The Most Festive Christmas Towns In America

 

The next best thing to being home for the holidays is being somewhere where the Christmas spirit knows literally no bounds. If you still need a spot for your winter get-a-way, consider visiting one of these totally charming Christmas towns. Whether you want sun or snow, we've got ideas for you on this list.

1. Leavenworth, Washington

The Bavarian alpine village feels festive year-round, but it's especially charming at Christmas, where you'll find 21 miles of lights, carolers, and roasted chestnuts and hot cocoa for days.

2. Asheville, North Carolina

The Biltmore, the historic Vanderbilt mansion in the Blue Ridge Mountains, goes all out for Christmas. The decorations, food, and festivities on-property are worth a visit alone, but if you want to venture out, the artsy mountain town is full of holiday spirit—main street is decked out with a million lights.

3. Williamsburg, Virginia

During the holiday season, each home in Williamsburg's historic area lights one candle in the windows, a tradition dating back to the American Independence era. The cobblestone streets and Colonial holiday traditions like caroling by torchlight and a gun-salute display make this a must for any history buff.

4. North Pole, Alaska

This town stays decked out for Christmas year-round, so if you're craving a little holiday spirit in July, you'll still find candy-cane posts, boughs of holly, and a Santa Claus house (with live reindeer!). But we think it looks it's best at Christmas, when snow turns it into a total winter wonderland.

5. St. Augustine, Florida

Christmas without the cold—no more convincing needed. In addition to abundant sunshine and festive holiday decor, you'll also find the town decked out in lights and candles.

6. Durango, Colorado

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.

7. Woodstock, Vermont

Visit during Woodstock Wassail Weekend to see the town at it's Christmas best. You'll find a parade of horses and buggies, carolers, and all of the historic homes and farms open to celebrate the season.

8. Natchitoches, Louisiana

This Louisiana town starts prepping for Christmas in June. The small town strings up 300,000+ lights to celebrate the season and their Creole heritage. Among the festivities, you'll find carriage rides, historic home tours, and parades.

9. Helen, Georgia

Head to the banks of Georgia's Chattahoochee River and you'll find this quaint alpine town. In December, it gets decked out with trees, holiday decor, and lights, and features a Christmas parade, Christmas market, and plenty of festive food and music.

10. Frankenmuth, Michigan

Michigan's Little Bavaria's main attraction is the holiday megastore, Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. It's the world's largest Christmas store, so it's definitely worth a visit, but the town also features light displays, a Christmas market, and meals with Santa and Mrs. Claus at a German-inspired restaurant.