Add some holiday cheer this year with a trip to a city covered in holiday finery. From towering Christmas trees to holiday parades to train rides with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas Towns add cheer to the season. Here are the best Christmas Cities in the US.
Best Christmas Cities in the US
New York City
San Antonio, Texas
Grapevine, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Fredericksburg, Texas
Orlando, Florida
Lake Tahoe
Solvang, California
Leavenworth, Washington
Santa Claus, Indiana
Lake Placid, New York
Woodstock, Vermont
New York City
From outdoor ice rinks to Holiday markets to the store windows at Macy’s, New York City glitters for the holiday season. While in town, see a seasonal show, like the Nutcracker or the Rockettes.
The Saks Fifth Avenue light show is back. And remember, this is the place to shop, so add that to the itinerary. There’s even a Gingerbread Display at one of the museums.
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San Antonio, Texas
With its towering Cypress trees lit with colorful lights along the River Walk and luminaries lighting the way, downtown San Antonio celebrates the holiday season with a South Texas twist. Its mild Texas weather is another reason it is one of the best Christmas Cities in the US.
While in town, stroll the River Walk, then tour the Alamo. Visitors can also take in a museum while in town, like The Witte or one of San Antonio’s art museums.
Remember sample Tex-Mex holiday favorites, like Tamales and Mexican hot chocolate. Head to the largest Mexican market in the US, at Market Square, then have a meal at Mi Terra, dressed in Holiday lights year-round.
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Grapevine, Texas
Known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, this Dallas suburb is decked out in candy canes, white lights and tinsel. It holiday parade is a favorite.
Grapevine features an outdoor skating rink, a holiday train ride and a walkable downtown, perfect for holiday shopping. For a bit more holiday cheer, sip at one of its tasting rooms.
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Fredericksburg, Texas
This charming Texas Hill Country Town features a German-made 30-foot-tall traditional Christmas pyramid that features candles and spinning figurines. German immigrants settled here in the mid-1800s, and the town still features Alpine architecture.
The Marketplatz offers nightly Holiday lights and an outdoor ice rink. The walkable downtown shopping district is a favorite with shoppers. There’s also a day-and-night Holiday parade.
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Orlando, Florida
For those park-loving families, the Holidays in the Parks are hard to top. From Mickey-inspired decorations to seasonal fireworks shows, Disney is a top destination during school breaks.
Universal Studios decorates The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in holiday finery. Keep in mind, the holiday break is also the busiest time of the year.
Lake Tahoe
Straddling California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe features the highest concentration of mountain resorts within an hour’s drive. For outdoorsy types, there’s skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
It feels like a European getaway with Bavarian architecture details. The glistening snow-covered trees are idyllic, as are the 300+ days of sun a year for ice skating, horse-drawn carriages and more.
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Solvang, California
Thanks to its Danish roots, this Central California valley town transforms itself into a magical escape. The month-long Experience the Julehygge includes carolers, tree lightings and a European-inspired night market.
Visitors can enjoy carriage rides, a holiday parade and tons of tiny white lights. There’s also a Santa’s Village. Remember to stop at one of its bakeries for a special treat.
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Leavenworth, Washington
This Bavarian hamlet is charming with its horse-drawn sleighs, strolling carolers and half a million lights dancing across the town. Located in Washington, Leavenworth keeps the holiday glow until February.
With Bavarian details across downtown, Leavenworth is reminiscent of Germany. And don’t forget the snow, it adds its Christmas-ness.
Santa Claus, Indiana
This town celebrates Christmas all year long. They roast chestnuts on an open fire, have a live reindeer exhibit, and a Christmas Market.
Visitors can find the 1880 Santa Claus Church, the Santa Claus Post Office and the 1935 Santa Claus statue. There are several light displays as well.
Lake Placid, New York
Nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, outdoor enthusiasts flock to Lake Placid for its winter venues. As the home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, many boast Olympic heritage, like Northface Mountain, a premier mountain resort.
The Holiday Village Stroll is an annual event with ice skating and a Santa-themed scavenger hunt. The downtown is walkable and covered in white lights with a collection of restaurants, shopping and venues close together.
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Woodstock, VT
The rolling, snowy landscape of the Green Mountains, Woodstock offers a picturesque holiday getaway. Dotted with covered bridges, it offers small-town boutiques, perfect for holiday shopping.
Its annual Wassail Weekend draws crowds for an English-inspired holiday festival. For outdoor recreation, travelers can go downhill skiing at Killington Resort or head to Woodstock Inn & Resort Nordic Center.
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