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November 30, 2021

Top 10 Christmas Towns To Visit In The U.S.

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…

Christmas Towns To Visit This Holiday Season
 [show]
  • 10 Christmas Towns To Visit This Holiday Season
    • Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
      • Bethlehem Christkindlmarkt
    • Stockbridge, Massachusetts
    • Solvang, California
      • Julefest
    • Asheville, North Carolina
      • Christmas At Biltmore
    • Frankenmuth, Michigan
      • Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
    • Jackson, Wyoming
    • Helen, Georgia
      • Helen’s Christkindlmarkt
    • Durango, Colorado
      • Durango & Silverton Railroad
    • Leavenworth, Washington
      • Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
    • St. Augustine, Florida
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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
    • Daytime Celebration – $106 – $339 – Buy tickets HERE
    • Candlelight Christmas Evenings – $106 – $330 – Buy tickets HERE

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!

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Posted In: Mountain States, New England, Southern Travel, United States · Tagged: Christmas, Christmas Towns, Holiday, Holiday Travel, United States

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Hi! I'm Vanessa, a 30 something, sunset chasing traveler. I'm here to inspire you to travel wherever, whenever, and with whoever you can. My Huskies, Loki and Freya are usually along for the ride. I have a soul that likes to wander, a desire to experience the unknown, and a curiousity to discover things off the beaten path. I hope you'll stick around for awhile!

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Drop a 🌙 if you’re craving a little otherworldly adventure.

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🛑🛑🛑 We always follow leash laws and our dogs are leashed in National Parks (some leashes edited out of photos - some just hidden)

🐾 Peep baby Cal on her first trip to White Sands 😍
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🐾 Drop your dream wildlife sighting below 👇

👣 Follow @thewellwornshoes for more “WHAT. A. DAY.” energy
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