America’s Favorite ‘Christmassy’ Towns 2023

From the twinkling lights of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, known as "Christmas City, USA," to the historic charm of Nantucket's Christmas Stroll, each town offers its distinct flavor of yuletide joy. Places like Santa Claus, Indiana, where the holiday spirit lives year-round, and the dazzling Festival of Lights in Charleston, South Carolina, add to the mosaic of America's Christmas destinations. These towns, with their rich traditions, embody the essence of the holiday season, making them popular destinations for families and holiday enthusiasts.

To help you decide how your family can get into the festive spirit this year, we conducted an extensive survey of 3,000 families to discover just which of these popular festive destinations families would most like to visit this season to spark that Christmas joy:

1. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, embodies the essence of the holiday spirit with its unique blend of festive charm and Appalachian hospitality. During the holiday season, this picturesque town transforms into a winter wonderland, draped in millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations, creating a magical atmosphere that captivates visitors of all ages. The town hosts an array of Christmas-themed events, including parades, shows, and the renowned Winterfest, showcasing stunning light displays and live entertainment. Additionally, Pigeon Forge is home to Dollywood, Dolly Parton's famed theme park, which features its own spectacular holiday celebrations, complete with seasonal music, performances, and traditional crafts. The combination of these enchanting attractions and the town's warm, welcoming vibe make the holiday season in Pigeon Forge particularly special, offering a quintessential Christmas experience steeped in Southern charm and cheer.

2. Durango, Colorado.

In second place is Durango, Colorado, celebrated as one of America's most charming holiday destinations, offering a unique and enchanting Christmas experience. What sets Durango apart during the festive season is its blend of natural beauty and historic charm. The town is adorned with festive lights and decorations, reflecting its rich heritage and creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. A highlight of the season is the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Polar Express train ride, which brings to life the magic of the classic Christmas story, delighting both children and adults. The journey through the snow-covered landscapes, complete with hot chocolate and carols, is a quintessential holiday experience. Additionally, Durango's proximity to the mountains offers a winter wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The town's small businesses, from local craft shops to warm cafes, add to the festive spirit, making Durango a special place to celebrate the holidays in a setting that beautifully combines natural splendor with traditional holiday joy.

3. Lake Placid, New York.

The charm of Lake Placid in winter lies in its stunning natural setting amidst the Adirondack Mountains, blanketed in snow, offering a picturesque backdrop for the holidays. The town embraces the spirit of the season with a warm, small-town ambiance, adorned with twinkling lights and elegant decorations that line its streets and shops, creating a storybook-like setting. A significant draw is the outdoor winter sports activities available, such as skiing, skating, and bobsledding, allowing visitors to indulge in the same grounds used by Olympic athletes. Lake Placid's holiday festivities are further enhanced by its unique events, like the Holiday Village Stroll, featuring carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and festive markets. The combination of the town's Olympic legacy, its breathtaking natural beauty, and its vibrant holiday activities make Lake Placid a special place to experience the joy and enchantment of the Christmas season in a truly spectacular winter setting.

4. Stowe, Vermont.

Stowe, Vermont, in 4th position with its postcard-worthy landscapes and quintessential New England charm, is a beloved destination during the holiday season, often regarded as a picture-perfect Christmas town. The essence of Stowe's holiday appeal lies in its idyllic setting amidst the Green Mountains, coupled with a picturesque village that seems to leap out of a Christmas card. The town is adorned with festive lights and decorations, and the air is filled with the scent of fresh pine and warm treats, enhancing its cozy, inviting atmosphere. A key feature of Stowe's holiday season is its vibrant Christmas markets and local craft fairs, which showcase Vermont's rich artisanal heritage and offer a plethora of unique, handcrafted gifts. Outdoor enthusiasts revel in Stowe's winter sports offerings, with its renowned ski slopes and trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, providing a snowy paradise for adventure lovers. The town also hosts a variety of seasonal events, such as tree lighting ceremonies, holiday parades, and live performances, all set against the backdrop of Stowe's charming, historic architecture.

5. Alexandria, Virginia.

Alexandria, Virginia, voted as America's fifth most Christmassy town, embodies the spirit of the holiday season with its unique blend of history and festive charm. The town's picturesque streets, lined with historic brick buildings, are transformed into a winter wonderland adorned with twinkling lights and holiday decorations. Alexandria's rich colonial history adds to its allure, offering a nostalgic backdrop to modern holiday celebrations. The town hosts a variety of seasonal events, such as traditional candlelight tours, and the iconic Scottish Christmas Walk Parade, showcasing its vibrant community spirit. The bustling holiday markets, local artisan shops, and cozy cafes create an inviting atmosphere, drawing visitors from near and far. Alexandria's blend of historic ambience, community festivities, and warm, welcoming spirit make it a quintessential destination for experiencing the magic of Christmas.

6. Old Saybrook, Connecticut.

Nestled at the mouth of the Connecticut River, this picturesque New England town transforms into a festive haven during the Christmas season. Old Saybrook's historic Main Street, with its quaint shops and colonial-era architecture, is adorned with beautiful holiday lights and decorations, creating a postcard-perfect setting. The town's annual Torchlight Parade is a highlight, featuring a procession of festively decorated vehicles, accompanied by the sounds of local marching bands and carolers. Old Saybrook's stunning waterfront, combined with its small-town charm and array of holiday events, crafts a delightful and intimate Christmas experience, making it a special place to celebrate the season.

7. Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

This picturesque town, nestled in the Berkshires, becomes a living postcard during the holiday season, reflecting a timeless beauty. The main street, resembling Rockwell's famous painting, is festooned with festive decorations and lights, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Stockbridge's unique appeal during the holidays is further enhanced by its historic homes and buildings, which are meticulously decorated and often open for tours, offering a glimpse into the town's rich history and traditions. A highlight of the season is the annual Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas event, where the town reenacts the scene from Rockwell's painting, complete with vintage automobiles and period attire, bringing the artwork to life.

8. Holland, Michigan.

Holland, Michigan, renowned for its Dutch heritage, transforms into a festive holiday haven during the Christmas season. The town's unique charm is highlighted by the Kerstmarkt, a European-style Christmas market, offering Dutch treats and artisan gifts. Streets lined with twinkling lights and colorful displays create a welcoming atmosphere, while the Parade of Lights adds a touch of magic. Historic downtown Holland, with its quaint shops and cafes, bustles with holiday activity, including tree lighting ceremonies and caroling. The town's blend of traditional American Christmas celebrations and Dutch cultural elements, like visits from Sinterklaas, makes Holland a distinctive and delightful destination for experiencing the holiday season.

9. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, known as "Christmas City USA," embodies a unique holiday spirit, blending rich history with festive traditions. During the Christmas season, this historic town, founded by Moravians, sparkles with thousands of lights, enhancing its colonial architecture and charming streets. The highlight is the famous Christkindlmarkt, an acclaimed Christmas market, featuring an array of handcrafted goods and live music, capturing the essence of old-world holiday markets. Bethlehem's "Live Advent Calendar," the only one of its kind in the country, offers daily surprises, adding to the anticipation of the season. This combination of historical significance, cultural festivities, and a warm, inviting atmosphere makes Bethlehem a captivating destination for experiencing the joy and traditions of the Christmas season.

10. North Pole, Alaska.

Finally North Pole in Alaska, was voted in 10th place among America's most festive holiday towns. This charming town, embracing its Christmas-themed identity year-round, becomes even more magical during the holiday season. Streets with names like Santa Claus Lane are adorned with festive lights and decorations, creating a winter wonderland atmosphere. A key attraction is the Santa Claus House, a Christmas store where the spirit of St. Nick lives all year, becoming a hub of holiday activity with visits from Santa himself. North Pole's community events, including the Winter Festival and Christmas in Ice, featuring ice sculptures and winter activities, add to the seasonal cheer. The town's location in Alaska, with its snowy landscapes and possibility of Northern Lights, further enhances the enchanting holiday experience.

The below table shows the most festive destinations across America ranking from 11th to 75th place:

Embarking on a journey through America's most Christmassy towns and cities offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse in the festive spirit and create cherished memories with family. These enchanting destinations, each adorned with twinkling lights, joyous carols, and the warm aroma of seasonal treats, serve as magical backdrops for family bonding and joyous celebrations. The experience of exploring these winter wonderlands cultivates a deep sense of togetherness, instilling in everyone the true essence of Christmas. Such trips not only strengthen family bonds but also instill a lasting sense of holiday cheer, making them a precious tradition that can be looked forward to year after year.

Image Credits:

1. Image by wirestock on Freepik.jpg

2. Image by benzoix on Freepik.jpeg

3. Image by teksomolika on Freepik.jpeg

4. Photo by Yana Lysenko on Unsplash.jpg

5. Photo by Fred Heap on Unsplash.jpg

6. Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash.jpg

7. Image by Freepik.jpg

8. Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik.jpg

9.Image by gpointstudio on Freepik.jpg

10. Photo by Georgia de Lotz on Unsplash.jpg

Survey of 3,000 respondents; December 2023.