TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Year-end festivities have a way of infusing every moment with a rare kind of magic, and the best Christmas towns in the U.S. elevate that spirit with unmistakable flair. These communities pour heart and heritage into their holiday displays, creating scenes that feel timeless in every snow-dusted detail. Passed lovingly from one generation to the next, they endure as classic winter destinations no traveler should overlook.
To help you craft the most indulging itinerary, let's take a snapshot of America's most enchanting Christmas towns according to CN Traveler and Lonely Planet.
Best Christmas Towns in the U.S.
1. Santa Fe, NM
It’s easy to see why Santa Fe occupies the first rank among the best Christmas towns in the U.S. Its adobe storefronts, bathed in the warm glow of farolitos and the scent of piñon wood, create a holiday scene that feels both storied and enchanting. And as you stroll past artists’ studios, bustling markets, and locals honoring time-honored traditions, the city becomes impossible to resist.
2. New York City, NY
As the season’s familiar melodies begin to echo through the city, New York steps effortlessly into its holiday persona, revealing just how magical Christmas in the Big Apple can be. Through November and December, every borough feels like a stage set aglow, from the iconic tree at Rockefeller Center to the gleaming storefronts along Fifth Avenue.
When the peak of the season arrives, the city unveils its most spectacular moments: the Rockettes lighting up Radio City, Bryant Park bustling with festive stalls, and Dyker Heights transforming into a luminous wonderland.
3. Asheville, NC
Few mountain towns embrace the Christmas retreats quite like Asheville. The city dazzles with seasonal traditions, from the illuminated landscapes of the North Carolina Arboretum to charming holiday markets tucked between Blue Ridge vistas.
At the center of the festivities is the iconic Biltmore Estate, where Gilded Age grandeur transforms into a full-fledged holiday spectacle. Through the snow-capped arena, hundreds of hand-trimmed trees, countless ornaments, and a soaring 35-foot tree in the banquet hall create a scene worthy of a Christmas film.
4. North Pole, AK
Bringing together small-town charm and full-scale holiday immersion, Alaska has earned its rightful place among the best Christmas towns in the U.S. for its wholehearted devotion. The town’s festive identity is woven into everything, from candy-cane lampposts and cheerfully named streets like Snowman Lane and Saint Nicholas Drive to its beloved post office, which receives tens of thousands of letters addressed to Santa each year.
The magic starts the moment you’re greeted by the towering 42-foot Santa outside Santa Claus House, before stepping inside to meet St. Nick himself and browse gifts crafted by local artisans.
5. Burlington, VT
Burlington’s holiday charm comes to life with a warmth and sparkle worthy of any classic Christmas town. While Church Street is set aglow under canopies of twinkling lights, market stalls are endearingly overflowing with handcrafted Vermont treasures. Now fully immersed in the momentum, be a guest to the town's seasonal highlights, spanning from Hotel Champlain's Sunday with Santa, to Holidays on the Marketplace.
6. Seattle, WA
As one of the best Christmas towns in the U.S., Seattle dons its holiday sparkle with prominent grandeur, sheltering under the warm Pacific Northwest glow. From the radiant tree crowning the Space Needle to the lively swirl of Winterfest and Bellevue’s Snowflake Lane, every corner hums with seasonal enchantment.
Amongst them all, time-honored favorites– think about Sheraton Grand’s whimsical Gingerbread Village and the luminous Enchant Christmas maze, embrace the city with wonder that delights all ages.
7. Kennebunkport, ME
A coastal gem often overlooked, Kennebunkport showcases a holiday season that feels effortlessly magical. Its signature Christmas Prelude, now in its 44th year, fills the seaside town with days of caroling, twinkling displays, and the much-loved lighting of the lobster-trap tree, complete with Santa swapping his sleigh for a lobster boat.
Adding to the charm, the Seashore Trolley Museum sends guests gliding through wintry woods aboard festively decorated trolleys. And for those hunting for special gifts, the Merry Makers Market and Kennebunkport’s inviting boutiques offer a delightful array of handcrafted finds.
8. Branson, MO
Branson may be best known as the Ozarks’ entertainment capital, but come winter, it quietly turns into one of the best Christmas towns in the U.S. Throughout the season, the town bursts with festive energy, bearing 1,500 Christmas trees, ice skating beneath the glowing Branson Ferris Wheel, and immersive drive-through light displays that brighten the night from dusk to late hours.
For many locals, the crown jewel is Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas, a sweeping celebration saturated with more than 6.5 million lights, towering trees, Broadway-style shows, and enough nostalgic charm to warm even the chilliest December day. Beyond the park, visitors can zip down Wolfe Mountain’s Snowflex tubing hill, ride the Polar Express through the Ozark wilderness, or wander the Branson Landing, where radiant decoration and a soaring LED Christmas tree set the town aglow.
9. Denver, CO
As December rolls in, Denver is starting on the right foot to warm every outing. For the most part, families can wander through the luminous pathways of Denver Zoo Lights, glide across downtown ice rinks after a day of shopping, or settle into the timeless comfort of seasonal classics like A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker.
Capping the holiday season, the towering Mile High Tree adds its own spectacle to the festivities alongside the beloved Denver Christkindlmarket surrounding the Civic Center Park.
10. New Orleans, LA
With its signature flair, New Orleans turns December into a feast of color, music, and merriment. Stepping into a monthlong wonderland, this landscape is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas towns in the U.S., where ancient oaks shimmer beneath elaborate displays and the air hums with revelry.
As these destinations prove, the best Christmas towns in the U.S. capture the season’s magic in ways that feel both timeless and wonderfully distinct. If you’re ready to keep the festivities going, don’t miss our guide to the best Christmas markets in the U.S., where even more holiday charm awaits.
Read: 8 Best Christmas Towns in the World: Find Your Holiday Magic Here
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