The Perfect Holiday In The USA
Sometimes, staying home for Christmas doesn’t feel right for the holiday season. Maybe it’s to evade the snow, and maybe it’s to find it. When that happens, where does one go? Keep reading to discover our top picks for a Christmas getaway sure to add some extra warmth and excitement to the season.
Healdsburg, CA
This quaint little town in Sonoma County features fantastical light displays, a tree-lighting ceremony, and seasonal markets for all your gift-buying needs. Healdsburg transforms from a sunny California town into a wine-country Christmasland for the holidays.
Jim G, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Greenville, SA
For fans of Hallmark movies, Greenville has that small-town vibe paired with big-city attractions, like the replica Rockefeller Center skating rink. Paired with the 3rd annual Greenville Gingerbread Exhibit, there’s nothing not to love about spending Christmas here.
ColeHernandez2013, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Macon, GA
A festive light show that spans five city blocks, has Santa Claus meet-and-greets, and fake snow without the cold weather. What could be better? Macon also features a Holiday Light Show Extravaganza, which is fun for the whole family.
Judson McCranie, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Washington, DC
See the National Tree in person on the front stops of Capitol Hill, and take in the monuments and landmarks dressed for the season. To fill the history and cultural needs, visit the Smithsonian Museums on the National Mall. Get in touch with what makes American Christmas all that it is by visiting the capital of the nation.
Woodstock, VT
For those who want that snowy, winter wonderland during their Christmas season, Woodstock, VT might be the most iconic choice. This is another town where you feel like you’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie, with all the historic charm and the annual celebration named Wassail Weekend, which features every holiday activity you can think of.
Mystic Stock Photography, Shutterstock
Solvang, CA
Visit the EU without leaving the US. With a Danish-style holiday celebration called Julefest, this lovely small town is sure to please everyone.
New York City, NY
Visit the Big Apple for the biggest and brightest Christmas celebrations. The window displays of Fifth Avenue, the Christmas tree and skating rink at Rockefeller Plaza, and long walks in Central Park are sure to delight alongside stunning festive performances around the city.
Rob Young from United Kingdom, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Vail, CO
Ski the slopes of Vail followed by an evening stroll in Vail Village set up with the perfect seasonal decorations. This beautiful mountain town is sure to give you the snowy Christmas you’re looking for!
The U.S. National Archives, Wikimedia Commons
Seneca Falls, NY
For It’s A Wonderful Life fans, Seneca Falls is said to be the inspiration behind the film’s Bedford Falls. And the town leans into the theme with a festival celebrating the film. To top it off, they host a yearly screening and feature a meet-and-greet with the cast, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
North Pole, AK
Yes, it’s a real place you can visit. Take a trip down Santa Claus Lane and stop by Santa Claus House to visit with reindeer (they’re also real)! Nothing fulfills childhood dreams much like visiting Santa’s home up north.
Hershey, PA
It’s a chocolate-lover's daydream, and you can spend the holidays there! Enjoy Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane, which features holiday rides and other holiday staples, and admire the extensive lights decorating the park.
Oahu, HI
For those of us who can’t stand the snow, Oahu is a beacon in the darkness. There’s still plenty of holiday cheer on this warm, sandy island. With the annual Honolulu City Lights event, among other seasonal activities, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Daniel Ramirez, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
McAdenville, NC
Known as “Christmas Town USA,” McAdenville undergoes a holiday transformation each year into a winter wonderland of lights, decorations, and seasonal delights. This town draws hundreds of visitors each year, so book your trip soon!
New Orleans, LA
Though the city isn’t typically known for its holiday festivities, the Crescent City can still go all-out for the Christmas season while staying in character with its usual celebrations. Celebration in the Oaks is one of the most celebrated light festivals in the US, paired with bonfires and other stunning light displays..
Bart Everson, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Taos, NM
You wouldn’t expect New Mexico to have snow, but Taos exceeds expectations in that way. The town offers their own spin on Christmas traditions, featuring holiday markets and other seasonal celebration events.
Branson, MO
Take a ride on the Polar Express, where the whole family can participate in the Chris Van Allsburg film in real time. Add in a huge Christmas event alongside extensive light shows, and there’s endless fun for everyone.
Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau, Flickr
Jackson, NH
Another snowy destination for the holidays, but the cold makes the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa all the more tempting. Not to mention a Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour, for all the sweet-toothed folks out there.
Chicago, IL
Winter in the Windy City is a crowd-pleaser, with the Christkindltmarket, ice skating, and so many other Christmas events to enjoy. And a mere 20 miles north is Winnetka, where you can see the exterior of Kevin McCallister’s house from the holiday classic, Home Alone.
Leavenworth, WA
This Bavarian-style town is another step into Europe without leaving American soil. With annual traditions in a real-life snow-globe town, its festive spirits abound.
Cleveland, OH
Featuring the house from A Christmas Story, since restored as a museum and inn, it’s the perfect place for Christmas film buffs looking for the “in-house” experience.
Andalusia, AL
Visit Candyland, an uber-festive event spanning the whole month of December for maximum holiday spirit. This attraction hosts an impressive amount of classic holiday activities, like horse-drawn carriages and photos with Santa.
Santa Claus, IN
I was surprised by the town name, too. As the name implies, the town hosts a surplus of holiday festivities, including a fireworks display and Santa Claus Land of Lights, a drive-through light show.
Nantucket, MA
In a fun twist, Nantucket hosts an ugly Christmas contest among more traditional events like a tree lighting ceremony, and storefronts and streets decorated for the holiday.
Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism, Flickr
Jackson Hole, WY
Filled with holiday spirit and festive events abound, with all the classic activities included. Jackson Hole is sure to hit all the right notes in the most classic Christmas fashion.
Orlando, FL
Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays is one of many huge displays of holiday festivities. Not to mention spending Christmas at Disney World is a perfect combination for most children, without having to pack all the cold-weather clothes.
Alexandria, VA
Enjoy shopping on King’s street, visit George Washington’s historic home, and watch the 50th Annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade. In Alexandria, American history meets European Christmas in a way that covers all the necessary Christmas holiday requirements with some excellent historical additions.
Kennebunkport, ME
This coastal town pairs maritime activities with Christmas festivities to find the perfect balance of interesting and traditional. The annual Christmas Prelude features an 11-day schedule of holiday celebrations. You’ll never run out of things to do during your holiday!
Dudesleeper at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Austin, TX
As is typical of Texas, everything in the state is bigger and better. This includes the Christmas festivities. Featuring light shows that include millions of lights and over 100 Christmas trees, a Christmas in Texas is sure to delight in a monumental way.
Oklahoma City, OK
With over 30 events and attractions, Oklahoma City is going big with its celebrations this year. Tree lighting, ice skating, puppy Christmas parties, just to name a few of the events going on in the city. What else could you want?
Park City, UT
Set into the mountains, Park City offers that small town ski-hill vibe for the holiday season. Alongside lights decorating the streets, you’ll find life-sized snow globes on display on the Snow Globe Stroll.
Las Vegas, NV
Much like Austin, TX is filled to the gills with holiday activities, Las Vegas has that same volume with even more opulence and variety. Visit live performances, go ice skating in the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and engage with an immersive display at the Bellagio Conservatory. Enough fun for everyone, no matter their age!
Christmas, FL
With street names like St Nicholas Avenue and Comet Street, walking the streets of Christmas, FL is delightful any time of year, but especially during their namesake holiday. Experience the true meaning of the town of Christmas during the holiday season.
Rusty Clark ~ 100K Photos, Flickr
Miami, FL
Santa’s Enchanted Forest, with the self-proclaimed title of largest holiday theme park, pairs perfectly with a beach-y holiday filled with lots of other festivities.
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
This small town has the perfect quaint California Christmas vibes, as the seasonal festivities pair perfectly with the city’s lack of street addresses and chain restaurants. Get into the holiday romance with Holidays In The Park at Carmel-By-The-Sea.
Bob Aronson, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Frankenmuth, MI
With a high chance of snow, Christmas in Frankenmuth prepares (and decorates) accordingly. Experience all the best holiday attractions and festivities at the city’s various events.
Aspen, CO
This small town in the Rocky Mountains features many community-focused events during the snowy winter season. Decorated with lights and snow to boot, the holiday spirit is easy to find at its various well-loved hotels, bars, and restaurants.
Decumanus~commonswiki, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ogunquit, ME
A former artists’ colony, Ogunquit has a different array of seasonal perks. Their festivities are on the quieter (and cheaper) end, perfect for those who aren’t so keen on the wild and busy celebrations of the bigger cities. Combining the maritime vibe with Christmas works well for this beach-side town.
Captain-tucker, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Breckenridge, CO
With ski season in full force, the resort town of Breckenridge brings classic Christmas festivities to the ski hill. Balancing the high-energy festivities with a mountainous calm, there’s something for everyone in Breckenridge.
Lewisburg, WV
Looking for a low-key holiday destination? Lewisburg might be the choice for you. With the right balance of opulence and historical holiday splendor, the town dresses up for the Christmas season with all the lights and carriage rides we’ve come to expect.
Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe has the perfect twist on a traditional Christmas, with modernized LED lights and a scenery that evokes the warmth and earthiness of the desert. And if you want snow, the Santa Fe ski resort—Ski Santa Fe—is nearby in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
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