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 put together a list of 10 that are common to these lists.

So let’s get into it…

The Best Christmas Towns in the U.S

Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Norman Rockwell’s painting, “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas (Home for Christmas),” is set in Stockbridge as it existed in 1967.  Stockbridge annually 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.

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, which is a beloved local spectacle that features more than a million lights — including larger-than-life twinkly poinsettia creations. 

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!)

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. 

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, accompanied by themed activities that include sledding, holiday concerts, and cider tastings.

Leavenworth’s Bavarian-style Christkindlmarkt offers some of the best holiday shopping in the United States, complete with unique and handmade gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.

If you want to see Leavenworth at right this moment, check out the town’s streaming webcam right here.

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 the holiday experience at Busch Gardens amusement park, where awe-inspiring displays — made up of more than eight million lights — are always a favorite.

Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock (no, not the site of the 1969 music festival that was held in upstate New York) is picturesque no matter when you visit. Add some snow, a smattering of classy Christmas decorations, and some plucky small-town cheer, and this small New England town practically transforms into a holiday dreamland. 

In December, visitors will hear carolers and sleigh bells in the streets as the season’s festivities begin. Old-fashioned wagon rides take place all through the town, traversing some of the historical covered bridges in the area.

The historic Billings Farm and its authentically decorated farmhouse takes visitors back to the 19th century as you learn about holidays of years’ past and make your very own classic ornament.

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, and 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.

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.

Branson, Missouri

Branson, Missouri, takes the holiday season very seriously and the people who live 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.

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