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There's no better way to capture the magic of the holidays than to see it right before your eyes. Sure, you're able to take in some of it in your hometown thanks to your neighbors' festive decorations and local tree lighting ceremonies, but if you want to see what Christmas cheer America really has to offer, head out of town for a bit and visit one of these top Christmas places.
We're talking small towns and big cities with cozy cabins, holiday theme parks, restaurants that go all out with festive food and so much more. Spend actual Christmas Day at one of these spots, or just take a quick weekend getaway with the fam or friends. You can head to a winter wonderland or take it easy in a warm coastal town. You can even stop by and visit some places from your favorite Christmas movies, like the house from A Christmas Story.
From magical New York City to Santa Claus, Indiana, any of these spots would make the perfect December getaway. All that's left to do is buy your tickets or fill up the car, and start packing. Just don't forget to bing the presents!
If you're looking for more vacation ideas, check out our 2024 Family Travel Awards.
Woodstock, Vermont
Looking for that quintessential New England holiday charm? You'll feel like you stepped into a Hallmark Christmas card in the historic charming town of Woodstock, which annually hosts an iconic holiday celebration called Wassail Weekend (think carriage rides, twinkling lights, decorated homes and more!).
New York City, New York
Is there anything more iconic than Christmastime in New York? You'll of course want to take in the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza (where you can also ice skate!), before marveling at the gorgeous Christmas window store displays along Fifth Avenue. Don't forget to catch The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular show!
RELATED: Fun and Festive Things to Do on Christmas Day in NYC
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Vail, Colorado
For the ultimate winter getaway, head to the ski town of Vail, Colorado. You can spend the perfect snowy Christmas season at the ski slopes before strolling the idyllic winter wonderland of Vail Village. There, you can visit the Kris Kringle Market and witness the big tree lighting ceremony.
Seneca Falls, New York
If your favorite Christmas movie is It's A Wonderful Life, you need to visit Seneca Falls — the town believed to have been the real-life inspiration for the film’s fictional town of Bedford Falls. Each December, Seneca Falls holds a festival to celebrate the Christmas classic, complete with a movie screening, a meet-and-greet event with the cast, a parade and more.
Stockbridge, Massachussets
This Massachusetts town was once depicted in a 1967 Norman Rockwell painting (titled "Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas") — and now, every holiday season, Stockbridge recreates the art, complete with vintage cars lined up on Main Street. Plus, the annual celebration also includes historic property tours, a holiday concert and more.
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North Pole, Alaska
Every kid has dreamt of visiting Santa Claus at the North Pole — and as it turns out, you actually can! This quaint Alaskan town is home to the “Santa Claus House,” where you can also stroll down Santa Claus Lane, see live reindeer, and marvel at the world’s largest Santa statue. What could be a better way to celebrate Christmas?
Hershey, Pennsylvania
What better way is there to celebrate Christmas than with tons of chocolate? The whole family will love spending the holidays at Hersheypark's Christmas Candylane, where you can enjoy holiday rides, visit Santa (and his reindeer!) and take in more than 5 million lights decorating the fun-filled chocolate theme park.
Oahu, Hawaii
Forget winter wonderlands — if you’d rather go somewhere warm and sunny this year, a tropical Hawaiian Christmas is exactly what you might need. You’ll find plenty of holiday cheer (without the cold!) in the island of Oahu, especially aboard the Waikiki Holiday Lights Trolley tour and the annual Honolulu City Lights event.
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McAdenville, North Carolina
McAdenville is known as "Christmas Town USA" — which, of course, makes it the perfect holiday season destination. Every winter, the small town transforms into a twinkling wonderland adorned with thousands of lights and Christmas decorations, drawing thousands of visitors every year.
Aspen, Colorado
This beautiful ski resort town is a well-known haven for ski bunnies and travel enthusiasts, but it also holds plenty of Christmas activities during the holiday season, including an annual tree lighting, a fun-packed "12 Days of Aspen" event and holiday shows (like The Nutcracker) at the Opera House.
New Orleans, Louisiana
You may first think of Mardi Gras when you think of New Orleans, but the Crescent City also pulls out all the stops during the holidays, too. After enjoying the city's dazzling light displays and bonfires, be sure to check out Celebration in the Oaks, which is said to be one of the most spectacular holiday lights festival in the country.
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Taos, New Mexico
For those seeking a one-of-a-kind holiday experience, a must-go location is Taos, which offers a unique New Mexican spin on holiday traditions every year. The ski town celebrates the season with its annual Yuletide in Taos, which features holiday markets, bonfires and other ultra-festive events.
Branson, Missouri
There are light displays galore, as well as the massive event called An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City. But perhaps our favorite Branson holiday activity is hopping on the Polar Express, where you and your kids can witness the Chris Van Allsburg classic come to life.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston may be a great destination spot any time of the year, but it's especially magical (and still warm!) around the holidays, when the city goes all out on the Christmas festivities. This year, you can enjoy the Holiday Festival of Lights from your car before strolling down the streets to shop, eat and marvel at the city's historic mansions decked out for the holidays.
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Jackson, New Hampshire
Around the holidays, there's no more apropos destination spot than the Christmas Farm Inn & Spa. After enjoying skiing and plenty of other outdoor activities, be sure to hop aboard a sleigh ride for the festive Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour, where you can taste test handmade chocolate while enjoying the sights.
Chicago, Illinois
There's nothing like winter in The Windy City, which celebrates the holidays with much cheer. From the Christkindltmarket to ice skating at Maggie Daley Park and a Christmas tree exhibition, there are plenty of holiday activities to enjoy.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth likens itself to a "swirling snow globe," and you'll definitely see why when you browse through photos of the Leavenworth Village of Lights. The Bavarian-style town has an annual tradition of hanging up beautiful Christmas lights downtown, and you'll be able to take it all in this year (though there won't be a big reveal at an official lighting festival as usual).
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Cleveland, Ohio
You might recognize this home from the beloved Christmas movie A Christmas Story. Ralphie's iconic house has been restored as a museum, and now you can go inside and even stay the night. And yes, leg lamps are available for purchase (but remember, they're very fragile).
RELATED: Here's Where 'A Christmas Story' Was Filmed 37 Years Ago
Andalusia, Alabama
Head down south this December for Andalusia's Candyland, the town's ultra-festive holiday event held throughout the month. Admission is free of charge, but includes a small $4 fee for horse-drawn carriage rides. You can also enjoy the Snow Show, take photos with Santa, hop on the holiday train and more!
Hannah Jeon
Associate Commerce Editor
Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.
