10 Most Charming US Christmas Towns
Christmas has long held a special place in American society, and every year the festivities bring people together of all different backgrounds. From music, to decorations, to cooking, to literature, and of course much symbolism, Christmas in America is a bonafide cultural phenomenon. But while the Yuletide season can certainly be celebrated almost anywhere, these ten towns make celebrating the holidays even more memorable and exciting.
Park City, Utah
Listed as one of the United States’ “Prettiest Towns” by publications including Forbes, Park City is a true winter wonderland ideal for a Christmas vacation. Situated within the Wasatch Mountains, this city is well known ski destination where some of the nation’s highest rated slopes can be found.
In relation to Christmas, a variety of events for the whole family can be enjoyed in December including sleigh rides, festive markets, and of course the arrival of Santa Claus. And on Christmas Eve, snowboarders and skiers alike participate in the Torchlight Parade leading Kris Kringle into town with the light of their torches.
North Pole, Alaska
Though it is actually some 2,700 kilometres from the actual North Pole, this wonderful Alaska town is truly a winter and Christmas wonderland. In fact even throughout the year, one can find special Christmas spirit where the festive holidays are celebrated no matter what the season. But of course December is the time to best enjoy the North Pole experience, where stops at the Santa Claus House and the Christmas Streets make for a most immersive Yuletide celebration.
Take photos with live reindeer, visit with Santa himself, and stroll through Snowman Lane, Kris Kringle Drive, where street lights are decorated like candy canes and ornaments truly deck the surroundings. For a most authentic slice of a true Christmas town, a visit to North Pole, Alaska should be at the top of anyone’s list.
New York, New York
New York City is special year round, but during the Christmas season the Big Apple truly becomes an even more wondrous place. With its famed shopping on Fifth Avenue, skating rinks in Central Park, the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, musical shows at Radio City Music Hall, and so many fun and festive activities from Uptown to Downtown, NYC is like no other during the holidays. While a Christmas holiday here may be on the more expensive side, spending at least a portion of one’s vacation here is a definite must for any lover of the Yuletide season.
Helen, Georgia
Designed to resemble a typical Bavarian mountain town, Helen is a truly stunning and unique place, neatly situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In December this town of just 531 residents becomes another wonderful place to add to anyone’s Christmas travel list, where lights, singing, and food help celebrate the holidays.
Take in the charming mountain surroundings with an added layer of beautiful Christmas trees, wreaths, and lights, or go to the Festival of Trees where the popular Kinderfest is held. And of course one will surely not want to miss the traditional German Christmas markets that are great for finding tasty treats, homemade crafts, and plenty of wondrous memories.
McAdenville, North Carolina
Affectionately known as “Christmas Town USA”, McAdenville is indeed one of the most charming small town experiences one can have during the holidays. Home to a population of just 890 residents, McAdenville in Gaston County truly decks the halls each year when the entire town is decorated with Christmas lights. Nearly 400 trees are lit, while well over 200 wreaths are affixed to doors, light posts, and buildings all across town. And with more than 150 houses decorated to the brim with ornaments and flashy lights, this Christmas town will indeed get one in the festive mood.
Annapolis, Maryland
Maryland’s capital city is a fun place to spend the Christmas season, particularly in its most beautiful and charming 18th century historic district. Take a tour by candlelight through some of the best historically maintained mansions, all while marvelling at the brilliant light displays and decorative doorways.
Meanwhile down by the City Dock, the beautiful reflections of the Christmas trees and holidays lights make the harbor a most romantic and special place. And of course watching the lighted boat parade is a unique treat for the whole family and solo traveller alike, during this festive time.
Santa Claus, Indiana
No list of American Christmas towns would be complete without Santa Claus, Indiana! Also known as “America’s Christmas Hometown”, the 2,586 resident town of Santa Claus, is indeed one of the most authentically Christmas inspired locations in the country. While the spirit of Christmas is naturally celebrated all year here, in December the town really becomes a Yuletide hotspot.
Visit such neighborhoods, streets, and artificial lakes with names like Lake Noel, Lake Holly, and Holiday Village, or spend an afternoon at Santa’s Candy Castle or the Santa Claus Museum. For the driving tourist, why not hitch your ride over at Lake Rudolph’s Campground and RV Resort? And naturally due to the town’s most unique name, the local post office receives thousands of letters every year addressed to St. Nick. Volunteer elves do their best to ensure each child’s request is responded to, and at the Santa Claus Parade visitors of all ages will surely be glad to have caught a glimpse of the man in his second home!
Red Wing, Minnesota
Named after the Sioux chief of the same name, the town of Red Wing welcomes everyone with great Christmas spirit and an everlasting dose of “Minnesota Nice”. Partake in the annual Holiday Stroll event, which includes a pancake breakfast, cookie decorating competitions, parades, sleigh rides, a Nativity scene, live music, and of course appearances by the Clauses! Situated along the banks of the Mississippi River, Red Wing also boasts mild winter temperatures making it an ideal place to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas outdoors.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Massachusetts’ stunning Cape Cod is a most unique place for special Christmas memories, all with typical New England charm. With its mild winter temperatures and always pleasing sea breezes, visitors will love the assortment of Christmas markets, parades, and outdoor holiday festivities along the Atlantic Coast. Book a ride on the Cape Cod Central Railroad for a trip to Christmas Town, or simply marvel at the many lighthouses lit up with holiday lights, wreaths, and garlands for a truly special Christmas setting.
New Hope, Pennsylvania
This charming town of 2,612 residents is located on the banks of the Delaware River, and truly gives off the feeling of magic particularly during Christmastime. With cold and snow typical of the winter season, Christmas in New Hope is indeed a most authentic polar experience. Board the North Pole Express Train at the historic New Hope Station (1891) and enjoy hot chocolate, treats, cookies, Christmas carols, and plenty of beautiful scenery. And of course, no train ride would be complete without a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus for all the well behaved passengers!
The celebration of Christmas is one of the most special and cherished traditions in America, and the power of love and unity make it indeed a time to commemorate, despite one's religious and cultural background. Across the nation, a number of very unique and extraordinary towns make the celebration of Noel an even more memorable one. Whether its North Pole (Alaska), Santa Claus (Indiana), or the mountain side wonder of Helen (Georgia), these towns redefine what it means to welcome the Christmas season for the entire family.
