Best Christmas Towns to Visit

Check off your Christmas bucket list and spread joy to your and our family by visiting these cozy Christmas towns this season. Packed with holiday activities that will leave you caroling and cruising lit-up holiday streets, these towns uphold holiday traditions at its best and are the perfect place to make new holiday memories. See our picks below for Best Christmas Towns to Visit.

1. North Pole, AK

Santa resides at the North Pole, so go pay him a holiday visit! The North Pole, AK sits just 15 minutes from Fairbanks, AK. Experience true Christmas magic at the infamous Santa Claus House. Write letters to loved ones and get an official postmark from the North Pole! Meet Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and of course, Rudolph ­– real life reindeer! – while also sightseeing the World’s Largest Santa, standing at 50-feet tall. Stay longer and check out the North Pole’s Winterfest, complete with a candle lighting ceremony, holiday bazaar, decadent fireworks, and a tree lighting ceremony.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Chena River Lodge.

2. Bethlehem, PA

Bethlehem, PA – “The Christmas City”– is a must-see town that’s been spreading Christmas joy since Christmas Eve in 1741. Christkindlmarkt is recognized as one of the best holiday markets in the U.S. and features handmade works by over 50 artisans, a charming event where you can get all your holiday shopping done. Continue to be charmed by “The Christmas City” as you watch horse-drawn carriages when you complete the Christmas City Stroll Walking Tour.

Book your stay with Best Western Inn at Blakeslee-Pocono. 

3. Solvang, CA

Celebrate Christmas European style in the city of Solvang, “The Danish Capital of America”. Recognized as one of the “Most Christmassy Towns in America”, the little town hosts Christmas all month-long with Julefest. Julefest includes a multitude of activities from Santa’s Village, the Tree Lighting Ceremony, to the Candlelight Tours. The Julefest Parade is not to be missed ­– view marching bands, horses, floats, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus as they cruise down Copenhagen Drive.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus South Coast Inn.

4. Franklin, TN

 Escape to the historic town of Franklin, TN for Christmas joy and festivities. Enjoy the 36^th Annual Dickens of a Christmas, Tennessee’s largest outdoor festival. History buffs and literary enthusiasts can stroll downtown Franklin’s charming architecture while interacting with Dickens’ book characters, including Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim from A Christmas Carol.

Book your stay with Best Western Franklin Inn.

 5. Bardstown, KY

Support a talented musical cast in Bardstown, KY when watching the performance of “An Old Kentucky Christmas Carol” – their version of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”. Located at My Old Kentucky Home Mansion in a state park, this unique backdrop will charm you at first sight. Twinkle lights in Bourbon Country with Barton 1792 Distellery’s “Making Spirits Bright” tour, and partake in complimentary hot cocoa, holiday refreshments, and a lantern-lit tour.

Book your stay with SureStay Hotel by Best Western Bardstown General Nelson.

6. St. Augustine, FL

A warmer climate and beachfront views won’t stop the town of St. Augustine from celebrating Christmas. St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights has been recognized by National Geographic as top ten holiday lights display in the world. With over 3 million lights creating holiday magic for 20 city blocks in the historic district, it’s no wonder tourists and locals alike flock to this sensational display in the Nation’s Oldest City. In addition, take advantage of the bayfront views by attending the Holiday Regatta of Lights, where dazzling sailboats, yachts, shrimp boats, and more compete in festive fashion.

Book your stay with Best Western St. Augustine Beach Inn.

 7. Santa Claus, IN

Visit “America’s Christmas Hometown” in Santa Claus, IN. With tons of holiday activities to do, start with historic Santa’s Candy Castle, founded in 1935. The castle hosts 35 flavors of cocoa and hard-to-find confections that will make anyone with a sweet tooth swoon over. Plan a visit to the Santa Claus Museum and Village to meet the 22-foot-tall Santa statue. Finally, finish up at the Santa Claus Christmas Store to browse 8,000 wonderful ornaments.

Book your stay with SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Jasper.

8. Cape Cod, MA

Ride the scenic, holiday train in the seaside town of Cape Cod, MA. The Polar Express™ Train Ride on the Cape Cod Central Railroad includes golden tickets, a reading of the classic children’s book, dancing chefs, singing elves, and a visit from the one and only, Santa Claus. Piping hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies will be sure to delight children and adults alike. If you love holiday music, you’ll enjoy listening to the Cape Symphony put on the “Holiday on the Cape” performance, with family favorite songs such as “Little Drummer Boy” and “Joy to the World”.

Book your stay with Aiden by Best Western @ Cape Point.

9. Grapevine, TX

A holiday trip to the Lone Star state wouldn’t be complete without a stop at “The Christmas Capital of Texas” also known as Grapevine, TX. Have a merry and bright time onboard the Christmas Wine Trains, an adults-only escape with flowing wine, a DJ, and Santa Claus. For more entertainment, check out the Texas Star Dinner Theater Holiday Show, an interactive comedy murder mystery dinner experience that has grinchy villains and angelic characters that will warm your heart. Or, you could check out the North Central Ballet’s Nutcracker and take a sleigh ride to a bluegrass holiday concert; in Grapevine, you know how you will celebrate.

Book your stay with Best Western Plus Lewisville Flower Mound.