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, Alaska

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, Pennsylvania

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, California

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. St. Augustine, Florida

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.

5. Santa Claus, Indiana

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 Best Western Plus French Lick

6. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

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.

7. Grapevine, Texas

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.

8. Leavenworth, Washington 

Leavenworth, Washington already possesses Bavarian charm, and during the holidays the town resembles a snow globe. With over half a million lights twinkling during the holiday season, Christmastown brings merriment and joy with carolers, Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, hot chocolate, and gingerbread houses. 

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Wenatchee Downtown Hotel.  

9. Greenville, South Carolina 

Greenville, South Carolina truly gets into the Christmas spirit with activities and events for all ages. Go to the Holiday Market to pick up presents, or take the whole family to a Very Merry Mini Golf. There’s the Nutcracker Tea, the Greenville Gingerbread Exhibit, the Holiday Fair & Kringle Village, the Ornament Show, Greenville’s Official Tree Lighting, Breakfast with Santa, and much more.  

Book your stay at Urban Boutique Hotel, BW Signature Collection.  

10. Taos, New Mexico 

For an atypical Christmas experience, head over to the desert town of Taos, New Mexico for Yuletide in Taos. Celebrate the unique culture of Taos by visiting the Taos Folk, handmade artisan crafts from local artists at this holiday pop-up store, or attend the Lighting of Ledoux, where the “historical narrow Ledoux Street glows with the light from farolitos, luminaries and bonfires,” reports the tourism board. 

Book your stay at Best Western Rivers Edge.