Ready to have yourself a merry little Christmas, but not sure where to go for the holidays? These 14 best places to spend Christmas in the U.S. will have you feeling holly and jolly in no time!
Aspen, CO
The city of Aspen is a great spot for couples, adult groups, and families looking for a Christmas vacation among the snowy mountains! With lodging options ranging from rental properties to resort stays, winter activities like skiing and tubing, excellent shopping at local boutiques, and incredible restaurants, Aspen is both one of the best places to see at Christmas and a top city for winter vacations.
Christmas Things to Do in Aspen
Enjoy Christmas in Aspen at holiday events like the 12 Days of Aspen, which offers everything from visits with Santa and outdoor ice skating to holiday arts and crafts. Have cookies, hot cocoa, and apple cider before the annual tree lighting ceremony at The Little Nell. Admire snow sculptures, watch fireworks, and compete in the soup contest during Winterskol, the town’s long-running toast to winter. Take a sleigh ride to Pine Creek Cookhouse, where you can grab lunch or dinner while appreciating great views. And for the perfect holiday meal in Aspen, be sure to make a reservation at Element 47 for a four-course prix fixe menu, or enjoy an a la carte menu with all of your holiday favorites at Ajax Tavern.
Branson, MO
If you’re looking for the best American Christmas towns, don’t forget to add Branson to the list! Silver Dollar City is known for its family-friendly dinner shows, outdoor adventures, museums, and shopping. But when December approaches, Branson transforms with the magic of the holiday spirit. It’s impossible to explore the city without running into carolers, a Christmas show, or holiday light tours!
Christmas Things to Do in Branson
Visit Silver Dollar City theme park to immerse yourself in An Old Time Christmas, where you’ll find millions of lights, a tree lighting ceremony, a sing-along train, and more. Enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and views of the Ozark foothills with a 40-mile round-trip ride on Branson Scenic Railway‘s The Polar Express. Drive along the winding Trail of Lights in Shepherd of the Hills Homestead to see over a million multi-colored Christmas lights. And, of course, you can’t celebrate Christmas in Branson without seeing a show! Take your pick from holiday extravaganzas like Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Branson’s Christmas Wonderland, or Matthew Boyce’s Retro Christmas Spectacular.
Durango, CO
All aboard the train to Christmas town! Durango is one of the best places to see at Christmas, thanks to its snow-covered mountains, friendly community, and activities for all ages. Whether you plan to go skiing, dog-sledding, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing, Durango has all of the outdoor winter recreation you could want during a holiday vacation! Or if you’d rather stay inside with a cup of hot chocolate by a fire, there are plenty of cozy cabins, vacation rentals, hotels, and bed-and-breakfasts that can accommodate you!
Christmas Things to Do in Durango
Spend Christmas in Durango at Noel Night, Durango’s annual Christmas party featuring live music, pop-up shops from local businesses, delicious food, and more. Catch a family-friendly Christmas performance from the Durango Choral Society or the Bar D Wranglers. Count down to the lighting of the community Christmas tree with Santa as the crowd sings classic carols during Singing With Santa. Grab the kids and hop on the Cascade Canyon Winter Train, where the whole family can drink hot chocolate and read books in their pajamas. Or stop by San Juan National Forest, where you can cut down your own Christmas tree—a practice that helps prevent overcrowding and supports healthy forest growth!
Frankenmuth, MI
One of the best U.S. towns for Christmas, Frankenmuth is the perfect holiday vacation spot. Michigan’s Little Bavaria embraces small-town German charm and the traditional Christmas spirit with holiday things to do and see like dazzling light displays, pop-up markets, ice skating, and more. If you love everything Christmas, Frankenmuth is the place to be!
Christmas Things to Do in Frankenmuth
Stop by the Frankenmuth Farmers Market for a Christkindlmarkt full of homemade goodies, cider, garlands, and more! Shop for Christmas decor, trees, Santa suits, and more at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store. Visit the Silent Night Memorial Chapel, a replica of the chapel where the famous “Silent Night” hymn was first sung in 1800s Germany. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride down Main Street and marvel at the Christmas lights. Dine on Mashed Potatoes & Gravy and a Christmas Cookie with Santa at Zehnder’s. Or enjoy a hearty Christmas Day Buffet or Krampusnacht Holiday Wine Dinner at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant.
Leavenworth, WA
Like Frankenmuth, Leavenworth is full of Bavarian-style buildings, German traditions, and incredible light displays, making it one of the best Christmas towns to visit! But the postcard-perfect backdrop of Washington’s winter wonderland isn’t the only reason to spend Christmas in Leavenworth. There’s also plenty to do in and around the city, including Nordic skiing, ice climbing, brewery and distillery tours, spa trips, and more!
Christmas Things to Do in Leavenworth
Tour the Nutcracker Museum, an entire building dedicated to some of the oldest-known nutcrackers. Check out the Kris Kringl and Nussknacker Haus shops for all your Christmas decorations, including wreaths, collectibles, and ornaments. Don’t miss out on Leavenworth’s Village of Lights: Christmastown, featuring live musical performances, snowball fights, gingerbread house competitions, and a glittering display of holiday lights. Catch the Village Voices Christmas Concert to hear traditional holiday favorites. Or stop by for a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus in his sleigh and hand-feed real live reindeer at the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm!
Myrtle Beach, SC
Looking for one of the best beaches to spend Christmas? Myrtle Beach transforms from one of the best beach cities in general into a coastal Christmas wonderland each holiday season. This South Carolina city goes all out for Christmas, with festive parades, family-friendly holiday events like the Dashing Through the Glow run, and massive light displays like the Great Christmas Light Show—which dazzles with more than two million twinkling lights along a two-mile drive. Add in the numerous beachfront attractions, shopping, and mild winter weather, and it’s easy to see why this seaside escape is one of the best East Coast Christmas towns!
Christmas Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
Join Santa and company for the illumination of the city Christmas tree, followed by live Christmas music and caroling at the McLean Park Christmas Tree Lighting. Stroll under glittering oceanfront lights, capture magical photos along the boardwalk, and dance through fake snow while enjoying live performances during Winter Wonderland at the Beach. Enjoy a delicious Mermaid Breakfast with Santa and get a selfie with the mermaid and Saint Nick himself at Ripley’s Aquarium. Step into the Victorian era as you explore jewelry, crafts, holiday decor, and more from over 350 vendors at the Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals in the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Listen to live holiday music, see beautiful gardens with over 2,700 hand-lit candles, and sip warm cider during Nights of A Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens—just a 30-minute drive south. Or stop by Barefoot Landing to see the quirky Holiday Golf Cart Parade, with numerous carts bedecked with holiday cheer.
Newport Beach, CA
Though the West Coast might not scream “Christmas” to you, if you’re looking for a great place to spend Christmas in California, Newport Beach is the ideal spot! This SoCal community goes all out with Christmas events like holiday movie screenings, lights displays, and parades. On top of that, the waterfront resorts, golf courses, boutique shopping, and top-rated restaurants make Newport Beach a great place to get away for rest and relaxation over the holidays!
Christmas Things to Do in Newport Beach
See the lighting of the 30-foot-tall Christmas tree while you enjoy spiced cider, hot chocolate, and a visit from Santa during the Pendry Tree Lighting Ceremony. Don’t miss out on Newport Beach’s claim to fame—the annual Christmas Boat Parade. Settle in with some popcorn at The Lido Theater, which hosts 12 nights of classic holiday movies like White Christmas. Take the Newport Beach Holiday Lights Cruise and marvel at the amazing lights and holiday decor of waterfront estates. Make your way over to the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District for the annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Bazaar on the beach. Or sip festive wines while you craft your own holiday wreath during Wine & Wreaths at A+O Restaurant, hosted at Balboa Bay Resort.
New York City, NY
It should come as no surprise that New York City is one of the best places to go for Christmas in the U.S.! While NYC has been the setting of many classic Christmas movies like Elf and Home Alone 2, it’s also well-known for its incredible holiday window displays at department stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdale’s. From the moment the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ends until the famous Ball Drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, NYC is the ultimate headquarters for winter holiday events and the Christmas spirit. Not to mention, it’s one of the most romantic cities to spend your holiday season!
Christmas Things to Do in NYC
Make a reservation to meet Santa at the beautifully decorated Macy’s Santaland. Get in some holiday shopping at the Bryant Park open-air market, where you can find everything from home goods and jewelry to candy and cookies. If you want a pop-up holiday market surrounded by historic NYC architecture, head over to Grand Central Terminal to peruse the unique selection of items in the Holiday Fair. Get tickets to the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, starring the high-kicking Radio City Rockettes. And, of course, you have to visit the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice skating rink!
North Pole, AK
Have you ever mailed a letter to the North Pole and received a response from Santa Claus? Chances are it came from a local volunteer in the tiny town of North Pole, Alaska—where all of these letters end up! This snowy city is the premier destination for Christmas lovers near and far—and with a name like “North Pole,” it’s an obvious contender for the most picturesque Christmas towns in the U.S.! Though making a trip to Alaska for the holidays might seem a bit daunting, this is definitely one vacation for the holiday bucket list.
Christmas Things to Do in North Pole
Stop by the Santa Claus House, where you’ll find a variety of holiday ornaments, Christmas cookies, Santa’s sleigh, and a 50-foot-tall statue of Santa. Check out the ice sculptures, winter playgrounds, and more at the Christmas in Ice festival. Take part in the annual Winterfest, which features a holiday bazaar, a candle lighting ceremony, fireworks, and the crowning of the King and Queen of the North Pole. Relive the famous Chinese restaurant dinner scene featured in A Christmas Story at Pagoda Restaurant. Or experience true winter wonder with a Northern Lights tour!
Ogunquit, ME
Though it’s smaller than other New England Christmas destinations, Ogunquit still shines bright during the holidays! Once an artists’ colony, this creative seaside resort town offers inclusivity, charm, and a romantic atmosphere—making it a favorite destination for couples and LGBTQ+ travelers. Every December, Ogunquit’s coastal streets come alive with festive lights, a Lobster Trap Christmas Tree, and endless small-town holiday cheer during its famous Christmas by the Sea celebration.
Christmas Things to Do in Ogunquit
Kick off your Christmas by the Sea experience with a musical performance from the Atlantic Harmonies before the magical Christmas tree lighting and caroling at Veterans Park. Join the throngs of merry-makers during Sip & Stroll to explore shops, sample local treats, and enjoy seasonal drinks. Browse for handmade Christmas gifts like sea glass jewelry, lighthouse ornaments, cozy quilts, and more at the Christmas by the Sea Artisan Craft Fair at Dunaway Community Center. Witness Santa’s arrival—either by lobster boat or fire truck—and then enjoy the Christmas Parade along Main Street, followed by a bonfire and fireworks display at Main Beach. And find local and international candies to stuff your stockings—including truffles, chocolate bars, fudge, and more—at Harbor Candy Shop!
Orlando, FL
Seeking a family-friendly Christmas vacation in the U.S.? You can never go wrong with Orlando! With its warm weather, theme parks, and affordable kid-friendly resorts, it’s one of the coolest Christmas towns to visit. While there’s no snow around to get you in the winter wonderland spirit, Orlando still has plenty of things to do for Christmas—including tree lighting events, festivals, holiday shows, and more! And if you’re planning to hit the road, Orlando is one of several great RV vacation spots around the country for a festive family trip.
Christmas Things to Do in Orlando
Spend a day at Universal Studios, where you can find light displays, holiday-themed snacks, and your favorite characters at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or the Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular. Head over to Disney World for the rides, restaurants, and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. Watch the Orlando Ballet perform The Nutcracker at the Dr. Phillips Center. Get tickets to a holiday classic like A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage at Orlando Family Stage. Or check out Christmas at Gaylord Palms—which offers ice tubing, holiday shows, ice sculptures, gingerbread cookie decorating, visits from Santa, and more—just 20 minutes outside the city!
Park City, UT
Tucked away in the Wasatch Mountains, Park City is a true winter wonderland, offering world-class skiing at Deer Valley and Park City Mountain resorts, in addition to other Park City winter activities and festive Christmas celebrations. Once a mining community, this Utah mountain town transforms into a sparkling alpine getaway each December, complete with festive lights, holiday markets, and snowy charm. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or strolling through the twinkling lights downtown, the mix of adventure and cozy holiday cheer makes Park City one of the best Christmas cities in the U.S.
Christmas Things to Do in Park City
Ring in the Christmas season with live music from the Metro Music Club, souvenir ornaments, and photos with Santa before the Annual Canyons Village Tree Lighting ceremony and fireworks display. Wander down Main Street to see seven locally crafted, life-sized snow globes—each with a single silver snowflake hidden inside—during the Snow Globe Stroll. Don your most festive Christmas outfit and add to the crowd’s holiday cheer as you sip brews during the Park City Santa Pub Crawl. Don’t miss Santa’s arrival into town via ski lift during the Santa Comes Down the Townlift event in Historic Park City. And enjoy some cookies and cocoa as you watch the Ski & Ride school team’s torchlit procession during the Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade.
Santa Claus, IN
“America’s Christmas Hometown” is the nickname of this small city in Indiana, so it’s no wonder that it’s one of the best Christmas towns in the U.S. Santa Claus embraces the holiday spirit even when it’s not December, so when Christmas finally rolls around, residents and local businesses go all out with their holiday events. The city also offers cozy bed-and-breakfast stays, winery tours, and affordable dining, so it’s a great option for a holiday vacation on a budget!
Christmas Things to Do in Santa Claus
Venture to Santa’s Candy Castle for handmade chocolate and candies, as well as events like Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire. Find last-minute gifts among thousands of unique holiday items and see a live reindeer exhibit at Santa’s Toys. Get your fill of rides, carnival games, and shows at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, one of the top attractions in Santa Claus. View nine miles of residential holiday light displays at the Festival of Lights in Christmas Lake Village. See one-of-a-kind Christmas floats and festive costumes during the annual Santa Claus Christmas Parade. Or settle in for a Christmas dinner buffet with special guest Santa on Fridays and Saturdays in December at Santa’s Lodge.
Santa Fe, NM
As a top U.S. Christmas destination, Santa Fe brings a beautiful, unique cultural flair to the Christmas season with a rich blend of Native American, Spanish, and Southwestern traditions. Christmas travelers flock to The City Different to see its classic adobe architecture aglow with the soft light of farolitos, accompanied by the sounds of caroling and the scent of burning pinon logs. With events like the Holiday Open House at the New Mexico Museum of Art, along with Native American Feast Days and dances at various Pueblos, Christmas in Santa Fe is the perfect combination of culture, creativity, and holiday spirit.
Christmas Things to Do in Santa Fe
Soak in the Southwestern atmosphere as you stroll among the soft lights lining the streets during the beloved Canyon Road Farolito Walk. Enjoy lively holiday flamenco performances put on at the El Flamenco Cabaret. Find handcrafted gifts, attend live performances, and support local New Mexico artists at the Winter Spanish Market, found at the Santa Fe Convention Center. Visit the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains for adventure and winter sports at the Ski Santa Fe resort. Experience live holiday performances like Sounds of the Season and Handel’s Messiah from The Santa Fe Symphony. Or catch a showing of The Nutcracker by the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet at the Lensic Performing Arts Center.
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The goal of Extra Space Storage’s seasonal Best Vacation Destinations selections is to help diverse audiences at varying stages of life make informed decisions about where to travel. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area, we consider factors like cost of accommodations, local attractions, tourist seasons, and more. Learn more about our methodology today.
