When it comes to RV road trips, it's hard to beat visiting some of the best Christmas towns in the U.S.
But there are a lot of choices. And everyone seems to have their list of top destinations for Christmas-themed fun.
To help you make a plan, we compiled a list of 15 common to these lists. Many are in New England, but we've included some western Christmas destinations, too.
So let's get into it…
The Best Christmas Towns in the U.S
The following are listed in no particular order. All are magical Christmas towns across the United States.
1. Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Norman Rockwell’s painting, “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas (Home for Christmas),” is set in Stockbridge as it existed in 1967. Norman Rockwell captured Christmas in many paintings, which you can peruse year-round at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge.
Stockbridge still embodies the Christmas spirit that Norman Rockwell so expertly expressed.
Every Christmas season, Stockbridge recreates those simpler times by decorating the buildings with boughs and lights, and lining the Main Street with old-fashioned cars. Visitors also can tour some of the area’s historic homes and Gilded Age mansions —all decked out in their festive best.
2. Big Spring, Texas
The residents of Big Spring take pride in their temperate southern city being known as the Lighted Poinsettia Capital of Texas. The title stems from the stunning illuminated displays in the annual Comanche Trail Festival of Lights.
This beloved local spectacle features more than a million lights — including larger-than-life twinkly poinsettia creations.
3. Frankenmuth, Michigan
We couldn’t put this list together without including Michigan’s own Frankenmuth. Of course, the main attraction is the massive Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland store, which takes up the space of one-and-a-half football fields.
At Bronner’s, you can shop for gifts, decor, and bespoke ornaments, painted while you grab a bite from the Season's Eatings snack bar.
Grab one of the area’s famous chicken dinners, then, make sure you stick around until after dark, when Bronner’s — located on Christmas Lane, no less — is illuminated with over 100,000 glimmering lights and lined with festive holiday displays every day of the year.
(Check out the video below from a trip we made to Bronner's a few years ago and you'll see why this is one of the Best Christmas Towns!)
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4. St. Augustine, Florida
Christmas in beautiful St. Augustine is known for the award-winning Nights of Lights display, a massive undertaking that has its origins in the traditional Spanish practice of placing a white candle in a window during the Christmas holidays.
The event features millions of tiny white lights that create a warm and festive glow all throughout America’s oldest city. Locals and visitors alike revel in the shimmer of the bayfront light installations, while the iconic Plaza de la Constitución Christmas becomes surrounded by mountains of gifts.
Nights of Lights runs from mid-November until the end of January.
5. Leavenworth, Washington
This Bavarian-inspired town takes Christmas to a whole new level. The town’s Christmas Lighting Festival features more than half a million Christmas lights that light up the town. Plus, themed activities include sledding, holiday concerts, and cider tastings.
For many years, Leavenworth’s Bavarian-style Christkindlmarkt has offered some of the best holiday shopping in the United States, complete with unique and handmade gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. However, it has been canceled until further notice because of discord with the city administration.
If you want to see Leavenworth at right this moment, check out the town's streaming webcam right here.
6. Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg bills itself the “Best Christmas Town in America,” and with their unique take on the holiday. History buffs likely would agree.
In the historic Colonial Williamsburg district, holiday traditions from the 17th and 18th centuries are annually celebrated with authentic costumes (worn by local participants) and era-appropriate, hand-crafted decorations.
Looking for something a bit more modern? You can always head to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens amusement park, where awe-inspiring displays — made up of more than eight million lights — are always a favorite.
7. Santa Claus, Indiana
One would assume that a town named after Christmas’ most famous figure would be remiss if it didn’t celebrate the holidays in style, and that’s just what this one does. Santa Claus, Indiana, proclaims itself “America’s Christmas Hometown,” dedicating much of the year to Christmas-themed shops and attractions.
The town works extra hard during the holidays to make sure not only locals but also kids all over the world have a joyous season.
Fun fact: the local post office receives thousands of letters to Santa each year, and since the early 1900s, a group of volunteers has worked to make sure every letter gets a reply from Santa.
8. North Pole, Alaska
Located 14 miles outside of Fairbanks, this version of the North Pole celebrates Christmas year-round, with parades in July and nostalgic red-and-white candy cane stripes splashed across the city streets.
The town’s center features the Santa Claus House, a one-time post office turned holiday shop. Visitors can see live reindeer, shop for Christmas gifts, take a photo with the world’s largest Santa statue, or say hello to the man in red himself.
Fun fact: A resident who is legally named Santa Claus serves on the North Pole city council — long white beard and all.
9. Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri, takes the holiday season very seriously, and the people there have worked to put it on the map as a top Christmas destination.
Skip the cold and experience the stunning light displays all across Branson from the comfort of your car with driving tours like Let There Be Lights! and Trail of Lights.
Those who brave the cold can take part in An Old Time Christmas Festival, boasting cheery excursions like a dazzling display of lights at Silver Dollar City, two live Christmas shows, a thousand decorated Christmas trees, and the Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade.
10. Solvang, California
When people think of a magical Christmas, California isn't usually the first state that pops into mind. Especially a southern city located 15 miles from the Pacific.
But Solvang, California, transports you to a festive Danish wonderland during its annual Julefest. The town itself is known for its Danish-style architecture and windmills, and is an excellent year-round destination.
But add lights and holiday festivities, and you've got yourself one of the best Christmas towns in the United States.
11. Helen, Georgia
Helen, Georgia, is a Germanic town year-round. So, it's no surprise that they have an incredible Christmas season that mirrors Germany's renown Christmas markets and festivities.
Their annual Decemberfest is packed full of events that are enjoyed under the glow of countless Christmas lights. Some of the events include the Lighting of the Village, Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market), Christmas Parade, Breakfast with Santa, and Victorian Christmas.
Be sure to check Helen's Event Directory for this year's events and dates.
12. Prescott, Arizona
Arizona's Christmas City pops up in Prescott, Arizona, every November. You can “celebrate Christmas the Arizona way” throughout December and into the New Year.
Some favorite events include Wildlights and Animal Sights at the Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, the Annual Christmas Parade, Prescott's Christmas Village & Christkindl Market, and more!
You can check their Christmas City Events online for dates and details.
13. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville itself is a great Christmas destination. However, it's the Christmas at Biltmore Estate that earns its spot on this list. America's largest home transforms each holiday season into a Christmas wonderland.
The Biltmore celebrates Christmas for TWO months, from the first week of November to the first week of January. You'll find over 100 hand-decorated Christmas trees, more than 25,000 ornaments, and 100,000 holiday lights!
The Omni Grove Park Inn also makes a winter trip to Asheville well worth it. They host the National Gingerbread House Competition with entries on display for visitors to see.
14. McAdenville, North Carolina
Trademarked as Christmas Town USA®, McAdenville is a well-loved Christmas town known particularly for its Christmas Light Display. The town's tradition of using red, white, and green lights started back in 1956 and has only grown since.
Christmas Town USA® shines from the first of December through December 26th. You can choose to drive through town or park to take a stroll. The historic downtown area is a pleasure to visit.
Their official website isn't the most attractive, but it is packed full of information to help you plan your trip.
15. Natchitoches, Louisiana
Natchitoches embraces Christmas from mid-November through the first week of January. They have been spreading “Christmas Cheer Since 1927” as one of the oldest community-based holiday celebrations in the country.
You'll be dazzled by over 300,000 lights and more than 100 set pieces on display.
You can get your tickets to the Natchitoches Christmas Festival online. Tickets are only $10 and children 6 and under are free.
Most Colorado Mountain Towns
In a recent post in our RV Lifestyle Facebook group, several people mentioned that you can't go wrong at Christmastime in the Rockies.
The stunning Colorado Rocky Mountains are the perfect backdrop for Christmas, which residents seem to fully embrace. They decorate their small towns, main streets, and homes to the delight of all visitors passing through.
Our Colorado RV Adventure Guide is a great way to start planning a magical trip.
What's Your Favorite Christmas Town?
Please share your favorite Christmas town in the comments below! Nobody is a better judge of the BEST than our RV Lifestyle community!
You can also see what other RVers are saying in our RV Lifestyle Facebook Group.
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