Enjoy Christmas magic by visiting these U.S. towns!
The delight of seeing a town dressed in holiday clothes is incomparable. Even in the coldest weather, the sight of string lights and holly boughs can make you feel warm.
There are many such towns scattered throughout the United States, and everyone wants to spend Christmas in one that looks like it was taken from a Hallmark movie. Secretly, I know you want that too!
Both families and lone travelers are drawn to the nation’s festive locations. As you explore the streets of these cute Christmas towns, get ready to see some of the most amazing light displays, have a hot toddy with the locals at a quaint tavern, and run into Santa Claus himself. Wouldn’t that be great? Now, without further ado, these are the U.S. towns worth visiting this season.
Vail, Colorado
In this Colorado paradise, the ski season gets underway during the holidays. And if you’ve been here at least once, you know what I am talking about. New Year’s Eve celebrations, the lighting of the village tree, and fresh air are all part of December. Vail is one of my favorite U.S. towns to enjoy seasonal holidays with my family. Why? Well, let’s see.
First, Vail has become famous for its excellent coffee and cocktails, so if you’re up for some tasty beverages this is the place to go. But of course not the sole reason. Secondly, I’d recommend that in the morning, to check out the neighborhood favorites Yeti’s Grind and Loaded Joe’s, and in the evening, if you want to warm up a bit, go and enjoy professionally crafted cocktails at Root & Flower.
Before enjoying a nightcap at The Sebastian-Vail, a Timbers Resort, you could ring in the New Year at Sweet Basil, Vail’s longstanding premier fine dining destination. Lastly, take a nap at the enduringly charming, alpine-chic Lodge at Vail, a RockResort, which features a heated outdoor pool with beautiful fire pits on either side.
I’ve made your plan for the day, so what are you waiting for? Pack your bags! Christmas is just around the corner.
Breckenridge, Colorado
As the ski season speeds up during the holidays, Breckenridge gets lively. From tree lighting to the Race of the Santas, a half-mile footrace with runners dressed in costume, the resort town swings between excitement and peace throughout December. So if you’re planning on traveling with the kids, Breckenridge is the place to go!
From the house-made beers at Breckenridge Brewery to the cocktails (and occasionally live DJs who pick very nice tracks to dance on) at T-Bar, Breck’s picturesque après-ski options are sure to charm you.
Aspen, Colorado
It seems like I am in love with Colorado! Yep, guilty as charged! I chose Aspen this time around because it is one of the U.S. towns that gives me the old-fashioned Christmas vibe.
One of the happiest towns in the nation, this Rocky Mountain town offers a blend of small-town charm and extravagant living. While strolling down Cooper Avenue, you might come across elf meet-and-greets, tasty smores perfectly roasted, or cookie exchanges.
Get into the spirit at Aspen’s beloved hotels that never shy away from giving their customers the best “treatment.” For example, the Auberge Resorts Collection’s Hotel Jerome frequently hosts carolers in its lobby, and Ajax Tavern and Element 47 at The Little Nell both offer delicious holiday fare.
Are you trying to get an overview of the decorations? Reserve a Sky Residence at W Aspen to gain entry to a private rooftop lounge with breathtaking views of the mountains. Hurry up and do the booking ’cause it would be a shame to miss Aspen this winter!
Relying on your phone’s GPS isn’t bad, but what if the battery dies? It’s better to take precautionary measures and buy a foldable pocket-size map. For my family road trips, I use the National Geographic Road Atlas, whose folded size is 8″ x 11″. Get yours for $13.46!
Park City, Utah
During the holidays, this mountain town in Utah has a lot of visitors. With cars, bicycles, and the town trolley all decked out in lights, the season begins with an Electric Light Parade.
If you are unable to attend the parade, don’t worry; you can still see the town Christmas tree’s sparkling lights in Miner’s Park, which is typically at the end of November or the beginning of December.
Continue your holiday décor tour at Stein Eriksen Lodge, which annually creates a massive gingerbread display.
Newport, Rhode Island
If you’re a little uncomfortable with neon holiday lights and you prefer something more intimate and classy, go to elegant Newport, where people are encouraged to use white lights exclusively to create the illusion of an old-fashioned candlelit atmosphere.
In keeping with the city’s luxurious past, tours of the Newport Mansions show you Gilded Age architectural masterpieces such as Marble House, The Breakers, and The Elms, all of which are decorated with opulent trees, exquisite china, and ornaments.
Try some of Newport’s most popular restaurants, such as Aurelia at the Castle Hill Inn, if you’re up for some tasty food. However, you should keep an eye on the busiest hours and make a reservation when the place isn’t that crowded.
Leavenworth, Washington
If you’ve been to Leavenworth before, then you probably noticed that it has a slight German vibe. Imagine how it feels to be in Leavenworth for Christmas. Similar to the Vienna Christmas market. The surrounding mountains, aptly named the Enchantments, are reminiscent of the Alps, and the town itself was designed to resemble a traditional Bavarian village.
In late November, over half a million lights are set up across town, and they remain up until February. They are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.
Holiday activities like caroling, gingerbread house displays, and frequent visits from Santa are normal during the weekends. Oh, yay! Who is ready to talk to Santa about gifts and maybe take a picture with the old man too?
Cape May, New Jersey
Another town in which you can get the most of the Christmas magic is the one and only Cape May. Why did I choose this destination as one of the U.S. towns worth visiting during winter? I am going to say one word only: Victorian. And if you’re a fan of the era’s customs you’ll fall in love with Cape May in the blink of an eye.
The charming architecture of this Jersey Shore town demonstrates its strong Victorian heritage, which is further enhanced on the Dickensian scale during the holiday season.
While walking in the town, I recommend taking in the garlands and festive lights along the Washington Street Mall and then visiting The Original Fudge Kitchen while you’re there for delicious fudge (is so mouthwatering!) and saltwater taffy gift boxes.
If you have children, make reservations at Congress Hall. Usually, the hotel transforms its Grand Lawn into a winter wonderland by the sea, featuring a ton of festive events.
Now, tell me because I am super curious, where do you plan on spending the Christmas holidays?
Related article you may want to check out: 7 out of 10 Americans Don’t Know These 10 New York City Christmas Spots!
