The 20 most festive towns in the United States

We couldn’t write this list without kicking it off with the city that can pull off almost any theme: NYC. Starting with the Thanksgiving Day Parade in November, New York keeps the festive vibes rolling. From holiday-themed bars to massive decor all around the city, there truly isn’t another place like it.

Washington’s Cascade Mountains create a backdrop that is objectively ideal for winter. Snowcapped peaks tower over the state’s logging-town-turned-little Bavaria. This slice of Europe in the Pacific Northwest has plenty to offer during the holiday season: Christmas Markets, light displays, reindeer, and proximity to great skiing and snowboarding terrain.

Texas heat might not scream “festive,” but San Antonio puts on quite the show during this time of the year. The popular River Walk is adorned with twinkling lights and other decorations, no massive winter jacket required.

Winter in Chitown isn’t for those allergic to frequent, below-freezing temps. But for those who don’t mind, or ideally, love this season, the city has so much to offer. From skating rinks to markets and some of the best decorations in the country, it’s a great place to be in December!

Better known as a fall destination, Woodstock might just be cuter once the colors fade. Sure, famous New England foliage is worth a trip, but if you wait for the snow to arrive and the crowds to dissipate, you’ll have an amazing trip.

Snowy, college town, Michigan, feels like something out of a Hallmark movie. The abundant holiday markets, food festivals, and parades are interspersed with local carolers and musicians for your own little slice of tranquility. 

Every skier and snowboarder’s favorite destination makes a fantastic spot even if you’re not hitting the slopes. Go ice skating, shopping, or even dog sledding in or near town. Additionally, there’s a regular Santa Bar Crawl, and every year, life-sized snow globes are set up all around the city for public enjoyment.

This historically Danish town frequently tops the lists of “European lookalike villages in the US.” And every year, it hosts a Julefest, as a nod to its heritage. Visitors can enjoy parades, carolers, and markets, all in a Danish spirit, with California temps — truly the best of both worlds.

Okay, more of a ski trip than a festive vacation. However, the resort town decks out in holiday cheer, and there’s not much that can beat snow-covered Rocky Mountains in the lead up to the end of the year. 

This Alaskan town needed to be included just based on the name alone. But even beyond that, the residents really make a great effort to indulge in a bit of cheer. Live reindeer hang out at “Santa’s House,” street lamps appear to be candy canes, and holiday lights are wrapped around the center. 

Craft shows and lights line the River Arts District, making for a scenic stroll through this mountainous town. Don’t miss the festivities at the Biltmore Estate, where visitors can admire lavish holiday decor and events.

A seaside village might not immediately strike you as an obvious holiday spot, but Rockport is a great, offbeat destination. Enjoy town sing-alongs, candy making, and Santa in a lobster boat!

If you’re a fan of holidays by the sea, you’ll want to plan a trip to Annapolis. Numerous boats every year dress up with lights to the delight of holiday enthusiasts from all over. Even away from the water, the town is full of seasonal cheer.

The Midwest’s hidden charm of a city becomes even more special in December. Catch holiday concerts, the Nutcracker, or street performers, as well as an impressive train display at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

Two-and-a-half hours from Minneapolis, this adorable northern town makes for an idyllic winter getaway. From cozy cabins to skating rinks, horse-drawn carriages, bonfires, and everything in between, you might not even want to go home for the holidays.

Maine might be better known as a summer place, but for those who brave the chillier season, you’ll be rewarded. Camden is set on the coast, but is still snowy enough to house the Camden Snowbowl, perfect for skiers and snowboarders. Additionally, the annual Christmas-by-the-Sea festival is the perfect event to get visitors in the holiday spirit.

One of the country’s oldest towns, St. August is ideal for those who want to get in the holiday mood without a winter jacket. The entire downtown is decorated each year in a giant light display known as the “Night of Lights.”

Nicknamed Christmastown, this Indiana town receives a flood of letters for Santa every year. Beyond the fun name, the community embraces the vibe and puts on a massive drive-thru light show, a massive parade, and a sweets castle.

A favorite day trip from Nashville, Franklin is perfect during the holiday season. Main Street has been dubbed “America’s favorite main street” and comes alive with cheer every year. Marvel at decor, carolers, and themed business windows.

Virginia is for lovers and holidaygoers. Enjoy ribbon-tied lampposts, small businesses with some of the best window displays in the US, and delicious, sweet treat shops!