Celebrating the holidays, particularly Christmas, brings to mind all sorts of warm and fuzzy feelings. So why not take all that joyfulness to the next level by planning a wintery getaway in one of the many US Christmas towns? Whether it's true seasonal nostalgia that they are looking for, a hearty dash of holiday cheer, or just a quaint little home away from home with all the Christmassy trimmings, travelers definitely have more than a few options. So to help plan a delightful Yuletide to remember, here are ten charming Christmas towns in the US that are as festive as they look and then some.
10 New York City
Despite New York City being a tad bigger than the average town, there's no denying the fact that NYC is the place to be during Christmastime.
With the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting ceremony, beloved holiday movie locations, Radio City's Christmas Spectacular, heaps of snow, ice skating, and other joyous winter activities, Christmas lovers can't go wrong here.
During this particular time of year, visitors can expect to see ample twinkling lights, a plethora of holiday décor, entire streets decked out in their holiday's best, and so much more.
9 Asheville
Yet another charming little US town to check out during this feel-good holiday season is Asheville, NC. During mid to late December, Asheville looks like nothing short of a Norman Rockwell Christmas painting.
With the Blue Ridge Mountains serving as the backdrop, historic places like The Biltmore and the Vanderbilt mansion put their holiday spirit on full display. This lovely town's Main Street is also beautifully adorned with countless lights and Christmas décor.
What's more, Asheville doesn't hold back when it comes to annual holiday events, festive eats, or activities—making this city a true Christmas paradise.
8 Snowmass Village
With a name like Snowmass, this little village in Colorado is a holiday bucket list must. This charming winter wonderland is just one more perfect Christmassy destination in the US worth checking out, especially for winter recreation enthusiasts.
Snowmass has premium powder, quaint shops, ample restaurants with hearty cuisine, festive décor galore, and an overall fantastic Bavarian vibe—to say the least.
Here, visitors can hit the slopes, check out the famed Snowmassive Celebration event, or simply cozy up next to a roaring fire and marvel at this snow-filled picturesque town's Christmas spirit.
7 Woodstock
For travelers who haven't had the pleasure of traipsing through the incredibly scenic state of Vermont, a festive trip to Woodstock is definitely in order.
This picture-perfect place hosts a variety of annual Christmas events like the Wassail Weekend, Christmas at the Farm, and more.
A wintery getaway to Woodstock during the Yuletide season also adds a dash of Xmas nostalgia to the holiday.
With town carolers, horse and buggy carriage rides through the snow, a stop at the Enjoy Cookies with Santa event, and some good old-fashioned marveling at the decked-out historic homes here, visitors might just feel like kids on Christmas morning again.
6 Branson
Branson, Missouri, from the outside, might seem like the average Midwestern town. But during Christmastime, Branson puts on a real festival of lights and embraces its nickname as the "Christmas Tree Town."
So, of course, this charming little place made the list. Here, visitors can enjoy over 700 stunning trees decorated to the hilt.
But Branson's holiday cheer doesn't stop there. If travelers can tear themselves away from all the Christmas trees, they should absolutely make their way over to Silver Dollar City theme park to check out the over 6.5 million dazzling Christmas lights on display.
5 Boothbay
On the East Coast, Boothbay, Maine, turns Christmas into a seaside event. With the Harbor Lights Festival (which features Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving via boat to the jolly festivities) and Gardens Aglow, this city by the sea definitely knows how to get into the holiday spirit.
Over the course of six weeks, this New England town offers a variety of wintertime events, including the Gingerbread Spectacular, parades, contests, the Polar Express, and more.
So for anyone who's been dreaming of a white Christmas but never considered what it would be like to celebrate by the seaside, now's their chance.
4 Durango
Durango, Colorado, is also an excellent option for lovers of all things Christmas. Throughout the entire month of December, this historic mining and mountain town both looks and acts the part.
But that's not all; Durango also offers visitors an abundance of holiday fun, including festive rides on the Polar Express.
Besides taking a train ride with jolly old Saint Nick, holiday enthusiasts can enjoy skiing, sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and a unique snow activity called Skijoring.
3 Leavenworth
Located in Washington State, the charming Bavarian-style village known as Leavenworth awaits holiday goers.
Not only is this enchanting place full of the Christmas spirit practically all year round, but Leavenworth also knows how to kick things up a notch during the Yuletide season.
Here, visitors will find everything from roasted chestnuts, seasonal décor, and hot cocoa to countless miles of festive lights and all the other holiday trimmings one would expect from a place nicknamed Christmas Town.
In short, Leavenworth is sure to make everyone's Christmas wishes come true.
2 Santa Claus
Of course, a lovely little city named after the man himself is worth checking out this Christmas. Surprisingly, the town of Santa Claus isn't located at the North Pole; instead, it is in Indiana.
But, with such a name to live up to, visitors can rest assured that this place is brimming with the holiday spirit no matter the season.
That said, Santa Claus checks off all the boxes during December—with its Santa meet-cues, cozy lakeside cottages adorned with festive lights, quaint Christmas shops, ramped-up décor all around town, and themed events.
1 North Pole
Last but definitely not least, North Pole, Alaska, is even more about the Christmas season than Santa Claus, Indiana. Still, this is just one more charming US town that isn't afraid to declare its love for this holiday all year round.
Here, visitors can take photos of candy-cane posts, stop by Santa Claus's House, pet live reindeer, and enjoy all the other boughs of holly in this incredible winter wonderland.
As a bonus, this magical town pulls out all the stops for Christmas in July as well. So if visitors simply cannot wait another 12 months to celebrate everyone's favorite time of year, they can also book a July trip while they're at it.