Trip Ideas Holiday Travel Christmas Travel 25 Best Christmas Towns in the U.S. From coast to coast, here are the most charming towns to visit for Christmas. By Katrina Brown Hunt Katrina Brown Hunt Katrina Brown Hunt is a San Diego-based freelance writer and editor, specializing in budget-friendly travel and family excursion topics. Her witty advice has appeared in CNN Travel, Travel + Leisure, Time magazine, and Southern Living. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 30, 2024 Fact checked by Jillian Dara Fact checked by Jillian Dara Jillian Dara is a freelance writer, editor, and fact checker for more than a dozen publications in the lifestyle genre. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process Close Photo: Jeremy Swanson Nothing quite compares to the joy of seeing a town bedecked with holiday decorations. The sight of boughs of holly and string lights can warm you even in the coldest temperatures. Everyone wants to spend Christmas in a town like that, seemingly plucked from a Hallmark movie, and there are plenty of them dotted all around the U.S. Festive destinations across the country beckon families and solo travelers alike. Prepare to find yourself drinking a hot toddy among locals at a cozy tavern, seeing some of the most epic light displays, and crossing paths with Santa Claus himself as you stroll the streets of these charming Christmas towns. More Christmas travel ideas 01 of 25 Aspen, Colorado Jeremy Swanson A combination of luxe living and small-town charm makes this Rocky Mountain town one of the merriest in the country. Wandering along Cooper Avenue, you may chance upon cookie exchanges, public s'mores roasts, or elf meet-and-greets. Get into the spirit at Aspen's treasured hotels — the lobby of the Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection, often hosts carolers, while Ajax Tavern and Element 47 at The Little Nell both serve fabulous holiday meals. Looking for a bird's-eye view of the decorations? Book one of the Sky Residences at W Aspen to get access to a private rooftop lounge overlooking incredible mountain scenery. Aspen Travel Guide 02 of 25 Ogunquit, Maine Monique Meadows Travelers may be drawn to this former artists' colony in Maine as a beach getaway, but the holiday season offers a different set of perks — namely lower prices and an overall calm, with just enough festivity to keep things humming. December's Christmas by the Sea festival typically includes a bonfire on the beach and visits with Santa. From Ogunquit, you can also easily reach two areas prime for Christmas shopping: the Kittery Outlets and, about an hour's drive away, Freeport, where you can shop at the L.L. Bean Flagship store and pose with the famous big boot. For distinctive local shopping, browse the Harbor Candy Shop on Ogunquit's Main Street (the gift boxes make great stocking stuffers). 03 of 25 Vail, Colorado Chris McLennan/Vail Resorts Ski season kicks into high gear during the holidays in this Colorado wonderland. December brings fresh powder, the village tree lighting, and New Year's Eve festivities. But Vail isn't just one of the best Christmas towns in the U.S. — it's also known for great coffee and cocktails. Try local favorites Yeti's Grind and Loaded Joe's in the morning, and sip well-crafted drinks at Root & Flower in the evening. You might ring in the New Year at Sweet Basil, Vail's longtime fine dining leading light, before having a nightcap at The Sebastian - Vail, a Timbers Resort. Finally, rest your head at the ever-charming, alpine-chic Lodge at Vail, a RockResort, whose heated outdoor pool is flanked by gorgeous fire pits. 04 of 25 Nantucket, Massachusetts Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism Nantucket's annual Christmas Stroll is its banner holiday event. The tradition started in the 1970s — shopkeepers would stay open later in the evening so locals wouldn't have to travel to Cape Cod to buy gifts. Now, on the first weekend in December, you can shop downtown amid dozens of Christmas trees, take part in wine and cocktail tastings, and go on organized walking tours. Pick up some gifts at Murray's Toggery Shop (the mothership for holiday-ready Nantucket reds) and Jessica Hicks, the boutique of a local jewelry designer. You can book a stay at one of Nantucket's best hotels, and don't miss the many Christmas trees, all uniquely decorated by community members, at the Whaling Museum's annual Festival of Trees. 05 of 25 Orlando, Florida Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure The country's theme park capital is, unsurprisingly, one of the most festive places to visit over the holiday season. At Walt Disney World, you can attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, an event on select days from early November to late December that includes a Christmas-themed fireworks show and classic attractions like the Jungle Cruise and Space Mountain decked out in festive cheer. Meanwhile, at Universal Orlando, there's nowhere dreamier than The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Christmastime, when the scenery is topped with a layer of (manufactured) snow and the butterbeer is best served hot. 11 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Florida, From Disney Parties to Boat Parades 06 of 25 Breckenridge, Colorado Nathan Bilow Breckenridge gets revved up during the holidays as ski season swings into high gear. The resort town dances between thrills and tranquility, and, during the month of December, festivities abound, from the tree lighting to the Race of the Santas, a half-mile footrace featuring costume-clad runners. You're also bound to fall for the charming après-ski options in Breck, from the house-made beers at Breckenridge Brewery to the cocktails (and occasional live DJs) at T-Bar. 07 of 25 Lewisburg, West Virginia Aaron Maxwell Every year, Lewisburg transforms into a winter wonderland with Christmas lights and carriage rides. It's a peaceful getaway for holiday travelers hoping for a low-key escape. But there's plenty of opulence — especially at the nearby Greenbrier, the Lewisburg area's epicenter of holiday splendor. The 18th-century resort keeps visitors entertained with over-the-top decorations and family programming. 08 of 25 Beaufort, North Carolina The Crystal Coast Tourism Authority You probably won't find snow on the ground in this coastal town come December, but the mild climate means you can celebrate Christmas on the water. Typically, the weather is still warm enough to kayak or join a boat tour along Taylor's Creek. The Christmas lights take to the water, too: one of the biggest holiday events is the Crystal Coast Christmas Flotilla, a twinkling lights-strewn boat parade held on the first weekend in December. 09 of 25 Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Travel Pictures/Alamy This California town with a rocky coastline doesn't experience much in the way of winter weather, but Carmel-by-the-Sea does get chilly (around mid-40s to high 50s) in December. The city decorates a tree in Devendorf Park and holds a tree and menorah lighting ceremony in early December. Because this is the low season for tourism, it becomes a little easier to get a table at popular restaurants like La Bicyclette and Flying Fish Grill. 10 of 25 Park City, Utah Dan Campbell This Utah mountain town boasts serious wattage during the holidays. The season kicks off with an Electric Light Parade, featuring cars, bicycles, and the town trolley all bedecked with lights. Even if you miss the parade, you'll get to admire the glittering lights of the town Christmas tree in Miner's Park, typically at the end of November or early December. Continue your tour of holiday decorations at Stein Eriksen Lodge, which builds a giant gingerbread display every year. 11 of 25 Santa Rosa Beach, Florida Visit South Walton Visit Florida's 30A in the off-season to get white-sand beaches practically to yourself. With daily highs in the 60s throughout December, you could easily forget it's Christmas. You would be reminded, however, at the Seaside Holiday Market, which happens to be the perfect place to shop for unique gifts. For more one-of-a-kind finds for under the tree, stop by Kitchen Garden Books and Antiques, which calls its own selection "odd" and "unusual." 12 of 25 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Courtesy of Brookgreen Gardens Winter is the best season to score lower rates in this family-friendly beach town, but that doesn't mean the place goes totally quiet. People go to Myrtle Beach this time of year for the low-season deals and for holiday-specific sights like Brookgreen Gardens' annual display of 2,700 hand-lit candles and Ripley's Aquarium's Festival of Trees. At the Carolina Opry Theater, the decorations alone are worth a visit, but you should especially go to see the time-honored tradition that is the “The Christmas Show of the South." 13 of 25 Santa Fe, New Mexico Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Santa Fe does Christmas a little differently. Its Canyon Road Farolito Walk flips the script on conventional festive displays — instead of modern-day LED string lights, a trail of lanterns sets the iconic pink adobes aglow. And although you might be imagining only desert and earthen homes, you can still have a white Christmas in Santa Fe by making a trip up to the Ski Santa Fe resort in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. 23 Best Things to Do in Santa Fe — From Sculpture Gardens to a Margarita Trail 14 of 25 Newport, Rhode Island The Preservation Society of Newport County If flashing neon holiday lights make you cringe a little, head to classy Newport, where residents are encouraged to use white lights only to conjure an old-fashioned candlelit vibe. Touching on the city's upscale history, tours of the Newport Mansions take you through Gilded Age architectural icons like The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House, all decked out with sumptuous trees, fine china, and decorations. Since crowds are lighter, it's a good time to try Newport's most in-demand restaurants, like Aurelia at the Castle Hill Inn. 15 of 25 Annapolis, Maryland D. Trozzo/Alamy This military town along the Chesapeake Bay does plenty of pomp, circumstance, and tailgating during the holiday season. Annapolis boasts a plethora of Christmas lights, notably strewn on boats and along the water's edge. On some Thursdays leading up to December 25, the adorable shops downtown stay open until midnight, making for a special shopping experience. Appropriately, the event is called Midnight Madness, and you can expect not just late-night deals but also treat giveaways and Christmas decorations galore. Annapolis Travel Guide 16 of 25 Paso Robles, California Cecily Ray Photography Forget green — thanks to pinot noirs, cabernets, and syrahs, red reigns as the premier holiday color in this Central Coast town. Leading up to Christmas, wineries offer low-key tastings, musical performances, and great gift shopping. Check out Parrish Family Vineyard's tasting room, and teleport to a '20s-era Christmas at Hearst Castle. The elaborate decor makes the 40-mile drive worth it. 17 of 25 Healdsburg, California Healdsburg is a charming Sonoma County town known for great restaurants and even better wineries. Visit Flowers Vineyards and Winery for the pinot noir and Aperture Cellars for the view. If you can make it over to Napa, grab a few bottles from Faust to bring back to Montage Healdsburg, where the charming decor, Christmas trees, and roaring fireplaces will put you in the holiday mood. 18 of 25 Telluride, Colorado Ryan Bonneau/Telluride Tourism Board Telluride is a pleasantly quirky town whose flair becomes even clearer this time of year. The centerpiece is the Ski Tree, which is literally made of old skis. It's illuminated during an annual tree lighting, during which there's an accompanying bonfire made of more old and broken skis. And you'll love the Telluride nightlife in any season. Grab a cocktail in the Timber Room at Madeline Hotel and Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, and stop by New Sheridan Hotel's Historic Bar, which has kept the same mahogany-paneled look since 1895. 19 of 25 Leavenworth, Washington Connie Coleman/Getty Images Leavenworth may be located in the middle of Washington's Cascade mountains, but it looks more like a portal to Germany. The town was built to resemble a traditional Bavarian village, and the nearby mountains, poetically named the Enchantments, are reminiscent of the Alps. More than half a million lights go up across town in late November and don't come down until February. You can see them any night from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Weekends are often full of holiday activities like gingerbread house displays, caroling, and frequent appearances by Santa. 20 of 25 Portsmouth, New Hampshire David J. Murray/Clear Eye Photo This waterfront New England town is steeped in history, with settlements dating back to the 1600s. Winter is a festive time to explore it, particularly at the 10-acre time capsule that is the Strawbery Banke Museum. In December, you can join the museum's open-air Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond or walk along paths lit by candle lanterns to see decorated homes from centuries past. New Hampshire offers one big 21st-century draw, too: tax-free shopping statewide — the best excuse to load up on classic toys and kids' books in Portsmouth. 21 of 25 Cape May, New Jersey This Jersey Shore town has a strong Victorian streak easily identified by its quaint architecture, and the holiday season pushes it a little further on the Dickensian scale. Walk the Washington Street Mall to admire garlands and festive lights as you shop. While you're there, drop by The Original Fudge Kitchen, which offers great fudge and saltwater taffy gift boxes. Book a stay at Congress Hall, especially if you have kids. The hotel typically turns its Grand Lawn into a seaside winter wonderland complete with festive activities. 22 of 25 Charlottesville, Virginia Hector Manuel Sanchez Charlottesville quiets down as college students cram for finals and then head home for the holidays. Before they go, though, the University of Virginia campus is decorated for the annual Lighting of the Lawn, which usually happens in early December. Another fun tradition is the gingerbread display competition at the Ronald McDonald House. 23 of 25 Atlantic City, New Jersey Peter Tobia/ACA A casino and boardwalk don't exactly conjure images of plum puddings and carolers, but there's plenty to appreciate in Atlantic City's wild weekend spirit and vivid people-watching around the holidays. Festivities include the annual tree lighting at The Quarter at Tropicana shopping center and the holiday market at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University. 24 of 25 Natchitoches, Louisiana Robbie Caponetto Natchitoches, pronounced "nack-a-dish" and named for its native people, is one of the oldest settlements in Louisiana. During the holidays, the whole city is lit up with impressive displays, and family-friendly festivities are on offer every weekend from Thanksgiving through Christmas. However, the star event is arguably the boat parade, when string lights and fireworks reflect on the Cane River. 25 of 25 Laguna Beach, California Montage Laguna Beach There's no chance of a white Christmas in Southern California. But instead of watching the sky for snowflakes, you can scan the waves for migrating whales. The gallery-lined streets of Laguna Beach get people into the Christmas spirit with an annual arts and crafts festival, Sawdust Winter Fantasy, that spans five weekends in November and December. Stay at the elegant Montage Laguna Beach for more holiday programming and easy access to Christmas Cove, a beautiful and isolated beach. Updated by Maya Kachroo-Levine Maya Kachroo-Levine Maya Kachroo-Levine is the digital senior editor at Travel + Leisure. She covers hotels, destinations (focusing on Europe, Asia, California, and Mexico), food and drink, cruises, and luxury aviation. learn more