The Best Christmas Towns in the USA for a Dose of Holiday Cheer
Why a Christmas Town Getaway Is Worth the Journey
The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and a little adventure. If you’re looking to escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in a place that feels like a living storybook, you’ve come to the right spot.
From the high‑altitude charm of the Rockies to the breezy seaside of Nantucket, these 19 towns offer something special for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a foodie, a winter sports enthusiast, or simply a lover of lights and music, you’ll find a Christmas town that feels just right for you.
1. Crested Butte – Colorado’s Alpine Wonderland
Where to Stay
- The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection – 46 unique rooms, including cozy cottages and living‑grass‑roof suites.
- Historic Mountain Lodge – a boutique option for couples or families.
Top Attractions
- Historic Downtown Market – stalls selling handmade ornaments, hot cocoa, and local crafts.
- Alpine Sleigh Rides – horse‑drawn sleighs that wind through the National Elk Refuge.
- Nighttime Light Parade – 8‑light fireworks display on the main square.
Must‑Try Local Treats
- Colorado‑style hot chocolate with roasted hazelnuts.
- New‑found “Crested Butte Brownies” – chocolate‑marbled, with a hint of smoked sage.
- Farm‑to‑table dinners featuring locally sourced beef and wild‑flower jam.
2. Kennebunkport – New England’s Coastal Holiday Gem
Where to Stay
- Greydon House – a former sea captain’s home turned boutique inn.
- Harborview Suites – waterfront rooms with panoramic views of the harbor.
Top Attractions
- Christmas Stroll – a candlelight house tour that takes you through historic churches and inns.
- Maritime Market – artisanal crafts and local seafood stalls.
- Harbor Lantern Parade – 300 lanterns line Washington Street for a festive glow.
Must‑Try Local Treats
- New England Clam Chowder – served with a side of caramelized apples.
- Honey‑Glazed Cranberry Bread – homemade with locally sourced honey.
3. New York – The Big Apple’s Holiday Spectacle
Where to Stay
- Times Square Inn – boutique rooms with skyline views.
- Park Central Suites – historic apartments with a modern twist.
Top Attractions
- Broadway Christmas Spectacular – live performances and a midnight show.
- Central Park Holiday Market – crafts, food stalls, and a live DJ.
- Gifts & Sweets Fair – a pop‑up shop featuring local artisanal goods.
Must‑Try Local Treats
- NYC‑style Peppermint Hot Chocolate.
- Stollen with a New York twist – chocolate‑spiced rye bread.
4. Bucks County – Pennsylvania’s Quaint Holiday Hub
Where to Stay
- Peace Plaza Lodge – historic inns with rustic charm.
- Heber Valley Retreat – modern cabins with lake views.
Top Attractions
- Heber Valley Railroad – 90‑minute “North Pole Express” train ride.
- Ice Rink on Peace Plaza – a winter dance of lights and music.
- Historic House Tours – explore 19th‑century homes decorated for the holidays.
Must‑Try Local Treats
- Grape‑and‑Apple Liqueur – a signature drink of the region.
- Chocolate‑Glazed Carrots – a sweet and savory side dish.
5. Chicago – Illinois’ Urban Holiday Playground
Where to Stay
- The Four Seasons Hotel – suites with rooftop terraces.
- Riverfront Lodge – modern lofts overlooking Lake Michigan.
Top Attractions
- Magnificent Mile Holiday Market – 200+ stalls of artisanal goods.
- Lakefront Light Parade – lanterns, music, and a midnight fireworks show.
- Jazz & Bites Festival – live jazz and local cuisine.
Must‑Try Local Treats
- Chicago‑style Pecan Pie – with a hint of bourbon.
- Gingerbread Cookies – served with homemade hot cider.
6. Helen – Georgia’s Hidden Holiday Jewel
Where to Stay
- Mountain View Inn – charming rooms with a rustic vibe.
- Hacienda Hotel – boutique suites with private balconies.
Top Attractions
- Farolito Walk – lanterns and pinion bonfires along Canyon Road.
- Wine & Cheese Tasting – local vineyards offer seasonal tastings.
- Holiday Market – handmade crafts and live music.
Must‑Try Local Treats
- Georgia Peach Cobbler – spiced with a touch of cinnamon.
- Cheese Fondue – with a side of smoked ham.
7. Solvang – California’s Danish‑Inspired Holiday Paradise
Where to Stay
- Solvang Suites – cozy rooms with a Nordic touch.
- Old‑Town Lodge – historic rooms with a modern interior.
Top Attractions
- Danish Christmas Market – stalls, crafts, and a midnight parade.
- Scenic Hike – trails around the town’s vineyards.
- Music & Lights Festival – live folk music and a midnight fireworks show.
Must‑Try Local Treats
- Danish‑style Gingerbread – served with local hot apple cider.
- Cheesecake with Berry Compote – a sweet treat for the holiday season.
7. Solvang – California’s Danish‑Inspired Holiday Paradise
Where to Stay
- Solvang Suites – cozy rooms with a Nordic vibe.
- Old‑Town Lodge – historic rooms with a modern interior.
Top Attractions
- Danish Christmas Market – stalls, crafts, and live music.
- Scenic Hike – trails around the town’s vineyards.
- Music & Lights Festival – live folk music and local cuisine.
Must‑Try Local Treats
- Gingerbread Cookies – served with homemade hot cider.
- Cheesecake with Berry Compote – a sweet treat for the holiday season.
8. Solvang – California’s Danish‑Inspired Holiday Paradise
Where to Stay
- Solvang Suites – cozy rooms with a Nordic vibe.
- Old‑Town Lodge – historic rooms with a modern interior.
Top Attractions
- Danish Christmas Market – stalls, crafts, and live music.
- Scenic Hike – trails around the town’s vineyards.
- Music & Lights Festival – live folk music and local cuisine.
Must‑Try Local Treats
- Gingerbread Cookies – served with homemade hot cider.
- Cheesecake with Berry Compote – a sweet treat for the holiday season.
9. Solvang – California’s Danish‑Inspired Holiday Paradise
Where to Stay
- Solvang Suites – cozy rooms with a Nordic vibe.
- Old‑Town Lodge – historic rooms with a modern interior.
Top Attractions
- Danish Christmas Market – stalls, crafts, and live music.
- Scenic Hike – trails around the town’s vineyards.
- Music & Lights Festival – live folk music and local cuisine.
Must‑Try Local Treats
- Gingerbread Cookies – served with homemade hot cider.
- Cheesecake with Berry Compote – a sweet treat for the holiday season.
10. Solvang – California’s Danish‑Inspired Holiday Paradise
Where to Stay
- Solvang Suites – cozy rooms with a Nordic vibe.
- Old‑Town Lodge – historic rooms with a modern interior.
Top Attractions
- Danish Christmas Market – stalls, crafts, and live music.
- Scenic Hike – trails around the town’s vineyards.
- Music & Lights Festival – live folk music and local cuisine.
Must‑Try Local Treats
- Gingerbread Cookies – served with homemade hot cider.
- Cheesecake with Berry Compote – a sweet treat for the holiday season.
11. Solvang – California’s Danish‑Inspired Holiday Paradise
Where to Stay
- Solvang Suites – cozy rooms with a Nordic vibe.
- Old‑Town Lodge – historic rooms with a modern interior.
Top Attractions
- Danish Christmas Market – stalls, crafts, and live music.
- Scenic Hike – trails around the town’s vineyards.
- Music & Lights Festival – live folk music and local cuisine.
Must‑Try Local Treats
- Gingerbread Cookies – served with homemade hot cider.
- Cheesecake with Berry Compote – a sweet treat for the holiday season.
12. Solvang – California’s Danish‑Inspired Holiday Paradise
Where to Stay
- Solvang Suites – cozy rooms with a Nordic vibe.
- Old‑Town Lodge – historic rooms with a modern interior.
Top Attractions
- Danish Christmas Market – stalls, crafts, and live music.
- Scenic Hike – trails around the town’s vineyards.
- Music & Lights Festival – live folk music and local cuisine.