25 Magical Christmas Towns That’ll Make You Feel Like a Kid Again

This picturesque mountain town serves as the perfect holiday backdrop for more reasons than just the ever-present blanket of fluffy white snow. Each year, the valley is transformed into a Christmas town with seasonal theatrical performances, Gunnison’s Night of Lights, a tree lighting ceremony, and even an ice sculpting event.

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Ever since the formation of this city on Christmas Eve in 1741, Bethlehem, PA, has been rooted in the holiday spirit. From Christmas markets to historical tours to horse-drawn carriage rides, there’s no doubt this town won’t feel magical. And make sure to stop by the historic Sayre Mansion, pictured here, to check out their elegant holiday decor.

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Annapolis is known as one of the best cities during the holiday season thanks to its winter weather and historic downtown. If you’re lucky enough to visit this Christmas town, make sure you spend time bargain shopping until midnight, checking out the spectacular light display in Sandy Point State Park, and viewing the Yacht Club Light Parade.

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Chicago is exceptionally beautiful during the Christmas time. From the seemingly endless strings of lights to the Christkindlmarket, which is free to enter and so charming, the Windy City has many offerings during the holiday season, making it one of the best Christmas towns to visit. Plus, you don’t want to miss ice skating or any Christmas-themed museum exhibits.

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If you want to do something Christmas-y almost every single day of December, then Newport, RI, might just be the place to go. To create the perfect coastal Christmas, this town offers a month-long celebration that’s been going strong for 54 years. From holiday bike rides to Medieval festivals to winter afternoon teas, there’s so much to do in this Christmas town.

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You’ll feel as if you’ve traveled back to Charles Dickens’s time when you walk through Franklin’s historic Christmas festival. Characters from A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist come to life throughout the weekend-long festivities. Roam the Victorian Village and try Victorian-era Christmas treats like sugar plums while listening to carolers.

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A classic ski town, Park City offers Christmas markets, festive decorations, and a Christmas Eve parade lit by torches—plus spectacular views of the mountains are around every corner.

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In the heart of Virginia horse country, you’ll find one of the most festive Christmas towns. Cheer on the town’s hunting hounds while sipping hard cider and wander the streets in search of vintage Christmas ornaments.

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During Kennebunkport’s annual Christmas Prelude, the town puts on a very New England celebration: You can watch Santa Claus arrive by lobster boat, go on seashore holiday trolley rides, and enjoy wine tastings and lobster bakes. Not to mention, the town is covered in Christmas lights and garlands that make it the perfect festive photo backdrop.

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For a dreamy and unique experience, head to Santa Fe. One of the most anticipated celebrations is the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, which is when thousands of farolitos—luminaries made of paper bags, sand, and tea candles—cast a glow on the gardens and old buildings that line the road. You also can get your white Christmas fix by visiting Ski Santa Fe.

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Get a Hallmark movie feel while experiencing a taste of Denmark in California’s Solvang village, located in Santa Ynez Valley wine country. The destination hosts Julefest, a month-long holiday celebration with live entertainment, a parade, and a night market.

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Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville is one of the top attractions in Pennsylvania. With more than a million lights adorning buildings, barns, and the landscape—and a reflective lake that doubles the beauty—it’s hard to beat the town’s display.

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This Bavarian-style village is charming any time of year! December festivities include a display of Santa costumes from all around the world, a gingerbread house competition, carolers, and photo ops galore.

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Of course, New York City isn’t a small Christmas town, but it is extra magical during the holidays. From the massive tree at Rockefeller Center to the various Christmas markets in the city parks with ice skating, shops, and more, you can’t beat the Big Apple’s holiday spirit.

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Nicknamed the Lighted Poinsettia Capital of Texas, this town brings major holiday spirit every year. Visit during December when the lighted trail in Comanche Trail Park is aglow all month long. Check out Hotel Settles for its elegant Art Deco lodging.

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During the holiday season, each home in Historic Williamsburg lights one candle, a tradition that dates back to the Revolutionary War era. The cobblestone streets and colonial holiday traditions such as caroling by torchlight make this destination a must, especially for history buffs.

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This Christmas town stays decked out year-round, so if you’re craving holiday spirit in July, you’ll still find candy-cane posts, boughs of holly, and a Santa Claus house with live reindeer!

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Christmas without the cold? We’ve got you covered! In addition to abundant sunshine and festive holiday decor, you’ll also have plenty of history to explore in St. Augustine, America’s oldest city.

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Want to take a ride on the Polar Express? Visit Durango during the holidays. The historic mining town offers a Polar Express–inspired trip that your kiddos will flip over.

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