**The 5 Best Christmas Towns in the United States to Visit This Holiday Season**
The Christmas season is the coziest time of the year. Chunky knit sweaters, hot cocoa, mulled wine—all build excitement for the big day. But even better than warm drinks and comfortable clothes is the festive atmosphere that towns across the United States take on during the holidays. With lights strung across streets and giant Christmas trees decorated in town squares, Christmas can turn even the grumpiest Grinch into a warmhearted celebrant.
If your hometown doesn’t go all out, why not plan a trip to one of the best Christmas towns in the U.S.? And you don’t have to do the research—HELLO! did it for you. Here are our top five favorite Christmas towns to visit this holiday season. Merry, merry!
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### 1. Santa Claus, Indiana
**Highlights + Unique Festive Features**
This list wouldn’t be complete without Santa Claus, Indiana. It’s one of the best Christmas towns in the United States for many reasons, not least its festive name. Located just two and a half hours from Indianapolis, Santa Claus, Indiana offers the perfect setting to celebrate the holidays.
Melissa Arnold, Executive Director of the Spencer County Visitors Bureau, told HELLO!:
*”Santa Claus, Indiana, is the perfect holiday weekend getaway for anyone seeking nostalgia and a touch of magic. While our town celebrates Christmas all year, the festiveness is off the charts during the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration.”*
Held during the first three weeks of December, the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration features beautiful light displays, themed activities, and cherished traditions that bring families back year after year. Visitors can write letters to Santa at the original Santa Claus Post Office (yes, he replies!), roast chestnuts at Santa’s Candy Castle, and drive through the Santa Claus Land of Lights to hear Rudolph’s magical story.
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### 2. Nantucket, Massachusetts
**Highlights + Unique Festive Features**
Known primarily as a summer destination for its beaches and fresh seafood, Nantucket shines in the off-season, too. The quiet months bring their own charm, especially during the first weekend of December when the island kicks off the holiday season with the 50th Annual Nantucket Christmas Stroll.
This beloved tradition began 50 years ago as a way to encourage locals to stay on the island rather than travel to Cape Cod. The event features more than 100 decorated holiday trees, including a spectacular 20-foot tree on Main Street. Visitors can enjoy Santa Claus, Santa’s Village Marketplace, live entertainment, and much more.
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### 3. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
**Highlights + Unique Festive Features**
Another town more famous for summer, Carmel-by-the-Sea, located two and a half hours south of San Francisco, offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and a quaint village atmosphere. It also gained pop culture fame from HBO’s *Big Little Lies*.
Every year, Carmel-by-the-Sea celebrates the season with its annual City Holiday Tree and Menorah Lighting Celebration held at Devendorf Park. Thanks to fewer winter tourists, visitors can enjoy peaceful coastal bike rides, winery tours, and other local attractions in a cozy, festive setting.
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### 4. Lewisburg, West Virginia
**Highlights + Unique Festive Features**
Nestled inside the Appalachian Mountains, Lewisburg, West Virginia, consistently ranks as one of the best Christmas towns in the country. The small town transforms into a magical winter wonderland every year.
Valerie Pritt, Director of Public Relations at Experience Greenbrier Valley, shared with HELLO!:
*”Lewisburg really goes all out for the holidays. Everyone, from shop owners to our mayor, to our City’s Public Works department, comes together to make sure the season is magical.”*
The town’s massive pine tree is beautifully decorated, and celebrations kick off with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. One favorite tradition is the Letters to Santa Mailbox—each letter with a return address receives a reply from Santa’s Elf and Mayor Beverly White. Truly, Lewisburg is a magical holiday destination.
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### 5. Leavenworth, Washington
**Highlights + Unique Festive Features**
If you’re dreaming of a classic white Christmas, Leavenworth should be at the top of your list. Located in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, two hours east of Seattle, this charming town resembles a traditional Bavarian village straight out of the Alps.
Each winter, Leavenworth lights up over half a million lights daily from 6 AM until 11 PM, starting Thanksgiving through the end of February. Visitors can enjoy gazebo entertainment, carolers, Santa and Mrs. Claus appearances, and much more that evoke the spirit of Christmas in a beautiful snowy setting.
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### How to Plan Your Visit
**Events, Best Dates, Accommodations, and Travel Tips**
If you’re ready to visit one of America’s best Christmas towns, it’s important to plan soon. Most events take place from the last weekend of November through the first few weekends of December.
Whether you want to experience the Festival of Lights drive-through in Santa Claus, Indiana on December 13, or the Nantucket Christmas Stroll on December 6, booking early is the key to a smooth, festive getaway.
**Where to Stay:**
– **Santa Claus, Indiana:** Stay at *Santa’s Lodge*, conveniently located near the town center.
– **Nantucket, Massachusetts:** Relax at *The Nantucket Hotel & Resort* before wandering the festive streets.
– **Carmel-by-the-Sea, California:** Consider *The Hotel Carmel*, a boutique hotel in the heart of the village.
– **Lewisburg, West Virginia:** Enjoy a charming stay at the *Historic General Lewis Inn* in downtown Lewisburg.
– **Leavenworth, Washington:** Stay riverside at *Posthotel Leavenworth* for a luxurious and cozy experience.
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No matter which town you choose, a holiday getaway to one of these festive locations is sure to fill your season with warmth, joy, and plenty of Christmas spirit. Happy holidays and happy travels!
https://www.hellomagazine.com/travel/866501/christmas-towns-america-december-travel-guide/
