12 Best Places To Go for Christmas in the US That Feel Straight Out of a Hallmark Movie

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Ho ho ho! There is no better place to be for Christmas than in the US. From their festivals to their over-the-top lights, 12 US destinations should be on everyone’s holiday travel list.

Every Christmas, the US transforms into an epicenter of holiday cheer. You’ll see mall Santas, reindeer on roofs, holiday parades, and the type of huge celebrations that make the US so fun during the holidays.

Throughout the country, 12 cities and towns do Christmas better than anywhere else. Below are the 12 best places to go for Christmas in the US.

New York City, New York

Destinations for Christmas Experience in the World New York City, USA — © Taiga / Adobe Stock

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If you’ve ever seen American holiday specials and Christmas movies, then you’ll be familiar with New York during the holidays. The city is almost made for the holiday season, with its toy stores, art deco architecture, and a huge budget to turn every block into a winter wonderland.

First, check out Central Park to enjoy the Christmas lights, ice skating, and festive events going on throughout the season. Then, head over to see the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center. Then, take a holiday shopping spree on Fifth Avenue.

During the day, you can spend the afternoon hopping around the various Christmas markets around the city. Each borough has its markets where you can buy all kinds of homemade artisanal products and gifts.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

The name alone should tell you that this small city likes to celebrate Christmas. Bethlehem puts on the Christkindlmarkt event every year. Here, you’ll rub shoulders with thousands of people as you shop in artisanal booths and enjoy homemade food and beverages.

The holiday fun doesn’t stop there. Nearby is the Christmas City Village where lifesize Christmas decorations and characters decorate the space.

Just outside the city is one of the country’s largest holiday lights spectacles at the Lehigh Valley Zoo. The Winter Light Spectacular showcases millions of colorful lights. There will be fire pits for roasting marshmallows, live music and character performances, and of course, Santa.

Branson, Missouri

If you love charming small-town vibes for the holidays, then Branson is the place for you. This friendly town in Ozark Mountains hosts special events throughout the Christmas season and some of the brightest holiday light shows in the country.

Many people come to experience over 1,500 Christmas trees lit up and decorated around the town. You can enjoy ice skating downtown and special evening events at restaurants and community centers.

The biggest draw for many visitors is the annual An Old Time Christmas Festival. The event is held at the Silver Dollar City amusement park. Here, you’ll get to experience fun holiday-themed rides, millions of Christmas lights, and holiday parades.

Kennebunkport, Maine

For a snowy wonderland full of Christmas traditions, it’s hard to top the town of Kennebunkport, Maine. This city is one of the oldest towns in America and has timeless traditions once the winter weather sets in.

The annual Christmas Prelude starts the season off in the first two weeks of December. You’ll enjoy Christmas tree lighting, fun holiday-themed events, caroling, and plenty of delicious treats made by local vendors.

Santa makes his annual appearance on a lobster boat while lobster-themed Christmas cookoffs happen around town. Between the twinkling lights, events, and friendly small-town vibes, you really can’t beat the holidays in Kennebunkport.

New Orleans, Louisiana

12 Best Places To Go for Christmas in the US — © Kit Leong / Adobe Stock

The Big Easy is the place to go for live music and a whole bunch of holiday fun. Check out the French Quarter to see holiday lights cover some of the country’s most historic buildings. Then head to the parks to see the beautiful lights and enjoy freshly made treats from local vendors and restaurants.

At City Park, the annual Celebration in the Oaks transforms the trees into giant Christmas light decorations. You can wander the park and get lost in the magical holiday light show.

At night, the city bursts in excitement with live music and special Christmas parties. Hit the city’s famous bars for holiday-inspired drinks before dancing through the night to live jazz and Christmas classics. For the people of New Orleans, Christmas is just one holiday away from Mardi Gras.

Asheville, North Carolina

Deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville goes from bluegrass to Christmas tunes quickly. You’ll think you’ve stepped foot in Austria or Germany until you see Santas with NASCAR hats.

Downtown Asheville hosts several events such as the holiday parade, light shows, and the Annual National Gingerbread House Competition. Don’t miss the holiday light show at the North Carolina Arboretum’s Winter Lights Festival.

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For an even bigger Christmas festival, check out the luxurious Biltmore Estate. Here, you’ll see over 100 Christmas trees decorated with handcrafted ornaments and specialty lights. There will be live music and other family-friendly events at the estate until January.

Denver, Colorado

At the foot of the Colorado Rockies is the city of Denver. This urban wonderland turns into a holiday paradise, full of lights, events, and all-night holiday fun.

Check out the Denver Zoo Lights, a family-friendly event where the entire Denver Zoo is lit up like a Christmas tree. There are several stations and light shows where people of all ages can marvel at the millions of LED lights forming Christmas characters, tunnels, and animal shapes.

Downtown Denver turns into a magical holiday celebration with ice skating, weekly live music, and free events. There’s even the popular Denver Christkindlmarket, one of the largest German-inspired Christmas markets in the country.

Park City, Utah

Deep in the mountains of Utah, Park City is a winter wonderland full of world-class skiing and some of the best Christmas decorations in the country. There’s dog sledding, parades, and live music at night, plus endless lights decorating homes and businesses.

If you want some adventures, rent a snowmobile and hit the trails to discover beautiful views of the city and wilderness. Then, head back into town and cozy up to live music with warm cocoa.

For the ultimate Park City experience, book a ticket on the Heber Valley Railroad for the annual North Pole Express. This festive 90-minute train ride takes you deep into the snowy mountains with opportunities to see Santa and live music.

Aspen, Colorado

If you want the true American Mountain Christmas, then head to Aspen. This beautiful town is located in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.

You’ll get world-famous skiing and some of the best snow in the world. After hitting the slopes, head downtown for the annual 12 Days of Aspen event. You’ll soak in the holiday vibes with live music, lights, and plenty of family-friendly events.

Also downtown is the Aspen Holiday Market. Here, local artisans sell all kinds of fun crafts including homemade treats, clothes, decorations, and more. After shopping, don’t miss the Santa Run where hundreds of contestants wear Santa gear and run through the city.

Chicago, Illinois

The Windy City transforms during the holidays into one of the world’s most Christmasy cities. You’ll experience endless festive cheer, fun events, parades, and of course, enough deep-dish pizza to turn you into Santa.

First, check out the city’s Christmas markets including the Christkindlmarket. This special market is one of the largest and most elaborate Christmas markets in the country.

As the night falls, head over to the Lincoln Park Zoo to experience the special event ZooLights. This one-of-a-kind festival turns the zoo’s enclosures and trees into a giant holiday lights show for the whole family.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

There’s nothing like spending the cold desert nights cuddled next to a mosquito fire. Santa Fe puts on one of the best Christmas celebrations in the US. It also has some of the best food you can imagine.

Downtown’s historical buildings are covered in bright lights. Live musical performances from some of Santa Fe’s best musicians draw in huge crowds. Markets such as the Winter Indian Market sell traditional Native American crafts and artisanal products for you to take home as a souvenir.

Just outside the city is world-class skiing and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Back in town, don’t miss visiting the city’s famous museums for their annual holiday events and special shows which will add a touch of local culture to the holidays.

Jackson, New Hampshire

Deep in the mountains of New England, Jackson feels like something straight out of a Hallmark Movie. The small-town vibes are contagious, and you may not want to leave until the snow melts.

Jackson turns into a winter wonderland for the Christmastime at Santa’s Village. Thousands of Christmas lights decorate the trees and buildings of the town with fun events and exciting holiday vendors.

Another highlight is the nearby town of Lincoln’s Hobo Railroad’s Santa Express Train. Kids will get to meet Santa while the train travels through the snowy countryside. There will be tons of great food, drinks, and views of Christmas lights and nature.