A Magical Christmas Vacation Is Waiting At These Top Holiday Travel Destinations In The US

Rose Reilly | November 5, 2024 11:00 am

Cities and small towns across America transform into a winter wonderland during the festive season. With twinkling lights and towering Christmas trees, these cities go all out to create a magical holiday atmosphere. If you're seeking the perfect backdrop for your Christmas celebrations, consider visiting one of these top cities in the US renowned for their breathtaking festive decor.

Looking to find out the best US cities for Christmas decorations and events? Here's where to go for the ho-ho-holiday spirit.

Kennebunkport, Maine: The Best Place to Celebrate Christmas in New England

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Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images
Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

The town of Kennebunkport, Maine, has a long-standing tradition of having a big Christmas celebration and is known as the best place to celebrate Christmas in New England. Kennebunkport has a lobster trap tree lighting ceremony, a Christmas hat parade, candlelight caroling at the Franciscan Monastery, a Christmas fireworks display, and more. Kids can catch a glimpse of Mr. and Mrs. Claus with their reindeer.

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Big Sky, Montana Goes Big with the Annual Christmas Stroll and Fireworks Show

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Christmas is epic in Big Sky, Montana, when the town celebrates the Christmas season with its annual Christmas Stroll. The event includes everything you could want in a Christmas celebration, including Christmas films on the big screen, Christmas carolers, fireworks, sleigh rides, photos with Santa, and more.

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Solvang, California: How To Enjoy Christmas in the Danish Village

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George Rose/Getty Images
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Solvang, California is nothing like what you'd picture California to be like-- this charming small town is Danish to its core and is a wonderful place to experience the Christmas holiday. Take a walk down Copenhagen Drive-- the town center features a windmill and excellent window shopping with local stores decked out in Christmas decorations and spirit.

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New York City, New York: The Classic Christmas City

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Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
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Experience the enchantment of the holiday season in the city that never sleeps: New York City. Marvel at the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, shop along Fifth Avenue with its stunning window displays, and take in the festive atmosphere as the city transforms into a winter wonderland.

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Branson, Missouri: An Old Time Christmas Celebration

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Known as the "Live Entertainment Capital of the World," Branson offers a unique Christmas experience with its dazzling Adoration Parade and the Old Time Christmas celebration at Silver Dollar City.

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McAdenville, North Carolina: The Town That's Known as 'Christmas Town, USA'

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Unsplash/Juliana Malta
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Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, McAdenville, a small town with a population of around 700 residents, undergoes a magical transformation every December, earning its well-deserved title as 'Christmas Town, USA.' The highlight of McAdenville's Christmas spectacle is the breathtaking light display.

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Leavenworth, Washington: A Hallmark Holiday Experience

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Arriving in the Bavarian-styled town of Leavenworth, Washington, you'll think that you stepped straight into a Hallmark movie! Located in the Cascade mountains, this lovely small town is bursting with Christmas charm during the holiday season. Experience carolers, streets decorated with lights, and plenty of family activities.

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Orlando, Florida: Where to Celebrate Christmas in Warmer Weather

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Mark Ashman/ Disney via Getty Images
Mark Ashman/ Disney via Getty Images
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Orlando transforms into a magical holiday destination, with its world-famous theme parks offering special Christmas celebrations. Experience the enchantment of Walt Disney World's Cinderella Castle draped in sparkling lights and Universal Orlando Resort's festive events.

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Aspen, Colorado: A Luxurious Christmas Vacation

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For a winter wonderland with a touch of luxury, Aspen is the perfect Christmas destination.. With its picturesque snow-covered mountains, the scenery is straight out of a Hallmark movie. Aspen offers world-class skiing during the day and cozy, festive evenings by the fire.

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Santa Fe, New Mexico: A Southwest Christmas Vacation Destination

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Immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of the Southwest during Christmas in Santa Fe. The city's adobe architecture takes on a special glow, with luminarias lining the streets.

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What other cities have you visited that are worthy of making our Best Christmas Cities list?