Greenville, South Carolina
Downtown Greenville is quaint enough to be the set of a Hallmark movie. There’s even a miniature outdoor skating rink on Main Street and a Festival of Trees competition. Wander the park in search of coffee and crepes to warm up from the winter chill. If you’re lucky, you could get a dusting of snow.
Book Now The Westin Poinsett
Franklin, Tennessee
You’ll feel as if you’ve time traveled back to the age of Charles Dickens when you walk through Franklin’s historic Christmas festival. Characters from A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist come to life throughout the weekend-long festivities. Roam the Victorian Village and try Victorian-era Christmas treats like sugar plums while listening to carolers.
Book Now The Harpeth Franklin Downtown
Park City, Utah
A classic ski town, Park City offers Christmas markets, festive decorations, and a Christmas Eve parade lit by torches—plus spectacular views of the mountains are around every corner.
Book Now The Parkite on Main
Middleburg, Virginia
In the heart of Virginia horse country, you’ll find one of the most festive Christmas parades here. Cheer on the town’s hunting hounds while sipping hard cider and wander the streets in search of vintage Christmas ornaments.
Book Now Salamander Middleburg Resort & Spa
Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Springs is a lovely family-friendly destination any time of year, but it’s especially fun during the annual Victorian Street Walk. The Victorian-era town shuts down the streets to indulge in a Christmas celebration that includes carolers, live music, and late shopping hours for all those last-minute gifts.
BOOK NOW Saratoga Arms Hotel
Kennebunkport, Maine
During Kennebunkport’s annual Christmas Prelude, the town offers a very New England celebration: You can watch Santa Claus arrive by lobster boat, go on seashore holiday trolley rides, and enjoy wine tastings and lobster bakes. Not to mention, the town is covered in Christmas lights and garland that make it the perfect festive photo backdrop.
BOOK NOW Cape Arundel Inn & Resort
Santa Fe, New Mexico
For a dreamy and unique experience, head to Santa Fe. One of the most anticipated celebrations is the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, which is when thousands of farolitos—luminaries made of paper bags, sand, and tea candles—cast a glow on the gardens and old buildings that line the road. You also can get your white Christmas fix by visiting Ski Santa Fe.
BOOK NOW Inn and Spa at Loretto
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Mystic, Connecticut
Solvang, California
Jackson, Wyoming
After enjoying time on the slopes in Jackson Hole, experience all of the town’s festivities, such as a tree-lighting ceremony, an annual Christmas parade, and more. Billed as the last of the Old West, you’ll love this town’s proximity to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
BOOK NOW Hotel Jackson
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Bernville, Pennsylvania
Koziar’s Christmas Village in Bernville is one of the top attractions in Pennsylvania. With more than a million lights adorning buildings, barns, and the landscape—and a reflective lake that doubles the beauty—it’s hard to beat the town’s display.
BOOK NOW Mill Stone Guest Lodging
Clifton, Ohio
If you’re looking for a top-tier light display this Christmas, head to Clifton, Ohio. Clifton Mill shines with 4 million red and white lights. Along with the mill, you’ll find a 100-foot “waterfall” of twinkling lights, miniature village, Santa Claus museum, and vintage toy collection—even Santa working at his workshop.
BOOK NOW Gaslight Bed & Breakfast
Leavenworth, Washington
This Bavarian-style village is charming any time of year! December festivities include a display of Santa costumes from all around the world, a gingerbread house competition, carolers, and photo ops galore.
BOOK NOW Leavenworth Village Inn
New York, New York
Of course, New York City isn’t a small town, but it is extra magical at Christmas. From the massive tree at Rockefeller Center to the various Christmas markets in the city parks with ice skating, shops, and more, you can’t beat the Big Apple’s holiday spirit.
BOOK NOW The Plaza
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Big Spring, Texas
Nicknamed the Lighted Poinsettia Capital of Texas, this town brings major holiday spirit every year. Visit during December when the lighted trail in Comanche Trail Park is aglow all month long. Check out Hotel Settles for its elegant Art Deco lodging.
BOOK NOW Hotel Settles
Asheville, North Carolina
The Biltmore, the historic Vanderbilt mansion in the Blue Ridge Mountains, goes all out for Christmas. The decorations, food, and festivities on property alone are worth a visit, but if you want to venture out, the artsy mountain town is lit by a million lights.
BOOK NOW The Biltmore
Williamsburg, Virginia
During the holiday season, each home in Historic Williamsburg lights one candle, a tradition that dates back to the Revolutionary War era. The cobblestone streets and colonial holiday traditions such as caroling by torchlight make this destination a must, especially for history buffs.
BOOK NOW Williamsburg Inn
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