Our 50 Favorite Small Towns to Visit for Christmas

Practically every American town celebrates Christmas in some way, but these small towns all across the country stand out for holiday traditions and vibes that are worth a trip with the family. Yes, there are the winter wonderlands offering light shows, sleigh rides, holiday performances, caroling, parades and Christmas markets. But there are also small towns that include local traditions, too, like a parade with horses and hounds, lobster boat rides and an elf scavenger hunt. All promise to deliver a storybook Christmas filled with candy canes, hot chocolate and Santa. Keep reading to discover the best Christmas towns in the U.S.

Perched on the shores of the Gulf Coast, the tiny town of Fairhope plays host to Alabama’s most well-known Christmas parade: the Fairhope Magical Christmas Parade. Each year, the seaside spectacle highlighted by the annual Lighting of the Trees draws visitors from across the Yellowhammer State down to a small town where you’re nearly as likely to catch a lingering warm breeze as a kiss under the mistletoe.

There may be no greater holiday voyage than a trip to North Pole, Alaska. The legendary home of Santa Claus sits on the outskirts of Fairbanks, and it's filled with a winter wonderland pulled straight from childhood daydreams. In North Pole, visitors flock to the town’s Winterfest & Holiday Bazaar, headlined by ice carving, fireworks and the iconic Santa Claus House.

Known as a gateway to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff is a picture-perfect pit stop for winter travelers. Just north of town, the Arizona Snowbowl turns the San Francisco Peaks into a wonderland of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and skating. Meanwhile, one of the West's most historic downtowns flickers with festive holiday lights, an annual parade and its own winter wonderland lined by saloons, breweries and a blanket of stars best viewed at nearby Lowell Observatory.

Once a notorious hideout for Chicagoland gangsters, Hot Springs has long traded in its criminal past for a charming present. On the southern edge of the Ozarks, its streets brim with antique shops, gift stores and historic hotels ripe for exploration. Garvan Woodland Garden hosts a twinkling forest of trails lined by holiday lights that visitors can investigate on foot. Elsewhere, the town Christmas parade draws throngs to Hot Springs annually to soak in the magic of the season.

While many Scandinavian settlers fanned out across the Midwest, a community of Danes made their way to sunny California via Ohio, founding the town of Solvang in 1911. Today, the town takes its Danish history seriously; you’ll find Danish architecture (including a windmill), Danish bakeries and the annual Julefest from November through January. In addition to Santa’s Village, tree lighting, parade and candlelit tours, Danish traditions include the Nisse Adventure. Nisse are mischievous elves, and during Yulefest they’re hidden around town making for a fun scavenger hunt. A competition for the best glogg (a mix of red wine, port, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, lemons, raisins and almonds) is another fun tradition.

Breckenridge goes all out when it comes to Christmas action, starting with the annual Lighting of Breckenridge and Race of the Santas. The day is even more eventful than it sounds, as the full activities entail a holiday dog parade and Moose March for kids ages 10-17, followed by the pivotal Santa race. (Granted, the entire race is less than a mile.) Santa is on hand for the official tree lighting, a spectacle involving numerous trees. Another December tradition is the Ullr Fest, a Nordic-themed celebration that’s decidedly more Viking than Christmas-oriented, but fun nonetheless. This involves five days of merrymaking, not limited to a bonfire, parade, ice skating party and no shortage of Viking antics. Alternatively, take advantage of bonafide sleigh rides to channel your Christmas spirit. Choose from an hour-long ride with hot chocolate and cookies, a shorter ride to dinner in a heated tent, or one that combines a ride to dinner in a former mining camp, with an old-timey show to boot.

Renowned for its enchanting Christmas spirit, the warming glow of Mystic welcomes travelers to the Lantern Light Village event at the Mystic Seaport Museum. Here, old-fashioned Christmas carolers sing in harmony with horse-drawn carriages and tours lit by kerosene lanterns, and modern craft shops mix with holiday activities all month long.

In Delaware, the town of Lewes delights visitors and residents alike during the holiday season. The Lewes Christmas Parade features classic cars, marching bands and horses, while the Historic Lewes Holiday House Tour and Holiday Village Market showcase the town's festive spirit in a Hallmark-like setting. The charming downtown area, decorated with holiday lights, offers boutique shops and cozy restaurants for visitors to explore.

No American city has done Christmas longer than St. Augustine. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine remains the oldest active city in the continental United States. And its palm-lined holiday festivities are the stuff of legend. St. Augustine goes all-out for Christmas, decorating historic streets and gardens with millions of twinkling holiday lights. The town is adorned with millions of festive lights during its Nights of Lights. From November into January, the city's historic, Spanish Colonial architecture is set aglow by the spirit of the season in one of the most breathtaking displays of holiday lighting in the world.

If Dahlonega looks straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie, that’s because a number have been filmed there. It’s also the perfect setting for the annual Old-Fashioned Christmas fest, starting right after Thanksgiving with a tree and town square lighting, horse-drawn carriage rides around the historic square, Santa Claus visits and extended store hours. The latter three continue throughout December, along with a Christmas market, holiday concerts, tree decorating, live Nativity scene, parade and caroling. And while it’s unlikely to snow, the town does indeed deliver an old-timey Christmas filled with hot cocoa and memory-making.

In Hawaii, Santa trades his sleigh for an outrigger canoe before paying a visit to Kauai's Festival of Lights.

Every year, families and solo travelers from all parts of Kauai make the drive to Lihue's Historic County Building and its Festival of Lights. From Dec. 1 through New Year's Day, a dazzling display of LED lights rests among the royal palms and monkey pod trees alongside ornaments made from repurposed materials found on the island like plastic water bottles, aluminum cans and discarded CDs.

Situated by picturesque Payette Lake and its natural ice skating rink, McCall offers an idyllic, outdoor setting for travelers unbothered by winter weather. The town hosts the McCall Winter Carnival, featuring elaborately crafted ice sculptures, parades, live music and various winter activities. It's a festive and fun-filled event for visitors of all ages complemented by an array of outdoor activities like sledding, fat biking and skiing.

Each December, the postcard-like streets of this historic Illinois town teetering on the Wisconsin and Iowa borders become a dreamlike setting for holiday fun.

Stroll through thousands of flickering candles adorning streets, steps and sidewalks during Galena’s Night of the Luminaria and Living Windows. Far from a static display, the town’s many storefronts bristle to life with animated displays featuring toy soldiers, model trains and Christmas characters from Frosty the Snowman to Santa Claus himself.

In Indiana, the town of Santa Claus lives up to its name with a magical Christmas experience. Santa Claus offers holiday-themed rides, shows and attractions that make it a favorite destination for families during Christmas. The town also hosts events like the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration, featuring parades, Santa meet-and-greets and festivities for all ages.

Dutch windmills rise over the snow-covered plains of Iowa in Pella. Founded by Dutch immigrants in 1847, the town’s European-inspired architecture draped in holiday garland creates a captivating setting for beautiful light displays and traditional Dutch festivities. Visitors can drop by one of the town’s bakeries for a traditional Dutch delight, take a tour of the Vermeer Windmill, the tallest operating windmill in the United States, or head out onto nearby Lake Red Rock to spot bald eagles and go snowshoeing.

Affectionally dubbed "Little Sweden, USA," the quiet town of Lindsborg makes the perfect destination for holiday revelers in Kansas. Visitors can witness traditional Swedish Christmas celebrations like Luciafest, dance to the songs of traditional Swedish folk dances and find Scandinavian Christmas crafts, confectionaries and holiday snacks in its charming shops.

The highlight of it all? Lindsborg's iconic Dala horses, dubbed one of the "8 Wonders of Kansas," decorated in beautiful holiday colors throughout the town.

Widely known as the "Bourbon Capital of the World," Bardstown's Christmas spirit is second to none in the Bluegrass State. In December, the town becomes "The North Pole of Kentucky," while adding a touch of Southern hospitality to its holiday celebrations during its annual Christmas parade, where beautifully decorated floats make their way through streets decked out in twinkling lights.

Visitors can also enjoy holiday-themed tours, concerts and other festive events. And they can venture into a winter forest wonderland at My Old Kentucky Home State Park.

In Louisiana, the town of Natchitoches is famous for its spectacular Christmas lights. The Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights is one of the oldest and largest holiday light displays in the country, serving up some 300,000 lights and more than 100 set pieces celebrating the season. The town's historic district along the shores of Cane River Lake hums with millions of lights, fireworks, live entertainment and a festive atmosphere where shops stay open late to allow visitors to amble their aisles for the perfect gifts beneath the lights.

Many New England towns will provide the warm fuzzies for Christmas, but Kennebunkport has been throwing its annual Christmas Prelude for more than 40 years. Get in the Christmas spirit with historic home tours, trolley rides, craft fairs, caroling, lobster boat rides, karaoke, tree lighting, gingerbread house decorating and much more. In several unique twists on tradition, visitors can join a candlelit procession seeking shelter with Mary and Joseph — and watch the lighting of a towering tree of lobster traps. End nearly two weeks of seemingly endless activities by joining Santa and Mrs. Claus for breakfast, followed by a costumed dog parade and Santa’s official arrival on a fire engine accompanied by the promise of hot chocolate and candy canes.

Frederick has a bit of everything to cover your Christmas fix, kicking off in November with horse-drawn carriage rides, a Christmas market and extended store hours in downtown’s cute boutique shops. Frosty Friday involves live music, Santa photo ops and make-your-own s’mores stations. The Frederick Holiday Circus (featuring aerial performers, not animals) is a new Frosty Friday tradition, capped off with Santa’s official arrival. Don't miss the Kris Kringle Procession, a German-inspired parade that concludes with the town’s tree lighting, candlelit house tours, light festival and more. For something different, swing by Carroll Creek Park to catch Sailing Through the Winter Solstice, an installation featuring small illuminated boats along the canal.

In Stockbridge, visitors can delve into the very artwork that helped define America's imagery of the holidays at the Norman Rockwell Museum. An archive of all things Rockwell, including the artist's iconic work at the Saturday Evening Post, the museum hosts Norman Rockwell: Home for the Holidays, an exhibit showcasing Rockwell's journey from a teenage Christmas card designer to a full-fledged holiday icon.

Outside, the town's Main Street captures the essence of Rockwell's famous painting, Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas, featuring caroling, holiday concerts, craft fairs and a festive holiday atmosphere capped by the town's signature Christmas parade.

In Michigan, the town of Frankenmuth is known as "Michigan's Little Bavaria" and — as one might expect from its title — it offers a delightful Christmas experience. The town is adorned with holiday lights and decorations, creating a magical ambiance. Visitors can explore the authentic German architecture, indulge in traditional German treats like pretzels and strudel, and enjoy the festivities of Christmas in Frankenmuth, including ice skating, a driving light tour and a musical Christmas tree show.

Located on the banks of the St. Croix River, Stillwater charms holiday visitors with winter games, outdoor hockey and a bustling Main Street with restaurants and wine bars decked out in jingle bells. During "Hometown for the Holidays," the town's streets and riverfront bristle with twinkling holiday lights, carriage rides and — of course — a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

In Stillwater, visitors can settle in around a hearth in a historic, 19th-century home like the Ann Bean Mansion after spending the day browsing boutiques in town or shredding some powder on the slopes at nearby Afton Alps ski resort.

Christmas in Natchez officially kicks off with the lighting of the town’s 34-foot-tall Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. It’s the beginning of a monthlong festivity where the town’s famed array of historic homes dress up in garland and lights for the holidays. Though you’re unlikely to see snow on the banks of the Mississippi River this far south, Natchez brings home the holiday spirit.

In Missouri, the town of St. Charles is a must-visit for a charming Christmas getaway. St. Charles' Main Street is transformed from a picturesque small town into a holiday wonderland, with thousands of twinkling lights and festive decorations. Visitors can enjoy the St. Charles Christmas Traditions festival, which includes carolers, holiday characters and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Holiday visitors to Whitefish are immersed in the magic of the surrounding Rocky Mountains and a glimmering Main Street lined by Christmas lights. A gateway to nearby Glacier National Park — where snowshoeing and cross-country skiing await around Lake McDonald Lodge — Whitefish is a picturesque destination. Here, visitors can take part in the torchlit Christmas parades at Whitefish Mountain Resort while indulging in holiday shopping, cozy fireside meals and special cocktails made for the holidays.

Nestled just south of Omaha, the quaint town of Nebraska City is known for bringing small town, Americana charm to the Christmas season.

The town hosts the annual Winter Wonderland Festival, featuring a grand holiday parade, a Santa's Workshop and a spectacular lighting festival at the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. Visitors can enjoy the warm holiday spirit — even in the typically chilly December Nebraska air — and explore the town's historic sites while taking part in activities like a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and free gift wrapping under the town Christmas tree.

Virginia City is a 19th-century mining town that still maintains its historic Old West facade along the main street. The town became famous when miners discovered silver instead of gold (the first US discovery), which became known as the Comstock Lode. This history is acknowledged in the annual Christmas on the Comstock in December, filled with two weeks of events such as fireworks, train rides on the Candy Cane Express (aka the Virginia and Truckee Railroad), craft fairs, tree lighting, town carolers, parade of lights and, of course, visits with Santa. You can also catch Christmas-themed performances at the 19th-century Piper’s Opera House.

A historic district adorned with twinkling lights sets the stage for Portsmouth’s Vintage Christmas celebration, where the town puts on its holiday best. The town’s annual Gingerbread House Contest puts world-class confectionary creations on display with makers all vying for bragging rights for the best edible house on the block. Candlelight strolls through the Strawbery Banke provide a solemn, flickering prelude for a visit to Portsmouth’s outdoor ice skating rink at Puddle Dock Pond.

Cape May is famous for its picturesque Victorian architecture. During the holiday season, its gaslit streets and wall-to-wall historic architecture set the tone for the holidays. Visitors can enjoy the Cape May Christmas Candlelight House Tour, where beautifully decorated homes open their doors to the public. Cape May also offers holiday-themed trolley rides, festive shopping at Congress Hall's Winter Wonderland and a kids' breakfast with Santa.

Taos is known for its rich Native American and Hispanic heritage, which adds a unique cultural flair to holiday celebrations during Yuletide. From November through New Year's Day, visitors can observe the traditional Mexican remembrance of the season dubbed Los Posadas or experience festivities like the Taos Folk pop-up market, the Sagebrush Winter Jamboree Arts & Crafts Fair and the Lighting of Ledoux, where farolitos, luminarias and bonfires illuminate one of the town's most historic avenues.

The lakeside town of Skaneateles is located in the scenic Finger Lakes region and makes an ideal backdrop for its Dickens Christmas held weekends from Nov. 28 through Dec. 24. The fun officially launches with the World's Smallest Christmas Parade, as the Dickens cast winds its way through town to the Hannum House for its opening carol. Opening day is a preview for what to expect the following weekends: Christmas Carol sing-alongs with the Dickens crew at the local gazebo, interactive scenes from A Christmas Carol, horse-drawn carriage rides through town, roasted chestnuts and the chance to meet Father Christmas at the Masonic Temple. While taking care of shopping in town, you’ll also encounter a brass band, the occasional bagpiper and possibly Scrooge himself. Back to holiday cheer, December also brings opportunities to attend Christmas concerts and skate or breakfast with Santa.

Skiing and ice skating mark the start of the Christmas season in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Each year, the Appalachian enclave becomes a Rockwellian Christmas scene with horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, live music and a festival of trees. The historic steam locomotives of the Tweetsie Railroad even get in on the action, creating a real-life Appalachian Polar Express.

Meanwhile, nearby Blue Ridge Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.

Located in the beautiful North Dakota Badlands, Medora offers a unique holiday experience trimmed by Wild West flair. The town lights up for the season with festive decorations, and visitors can enjoy holiday-themed productions like the Old Fashioned Cowboy Christmas and A Very Merry Badlands Christmas musical variety shows at the Old Town Hall Theater. Medora also provides opportunities for incredible outdoor adventures like viewing wild horses and bison in the snow at Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The world's largest indoor Christmas toyland awaits at Medina's Castle Noel. Inside, visitors will find Hollywood Christmas props from movies like Jingle All the Way, A Christmas Carol and Fred Claus along with breathtaking, New York-style animated Christmas windows from Bloomingdale's, Sak's Fifth Avenue and Macy's.

Outside, Medina shines with candlelight Christmas walks and the lively sounds of A Celtic Christmas performance at the Medina Performing Arts Center. The town's charming stable of bed and breakfasts makes a weekend trip to this Christmas getaway a breeze.

Red-brick streets, the clopping of horse hooves and the harmony of carolers mark Christmas in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Each year, Guthrie's Territorial Christmas celebration harkens back to a bygone era romanticized by holiday songs and stores of yore. Meanwhile, costumed reenactors dressed in Victorian garb welcome Guthrie's visitors to historic home tours on Victorian Walk Nights, hosted regularly throughout December.

In Oregon, the town of Silverton shines as a top small town to visit for Christmas. Silverton's historic downtown is beautifully decorated with lights and ornaments, creating a festive atmosphere not far from the snow-fed roar of Silver Falls.

The town hosts an annual tree lighting ceremony, where the community gathers around a towering tree for caroling and the lighting of the tree. And at the Silverton Christmas Market, visitors waltz through a multi-colored festival filled with artisan vendors, snow tubing and a firepit — all lit by 1 million Christmas lights.

Pennsylvania’s self-proclaimed “Christmas City,” Bethlehem was named on Christmas Day in 1741 with a title harkening back to the Biblical roots of the holiday. The town's historic district is adorned with beautiful lights, and visitors can enjoy the Christkindlmarkt, a European-style Christmas market featuring handmade German ornaments and foods along with live music.

Elsewhere, the city's Bethlehem by Nights bus tour and horse-drawn carriage rides give visitors two perfect ways to sit back, relax and enjoy the ambiance of this town's historic charm.

Christmas in Newport is a magical experience that combines the charm of a historic seaside town with the festive spirit of the holiday season. The city's Gilded Age mansions, such as The Breakers and Marble House, are adorned with stunning holiday decor, making the Christmas in Newport experience truly unique. Visitors can embark on the Newport Mansions' Holiday Evening Tour, a special candlelight tour that showcases these opulent homes in their yuletide splendor.

Bowen's Wharf comes alive with its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, creating a picturesque waterfront scene.

Dense pine forests meet the sea in Beaufort. The historic, coastal town of Beaufort is known for Spanish moss and Southern charm. During the holiday season visitors can enjoy Gullah Taste of Christmas & Rice Cookoff, the production Christmas Wish...Freedom 2025 by the Gullah Traveling Theater Inc. and Holiday Bash presentd by the USCB Center for the Arts.

Elsewhere, holiday markets, horse-drawn carriage rides and the opportunity to explore the town's historic district with its quaint streets and antebellum homes create a warm atmosphere to celebrate the season.

In South Dakota, the town of Deadwood offers a unique Christmas experience. Known for its rich history as a historic gold rush town, Deadwood becomes a winter wonderland during the holiday season with ice skating and live holiday music headlining Outlaw Square. Visitors can also take part in the annual Deadwood Holiday Open House, where shops and restaurants offer festive treats and special promotions at the Days of 76 Museum.

Plus, the nearby Black Hills provide opportunities for outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding.

Bustling Gatlinburg in the heart of the Smoky Mountains is worth a visit year-round; but in the holidays, the town roars to life with stores filled with Christmas decor, sauntering Clydesdales horses, skiing and snowboarding at Ober Gatlinburg and the magic of nearby Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas. Families can have breakfast with Santa Claus at the Old Mill or ascend to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle for bird's-eye views of the sea of Christmas lights below.

Another town known for its German heritage, the Texas Hill Country town of Fredericksburg embraces the holiday season with Fredericksburg Weihnachtszeit, its annual celebration of Christmas. Events like the Fredericksburg Christmas Parade, where visitors can enjoy the bright lights, cheerful floats and marching bands, take center stage. Meanwhile, the town also hosts a variety of holiday markets and the annual Christmas Nights of Lights highlighted by a hauntingly beautiful 30-foot German Christmas Pyramid.

Park City knows how to celebrate Christmas. It welcomes the holiday season with its annual tree lighting, accompanied by live music and fireworks. Holiday celebrations ramp up in mid-December with the start of Snowfest, a two-week holiday extravaganza with a dramatic Santa arrival. Forget fire trucks, Park City’s Santa skis downhill directly to Main Street for his official entrance. Other events on the Snowfest itinerary include caroling, DIY s'mores and holiday movie nights. The finale happens with the annual Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade, when more than 100 of the town’s ski and snowboard instructors ski down the mountain holding torches, followed by Santa.

In Vermont, the town of Woodstock is known for its idyllic New England charm, especially during the Christmas season. Woodstock's historic village center is beautifully decorated for the holidays, and visitors can enjoy the Woodstock Wassail Weekend, a cherished tradition featuring festive performances, a holiday house tour and a delightful Wassail Parade. The town also offers cozy inns, picturesque landscapes and the opportunity to experience a quintessential Vermont Christmas.

Historic Middleburg bills itself as the country’s horse and hunt capital, so no surprise that an unexpected Christmas tradition revolves around the annual Middleburg Hunt Review. Mind you, this involves more parading than hunting, as about 150 horses and riders, the latter in traditional hunt riding attire, along with dozens of hounds, parade through town starting about 11 a.m. The review is preceded by breakfast with Santa and followed by the Middleburg Christmas Parade. The mile-long procession involves floats and music, but you can also expect to see at least 700 animals — and not just dogs and horses, but possibly llamas and alpacas, too. Of course, Christmas festivities aren’t limited to one weekend. Middleburg’s Salamander Resort & Spa hosts events throughout the month, from brunch with Santa to gingerbread house decorating, while the historic Red Fox Inn and Tavern provides holiday dining in a gorgeous, 18th-century environment.

Leavenworth takes Christmas seriously. The small town of about 2,000 people is already impossibly picturesque with its Bavarian buildings set against a mountain backdrop. But it goes next level with its Christmas Lighting Festival, held over three weekends in December. The centerpiece is the lighting ceremony, where more than half a million lights are switched on around sunset each Saturday and Sunday of the fest. During the weekend you’ll also find Santa holding court at the local gazebo, hand bell choirs, carolers, sledding, live music and a tent selling hot spiced gluhwein and hot chocolate. Keep in mind that the lights are on seven days a week during the holidays in case you miss the lighting weekends. December also brings a Christkindlmarkt and Christmas Bazaar, a nutcracker hunt at the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, wreath-making class and more to keep the family entertained.

In West Virginia, the town of Shepherdstown is a hidden gem for a festive Christmas experience. Shepherdstown's historic downtown area is adorned with beautiful lights and decorations. The town hosts the Christmas in Shepherdstown celebration, featuring a holiday parade, Santa's arrival and a variety of family-friendly activities like the Town Hall bonfire and storytelling by Mrs. Claus.

Visitors can also enjoy the town's charming shops, cozy restaurants and the nearby natural beauty of the Potomac River.

Each Christmas, the historic village of Kohler transforms into a snow-draped, shimmering backdrop for winter that feels plucked from the pages of a holiday movie. Located just outside of Sheboygan, Kohler hosts the opulent, warm waters of the Kohler Waters Spa inside the American Club — a historic, Wisconsin hotel that has hosted the likes of Theodore Roosevelt.

After waltzing through the light displays in Kohler, visitors can make the short jaunt over to Sheboygan where the adventurous at heart can try their hand at surfing on Lake Michigan with a beach made of snow.