, and you’ve got one heck of a holiday destination.
Donna R. Theimer AIFD, Shutterstock
Helen, Georgia
Helen is a Bavarian-inspired alpine village in northern Georgia that really puts on a show at Christmas. Its architecture is tailor-made for bringing on the Christmas spirit, especially all lit up, and it hosts classic Christmas events like a German market, a Christmas parade, and a Festival of Trees.
Honolulu, Hawaii
When it comes to Christmas, Honolulu really brings the aloha spirit. Christmas in Honolulu is filled with unique twists on classic traditions, from Santa arriving in a canoe to the Outrigger Hotel, to sandmen instead of snowmen at the Sheraton Waikiki. There’s also a trolley tour of Christmas lights in Honolulu City.
And for those who don’t think it’s Christmas without snow, the Polynesian Cultural Center has a “snow day” complete with fresh snow.
Phillip B. Espinasse, Shutterstock
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Rockefeller Center, eat your heart out. Coeur d’Alene is home to the tallest living Christmas tree in the world, which stands more than 162 feet tall. As if that weren’t impressive enough on its own, the Coeur d’Alene Resort employs 1.5 million lights for its annual Christmas display, which make up 250 floating scenes that can be toured by boat.
Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City is home to a veritable cornucopia of Christmas events and attractions—there’s truly something for everyone. Michigan Avenue is home to the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival parade, while the Macy’s on State Street has classic holiday displays in their windows.
The Lincoln Park Zoo has special attractions, and both the Morton Arboretum and the Museum of Science and Industry host Christmas tree displays.
Santa Claus, Indiana
Not traveling this Christmas? Well, you can visit Santa Claus, IN any time of year and enjoy a little bit of holiday spirit. Everything is holiday-themed in Santa Claus, from the local museum to the theme park to Santa’s Lodge and Resort hotel. Every weekend in December features special activities, including chestnut roasting and a full Christmas dinner with Santa himself.
Sarah Afshar, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Clear Lake, Iowa
Another beautiful waterfront Christmas destination, Clear Lake has its own Festival of Trees and plenty of family-friendly activities, including a treasure hunt and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Visit the Christmas by the Lake celebration to enjoy strolling Dickens characters and an annual parade.
Lindsborg, Kansas
Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore—kinda. Lindsborg is known for its large Swedish population, along with citizens from other Nordic and Scandinavian countries. As a result, Christmas in Lindsborg is an especially festive time. Events in December include a Snowflake Parade, Artist Open Studios, a St Lucia Festival, Heritage Christmas, Julotta, and Annandag Jul.
Lindsborg CVB, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Bowling Green is home to the Reindeer Farm, where families can get up close and personal with real reindeer, have a meet & greet or breakfast with Santa, and warm up with hot cocoa. Or, you can strap on your skates and get moving at the SoKY Marketplace Ice Rink, an outdoor skating rink.
BlueOrange Studio, Shutterstock
New Orleans, Louisiana
The Big Easy may not have that many conifers to decorate, but during the month of December, the city’s stately oaks get the holiday treatment at the Celebration in the Oaks. And while every family has its own Christmas Eve tradition, the city’s annual lighting of the bonfires along the riverbank is truly a sight to behold.
Ogunquit, Maine
Portland has our heart, but it’s hard to deny that Ogunquit, ME really knows how to Christmas. From a tree made of lobster traps to caroling at Perkins Cove to a beach bonfire and polar plunge, Christmas in Ogunquit is definitely one of a kind.
Captain-tucker, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Baltimore, Maryland
There’s a lot to celebrate in the Old Line State, but what about a Miracle on 34th Street? Every year, Baltimore’s 34th street is decorated and lit up to the nines. It all began two decades ago with one house starting the tradition, and now most neighbors on the iconic street get in on the fun.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
One of Massachusetts’ top summer destinations, Nantucket also puts on a great show at Christmas. There’s an annual Christmas Stroll on Main Street and they also put their own spin on a beloved tradition by having the town crier announce Santa’s arrival…via Coast Guard boat.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
If a town is also known as “Little Bavaria,” you know it’s gonna be great at Christmastime. The town has a replica of Austria’s iconic Silent Night Chapel, and is home to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, an absolutely massive holiday store.
picture alliance, Getty Images
Red Wing, Minnesota
If you’re brave enough to face the Minnesota cold, take a trip to Red Wing, which begins its Christmas celebrations in November with a Holiday Stroll. There’s a Festival of Wreaths, fireworks, and a light parade, among other festivities.
Oxford, Mississippi
Like many other cities on this list, Oxford is home to a holiday market and a parade, but it’s also home to an incredible Gingerbread Village, which features a sweet recreation of the buildings on the University of Mississippi campus.
St Louis, Missouri
Meet Me in St Louis indeed. Blast the Judy Garland version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” as you head down to the Lou this holiday season to enjoy their festivities—including the zoo’s Wild Lights exhibit, the Botanical Gardens’ Garden Glow display, or enjoy a Polar Express-themed train ride at Union Station.
Whitefish, Montana
For a lot of families, it’s not Christmas without a little time on the slopes, and Whitefish is a top notch ski town that also offers a variety of family-friendly holiday activities, including a Christmas tree lighting and Western wagon rides. If you’re lucky, you might just catch Santa coming down Big Mountain on skis.
Omaha, Nebraska
If you’re a fan of poinsettias, the Lauritzen Gardens is a hard attraction to beat, as they display 5,000 plants in 20 different varieties. There’s also the Holiday Lights Festival, which takes over a whopping 40 city blocks in the downtown core.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Whether we like it or not, Christmas is a time of excess—and if you’re the type to embrace excess, well then you already know all about Las Vegas. Sin City at Christmas is a whole different experience, with different resorts offering special events and attractions, from rooftop ice skating at the Cosmopolitan to a special version of the fountain show set to Christmas music and a massive Christmas tree at the Conservatory at the Bellagio.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
If you’ve ever driven through New Hampshire on a snowy night, you know that it’s one of the most picturesque states in the US. In the waterfront city of Portsmouth, this effect goes into overdrive, as the historic homes lit up with Christmas lights and decorations look like a postcard come to life.
Cape May, New Jersey
No one does a good time like the Jersey Shore—whether it’s on the hottest day of summer or a chilly December evening. Cape May is one of the more picturesque shore towns, and they go all out for Christmas, adorning their Victorian-style homes with lights and decorations. Try a guided trolley tour to see the best the Cape has to offer.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Sure, there’s nothing like a classic Christmas light display, but Santa Fe does things a little differently. The Canyon Road Farolito walk sees the dusty pink adobe homes festooned with rows of twinkling, glowing lanterns. To make your experience even more unique, enjoy a holiday flamenco performance at El Flamenco Cabaret.
Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, New York
Sure, we all love skating in front of the tree at the Rockefeller Center—but if you’re looking for a holiday celebration with real heart, check out the Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, known for its over-the-top Christmas decorations. The light displays have been going on since the 80s, and the neighborhood attracts more than 100,000 people every holiday season.
McAdenville, North Carolina
Many cities in NC vie for the title of most festive—but only McAdenville is known as “Christmas Town, USA” during the holiday season. Residents of McAdenville go all out with decorations, and there are tons of events throughout the season.
Garrison, North Dakota
The town of Garrison leans heavily on its connection to its British heritage during the holidays, as it hosts an annual Dickens Village Festival, featuring entertainers in period costume. There’s other British-themed activities like a double-decker bus tour, a fruit cake toss, and high tea.
Albert Lukaszewski, Shutterstock
Cleveland, Ohio
The city is home to the house from A Christmas Story. What more do we need to say? Well, if you’re not convinced, there’s a holiday lights trolley tour, a Winter Lights’ Lantern Festival at the Museum of Arts, and a Winterfest downtown.
Chickasha, Oklahoma
Speaking of A Christmas Story, Chickasha, OK is home to a giant version of the film’s iconic leg lamp—but that’s not all. It also hosts an annual Festival of Light, featuring 3.5 million twinkling lights.
Silverton, Oregon
Silverton may be small—but at Christmas, it’s mighty. Christmas in the Garden at the Oregon Garden is a cannot-miss event for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Some towns are just made for this list—and Bethlehem is yet another one. The appropriately-named city has a German-style Christmas City Village and Christmas market, as well as a Winter Lights Spectacular at the Lehigh Valley Zoo.
Discover Lehigh Valley, Flickr
Newport, Rhode Island
See how the other half live(d) at the historic Newport mansions, which get decked out for the holidays each year with wreaths, trees, poinsettias, and other fragrant flora. Then head downtown for concerts, walking tours, and a fantastic door decorating contest.
Charleston, South Carolina
Nothing says Southern charm like Charleston, and during the holidays, many of the city’s already-gorgeous historic homes look even better with resplendent decorations and lights. There are plenty of unique activities too, including the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park and the Aquarium Aglow exhibit at the South Carolina Aquarium, where you might just come face to face with “Scuba Claus”.
Christopher Pillitz, Getty Images
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Every year, a large chunk of the city of Sioux Falls is dedicated to an incredible light show using over 335,000 lights, called Winter Wonderland at Falls Park. The spectacle integrates the falls in the most beautiful way.
Nashville, Tennessee
If you’re hoping to take in some live entertainment, there’s no better place than Music City during the holidays. All season long, Country Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland offers top quality performances, and check the calendar to see the festive events at the iconic Grand Ole Opry.
For a wildly unique experience, there’s also a drive-thru exhibit at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway called the Jingle Beat.
rylansamazingphotography, Shutterstock
Fredericksburg, Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas—including the Christmas tree in Fredericksburg, a quaint town with German roots. The sights and sounds will bring you straight to December in Bavaria, between the Christmas pyramid in the market and the Pioneer Museum’s exhibits about traditional Christmas activities.
For the oenophiles, there’s also a Christmas Wine Affair that offers tastings and tours.
Park City, Utah
If your family is the type that can’t sit still—who’d much rather fill the day with activities than sit through a Christmas parade or concert—then Park City is the place to be. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, there’s also snowmobiling, fly fishing, and dog sledding, as well as some of the US’s most luxe resorts.
The mountains and city look fantastic all lit up, and there’s also a Christmas train ride at the Heber Valley railroad for the little ones.
PeteysHead, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Stowe, Vermont
Picturesque Stowe is a beautiful town to visit any time of the year, but it’s truly stunning at Christmastime—even if you’re not a skier. The quaint town is home to beautiful stores, homey restaurants, and, perhaps most important, the Von Trapp Family Lodge—a fantastic place to visit during the holiday season.
Dicklyon, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Alexandria, Virginia
There are many cities in Virginia that offer a charming Christmas harkening back to the country’s colonial roots—but Alexandria does things a little differently. Where to start—there’s a parade of waterskiing Christmas characters, including Santa; a Scottish Christmas parade; an elaborately decorated home lovingly nicknamed Holly’s Tacky Christmas Lights; and, how could we forget…Aladdin the Christmas Camel.
Leavenworth, Washington
With Bavarian-inspired architecture and the nearby Alp-like mountain range being called the Enchantments, Leavenworth offers a storybook Christmas experience. The lights are stunning, and perfect for those of us who are less-than-punctual—they stay up until February.
Lewisburg, West Virginia
Lewisburg is home to one of the country’s most resplendent resorts, the Greenbrier, with stunning colonial architecture. The Greenbrier goes all out for a whopping 60 days during the holidays, with over 100 Christmas trees, 120,000 lights, 2,000 poinsettias, and a 2,000-pound chocolate display.
HARRY W. McCORMACK, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Madison, Wisconsin
The State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion get all dressed up for Christmas, including a 40-foot tall balsam fir. There are also historical exhibits and a light display at the zoo.
Jackson, Wyoming
Every year, Jackson’s iconic antler arches get festooned in Christmas lights, and you can also catch a horse-drawn sleigh ride at Grand Teton, Yellowstone, or the National Elk Refuge that’ll show you some classic holiday sights—as well as iconic Wyoming wildlife like elk, bison, and pronghorn.
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