Authored by Katrina Brown Hunt Katrina Brown Hunt, a talented San Diego-based writer and editor, focuses on budget-friendly travel and family adventures. Her engaging insights have been featured in CNN Travel, among other publications.
Experience the magic of towns transformed into winter wonderlands, their streets adorned with festive decorations. Imagine spending your Christmas in a picturesque setting straight out of a holiday movie. Across the United States, such charming towns await, promising cozy taverns, dazzling light displays, and even Santa sightings.
For more holiday travel inspiration, here are 25 must-visit towns:
- Aspen, Colorado: This luxurious yet quaint Rocky Mountain town sparkles with holiday charm. Explore Cooper Avenue for cookie exchanges, s’mores roasts, and elf meet-and-greets. Enjoy caroling at the Hotel Jerome and festive meals at Aspen’s renowned restaurants. For a panoramic view of the festive lights, stay at the Sky Residences at W Aspen.
- Ogunquit, Maine: Known for its artistic heritage, Ogunquit offers a serene holiday escape. The Christmas by the Sea festival features beach bonfires and Santa visits. Nearby Kittery Outlets and Freeport provide excellent Christmas shopping opportunities.
- Vail, Colorado: A ski paradise, Vail comes alive during the holidays with vibrant festivities. Local cafes and bars, like Yeti’s Grind and Root & Flower, add to the festive spirit. Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Flame and relax at The Lodge at Vail’s heated pool.
- Nantucket, Massachusetts: The Christmas Stroll, a decades-old tradition, transforms downtown Nantucket into a festive shopping haven. Enjoy tastings and walking tours, and don’t miss the Whaling Museum’s Festival of Trees.
- Orlando, Florida: The theme park capital, Orlando, dazzles during the holidays. Disney World and Universal Orlando offer special Christmas events, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and a festive Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Breckenridge, Colorado: This ski resort town hosts December festivities like the Race of the Santas. Après-ski options include Breckenridge Brewery and Base Nine Bar.
- Lewisburg, West Virginia: A tranquil holiday destination, Lewisburg lights up with Christmas decorations and offers luxury at The Greenbrier resort.
- Beaufort, North Carolina: Enjoy a Christmas on the water in Beaufort, with boat tours and the Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, California: This coastal town offers a cool, festive atmosphere with tree and menorah lighting ceremonies.
- Park City, Utah: Famous for its Electric Light Parade, Park City sparkles with holiday lights and gingerbread displays.
- Santa Rosa Beach, Florida: Florida’s 30A offers a warm December getaway, complete with a Holiday Market and unique shopping experiences.
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Enjoy low-season deals and holiday attractions like Brookgreen Gardens’ candle display and Ripley’s Aquarium’s Festival of Trees.
- Santa Fe, New Mexico: Experience a unique Christmas with the Canyon Road Farolito Walk and potential white Christmas at Ski Santa Fe.
- Newport, Rhode Island: Newport offers a classy Christmas with white lights and Gilded Age mansions tours.
- Annapolis, Maryland: This Chesapeake Bay town features festive lights and Midnight Madness shopping events.
- Paso Robles, California: Celebrate with wine tastings and a ’20s Christmas at Hearst Castle.
- Healdsburg, California: Known for its restaurants and wineries, Healdsburg offers a charming holiday ambiance.
- Telluride, Colorado: Enjoy Telluride’s unique Ski Tree and vibrant nightlife.
- Leavenworth, Washington: A Bavarian-style town, Leavenworth lights up with over half a million Christmas lights.
- Portsmouth, New Hampshire: Explore historic Portsmouth with its Strawbery Banke Museum and tax-free shopping.
- Cape May, New Jersey: Experience a Victorian-style Christmas with shopping and carriage rides.
- Charlottesville, Virginia: Enjoy the University of Virginia’s Lighting of the Lawn and a gingerbread competition.
- Atlantic City, New Jersey: Experience a vibrant holiday season with tree lightings and shopping bazaars.
- Natchitoches, Louisiana: Witness stunning light displays and a festive boat parade.
- Laguna Beach, California: Celebrate with an arts and crafts festival and stay at the elegant Montage Laguna Beach.
These destinations offer a delightful mix of traditional charm and festive activities, perfect for creating unforgettable Christmas memories.
