Welcome to the festive spirit of Christmas Town, USA
What’s your holiday style: Opulent Gilded Age charm, picturesque Hallmark gazebos, or cozy Bavarian Christmas villages? Americans have a long-standing tradition of adorning their homes. Here are ten of the finest destinations in the USA to experience the magic of the season, regardless of your festive preference.
New York City, NY
Is there anything more festive than skating at Rockefeller Center? © Shutterstock / Photo_LandNo one celebrates Christmas quite like New York City. The iconic tree at Rockefeller Center dazzles with over 50,000 lights, crowned by a stunning Swarovski star designed by Daniel Libeskind. Bryant Park’s Winter Village boasts more than 180 holiday shopping and dining stalls, alongside an ice skating rink that complements the famous rink at 30 Rock near Radio City Music Hall, home to the legendary Christmas Spectacular by the Rockettes.
Chelsea Market hosts GingerBread Lane, the largest gingerbread village in the world. Over in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights, residents go all out with holiday decorations. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden presents Lightscape, a nightly display by various artists, while the Bronx’s New York Botanical Garden features its annual Holiday Train Show and the spectacular NYBG GLOW light show.
Burlington, VT
Vermont transforms into a festive wonderland, and Burlington exemplifies this with its Church Street Marketplace, where a holiday festival unfolds along the city’s main pedestrian street. Storefronts are brimming with holiday spirit, thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the area, a Christmas tree shines outside the church at the street's end, and a nine-foot menorah will be lit on December 10. Santa is available for visits, and carolers spread cheer through the shops and streets.
Asheville, NC
Experience the enchantment of the holidays at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina © Getty ImagesImmerse yourself in the opulent holiday atmosphere at the magnificent Biltmore Estate, a 250-room mansion built in the 1890s by George Washington Vanderbilt, showcasing stunning French Renaissance architecture. Christmas at Biltmore is a cherished tradition in Asheville, and this year it serves as the backdrop for the Hallmark Christmas film: “A Biltmore Christmas.” Known as America’s largest home, it boasts 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces, with ballrooms adorned in Gilded Age style, highlighted by a grand 35-foot Christmas tree in the banquet hall.
Natchitoches, LA
Louisiana excels in hosting festivals, and the city of Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement from the Louisiana Purchase, consistently ranks among the top places for holiday celebrations. It boasts one of the nation’s oldest community holiday festivities. The six-week Natchitoches Christmas Festival fills the downtown area and Cane River Lake with thousands of twinkling lights, a festive parade, live music, and spectacular fireworks over the river on Saturday nights, along with a holiday tour of historic homes and a Christmas Gala hosted by Northwestern State University.
Branson, MO
Holiday magic in the Ozarks © Shutterstock / Corey MatheryFor an electrifying holiday experience, look no further than Branson. This American hub of family entertainment goes all out, featuring the spectacular “An Old Time Christmas” at the Silver Dollar City theme park, which boasts an eight-story Christmas tree and performances of “A Christmas Carol” alongside a living Nativity scene. The city is also home to numerous drive-through light displays, a tour showcasing over 100 of Branson’s most beautiful Christmas trees, a Polar Express train ride, and festive events like Christmas on the Showboat Branson Belle. Be sure to catch the Christmas festivities at Dolly Parton’s Stampede, which features horsemanship and a live nativity scene with flying angels.
North Pole, AK
For the ultimate Christmas experience, there’s truly no place like North Pole, Alaska. Situated in the Fairbanks metropolitan area, this charming town features the iconic Santa Claus House, which began in 1952 as a trading post and quickly grew into a beloved year-round destination for Santa enthusiasts of all ages. A towering 42-foot Santa statue welcomes visitors, who can meet the “real” Santa inside, browse gifts crafted by local artisans, and even visit Santa’s reindeer at the adjacent Antler Academy.
Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth, Washington, during its magical Christmas Lighting Ceremony in December © Getty ImagesThe quaint village of Leavenworth, styled like a Bavarian town and nestled in the Cascade mountains, is stunningly picturesque year-round. However, during the holiday season, it transforms into a festive wonderland, complete with live entertainment, visits from Santa, gingerbread displays, and much more. For an extra dose of holiday spirit, skip the snowy mountain roads and take a ride on the Amtrak Empire Builder, which runs daily from Seattle to Leavenworth each afternoon.
Duluth, MN
Duluth serves as another enchanting Hallmark Christmas setting, featured in the film “Rescuing Christmas.” Admire the delightful architecture of Pepperkakebyen, a massive gingerbread village located at the Nordic Center, or take a ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad's Christmas Tree Train. The city is alive with entertainment options: enjoy performances of “The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale,” or for a dose of comedy (and some personal space), check out 'A Don’t Hug Me Christmas Carol.' Be sure not to miss Bentleyville, home to the largest Christmas light display in the United States.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Christmas lights illuminate the Night of a Thousand Candles in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina © Getty ImagesThis renowned South Carolina botanical garden transforms into a wonderland with millions of lights during its enchanting Low Country holiday event, Nights of a Thousand Candles, which runs from late November through December 31. Over 2,700 hand-lit candles illuminate the paths in select areas of the sprawling 9,000-acre garden. Enjoy live music, hot cider, and exhibitions featuring art and artisan works that enhance the magical atmosphere each night.
Franklin, TN
The historic downtown area of this Middle Tennessee city hosts the annual Dickens of a Christmas Festival, where characters from Charles Dickens’ works mingle with visitors on the streets. Expect to see figures from “A Christmas Carol,” including Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and his family, and Mr. and Mrs. Christmas. The festivities also feature musical performances, arts and crafts, a KidZone, and a Whiskey Lounge for added enjoyment.
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