Are you ready for the holidays? Ready or not, the holiday season is upon us! If you are looking for a bit of Christmas cheer but want to avoid the big bustling cities, try one of these small towns in the United States with a big Christmas spirit. Here are ten of my finds for you to ring in the holidays, in ho, ho ho, no particular order.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Christmas is usually associated with images of snow, winter delights such as mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, and getting cozy in front of a roaring fire. Louisiana is not quite the winter wonderland, but if you’re looking for warmer weather while maintaining that merry Christmas mood, Natchitoches might be the place for you! With daytime temperatures in the 60s, this may not be your typical Christmas, but it is definitely worthy of a visit. The 300,000 lights, fireworks, live music, and craft fairs make this famous festival one you won’t forget!
Leavenworth, Washington
If you’ve ever wanted to visit Bavaria for a European Christmas but don’t want to trek across the pond to make it happen, the next best thing is Leavenworth, WA. Found at the base of the Cascade Mountains, this carefully designed small alpine town really knows how to put the charm into the holiday season. With over 500,000 lights, music, a busy Christkindlmarkt, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and an opportunity to meet Santa, there is magic to be found in this picturesque Bavarian-style town.
Santa Claus, Indiana
With a name like Santa Claus, it’s possible this Indiana town has already come across your Christmas radar. With less than 3,000 permanent residents, for three weeks each December, this self-proclaimed Christmas Hometown of America is full of kids of all ages looking to capture a little Santa Claus magic. Home to its very own Santa Claus Post Office, one can send a letter to Santa at any stage of the year, and the town organizes hundreds of volunteer elves to respond to every single one, complete with a Santa Claus postmark! I want to volunteer to be an elf! This is a town where traditions are born, with lights, parades, and the Santa Claus museum village to fill your visit. Consider Santa Claus for your next family vacation during the holidays.
Woodstock, Vermont
For a traditional white Christmas straight out of the stories your grandparents used to share, Woodstock, Vermont, is the perfect place to visit during the holidays. The annual Wassail festival takes place over three days and includes parades, caroling, Christmas crafts, and holiday movie screenings. Famous for its skiing, Woodstock comes alive in a whole different way for the holiday season, with its residents going all out with lights throughout the town. This small New England town brings the Christmas spirit to life in a big way and is sure to provide picture-perfect memories of a Christmas reminiscent of yesteryear.
Jackson, Wyoming
Often voted one of the best small towns in the USA, Jackson, Wyoming, is home to arguably the best-looking Christmas town square in the country. Year-round, the elk antler arches that surround the square are a sight to behold, but come December, with Christmas lights, the signature arches become a magical entrance to the square. While you’re there, rent some skates and hit the rink, or visit one of the many boutiques featuring products from local artisans and craftspeople. Sounds like a great shopping spree for the holidays! For a truly special experience, head out to the National Elk Refuge and take a sleigh ride. Count me in; Jackson is at the top of my list.
Taos, New Mexico
This small New Mexico town holds the record as the oldest town in the state, with the Taos Pueblo having had residents for over 1,000 years. The only Native American living community to hold UNESCO World Heritage status, Taos is something truly remarkable at Christmas. Here in the state’s northern mountains, you will find a unique blend of traditions and experiences, with the Mexican culture celebrated as the snow falls on candle-lit farolitos lining the streets. Light festivals, markets, and bonfire nights culminate in the Procession of the Virgin Mary on Christmas Eve, a unique celebration of all that makes Taos special.
Helen, Georgia
When you think about Georgia, images of Bavaria and German-influenced street fronts probably do not come to mind. Helen is a gorgeous small town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Lighting of the Village takes place at the end of November, and then it is full speed ahead into everything Christmas! The Christkindlmarkt, the annual Christmas parade, and breakfast with Santa are just a few of the highlights. The holiday celebrations here have a decidedly German twist but don’t miss the Victorian Christmas experience at the Hardman Farm Historic State sight for a Christmas in Helen like no other.
Delray Beach, Florida
If the idea of sunshine and sand at Christmas is your vibe, look no further than Delray Beach, Florida. Famous for its 100-foot Christmas tree, Delray Beach is a hub of Christmas activity from the lighting of the tree and Yuletide fair at the end of November through to the closing of the holiday village amid New Year’s Eve celebrations downtown. With events like the Jingle Bell Jog 5K fun run and lighting of the menorah at the Chanukah festival, Delray Beach offers an activity for all. While the balmy temps may not be quite the Hallmark Christmas experience, the holiday season in Florida is one you will never forget.
North Pole, Alaska (Santa Claus House)
Despite being 1,700 miles south of the real North Pole, this little town comes alive at Christmas for obvious reasons. Just a short drive from Fairbanks, North Pole knows how to celebrate Christmas, and it does – year-round! Santa Claus House is a sprawling store of all the things that make Christmas fun. It’s full of toys, ornaments, and letters to Santa from children all over the world, and just outside is a 50-foot statue of the big man himself. The town Christmas tree is decorated all year, and the Antler Academy nearby is your chance to meet Santa’s reindeer. Can’t make it to Alaska this year? Despite more than 400,000 letters to Santa arriving here every single year, you can order your very own personalized letter from Santa, complete with official Good Girl and Good Boy certificates. Bonus, catch the northern lights from an igloo!
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a bit larger than a small town, but I couldn’t put out a holiday hit list without one of my personal favorites on my list. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Asheville, it is home to America’s largest home, Biltmore House, which is magical even before you take into account the more than 100 Christmas trees and 25,000 ornaments that adorn the estate. When planning your visit, be sure to include a candlelight evening at the House, which includes choirs and musical performers, a 55-foot Spruce, and 45,000 Christmas lights. I can speak from experience, and it’s magical! From the grandeur of Biltmore to the National Gingerbread House Competition and the Dickens in the Village festival, Asheville will captivate you with its holiday spirit and magical atmosphere.
Small towns often go big during the Christmas holidays, and these ten all go big in the best ways. I would love to hear more suggestions to get into the holiday spirit. What’s your favorite small-town holiday destination? Please share your thoughts.
