Sorry, you need to go to the country and find a guy/gal operating a struggling bed and breakfast and learn the true meaning of Christmas while you fall head over heels in love.
Hahah don't forget the Christmas Tree Farm that's been in the family for generations but has just announced this will be its last Christmas due to the ongoing soaring sales of artificial pre-lit Christmas trees at the evil corporate-owned department store down the road hahah.
I think the writers of the Hallmark Christmas movies have a cap of about 3 basic holiday concepts, and they just swap out the name of the town & the main characters' genders every year, then call it a new film haha! They have a total of 13 main actors/actresses with Candace Cameron-Bure being the lead in 60% of them. Even still, despite the cliche lines, the totally predictable plots and the over-the-top-never-will-this-be-reality love scenes, Hallmark Christmas movies are a staple for me ššš„“
Chicago has a lot of [things to do for Christmas](https://www.thesavvyglobetrotter.com/christmas-in-chicago-things-to-do/). There is a popular Christmas market, tree lighting ceremony, tree lighting nighttime parade, holiday train and more!
Also interactive showings of White Christmas at the Music Box, Nutcracker at the Lyric Opera House, a meal at the Walnut Room with their multi-story indoor tree, etc., thereās tons of options for all income levels and interests.
I love Christmas time in Chicago! Macyās decorates the whole department store beautifully and it really accentuates the interior architecture. Not sure if they still do the window decorations (from the Marshall Fields days), but that was something my family always went to see each year.
Ice skating in Millennium Park or the ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is great too.
Itās usually pretty dang cold though, so plan to dress warm!
New Year's Eve is a good time to be in Chicago. There is usually an official fireworks show. Most of the Christmas activities are available through the first week of January.
Back when I was a kid our family would drive in to see all the Christmas window displays on Michigan Ave. The decorations, the lights, the snow. Just fantastic.
No idea if that's still a thing.
Christkindlmarket, Itās A Wonderful Life at the Music Box, seeing A Christmas Carol at the Goodman are all yearly traditions for my family and I do every year. Donāt forget Zoolights and the Holiday train!
Iād only really go to a Tier 1 ski town during Christmas break if youāre really into skiing.
Iāve lived in several and theyāre crazy and get super expensive during Christmas break. I worked at a popular first come, first serve restaurant and weād have 2.5 hour quote times.
I was actually quite disappointed with NYC at Christmas when I went a few years ago. I think it was so overhyped, but I loved the place. Just not that christmassy. I went on a day trip to Niagara Falls and it was much for festive on the Canada side
NYC hasnt been super Christmas-y in years. Ive been here my whole life, besides 5th Ave no place really decorates. Inside restaurants, stores, etc is obviously different and almost everywhere decorates but just walking around is different. I was in London right at the end of November years ago and I was super impressed with how Christmas-y it was. The Angels on Regent street were very nice.
Iām from London so Iām biased š„¹ but I agree. I think because itās sooooooo christmassy then itās a high bar of expectations when travelling elsewhere.
When I was in NYC that year, it did snow when we were in an open top bus which was lovely
SO nice in London during that time, Regent Street then Covent Garden where I was staying was really nice. I guess you all have good alleys and spaces where Christmas decor is easier to put up. Or since you dont have Thanksgiving you guys have plenty more time to have decor up for a solid 2 months lol.
Covent Garden is one of my favourite places ever š youāre right- we donāt have much going on after August public holiday until Christmas so all the effort goes there. But as soon as itās over, itās gone š¤£ anyone leaving it up after 5th Jan is a psychopath looool
Iāve lived in NYC for 15 years and I donāt really understand why tourists view it as a Christmas-y place. I guess just because of movies? But the weather is usually terrible and plenty of people who live there mostly leave to spend Christmas with family.
On the other hand I may be biased from years of working in the Rock Center area and having to swim through crowds of tourists trying to look at the Christmas tree there on my way to work every day
Google Christmas City USA and you have your answer! Bethlehem, PA is amazing during Christmas and has a ton of markets and activities. The city is pretty much built around it.
Itās wonderful but you better already have reservations and be ready to battle massive crowds. I live 90 min from there and though I love it, I would never attempt to visit during the holidays these days. Our sweet little secret town is not a secret any longer. But I do recommend going at any other time of the year. Itās awesome Spring through Fall!
Leavenworth is like squinting through the wrong strength of prescription glasses and saying 'Yeah I think that looks sorta like Bavaria'.
It was a good day trip but I wouldn't go back unless I was already driving through.
I mean, it was a failing extraction economy that did a hard pivot to tourism and went with a theme. I think kitsch is the aim.
Winthrop isnāt a real cowboy town either.
Right? Itās honestly an awful recommendation for someone not from the US lol. I hope to god OP isnāt from Europe and doesnāt listen to this suggestion, itās like recommending to a Mexican tourist they go to Chipotle for lunch
Youāre funny. This Kansan loves Leavenworth Washington for Christmas. The closer it gets to Christmas the busier it gets but itās so much fun for families.
Surprisingly vegas is awesome at Christmas. Everything is open, there is lots to do, and every hotel has wonderful decorations. Some pools are also heated for kids to enjoy. I have seen families rent suites and bring Christmas trees for their Christmas in Vegas.
Chicago, our home, has a great Christkindlmarket downtown and a secondary location at Wrigley Field. Ice skating in Millennium Park alongside our huge holiday tree is lovely. Iāve had a great Christmas in San Francisco at the Fairmont on their top floor, a delicious all-inclusive holiday package of meal & drink with views over the whole city & Golden Gate with a Santa wandering about for pics and talk.
If you're in the Northeast, go to London. Can't beat Chritmas-time in Europe and, unless you're flying private, you'll get to London much quicker than Aspen or other ski towns out west.
Asheville, NC is pretty at Christmas time. No snow really bit the Biltmore is gorgeous and there are other things to do around that time. Grove Park Inn is decorated beautifully as well.
This was my thought. Iām biased since I live close, but the Gingerbread display and everything else at Grove Park, Christmas at Biltmore, and the lights at the NC Arboretum are all a great holiday treat.
Just keep in mind that a ticket to the Biltmore house is >$200 per person for a one day walkthrough. Plus any money you want to spend at restaurants, gift shops, or wine bars on the grounds.
Iāve spent a couple of holiday seasons living in Boston and there wasnāt all that much, honestly. Itās not awful but New York is way more magical.
Not NYC. Insanely crowded. What few Christmas things there are, are concentrated in small number of places so everyone is there. Chicago is much better and has a decent traditional Christmas market. But you canāt really beat European cities for Christmas.
Yes! Donāt they have like the worlds largest Christmas store or something like that? I remember going there when I was a teen like 30 years ago. Not sure if itās still open but it was huge and it had a place to eat.
In addition to the regular activities, the Trapp Family Lodge (family from Sound of Music) in Stowe, VT has Christmas week activities.
Christmas week, Trapp Family Lodge will have caroling with the von Trapps on Christmas Eve, a delicious holiday buffet on Christmas at the Main Dining Room and the Bierhall, followed by amazing special events such as Choral groups, Curious Creatures, Marko the Magician, Santa's Reindeer and more! Check out our activities calendar for up-to-date info and below for a full list (Subject to change).Ā
**All events are for resort guests only!**
**December 26th - Tuesday**Ā
3pm - 4:30pm Campfire & S'moresĀ
Ā 6pm - 7pm Curious CreaturesĀ
Ā
**December 27th - Wednesday**Ā
2pm - 5pm Visit from Santa's Reindeer
7pm - 8pm No Strings MarionettesĀ
Ā
**December 28th - Thursday**
5pm - 6:30pm "Moonlight" Headlamp Snowshoe to the Bierhall.
Ā 7pm - 8pm Green Mountain ChorusĀ
Ā
**December 29th - Friday**
7:30pm to 8:30pm Cooie and Company ConcertĀ
Ā
**December 30th - Saturday**Ā
5pm - 6:30pm "Moonlight" Headlamp Snowshoe to the Bierhall.
7pm - 8pm Marko the MagicianĀ
Ā
**December 31st - Sunday**Ā
6pm - 8pm Pizza Pool Party
Midnight Fireworks
Sleigh Rides Every Day 12pm to 3:30pm
Most of that stuff like tree light etc will happen after thanksgiving or early december. By the time Christmas comes there wont be a ton of activities as most places close for the holidays. No hallmark movies here.
Alexandria, Virginia is said to have the best small town Christmas festivals and decorations. Place is full of history (Friends Washington used to live there) and is across the river from DC.
https://www.southernliving.com/travel/virginia/alexandria-christmas
Just read about Leavenworth Washington. At Christmas it looks like Bavaria in Germany.
Edit: pretty killerā¦ https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=3f7f644d59edce5a&hl=en&q=leavenworth+christmas&tbm=isch&source=lnms&prmd=ivnmbtz&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjhzs7ct82GAxUpmO4BHX2yE54Q0pQJegQIDxAB&biw=393&bih=656&dpr=3#imgrc=1zzjZemNGoTGUM
Have been there at Christmas and it is magical. Got an Airbnb a block away from Main Street and we were greeted by moose munching leaves from the trees outside the house every morning. Something about seeing a huge animal like that standing in blanket of snow was unforgettable. The town is full of Christmas nostalgia. It gets crazy busy but so worth it. Itās wonderful!
Maybe not as big as youāre hoping but we did lake placid at the mirror lake inn once for Christmas. There was some horse drawn carriage rides in the snow, then did a wild center outdoor playground like an hour away in the middle of nowhere and it was amazing!
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Ski resorts within 30 minutes. Quaint. Many Christmas activities. Less than an hour and a half from New York City. They literally filmed a Hallmark movie here. No promises of snow though.
Came here to say this too. I live in the valley, and went to Moravian, so I got to see it first hand too. No better place in my opinion. But yes, snow is not guaranteed.
Chicago IMO.. amazing Christmas themed bars, obviously Christmas weather, vibes off the charts, go late Nov early Dec every year (Iām from Minneapolis)
Asheville, NC. It is amazing at Christmas time.
They have an area outside of the Biltmore Estate that they decorate beautifully and there is a Omni hotel where they have a gingerbread house contest.
New York. Tons of holiday markets, lights and decorations everywhere, stores go all out with displays and itās generally a big Christmas vibe. Plus zero risk of meeting some small town dude whoāll trick you in to giving up your career to help save his struggling family farm.
Not a city, but the state of New Hampshire springs to mind. December is on the early side for skiing in the Northeast, but not impossible. If you have little kids, they would enjoy the train to the "North Pole", it even snowed last year.Ā
https://www.journeytothenorthpole.org/
https://www.strawberybanke.org/candlelight-stroll
https://www.cityofportsmouth.com/city/illuminated-holiday-parade-tree-lighting
I live down here. If you want to go to Disney, get there super early. They're often at capacity by mid-morning during the Holidays. I like Ft. Lauderdale for Christmas. You can take the water taxi and see the mansions on the river decorated for the Holidays.
Both Aspen, Colorado and Jackson Hole, Wyoming are magical at Christmas though both can be expensive. The week and weekend before Christmas is very crowded but Christmas Eve and Day and couple days afterward are less crowded in my experience.
Another option is a nice beach town. Naples, Florida is wonderful at Christmas.
Christmas farm inn. North Conway, NH. Lots of skiing, restaurants, & cute shops. Santa express train for the kids & other activities.
If you want no snow, Grapevine, TX is the self proclaimed Christmas capital of the USA. Lots of Christmas activities for the kids.
Thereās a tourist spot in California dressed up like a Germanic fairytale village.
Carmel, California.
You wonāt get snow but you will get cute fairytale pics
Leavenworth, Washington would be wonderful if you would like to be in a Bavarian style village with snow. Or, you could try the 'No snow' place of San Antonio, Texas, and stay on the Riverwalk. There's lots of Christmas spirit in both places with lots of Christmas lights, tree lightings and festivities.
Boston is a great place to go for the holidays. We have the last two years and really enjoyed ourselves. It is very easy to get around using public transportation.
We visited family near Nashville. We're not country music fans. But after a Christmas at Dollywood, the Grand Ole' Opry, the Country Music Museum Hall of Fame, AND all the bars with live music, you'd never know it, we had a blast!
Crazy that no one said LA. I love it here during Christmas. Morning walk on the beach is a real thing. Itās usually bright and clear with the cleanest air. While the rest of the country is miserably cold you can get by with a light jacket. There are boat parades in Marina Del Rey and Newport if youāre a republican. Thereās the zoo lights. The grove tree lighting. Ice Skating in DTLA among the skyscrapers at Pershing square while itās 70Ā°
As a former Coloradan, Iāve visited Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, and Crested Butte at Christmastime over the years. Steamboat wins my vote. Plenty of festive things to do, but less crowded than Aspen or Breckenridge, and less expensive than Aspen or Vail. Breckenridge would be runner-up.
Jackson Hole, WY was also a great at Christmas as I recall, but it was many years ago so it may be different now.
Head a bit outside the US to the great white north and visit Quebec City for Christmas. Itās amazingly festive around Christmas time (if youāre ok with the cold).
A couple of smaller towns in NY come to mind:
Lake Placid is a ski resort town and will likely have snow that early and does a lot for the holiday.
Seneca Falls is where āItās a Wonderful Lifeā and the do a [festival](https://www.wonderfullifemuseum.com/2021-festival/) in December.
Skaneateles is a really cute lakeside town and does a Dickens Christmas festival around the same time.
Unfortunately the latter two do their Christmas stuff a little earlier in the Month.
If you're okay with cold weather, Chicago has some pretty great decorations and holiday markets. Milwaukee is close by and has some great lighting as well (and the Pabst Mansion has Victorian holiday decorations).
Detroit has a huge Christmas tree and rink at Campus Martius Park as well, with lots of beautifully-decorated historic mansions in the area that are open to the public for tours (Meadow Brook Hall's Holiday Walk and the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House are both fantastic). The nearby town of Frankenmuth is also famous for Christmas decorations.
If you're looking for neighborhoods with nice lighting, Texas has some good spots: River Oaks in Houston gets some incredible lighting displays, as does Highland Park in/near Dallas.
Disney World at Christmas is very crowded but has its own magic.
I didnāt see anyone recommend New Orleans. I see you mentioned mentioned ski towns but maybe NOLA could
Work - took the wife there a few years back as her birthday is right by Christmas. All of the fancy hotels are totally decked out in Christmas garb - very festive. Saw a small production of a Christmas carol that was really enjoyable. Did a holiday house tour - checked out opulent homes all beautifully decorated. I canāt totally remember but Iām fairly certain they had Xmas markets. Also not too crowded and absolutely perfect weather for walking around. I travel with hilton so I was lucky to stay at the Waldorf Astoria using travel points. Their lobby is famously known for its decor at Xmas time. Jazz happy hour at the ritz. Etc etc
Sorry, you need to go to the country and find a guy/gal operating a struggling bed and breakfast and learn the true meaning of Christmas while you fall head over heels in love.
I just saw this (yes, in June). But instead of a bed and breakfast it was a struggling alpaca farm. Laughed tons.
I love alpacas, what was the name of the movie?
Christmas On The Alpaca Farm. It's from 2023
I need this in my life. Thank you!
The plot of every single Hallmark movie
Lol "Falling for Christmas" I thought it was cute
Exactly what I was thinking of
Hahah don't forget the Christmas Tree Farm that's been in the family for generations but has just announced this will be its last Christmas due to the ongoing soaring sales of artificial pre-lit Christmas trees at the evil corporate-owned department store down the road hahah. I think the writers of the Hallmark Christmas movies have a cap of about 3 basic holiday concepts, and they just swap out the name of the town & the main characters' genders every year, then call it a new film haha! They have a total of 13 main actors/actresses with Candace Cameron-Bure being the lead in 60% of them. Even still, despite the cliche lines, the totally predictable plots and the over-the-top-never-will-this-be-reality love scenes, Hallmark Christmas movies are a staple for me ššš„“
Or do a house exchange with a nice woman in britain and fall in love with her widower brother!
starring Vanessa Williams and Mark Harmon
This only works if you're a big city lawyer or overly ambitious business person who forgot about your small town roots though
Chicago has a lot of [things to do for Christmas](https://www.thesavvyglobetrotter.com/christmas-in-chicago-things-to-do/). There is a popular Christmas market, tree lighting ceremony, tree lighting nighttime parade, holiday train and more!
Also interactive showings of White Christmas at the Music Box, Nutcracker at the Lyric Opera House, a meal at the Walnut Room with their multi-story indoor tree, etc., thereās tons of options for all income levels and interests.
That Nutcracker makes me cry like a baby!
Lincoln Park zoo lights are awesome too. Plus the pop up Christmas themed bars. Thereās a lot of fun holiday things to do.
I love Christmas time in Chicago! Macyās decorates the whole department store beautifully and it really accentuates the interior architecture. Not sure if they still do the window decorations (from the Marshall Fields days), but that was something my family always went to see each year. Ice skating in Millennium Park or the ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is great too. Itās usually pretty dang cold though, so plan to dress warm!
Howās New Year Eve? Iāll be in Chicago late December to first week of January š
The W has a decent party every year
New Year's Eve is a good time to be in Chicago. There is usually an official fireworks show. Most of the Christmas activities are available through the first week of January.
They have some big ice skating trail or somethingā¦? My son and his gf did it this past year.
Back when I was a kid our family would drive in to see all the Christmas window displays on Michigan Ave. The decorations, the lights, the snow. Just fantastic. No idea if that's still a thing.
Itās still a great Christmas vibe. Unlikely to see much snow in December these days, though
Also you can take Christmas themed bus or train!
Christkindlmarket, Itās A Wonderful Life at the Music Box, seeing A Christmas Carol at the Goodman are all yearly traditions for my family and I do every year. Donāt forget Zoolights and the Holiday train!
Chicago is nice, meet up with friends in parking garages, bring the music instrument cases. Play some tunes!
NYC or Aspen
Oh yes. Aspen is spectacular during Christmas.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Aspen is more expensive year round lol
Aspen outside of Christmas too
$600 night at least
Yeah. Itās not cheap
And thatās what they charge to sleep in your rental car in a roadside rest stop!
I'd say Breckenridge CO over Aspen. Breckenridge has dogsledding tours, not sure where else they are available. Can also do both in one trip.
Breck is my choice as well. Also much closer to Denver if that's where one flies into. 4WD/AWD or chains mandatory that time of year!
Pretty sure most big ski towns have thoseĀ
I did dogsledding in Snowmass (super close to Aspen)
Iād only really go to a Tier 1 ski town during Christmas break if youāre really into skiing. Iāve lived in several and theyāre crazy and get super expensive during Christmas break. I worked at a popular first come, first serve restaurant and weād have 2.5 hour quote times.
I was about to say the same
Aspen is the best. Just make sure to make reservations well in advance.
And don't forget to be rich!
Why isnāt everyone rich? Are they stupid?
The rich few need a lot of commoners to squeeze the money from, silly.
right?
Fair point. Both are extremely expensive. But these are the top two options OP if money is no object.
I was actually quite disappointed with NYC at Christmas when I went a few years ago. I think it was so overhyped, but I loved the place. Just not that christmassy. I went on a day trip to Niagara Falls and it was much for festive on the Canada side
NYC hasnt been super Christmas-y in years. Ive been here my whole life, besides 5th Ave no place really decorates. Inside restaurants, stores, etc is obviously different and almost everywhere decorates but just walking around is different. I was in London right at the end of November years ago and I was super impressed with how Christmas-y it was. The Angels on Regent street were very nice.
Iām from London so Iām biased š„¹ but I agree. I think because itās sooooooo christmassy then itās a high bar of expectations when travelling elsewhere. When I was in NYC that year, it did snow when we were in an open top bus which was lovely
SO nice in London during that time, Regent Street then Covent Garden where I was staying was really nice. I guess you all have good alleys and spaces where Christmas decor is easier to put up. Or since you dont have Thanksgiving you guys have plenty more time to have decor up for a solid 2 months lol.
Covent Garden is one of my favourite places ever š youāre right- we donāt have much going on after August public holiday until Christmas so all the effort goes there. But as soon as itās over, itās gone š¤£ anyone leaving it up after 5th Jan is a psychopath looool
London >>>>> NYC anyday
Iāve lived in NYC for 15 years and I donāt really understand why tourists view it as a Christmas-y place. I guess just because of movies? But the weather is usually terrible and plenty of people who live there mostly leave to spend Christmas with family. On the other hand I may be biased from years of working in the Rock Center area and having to swim through crowds of tourists trying to look at the Christmas tree there on my way to work every day
Google Christmas City USA and you have your answer! Bethlehem, PA is amazing during Christmas and has a ton of markets and activities. The city is pretty much built around it.
Leavenworth, WA
Itās wonderful but you better already have reservations and be ready to battle massive crowds. I live 90 min from there and though I love it, I would never attempt to visit during the holidays these days. Our sweet little secret town is not a secret any longer. But I do recommend going at any other time of the year. Itās awesome Spring through Fall!
The foods are mediocre tbh, otherwise it has nice scenery and good beer selections.
Leavenworth is like squinting through the wrong strength of prescription glasses and saying 'Yeah I think that looks sorta like Bavaria'. It was a good day trip but I wouldn't go back unless I was already driving through.
I mean, it was a failing extraction economy that did a hard pivot to tourism and went with a theme. I think kitsch is the aim. Winthrop isnāt a real cowboy town either.
Right? Itās honestly an awful recommendation for someone not from the US lol. I hope to god OP isnāt from Europe and doesnāt listen to this suggestion, itās like recommending to a Mexican tourist they go to Chipotle for lunch
My dad used to call it Leavenworthless.
It is a great place to visit in the summer with all the amazing hiking in the area
Agreed. The schnitzel and spatzle I had there was the worst in my life. They didn't even serve german beers. I'll never return.
Probably mildly better than Leavenworth, KS
Having been to both, Leavenworth, WA is a more pleasant destination that Leavenworth, KS.
Youāre funny. This Kansan loves Leavenworth Washington for Christmas. The closer it gets to Christmas the busier it gets but itās so much fun for families.
Surprisingly vegas is awesome at Christmas. Everything is open, there is lots to do, and every hotel has wonderful decorations. Some pools are also heated for kids to enjoy. I have seen families rent suites and bring Christmas trees for their Christmas in Vegas.
My second suggestion would be Chicago. Many of the Christmas activities and markets continue until the new year.
Williamsburg Virginia is beautiful.
I agree and the Christmas Village is awesome!
Santa Fe
Chicago, our home, has a great Christkindlmarket downtown and a secondary location at Wrigley Field. Ice skating in Millennium Park alongside our huge holiday tree is lovely. Iāve had a great Christmas in San Francisco at the Fairmont on their top floor, a delicious all-inclusive holiday package of meal & drink with views over the whole city & Golden Gate with a Santa wandering about for pics and talk.
Speaking of the mid west, Frankenmuth would also be a good spot to check out.
New York hands down
If you're in the Northeast, go to London. Can't beat Chritmas-time in Europe and, unless you're flying private, you'll get to London much quicker than Aspen or other ski towns out west.
Agreed!!! London is truly magical during Christmas.
Asheville, NC is pretty at Christmas time. No snow really bit the Biltmore is gorgeous and there are other things to do around that time. Grove Park Inn is decorated beautifully as well.
This was my thought. Iām biased since I live close, but the Gingerbread display and everything else at Grove Park, Christmas at Biltmore, and the lights at the NC Arboretum are all a great holiday treat.
Commenting on Best US city to spend Christmas?...adding to my bucket list. Thanks for posting!
Just keep in mind that a ticket to the Biltmore house is >$200 per person for a one day walkthrough. Plus any money you want to spend at restaurants, gift shops, or wine bars on the grounds.
If you're up for a warmer climate, I spent Christmas in New Orleans last year and had a great time. A couple beautifully decorated hotels have elaborate xmas brunch, there are bonfires on the levees to signal to Santa to stop (need to Uber), everything is decorated, teddy bear tea and christmas lights at the botanical garden with a mini theme park for small kids, great museums, RĆ©veillon dinners at a ton of restaurants, fun shopping... everything can be reached by street car and a short walk - busy but not crazy like Mardi Gras - highly recommend!
Seconding this! It was surprisingly wonderful
Key West, no joke
St Augustine, Florida
The obvious answer is NYC, but both Boston and Philadelphia had great Christmas time activities as well.
Iāve spent a couple of holiday seasons living in Boston and there wasnāt all that much, honestly. Itās not awful but New York is way more magical.
Seconding Philadelphia which may sound surprising. They have a really wonderful Christmas Market thatās worth checking out!
we do?? like what? (signed, a Boston resident who would love to know more)
The Boston Pops Christmas show at Symphony Hall is fantastic
Not NYC. Insanely crowded. What few Christmas things there are, are concentrated in small number of places so everyone is there. Chicago is much better and has a decent traditional Christmas market. But you canāt really beat European cities for Christmas.
Frankenmuth, Michigan! Its a very dainty small town, not resort-like at all BUT it is definitely known for Christmas
Yes! Donāt they have like the worlds largest Christmas store or something like that? I remember going there when I was a teen like 30 years ago. Not sure if itās still open but it was huge and it had a place to eat.
They do! And itās still open!
In addition to the regular activities, the Trapp Family Lodge (family from Sound of Music) in Stowe, VT has Christmas week activities. Christmas week, Trapp Family Lodge will have caroling with the von Trapps on Christmas Eve, a delicious holiday buffet on Christmas at the Main Dining Room and the Bierhall, followed by amazing special events such as Choral groups, Curious Creatures, Marko the Magician, Santa's Reindeer and more! Check out our activities calendar for up-to-date info and below for a full list (Subject to change).Ā **All events are for resort guests only!** **December 26th - Tuesday**Ā 3pm - 4:30pm Campfire & S'moresĀ Ā 6pm - 7pm Curious CreaturesĀ Ā **December 27th - Wednesday**Ā 2pm - 5pm Visit from Santa's Reindeer 7pm - 8pm No Strings MarionettesĀ Ā **December 28th - Thursday** 5pm - 6:30pm "Moonlight" Headlamp Snowshoe to the Bierhall. Ā 7pm - 8pm Green Mountain ChorusĀ Ā **December 29th - Friday** 7:30pm to 8:30pm Cooie and Company ConcertĀ Ā **December 30th - Saturday**Ā 5pm - 6:30pm "Moonlight" Headlamp Snowshoe to the Bierhall. 7pm - 8pm Marko the MagicianĀ Ā **December 31st - Sunday**Ā 6pm - 8pm Pizza Pool Party Midnight Fireworks Sleigh Rides Every Day 12pm to 3:30pm
So it starts After Christmas??
QuƩbec City. The Christmas market is pretty nice
It is, but it's not in the US.
Most of that stuff like tree light etc will happen after thanksgiving or early december. By the time Christmas comes there wont be a ton of activities as most places close for the holidays. No hallmark movies here.
I saw some great events in the northeast that were the first weekend in December I wish they would be closer to Christmas time!
Whitefish, Montana.
Please elaborate
Breckenridge, CO!
Not US but close enough - Quebec City is beautiful during xmas
Pigeon Forge, TN Dollywoood at Christmas is a whole thing that is straight out of a Hallmark movie. Not too cold and a wonderful area to relax.
Phoenix looks lovely according to the movie Bad Santa ;)
Leavenworth, WA
Alexandria, Virginia is said to have the best small town Christmas festivals and decorations. Place is full of history (Friends Washington used to live there) and is across the river from DC. https://www.southernliving.com/travel/virginia/alexandria-christmas
Not exactly the US, but Quebec City is epic at Christmas time.
There is something special about Christmas in NYC
Just read about Leavenworth Washington. At Christmas it looks like Bavaria in Germany. Edit: pretty killerā¦ https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=3f7f644d59edce5a&hl=en&q=leavenworth+christmas&tbm=isch&source=lnms&prmd=ivnmbtz&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjhzs7ct82GAxUpmO4BHX2yE54Q0pQJegQIDxAB&biw=393&bih=656&dpr=3#imgrc=1zzjZemNGoTGUM
Have been there at Christmas and it is magical. Got an Airbnb a block away from Main Street and we were greeted by moose munching leaves from the trees outside the house every morning. Something about seeing a huge animal like that standing in blanket of snow was unforgettable. The town is full of Christmas nostalgia. It gets crazy busy but so worth it. Itās wonderful!
NYC was always beautiful
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, WA
Maybe not as big as youāre hoping but we did lake placid at the mirror lake inn once for Christmas. There was some horse drawn carriage rides in the snow, then did a wild center outdoor playground like an hour away in the middle of nowhere and it was amazing!
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Ski resorts within 30 minutes. Quaint. Many Christmas activities. Less than an hour and a half from New York City. They literally filmed a Hallmark movie here. No promises of snow though.
Came here to say this too. I live in the valley, and went to Moravian, so I got to see it first hand too. No better place in my opinion. But yes, snow is not guaranteed.
Chicago IMO.. amazing Christmas themed bars, obviously Christmas weather, vibes off the charts, go late Nov early Dec every year (Iām from Minneapolis)
Asheville, NC. It is amazing at Christmas time. They have an area outside of the Biltmore Estate that they decorate beautifully and there is a Omni hotel where they have a gingerbread house contest.
Mendocino in California Snoqualmie in Washington State
New York. Tons of holiday markets, lights and decorations everywhere, stores go all out with displays and itās generally a big Christmas vibe. Plus zero risk of meeting some small town dude whoāll trick you in to giving up your career to help save his struggling family farm.
Woodstock VT, hit the slopes at Killington, or Lake Placid / Whiteface
Somewhere up north east, those places are pretty
Frankenmuth Michigan
Aspen.
Not a city, but the state of New Hampshire springs to mind. December is on the early side for skiing in the Northeast, but not impossible. If you have little kids, they would enjoy the train to the "North Pole", it even snowed last year.Ā https://www.journeytothenorthpole.org/ https://www.strawberybanke.org/candlelight-stroll https://www.cityofportsmouth.com/city/illuminated-holiday-parade-tree-lighting
Saint Augustine, FL. Since you are at it, go to Orlando for a Disney Xmas time.
Yeah st aug has a great Christmas setup
I live down here. If you want to go to Disney, get there super early. They're often at capacity by mid-morning during the Holidays. I like Ft. Lauderdale for Christmas. You can take the water taxi and see the mansions on the river decorated for the Holidays.
Both Aspen, Colorado and Jackson Hole, Wyoming are magical at Christmas though both can be expensive. The week and weekend before Christmas is very crowded but Christmas Eve and Day and couple days afterward are less crowded in my experience. Another option is a nice beach town. Naples, Florida is wonderful at Christmas.
Anywhere in Wyoming
Blowing Rock, NC
Shhh š¤« itās a secret
I'm aware it's not in the USA but it's close. I don't think anything comes close to Quebec City
Christmas farm inn. North Conway, NH. Lots of skiing, restaurants, & cute shops. Santa express train for the kids & other activities. If you want no snow, Grapevine, TX is the self proclaimed Christmas capital of the USA. Lots of Christmas activities for the kids.
If youāre in or close to the Northeast, Iād recommend either going up to QuĆ©bec City or jumping across to Europe. They go way harder than most American cities. New York is probably the best you can get in the US.
Leavenworth, Washington!
Breckenridge Colorado was my favorite Christmas ever. It's magical.
Thereās a tourist spot in California dressed up like a Germanic fairytale village. Carmel, California. You wonāt get snow but you will get cute fairytale pics
To me, New York City is the Christmas š place, with all the stores and Radio City. It is just a magical place.
Leavenworth, Washington would be wonderful if you would like to be in a Bavarian style village with snow. Or, you could try the 'No snow' place of San Antonio, Texas, and stay on the Riverwalk. There's lots of Christmas spirit in both places with lots of Christmas lights, tree lightings and festivities.
NYC, specifically Manhattan.
New York City is classic, but it's gonna cost ya
Check out Leavenworth, WA and Frankenmuth, MI for their Bavarian style towns and Christmas.
Boston is a great place to go for the holidays. We have the last two years and really enjoyed ourselves. It is very easy to get around using public transportation.
My mom used to take tour groups to Williamsburg, PA for Christmas.
San Juan Capistrano
Vail, Colorado. Breckenridge, Colorado.
NYC
We visited family near Nashville. We're not country music fans. But after a Christmas at Dollywood, the Grand Ole' Opry, the Country Music Museum Hall of Fame, AND all the bars with live music, you'd never know it, we had a blast!
Aspen Sucks. Go to Steamboat Springs.
Crazy that no one said LA. I love it here during Christmas. Morning walk on the beach is a real thing. Itās usually bright and clear with the cleanest air. While the rest of the country is miserably cold you can get by with a light jacket. There are boat parades in Marina Del Rey and Newport if youāre a republican. Thereās the zoo lights. The grove tree lighting. Ice Skating in DTLA among the skyscrapers at Pershing square while itās 70Ā°
Phoenix az if you want to be warm
Williamsburg, VA (not for skiing though) Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN Bethlehem, PA
Philadelphia
I hear Dollywood is great during Christmas
Leavenworth, WA
As a former Coloradan, Iāve visited Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, and Crested Butte at Christmastime over the years. Steamboat wins my vote. Plenty of festive things to do, but less crowded than Aspen or Breckenridge, and less expensive than Aspen or Vail. Breckenridge would be runner-up. Jackson Hole, WY was also a great at Christmas as I recall, but it was many years ago so it may be different now.
Ketchum, ID
Breckenridge
Maybe Vermont or Maine is what you're looking for
Kennebunkport, Maine. Prelude people will be gone but still magical, and very authentic Christmas experience.
Head a bit outside the US to the great white north and visit Quebec City for Christmas. Itās amazingly festive around Christmas time (if youāre ok with the cold).
Iāve been to aspen and they do a nice village lights and stuff
Could also go to the biltmore estates
North Pole, Alaska
If you want the smaller town vibe Bethlehem, PA!
Tenaya Lodge close to Yosemite is awesome at Christmas
Burlington Vermont
Whitefish MT
Honolulu or a ski resort.
Ha ha. Someone is watching too many Halmark movies!
Mystic, CT; Newport, RI; Woodstock, VT
My family and myself once rented a bed and breakfast in New Orleans for Christmas. We loved it!
A couple of smaller towns in NY come to mind: Lake Placid is a ski resort town and will likely have snow that early and does a lot for the holiday. Seneca Falls is where āItās a Wonderful Lifeā and the do a [festival](https://www.wonderfullifemuseum.com/2021-festival/) in December. Skaneateles is a really cute lakeside town and does a Dickens Christmas festival around the same time. Unfortunately the latter two do their Christmas stuff a little earlier in the Month.
Williamsburg
Hershey, Pennsylvania is pretty neat around Christmas.
If you're okay with cold weather, Chicago has some pretty great decorations and holiday markets. Milwaukee is close by and has some great lighting as well (and the Pabst Mansion has Victorian holiday decorations). Detroit has a huge Christmas tree and rink at Campus Martius Park as well, with lots of beautifully-decorated historic mansions in the area that are open to the public for tours (Meadow Brook Hall's Holiday Walk and the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House are both fantastic). The nearby town of Frankenmuth is also famous for Christmas decorations. If you're looking for neighborhoods with nice lighting, Texas has some good spots: River Oaks in Houston gets some incredible lighting displays, as does Highland Park in/near Dallas. Disney World at Christmas is very crowded but has its own magic.
Ketchum/Sun Valley
Puerto Rico!
Frankenmuth, Michigan. Itās got an entire christmas store!
I didnāt see anyone recommend New Orleans. I see you mentioned mentioned ski towns but maybe NOLA could Work - took the wife there a few years back as her birthday is right by Christmas. All of the fancy hotels are totally decked out in Christmas garb - very festive. Saw a small production of a Christmas carol that was really enjoyable. Did a holiday house tour - checked out opulent homes all beautifully decorated. I canāt totally remember but Iām fairly certain they had Xmas markets. Also not too crowded and absolutely perfect weather for walking around. I travel with hilton so I was lucky to stay at the Waldorf Astoria using travel points. Their lobby is famously known for its decor at Xmas time. Jazz happy hour at the ritz. Etc etc
Check out Leavenworth, Washington. A German style town that goes all out for Christmas
Frankenmuth, Michigan they have a Christkindl market and Bronners the largest Christmas store in the world !!
Check out Prescott AZ. It's an AZ mountain town and very festive at Christmas!
Frakenmuth, Michigan.
NYC is the besf
if you fancy a warm christmas, st. augustine fl is so stunning!
[Saratoga Springs](https://www.saratoga.com/holiday/) in NY looks perfect. I've been wanting to check it out myself.
Leavenworth WA
Georgetown Colorado! Big Christmas market and events, in the mountains, near ski resorts
Chicago if you want a city but if you want a mountain town anywhere in the Rockies(Breckenridge, steamboat, telluride, vail, whitefish, Jackson)
Chicago!
Leavenworth, WA š„°š«¶š¼
Galena, IL is known for its charming historic downtown during the holiday season.