15 Best Christmas Cities In The USA To Visit For The Holidays
Christmas is a time of celebration and festivities, and what better way to enjoy the holiday season than by visiting one of the many Christmas cities to visit for holidays around the world.
Jun 03, 2023103 Shares102766 Views
Christmas is a time of celebration and festivities, and what better way to enjoy the holiday season than by visiting one of the many Christmas cities to visit for holidaysaround the world.
From dazzling light displays and festive markets to ice-skating rinks and traditional food, these cities offer plenty of holiday cheer.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Christmas cities to visit for the holidays.
Top 10 Best Christmas Towns in America
New York City, New York
New York City is one of the most magical places to spend the holiday season. The city is filled with lights, festive decorations, and countless holiday events.
Visitors can enjoy ice skating at Rockefeller Center, taking in the iconic tree at the center of the plaza, or checking out the holiday windows at stores like Macy's and Bloomingdale's.
Additionally, visitors can attend the Radio City Christmas Spectacular or watch the New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a charming city that is especially magical during the holiday season. Visitors can check out the Blink! light and sound show at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, shop at the Downtown Boston Holiday Market, or go ice skating at the Boston Common Frog Pond.
The city is also known for its famous Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Boston Common, which is accompanied by a concert from local musicians.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit during the holidays. The city is home to a variety of holiday events, such as the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and the Christmas markets at the Smithsonian museums.
Visitors can also check out the holiday decorations at the White House or go ice skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a vibrant city that goes all-out for the holiday season. The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is a must-see event that features a parade and lighting ceremony, and visitors can also check out the Christkindlmarket, a traditional German Christmas market.
Additionally, visitors can go ice skating in Millennium Park or attend a performance of the Nutcracker at the Joffrey Ballet.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a great place to visit during the holiday season. Visitors can check out the festive decorations at Union Square, go ice skating at the Embarcadero Center, or take in the sights at the Pier 39 tree lighting ceremony.
Additionally, visitors can attend the San Francisco Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker or visit the Great Dickens Christmas Fair.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is a city that knows how to get in the Christmas spirit. The city offers a wide range of holiday events, from classic Christmas concerts and shows to festive light displays.
Visit the Los Angeles Zoo Lights for a stunning display of colorful light sculptures and animals, or the Enchanted, Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens for an immersive experience through an enchanted forest.
Other popular events include the LA County Holiday Celebration, which is broadcasted live from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and the Holiday Boat Parade at Marina del Rey, where boats decked out in holiday lights and decorations cruise around the harbor.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a charming and cozy Christmas destination. Stroll through the Biltmore Estate, America's largest home, to see the Christmas decorations and displays in the house and gardens.
The National Gingerbread House Competition and Display is also held in Asheville, showcasing elaborate and creative gingerbread houses from around the country. Take a candlelit tour of the historic Smith-McDowell House or attend the holiday concert series at the Asheville Symphony.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is known for its country music scene, but during the holiday season, it's also a top destination for Christmas cheer. The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center hosts its annual A Country Christmas, featuring more than three million twinkling lights, ice skating, and tubing.
Attend the Nashville Christmas Parade or stroll through the holiday-themed Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Catch the Nutcracker ballet or the Nashville Symphony's Messiah Sing-Along at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Branson, Missouri
Branson, nestled in the Ozark Mountains, is a popular destination for a family-friendly Christmas vacation. Silver Dollar City, an amusement park, transforms into an Old Time Christmas, complete with over 6.5 million lights, festive shows, and a five-story special effects Christmas tree.
Attend the Christmas Wonderland show at the King's Castle Theatre or see the Christmas on the Trail Chuckwagon Dinner Show. The Branson Scenic Railway offers a Polar Express Train Ride for a magical journey to the "North Pole."
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains that turns into a winter wonderland during the holidays. The town's annual Christmas Lighting Festival features a lighting ceremony, live music, and outdoor markets.
Take a sleigh ride through the snow-covered forests or attend the Nutcracker Ballet at the Leavenworth Festhalle. The town also offers a variety of shops selling unique holiday gifts and ornaments.
Newport Beach, California
Newport Beach is a charming seaside city located in Southern California, known for its stunning coastline, picturesque marinas, and luxurious homes. During the holiday season, Newport Beach transforms into a winter wonderland, with festive decorations and events that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
One of the most popular holiday events in Newport Beach is the annual Christmas Boat Parade, where elaborately decorated boats sail through Newport Harbor in a stunning display of lights and decorations. The boat parade is a beloved tradition that has been around for over 100 years and attracts visitors from all over the world.
In addition to the boat parade, Newport Beach is also home to a number of other holiday events, including the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Fashion Island, where you can enjoy live music, hot cocoa, and holiday treats while watching the tree light up for the season. Other festive events in Newport Beach include holiday concerts, gingerbread house making workshops, and holiday-themed dinners at local restaurants.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is a vibrant city in South Texas known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. During the holiday season, San Antonio comes alive with festive decorations and events that celebrate the city's unique blend of cultures and traditions.
One of the must-see holiday attractions in San Antonio is the River Walk, a scenic waterway that winds through the heart of the city and is lined with shops, restaurants, and holiday lights. During the holiday season, the River Walk is transformed into a magical winter wonderland, with millions of twinkling lights and festive decorations.
In addition to the River Walk, San Antonio is home to a number of other holiday events and attractions, including the annual Holiday River Parade, where elaborately decorated floats and boats travel down the River Walk, and the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias, where thousands of luminarias (traditional Mexican lanterns) line the River Walk.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is a beautiful city in northern New Mexico known for its rich history, stunning natural scenery, and vibrant arts scene. During the holiday season, Santa Fe is transformed into a magical winter wonderland, with festive decorations, holiday lights, and events that celebrate the city's unique culture and traditions.
One of the most popular holiday events in Santa Fe is the annual Christmas at the Palace, where visitors can enjoy live music, refreshments, and a visit from Santa Claus at the historic Palace of the Governors.
Other holiday events in Santa Fe include the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, where thousands of farolitos (small paper lanterns) light up the historic Canyon Road, and the annual Santa Fe Indian Market Winter Showcase, where visitors can shop for unique Native American art and crafts.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is a historic city in Pennsylvania known for its iconic landmarks, delicious food, and vibrant arts scene. During the holiday season, Philadelphia comes alive with festive decorations, holiday lights, and events that celebrate the city's unique culture and traditions.
One of the must-see holiday attractions in Philadelphia is the Christmas Light Show at Macy's, where visitors can watch as over 100,000 LED lights dance to holiday music in the historic Wanamaker Building.
Other popular holiday events in Philadelphia include the annual Christmas Village at Love Park, where visitors can shop for handmade gifts and enjoy festive food and drink, and the Franklin Square Holiday Festival, where visitors can enjoy holiday-themed mini golf, a light show, and other festive activities.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem is a charming city in eastern Pennsylvania known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant arts scene. During the holiday season, Bethlehem transforms into a magical winter wonderland, with festive decorations, holiday lights, and events that celebrate the city's unique heritage and traditions.
One of the main attractions during the holiday season in Bethlehem is the Christkindlmarkt. The market, which takes place in the historic district of Bethlehem, features vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and other gifts. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Bethlehem is also home to the annual "Live Advent Calendar," a community-driven event that takes place throughout the month of December. Each day, a new door is opened in the advent calendar, revealing a special surprise or event. The calendar includes live music, theater performances, and other festive events.
People Also Ask
What Are The Best Christmas Cities To Visit In Europe?
Some of the best Christmas cities to visit in Europe are Vienna, Salzburg, Berlin, Prague, Copenhagen, and Strasbourg. Each of these cities has its own unique Christmas markets, traditions, and festive atmosphere that will make your holiday season even more special.
What Are The Best Christmas Markets To Visit In Germany?
Germany is known for its beautiful Christmas markets, also known as "Weihnachtsmarkts." Some of the best Christmas markets to visit in Germany are in Nuremberg, Dresden, Cologne, Berlin, and Munich. Visitors can enjoy traditional German foods, mulled wine, and shop for unique gifts and decorations.
What Are The Best Christmas Cities To Visit In Canada?
Some of the best Christmas cities to visit in Canada are Quebec City, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. These cities have beautiful holiday lights, decorations, and festive events, such as outdoor skating rinks, Christmas markets, and holiday-themed attractions.
What Are The Best Christmas Cities To Visit In Asia?
Some of the best Christmas cities to visit in Asia are Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Bangkok. These cities have beautiful Christmas lights, decorations, and holiday-themed attractions, such as Christmas markets, ice-skating rinks, and holiday-themed amusement parks.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Christmas cities during the holidays is a magical experience that can create memories that last a lifetime.
From the bustling Christmas markets of Prague and Vienna to the picturesque streets of Quebec City and Salzburg, there are countless destinations around the world that offer unique and unforgettable holiday experiences.
Whether you prefer traditional festivities, outdoor activities, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, there is a Christmas city out there for everyone.
So pack your bags, grab your loved ones, and get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in one of these enchanting Christmas cities.
Jump to
New York City, New York
Boston, Massachusetts
Washington, D.C.
Chicago, Illinois
San Francisco, California
Los Angeles, California
Asheville, North Carolina
Nashville, Tennessee
Branson, Missouri
Leavenworth, Washington
Newport Beach, California
San Antonio, Texas
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
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