12 Exceptionally Festive Christmas Destinations in the United States

If you’re thinking about getting away this holiday season and want to make sure your destination brims with that Christmas cheer, plenty of places all over the United States take the spirit to the next level. 

Even though many people think of Europe as the ultimate holiday getaway, plenty of cities and towns all over the USA know how to do the season right (though you may notice there’s a trend of towns that have strong European roots!)

From alpine towns that will make you feel like you landed in The Alps to cute Christmas markets set next to a lake, here are some of the best Christmas destinations in the United States you need to consider for your winter escapade! 

Best Christmas Destinations in the United States 

1. North Pole, Alaska 

Yup, there’s a town called North Pole, and when it comes to quintessential places to celebrate Christmas in, it definitely takes the cake! 

Located in Alaska just a short drive away from the city of Fairbanks, North Pole is said to be the place where “the spirit of Christmas lives year-round.” As you stroll through its downtown, you’ll be treated to a world of streets decorated in gigantic candy canes, colorful twinkling lights, and just about every Christmas motif you can think of! Reindeer are a thing here, too, and there’s even a house that’s supposed to be the “official” home to Santa Claus! 

As if that weren’t enough to convince you to visit North Pole, it is also a wonderful place to experience the Northern Lights. Sightings inside the town are possible, but for even higher chances, you can head over to Chena Lake Recreation Area on the outskirts, where sightings are almost guaranteed! 

2. Duluth, Minnesota 

Duluth is perfect for those looking to get that “winter wonderland” vibe. 

Set in Minnesota, this incredibly charming town is home to Bentleyville, one of the world’s most magical displays of light. During the holiday season, this locale becomes host to plenty of Christmas-themed events and festivities, most of which are taken to the next level and will make you wonder if you were somehow transported into the Grinch’s Whoville! 

A few of the can’t-miss activities in Duluth include hopping on the scenic train along Lake Superior for all sorts of wintery views in nature and attending the annual Christmas Village, which takes place at the expansive gardens of the Glensheen Mansion!

If you’re there on a Tuesday, make sure to pop by the Fairlawn Mansion, as they open their doors to guests, and you can come and enjoy some of the most impressive Christmas light displays in the entire world! 

Don’t miss these incredible scenic drives in Minnesota, beautiful even in the winter!

3. New York City, New York 

New York City is quite possibly one of the most classic Christmas destinations in the United States, and for good reason! 

While here, the ultimate way to celebrate Christmas is by doing all the cliché activities – they’re famous for a reason, after all! A few of these include checking out the annual Winter Village at Bryant Park, admiring the gigantic Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center, enjoying the Empire State Building’s holiday light show, and going ice skating at Central Park. 

Once you’ve ticked those things off the bucket list, you’ll find plenty more to keep you entertained, especially if you’re also in the mood to do Christmas in a more local way. One can’t-miss activity is spending a day going Christmas Market hopping—with so many spread all over the city, this is also a great chance to explore different neighborhoods! 

The Union Square Holiday Market, the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, the Grand Central Holiday Fair, and The Market at Westfield World Trade Center are all incredible and worth visiting.

If you’re into more local spots, you can head to the Turnstyle Holiday Market in Hell’s Kitchen, the Astoria Holiday Market, and the Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar, all of which are lesser known to visitors but are also an absolute treat to stroll through. 

4. Leavenworth, Washington 

Want to feel as though you were transported into Europe this holiday season? If you’re keen to experience a Christmas in Germany but don’t necessarily want to change continents, the town of Leavenworth in Washington is as close as you can get to the real thing! 

This cozy village sits in the heart of the mesmerizing Cascade Mountains, and thanks to its German roots and heritage, you’ll get to feel as though you were inside an actual Bavarian village. Quaint half-timbered houses line the streets here with views of the mountains surrounding them – add a few twinkling lights and all sorts of Christmas décor, and you may just get to feel like you walked into a snow globe! 

Aside from simply marveling at the views, there are plenty of events throughout December in town, including gingerbread house competitions, live music at the gazebo, Santa letter stations, and plenty more in ‘The Village of Lights‘.

Moreover, there’s also a Christmas Market held annually that is inspired by those in Bavaria, with vendors selling all sorts of crafts and items to be back home. Of course, craft beer and European snacks are also included in the experience! 

Catch more ideas for day trips from Seattle to make the most of your time in the PNW this winter!

5. Vail, Colorado 

Vail is incredibly festive during Christmas, transforming into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, snow-covered streets, and charming European-inspired architecture. The town embraces the holiday spirit with events like Vail Holidays, featuring tree lighting ceremonies, carolers, and holiday markets.

The scenic mountain backdrop, world-class skiing, and cozy alpine lodges create the perfect setting for a magical winter escape. Ice skating, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides add to the festive charm, while heated outdoor patios and fire pits invite visitors to relax and enjoy the crisp mountain air, making Vail a quintessential Christmas destination.

6. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 

While it may not be the actual *Bethlehem*, this town of the same name in Pennsylvania sure knows how to celebrate Christmas the way it’s meant to! 

Like many of the best Christmas destinations in the United States, Bethlehem still stays true to its German roots, which come in full fledge during the holiday season. While here, you’ll get to enjoy a plethora of festive activities, ranging from traditional Christmas markets to a Christmas City Village inspired by German towns. You’ll pretty much be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing what to see and do during your time here. 

Whatever you do, make sure you don’t miss out on checking the Christkindlmarkt, a classic Christmas market where you’ll find hundreds of stalls where you can buy goodies to bring back home, and plenty of treats to eat on the spot. There’s live music and entertainment, so you can expect to spend several hours here enjoying the ambiance! 

7. Helen, Georgia 

This Bavarian-inspired town in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers a taste of Alpine Christmas in the South. Helen’s Christkindlmarkt, held on the weekends leading up to Christmas, features traditional German foods, handcrafted gifts, and festive music.

The town’s Lighting of the Village ceremony kicks off the season, illuminating the Bavarian-style buildings with thousands of lights. Visitors can enjoy carriage rides through the decorated streets, visit Santa’s workshop, or take a candlelight stroll.

Nearby Unicoi State Park offers special holiday activities, including breakfast with Santa and elf-guided hikes. The combination of mountain scenery, German-inspired architecture, and Southern hospitality creates a unique and welcoming Christmas atmosphere.

8. Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin 

Tucked away in Wisconsin, Elkhart Lake is a gorgeous lake-side town that brims with holiday vibes as soon as the season starts. 

While it may look like any town at first, Elkhart is a truly special destination on the list because it hosts one of the best Christmas Markets in the United States: The Old World Christmas Market. 

It’s set right by the lake, and eating all the delicious treats and admiring the decorations are definitely reasons to go. The shopping opportunities here are simply out of this world.  

As you stroll through the stands, you’ll find authentic crafts by artisans from all over the world, giving you the chance to go window shopping (or actual shopping!) as though you were traveling through different corners of the world. Think hand-painted Russian dolls, chocolates from different corners of Europe, hand-carved nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks from Germany, and so much more! 

9. Woodstock, Vermont

This quintessential New England town celebrates the holidays with its annual Wassail Weekend (13 to 15 December 2024). The event features horse-drawn wagon rides, a holiday craft fair, and performances of “A Christmas Carol” at the town hall. The highlight is the Wassail Parade, featuring over 50 horses and riders in holiday costumes and period dress. Historic homes and farms open their doors for tours, allowing visitors to experience a traditional Vermont Christmas.

The town green is illuminated with twinkling lights, and local shops offer warm cider and other holiday treats. Nearby Billings Farm & Museum hosts special holiday events, showcasing 19th-century Christmas traditions. The combination of historic charm and festive activities makes Woodstock the picture-perfect New England holiday destination.

10. McAdenville, North Carolina

Known as “Christmas Town USA,” this small town of about 650 residents puts on one of the country’s most impressive Christmas light displays. Nearly every home and building in this small town just west of Charlotte participates in the annual lighting tradition, which began in 1956. Over 500,000 lights adorn trees, homes, and landmarks, creating a magical 1.3-mile driving route.

Visitors can walk along Christmas Town Lake, where trees wrapped in red, white, and green lights reflect off the water. The town also features a yule log ceremony, visits from Santa, and seasonal concerts. Despite its small size, McAdenville attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, showcasing the power of community spirit in creating a truly special Christmas experience.

11. Solvang, California

This Danish-inspired village brings European Christmas charm to California. Solvang’s Julefest celebration runs throughout December, featuring a tree-lighting ceremony, a holiday concert series, and the popular Julefest Parade.

The town’s Danish bakeries offer traditional holiday treats like aebleskiver (pancake balls) and gløgg (mulled wine). Visitors can enjoy the Nisse (Danish gnome) scavenger hunt, candlelight tours, and horse-drawn trolley rides through the decorated streets.

The Santa Ynez Valley’s wineries add a touch of sophistication with special holiday wine tastings. The mild California weather allows for comfortable outdoor exploration of the town’s Danish architecture and windmills, all decked out in holiday splendor.

Check out even more of the most unique places to add to your California itinerary – who doesn’t love to spend Christmas in the Cali sun?!

a Quick Note on Winter Road Trips

If you’re planning a drive to any of these festive and frosty destinations in the USA, here is a timely reminder on driving in winter conditions:

We share our top driving tips here, from de-icing to dealing with black ice
Items that we always pack in our winter emergency kit
How to keep kids warm in winter strapped into their car seats, without ticking overheating