The 5 best Christmas towns in the United States

Looking for a magical holiday getaway? From snowy mountain villages to historic Christmas cities, these enchanting small towns across the US transform into winter wonderlands during the festive season. Here's where to experience the most charming Christmas celebrations and find cozy places to stay.

Living up to its festive name, this small Midwestern town celebrates Christmas 365 days a year. But during the holiday season, Santa Claus truly comes alive with twinkling lights, festive events, and enough holiday cheer to make even Scrooge smile.

Festive activities in Santa Claus

Visit Santa's Land of Lights, a 1.2-mile driving journey illuminated by LED displays telling the story of Rudolph. Make time for Santa's Candy Castle, a historic 1935 landmark offering over 30 varieties of hot cocoa. Here, you’ll also find the interactive North Pole Network, where children can check their "naughty or nice" status.

The Santa Claus Museum & Village showcases the town's history and houses the original Santa Claus Post Office, where volunteers have answered children's Christmas letters since 1914. During the first three weekends of December, join the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration for Santa visits and see the Christmas Lake Village light display featuring 300 decorated homes.

Places to stay in Santa Claus

Santa's Lodge embraces the holiday spirit with themed decorations throughout the property, creating a festive atmosphere year-round. Guests can enjoy the indoor pool and hot tub for relaxation, and the on-site St. Nick's Restaurant offers classic cuisine with seasonal specialties for various holidays.

Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village nestled in the Cascade Mountains that looks like it was plucked straight from a European Christmas card. Snow-capped peaks and Alpine architecture create the perfect backdrop for holiday celebrations, while the town's dedication to authentic German traditions makes it a standout Christmas destination.

Festive activities in Leavenworth

The Village of Lights Christmastown illuminates downtown with over half a million lights from Thanksgiving through February, culminating each weekend with Bavarian entertainment and a Christmas Lighting Ceremony. The town's Christkindlmarkt recreates an authentic German holiday market. Here, you can sample lebkuchen (honey-sweetened cake) and glühwein (spiced wine) while watching local artisans demonstrate traditional crafts.

Visit the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, home to more than 7,000 nutcrackers, and take an evening candlelight tour in December. For outdoor adventures, join a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered valley or head to the Ski Hill Lodge for tubing, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing under the stars.

Places to stay in Leavenworth

Snowgrass Lodge offers a spacious five-bedroom chalet with river and mountain views, perfect for families or groups celebrating the holidays together. The property features a cozy fireplace in the living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a relaxing hot tub where you can unwind after exploring the town's Christmas festivities while taking in the stunning mountain scenery.

Known as "Christmas City USA," Bethlehem embraces its holiday heritage with historic charm and traditional celebrations dating back to the Moravian settlers. The city's iconic star, standing 91 feet tall atop South Mountain, has been a beacon of holiday spirit since 1937.

Festive activities in Bethlehem

The award-winning Christkindlmarkt spans five weeks across four tents, featuring over 100 rotating artisans demonstrating crafts like glass-blowing, plus authentic German treats and local choir performances. The market's St. Nicholas tent specializes in traditional decorations, from German nutcrackers to handmade ornaments, while daily entertainment keeps the holiday spirit alive.

Join the Christmas City Stroll through the National Historic Landmark District, where costumed guides share stories of 1700s celebrations. Don't miss the unique Live Advent Calendar at the Goundie House, where each evening at 5:30 pm, a different local business reveals surprises. These spectacles range from treats to performances, behind that day's "door."

Places to stay in Bethlehem

The Sayre Mansion, an 1858 Gothic Revival treasure, offers an intimate experience with period holiday decorations and a full breakfast served in the elegant dining room. Located in historic Bethlehem, it provides amenities like air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy the mansion's garden and terrace areas, perfect for morning coffee while planning your Christmas market visits.

Where else can you visit Santa's house year-round? This charming town near Fairbanks keeps the Christmas spirit alive through all seasons. And it’s truly magical during winter when the Northern Lights dance overhead and snow blankets the candy cane-striped street lights.

Festive activities in North Pole

Santa Claus House, marked by the world's largest Santa statue at 42 feet tall, offers unique experiences. Some of these include meeting Santa himself and shopping for authentic North Pole birth certificates and postmarked mail. Since 1952, their letter-writing program has answered millions of children's Christmas wishes, making it a must-visit destination for families.

The Winter Festival transforms the town with ice sculpture competitions, dog mushing demonstrations, and a dazzling holiday lights competition among local businesses. You can join guided northern lights viewing tours and enjoy breakfast with Santa featuring local specialties like reindeer sausage. You can even visit the Antler Academy to learn about and photograph real reindeer in their natural habitat.

Places to stay in North Pole

The Southern Driftwood Inn offers a spacious four-bedroom apartment ideal for families visiting Santa's hometown. The property features a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances and a comfortable dining area where you can gather after a day of Christmas activities.

Frankenmuth, Michigan's "Little Bavaria,” is home to the world's largest Christmas store and maintains its German heritage through traditional celebrations and architecture. Known for its authentic European atmosphere, the town's commitment to Bavarian culture extends to every detail, from the architecture to the pretzels.

Festive activities in Frankenmuth

Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, spanning over two acres with thousands of holiday items and more than 350 decorated trees, is the world's largest Christmas store. The complex includes the Silent Night Chapel and a replica of the Austrian chapel where the famous carol debuted in 1818. There’s also a half-mile Christmas Lane illuminated with thousands of lights each evening.

The town's traditional Christkindlmarkt and River Place Shops bring Bavarian Christmas to life with handcrafted gifts, German treats, and roaming carolers. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through snow-dusted streets, then visit the World Famous Bavarian Inn Restaurant for holiday events including strudel-making demonstrations and performances from their traditional glockenspiel tower.

Places to stay in Frankenmuth

Farmhouse Near Little Bavaria offers a spacious six-bedroom apartment perfect for large families or groups celebrating Christmas together. The property features a fully equipped kitchen and dining area ideal for preparing traditional holiday meals. Located approximately two miles from the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, this farmhouse provides a comfortable base for exploring Bronner's Christmas Wonderland and the town's festive markets.

• Book accommodations early, as these popular Christmas towns fill up quickly during the holiday season. 
• Consider visiting during weekdays for a more intimate, festive feel.
• Many towns offer special holiday packages that include accommodations and event tickets. 
• Check each destination's event calendar to plan your visit around specific celebrations.

From small-town charm to dazzling light displays, these destinations offer unique ways to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you're seeking traditional German markets or Santa's workshop, you'll find the perfect Christmas getaway in these festive towns found in the US.