12 Christmas Cities in the US That Go All Out With Lights, Markets, and Holiday Cheer

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If you’re looking for a great destination to spend the holidays this year, why not visit one of the top Christmas cities in the US? These urban spaces set up all the lights, markets, and tinsel you’d expect and crank it up a notch.

US cities ring in the holidays with bright lights and tons of cheer. You’ll enjoy everything from artisanal markets to light shows.

Get your red hats because you’re in for a seasonal treat. We have selected these cities based on the Christmas activities they host: Christmas markets, light festivals, Christmas parades, and more. Continue reading below to learn more about the top 12 Christmas Cities in the US.

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Which Christmas city would you deck the halls in? Vote for your holiday vibe:

This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.

Asheville, NC 1/5

Charleston, SC 2/5

New York, NY 3/5

12 Best Christmas Markets in the US Christkindlmarket Chicago Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, IL 4/5

Alexandria, VA 5/5

Results

Asheville, NC

6 12

Charleston, SC

13 5

New York, NY

17 1

Chicago, IL

16 2

Alexandria, VA

12 6

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Nashville, Tennessee

Every year, Nashville trades its cowboy hat for a Santa hat and throws down one of the best month-long holiday celebrations in the country. You’ll have endless live music, from Christmas-themed live ballads to traditional carols.

Check out a Yuletide show at the Grand Ole Opry or explore downtown’s festive decorations. Then, make your way to Gaylord Opryland to enjoy the ICE! Event. There will be life-size snowmen, frozen slides, tunnels, and, of course, plenty of lights and hot drinks.

During the evening, you can enjoy live performances of holiday classics at the city’s theaters. Then, end your cold evenings with Nashville Hot Chicken washed down with hot chocolate and marshmallows, a combo only an Elf could enjoy.

Washington, DC

The nation’s capital is truly remarkable during the holidays. Whether it’s the romantic Potomac River or the lights around the city’s famous landmarks, it becomes truly stunning.

First, check out the National Christmas tree. Then enjoy a screening of The Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre. During the evening, hit the town for some holiday-inspired cocktails and a meal at one of the city’s highly-rated bars and restaurants.

Finally, don’t miss the Downtown Holiday Market, one of the largest Christmas markets in the country. This fantastic market is full of vendors and holiday cheer. You’ll find all kinds of ornaments shaped like the Washington Monument or the White House to take back home.

Asheville, North Carolina

Just off the famous Blue Ridge Parkway is the city of Asheville. This southern mountain town is famous for its outdoor adventures, live music, and craft breweries. It’s also beloved for its Christmas celebrations.

Because of its elevation, Asheville gets a good dusting of snow. There’s even skiing nearby and, of course, sledding. In downtown, the locals enjoy the cold weather with plenty of holiday festivities and warm drinks.

At downtown Asheville’s Grove Park, you can take part in the annual National Gingerbread House Competition. Or, check out the North Carolina Arboretum’s Winter Lights events, which feature a 50-foot Christmas tree and plenty of intense light shows. For an unimaginably beautiful event, head to the famous Biltmore Estate to partake in its Christmas decorations, which include over 100 Christmas trees.

Alexandria, Virginia

This small city is all about Christmas. No, we’re serious, they love it! And they do it right, too, from the decorations to the events.

If you visit during the holidays, you can enjoy the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. During this unique event, hundreds of boats are decked out in colorful holiday lights and parade down the Potomac River.

Downtown is full of holiday events as well. You can catch the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and the small Christmas markets. In December, downtown’s historic buildings will transform into a sea of lights and Santa outfits.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston might be known for its seafood, jazz, and architecture, but during the holidays, it comes alive in colorful decorations. It also fills up with locals and visitors who bring the Christmas vibes like nowhere else.

Although you probably won’t see any snow, you’ll feel like you’re in a winter wonderland. From live caroling to the city’s Festival of Trees at The Charleston Place. Each home will be covered in decorations, including handmade wreaths and special lights.

For the ultimate holiday experience in Charleston, visit the James Island County Park to see the Holiday Festival of Lights. There will be hot drinks, plenty of sweets, and events for the whole family. You’ll also see a massive sand sculpture created with over 50 tons of sand.

Denver, Colorado

The Mile-High City puts on a massive show during the holidays. You’ll experience endless events, parades, decorations, and performances with the snow-capped Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. If this doesn’t excite your inner holiday spirit, we don’t know what could.

Downtown Denver turns into a giant ice skating rink with outdoor skating surrounded by the city’s holiday lights. Nearby is the city’s towering Christmas tree in the 16th Street Mall.

For activities, there’s no shortage of fun. One of the highlights is the Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park’s Luminova Holidays. Imagine running through a 300-foot-long candy cane tunnel and oversized presents. We know we can!

Seattle, Washington

From the Space Needle Christmas tree to the holiday lights of downtown, Seattle’s energy during the holidays is incredible. It’s surprising, given that nobody has seen the sun in four months.

When you visit, check out uptown’s Seattle Christmas Market. The market’s vendors and performers bring the best holiday cheer to the city. You can buy red and green flannels and other Christmas-inspired Seattle merchandise.

For a unique activity, head to the Enchant Christmas event at T-Mobile Park. Massive light sculptures, ice skating, and the world’s largest Christmas light maze will be set up. Plus, there will be ugly Christmas sweater contests. So what are you waiting for?

Newport Beach, California

If you love light shows, come to Newport Beach to see the Christmas Boat Parade from December 18 to 22. This iconic event is turning 116 this year and will be massive. Imagine seeing hundreds of boats covered in bright lights parading through the ocean.

Besides the iconic boat show, Newport Beach has plenty of holiday events to enjoy. There’s a holiday pop-up market downtown and the Roger’s Gardens “Christmas Confections” Holiday Boutique. You’ll be able to buy endless gifts, candies, and homemade decorations.

To add to the excitement, oceanfront homes compete in the Ring of Lights Competition to see which home is the most festive. Although you won’t see any snow, chances are you’ll fall in love with the Californian charm and festive spirit of Newport Beach during the holidays.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

If you really wanted to get any closer to the North Pole’s climate, you’d have to be in Canada. Besides the frigid weather, Minneapolis is a fantastic place to spend the holidays.

The city puts on a beautiful display of Christmas lights downtown. Plus, Minneapolis’ indoor malls and eateries turn into holiday party grounds. The city’s craft breweries also turn into holiday-themed centers for entertainment and good food.

Because of the frigid temperatures, the city’s best events are often indoors. Check out the Minnesota Dance Theatre for special performances of holiday classics. Then, visit the Guthrie Theater for a live rendition of A Christmas Carol. Some theaters even play the Minneapolis classic, How Prince Stole Christmas.

New York, New York

If you can brave the crowds, there’s nothing like a New York Christmas. You can walk through Broadway and Times Square’s gorgeous light displays and go shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue. Or, check out Central Park for some ice skating.

New York has endless holiday fun and landmarks that have made it into holiday movies for decades. This is especially true with the Rockefeller Center tree. This timeless sight of the towering tree and the even grander building is worth checking out.

Besides the famous landmarks, what makes the city truly come alive are its artisanal holiday markets. You’ll find plenty of small and large Christmas markets where local vendors sell anything from homemade decorations to delicious food and drinks. And when you’re done, grab a blue New York coffee cup and a bagel and yell at taxis for getting in your way. It’s New York, after all!

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Big Easy may not be a winter wonderland, but it’s sure full of holiday charm. From small holiday markets to live Christmas music, you’ll find plenty of holiday goodies in New Orleans.

Hit the old French Quarter to see the iconic buildings covered in Christmas lights. Then, stop into one of the historic bars for live jazz and holiday tunes. From here, don’t miss the late-night Christmas parties that sometimes go on until the wee hours of the morning.

For a special experience, visit the Celebration in the Oaks at City Park. This fantastic light show has been around since the 1980s. You’ll see live oaks decorated with colorful lights and enjoy 18 seasonally inspired rides.

Chicago, Illinois

If you’ve seen Home Alone, you know how Christmassy Chicago is. From romantic ice rinks to Christmas trees that seem to tower above the city’s skyscrapers, there’s a charm in the blustery city air during the holidays.

The first thing any visitor should do is head to Millennium Park to catch the lights and giant Christmas tree. From there, you can’t miss the millions of Christmas lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo.

After braving the cold, you can shop and eat till you drop at the Christkindlmarket. This beautiful European-inspired holiday market is full of vendors selling artisanal food, crafts, toys, and maybe a few Santa outfits.