Best Christmas Towns in the US: 8 Festive Small Town Trips

Some places put up a few wreaths in December. Others turn the whole town into a holiday card. If you want a weekend of twinkling main streets, warm drinks and old traditions, these are the best Christmas towns in the US to put on your list, along with tips for timing and planning so you get the magic without the stress.

How to plan a Christmas town trip

Small towns are charming because they are small, which also means rooms and dinner tables fill quickly on the busiest weekends. A little planning makes a big difference.

• Go on a weekday if you can. Many towns hold their biggest events on December weekends. A Thursday night arrival often means easier parking and shorter lines.
• Book your stay early. Inns and cabins near the center of town are the first to go. Choose a rate with free cancellation so you can commit now and adjust later.
• Check the event calendar. Lighting ceremonies, parades and festivals change dates from year to year, so confirm before you book.
• Pack for the cold. Most of the fun happens outside after dark. Warm boots, gloves and a hat will keep you out longer.

1. Leavenworth, Washington

Tucked into the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth looks like a Bavarian village that wandered into the Pacific Northwest. In December the whole town glows with lights, and its Christmas Lighting Festival on weekends is one of the most famous holiday events in the West.

Spend the day walking Front Street, browsing the shops and warming up with a pretzel and a hot drink. If there is snow, the surrounding mountains are wonderful for sledding, snowshoeing or a scenic drive. Highway passes can be wintry, so check road conditions before you set out.

2. Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth is known as Michigan's Little Bavaria, and it feels festive any time of year. The town is home to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, a huge Christmas store that is open year round and is worth a visit just to see the scale of it.

Add a covered bridge stroll along the Cass River, a family style chicken dinner the town is famous for, and an evening walk under the lights on Main Street. It is an easy road trip from Detroit and much of the Midwest.

3. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Bethlehem calls itself Christmas City USA, and it earns the name. The town was founded by Moravian settlers in the 1700s, and their traditions still shape the season, from the glowing Moravian stars hanging in windows to the candles in historic buildings.

Walk the stone streets of Historic Moravian Bethlehem, join a walking tour of the old town, and visit Christkindlmarkt for handmade gifts and holiday treats. Look for the large star on South Mountain that shines over the city all season.

4. Kennebunkport, Maine

Kennebunkport is a classic New England harbor town, and its Christmas Prelude in early December is a beloved tradition. Expect a tree lighting, carolers, shops open late and a lobster trap tree decorated with buoys.

Stroll Dock Square, then take a drive along Ocean Avenue to see the rocky coast and grand old homes. Cozy inns with fireplaces make this a great choice for a couples weekend.

5. Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg turns the holidays into a step back in time. Doors along Duke of Gloucester Street are decorated with wreaths of fresh greenery, fruit and natural materials, and walking the street to see them is a tradition on its own.

The Grand Illumination in early December kicks off the season with lights and celebrations across the historic area. Pair your visit with nearby Jamestown and Yorktown for a trip that is equal parts history and holiday spirit, which works especially well for families with curious kids.

6. Natchitoches, Louisiana

Natchitoches, pronounced roughly NACK uh tish, is the oldest permanent settlement in Louisiana and home to one of the longest running holiday light celebrations in the country. Every season the Christmas Festival of Lights fills the banks of Cane River Lake with displays that reflect on the water.

Walk the historic district along Front Street, try a Natchitoches meat pie, and catch fireworks on festival nights. It is a few hours from New Orleans, so you can pair it with our New Orleans 3 day itinerary for a longer Louisiana holiday trip.

7. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe celebrates in its own beautiful way. Adobe buildings are lined with farolitos, small paper bags holding candles, and strings of luminarias glow on rooftops and walls around the Plaza.

On Christmas Eve, locals and visitors gather for the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, strolling past galleries and bonfires in the crisp high desert air. During the day, explore the Plaza, the Palace of the Governors and the galleries of Canyon Road. Santa Fe sits at high altitude, so dress warmly and drink plenty of water.

8. Solvang, California

If you want a Christmas town without snow, Solvang is the answer. This Danish village in the Santa Ynez Valley has windmills, half timbered buildings and bakeries full of Danish pastries, and it leans into the season with its yearly Julefest celebration.

Walk the village under the lights, stop for aebleskiver, and spend an afternoon in the surrounding wine country. Solvang is an easy road trip from Los Angeles or Santa Barbara, and our road trip planner can help you map the stops along the coast.

Tips for a festive trip with a group

Christmas towns are perfect for family reunions and friend getaways, but group trips need a little structure.

1. Agree on the big moment. Pick the one event everyone wants to see, like a lighting festival or parade, and plan the rest of the trip around it.
2. Book dinners ahead. Restaurants in small towns fill quickly on festival nights, so reserve for larger groups as early as you can.
3. Leave free time. Wandering shops, sipping cocoa and people watching are half the fun. Do not schedule every hour.
4. Split up and meet back. Let the shoppers shop and the walkers walk, then meet for dinner.

For more ideas on keeping everyone on the same page, see our guide to planning a group trip.

Planning your Christmas town getaway in Wander Off

Start an adventure in Wander Off and invite everyone coming along so the whole group works from one plan. In the Plan tab, add the lighting festival, shops, restaurants and walks by day, and let everyone vote on their favorites. Book flights, hotels and things to do in the Tickets tab, or ask the AI Travel Concierge to find a stay for your dates. While you explore, your photos and videos land on the right day and place automatically. When you get home, make the adventure public so friends can copy your trip for their own holiday weekend.