The Holiday season is about to begin and what better time to start making your list of Holiday destinations you want to visit? I know, I’ve started mine! What’s not to love about this time of year? Listening to Christmas music, taking in all of the twinkling lights, and sipping hot cocoa are just a few of the perks of the Holiday season. There are so many amazing places to visit this Holiday season but if you are looking for charming towns that go all out for the Holidays then you are in the right place…
Want to know more about the Christmas holiday origins check out: The Celebration Of Yule
10 Christmas Towns To Visit This Holiday Season
1. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
This charming Pennsylvania town is a given, but did you know that it’s known as “Christmas City”? The town boasts horse-drawn carriage rides and a “Christmas City Stroll” to take in all of the sparkling lights. Check out the town’s annual Christkindlmarkt for even more Holiday cheer!
Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt
- 2021: Every weekend from November 19 – December 19
- Buy Tickets In Advance HERE
- Handmade goods, live Christmas music, handmade German ornaments, nutcrackers, and collectibles
2. Leavenworth, Washington
The winter wonderland Bavarian village of Leavenworth will put you into the holiday spirit immediately. This town transports you to the snowy magical streets of Europe during Christmas. Don’t miss out on the town’s sleigh rides, and lighting ceremonies. Oh, and this place even has its very own reindeer farm!
Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
- 10395 Chumstick Highway, Leavenworth, WA 98826
- Cost: $25 General Admission
- If you are planning on visiting during November or December it is best to book tickets early
- Book HERE
- Complimentary cocoa, cider, and cookies are included in ticket prices
- Santa hangs out here during Nov and Dec and you are welcome to take photos with him, but bring your own camera
3. Stockbridge, Massachusetts
If you are looking for a classic Norman Rockwell holiday, then you can’t do better than Stockbridge. Every year the town recreates Rockwell’s 1967 “Stockbridge Main Street At Christmas.” This recreation happens during the town’s annual Christmas festival, but it’s unfortunately been canceled for 2021. While the festival may not be happening this town is still full of Christmas charm.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Often referred to as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria” Frankenmuth goes all out for the Christmas season. The German roots of this charming town make it a guarantee that their Christkindlmarkt is epic. Enjoy the whimsical light displays, and don’t forget to visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland before you leave.
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
- 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
- Mon – Thurs: 10 am – 7 pm, Fri: 10 am – 8pm, Sat: 9 am – 9 pm, Sun: 12 pm – 6 pm
- Bronner’s is the world’s largest Christmas store
Solvang, California
Solvang will transport you with its quaint European streets. Every year the town hosts its Julefest, where you can go on a festive holiday lights tour and listen to live holiday music. Sounds magical!
Julefest
- 2021: November 27 – January 1, 2022
- Complete with tree lighting ceremony, parade, candlelight tours, and a tree burn at the end of the season.
Asheville, North Carolina
Can you imagine the Biltmore Estate all decked out for the holiday season? Well, you don’t have to imagine it! The lavish Vanderbilt mansion is covered in garlands, ribbons, and thousands of twinkling lights every holiday season.
Christmas At Biltmore
- 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
- This Holiday season also offers the Van Gough Alive exhibit
- There are 2 options for the Christmas tours at the Biltmore
Jackson, Wyoming
You’ve undoubtedly seen photos of Jackson’s famous antler arch sparkling with holiday lights. But this entire town does a pretty impressive light display. It is focused around the town square and a magical display of thousands of twinkling lights.
Tip: On New Year’s Eve they do an awesome torch parade of ski instructors who fly down the town’s 2 ski-resort mountains with torches burning.
Helen, Georgia
This Bavarian town at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the perfect stop on any holiday trip. Check out the towns Festival Of Trees, Kinderfest, or their very own Christkindlmarkt.
Helen’s Christkindlmarkt
- 2021: November 27-28, December 4-5
- Free Admission
Durango, Colorado
To really get into the holiday spirit, take a steam-engine ride through the snow. *Immediately thinks of White Christmas* The rides include a Polar Express inspired trip for the kids or you can take a weekend Christmas tree run. On the second option, you can cut your own tree and get it transported back to town, while you enjoy the train ride. How cool?
Durango & Silverton Railroad
The Polar Express Ride –
- November 19, 2021 – January 1, 2022
- Book and Find Price For Fares & Seats HERE
St. Augustine, Florida
If you are looking for a warmer Christmas season getaway then check out St. Augustine. Take in the historic cities gorgeous light display. And because it’s the south make sure to hitch a ride on a golf cart for the cities, Nights Of Light tours.
Honorable Mention:
- New York City
- Woodstock, Vermont
- Breckinridge, Colorado
There are so many amazing options for travel during the Holiday season! Take advantage of this magical time of year and check out one of these charming towns. Have you been to any of these places during the Holiday season? Which was your favorite? Happy Holidays!