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Christmas travel tips: best and worst days to fly or drive.

AAA predicts this holiday season will be the busiest ever for air travel.

Millions of Americans are gearing up to hit the highway and take to the skies ahead of the holidays.

Here's what you need to know before packing your bags:

Holiday travel by air

AAA predicts this holiday season will be the busiest ever for air travel, with 7.5 million people projected to fly from Saturday, Dec. 23 to Monday, Jan. 1. This would break the record high of 7.3 million flyers set during the 2019 holiday season.

Thursday, Dec. 21 and Friday, Dec. 22 are forecast to be the busiest days for departures, according to Hopper.

Domestic airfares are averaging $349 round trip -- a 3% increase from last year, according to Hopper.

Holiday travel by air

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The cheapest days to fly will be Dec. 19, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, according to Hopper. The most expensive days are Dec. 22 and Dec. 26.

United Airlines said it expects its busiest-ever holiday travel season, with about 9 million passengers planning to fly from Dec. 21 to Jan. 8. This is a 12% jump from last year.

United said it anticipates Dec. 22 and Dec. 23 will be its busiest days for Christmas travel, while Jan. 2 will be the busiest day for New Year's travel.

Delta Air Lines is preparing for nearly 9 million customers during its holiday travel period, which runs from Dec. 21 to Jan. 7.

Delta said its peak days are expected to be Dec. 21 to Dec. 22 and Dec. 26 to Dec. 30.

Holiday travel by road

Holiday travel by road

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AAA expects 104 million people to hit the road over the holidays -- a 1.8% increase from last year.

The busiest days are forecast to be Saturday, Dec. 23; Thursday, Dec. 28; and Saturday, Dec. 30, according to transportation analytics company INRIX.

If you're leaving for the holidays on Dec. 23, the best time to head out the door is before 10 a.m., according to INRIX. And if you're heading home the day after Christmas, the roads will be emptiest before noon, INRIX said.

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23 US Cities That Go All Out for Christmas

By Caitlin Morton

23 of the Best Places to Spend Christmas in America

Think of the phrase “Christmas in America” and you’ll likely imagine the usual suspects: giant trees festooned in twinkling lights, people of all ages caroling and singing “Silent Night,” ubiquitous tributes to the jolly man in red named Santa Claus, and gingerbread. Lots of gingerbread. But take a closer look and you may be surprised: Christmas celebrations across the United States can look very different, depending on the environment, local history, and present-day cultures of the people who live there. Not everything is a winter wonderland—in fact, maybe a warm-weather destination for the holidays is exactly what you need. Regardless of temperature, these 23 destinations are some of the best places to spend Christmas this year.

These places below are known for the ways they come alive at Christmastime: from the glitzy and glam festivities of big cities like New York or Chicago to the Santa-hats-and-shorts vibes of Santa Fe and St. Augustine. Of course, your Christmas vacation ideas in the US are far from limited to just these places. Here's one idea: Head out on a multi-destination road trip to check out some fantastical drive-through Christmas lights displays . And while there are a great many places to celebrate Christmas around the world , experience one Christmas in America and you’ll be a person changed for the better.

Here are some of the best places to go for Christmas in the United States this year, ranging all types of atmosphere and styles: from Kennebunkport to Las Vegas , from Dallas to North Pole, Alaska (note the missing the ). No matter where you choose, there are plenty of activities to participate in, events to check out, and places to stay. Happy holidays, y’all.

This article has been updated since its original publish date. All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why we go Located about 20 minutes south of Washington DC Alexandria is a pictureperfect place to spend the holiday...

Alexandria, Virginia

Why we go: Located about 20 minutes south of Washington, DC, Alexandria is a picture-perfect place to spend the holiday season. The Old Town’s row houses and centuries-old brick streets look even more charming when adorned with snow and Christmas wreaths, and you can expect a ton of seasonal activities. The festivities kick off along the Potomac River shoreline with the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights (December 2 at 5:30 p.m.) and the annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade (December 3). Come Christmas Eve, try to spot Waterskiing Santa along the Potomac River.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Get a taste of the Christmases of yore at nearby Mount Vernon (George Washington’s former home), where you can take a candlelit guided tour, and enjoy some cider and cookies (with special events on November 24 and 25, December 1, 2, 8, 9, and 17).

Stay here: Book a stay at The Alexandrian, Autograph Collection , which is on King Street, in the heart of Alexandria’s shopping and entertainment area.

Biltmore Estate in Asheville during Christmas

Asheville, North Carolina

Why we go: Asheville is easily one of the country’s best places to spend Christmas, offering all the light displays and holiday shopping—not to mention the perfect tucked-away location in the Blue Ridge Mountains —any vacationer could wish for. Some of the city’s seasonal offerings include a lit-up wonderland at the North Carolina Arboretum , and the 29th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn (on display from November 27 to January 2).

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Christmas at Biltmore Estate is just as spectacular as it sounds, with 100 hand-decorated trees, 10,000 ornaments, and 100,000 holiday lights drawing visitors through the new year in January.

Stay here: Cozy up in The Foundry , a hotel that opened in 2018 with a James Beard-nominated chef running its in-house restaurant. It’s Asheville’s best boutique hotel, filled with authentic touches—from lots of exposed brick to the restaurant’s modern spins on comfort food.

Why we go This Christmas visit the little town of Bethlehem—in Pennsylvania that is. The citys Germaninspired Christmas...

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Why we go: This Christmas, visit the little town of Bethlehem—in Pennsylvania, that is. The city’s German-inspired Christmas City Village and Christkindlmarkt (November 17 to December 17) feature rotating displays by artisans, live music, and glass-blowing demonstrations. After stocking up on handmade ornaments and nutcrackers, take a carriage ride through Downtown Bethlehem to take in all the Christmas lights.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: The Winter Light Spectacular (through December 31) at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, about 30 minutes northwest of Bethlehem, features more than a million lights and illuminated scenes throughout the zoo.

Stay here: The Sayre Mansion Inn has warm and comfortable rooms, private six-course dinners, and beautiful Christmas decorations. If you want to venture out into the town, Lehigh University, St. Luke’s Hospital, the Steel Stacks Performing Arts Center, and the Wind Creek Casino are all nearby.

The Reindeer Farm Bowling Green

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Why we go: Normally, you wouldn’t expect an Arctic experience in southern Kentucky, but Bowling Green is shaking up the holiday game this year. The Christmas spirit is definitely alive at the city’s Reindeer Farm , where families can feed reindeer, watch holiday movies, and drink cocoa while writing letters to Santa. (There's even wine tasting for the grown-ups.)

The one thing to get you in the spirit: End your festive vacation at the SoKY Marketplace Ice Rink , an outdoor rink where you can skate with Santa and the Grinch.

Stay here: Opened in mid-2019, the Lodge at Olde Stone offers 12 cozy, Kentucky-inspired suites and a restaurant serving up Southern dishes. And if you’re a golfer, be sure to pack your clubs: the property boasts 9- and 18-hole courses onsite.

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Branson, Missouri

Why we go: Sort of like a family-friendly little sister to Las Vegas, Branson pulls out all the stops every holiday season. The Ozark Mountain town transforms into a winter wonderland with 1,500 Christmas trees in and around town, ice skating under the Branson Ferris Wheel, and several drive-through light displays .

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Head straight to the 1880s-themed amusement park Silver Dollar City for the annual An Old Time Christmas festival. The party lasts until December 30 and includes 6.5 million lights, 1,000 trees (including an eight-story one), outdoor shows, parades, and, of course, rides.

Stay here: Chateau on the Lake is one of the nicest hotels in town, with beautiful lake views, a full-service luxury spa, and the Chateau Marina, where activities include fishing, water skiing, and tubing (though you may want to wait for warmer weather—or not, if that’s your thing).

Charleston South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina

Why we go: Charleston is the perfect destination for any fan of the holidays, but not of the frigid weather that often comes with the season. There are plenty of Christmas-oriented events and festivities in the city that are fit for every type of tourist. Check out the Festival of Trees at The Charleston Place , where 16 Christmas trees, each one decorated by a local Charleston business or organization, will be on display throughout the beautiful hotel’s second floor. For something that sounds (and is) magnificent, catch The Sound of Charleston , where you can hear the music that tells the city’s story: gospel spirituals, music by George Gershwin, Civil War songs, and jazz. For something pleasantly aquatic, head over to the South Carolina Aquarium, which presents the dazzling light show Aquarium Aglow after the sun goes down on select evenings this November and December (be sure to say hi to “Scuba Claus” in the Great Ocean Tank).

The one thing to get you in the spirit: As far as classically Christmassy merrymaking goes, it doesn’t get any more traditional (minus the freezing temperatures) than the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park featuring a spectacular light show that features over two million tiny light bulbs.

Stay here: There are plenty of options in South Carolina’s beautiful port city: There’s the perennial favorite French Quarter Inn , which welcomes guests with a glass of Champagne and is just a few steps away from the famous Charleston City Market. Meanwhile, The Vendue , the city’s first art hotel concept, offers an ever-evolving experience—the hotel has a full-time docent and rotating exhibits. And for something classic, there’s Hotel Bennett , voted the very best hotel in Charleston by Traveler readers in the Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 ; its old-world grandeur and good ol’ Southern charm make this Marion Square hotel irresistible. (The place also hosts a holiday tea on Thursdays and Fridays until Christmas.)

Chicago Christmas

Chicago, Illinois

Why we go: From its European-inspired Christkindlmarket (from November 17 to December 24) to light shows galore (there’s the Let It Shine drive-through Christmas lights display), Chicago knows a thing or two about embracing the Christmas spirit (and freezing temperatures). Can’t-miss activities include visiting the 51-foot Christmas tree in Millennium Park and cozying up in a heated igloo at The Godfrey Hotel .

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Be dazzled by 2.5 million LEDs at ZooLights (from November 17 through January 7), an annual light festival held at Lincoln Park Zoo. Check out the event’s calendar for sensory-friendly visit times.

Stay here: As far as hotels go, travelers truly have their pick of the litter in the Windy City. One top choice is The Langham, Chicago , housed in a landmark Mies van der Rohe building along the Chicago River. It's just a Chicago hotdog’s throw away from Magnificent Mile, where you can get all your holiday shopping done. For the sportier among us, there’s the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel , which has a strong local following for its historic lobby, indoor bocce, foosball in its game room, and the gem-like Milk Room bar, among other things. On the rooftop, and mostly enclosed by an atrium, Cindy’s cranks it up with large format cocktails, shareable dishes, and some of the best views of Millennium Park.

Galleria Dallas

Dallas, Texas

Why we go: Proving you don’t need cold temperatures to get in the Christmas spirit, the holiday celebrations in Dallas put most northern cities to shame. Most notable is Holiday at the Arboretum (now through January 5), a Christmas village with millions of lights, a 50-foot tree with lights animated to music, and visits with Santa Claus. Elsewhere in town, you can drive through the Dallas Zoo Lights route (from November 17 to January 2) and skate next to the country’s tallest indoor Christmas tree at the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center .

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Throw a few back at Miracle , a Christmas-themed pop-up bar that returns to Dallas this year at the cocktail bar Royal 38 in Uptown Dallas.

Stay here: If you really want a festive experience, check in at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek , where the grounds are beautiful and the food is so tasty, you could dine on property every night.

Denver Colorado

Denver, Colorado 

Why we go: Unwrap the magic of the holidays in Denver this season with special events and millions of twinkling lights. Enjoy a family outing to the Denver Zoo Lights , or a fun day of shopping and ice skating downtown. Get a dose of culture with a viewing of A Christmas Carol or The Nutcracker (see the full calendar here ), then visit the Mile High Tree at the 16th Street Mall (it’s actually 110 feet tall, but that’s still pretty impressive).

The one thing to get you in the spirit: The Denver Christkindlmarket (one of the best German markets in the country) returns to Civic Center Park this winter, open daily now through December 23.

Stay here: The Crawford Hotel , a boutique property in LoDo’s Union Station, boasts Art Deco rooms, and the city’s most beautiful lobby. Soaring ceilings and sky-high chandeliers hang overhead, while oversized sofas and leather chairs create a casual and bustling “living room” frequented by travelers and locals alike.

Kennebunkport Inn

Kennebunkport, Maine

Why we go: If you’re wondering where to go for Christmas celebrations unlike anywhere else, look no further. Every December, this tiny New England town bursts with holiday cheer during its annual Christmas Prelude ; check out the site and you’ll see a live countdown to the event’s start date—it’s that highly anticipated. It’s an 11-day bash that’s about as New England as it gets: one of the main attractions is a tree made of lobster traps. Speaking of, the legendary lobster rolls at hotspots like Scales , The Highroller Lobster Co. , and Miyake will make you forget about gingerbread and sugar plums altogether.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Santa Claus’s arrival at the Christmas Prelude on a lobster boat.

Stay here: According to this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards, Traveler readers love the 14-room Cape Arundel Inn & Resort for its oceanside location and restaurant serving up fresh seafood—and, unlike a lot of Maine resorts, it’s actually open during the winter months.

The LINQ Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada

Why we go: If you thought Las Vegas was dazzling before, just wait until you see it decked out for Christmas. Basically, the entire Strip transforms into a winter wonderland full of festive events for the entire family. This year's activities include rooftop ice skating at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (beginning December 2), colorful displays outside The LINQ promenade , a 6-foot-tall gingerbread man at ARIA , and a massive holiday display—complete with a 42-foot Christmas tree—at the Bellagio’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens .

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Catch an iconic show at the Fountains of Bellagio to see performances set to “Santa Baby,” “Carol of the Bells,” and other holiday classics.

Stay here: It’s hard to go wrong when it comes to the hotels on the Strip in Las Vegas , especially as each property tries to outdo each other—whether for the holidays or just around the year. That said, for a classic experience, stay at The Venetian . The whole place is so marvelously over-the-top that it doesn’t matter that it looks nothing like the real Venice . That’s not the point. This is Vegas, baby.

Nashville Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee

Why we go: The Music City is all about the—wait for it—music during the holiday season. From November 10 through January 1, enjoy “Country Christmas” at Gaylord Opryland , with tons of Christmas shows, plus ice skating and acres of light displays. Or head to the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway and take the two-mile drive through Jingle Beat , a light show set to remixed versions of classic Christmas carols. And when in doubt, you can always catch a yuletide show at the Grand Ole Opry .

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Given the Christmas season, a hotel named Noelle seems as perfect a place as any to spend the season. Its Holiday Glow Package is a nice deal, but even cooler is its Ralphie’s Christmas experience, inspired by A Christmas Story, which features Oval-tinis and other seasonal bites (happening in the hotel’s Hidden Bar until January 8).

Stay here: Well, it’s obvious, isn’t it? Stay at the Noelle—officially Noelle, Nashville, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. It’s in the center of the downtown Nashville action, and its emphasis on art, design, and local artists and designers will help you get to know the city all the more.

New Orleans at Christmas

New Orleans, Louisiana

Why we go: It’s no surprise that New Orleans leans into the holiday season, but we still get all tingly thinking about Christmas in the city. NOLA lights up with events like LUNA Fête , where the Central Business District around Lafayette Square fills up with installations and animated graphics from December 7 to 10. City Park also becomes a wonderland for the entire month with Celebration in the Oaks (November 23 to December 30), a festival with vendors, food and drink stands, and decorations adorning the centuries-old oak trees.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: The annual Christmas Eve lighting of the bonfires along the banks of the Mississippi River is a seasonal tradition that's as authentically “New Orleans” as they come.

Stay here: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans has lots of holiday offerings this year, including gingerbread house building and a four-course dinner on Christmas Eve.

New York City Skating

New York City

Why we go: There’s no shortage of ways to make your New York City Christmas magical, whether it’s ice skating at Central Park, window shopping along Fifth Avenue, visiting the tree at Rockefeller Center, seeing the Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, or lurking around 34th Street hoping to witness a miracle.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Prepare to be incredibly and thoroughly overwhelmed (in a good way!) by the Christmas spirit in this Brooklyn neighborhood, which famously goes all out on the holiday decorations each year. Think candy cane lanes, giant snowmen, illuminated snowflakes, and too many glowing Santa Claus figures than the census can count. Lights go up after Thanksgiving and last through the New Year, so whether you’re driving through in a car or taking the pedestrian route, there’s plenty of time to take in the wall-to-wall displays of life-size nutcrackers, enormous twinkling trees, and lawn ornament reindeer. Big sleigh.

Stay here: Easy answer: The Plaza . If you've ever watched Home Alone 2 , you’ll recognize it as the hotel where young Kevin McCallister, while lost in New York, lived lavishly in a posh suite for the holidays. Fittingly, the hotel has a “Home Alone 2: Fun in New York” experience package, offered throughout the year, that lets guests mimic memorable moments from the movie. It includes a limousine ride all over the city to landmarks like Central Park and Radio City Music Hall, a large cheese pizza (to be eaten in the limo, naturally), and the Home Alone sundae, made to fit Kevin’s exacting taste (specifically: 16 scoops of assorted ice cream, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, M&M’s, brownie bits, chocolate, caramel, and raspberry sauce). If a more traditional Christmas is what you’re looking for, there’s also the “Suitest Season of All” package that comes with a seven-foot-tall decorated Balsam Hill tree placed directly in your suite.

Newport Beach California

Newport Beach, California

Why we go: The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is one of the longest-running holiday festivals in the entire country, celebrating its 115th anniversary this year from December 13 to 17. (To compare, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting has been running for 90 years.) The “parade” takes place in the harbor of Newport Beach, where yachts, boats, and kayaks have been known to show off up to $50,000 worth of decorations to millions of visitors.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: View the parade from Balboa Island , where the decorated houses threaten to upstage the passing boats.

Stay here: The nautical, all-American feel at Lido House, Autograph Collection fits in perfectly with the theme of the holiday events—especially with the addition of bright, colorful Christmas decorations in the cottages.

North Pole Alaska

North Pole, Alaska

Why we go: Even though this North Pole is 1,700 miles south of the true North Pole, the quaint Alaskan town is 100 percent saturated with Christmas cheer. Most famous for the Santa Claus House (the self-proclaimed “official” home of St. Nick), the North Pole’s nominal spirit even extends to its street names: Snowman Lane, Saint Nicholas Drive, Holiday Road, and Santa Claus Lane, which has light poles shaped like candy canes. Just as adorable is the town’s post office, which gets flooded with tens of thousands of letters addressed to Santa Claus each year.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: The annual tree-lighting ceremony has plenty of photo ops with Santa himself.

Stay here: The North Pole Cabins are comfortable and warm log cabin retreats, located just a mile from the Santa Claus House.

Snowfest at Park City Mountain

Park City, Utah

Why we go: As if the world-class skiing isn’t reason enough to visit Park City this winter, the town also happens to be a wonderful place to spend Christmas. The former Olympic city has ample opportunities for skiing, fly fishing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding—with no shortage of resorts to warm up in between runs.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Hop on a 90-minute train ride with the North Pole Express at Heber Valley Railroad, where you can sip hot cocoa and meet Mrs. Claus.

Stay here: The 12-room Washington School House is just a hop away from Park City’s lit-up Main Street, and its Christmas decorations are some of the prettiest ever seen. In nearby Deer Valley, there’s also the iconic Stein Eriksen Lodge , a luxurious chalet with easy ski-in/ski-out access. And just 25 minutes from downtown Park City Auberge Resorts’ The Lodge at Blue Sky is a perfect place to unwind in luxury.

Holiday Luminaria Santa Fe

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Why we go: Santa Fe’s already-beautiful plaza becomes downright magical with the addition of Christmas lights—but the holiday spirit doesn’t start and stop there. The city also offers midnight mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis de Assisi , holiday exhibits at the New Mexico Museum of Art , holiday flamenco performances at El Flamenco Cabaret , and seasonal shopping at the Winter Indian Market. Even when Christmas is officially over, you can keep busy at Taos Ski Valley and Ski Santa Fe —both just an easy drive away.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Santa Fe’s annual Canyon Road Farolito Walk , a Christmas Eve event consisting of farolitos (paper bags filled with sand and topped with a votive candle) lining the streets and walls of adobe buildings, is sure to get you in a pleasant and festive mood for the occasion.

Stay here: Condé Nast Traveler ’s Readers’ Choice Award favorite Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi has a tangible warmth to it, with gaslit kiva fireplaces and hand-carved four-poster beds adorning the rooms.

Seattle at Christmas

Seattle, Washington

Why we go: Aside from the delightful sight of a Christmas tree atop the Space Needle, there are plenty of reasons to visit Seattle over the holidays. Your one-stop shop for holiday cheer is Winterfest at Seattle Center (November 24 to December 31), which has family-friendly activities like train rides and ice sculpting demonstrations. There’s also a huge celebration just eight miles east of Seattle in the town of Bellevue: Snowflake Lane (November 24 to December 24), a nightly light show with caroling and snow machines ensuring a white Christmas.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Sheraton Grand Seattle ’s annual Gingerbread Village is probably Seattle’s most beloved holiday tradition, in which the city’s top architecture firms and culinary teams get together to create next-level gingerbread houses. This year’s event runs from November 21 to New Year’s Day.

Stay here: With its mountain lodge interiors, The Edgewater Hotel is one of the best places to cozy up in the Pacific Northwest. If you like to fall asleep while staring out at gentle waves glistening in the moonlight, you won’t find a better spot in the city.

Seneca Falls at Christmas

Seneca Falls, New York

Why we go: It’s a Wonderful Life may have been shot on an RKO soundstage in Los Angeles, but the fine folks of Seneca Falls , New York, swear that their five-square-mile upstate hamlet is the inspiration for the real Bedford Falls . Each December, they host an array of old-timey activities to prove it. This year, the event runs from December 7 to 10 and will include special film screenings, gingerbread house contests, and museum exhibits.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: The “It's a Wonderful Bonfire” event on Friday, December 8, which includes caroling, a visit from Santa, and a tree-lighting ceremony.

Stay here: The Gould Hotel has elegant rooms and a restaurant serving hearty, local meals that will warm you from the inside out.

Why we go Christmas in St. Augustine is truly something to behold. The holiday season kicks off this year with the citys...

St. Augustine, Florida

Why we go: Christmas in St. Augustine is truly something to behold. The holiday season kicks off this year with the city’s annual Christmas Parade, then continues through January 28 with the famous Nights of Lights festival. During the celebration, St. Augustine glows with three million tiny white lights over the Bridge of Lions and through 20 city blocks in the historic district. Bonus: You can enjoy the whole show without wearing a coat and gloves, because, you know, Florida.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Climb aboard the Old Town Trolley’s Famous Nights of Lights Tour, which departs nightly from November 19 through January 28.

Stay here: The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens pairs all the charm of a bed and breakfast with all the amenities of a true luxury hotel. No little detail is overlooked, from interesting on-site activities (like watercolor painting in the courtyard) to immaculate turndown service. The hotel has an age minimum of 16, making this a great retreat for harried parents.

St. Louis at Christmas

St. Louis, Missouri

Why we go: It’s been almost 80 years since Judy Garland first graced the world with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” at the end of Meet Me in St Louis , and the Missouri city has embraced its role as one of America’s yuletide capitals ever since. Make sure you hit all the classics, like Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo, the poinsettia show at Jewel Box in Forest Park , and ice skating at Steinberg Rink . For the third year running, there's even a Polar Express -themed train ride at the Union Station development.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Walk among a million dazzling lights at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s annual Garden Glow , which runs from November 18 to January 6.

Stay here: You can’t beat the glittering, Gateway Arch-facing views at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis .

Washington DC

Washington, D.C.

Why we go: There are few holiday displays in the nation that compare with Washington, DC’s National Christmas Tree, but other seasonal perks include private igloos at the Watergate Hotel, the Downtown Holiday Market (now through December 23), and a glorious absence of field trip groups in the Smithsonian museums.

The one thing to get you in the spirit: Make it a priority to amble over to the Ford’s Theatre, which puts on an annual run of A Christmas Carol for the holidays.

Stay here: The InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C., an IHG Hotel , is just a few blocks away from the White House and National Christmas Tree, and offers a holiday afternoon tea and tons of gorgeous decorations. You’ve heard it a thousand times: “There's no place like home for the holidays.”

The Emily Hotel

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The Best Places to Travel for Christmas

Tempted to skip town for the holidays? Here are a few places we recommend.

christmas where to go

Maui, Hawaii

makena beach sunrise, maui, hawaii

The best way to show your support for Maui after the devastating Lahaina wildfires? Go! But do it mindfully. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea will help with that. On December 4, it's unveiling a stunning floral art installation, entitled "Red Hawaiian Christmas." The artist, Noah Harders, who was born and raised in Waikapū, paid homage to the land by using traditional Hawaiian elements, like weaving coconut palm fronds and palm leaves found on Maui's west side, plus incorporating locally grown anthuriums, as well as plays on raffia skirts and lauhala belts as nods to hula. While there will be plenty of festive programming to choose from, the highlight will be the Love for Lahaina Grand Tasting, which will bring together chefs from Lahaina who lost their restaurants in the fires—all proceeds will go to recovery efforts.

New York, New York

christmas at the rockefeller center from 48th st

Yes it's crowded, yes it's touristy, but there is no denying the charms of NYC during the holidays. From the Rockefeller tree (pro tip: go on a weekday morning for a far calmer experience) to the many, many must-see things happening around town— The Nutcracker at the New York City Ballet, the Rockettes at Radio City, the holiday train show at the New York Botanical Garden—you're guaranteed to get the full NYC Christmas experience. Plus a side of Swiss coziness if you stay at the Mark , where Jean-Georges is transforming a corner of the property into the Mark Chalet, complete with wood panels, gingham details, and fondue on the menu.

Read Reviews The Mark

Savannah, Georgia

residential street in savannah decorated for christmas with american flags

Just to take meandering strolls to admire Savannah's beautiful stately homes swathed in festive decor would be enough to fill out a holiday in town, but it helps too that this charming city is full of fantastic restaurants and layered with centuries of history. The Perry Lane Hotel will get you in the Christmas spirit with its over-the-top decorations and plenty of festive experiences for kids and adults alike. Think holiday-themed cocktails, seasonal dining menus, reindeer greets on the roof, gift-stuffed stockings delivered by elves, and a story time with Mrs. Claus.

Read Reviews Perry Lane Hotel

Lake Como, Italy

a large room with christmas decorations

You will be pampered and spoiled like an Italian aristocrat at Villa d'Este , which is staying open for Christmas this year, something Lake Como's grandest dame establishment has done only a handful of times in its history. The sumptuous decorations strewn over every inch of the palazzo will probably have you begging them to make this an annual tradition. So will all the indulgences on the list of festive pursuits, like caviar tastings; a brand new Chocolate Room filled with cakes, cookies, and Villa d'Este's own artisanal panettone; and a Christmas menus with delicacies like risotto with langoustine, eggs in cocotte with Alba truffle, and Campidoglio goose leg confit with foie gras and chestnuts.

Read Reviews Villa d'Este

The Ozarks, Missouri

a white building with a steeple surrounded by snow

The picturesque region that sprawls across four states (Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and a sliver of Kansas) will provide tons of Christmas entertainment—especially for the kids—courtesy of Big Cedar Lodge . The 4,600-acre wilderness resort in Ridgedale, MO, will be a true playground of festive pursuits. On the extensive list of activities: gingerbread bake-offs, visits from Santa, baking workshops with Mrs. Claus, storytime with elves, an ugly sweater party hosted by the Grinch complete with green pancakes and green hot chocolate, and a guided golf cart tour through the Lost Canyon Cave, which will be illuminated with 4 million lights.

Read Reviews Big Cedar Lodge

a beautiful tropical beach with bora bora in the background

There's really no better time than the end of the year to take that bucket list trip to the farthest ends of the earth. At the St. Regis Bora Bora , you'll still have plenty of Christmas cheer—with a Polynesian twist. A champagne sabering celebration on December 23 kicks off two weeks of themed programming, which includes a visit from Santa, multicourse feasts, al fresco movie nights, and fireworks, plus cultural activities like flower crown weaving and shell jewelry classes and an introducton to Va'a, a form of traditional Polynesian canoeing.

Read Reviews St. Regis Bora Bora

Park City, Utah

a snowy landscape with a building in the distance

You're pretty much guaranteed to have a white Christmas in Park City, the perfect snowy haven for skiing and, more importantly, everything après. Auberge Resorts' Lodge at Blue Sky is a 3,500-acre winter wonderland where there is something festive for everyone in the family. Santa scavenger hunts, gingerbread house-making competitions, cookie decorating, and a cocoa bar for the kids; wine tastings, charcuterie board workshops, cacao rituals, and meditative hikes for the adults; with horse-drawn sleigh rides and Christmas movie nights to please all ages.

Read Reviews The Lodge at Blue Sky

a town on the water

Leave the kids at home for this one. The Caribbean's swankiest island gets even more so at Hotel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf , which has a $12,000 package for the holiday season that'll get you two nights in a deluxe bungalow suite stocked with cookies, eggnog, champagne and even a Christmas tree, a sunset cruise, and Biologique Recherche couple's treatments, all topped off with a romantic New Year's Eve dinner.

Read Reviews Hotel Le Barrière Le Carl Gustaf

Munich, Germany

munich city hall with christmas market, munich, germany

Germany's Christmas markets are legendary and you really can't go wrong with any of the ones that spring up around the country come December. Munich is on the top of our list for the city's Bavarian history and architecture, the fabulous location of its main market in Marienplatz, and the new Rosewood , the first international luxury property to open in Munich since 2007, which also happens to be perfectly situated in the heart of the city.

Read Reviews Rosewood Munich

Péréz Zeledón, Costa Rica

a fire pit with a fire pit and a fence and trees in the background

Good food, good vibes, reconnecting with nature and giving back? We can't think of a better way to spend the last few weeks of 2023. At the all-inclusive Hacienda AltaGracia , Christmas comes with a side of wellness. Sound baths, chakra meditations, moon ceremonies, astrology forecasts, and crystal workshops are on the menu, as are festive things like an introduction to rompope (a Latin version of eggnog), a traditional horse parade known as El Tope, and a Christmas Eve dinner with honey-glazed turkey, crispy pork belly with pineapple chili relish, and a chocolate and vanilla yule log. There's opportunity to do good, too: sign up for the high canopy tree net experience, not only for stunning sunset views but because 15% of proceeds will be donated to Baby2Baby. You can also help deliver parcels of food and necessities to the local girls orphanage on Christmas Day.

Read Reviews Hacienda AltaGracia

Umbria, Italy

a room with a fireplace and a table with chairs and a table

What would Gwyneth Paltrow do? If you consider yourself someone who ponders this question often, we suggest putting the Italian countryside on the list. It's where you'll find Reschio, a stunning estate sprinkled with private villas that GP calls one of her favorite places on earth. Two years ago, the Borza family, second-generation owners of the 3,750-acre pile , added a 36-suite hotel, the Hotel Castello di Reschio . If you want a cozy holiday, this is where you'll want to be—a Christmas Eve bonfire picnic, mass in the family chapel, country walks and board games, and plenty of cocktails by the fireplace to be had in between, are just some of what to expect.

Read Reviews Hotel Castello di Reschio

Ascot, England

christmas where to go

Ascot may be most famous for the annual horse race so beloved by the royal family, but it has its wintertime charms too, especially at the grand Coworth Park . The Dorchester Collection property is everything you would envision in an English countryside estate, with tons of fireplaces, cozy nooks, and stunning Christmas decorations. Special on-site holiday activities include a champagne afternoon tea accompanied by festive singing, a screening of the King's televised Christmas Day address, card-making workshops, and many a multi-course feast. Plus, the 22-suite property is less than an hour from London should you want to add a day of culture and shopping to the itinerary.

Read Reviews Coworth Park

London, England

christmas in london

London famously goes all out for its Christmas decorations, meaning you certainly won't be wanting for festive spirit in the UK capital. Not to mention the shopping! Take care of all your last minute gift needs at classics like Harrod's and Fortnum & Mason before retreating to the luxurious confines of Claridge's , a London grande dame that also happens to have some of the best holiday decorations in town—this year Louis Vuitton is designing its famous Christmas tree.

Read Reviews Claridge's

Loire Valley, France

where to go christmas

The majestic châteaux and Old World landmarks of France's Loire Valley spare no expense with their Christmas decorations and holiday events . Each is done up in a different theme—Château de Villandry will have a winter garden with ornamental cabbage and leeks and boxwood lace, for example, while Château de Chenonceau will overflow with flowers and Château d'Aizy-le-Rideau with a profusion of sweets. As for where to stay, opt for a historic château of your own with the 80-acre Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé , which was originally built in 1764 for Baron Jacques Pineau de Viennay, a close confidant of King Louis XV, and now has just 17 rooms, each exquisitely decorated with de Gournay and Pierre Frey wallpaper, plus three centuries' worth of art and antiques.

Read Reviews Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé

Asheville, North Carolina

a large room with a christmas tree and chairs

You can still get the European château experience without leaving the country at Asheville, home of Biltmore, the jaw-droppingly grand estate—at 178,926 square feet it's the largest private home in America—owned by the Vanderbilt family. The over-the-top Christmas decorations here are reason enough to visit, but there is also a fun dining and arts scene to explore in Asheville proper too. As for where to stay, the sprawling grounds of Biltmore has a selection of accommodations—we recommend the standalone cottages so you can really get a feel for the Gilded Age life.

Kennebunk, Maine

a room with tables and chairs

Quintessentially cozy New England charm can be found all along the Eastern seaboard, though this enclave of Maine does it particularly well thanks to the White Barn Inn , an institution for more than 150 years. For Christmas the Auberge resort is going all in on holiday indulgence: think cookies and eggnog by the fire, cocktail classes using locally foraged botanicals, an appearance by Santa at afternoon tea, a Christmas Eve feast, an invigorating beach hike to work it off the next morning, followed by another feast on Christmas Day.

Read Reviews White Barn Inn

Zermatt, Switzerland

scenic view of snowcapped mountains against sky,zermatt,switzerland

Switzerland has a postcard-perfect ski resort for every type of traveler, from jetsetters in search of a scene (St. Moritz) to die-hard monarchists who follow the Windsors' every move (Klosters). Traveling with the kids? Put Zermatt on the list. Not only does this charming—and car-free—village have a sprawling state-of-the-art network of trails for every level of skier, it's also home to one of the country's greatest landmarks: the Matterhorn. And thanks to the recent launch of a ski lift that connects to Italy's Aosta Valley just beyond the mountain, you can literally ski in two countries in a single afternoon. As for where to stay, we like the Hotel Monte Rosa , a 41-room Victorian jewel box of a property full of history and old world touches.

Read Reviews Hotel Monte Rosa

Danube River

christkindlmarkt marienplatz

The Christmas markets that spring up in various towns of Central Europe (Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria) are legendary—and thanks to Uniworld, they can all be enjoyed in one wonderful cruise down the Danube River. The company's 8-day Danube Holiday Markets trip includes stops in Passau, Salzburg, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. In addition to the many, many shopping excursions (do yourself a favor and bring a spare suitcase), there will also be spiced wine tastings, concert outings, a cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wachau Valley, and museum visits.

Cartagena, Colombia

cartagena de indias

Cartagena ticks off many boxes for a wonderful Christmastime holiday: it has a rich history, highly Instagrammable architecture, vibrant nightlife, and loads of charm. Plus, it's a short flight from the East Coast and the weather will be perfect. Stay long enough for New Year's Eve, when the streets of Old Town turn into one giant exuberant festival. When you're ready to call it a night, retreat into the elegant confines of the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara , which has all the requisite creature comforts of a modern hotel, along with unique details (confessionals, water wells, arched walkways) that hark back to its former life as a 17th century convent.

Read Reviews Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

County Mayo, Ireland

where to go christmas

The incredible Christmas decor alone is reason enough to spend the holidays at Ashford Castle , the 800-year-old property that was once the home of the Guinness family. Along with seasonal treats like mulled wine, minced pies, festive afternoon tea, and carol singing, there is a plethora of resort activities to sign up for, whether it's falconry, boat trips, clay shooting, archery, or horseback riding, to name just a few. The best part? Ending your day in one of Ashford Castle's 83 rooms, all individually decorated in sumptuous fabrics and furnishings, beautiful antiques, and thoughtful modern luxuries.

Read Reviews Ashford Castle

Headshot of Leena Kim

Leena Kim is an editor at Town & Country , where she covers travel, jewelry, education, weddings, and culture.

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Will we be able to travel this Christmas? All your questions answered

By Rick Jordan

Will we be able to travel this Christmas All your questions answered

Last year's festive break certainly wasn't what we'd asked Father Christmas for. With rising infection rates from new variants, plans were abandoned, travel curtailed and many people in the UK stayed at home as the tier system changed lockdown rules for much of England , Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland . Stay local was the message – although a special Christmas bubble was arranged just for 25 December, allowing some people in certain tiers to see friends and family. Some of us even took the tree out to the garden and opened presents there. But how will we celebrate this year?

Can I travel around the UK for Christmas?

At the moment, there are no plans to restrict domestic travel over the festive period. Boris Johnson has said that ‘this Christmas will be considerably better’ than that of 2020, although on Wednesday 8 December the government announced new Covid rules for England in response to the new Omicron variant – bringing England back in line with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These include the mandatory wearing of face coverings for most indoor public venues and on public transport (from Friday 10 December), the advice to work from home where possible (from Monday 13 December) and the need to show a NHS Covid Pass in order to enter certain venues, and to take a lateral flow test before entering a venue for more than 500 people or outdoor events for more than 4,000 (from Wednesday 15 December). This new strain of coronavirus is causing alarm as it is said to be more infectious than previous varieties, and may be partially resistant to existing vaccines. Asked whether there was any chance of another lockdown ahead of Christmas, Mr Johnson said: ‘I’m pretty confident to absolutely confident this Christmas will be considerably better than last Christmas.’ And junior UK health minister Edward Agar told BBC Radio 4 that he was ‘looking forward to a Christmas spent with family and friends’.

It's best to keep an eye on government websites in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland too, as any new rules or guidelines in the four UK nations may slightly differ. 

Won't we be better protected by Christmas?

Yes. Most of the UK population will have been vaccinated – more than 80 per cent of over 12-year-olds have received a second dose as of 5 December, and nearly 30 per cent a third dose. Millions of adults are to be offered booster jabs earlier than expected in an effort to save Christmas and prevent further restrictions and travel bans. 

Can I travel abroad for Christmas?

Again, it's hard to predict at the moment, with varying levels of coronavirus infection and vaccinations in different countries. Rising rates across Europe have seen some countries introduce new restrictions and lockdowns. Austria was the first to impose a nation-wide lockdown, followed by Slovakia, while the Netherlands introduced a curfew for restaurants and bars and anyone going to Switzerland must quarantine for 10 days. Countries are also beginning to respond to cases of the recently discovered Omicron variant, which have been reported in several countries around the world. Israel has temporarily banned foreign visitors, as has Japan. And the UK has put several southern African countries on the red list , including South Africa, Mozambique and Namibia. 

But most destinations are still welcoming travellers, and winter holidays are not off the calendar, from beach escapes in the Maldives to ski breaks in the Italian Alps (see the new Sky Alps flight between London Gatwick and Bolzano). Just make sure you check the status and rules for any specific country regularly. And remember that anyone returning or travelling to the UK – whatever their vaccination status – now needs to show proof of a negative Covid test (either lateral flow or PCR, taken privately) before travelling and take a PCR test by the end of the second day back in the country, as well as to self-isolate until they receive a negative result.  

Isle of Skye

Are there any places I definitely can't go to for Christmas?

Yes, we know that those looking to spend the festive period down under, with turkey sandwiches on the beach, will be disappointed. Australia is keeping its international borders closed until mid 2022, and New Zealand is not opening its borders to fully vaccinated New Zealand citizens in any other country until Sunday 13 February, with foreign travellers allowed to enter from Saturday 30 April.

Orange plant in pot on terrace with sea in background Santorini, Greece

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Passengers at an airpport, delays

The best and worst days to travel for Christmas this year

Planning last-minute travel? Here's what to know.

Erika Mailman

It’s going to get crazy out there in a few weeks; airports and highways will be bustling with all the holiday travelers making their way home. If you’re going to be in that horde, you’ll want to read further about increasing your chances of making the journey the most stress-free possible—you know, along with the millions of Americans alongside you.

The Vacationer has created a 2023 Holiday Travel Survey  to understand the battlefield better. For instance, 50.44 percent of Americans plan to travel for Christmas (last year, that was only 42.98 percent, and we all know how crowded last year was!) That means 131 million people will be packing a bag and trying to get from A to Z. But luckily, everyone’s pretty aware of the risks involved; the survey reports that more than 59 percent of American adults have “little or no” confidence in the airlines’ ability to avoid delays and cancellations this holiday season.

Hopefully, by this point, you already have your airline tickets—it’s recommended to buy them months in advance to avoid paying more and enduring the middle seat, unattractive flight times, and poor connections—but if you’re a last-minute decider, you’ll want to know the best days to book a flight (or head onto the road). In a separate article , the Vacationer laid out the best days to travel for those determined to make it happen. Please note that these rules are for 2023 only since Christmas is a moveable holiday, unlike Thanksgiving which is always held on a Thursday.

For 2023, the best days to depart on your trip include December 18, 19, or 20...and if you are okay with missing Christmas Eve festivities—or arriving right in the middle of them—December 24 is another good departure date. The best return dates are December 28 and 29.

On the other side of the chocolate coin, the worst days to depart are December 21, 22 or 23, and the worst return dates are December 26 and 27.

The general trend here seems to be that the earlier you can set off on your journey, the better, so if your schedule is lax enough to give you ample time at your destination, take advantage of that. The same is true of the return: if you can wait out the people who are back in the air or in their vehicle the day after Christmas, you’ll have much better luck and avoid some of the crowds. And after all, if it’s worth it to make your way there, why not stay longer?

  • Erika Mailman Writer

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Christmas travel tips: Best and worst days to fly or drive

AAA predicts this holiday season will be the busiest ever for air travel.

ABCNews logo

Millions of Americans are gearing up to hit the highway and take to the skies ahead of the holidays.

Here's what you need to know before packing your bags:

Holiday travel by air

AAA predicts this holiday season will be the busiest ever for air travel, with 7.5 million people projected to fly from Saturday, Dec. 23 to Monday, Jan. 1. This would break the record high of 7.3 million flyers set during the 2019 holiday season.

Thursday, Dec. 21 and Friday, Dec. 22 are forecast to be the busiest days for departures, according to Hopper.

Domestic airfares are averaging $349 round trip -- a 3% increase from last year, according to Hopper.

travel this christmas

The cheapest days to fly will be Dec. 19, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, according to Hopper. The most expensive days are Dec. 22 and Dec. 26.

United Airlines said it expects its busiest-ever holiday travel season, with about 9 million passengers planning to fly from Dec. 21 to Jan. 8. This is a 12% jump from last year.

United said it anticipates Dec. 22 and Dec. 23 will be its busiest days for Christmas travel, while Jan. 2 will be the busiest day for New Year's travel.

MORE: Southwest hit by record $140M fine for holiday service meltdown in 2022 that left millions stranded

Delta Air Lines is preparing for nearly 9 million customers during its holiday travel period, which runs from Dec. 21 to Jan. 7.

Delta said its peak days are expected to be Dec. 21 to Dec. 22 and Dec. 26 to Dec. 30.

Holiday travel by road

travel this christmas

AAA expects 104 million people to hit the road over the holidays -- a 1.8% increase from last year.

The busiest days are forecast to be Saturday, Dec. 23; Thursday, Dec. 28; and Saturday, Dec. 30, according to transportation analytics company INRIX.

If you're leaving for the holidays on Dec. 23, the best time to head out the door is before 10 a.m., according to INRIX. And if you're heading home the day after Christmas, the roads will be emptiest before noon, INRIX said.

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These are the busiest days to travel this holiday season

Sean Cudahy

2023 has been a record-setting year for air travel, and there's no reason to think the end-of-year holidays will be any different.

After logging its busiest summer ever at U.S. airport security checkpoints, the Transportation Security Administration saw more passengers on Nov. 26 — the Sunday after Thanksgiving — than on any day in its 22-year history.

And the crowds are just getting started.

AAA expects 7.5 million Americans will fly over the 10-day Christmas and New Year's holiday period. That's a number larger than both last year's holiday airport crowds and those seen in 2019.

At security checkpoints, agents will be working to keep lines moving. Their goal: wait times of 10 minutes or less in the TSA PreCheck lanes and a half-hour or less in the standard lanes.

"We expect this holiday season to be our busiest ever," TSA administrator David Pekoske said in a statement last month.

It was a prediction that the Thanksgiving rush confirmed, and one that tracked with the crowds seen all year. Seven of the 10 busiest days ever at TSA checkpoints have come in 2023. The 2.9 million air travelers seen on Nov. 26 beat out the previous record from June 30, set by Fourth of July weekend travelers.

Suffice it to say, if you're traveling for a December holiday, it's a good time to make sure that your TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or Clear membership is active. Also, make sure your Known Traveler Number is attached to your flight reservation.

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on how airlines perform following 2022's headaches, most notably the Southwest Airlines December meltdown . That meltdown was an operational disaster the airline says it will avoid this year thanks to a host of changes.

Fortunately, airlines are off to a good start with this year's holiday season. Between Nov. 19 and 26, during peak the peak Thanksgiving period, U.S. based carriers canceled a collective 0.2% of flights, according to FlightAware data analyzed by TPG. That was down slightly from a similarly impressive 0.3% cancellation rate during the equivalent period last year. The rate of delays among those carriers hovered at a consistent 17% from last Thanksgiving.

However, travelers have learned all too well the last couple of years that the end-of-year holiday season can bring a plethora of potential roadblocks, including the possibility of bad weather and the lingering threat of air traffic control-related disruptions.

"Mother Nature is always the x-factor," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg acknowledged at a news conference last month.

Busiest days to travel at Christmas and New Year's

travel this christmas

The TSA anticipates heavy volume throughout the Christmas and New Year's holiday period. However, it may likely come in the form of sustained crowds, as opposed to any single, record-setting days. (In recent years, the busiest day of the year has typically been the Sunday after Thanksgiving, as it was this year.)

Exactly which days will be the busiest days to fly this month? It's a little harder to predict the end-of-year holidays, which fall on a different day of the week each year. Also, recent years have held no shortage of abnormalities, from last December's bad weather and Southwest meltdown to COVID-19 and the omicron variant surge disrupting travel in 2020 and 2021.

Last year, the three busiest days for air travel over the December holidays were as follows, per TSA data:

  • Dec. 21, 2022 (a Thursday)
  • Dec. 30, 2022 (a Friday)
  • Jan. 2, 2023 (a Monday — and a federal holiday following New Year's Day)

This year, Christmas Day and New Year's Day fall on a Monday. It seems a safe bet that airports will be busy leading into the weekends prior to the two holidays, particularly Christmas.

Airlines for America, a trade group for the largest U.S. carriers, says the busiest days will be:

  • Thursday, Dec. 21
  • Friday, Dec. 22
  • Tuesday, Dec. 26
  • Wednesday, Dec. 27
  • Thursday, Dec. 28
  • Friday, Dec. 29

On the other hand, if you can find a way to travel on Christmas Day, you may find ultra-light crowds — if Thanksgiving was any indication, at least. Thanksgiving Day was the second least crowded day of 2023 at U.S. airports, according to TSA data. Likewise, Airlines for America projects Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day will be similarly uncrowded.

What about driving?

As usual, even more Americans will drive than fly for the holidays, although the share of air travelers is up from recent years.

More than 103 million U.S. travelers will take year-end holiday road trips during the 10 days around the end-of-year holidays, according to AAA. That's up nearly 2% from last year.

There's some good news for drivers, too. The national average for a gallon of regular gas currently sits at $3.15, down slightly from this time last year.

That's despite airlines battling cost pressures from jet fuel prices in recent months.

Still, if you are driving for Christmas or New Year's, be sure to pay at the pump with a credit card that offers bonus points or cash back at gas stations . Consider stacking those bonus points with gas rewards programs and other ways to save on gas.

Bottom line

travel this christmas

The holiday season is already off to a busy start, and that trend will likely continue this month with Christmas and New Year's travel. With those airport crowds in mind, it's a good time to double-check that you booked your flight and all other trip elements with a credit card that includes travel insurance protections.

As you travel, don't forget to take advantage of those airline fee credits on cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express. Also, don't forget to use an airline credit card for credits on checked bags or travel. This is where you can really offset that annual fee.

Download the MyTSA app so you can check security checkpoint wait times and read up on your rights as an air traveler in the event something goes wrong — including when you're owed a refund.

Related reading:

  • Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
  • The best travel credit cards
  • Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
  • 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
  • 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
  • 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

Reader's Digest

Reader's Digest

The Best Christmas Towns in America You Should Visit at Least Once

Posted: March 5, 2024 | Last updated: March 5, 2024

<p>The soft glow of lights, the window displays, the snow crunching underfoot, the warm scent of cinnamon and spice in the air…these Christmas towns are chock full of all the things we've come to associate with the holiday season. But what makes these villages the absolute best? Whether they've got the best <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-small-towns-christmas-lights/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Christmas light shows</a>, old-fashioned Victorian decorations, fun Christmas activities, things for kids to do, or have your best chance for a <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/places-to-have-white-christmas/">white Christmas</a>, these are the places you'll want to visit to feel as if you've stepped into a Hallmark movie.</p> <p>Some of the Christmas towns on our list exude Old World charm, with German markets, centuries-old traditions, or a focus on the <a href="https://www.rd.com/article/christmas-on-the-25th/">history of Christmas;</a> others feature huge, kitschy Christmas shops and even a giant Santa statue. Many are located in regions that get a lot of snow—but some southern locales also made our list, for those who prefer warmer weather and Christmas lights on palm trees instead. So no matter where you're located, there's a "Christmas village near me" to find. They all make for great<a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-destinations-for-a-warm-christmas/"> Christmas getaways</a>, so we've also included <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/holiday-travel-tips/">holiday travel tips</a> on what to see and do, and where to stay, at each destination.</p> <h3>How we chose the best Christmas towns</h3> <p>Many of these towns have gained a reputation for going all out for Christmas, so our reporting included recommendations and ratings from travel experts and real travelers, including our own personal experience. We also confirmed the towns' Christmas events will be happening, safely, during 2021. However, be sure to double-check before booking, as event cancellations due to the pandemic are always possible. Also, check state and local Covid protocols and requirements before you travel.</p>

The Christmas towns you have to see

Christmas towns are chock-full of all the things we've come to associate with the holiday season. But what makes some villages the absolute best? Whether they have the best Christmas light shows , old-fashioned Victorian decorations, fun Christmas activities , things for kids to do—or they're your best chance for a white Christmas—we share the best Christmas towns in the USA that'll make you feel as if you've stepped into a Hallmark movie.

Some of the Christmas towns on our list exude Old World charm, with German markets, centuries-old traditions or a focus on the history of Christmas , while others feature huge, kitschy Christmas shops and even a giant Santa statue and are perfect for a Christmas getaway . Many are located in regions that get a lot of snow—but some southern locales also made our list. So no matter where you're located, there's a "Christmas village near me" to find.

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How we chose the best Christmas towns in the USA

Many of these towns have gained a reputation for going all out for Christmas, so our reporting included recommendations and ratings from travel experts and real travelers, including our own personal experience. Without further ado, these are the best Christmas towns in the USA, from coast to coast.

<p class=""><strong>Best for:</strong> Boat lovers</p> <p>The historic seaport of Mystic isn't just a summer destination—it's an exciting place to spend "Christmas in Connecticut" (if you didn't catch the reference, the classic flick is one of <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/romantic-christmas-movies/">the best romantic Christmas movies</a>). See the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, in which vessels get decked out for the holidays and parade down the Mystic River. There's also a Santa Paddle, with Santas on paddle boards, and Santa arriving via tugboat. The Mystic Seaport Museum offers a "holiday bake" workshop of traditional New England treats, a community carol sing and a self-guided tour of their Lantern Light Village, where you can enjoy Christmas light displays, live holiday music, carriage rides and a visit to St. Nick. Meanwhile, the shops and restaurants of Olde Mistick Village will be decorated with more than half a million lights in the Holiday Lights Spectacular, the largest light display in southern New England.</p> <p>The family-owned—and family-friendly—<a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g33845-d254956-Reviews-Taber_Inn_And_Suites-Mystic_Mystic_Country_Connecticut.html" rel="noopener">Taber Inn and Suites</a> stands out among the many B&Bs and inns of Mystic. Set in 12 buildings over two acres, the inn is conveniently located near all the village's attractions and features the only indoor pool in downtown Mystic.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g33845-d254956-Reviews-Taber_Inn_And_Suites-Mystic_Mystic_Country_Connecticut.html">Book Now</a></p>

Mystic, Connecticut

Best for: Boat lovers

The historic seaport of Mystic isn't just a summer destination—it's an exciting place to spend "Christmas in Connecticut" (if you didn't catch the reference, the classic flick is one of  the best romantic Christmas movies ). See the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, in which vessels get decked out for the holidays and parade down the Mystic River. There's also a Santa Paddle, with Santas on paddle boards, and Santa arriving via tugboat. The Mystic Seaport Museum offers a "holiday bake" workshop of traditional New England treats, a community carol sing and a self-guided tour of their Lantern Light Village, where you can enjoy Christmas light displays, live holiday music, carriage rides and a visit to St. Nick. Meanwhile, the shops and restaurants of Olde Mistick Village will be decorated with more than half a million lights in the Holiday Lights Spectacular, the largest light display in southern New England.

The family-owned—and family-friendly— Taber Inn and Suites stands out among the many B&Bs and inns of Mystic. Set in 12 buildings over two acres, the inn is conveniently located near all the village's attractions and features the only indoor pool in downtown Mystic.

<p class=""><strong>Best for:</strong> Bourbon lovers</p> <p>Nicknamed "the most beautiful small town in America," this old stagecoach stop gets into the holiday spirit with Southern style and hospitality, making it one of the best Christmas towns in the country. Light Up Bardstown starts the season with the illumination of Main Street and the town Christmas tree, along with "Christmas Corner," which has hot cocoa, cookies, balloons, and face painting for kids. Throughout December, visit My Old Kentucky Home, an 1818 mansion said to have inspired the classic song, to see it decked for the holidays. Costumed performers sing the song as you view decorated rooms from colonial times to the Victorian era to the 1920s; they also act out "An Old Kentucky Christmas Carol," based on Dickens' classic tale. In addition, the town hosts a parade, a "North Pole Express" train ride, and a candlelit Christmas Tour of Homes. Seasonal events at the area's bourbon distilleries add grownup celebration to Bardstown's many holiday happenings.</p> <p>Step back in time with a stay at the Jailer's Inn Bed and Breakfast, a circa 1819 jail-turned-hotel centrally located in downtown Bardstown. You can also take tours of the old cells—and even stay in one!—although most of the guest rooms are modern and comfortable.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g39163-d118238-Reviews-or10-Jailer_s_Inn_Bed_and_Breakfast-Bardstown_Kentucky.html#REVIEWS">Book Now</a></p>

Bardstown, Kentucky

Best for: Bourbon lovers

Nicknamed "the most beautiful small town in America," this old stagecoach stop gets into the holiday spirit with southern-style hospitality and Christmas traditions . Light Up Bardstown starts the season with the illumination of Main Street and the town Christmas tree, along with "Christmas Corner," which has hot cocoa, cookies, balloons and face painting for kids. Throughout December, visit My Old Kentucky Home, an 1818 mansion said to have inspired the classic song, to see it decked out for the holidays. Costumed performers sing the song as you view decorated rooms from Colonial times to the Victorian era to the 1920s. In addition, the town hosts a parade, a "North Pole Express" train ride and a candlelit Christmas Tour of Homes. Seasonal events at the area's bourbon distilleries add grown-up celebrations to Bardstown's many holiday happenings.

Step back in time with a stay at the Jailer's Inn Bed and Breakfast, a circa-1819 jail-turned-hotel centrally located in downtown Bardstown. You can also take tours of the old cells—and even stay in one!—although most of the guest rooms are modern and comfortable.

<p class=""><strong>Best for</strong>: Santa kitsch</p> <p>Santa Claus is one of the most well-known <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/history-of-christmas-traditions/">symbols of Christmas</a>. So it's no wonder that each December, the post office of this St. Nick-themed town receives 400,000 pieces of mail (compared to the normal 13,000 monthly) to be canceled with a special holiday picture postmark. But its post office isn't the only thing "America's Christmas Hometown" is famous for: live reindeer, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, light displays, live music and entertainment, and of course the man himself are all part of the celebrations throughout the season. And no visit to Santa Claus would be complete without stops at Santa's Candy Castle and the Santa Claus Museum and Village.</p> <p>Chain hotels abound in the area, but for a touch of local Christmas charm, stay at the holiday-themed Santa's Lodge right in town. Set on a lovely property overlooking a lake, the hotel features a rustic, vault-ceilinged lobby that's decorated for Christmas year-round.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g37506-d114629-Reviews-Santa_s_Lodge-Santa_Claus_Indiana.html">Book Now</a></p>

Santa Claus, Indiana

Best for: Santa kitsch

Santa Claus is one of the most well-known  symbols of Christmas . So it's no wonder that each December, the post office of this St. Nick–themed town receives 400,000 pieces of mail (compared with the usual 13,000 monthly) to be canceled with a special holiday picture postmark. But its post office isn't the only thing "America's Christmas Hometown" is famous for: live reindeer, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, light displays, live music and entertainment, and of course, the man himself are all part of the celebrations throughout the season. And no visit to Santa Claus would be complete without stops at Santa's Candy Castle and the Santa Claus Museum and Village.

Chain hotels abound in the area, but for a touch of local Christmas charm, stay at the holiday-themed Santa's Lodge right in town. Set on a lovely property overlooking a lake, the hotel features a rustic, vault-ceilinged lobby that's decorated for Christmas year-round.

<p class=""><strong>Best for</strong>: Free events</p> <p>Who says you can't have a white Christmas in Alabama? This small city with a name like a fairy-tale country transforms its main square to "Christmas in Candyland," complete with snow-making machines to create a blizzard-like show of flurries each day. Additional attractions for this small-town Christmas include snow tubing, outdoor ice-skating, play cottages, light shows, train rides, an inflatable "Arctic" maze, music, hot chocolate, and of course, visits with Santa. Best yet? Most activities are totally free.</p> <p>Located just minutes from the town square, the Best Western Andalusia Inn offers comfortable accommodations and reasonable prices for your holiday trip. It's also right next door to Dean's Cake House, a local bakery noted for its delicious seven-layer cakes.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g28992-d72271-Reviews-or5-Best_Western_Andalusia_Inn-Andalusia_Alabama.html">Book Now</a></p>

Andalusia, Alabama

Best for: Free events

Who says you can't have a white Christmas in Alabama? This small city with a name like a fairy-tale country is a great place for a  mini vacation in the winter. It transforms its main square to "Christmas in Candyland," complete with snow-making machines to create a blizzard-like show of flurries each day. We consider Andalusia one of the best Christmas towns in the USA for the additional attractions, from snow tubing and outdoor ice-skating to play cottages and light shows (not to mention the train rides, an inflatable "Arctic" maze, music, hot chocolate, and of course, visits with Santa). Best yet? Most activities are totally free.

Located just minutes from the town square, the Best Western Andalusia Inn offers comfortable accommodations and reasonable prices for your holiday trip. It's also right next door to Dean's Cake House, a local bakery noted for its delicious seven-layer cakes.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Live music shows</p> <p>Judy Garland might have sung "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" in the classic holiday flick <em>Meet Me in St. Louis </em>(side note: Judy's original version definitely belongs on your <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-christmas-songs/">holiday playlist</a>), but that city may be outdone by another Missouri town at Christmastime. The tourist hot spot of Branson, "America's Christmas Tree City," celebrates all season long with the live music shows the town is known for; plus light displays, parades, and Branson Scenic Railway's Polar Express Train Ride through the Ozark Mountains, departing from the town's 1905 train depot. The 1880s-theme park Silver Dollar City also gets the holiday treatment for An Old Time Christmas festival.</p> <p>The comfortable Lodge of the Ozarks is in a prime location on Branson's "76 Strip," near many of the live entertainment, music, and theater venues the town has to offer. Rustic-themed decor, an indoor pool, and a great breakfast add to the hotel's appeal.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g44160-d121275-Reviews-or5-Lodge_of_the_Ozarks-Branson_Missouri.html#REVIEWS">Book Now</a></p>

Branson, Missouri

Best for: Live music shows

Judy Garland might have sung "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" in the classic holiday flick  Meet Me in St. Louis  (side note: Judy's original version definitely belongs on your  holiday playlist ), but that city may be outdone by another Missouri town at Christmastime. The tourist hot spot of Branson, "America's Christmas Tree City," celebrates all season long with the live music shows the town is known for, plus light displays, parades and Branson Scenic Railway's Polar Express Train Ride through the Ozark Mountains, departing from the town's 1905 train depot. The 1880s-themed park, Silver Dollar City, also gets the holiday treatment for An Old Time Christmas festival. Plus, we can't forget about the various Christmas shows, including Dolly Parton's Stampede at the Dolly Parton's Stampede Theater and the Hamners' Unbelievable Magic Variety Show at Hamners' Variety Theater.

The comfortable Lodge of the Ozarks is in a prime location on Branson's "76 Strip," near many of the live entertainment, music and theater venues the town has to offer. Rustic-themed decor, an indoor pool and a great breakfast add to the hotel's appeal.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> The top Christkindlmarkt</p> <p>Nicknamed "Christmas City," the official moniker for this town was designated as Bethlehem on Christmas Eve 1741. At the town's famous Christkindlmarkt, which features unique artisans, music, crafts, food and handmade gifts from Germany, you'll find the best Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. But even beyond the awesome shopping, the town overflows with Christmas spirit. Take a Bethlehem by Night bus tour, carriage ride or walking Christmas Stroll; enjoy a wassail party, a concert or a stage show; and see the decorated Trees of Historic Bethlehem, set among five historic sites.</p> <p>Stay at the restored 1922 <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60789-d225834-Reviews-or5-Historic_Hotel_Bethlehem-Bethlehem_Pennsylvania.html" rel="noopener">Historic Hotel Bethlehem</a> in the town's historic district for easy walkability to many holiday events. The well-appointed hotel actually sits on the site where the early settlers named the town on Christmas Eve all those years ago; a mural painted in 1937 on a hotel wall depicts the event, as well as more town history.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60789-d225834-Reviews-or5-Historic_Hotel_Bethlehem-Bethlehem_Pennsylvania.html">Book Now</a></p>

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Best for: The top Christkindlmarkt

Nicknamed "Christmas City," the official moniker for this town was designated as Bethlehem on Christmas Eve 1741. At the town's famous Christkindlmarkt, which features unique artisans, music, crafts, food and handmade gifts from Germany, you'll find the best Christmas gifts for everyone on your list. But even beyond the awesome shopping, the town overflows with Christmas spirit. Take a Bethlehem by Night bus tour, carriage ride or walking Christmas Stroll; enjoy a wassail party, a concert or a stage show; and see the decorated Trees of Historic Bethlehem, set among five historic sites.

Stay at the restored 1922 Historic Hotel Bethlehem in the town's historic district for easy walkability to many holiday events. The well-appointed hotel actually sits on the site where the early settlers named the town on Christmas Eve all those years ago; a mural painted in 1937 on a hotel wall depicts the event, as well as more town history.

<p class=""><strong>Best for:</strong> A hygge-inspired holiday</p> <p>Visiting this captivating Christmas town north of Santa Barbara at holiday time will have you thinking you've been transported to the Old World. Founded by settlers from Denmark, the village features architecture (including a windmill!), restaurants, and goodies that are distinctively Danish—not to mention that warm and cozy sensibility the Danish call "<a href="https://www.rd.com/list/what-is-hygge/">hygge</a>," one of the top <a class="SWhtmlLink" href="https://www.rd.com/article/christmas-around-the-world-traditions/">Christmas traditions to steal from around the world</a>. In December, Solvang goes all-out for its Julefest, featuring downtown candlelit caroling tours, Santa's village, parade, and tree lighting. The festival also takes visitors on a "Nisse adventure" scavenger hunt to find these Danish gnome-like creatures throughout the downtown. Cap off the celebrations with a tree burn supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.</p> <p>The area is teeming with luxury resorts that can be very pricey around the holidays, but Royal Copenhagen Hotel offers a reasonable alternative. Located right in the center of Solvang, the traditional inn features Danish architecture and charm.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g33103-d321097-Reviews-Royal_Copenhagen_Inn-Solvang_California.html">Book Now</a></p>

Solvang, California

Best for: A hygge-inspired holiday

Visiting this captivating Christmas town north of Santa Barbara at holiday time will have you thinking you've been transported to the Old World. Founded by settlers from Denmark, the village features architecture (including a windmill!), restaurants and goodies that are distinctively Danish—not to mention that warm and cozy sensibility the Danish call " hygge ," one of the top  Christmas traditions to steal from around the world . In December, Solvang goes all out for its Julefest, featuring downtown candlelit caroling tours, Santa's village, a parade and tree lighting. The festival also takes visitors on a "Nisser adventure" scavenger hunt to find these Danish gnome-like creatures throughout the downtown. Plus, if you're staying for New Year celebrations, their annual Solvang Christmas Tree burn happens in January (weather permitting). It's one of the largest fire-safety demonstrations along the California Central Coast and is supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The area is teeming with luxury resorts that can be very pricey around the holidays, but Royal Copenhagen Inn  offers a reasonable alternative. Located right in the center of Solvang, the traditional inn features Danish architecture and charm.

<p><strong>Best for</strong>: Children's activities</p> <p>This sleepy Southern town comes alive during the holidays, when thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the town's historic Courthouse Square in its "City of Lights" Christmas festival, now in its 31st year. The season's events are especially magical for kids, as they listen to storytime with Mrs. Claus and give Santa their wish list. Youngsters can also enjoy roaming characters, animated holiday displays, and rides including a gorgeous carousel that makes viewing the lights all the more beautiful as you twirl.</p> <p>Most lodgings in Canton are chain hotels just outside of the main part of town, where you can retire after enjoying the holiday festivities. Hampton Inn Canton offers the comforts the brand is known for, at a comfortable price as well.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g43706-d314104-Reviews-Hampton_Inn_Canton-Canton_Mississippi.html">Book Now</a></p>

Canton, Mississippi

Best for: Children's activities

This sleepy southern town comes alive during the holidays, when thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the town's historic Courthouse Square during the Canton Christmas Festival (also known as the "City of Lights" Christmas festival). The season's events are especially magical for kids, as they listen to storytime with Mrs. Claus and give Santa their wish list. Youngsters can also enjoy roaming characters, animated holiday displays and rides including a gorgeous carousel that makes viewing the lights all the more beautiful as you twirl. There's even an annual "Sip-N-Cider."

Most lodgings in Canton are chain hotels just outside the main part of town, where you can retire after enjoying the holiday festivities. Hampton Inn Canton offers the comforts the brand is known for, at a comfortable price as well.

<p class=""><strong>Best for:</strong> Illuminated Christmas set-pieces</p> <p>Perhaps best known as the inspiration and filming location for <em>Steel Magnolias</em>, Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish) really gets into the Creole Christmas spirit. Although the holiday festival in the movie was actually filmed in August, the event is real, complete with fireworks, a Festival of Lights parade, and even Miss Merry Christmas, just like in the film. Now in its 95th year, the seasonal celebration features 300,000 lights and 100 set pieces, along with music, a lighted boat parade, a Christmas tour of homes, and kids' fest.</p> <p>Finding a room in downtown Natchitoches during the festival can be difficult, but if you can, book the comfortable and convenient boutique hotel Chateau Saint Denis just blocks from the Cane River Lake. You'll be able to enjoy all the season has to offer right outside your door.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g40335-d10825954-Reviews-Chateau_Saint_Denis-Natchitoches_Louisiana.html">Book Now</a></p>

Natchitoches, Louisiana

Best for: Illuminated Christmas set pieces

Perhaps best known as the inspiration and filming location for  Steel Magnolias , Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish) really gets into the Creole Christmas spirit. Although the holiday festival in the movie was actually filmed in August, the event is real, complete with fireworks, a Festival of Lights parade and even Miss Merry Christmas, just like in the film. Now in its 97th year, the seasonal celebration features 300,000 lights and 100 set pieces, along with music, a lighted boat parade, a Christmas tour of homes and a kids fest. Even better, there are fireworks every Saturday until the end of December.

Finding a room in downtown Natchitoches during the festival can be difficult, but if you can, book the comfortable and convenient boutique hotel Chateau Saint Denis , just blocks from the Cane River Lake. You'll be able to enjoy all the season has to offer right outside your door.

<p class=""><strong>Best for:</strong> Victorian architecture</p> <p>This Victorian seaside town gets even more Dickensian with its gaslights and garlands for the season. Even today, the National Historic Landmark city looks like it belongs in <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/rare-vintage-christmas-photos/">vintage photos of Christmases past</a>. Take a trolley ride back in time to see the Christmas lights, hear Ghosts of Christmas Past tales, and jaunt along with Mrs. Claus. Candlelight holiday house tours let you see inside Cape May's historic homes and inns, and enjoy a decorated "Winter Wonderwalk" at the Physick Estate, a Victorian house museum.</p> <p>Cape May has plenty of comfortable accommodations, from B&Bs to seaside hotels such as La Mer Beachfront Resort. The oceanfront location can't be beat, even in winter, with cozy rooms with a view to snuggle up in after an evening touring the area's historic buildings.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g46341-d121407-Reviews-La_Mer_Beachfront_Resort-Cape_May_Cape_May_County_New_Jersey.html">Book Now</a></p>

Cape May, New Jersey

Best for: Victorian architecture

This Victorian seaside town gets even more Dickensian with its gaslights and garlands for the season. Even today, the National Historic Landmark city looks like it belongs in  vintage photos of Christmases past . Take a trolley ride back in time to see the Christmas lights, hear Ghosts of Christmas Past tales and jaunt along with Mrs. Claus. Candlelight holiday house tours let you see inside Cape May's historic homes and inns, and you can enjoy a decorated "Winter Wonderwalk" at the Physick Estate, a Victorian house museum.

Cape May has plenty of comfortable accommodations, from B&Bs to seaside hotels such as La Mer Beachfront Resort . The oceanfront location can't be beat, even in winter, with cozy rooms-with-a-view to snuggle up in after an evening touring the area's historic buildings.

<p class=""><strong>Best for</strong>: A big-city Christmas</p> <p>OK, we know New York City isn't exactly a "town" in the traditional sense. But no list of Christmasy places to visit in the USA would be complete without it. After all, it's hard to beat NYC for Christmas spirit: home of the Rockefeller Center tree and the setting for tons of Christmas movies from <em>Miracle on 34th Street </em>to<em> Elf</em>. Walk down Fifth Avenue to take in the amazing department store window displays; go ice skating in Central Park; visit the Holiday Shops at Winter Village at Bryant Park; take in a performance of the <em>Nutcracker</em> ballet.</p> <p>New York accommodations can be pricey, especially around the holidays, but Pod Hotels pride themselves on their affordability. With clean, modern, simple decor, plus an excellent Midtown location just a couple of blocks from Times Square, Pod Times Square checks all the boxes.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60763-d12551350-Reviews-Pod_Times_Square-New_York_City_New_York.html">Book Now</a></p>

New York, New York

Best for: A big-city Christmas

OK, we know New York City isn't exactly a "town" in the traditional sense. But no list of Christmasy places to visit in the U.S. would be complete without it. After all, it's hard to beat NYC for Christmas spirit: home of the Rockefeller Center tree and the setting for tons of Christmas movies, from Miracle on 34th Street  to  Elf . Walk down Fifth Avenue to take in the amazing department store window displays; go ice skating in Central Park; visit the Holiday Shops at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park; take in a performance of the  Nutcracker ballet. And we can't forget the iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

New York accommodations can be pricey, especially around the holidays, but Pod Hotels pride themselves on their affordability. With clean, modern, simple decor, plus an excellent Midtown location just a couple blocks from Times Square, Pod Times Square checks all the boxes.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Displays of luminarias</p> <p>Many New Mexican towns follow the hundreds-of-years-old Spanish tradition of luminarias (also called <em>farolitos</em>), paper bags with candles inside that symbolically light the way through the streets at Christmastime. But nowhere is the practice more intriguing than the small-town Christmas of Taos in the northern high desert. The blending of Hispanic, Western, and Native American cultures is evidenced in the month-long Yuletide celebrations with bonfires, fiestas, New Mexican food, and local folk art among the adobe buildings of the town. On Christmas Eve, the local ski resorts all have torchlight parades, in which spectators can watch skiers come down the mountain holding flares—this is one <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/christmas-eve-traditions/">Christmas Eve tradition your family will love</a>.</p> <p>Located right in Taos's historic district, the Historic Taos Inn features live music, traditional cuisine, and a friendly vibe. Just a bit quirky, this adobe building also has wood-burning fireplaces to relax by after enjoying the holiday festivities.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g47224-d112468-Reviews-The_Historic_Taos_Inn-Taos_Taos_County_New_Mexico.html#REVIEWS">Book Now</a></p>

Taos, New Mexico

Best for: Displays of luminarias

Many New Mexican towns follow the hundreds-of-years-old Spanish tradition of luminarias (also called  farolitos ), paper bags with candles inside that symbolically light the way through the streets at Christmastime. But nowhere is the practice more intriguing than the small-town Christmas in Taos, in the northern high desert. The blending of Hispanic, Western and Native American cultures is evidenced in month-long Yuletide celebrations with bonfires, fiestas, New Mexican food and local folk art among the adobe buildings of the town. On Christmas Eve, the local ski resorts all have torchlight parades, in which spectators can watch skiers come down the mountain holding flares—this is one Christmas Eve tradition your family will love . Other Christmasy things to do include visiting the holiday pop-up store, Taos Folk, at the Stables Art Gallery, the Sagebrush 2nd Annual Winter Jamboree Arts & Craft Fair at Sagebrush Inn & Suites, and the Festival of Trees at Bataan Hall.

Located right in Taos's historic district, the Historic Taos Inn features live music, traditional cuisine and a friendly vibe. Just a bit quirky, this adobe building also has wood-burning fireplaces to relax in front of after enjoying the holiday festivities.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Christmas on Main Street, USA</p> <p>This village south of Nashville offers one of the best small-town Christmas experiences in the country. Its 16-block historic district, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is one of <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/beautiful-main-streets/">the most beautiful Main Streets in America</a>—and it looks even more beautiful at holiday time. Take in the Christmas Parade, catch a holiday-themed show at the Franklin Theatre, or visit the outdoor Franklin Makers Market Holiday Market for artisan crafts, delicious food and drink, and kids' activities. But the town's signature event is the Dickens of a Christmas festival, which features musicians, dancers, and Dickens characters roaming Main Street.</p> <p>The beautiful Harpeth Franklin Downtown is the only hotel within Franklin itself, but a short drive up the road towards Nashville is the much more affordable Aloft Nashville Franklin. This unique, modern, pet-friendly property offers games in the lobby and live music to energize your holiday.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g55055-d1163435-Reviews-Aloft_Nashville_Franklin-Franklin_Tennessee.html">Book Now</a></p>

Franklin, Tennessee

Best for: Christmas on Main Street, USA

This village south of Nashville offers one of the best small-town Christmas experiences in the country. Its 16-block historic district, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is one of  the most beautiful Main Streets in America —and it looks even more beautiful at holiday time. Take in the Christmas Parade, catch a holiday-themed show at the Franklin Theatre or visit the outdoor Franklin Makers Market for artisan crafts, delicious food and drink, and kids activities. But the town's signature event is the Dickens of a Christmas festival, which features musicians, dancers and Dickens characters roaming Main Street.

The beautiful Harpeth Franklin Downtown is the only hotel within Franklin itself, but a short drive up the road toward Nashville is the much more affordable Aloft Nashville Franklin . This unique, modern, pet-friendly property offers games in the lobby and live music to energize your holiday.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Riverside strolls</p> <p>San Antonio stands out as one of the best Christmas towns for the unparalleled setting of its River Walk, decorated for the holidays with thousands of lights hung on the bald cypress trees that line the river. The season kicks off with a Holiday River Parade of floats on boats along the river; then the illuminated River Walk is open (and free) nightly. Visitors can also book a caroling boat and belt out their favorite Christmas tunes; or enjoy them from the riverside. The San Antonio Botanical Gardens also have amazing illuminations with their Lightscape walking event, featuring lights set among the gardens as well as a "Cathedral of Light," 100,000 bulbs in a glorious archway. Food, drinks, and s'mores round out the festivities.</p> <p>Stay at the historic 1859 hotel The Menger, with an awesome location one block from the River Walk, as well as a block from the famous Alamo. Surprisingly affordable, the property's amazing lobby atrium looks fabulous decorated for Christmas.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60956-d99531-Reviews-Menger_Hotel-San_Antonio_Texas.html#REVIEWS">Book Now</a></p>

San Antonio, Texas

Best for: Riverside strolls

San Antonio stands out as one of the best Christmas towns for the unparalleled setting of its River Walk, decorated for the holidays with thousands of lights hung on the bald cypress trees that line the river. The season kicks off with a Holiday River Parade of floats on boats along the river, then the illuminated River Walk is open (and free) nightly. Visitors can also book a caroling boat and belt out their favorite Christmas tunes, or enjoy them from the riverside. The San Antonio Botanical Gardens also have amazing illuminations with their Lightscape walking event, featuring lights set among the gardens as well as a "Cathedral of Light," 100,000 bulbs in a glorious archway. Food, drinks and s'mores round out the festivities.

Stay at the historic 1859 hotel The Menger , with an awesome location one block from the River Walk, as well as a block from the famous Alamo. Surprisingly affordable, the property includes an amazing lobby atrium that looks fabulous decorated for Christmas.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> A warm-weather Christmas vacation</p> <p>Say "Mele Kalikimaka" ("Merry Christmas" in Hawaiian) as you combine your Christmas celebration with a tropical vacation in one of the <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-destinations-for-a-warm-christmas/">best destinations to visit for a warm Christmas</a>. Honor the heroes of Pearl Harbor while celebrating Hawaiian culture during the Waikiki Holiday Parade. Also not to be missed: Honolulu City Lights, illuminations and displays outside Honolulu Hale (City Hall) that include the 21-foot Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele (Mrs. Claus) statues, who dip their giant toes in the fountain.</p> <p>Base your stay in Honolulu to experience all the Hawaiian capital has to offer for the holidays. The beautifully decorated historic <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60982-d87095-Reviews-Queen_Kapiolani_Hotel-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii.html" rel="noopener">Queen Kapiolani Hotel</a> is just a block from Waikiki Beach, with an affordable price tag and amazing views.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60982-d87095-Reviews-Queen_Kapiolani_Hotel-Honolulu_Oahu_Hawaii.html">Book Now</a></p>

Honolulu, Hawaii

Best for: A warm-weather Christmas vacation

Say "Mele Kalikimaka" ("Merry Christmas" in Hawaiian) as you combine your Christmas celebration with a tropical vacation in one of the  best destinations to visit for a warm Christmas . Honor the heroes of Pearl Harbor while celebrating Hawaiian culture during the Waikiki Holiday Parade. Also not to be missed: Honolulu City Lights, illuminations and displays outside Honolulu Hale (City Hall) that include the 21-foot Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele (Mrs. Claus) statues, who dip their giant toes in the fountain. There's also an annual wreath exhibit at the Honolulu Hale Lane Gallery and The City Department Tree Exhibition in the Honolulu Hale.

Base your stay in Honolulu to experience all the Hawaiian capital has to offer for the holidays. The beautifully decorated historic Queen Kapiolani Hotel is just a block from Waikiki Beach, with an affordable price tag and amazing views.

<p><strong>Best for</strong>: Local history and tradition</p> <p>This is a very small town with a big history. The traditions of "Nebraska's Christmas City" began over a hundred years ago in 1915, when lights were strung on the courthouse dome to honor the arrival of the Civil War veterans' organization Grand Army of the Republic. Today, city workers scale the courthouse dome using mountain climbing gear to hang the copper wires, many of which are over 50 years old. The unique celebration continues with The Light of the World Christmas pageant, written by town residents in 1946. Other events include a kids carnival, Miss Christmas City pageant, elf run, and more. If you're inspired by Minden's illuminations, you should use the <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-outdoor-christmas-lights/">best outdoor Christmas lights</a> for your neighborhood display (maybe skip the climbing gear, though).</p> <p>Minden's remote location leaves few lodging options, but Burchell's White Hill Farmhouse Inn, a small, locally-run B&B, is a rare find for those looking for some warm country hospitality. This peaceful setting will truly make your Christmas Eve a "silent night."</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g45711-d1806065-Reviews-Burchell_s_White_Hill_Farmhouse_Inn-Minden_Nebraska.html#REVIEWS">Book Now</a></p>

Minden, Nebraska

Best for: Local history and tradition

This is a very small town with a big history. The traditions of "Nebraska's Christmas City" began more than a hundred years ago in 1915, when lights were strung on the courthouse dome to honor the arrival of the Civil War veterans organization Grand Army of the Republic. Today, city workers scale the courthouse dome using mountain climbing gear to hang the copper wires, many of which are more than 50 years old. The unique celebration continues with The Light of the World Christmas pageant, written by town residents in 1946. Other events include a kids carnival, Miss Christmas City pageant, elf run and more. If you're inspired by Minden's illuminations, you should use the  best outdoor Christmas lights  for your neighborhood display (maybe skip the climbing gear, though).

Minden's remote location leaves few lodging options, but Burchell's White Hill Farmhouse Inn , a small, locally run B&B, is a rare find for those looking for some country hospitality. This peaceful setting will truly make your Christmas Eve a "silent night."

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Pioneer Christmas spirit</p> <p>"Arizona's Christmas City" earns its nickname with tons of events to celebrate the season in this western gem of a town. The Courthouse Lighting, preceded by the annual Christmas parade, illuminates the gorgeous historic building as well as over a hundred trees in the main square. Other events include the annual musical showcase, a "Frontier Christmas Carol" performance at Sharlot Hall Museum, and a DIY wreath-making workshop at Highlands Center for Natural History.</p> <p>A restored 1920s hotel, Hassayampa Inn offers historic elegance in the heart of Prescott, with its gorgeous lobby decked out for the holiday. It's just a short walk to the Courthouse square to see Prescott's light displays.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g31323-d115327-Reviews-Hassayampa_Inn-Prescott_Arizona.html">Book Now</a></p>

Prescott, Arizona

Best for: Pioneer Christmas spirit

"Arizona's Christmas City" earns its nickname with tons of events to celebrate the season in this western gem of a town. The Courthouse Lighting, preceded by the annual Christmas parade, illuminates the gorgeous historic building as well as more than a hundred trees in the main square. Other events include the annual musical showcase, a Frontier Christmas Carol performance at Sharlot Hall Museum and a DIY wreath-making  workshop at Highlands Center for Natural History.

A restored 1920s hotel, Hassayampa Inn offers historic elegance in the heart of Prescott, with its gorgeous lobby decked out for the holiday. It's just a short walk to the Courthouse square to see Prescott's light displays.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Christmas light forests</p> <p>This historic Ozark mountain village celebrates Christmas the old-fashioned way. Its charming downtown shopping district offers unique boutiques, art galleries, and craft shops for <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/christmas-gift-ideas-impossible-to-shop-for/">one-of-a-kind gifts</a>. Events include the Christmas Parade of Lights and a drive-through forest of over 300 trees and nativities scenes leading to the 67-foot tall Christ of the Ozarks statue. The 1886 Crescent Hotel gets into the holiday spirit with Christmas at the Crescent, featuring its own Christmas Tree Forest of lit-up arbors on its 15-acre grounds, sleigh rides, ice skating, s'mores around the campfire, and more.</p> <p>With so many holiday happenings at the Crescent Hotel, it makes sense to stay right where the action is. Overlooking the village itself, the historic Crescent offers amazing views of the Ozark Mountains and luxury amenities for affordable prices.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g31582-d76931-Reviews-1886_Crescent_Hotel_Spa-Eureka_Springs_Arkansas.html">Book Now</a></p>

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Best for: Christmas light forests

This historic Ozark mountain village celebrates Christmas the old-fashioned way. Its charming downtown shopping district offers unique boutiques, art galleries and craft shops for one-of-a-kind gifts . Events include the Christmas Parade of Lights and a drive-thru forest of more than 300 trees and nativity scenes leading to the 67-foot-tall Christ of the Ozarks statue. The 1886 Crescent Hotel gets into the holiday spirit with Christmas at the Crescent, featuring its own Christmas Tree Forest of lit-up arbors on its 15-acre grounds, plus sleigh rides, ice skating, s'mores around the campfire and more.

With so many holiday happenings at the 1886 Crescent Hotel , it makes sense to stay right where the action is. Overlooking the village itself, the historic Crescent offers amazing views of the Ozark Mountains and luxury amenities at affordable prices.

<p><strong>Best for</strong>: Ski vacations</p> <p>With its mountain <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/beautiful-snow-covered-towns-around-the-world/">villages covered by fresh blankets of snow</a>, Colorado has more than its share of the best Christmas towns, from Aspen and Breckinridge to Telluride, Durango, and Ouray. But we most love the ski town of Vail, which has tons of events to celebrate the season. Vail Snow Days are back with a four-day festival of live music. Other holiday events include a tree lighting and lantern walk—and of course, tons of snowy activities in addition to skiing, such as snowshoeing, outdoor ice skating, and even dog sledding and snowmobiling nearby.</p> <p>The reasonably priced Sitzmark Lodge at Vail offers comfortable locations right in the center of Vail Village. Enjoy the year-round outdoor heated pool and hot tub; then walk right outside your door to stroll the pedestrian-only shopping and dining area, all dressed up for the holidays.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g33676-d85466-Reviews-Sitzmark_Lodge_at_Vail-Vail_Colorado.html">Book Now</a></p>

Vail, Colorado

Best for: Ski vacations

With its mountain  villages covered by fresh blankets of snow , Colorado has more than its share of the best Christmas towns, from Aspen and Breckenridge to Telluride, Durango and Ouray. But we most love the ski town of Vail, which has tons of events to celebrate the season. Holiday events include a tree lighting and lantern walk—and of course, tons of snowy activities in addition to skiing, such as snowshoeing, outdoor ice skating and even dog-sledding and snowmobiling nearby. Vail Snow Days may be returning with their four-day festival of live music (to be determined for 2023).

The reasonably priced Sitzmark Lodge at Vail offers comfortable accommodations right in the center of Vail Village. Enjoy the year-round outdoor heated pool and hot tub, then walk right outside your door to stroll the pedestrian-only shopping and dining area, all dressed up for the holidays.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> A Norman Rockwell Christmas</p> <p>Step into a Norman Rockwell painting, literally: The buildings of this New England small town are just as they were when Rockwell lived here, and as he depicted them in his 1967 painting "Main Street at Christmas." As you stroll through this village in the Berkshires Mountains, enjoy holiday shopping and decorations. Other seasonal activities include a holiday marketplace at the Berkshire Botanical Gardens, and several outdoor lights displays including Winterlights at historic home Naumkeag and NightWood at The Mount, author Edith Wharton's home. To see more of the artist's work, visit the Norman Rockwell Museum in town.</p> <p>Just a few miles up the road from Stockbridge is The Black Swan Lee, a boutique yet affordable hotel on the banks of Laurel Lake. Relax in the tranquil, snowy setting as you gaze over October Mountain State Park, where you can take advantage of all the outdoor winter activities the Berkshires have to offer.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g41636-d1146989-Reviews-The_Black_Swan_Lee_Lenox_Ascend_Hotel_Collection-Lee_Massachusetts.html">Book Now</a></p>

Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Best for: A Norman Rockwell Christmas

This town may be one of the best family vacation ideas ! Step into a Norman Rockwell painting, literally: The buildings of this New England small town are just as they were when Rockwell lived here, and as he depicted them in his 1967 painting "Main Street at Christmas." As you stroll through this village in the Berkshire Mountains, enjoy holiday shopping and decorations. Other seasonal activities include a holiday marketplace at the Berkshire Botanical Gardens, along with several outdoor light displays, including Winterlights at historic home Naumkeag and NightWood at The Mount, author Edith Wharton's home. To see more of the artist's work, visit the Norman Rockwell Museum in town.

Just a few miles up the road from Stockbridge is The Black Swan Inn Lee , a boutique yet affordable hotel on the banks of Laurel Lake. Relax in the tranquil, snowy setting as you gaze over October Mountain State Park, where you can take advantage of all the outdoor winter activities the Berkshires have to offer.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> An authentic old-world Christmas</p> <p>This Bavarian-inspired town didn't always look so Old World—it actually used to be more Old West. In the 1960s, after a long period of decline, the former logging town planned a makeover influenced by the alpine landscape. Completing the overhaul, new festivals were created to draw visitors, and Leavenworth slowly grew into a must-see holiday destination. All December, the "Christmastown Village of Lights" features carolers, kids activities, roasting chestnuts and holiday characters. Beautifully lit storefronts and musical performances at the gazebo complete the classic Christmas scene. You might even be inspired to create some <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/cheap-christmas-decorations/">DIY Christmas decorations</a> of your own.</p> <p>Leavenworth is full of charming Christmas chalets, but top honors go to <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g58560-d549737-Reviews-Bavarian_Lodge-Leavenworth_Washington.html" rel="noopener">Bavarian Lodge</a>. This German-style hotel features a great location across the street from the festivities, amazing mountain views from its balconies and magical Christmastime decorations, plus whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and a beer pub.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g58560-d549737-Reviews-Bavarian_Lodge-Leavenworth_Washington.html">Book Now</a></p>

Leavenworth, Washington

Best for: An authentic old-world Christmas

This Bavarian-inspired town didn't always look so Old World—it actually used to be more Old West. In the 1960s, after a long period of decline, the former logging town planned a makeover influenced by the alpine landscape. Completing the overhaul, new festivals were created to draw visitors, and Leavenworth slowly grew into a must-see holiday destination. All December, the "Christmastown Village of Lights" features carolers, kids activities, roasting chestnuts and holiday characters. Beautifully lit storefronts and musical performances at the gazebo complete the classic Christmas scene. You might even be inspired to create some DIY Christmas decorations  of your own.

Leavenworth is full of charming Christmas chalets, but top honors go to Bavarian Lodge . This German-style hotel features a great location across the street from the festivities, amazing mountain views from its balconies and magical Christmastime decorations, plus whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and a beer pub.

<p class=""><strong>Best for</strong>: Christmas "North Pole" cottages</p> <p>You know a town is Christmas-worthy when one of the cutest <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/hallmark-christmas-movies/">Hallmark Christmas movies</a> was filmed there. <em>My Christmas Love</em> was partially shot on Historic 25th Street, in this former railway hub under the shadow of the stunning Wasatch Mountains. But the town is also known for its Christmas Village, a collection of tiny cottages fit for elves, modeled after Santa's workshop at the North Pole. Visitors can marvel at the holiday displays and lights of each cottage as they wander through the winter wonderland-like setting. The grand opening of the season follows the Electric Light Parade. Twenty minutes from downtown, enjoy outdoor winter activities at three ski resorts that get 450 inches of snow each year.</p> <p>The downtown area offers some chain hotels, but for the ultimate in rustic relaxation, head up the road to Snowberry Inn. Located in a tranquil mountain setting, this log cabin B&B is the perfect place to spend a cozy holiday—guests can even enjoy the outdoor hot tub on cold winter evenings.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g56972-d226698-Reviews-Snowberry_Inn_Bed_Breakfast-Eden_Utah.html#REVIEWS">Book Now</a></p>

Ogden, Utah

Best for: Christmas "North Pole" cottages

You know a town is Christmas-worthy when one of the cutest  Hallmark Christmas movies  was filmed there.  My Christmas Love was partially shot on Historic 25th Street, in this former railway hub under the shadow of the stunning Wasatch Mountains. But the town is also known for its Christmas Village, a collection of tiny cottages fit for elves, modeled after Santa's workshop at the North Pole. Visitors can marvel at the holiday displays and lights of each cottage as they wander through the winter-wonderland-like setting. The grand opening of the season follows the Electric Light Parade. Twenty minutes from downtown, enjoy outdoor winter activities at three ski resorts that get 450 inches of snow each year.

The downtown area offers some chain hotels, but for the ultimate in rustic relaxation, head up the road to Snowberry Inn . Located in a tranquil mountain setting, this log cabin B&B is the perfect place to spend a cozy holiday—guests can even enjoy the outdoor hot tub on cold winter evenings. If you don't live near Ogden, you can still get a taste of Hallmark with the official Hallmark holiday suites !

<p class=""><strong>Best for:</strong> Fans of <em>A Christmas Story</em></p> <p>There are tons of holiday events going on in downtown Cleveland, but we suggest you visit the modest Tremont neighborhood. It's home to the <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/things-never-knew-a-christmas-story/" rel="noopener"><em>A Christmas Story</em></a> House, the original home used to film the classic 1983 movie. Restored by a superfan to match the interior sets (only the exterior of the house was used in filming), it's now a near-replica of Ralphie's house. You can even stay in the house overnight! Visit the museum across the street for more props, costumes and memorabilia from the movie. Then head downtown for holiday musical performances, the Winterfest event and a visit to Public Square, where Higbee's department store building (in which Ralphie first spots his Red Ryder BB Gun and later has a run-in with Santa) still stands. For more Christmas events, head over to Playhouse Square to see a theatrical performance of <em>A Christmas Carol</em> and <em>The Nutcracker</em>. Plus, the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s has a new "Frost" display.</p> <p>If you don't stay in the Christmas Story House itself, consider the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g50207-d9862281-Reviews-Drury_Plaza_Hotel_Cleveland_Downtown-Cleveland_Ohio.html" rel="noopener">Drury Plaza Hotel</a>. Just a five-minute walk from Public Square, the hotel in a historic building offers comfortable accommodations with amenities like an indoor pool and a great breakfast to start your day of holiday activities.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g50207-d9862281-Reviews-Drury_Plaza_Hotel_Cleveland_Downtown-Cleveland_Ohio.html">Book Now</a></p>

Cleveland, Ohio

Best for: Fans of  A Christmas Story

There are tons of holiday events going on in downtown Cleveland, but we suggest you visit the modest Tremont neighborhood. It's home to the A Christmas Story House, the original home used to film the classic 1983 movie. Restored by a superfan to match the interior sets (only the exterior of the house was used in filming), it's now a near-replica of Ralphie's house. You can even stay in the house overnight! Visit the museum across the street for more props, costumes and memorabilia from the movie. Then head downtown for holiday musical performances, the Winterfest event and a visit to Public Square, where Higbee's department store building (in which Ralphie first spots his Red Ryder BB Gun and later has a run-in with Santa) still stands. For more Christmas events, head over to Playhouse Square to see a theatrical performance of A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker . Plus, the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s has a new "Frost" display.

If you don't stay in the Christmas Story House itself, consider the Drury Plaza Hotel . Just a five-minute walk from Public Square, the hotel in a historic building offers comfortable accommodations with amenities like an indoor pool and a great breakfast to start your day of holiday activities.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Northern Lights viewing</p> <p>Okay, so it might not be the actual North Pole, although it is the closest Christmas town to the real one. But this village near Fairbanks, named after Santa's Arctic abode, sure enjoys playing up its namesake. The entire city stays dressed up for Christmas all year long, but the holidays are an especially magical time—it's one of the <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/winter-destinations-ideal-vacation/">destinations that are even better in the winter</a>. The Santa Claus House is like one big giant Christmas shop, plus you'll find a reindeer farm and a giant statue of Santa himself. Travel down streets with names like Snowman Lane, Holiday Road and Saint Nicholas Drive, then be sure to mail your Christmas cards from the local post office to get that North Pole postmark. Your kids can also send <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/letters-to-santa/">letters to Santa</a> at North Pole, Alaska—and receive a response back!</p> <p>The locally run <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g31079-d1776834-Reviews-Hotel_North_Pole-North_Pole_Alaska.html" rel="noopener">Hotel North Pole</a> offers plenty of Christmas kitsch—ask about booking the Santa Suite for extra special holiday decor. You may even be able to see the Northern Lights right from your hotel window.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g31079-d1776834-Reviews-Hotel_North_Pole-North_Pole_Alaska.html">Book Now</a></p>

North Pole, Alaska

Best for: Northern Lights viewing

Okay, so it might not be the actual North Pole, although it is the closest Christmas town to the real one. But this village near Fairbanks, named after Santa's Arctic abode, sure enjoys playing up its namesake. The entire city stays dressed up for Christmas all year long, but the holidays are an especially magical time—it's one of the destinations that are even better in the winter. The Santa Claus House is like one big giant Christmas shop, plus you'll find a reindeer farm and a giant statue of Santa himself. Travel down streets with names like Snowman Lane, Holiday Road and Saint Nicholas Drive, then be sure to mail your Christmas cards from the local post office to get that North Pole postmark. Your kids can also send  letters to Santa  at North Pole, Alaska—and receive a response back!

The locally run Hotel North Pole offers plenty of Christmas kitsch—ask about booking the Santa Suite for extra special holiday decor. You may even be able to see the Northern Lights right from your hotel window.

<p><strong>Best for</strong>: Dickensian atmosphere</p> <p>This colonial village really gets into The Spirit of Christmas, a town-wide celebration featuring reenactments, museum programs, and decorations. Visitors can see the historic homes dressed up for the season—there's even an annual "holiday greening" event to make wreaths to decorate the well-preserved buildings throughout the charming downtown. Also enjoy this old-fashioned Christmas town with costumed Dickens characters reenacting Victorian Christmas scenes throughout the village.</p> <p>Although the historic village itself doesn't have many accommodations, there are several chain hotels nearby that offer a clean and comfortable place to stay while exploring the area. The Fairfield Inn and Suites is conveniently located, with free breakfast and an indoor pool.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34042-d6820815-Reviews-Fairfield_Inn_Suites_Wilmington_New_Castle-New_Castle_Delaware.html">Book Now</a></p>

New Castle, Delaware

Best for: Dickensian atmosphere

This Colonial village really gets into The Spirit of Christmas, a town-wide celebration featuring reenactments, museum programs and decorations. Visitors can see the historic homes dressed up for the season—there's even an annual "holiday greening" event to make wreaths to decorate the well-preserved buildings throughout the charming downtown. Also enjoy this old-fashioned Christmas town with costumed Dickens characters reenacting Victorian Christmas scenes throughout the village.

Although the historic village itself doesn't have many accommodations, there are several chain hotels nearby that offer a clean and comfortable place to stay while exploring the area. The Fairfield Inn and Suites is conveniently located, with free breakfast and an indoor pool.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Dazzling lights displays</p> <p>You may not get snow, but you will witness the jaw-dropping sight of the Nights of Lights' three million white bulbs illuminating the city. Based on the Spanish practice of lighting a candle in the window for Christmas, the annual display has become an iconic state <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/warm-fuzzy-holiday-traditions/">Christmas tradition</a> of its own. See the lights from a trolley or electric cart, or take to the water and view them by boat. Plane and helicopter rides let you see the spectacle from above. Entertainment, shopping, and other seasonal community activities round out the festivities.</p> <p>Stay at the lovely Southern Oaks Inn, just a block from the center of the action at Plaza de la Constitucíon and two from the Bridge of Lions. Beautifully landscaped, family and pet-friendly, this property is also affordable—a true gem.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34599-d85731-Reviews-Southern_Oaks_Inn-St_Augustine_Florida.html">Book Now</a></p>

St. Augustine, Florida

Best for: Dazzling lights displays

You may not get snow, but you will witness the jaw-dropping sight of the Nights of Lights's 3 million white bulbs illuminating the city. Based on the Spanish practice of lighting a candle in the window for Christmas, the annual display has become an iconic Christmas tradition of its own. See the lights from a trolley or electric cart, or take to the water and view them by boat. Plane and helicopter rides let you see the spectacle from above. Entertainment, shopping and other seasonal community activities round out the festivities, along with St. Augustine's annual Christmas Parade, where you'll see floats, marching bands, horses and St. Nick himself!

Stay at the lovely Southern Oaks Inn , just a block from the center of the action at Plaza de la Constitucíon and two blocks from the Bridge of Lions. Beautifully landscaped, and both family- and pet-friendly, this property is also affordable—a true gem.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> A Bavarian Christmas</p> <p>Pretend you're in the Alps instead of the Blue Ridge Mountains in this adorable German-influenced Christmas town, one of the most picturesque <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/most-european-cities-in-america/">small American towns you'd swear were from Europe</a>. As if it doesn't look storybook enough, in December it becomes a holiday paradise with its Christkindlmarkt, or Christmas market, with unique gifts, decorations, yummy food, drinks, and candied treats. Plus, the annual lighting of the village has Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on a Bavarian sleigh to greet children as the town is lit up, plus musical performances.</p> <p>The quirky Heidi Motel is one of the only places in the country you can stay in a windmill! With recently updated rooms, in-room jacuzzis, and close to the center of town, this motel will make for a memorable stay.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g35004-d610539-Reviews-or10-Heidi_Motel-Helen_Georgia.html#REVIEWS">Book Now</a></p>

Helen, Georgia

Best for: A Bavarian Christmas

Pretend you're in the Alps instead of the Blue Ridge Mountains in this adorable German-influenced Christmas town, one of the most picturesque  small American towns you'd swear were in Europe . As if it doesn't already look storybook enough, in December it becomes a holiday paradise with its Christkindlmarkt, or Christmas market, with unique gifts, decorations, yummy food, drinks and candied treats. Plus, the annual lighting of the village has Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving on a Bavarian sleigh to greet children as the town is lit up, plus musical performances.

The quirky Heidi Motel is one of the only places in the country you can stay in a windmill! Close to the center of town, with recently updated rooms and in-room jacuzzis, this motel will make for a memorable stay.

<p><strong>Best for: </strong>Snow festivals</p> <p>Enter the Winter Wonderland of ski resort Sun Valley, featuring a snow and ice festival to melt even the most Scrooge-like heart. From Christmas concerts and holiday sweater parties to high tea and brunch with Santa for the kids, the entire month of December is alive with seasonal activity. But the can't-miss event is the Christmas Eve celebration, featuring a Skating in Winter Wonderland Ice Show, fireworks and the Torchlight Parade, in which skiers holding torches glide down Dollar Mountain, creating a blaze of light.</p> <p><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g35614-d484110-Reviews-Sun_Valley_Lodge-Sun_Valley_Idaho.html" rel="noopener">Sun Valley Lodge</a> has beautiful mountain views and easy access to all the festivities—not to mention a heated pool and on-site spa to warm up after a chilly day.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g35614-d484110-Reviews-Sun_Valley_Lodge-Sun_Valley_Idaho.html">Book Now</a></p>

Sun Valley, Idaho

Best for:  Snow festivals

Enter the Winter Wonderland of ski resort Sun Valley, featuring a snow and ice festival to melt even the most Scrooge-like heart. From Christmas concerts and holiday-sweater parties to high tea and brunch with Santa for the kids, the entire month of December is alive with seasonal activity. But the can't-miss event is the Christmas Eve celebration, featuring a Skating in Winter Wonderland Ice Show, fireworks and the Torchlight Parade, in which skiers holding torches glide down Dollar Mountain, creating a blaze of light. Expect fireworks, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa.

Sun Valley Lodge has beautiful mountain views and easy access to all the festivities—not to mention a heated pool and on-site spa to warm up after a chilly day.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Holiday fireworks</p> <p>With its many 19th-century buildings, bed and breakfasts, and antique shops, Galena is a cozy spot for an old-fashioned, small-town Christmas. Set among the snow-covered farmland of northern Illinois, the town's charming Main Street gets all decked out for the season. The festivities begin with "Holiday Fire in the Sky," a fireworks display over the Galena River. See 5,000 candles along streets, stairs, and sidewalks during the "Night of the Luminarios and Living Windows," in which storefronts show off amazing window displays and offer extended hours. Revelers can also enjoy carolers singing the <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-christmas-songs/">best Christmas songs</a> from the Grant Park gazebo.</p> <p>Galena boasts many well-appointed B&Bs, but the Aldrich Guest House one stands out for its amazing location just a few blocks from Grant Park, as well as scrumptious breakfasts and comfortable rooms. Elegant yet simply decorated, it's the perfect spot for a cozy holiday away from the crowds.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g36022-d560928-Reviews-Aldrich_Guest_House-Galena_Illinois.html">Book Now</a></p>

Galena, Illinois

Best for: Holiday fireworks

With its many 19th-century buildings, B&Bs and antique shops, Galena is one of the most charming small towns for a cozy, old-fashioned Christmas. Set among the snow-covered farmland of northern Illinois, the town has a charming Main Street that gets all decked out for the season. The festivities begin with "Holiday Fire in the Sky," a fireworks display over the Galena River. See 5,000 candles along streets, stairs and sidewalks during the "Night of the Luminarios and Living Windows," in which storefronts show off amazing window displays and offer extended hours. Revelers can also enjoy carolers singing the best Christmas songs from the Grant Park gazebo.

Galena boasts many well-appointed B&Bs, but the Aldrich Guest House stands out for its amazing location just a few blocks from Grant Park, as well as scrumptious breakfasts and comfortable rooms. Elegant yet simply decorated, it's the perfect spot for a cozy holiday away from the crowds.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> A Midwestern getaway</p> <p>Is this holiday heaven? No, it's Iowa! One of the best of the state's many small-town Christmas celebrations happens in the thriving, quaint village of Valley Junction. For four Thursday evenings during the season, the historic railroad town in the West Des Moines area celebrates with Jingle in the Junction. The streets are lined with over 125,000 twinkling lights, and visitors can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa, and caroling. Shop for gifts in the 150 unique stores, antique shops, and other businesses downtown. It'll make you feel as if you're back in your own hometown.</p> <p>For a touch of upscale luxury to your down-home visit to Valley Junction, stay a few minutes up the road in the heart of Des Moines at the gorgeous, historic Des Lux Hotel. With its affordable rates, along with in-room fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, you'll want to spend the holidays in the Midwest more often.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g37835-d262762-Reviews-Des_Lux_Hotel-Des_Moines_Iowa.html">Book Now</a></p>

Valley Junction, Iowa

Best for: A Midwestern getaway

Is this holiday heaven? No, it's Iowa! One of the best of the state's many small-town Christmas celebrations happens in the thriving, quaint village of Valley Junction. For four Thursday evenings during the season, the historic railroad town in the West Des Moines area celebrates with Jingle in the Junction. The streets are lined with more than 125,000 twinkling lights, and visitors can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa and caroling. Shop for gifts in the 150 unique stores, antique shops and other businesses downtown. It'll make you feel as if you're back in your own hometown.

For a touch of upscale luxury during your down-home visit to Valley Junction, stay a few minutes up the road in the heart of Des Moines at the gorgeous, historic Des Lux Hotel . With its affordable rates, along with in-room fireplaces and whirlpool tubs, you'll want to spend the holidays in the Midwest more often.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Traditional Swedish celebrations</p> <p>Known as "Little Sweden," this town incorporates its Swedish heritage into its brightly colored architecture, Swedish horse sculptures called <em>dalas</em>—and of course, its Christmas celebrations. The St. Lucia Festival, one of the <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/winter-solstice-traditions/">fascinating winter solstice traditions around the world</a>, honors the legend of Lucia, who came to Scandinavia bearing light and food during a famine. Wearing white gowns with red sashes and crowns of lingonberry, young women parade with stjärngosse (star boys) to symbolize life during the dark winter solstice. Traditional Swedish services of Julotta (Christmas morning) and Annandag Jule (the day after Christmas), plus a Juletide concert, are also part of the Scandanavian holiday festivities.</p> <p>The candy-colored Rosberg House bed and breakfast looks just like a gingerbread house. And the lush decor inside—not to mention the delectable breakfasts—are just as sweet. It's also conveniently located in the center of town in walking distance of art galleries, shops, and restaurants.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g38856-d12483340-Reviews-Rosberg_House_B_B-Lindsborg_Kansas.html">Book Now</a></p>

Lindsborg, Kansas

Best for: Traditional Swedish celebrations

Known as "Little Sweden," this town incorporates its Swedish heritage into its brightly colored architecture, Swedish horse sculptures called  dalas and, of course, its Christmas celebrations. The St. Lucia Festival, one of the  fascinating winter solstice traditions around the world , honors the legend of Lucia, who came to Scandinavia bearing light and food during a famine. Wearing white gowns with red sashes and crowns of lingonberry, young women parade with stjärngosse (star boys) to symbolize life during the dark winter solstice. Traditional Swedish services of Julotta (Christmas morning) and Annandag Jule (the day after Christmas), plus a Juletide concert, are also part of the Scandinavian holiday festivities.

The candy-colored Rosberg House bed-and-breakfast looks just like a gingerbread house. And the lush decor inside—not to mention the delectable breakfasts—are just as sweet. It's also conveniently located in the center of town, within walking distance of art galleries, shops and restaurants.

<p><strong>Best for</strong>: Extended shopping</p> <p>The historic seaport looks picture-perfect at holiday time. See the lighting of trees during the city's Grand Illumination. Drive through Lights on the Bay in Sandy Point State Park to view illuminated displays along the Chesapeake Bay. Downtown shops will stay open for Midnight Madness so you can get your gift-giving on, and the Chocolate Binge Festival offers delectable treats along with music and entertainment. Hear the traditional gathering of the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra for the singing of Handel's Messiah. Finally, the Eastport Yacht Club Light Parade features dozens of lit-up vessels sailing through the harbor.</p> <p>Comprising three separate historic buildings, the Historic Inns of Annapolis stands out for its distinctive character and prime central location. Just step outside your door to find all the holiday shopping and events the town has to offer.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g29494-d89317-Reviews-Historic_Inns_of_Annapolis-Annapolis_Maryland.html#REVIEWS">Book Now</a></p>

Annapolis, Maryland

Best for: Extended shopping

The historic seaport looks picture-perfect at holiday time. See the lighting of trees during the city's Grand Illumination. Drive through Lights on the Bay in Sandy Point State Park to view illuminated displays along the Chesapeake Bay. Downtown shops will stay open for Midnight Madness, so you can get your gift-giving on, and the Chocolate Binge Festival offers delectable treats along with music and entertainment. Hear the traditional gathering of the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra for the singing of Handel's Messiah. Finally, the Eastport Yacht Club Light Parade features dozens of lit-up vessels sailing through the harbor.

Comprising three separate historic buildings, Historic Inns of Annapolis stands out for its distinctive character and prime central location. Just step outside your door to find all the holiday shopping and events the town has to offer.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> A traditional German Christmas</p> <p>True, this town is home to the world's largest Christmas-themed store, Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland. But that's not the only reason Frankenmuth makes it onto our list of the best Christmas towns. Settled by German immigrants, "Little Bavaria" looks like you've stepped right into a fairy tale—and it's magical at holiday time. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past quaint boutiques, German-influenced architecture and 150 trees decorated with white lights. In the center of it all stands a 40-foot tree decked in red and green lights—the <a href="https://www.rd.com/article/christmas-colors-green-red/">Christmas colors</a>, of course—complete with an illumination and music show. Visit reindeer at a local farm, go ice skating in the outdoor rink or peruse the traditional German Christkindlmarkt.</p> <p>Where else would one stay in Little Bavaria than the German-inspired <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g42216-d257243-Reviews-or5-Bavarian_Inn_Lodge-Frankenmuth_Michigan.html" rel="noopener">Bavarian Inn Lodge</a>? The town's signature hotel has been delighting visitors for decades, and for good reason, as you'll really feel you've been transported to Europe.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g42216-d257243-Reviews-or5-Bavarian_Inn_Lodge-Frankenmuth_Michigan.html">Book Now</a></p>

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Best for: A traditional German Christmas

True, this town is home to the world's largest Christmas-themed store, Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. But that's not the only reason Frankenmuth makes it onto our list of the best Christmas towns. Settled by German immigrants, "Little Bavaria" looks like you've stepped right into a fairy tale—and it's magical at holiday time. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop past quaint boutiques, German-influenced architecture and 150 trees decorated with white lights. In the center of it all stands a 40-foot tree decked in red and green lights—the  Christmas colors , of course—complete with an illumination and music show. Visit reindeer at a local farm, go ice skating in the outdoor rink or peruse the traditional German Christkindlmarkt.

Where else would one stay in Little Bavaria than the German-inspired Bavarian Inn Lodge ? The town's signature hotel has been delighting visitors for decades, and for good reason, as you'll really feel you've been transported to Europe.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> A white Christmas</p> <p>With some areas of Minnesota having a near 100-percent chance of a white Christmas, it's hard to narrow down the best holiday-worthy town in the area. But Stillwater, the state's historic birthplace near Minneapolis, has been called one of America's most picturesque towns, and it's especially enchanting at holiday time. This river village's Hometown Holiday event runs throughout the season, with its many boutiques, restaurants, and other establishments luring visitors with wagonette carriage rides and Victorian carolers. Musical and stage performances, a holiday bazaar at the old courthouse, a fun Twinkle Party in which guests are encouraged to adorn themselves with battery-powered lights, and many more events round out the festivities.</p> <p>Stay downtown at the 1927 Lowell Inn for close proximity to everything happening in Stillwater. Offering both Victorian-themed and modern rooms, the hotel also hosts Holiday Tea weekends in December.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g43552-d121144-Reviews-or5-Lowell_Inn-Stillwater_Minnesota.html">Book Now</a></p>

Stillwater, Minnesota

Best for: A white Christmas

With some areas of Minnesota having a near-100% chance of a white Christmas, it's hard to narrow down the best holiday-worthy town in the area. But Stillwater, the state's historic birthplace near Minneapolis, has been called one of America's most picturesque towns, and it's especially enchanting at holiday time. This river village's Hometown Holiday event runs throughout the season, with many boutiques, restaurants and other establishments luring visitors with wagonette carriage rides and Victorian carolers. Musical and stage performances, a holiday bazaar at the old courthouse, a fun Twinkle Party in which guests are encouraged to adorn themselves with battery-powered lights, and many more events round out the festivities.

Stay downtown at the 1927 Lowell Inn for proximity to everything happening in Stillwater. Offering both Victorian-themed and modern rooms, the hotel also hosts Holiday Tea weekends in December.

<p><strong>Best for</strong>: A mountain escape</p> <p>The mountains of Montana look even more magical at Christmastime. Thanks to the volunteer "elves" of the artsy town of Bigfork on the shores of Flathead Lake, "Montana's Christmas Village" gets a holiday makeover featuring evergreen garlands strewn over the businesses of downtown. Come for winter activities like downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, sleigh rides, ice fishing, and the nearby Glacier National Park. Then stay for a holiday art walk, tree lighting, parade, and performances of <em>A Touch of Christmas</em> holiday music and other seasonal shows at Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.</p> <p>After outdoor winter fun or holiday cultural activities, retreat to the quiet Bigfork Mountain Lake Lodge to cozy up by the fireplace or relax in the jacuzzi. Even more gorgeous covered in snow (which it's likely to be in December), the hotel boasts views overlooking Flathead Lake.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g45084-d261925-Reviews-Bigfork_Mountain_Lake_Lodge-Bigfork_Montana.html">Book Now</a></p>

Bigfork, Montana

Best for: A mountain escape

The mountains of Montana look even more magical at Christmastime. Thanks to the volunteer "elves" of the artsy town of Bigfork, on the shores of Flathead Lake, "Montana's Christmas Village" gets a holiday makeover featuring evergreen garlands strewn over the businesses of downtown. Come for winter activities like downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, sleigh rides, ice fishing and the nearby Glacier National Park. Then stay for a holiday art walk, tree lighting, parade and performances of A Touch of Christmas holiday music and other seasonal shows at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.

After outdoor winter fun or holiday cultural activities, retreat to the quiet Bigfork Mountain Lake Lodge to cozy up by the fireplace or relax in the jacuzzi. Even more gorgeous covered in snow (which it's likely to be in December), the hotel boasts views overlooking Flathead Lake.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Animal lovers</p> <p>Where else can you take sleigh rides to see elk? This mountain town is surrounded by ski resorts, Grand Teton National Park, and the National Elk Refuge, where you can take a sleigh ride to view the aforementioned animals. Downtown, thousands of lights will illuminate the famous elk antler arches, and children can leave a letter for Santa in his mailbox. Santa will also "drop in" from the aerial tram on Christmas Eve. Resorts and hotels throughout the area also offer their own seasonal festivities as well.</p> <p>For an affordable place to stay in this expensive ski town, try the Elk Country Inn. Rustic yet comfortable, the log cabin-themed accommodations are within walking distance of the antler arches.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60491-d248257-Reviews-Elk_Country_Inn-Jackson_Jackson_Hole_Wyoming.html">Book Now</a></p>

Jackson, Wyoming

Best for: Animal lovers

Where else can you take sleigh rides to see elk? This mountain town is surrounded by ski resorts, Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge, where you can take a sleigh ride to view the aforementioned wildlife. Downtown, thousands of lights will illuminate the famous elk antler arches, and children can leave a letter for Santa in his mailbox. Santa will also "drop in" from the aerial tram on Christmas Eve. The Friday after Thanksgiving is the Town Square Lighting, and the five Saturdays after Thanksgiving are Small Business Saturdays, where you can shop for one-of-a-kind treasures from local boutiques. Resorts and hotels throughout the area also offer their own seasonal festivities as well.

For an affordable place to stay in this expensive ski town, try the Elk Country Inn . Rustic yet comfortable, the log-cabin-themed accommodations are within walking distance of the antler arches.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> A cowboy-themed Christmas</p> <p>This Old West mining town takes visitors back to frontier times with its monthlong Victorian-inspired  Christmas on the Comstock celebration. Stroll through the decorated historic downtown, watch the holiday parade, light show and fireworks, and take the young ones for a ride on a steam train decorated with thousands of lights. Adults can enjoy the "Grinch Made Me Do It" saloon crawl. Seasonal entertainment at the historic Piper's Opera House includes the Comstock Cowboys's Christmas in the Sierra and more winter performances.</p> <p>The spacious Victorian-style rooms of <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g46010-d625285-Reviews-Silverland_Inn_Suites-Virginia_City_Nevada.html" rel="noopener">Silverland Inn and Suites</a> continue the Old West theme of Virginia City in the heart of town. Lovely views overlook the desert hills—you may even get a visit from some of Nevada's wild horses.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g46010-d625285-Reviews-Silverland_Inn_Suites-Virginia_City_Nevada.html">Book Now</a></p>

Virginia City, Nevada

Best for: A cowboy-themed Christmas

This Old West mining town takes visitors back to frontier times with its monthlong Victorian-inspired Christmas on the Comstock celebration. Stroll through the decorated historic downtown, watch the holiday parade, light show and fireworks, and take the young ones for a ride on a steam train decorated with thousands of lights. Adults can enjoy the "Grinch Made Me Do It" saloon crawl. Seasonal entertainment at the historic Piper's Opera House includes their Christmas Concert featuring Glen and Molly of Lady and the Tramps.

The spacious Victorian-style rooms of Silverland Inn and Suites continue the Old West theme of Virginia City in the heart of town. Lovely views overlook the desert hills—you may even get a visit from some of Nevada's wild horses.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> A quintessential New England Christmas</p> <p>Complete with snowy scenes and covered bridges, New Hampshire's villages offer the classic Christmas of your dreams. The best of these Christmas towns, though, may be Portsmouth and its Vintage Christmas, which offers a gingerbread house decorating contest, holiday lights parade, musical shows, and beautifully decked out Market Square; while the waterfront living history museum Strawbery Banke features a Candlelight Stroll among decorated historic buildings and outdoor ice-skating.</p> <p>The Hotel Portsmouth, in walking distance of the town's holiday happenings, offers elegant yet simple luxury at reasonable prices in an 1881 Victorian mansion. Claw-foot tubs and fireplaces add to the cozy ambiance.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g46209-d5773842-Reviews-The_Hotel_Portsmouth-Portsmouth_New_Hampshire.html">Book Now</a></p>

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Best for: A quintessential New England Christmas

Complete with snowy scenes and covered bridges, New Hampshire's villages offer the classic Christmas of your dreams. The best of these Christmas towns, though, may be Portsmouth and its Vintage Christmas, which offers a gingerbread house decorating contest, holiday lights parade, musical shows and beautifully decked out Market Square. The waterfront living history museum, Strawbery Banke, features a Candlelight Stroll among decorated historic buildings and outdoor ice-skating. You can even enjoy hot apple cider and a holiday shopping experience at Pickwick’s at the Banke.

The Hotel Portsmouth , within walking distance of the town's holiday happenings, offers elegant yet simple luxury at reasonable prices in an 1881 Victorian mansion. Claw-foot tubs and fireplaces add to the cozy ambiance.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Old movie buffs</p> <p>Notable as the birthplace of the <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/womens-history-landmarks/">women's rights movement</a>, Seneca Falls is also said to be the inspiration for Bedford Falls in one of the <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-christmas-movies/">best Christmas movies</a> of all time, the 1946 classic <em>It's a Wonderful Life</em>. All season long, you can marvel at the town's similarities to the film and even visit a steel bridge identical to the one where George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) contemplates his life. If you're lucky enough to visit during the It's a Wonderful Life Festival in December, you can also meet former child actors from the movie, including Zuzu herself, Karolyn Grimes. Musical performances, film history, exhibits, fireworks and a bonfire, drinks and dining events, and the live radio play <em>Merry Christmas, George Bailey</em> are also part of the holiday fun in one of the best Christmas towns in the country.</p> <p>The town and all its holiday happenings are totally walkable with a stay at the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60997-d1548989-Reviews-or5-The_Gould_Hotel-Seneca_Falls_Finger_Lakes_New_York.html#REVIEWS" rel="noopener">Gould Hotel</a>. The 1920s hotel features richly decorated rooms in a historic building.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60997-d1548989-Reviews-or5-The_Gould_Hotel-Seneca_Falls_Finger_Lakes_New_York.html#REVIEWS">Book Now</a></p>

Seneca Falls, New York

Best for: Old movie buffs

Seneca Falls is said to be the inspiration for Bedford Falls in one of the best Christmas movies  of all time, the 1946 classic  It's a Wonderful Life . All season long, you can marvel at the town's similarities to the film and even visit a steel bridge identical to the one where George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) contemplates his life. If you're lucky enough to visit during the It's a Wonderful Life Festival in December, you can also meet former child actors from the movie, including Zuzu herself, Karolyn Grimes. Musical performances, film history, exhibits, fireworks and a bonfire, drinks and dining events, and the live radio play Merry Christmas, George Bailey  are also part of the holiday fun in one of the best Christmas towns in the country.

The town and all its holiday happenings are totally walkable with a stay at the Gould Hotel . The 1920s hotel features richly decorated rooms in a historic building.

<p><strong>Best for</strong>: Neighborhood Christmas lights</p> <p>One of the <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-small-towns-christmas-lights/">best small towns in America for Christmas lights</a>, McAdenville, aka "Christmas Town USA," features 100 decorated homes, plus 265 evergreen trees illuminated with 500,000 colored lights. The town gets 600,000 visitors in December to see the lights by car and on foot, as some roads are closed off to traffic. One lucky elementary student is chosen to flip the switch at the start of the season; then the luminaries go on nightly throughout the month. Visitors can also enjoy the Yule Log Ceremony and the Annual Christmas Town Festival.</p> <p>After your excursion to McAdenville, drive a few minutes down the road to the charming town of Gastonia and the revamped Esquire Hotel, in a 1918 bank that eventually housed lawyer's offices—hence the next of its eatery, Barrister's Restaurant. The boutique hotel's decor is top-notch, and be sure to check out the cool rooftop lounge.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g49156-d17764434-Reviews-The_Esquire_Hotel_An_Ascend_Hotel_Collection_Member-Gastonia_North_Carolina.html">Book Now</a></p>

McAdenville, North Carolina

Best for: Neighborhood Christmas lights

One of the  best small towns in America for Christmas lights , McAdenville, aka "Christmas Town USA," features 100 decorated homes, plus 265 evergreen trees illuminated with 500,000 colored lights. The town gets 600,000 visitors in December to see the lights by car and on foot, as some roads are closed off to traffic. One lucky elementary student is chosen to flip the switch at the start of the season, then the luminaries go on nightly throughout the month. Visitors can also enjoy the Yule Log Ceremony and the Annual Christmas Town Festival.

After your excursion to McAdenville, drive a few minutes down the road to the charming town of Gastonia and the Esquire Hotel , a revamped 1918 bank that later housed law offices—hence the name of its eatery, Barrister's Restaurant. The boutique hotel's decor is top-notch, and be sure to check out the cool rooftop lounge.

<p><strong>Best for</strong>: Victorian cosplay</p> <p>For three weekends during the holiday season, the "Christmas Capital of North Dakota" transforms into a Victorian village with its Dickens Village Festival, which has been drawing crowds to the small town Christmas on the shores of Lake Sakakawea since 1994. Get dressed in your finest period gear (or a street urchin costume will do) for unique events like a fruitcake toss, quilt show, street carolers, double-decker "Queen Elizabus" rides, top hat decorating, and Fezziwig's Feast. The fun culminates in performances of a play adaptation of <em>A Christmas Carol</em>.</p> <p>Accommodations in this small town are hard to come by, but visitors can enjoy a relaxing winter retreat by renting a lakefront vacation home with amazing views. You can even enjoy ice fishing right outside your door.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g49804-d15468436-or10-Lakefront_Home_on_Lake_Sakakawea_in_Douglas_Bay_near_Garrison_ND-Garrison_North_D.html">Book Now</a></p>

Garrison, North Dakota

Best for: Victorian cosplay

For three weekends during the holiday season, the "Christmas Capital of North Dakota" transforms into a Victorian village with its Dickens Village Festival, which has been drawing crowds to the small-town Christmas on the shores of Lake Sakakawea since 1994. Get dressed in your finest period gear (or a street urchin costume will do) for unique events like a fruitcake toss, quilt show, street carolers, double-decker "Queen Elizabus" rides, top-hat decorating and Fezziwig's Feast. The fun culminates in performances of a theatrical adaptation of A Christmas Carol .

Accommodations in this small town are hard to come by, but visitors can enjoy a relaxing winter retreat by renting a lakefront vacation home with amazing views. You can even enjoy ice-fishing right outside your door.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Arts and culture</p> <p>The vibrant cultural community of OKC steps into Christmas with its monthlong Downtown in December celebration, which includes the gorgeous illuminations of Lights on Broadway in historic Automobile Alley. Enjoy window displays, sidewalk events including live music, balloon art and pop-up shops. Outdoor ice-skating, snow tubing at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, a Santa run, performances of classical music and <em>The Nutcracker</em> ballet, and many more events are scheduled. Also check out Treefest at the Red Earth Art Center, in which Native American tribes across the state create ornaments and other artwork that represents their culture.</p> <p>In keeping with the city's artsy vibe, stay at the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g51560-d10128409-Reviews-21c_Museum_Hotel_Oklahoma_City-Oklahoma_City_Oklahoma.html" rel="noopener">21c Museum Hotel</a>. Housed in a historic Ford Model T assembly plant just a five-minute walk to Film Row, with funky modern decor—along with an actual art museum—this is one of the most unique places to spend your Christmas holiday.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g51560-d10128409-Reviews-21c_Museum_Hotel_Oklahoma_City-Oklahoma_City_Oklahoma.html">Book Now</a></p>

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Best for: Arts and culture

The vibrant cultural community of OKC steps into Christmas with its monthlong Downtown in December celebration, which includes the gorgeous illuminations of Lights on Broadway in historic Automobile Alley. Enjoy window displays, sidewalk events including live music, balloon art and pop-up shops. Outdoor ice-skating, snow tubing at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, a Santa run, performances of classical music and The Nutcracker  ballet, and many more events are scheduled. Also check out Treefest at the Red Earth Art Center, in which Native American tribes across the state create ornaments and other artwork that represents their culture.

In keeping with the city's artsy vibe, stay at the Fordson Hotel . Housed in a historic Ford Model T assembly plant just a five-minute walk to Film Row, with funky modern decor, this is one of the most unique places to spend your Christmas holiday.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Restaurants and wine</p> <p>This gold rush town rushes headfirst into the holiday season with its Victorian Christmas celebration. During December, Jacksonville's National Historic District is draped in greenery and twinkling lights as visitors take in the seasonal beauty and enjoy the Victorian Christmas parade, tree lighting, caroling, musical performances and visits with Father Christmas. Shoppers make their way among charming boutiques, outstanding restaurants and antique stores. Holiday tours of the 1873 Beekman House, home of a wealthy pioneer family, are also offered, along with tastings in the many fine <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/oregon-wineries/">wineries of Oregon</a>.</p> <p>Stay right downtown at the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g51920-d142069-Reviews-Jacksonville_Inn-Jacksonville_Oregon.html" rel="noopener">Jacksonville Inn</a>, which dates from 1861 and features an award-winning restaurant and wine shop with an abundant selection. The lush accommodations reflect the historic elegance of the town, which is on full display during the holidays.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g51920-d142069-Reviews-Jacksonville_Inn-Jacksonville_Oregon.html">Book Now</a></p>

Jacksonville, Oregon

Best for: Restaurants and wine

This gold rush town rushes headfirst into the holiday season with its Victorian Christmas celebration. During December, Jacksonville's National Historic District is draped in greenery and twinkling lights as visitors take in the seasonal beauty and enjoy the Victorian Christmas parade, tree lighting, caroling, musical performances and visits with Father Christmas. Shoppers make their way among charming boutiques, outstanding restaurants and antique stores. Holiday tours of the 1873 Beekman House, home of a wealthy pioneer family, are also offered, along with tastings in the many fine wineries of Oregon .

Stay right downtown at the Jacksonville Inn , which dates from 1861 and features an award-winning restaurant and wine shop with an abundant selection. The lush accommodations reflect the historic elegance of the town, which is on full display during the holidays.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> A romantic couples getaway</p> <p>See how the Gilded Age's upper crest celebrated the season when visiting the Newport mansions all dressed up for the holidays. Christmas trees, evergreens, wreaths and poinsettias (including a 15-foot poinsettia "tree") adorn The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House. View them in candlelight for a holiday evening out as well; guests can even splurge for a black-tie Holiday Dinner Dance. The Sparkling Lights at the Breakers event will show off the grounds of the estate with tens of thousands of colored lights throughout. The experiential "Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff" has the audience moving with the dancers throughout the mansion, as if you're part of the story. The charming town of Newport has many holiday events as well, with unique shops, tree lighting, musical performances and festive fare at restaurants.</p> <p>Affordable accommodations in the tony town of Newport are hard to come by, but <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60978-d447581-Reviews-Beech_Tree_Inn_and_Cottage-Newport_Rhode_Island.html" rel="noopener">Beech Tree Inn and Cottage</a> offers a reasonably priced B&B without sacrificing comfort. This quiet and cozy inn is the perfect spot to retreat after a busy day of holiday merry-making.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60978-d447581-Reviews-Beech_Tree_Inn_and_Cottage-Newport_Rhode_Island.html">Book Now</a></p>

Newport, Rhode Island

Best for: A romantic couples getaway

See how the Gilded Age's upper crest celebrated the season when visiting the Newport mansions all dressed up for the holidays. Christmas trees, evergreens, wreaths and poinsettias (including a 15-foot poinsettia "tree") adorn The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House. View them in candlelight for a holiday evening out as well; guests can even splurge for a black-tie Holiday Dinner Dance. The Sparkling Lights at the Breakers event will show off the grounds of the estate with tens of thousands of colored lights throughout. The experiential "Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff" has the audience moving with the dancers throughout the mansion, as if you're part of the story. The charming town of Newport has many holiday events as well, with unique shops, tree lighting, musical performances and festive fare at restaurants.

Affordable accommodations in the tony town of Newport are hard to come by, but Beech Tree Inn and Cottage offers a reasonably priced B&B without sacrificing comfort. This quiet and cozy inn is the perfect spot to retreat after a busy day of holiday merry-making.

<p><strong>Best for</strong>: History buffs</p> <p>Low-country Southern history and hospitality come alive during the holidays when this stunning city becomes even more beautiful. Visit the illuminated display over the water at James Island County Park's Holiday Festival of Lights. Learn about Charleston's holiday past with visits to the city's historic homes, such as this piece of <a href="https://www.rd.com/article/christmas-trivia/">Christmas trivia</a> you probably didn't know: The poinsettia is named for a Charlestonian, Joel Roberts Poinsett, who brought back the Flor de Noche Buena ("Christmas Eve flower") from Mexico in the early 19th century. Guests can also listen to traditional African American Spirituals Concerts at Drayton Hall, and Gullah Christmas stories at Edmonston-Alston House.</p> <p>Stay in one of the city's many <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/historic-hotels-holiday-season/">charming historic hotels</a> that are beautifully decked out for the holidays, such as the grand Francis Marion Hotel, which dates from 1924. The location in Charleston's historic district can't be beaten, and the gorgeous interiors of the hotel are jaw-dropping at Christmastime.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g54171-d103437-Reviews-Francis_Marion_Hotel-Charleston_South_Carolina.html">Book Now</a></p>

Charleston, South Carolina

Best for: History buffs

Low-country southern history and hospitality come alive during the holidays when this stunning city becomes even more beautiful. Visit the illuminated display over the water at James Island County Park's Holiday Festival of Lights. Learn about Charleston's holiday past with visits to the city's historic homes, such as this piece of Christmas trivia you probably didn't know: The poinsettia is named for a Charlestonian, Joel Roberts Poinsett, who brought back the Flor de Noche Buena ("Christmas Eve flower") from Mexico in the early 19th century. Guests can also listen to traditional African American Spirituals Concerts at Drayton Hall and Gullah Christmas stories at Edmonston-Alston House.

Stay in one of the city's many  charming historic hotels that are beautifully decked out for the holidays, such as the grand Francis Marion Hotel , which dates from 1924. The location in Charleston's historic district can't be beat, and the gorgeous interiors of the hotel are jaw-dropping at Christmastime.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Waterfall chasers</p> <p>Gorgeous waterfalls of tumbling icy water in the Big Sioux River illuminated by over 355,000 colored lights is the highlight of the Christmas season in Falls Park—a Winter Wonderland fit for Santa himself. But that's not all the city has to offer: Downtown Sioux Falls also gets the holiday decorating treatment with a Parade of Lights and tree lighting, the town's thriving entertainment scene offers holiday musical and stage performances. There are plenty of outdoor winter activities in the area as well, including skiing, snow tubing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.</p> <p>A stay downtown at Hotel on Phillips allows visitors to walk to many area holiday attractions, bars, and restaurants and offers amazing views over the river. The hotel, which features an art deco style, plays up the building's history as an early 1900s bank with the original 16-ton vault door as the entrance to the lounge.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g54805-d17761445-Reviews-Hotel_on_Phillips-Sioux_Falls_South_Dakota.html#REVIEWS">Book Now</a></p>

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Best for: Waterfall chasers

Gorgeous waterfalls of tumbling icy water in the Big Sioux River illuminated by more than 355,000 colored lights are the highlight of the Christmas season in Falls Park, a winter wonderland fit for Santa himself. But that's not all the city has to offer: Downtown Sioux Falls also gets the holiday treatment with a Parade of Lights and tree lighting, while the town's thriving entertainment scene offers holiday musical and stage performances. There are plenty of outdoor winter activities in the area as well, including skiing, snow tubing, snowshoeing and ice skating.

A stay downtown at Hotel on Phillips allows visitors to walk to many area holiday attractions, bars and restaurants and offers amazing views over the river. The hotel, which features an art deco style, plays up the building's history as an early-1900s bank with the original 16-ton vault door as the entrance to the lounge.

<p><strong>Best for</strong>: A classic country Christmas</p> <p>Covered bridges, rolling farmland, horse-drawn sleigh rides, charming country inns…Vermont and Christmas go hand-in-hand. The quaint town of Woodstock hosts a Wassail Weekend, a feast for the senses with holiday lights, the sound of bells from horse-drawn wagons, decorated homes, music, and hot cider and donuts. The celebrations continue during the festive Christmas at the Farm event at the rural history museum Billings Farm, with candle dipping, holiday stories, cooking demonstrations, sleigh rides, and snowshoe trekking.</p> <p>Right outside the town, the Jackson House Inn presents a refined historical inn that looks wonderful dressed up for Christmas—especially when snow-covered. Classically elegant rooms feature fireplaces and four-poster beds.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60897-d82767-Reviews-Jackson_House_Inn-Woodstock_Vermont.html">Book Now</a></p>

Woodstock, Vermont

Best for: A classic country Christmas

With covered bridges, rolling farmland, horse-drawn sleigh rides and charming country inns, Woodstock, Vermont, is worthy of being named one of the best Christmas towns in the USA. The quaint town of Woodstock hosts a Wassail Weekend, a feast for the senses with holiday lights, the sound of bells from horse-drawn wagons, decorated homes, music, and hot cider and donuts. The celebrations continue during the festive Christmas at the Farm event at Billings Farm rural history museum, with candle dipping, holiday stories, cooking demonstrations, sleigh rides and snowshoe trekking.

Right outside the town, the Jackson House Inn presents a refined historical inn that looks wonderful dressed up for Christmas—especially when covered in snow. Classically elegant rooms feature fireplaces and four-poster beds.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Colonial Christmas traditions</p> <p>Historic Colonial Williamsburg observes Christmas as our forefathers did, with tours, stories, and strolling costumed performers among the decorated buildings of this living history museum. The Grand Illumination lights up the sky with fireworks displays; other events feature candles, a bonfire, caroling, and fife and drum music. For more old-fashioned holiday celebrations, visit other colonial towns in the Greater Williamsburg area including Jamestown and Yorktown; for modern revelries, check out Busch Gardens' Christmas Town events.</p> <p>Immerse yourself in 18th-century life with an experiential stay in your own private cottage in the Colonial Houses of Colonial Williamsburg. Settle down by the fire in the evening, or stroll along the historic, holiday-decorated streets after the crowds have left.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g58313-d260220-Reviews-Colonial_Houses_Colonial_Williamsburg-Williamsburg_Virginia.html">Book Now</a></p>

Williamsburg, Virginia

Best for: Colonial Christmas traditions

Historic Colonial Williamsburg observes Christmas as our forefathers did, with tours, stories and strolling costumed performers among the decorated buildings of this living history museum. The Grand Illumination lights up the sky with fireworks displays; other events feature candles, a bonfire, caroling, and fife and drum music. For more old-fashioned holiday celebrations, visit other Colonial towns in the Greater Williamsburg area, including Jamestown and Yorktown; for modern revelries, check out the Busch Gardens Christmas Town events.

Immerse yourself in 18th-century life with an experiential stay in your own private cottage in the Colonial Houses of Colonial Williamsburg . Settle down by the fire in the evening, or stroll along the historic, holiday-decorated streets after the crowds have left.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Theater and classical music performances</p> <p>Named one of the "coolest small towns" in America, Lewisburg has a downtown that's even more delightful when decorated for Christmas, kicking off with its Holiday Festival, with live music, food, carriage rides and beautiful holiday decorations. The town also has a thriving arts scene, so visitors can check out seasonal performances at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre and Carnegie Hall (one of four venues established by steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie that are still in use as theaters today; the most well-known is in New York City). More Christmas revelry awaits at The Greenbrier resort, including musical events, storytime with Santa and holiday dinner parties.</p> <p>A stay at The Greenbrier may be pricey, so try the more affordable historic property the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g59251-d114436-Reviews-Historic_General_Lewis_Inn-Lewisburg_West_Virginia.html" rel="noopener">General Lewis Inn</a>. Just a couple of blocks from downtown, this 1834 mansion also features a farm-to-table restaurant.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g59251-d114436-Reviews-Historic_General_Lewis_Inn-Lewisburg_West_Virginia.html">Book Now</a></p>

Lewisburg, West Virginia

Best for: Theater and classical music performances

Named one of the "coolest small towns" in America, Lewisburg has a downtown that's even more delightful when decorated for Christmas, kicking off with its Holiday Festival, with live music, food, carriage rides and beautiful holiday decorations. The town also has a thriving arts scene, so visitors can check out seasonal performances at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre and Carnegie Hall (one of four venues established by steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie that are still in use as theaters today; the most well-known is in New York City). More Christmas revelry awaits at The Greenbrier resort, including musical events, storytime with Santa and holiday dinner parties.

A stay at The Greenbrier may be pricey, so try the more affordable historic property the General Lewis Inn . Just a couple of blocks from downtown, this 1834 mansion also features a farm-to-table restaurant.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> Families</p> <p>If you're looking to visit some of the best Christmas towns in the USA, try endearing Cedarburg. This cute town gets the twinkle-light treatment at holiday time, with specialty shops and eateries looking more inviting than ever. On Festive Friday Eves, luminarias line the streets and revelers can enjoy music, entertainment, wine and food tasting, free trolley rides and an outdoor cookout. Children of all ages can also stop by the pint-size "gingerbread" Santa's Workshop and enjoy a drive-through holiday light show.</p> <p>There are a couple of sophisticated B&Bs in Cedarburg itself, but if you're coming with the family, stay at the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60084-d845283-Reviews-or5-Chalet_Motel_Of_Mequon-Mequon_Wisconsin.html" rel="noopener">Chalet Motel of Mequon</a> down the road. It's simple, yet clean and comfortable, and the rate can't be beat.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60084-d845283-Reviews-or5-Chalet_Motel_Of_Mequon-Mequon_Wisconsin.html">Book Now</a></p>

Cedarburg, Wisconsin

Best for: Families

If you're looking to visit some of the best Christmas towns in the USA, try endearing Cedarburg. This cute town gets the twinkle-light treatment at holiday time, with specialty shops and eateries looking more inviting than ever. On Festive Friday Eves, luminarias line the streets and revelers can enjoy music, entertainment, wine and food tasting, free trolley rides and an outdoor cookout. Children of all ages can also stop by the pint-size "gingerbread" Santa's Workshop and enjoy a drive-thru holiday light show.

There are a couple of sophisticated B&Bs in Cedarburg itself, but if you're coming with the family, stay at the Chalet Motel of Mequon down the road. It's simple, yet clean and comfortable, and the rate can't be beat.

<p><strong>Best for:</strong> New England beach lovers</p> <p>This quiet fishing village gets lively at holiday time with its annual Christmas by the Sea festival. In addition to dressing up the boutiques of downtown, the residents take to the beach to celebrate at Perkins Cove. To experience true Maine style, sample chowder at the Taste the Season event; a bonfire, caroling, hay rides, tree lighting, storytelling, ornament making and craft shows are also part of the fun. The Christmas town has even been known to make Christmas trees out of lobster traps!</p> <p>Ogunquit has many lovely inns, but <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g40790-d89263-Reviews-The_Anchorage_By_the_Sea-Ogunquit_Maine.html" rel="noopener">Anchorage by the Sea</a> stands out for its phenomenal oceanfront location, just a short walk into downtown for all the Christmas activities. Ask for a room with a view to take full advantage of the setting.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g40790-d89263-Reviews-The_Anchorage_By_the_Sea-Ogunquit_Maine.html">Book Now</a></p>

Ogunquit, Maine

Best for: New England beach lovers

This quiet fishing village gets lively at holiday time with its annual Christmas by the Sea festival. In addition to dressing up the boutiques of downtown, the residents take to the beach to celebrate at Perkins Cove. To experience true Maine style, sample chowder at the Taste the Season event; a bonfire, caroling, hay rides, tree lighting, storytelling, ornament making and craft shows are also part of the fun. The Christmas town has even been known to make Christmas trees out of lobster traps!

Ogunquit has many lovely inns, but Anchorage by the Sea  stands out for its phenomenal oceanfront location, just a short walk into downtown for all the Christmas activities. Ask for a room with a view to take full advantage of the setting.

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Christmas travel: The best and worst times to drive to avoid traffic this holiday season

travel this christmas

With the holiday season in full swing, people may be worried whether they'll get stuck in bad traffic this year during Christmas and New Year's Day.

Unfortunately, the answer is yes, as holiday travel is rebounding since the pandemic. Across the country, people can expect drives up to 25% longer than usual .

All modes of transportation will see an increase in travelers this holiday season, with about 112.7 million people estimated to travel farther than 50 miles this year between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2 – 3.6 million more than last year, according to AAA. Of those, about 102 million will be driving. 

Drivers should expect delays when driving through major metropolitan areas, according to Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX.

"In summary, the best times to travel are before the afternoon commute sets in at about 2 p.m.," he told USA TODAY in an email. "We expect the busiest days to be Dec. 23, 27, and 28, along with Jan. 2."

Learn more: Best travel insurance

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When is the worst time to leave for holiday travel?

The afternoon to early evening, aka peak commuting hours, are going to have the worst traffic as travelers mesh with work commuters on the road, according to INRIX.

Generally, try to avoid driving between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

  • On Dec. 23, the worst traffic tie will be between 4 and 7 p.m.
  • On the day after Christmas, the worst traffic will be between 2 and 6 p.m.
  • For the day after New Year's Day, bad traffic is predicted to be between 4 and 7 p.m.

When is the best time to leave for holiday travel?

The days around Christmas and New Year's predicted to have the least traffic are Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

If traveling on those days isn't feasible, try to head out early or in the evening following the after-work commute, Pishue advised.

Generally, the best times to travel are before 2 p.m. and after 8 p.m.

On Christmas Eve, though, INRIX recommended that people travel before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m. The day after Christmas, people should be on the road before noon and then after 7 p.m. For the day after New Year's Day, travel before 3 p.m. and after 8 p.m. 

How will weather impact holiday traffic?

Poor weather may cause further delays, so keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly, Pishue said.

"Many remember the I-95 backup in Virginia , which left some drivers delayed on the freeway overnight, caused by a massive snow and ice storm," he said. "While we can’t predict these, or when mountain passes and other roads close due to weather, it is important that travelers get the latest information on road closures and delays before taking their trip."

Worst travel times in major US cities

Drivers going through big cities such as Los Angeles and New York City should prepare for twice the usual traffic delays.

  • Worst corridor: I-75 North, GA-17 to I-675.
  • Worst day: Monday, Jan. 2.
  • Worst time: 5:15-6:15 p.m.
  • Peak travel time increase: 65%.
  • Worst corridor: I-290 West, Mannheim Road to Paulina Street.
  • Worst day: Tuesday, Dec. 27.
  • Worst time: 4:45.-6:45 p.m.
  • Peak travel time increase: 75%.

Los Angeles

  • Worst corridor: I-5 South, Colorado Street to Florence Avenue.
  • Worst time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Peak travel time increase: 95%.
  • Worst corridor: I-278 West, I-495 to 6th Avenue.
  • Worst time: 3:45-5:45 p.m.
  • Peak travel time increase: 112%.
  • Worst corridor: I-95 South, MD-212 to Central Avenue.
  • Worst time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.
  • Peak travel time increase: 68%.
  • Blacklane Blog

Christmas Traffic: Best and Worst Times to Travel

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Plan your holiday journey wisely with insights on Christmas traffic – discover the best and worst times to travel for a stress-free festive season.

two women in Christmas costume hugging each other

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of stress and frustration when it comes to travel. Whether you are flying, driving, or taking a train, you may face challenges such as crowded airports, Christmas traffic, or bad weather. How can you avoid these pitfalls and enjoy your holiday trip? The answer is simple: plan ahead. In this holiday travel guide, we will share with you some tips and insights on how to travel smartly and safely during the Christmas season. You will learn how to choose the best time to travel, how to pack efficiently, how to deal with potential problems, and more.

Table of Contents

The worst time to travel during the christmas and new year holiday, us cities with the worst holiday traffic, best days to travel for christmas and new year holidays, how to prepare for holiday travel, preventing new year’s eve accidents, the best way to deal with christmas traffic, what is the best time to travel on christmas eve, when is christmas traffic the worst, when does christmas traffic start, what is the best time to travel between christmas and new year’s, how to avoid christmas traffic, is traffic bad the day after christmas, is christmas day busy at airports, which two days before christmas day are usually the least crowded at airports.

If you are planning to travel by car during the Christmas and New Year holidays, you might want to avoid some of the worst times to hit the road. According to Inrix , a global leader in transportation analytics, the worst times to travel during the Christmas holiday are usually two days before Christmas and two days after. To avoid the Christmas traffic, it’s best to stay away from these days if you can. Specifically, traffic tends to be the worst in the late afternoon and early evening on Thursday and Friday leading up to Christmas, especially in big cities.

a small gnome surrounded by Christmas lights

On the bright side, Christmas traffic will be much lighter than Thanksgiving , which is one of the busiest travel days of the year. This is because the Christmas travel period is longer and more spread out, while Thanksgiving travel is concentrated in a few days. Additionally, it’s worth noting that, according to data from the United States Department of Transportation , road traffic still hasn’t returned to pre-COVID levels.

To help you plan your trip, we have researched recent years’ data and identified the following dates as the most problematic for traveling this year:

  • Friday, December 22, 2023
  • Saturday, December 23, 2023
  • Tuesday, December 26, 2023
  • Wednesday, December 27, 2023
  • Thursday, December 28, 2023

Aside from the busiest travel days of the year, knowing the congested areas can help you smoothly navigate through the holiday rush. According to Inrix, Christmas traffic is expected to be especially heavy in major cities like Chicago, Seattle, and New York City. To avoid the worst congestion, here are the areas and times you should steer clear of during this festive season:

New York City

  • December 27, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
  • 358% above normal on Interstate 278 South from Interstate 495 to 3rd Avenue.
  • December 27, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
  • 270% above normal on Interstate 95 South from Interstate 395 to Virginia State Route 123.
  • December 23, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  • 240% above normal on Interstate 290 West from Morgan Street to Wolf Road.
  • December 28, 4:45 to 6:45 p.m.
  • 215% above normal on Interstate 5 South from Washington State Route 18 to Washington State Route 7.
  • December 23, 9:45 to 11:45 a.m.
  • 209% above normal on U.S. Route 23 North from 8 Mile Road to Interstate 96.
  • January 2, 3:45 to 5:45 p.m.
  • 198% above normal on Interstate 85 South from Clairmont Road to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
  • January 2, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
  • 195% above normal on Interstate 10 West from Sjolander to Texas State Highway Spur 330.

Los Angeles

  • January 2, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • 194% above normal on Interstate 405 South from Sunset Boulevard to Interstate 105.
  • December 23, 1:45 to 3:45 p.m.
  • 155% above normal on Interstate 93 North from Quincy Market to Route 28.

San Francisco

  • December 23, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  • 166% above normal on Interstate 80 North from Interstate 580 to San Pablo Dam Road.

For smooth and affordable travel during the holiday season, we recommend these dates for your trip, based on the traffic and flight price trends we have analyzed:

  • Monday, Dec. 18, 2023
  • Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023
  • Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023
  • Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023
  • Monday, Dec. 25, 2023

If you’re hitting the roads on these dates, it’s best to start your holiday journey early, before 7 a.m. or after the morning rush between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., regardless of the day you plan to leave. You might also want to explore alternative routes to avoid major city traffic during peak holiday travel times. If your schedule allows, consider leaving on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, when there are typically fewer cars on the road. This can make your travel experience more relaxed.

Additionally, we recommend planning your return from holiday travels on these days to ensure you’re back home before New Year’s:

  • Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023
  • Friday, Dec. 29, 2023

Returning on these dates can help you avoid the rush and ensure a smoother journey as you head back home.

Once you’ve figured out the best days to travel, it’s crucial to ensure you’re well-prepared, especially if you’re traveling by car. Take these steps to avoid any unexpected issues and make your trip smoother:

Vehicle Check-Up

  • Get an oil change and have a certified mechanic inspect your vehicle thoroughly.
  • Check the battery, fluid levels, lights, windshield wipers, brakes, belts, and hoses.
  • Ensure tires are in good condition and consider the appropriate seasonal adjustments, such as putting on winter tires or chains when necessary.

Preparation the Night Before

  • Load up your car the night before departure.
  • Pack enough snacks and water for the trip.
  • Don’t forget to bring a spare cell phone charger.

Emergency Preparedness

  • Pack a roadside emergency kit with essentials like jumper cables.
  • Ensure your spare tire and jack are in good working order.

Roadside Assistance

Consider signing up for services like AAA or other roadside assistance policies. This ensures you have someone to call for help if needed.

Weather Monitoring

  • Stay informed about changing weather conditions.
  • Be aware of potential delays and road closures, especially due to snowstorms.

As New Year’s Day approaches, it’s crucial to recognize the risks of drunk driving during the festive season. Data reveals that drunk drivers account for 40% of fatal car crashes between Christmas and New Year’s, especially with the extra volatility of the weather conditions during this period. This spike is likely due to holiday parties, as many people are off work and school. The combination of late-night celebrations and alcohol consumption can lead to hazardous conditions, including reduced vision, delayed reactions, poor judgment, and loss of control.

If you’re planning to partake in the festivities and anticipate enjoying some drinks, it’s essential to plan ahead and prioritize safety. One way to do this is by securing the services of a professional chauffeur, ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Leave the transportation to Blacklane , your trusted partner for hassle-free and smooth travel experiences. With our chauffeured services, you can enjoy the convenience of immediate booking, arriving in style, and traveling in comfort, all while relying on our top-quality service.

We’ve shared some useful planning tips on dealing with Christmas traffic. If you want to make your Christmas and New Year travels even more relaxing and comfortable, why not book a ride with Blacklane? Blacklane is the ultimate choice for hassle-free transportation, whether you’re going to a family gathering, a holiday party, or a winter getaway. You can choose from our range of high-quality vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and vans, to suit your needs and preferences. All our rides are carbon offset , ensuring a responsible choice for your footprint. Simply select the best time for you, and let our professional chauffeurs take care of the rest. Worried about changes? No problem. You can easily modify or cancel any pre-booked ride for free up to 1 hour before your scheduled ride. 

A picture of a chauffeur opening a car door for a guest.

For an even more seamless travel experience, consider replacing your short-haul flight with our City to City rides . Say goodbye to the stress of mass transit, and hello to the simplicity of chauffeured rides. With door-to-door service, you can skip the lines and avoid the hassle of switching between modes of transportation. Experience the comfort of a private journey, tailored to your schedule and preferences, making every mile of your trip as enjoyable as the destination itself. 

FAQs about Christmas Traffic

For Christmas Eve travel, the best time to hit the roads is from Monday, December 18, to December 25. Aim to start your journey early, before 7 a.m. or after the morning rush between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., regardless of the day you plan to leave.

The worst times to travel during the Christmas holiday are usually two days before Christmas and two days after.

Christmas traffic usually starts to increase in mid-December, as people begin to travel for shopping, visiting, or vacationing. 

Generally, it is advisable to avoid the days and times when most people are returning from their holiday trips, such as December 26, 27, and 28, and January 1 and 2. 

To dodge Christmas traffic, plan ahead by checking traffic conditions, weather, and road closures. Opt for less congested routes, alternative transportation, or off-peak departure times. Stay flexible, be patient, and have a backup plan for unexpected delays or emergencies.

Traffic can be bad the day after Christmas, especially in the morning and afternoon, as many people return from their holiday trips or take advantage of post-Christmas sales. 

Christmas Day is usually not very busy at airports, as most people prefer to travel before or after the holiday. 

The two days before Christmas Day that are usually the least crowded at airports are December 23 and 24, as most people try to avoid traveling on these days. 

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Ellie Smith

Ellie is an avid traveler, writer, and adventurer, with a passion for exploring the world and sharing her experiences through storytelling. Working for global chauffeur company Blacklane and having lived in cities like Dubai and Berlin, she has gained valuable first-hand experience in uncovering hidden gems worldwide.

After signing up for the newsletter, you will also receive occasional news stories and promotions from Blacklane via email. We will not sell or distribute your email address to any third party at any time. View our Privacy Policy.

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You Can See the Northern Lights From This Alaska Train

Experience the magical winter scenery between Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska, from the comfort of the rails.

travel this christmas

Combining the joy of slow travel and the unspoiled winter serenity of Alaska's backcountry, Alaska Railroad's Aurora Winter Train is one of the most dazzling rail routes in the country. The train runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks, a nearly 350-mile journey that takes 12 hours from end to end. While the route isn't exclusive to the winter — the Aurora train travels the same track that the Denali Star Train follows in the summer months — Aurora Winter Train journeys do offer uniquely mesmerizing snow-dusted landscapes and unparalleled chances to spot the northern lights. The Aurora schedule stretches from mid-September to early May with at least one round-trip journey every week. The train travels north from Anchorage to Fairbanks every Saturday of the season and south from Fairbanks to Anchorage every Sunday, and there are occasional midweek services, too. Between mid-February and early April, the Aurora train runs north on select Tuesdays and Thursdays and south on select Wednesdays and Fridays.

The winter months are prime time to experience the 49th state's snow-capped scenery, and the Aurora Winter Train offers the perfect way to do so. Travelers on this line can choose their own Alaskan adventure, whether that means sitting back in the train's warm comfort to take in views through the large picture windows, or hopping off at one of the stops for activities like dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or chasing the northern lights . The train runs exclusively in the daytime — from 8:30 a.m. to around 8 p.m., depending on the route — but thanks to Alaska's long winter nights, you can typically count on at least some of your journey taking place in ideal aurora-spotting darkness.

After departing Anchorage, northbound Aurora trains make stops in Wasilla and Talkeetna before providing flag-stop service through 50 miles of Alaskan backcountry (including roadless villages like Curry, Chulitna, and Hurricane) and stopping in Denali National Park & Preserve . The train continues with as-needed stops in Healy and Nenana before finally pulling into Fairbanks — a route it then follows in reverse on southbound journeys. Along the way, passengers can spot moose and other wildlife and keep their eyes peeled for views of Denali's iconic peak. While it's often shrouded in clouds, it can be seen from the train on clear days, looming over the Susitna River.

"The Alaska Railroad gives passengers the chance to admire the beauty of Alaska and embark on authentic Alaska adventures around the state," Alaska Railroad's vice president of marketing and customer service, Dale Wade, said in a statement released to Travel + Leisure . The Aurora train, he added, is an "unforgettable Alaska winter experience."

To further lean into the season, Alaska Railroad also offers winter vacation packages , with both one-day and multiday options. The Aurora ($2,105 per person) is a six-night journey that starts in Anchorage and includes overnights in Talkeetna and Fairbanks, dog sled and aurora borealis tours, and a "flightseeing" trip into the Arctic Circle. Also available are packages like Denali in a Day ($385 per person), the one-night Talkeetna Getaway ($369 per person), and the Winter Escape ($539 per person), an overnight trip that includes a one-way train journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks and a return flight the following morning.

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Passengers at Kings Cross station in London during strike action by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) on Friday.

When’s best to travel by car or train in the UK this Christmas?

With industrial action expected to hit the railways and the roads, a guide to when might be a good time to travel

It is that time of year when millions of people will travel to see friends and family, take a well-earned break, or make a last-minute dash to the shops to pick up a Christmas present.

The festive getaway could be trickier than usual this year as Britain has been hit by wide-ranging industrial action across the transport network.

Based on planned strike dates, here is an indication of when might be the best time to get away this Christmas.

When will roads be the busiest?

The AA is estimating 17m cars will travel on 23 December and Christmas Eve and that people can expect congestion and lengthy delays – so it is best to avoid these two days if possible.

The survey of more than 12,000 drivers by the motoring group reveals the two days when fewest cars will be on the road in the run-up to Christmas are likely to be Sunday 18 December and Monday 19 December.

These two days also do not coincide with any strike action that could impact roads or rail, so an early getaway would be best if possible.

Members of the RMT union at Network Rail have planned industrial action from late Christmas Eve until 27 December that will mainly affect engineering works.

However, Great Western Railway has warned travellers the train network “will shut early” on 24 December and there could be “significant disruption” because of the industrial action.

South Western Railway has urged customers to only travel if “absolutely necessary” on 24 and 27 December.

The AA has warned that the planned strike action on Christmas Eve “may add to the getaway mayhem” as more people take to the roads.

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) who work for National Highways as control room staff and traffic officers will strike in London and the south-east on 22, 23, 24 and 25 December.

The PCS said the action “risks bringing the road network to a standstill”. National Highways said no roads would be closed as a result of the industrial action and it has “well-rehearsed resilience plans in place”.

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Which roads will be the busiest?

The AA predicts these could be the most congested roads:

M5 between Bristol and Weston-super-Mare

M6 around Birmingham

Stretches of the M1 smart motorway from Luton northwards

M60 and M62 in north-west England

M4 and M27 in Hampshire.

What should you do before you set off by car?

Edmund King, AA president, said “many breakdowns are preventable” and “checking your vehicle before you set off” is the most important thing to do.

He said: “Tyres (including the spare, if you have one), fuel, EV range, oil levels, coolant and screenwash checks should be made as a minimum. Likewise, keeping water, high-protein food or chocolate, warm clothes, coats and a hi-vis jacket will help keep you going should the worst happen.

“While the 23 December and Christmas Eve look set to be the busiest travelling days, planned industrial action by rail service staff may lead to increased levels of cars on our roads.”

What about rail?

As mentioned above, strike action could affect services in the run-up to Christmas. Despite that, Network Rail said 95% of the rail network would be open for travel during the festive period.

However, a number of important infrastructure upgrades are taking place over the festive period, so passengers should try to plan journeys in advance.

Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said: “We’ve worked closely with our train operators to ensure the vast majority of the network is open for business over the festive period so people can travel by rail to spend time with their families and friends.

“However, some of these key upgrade projects will have an impact on services, so we’re asking passengers to plan their journeys before travelling.”

  • Road transport
  • Rail industry
  • Rail transport
  • Industrial action
  • Rail strikes

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Has it ever snowed on Christmas in Nashville?

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Experience a Winter Wonderland: Christmas in Nashville

As a Travel Photographer, I have had the privilege of capturing the magic of Christmas in various cities around the world. One place that never fails to delight me is Nashville. Known for its vibrant music scene and friendly locals, Nashville also knows how to celebrate the holiday season in style. If you’re looking for a destination that combines festive cheer with southern charm, you can’t go wrong with spending Christmas in Nashville.

Does Nashville get snow for Christmas?

While Nashville has seen its share of snow around Christmas and over the winter months, the list of day-of Christmas snowfall is much shorter. Here’s a list of years with measurable snowfall in Nashville on Christmas Day, dating all the way back to 1897:

  • 2010: 1.1 inches
  • 1993: 0.3 inches

Since snowfall records began in 1884, Nashville has had 28 Christmases with at least a trace of snow or more.

What are the chances of a white Christmas in Nashville?

Statistically, there is a 19 percent chance of snow (trace or more) on any given Christmas day in Nashville and an 8 percent chance of measurable snow (0.1 inch or more).

The most recent white Christmas in Nashville happened in 2010, when 1.1 inches of snow graced the city. It made for some picturesque scenes, with the State Capitol and Bi-Centennial Mall covered in a gentle blanket of white.

Embracing the Chill: Winter Activities in Nashville

While snowfall may not be guaranteed, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during a winter visit to Nashville. Here are a few highlights:

1. Ice Skating at the Gaylord Opryland Resort: Lace up your skates and glide across the ice at this iconic Nashville venue. The outdoor ice rink is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere.

2. Cheekwood Estate and Gardens: Explore the stunning gardens at Cheekwood, which are transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Admire the festive light displays and enjoy special holiday events.

3. Holiday Concerts: Music is at the heart of Nashville’s culture, and there’s no shortage of holiday concerts to attend. From intimate acoustic shows to grand symphony performances, you’ll find a wide range of musical experiences to get you in the Christmas spirit.

4. Downtown Decorations: Take a stroll through downtown Nashville and admire the festive decorations. From towering Christmas trees to dazzling light displays, the city comes alive with holiday cheer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is snow in Nashville rare?

According to the National Weather Service, Nashville receives an average of nearly 5 inches of snow since 1991. While not as common as in northern states, snowfall does occur in Nashville.

2. What is the coldest winter in Nashville, Tennessee?

The coldest winter on record in Nashville was experienced from 1959 to 1960 when the city received nearly 39 inches of snow. The snowiest month during this period was March 1892, with 21.5 inches of snowfall.

3. Has it ever snowed in Nashville in April?

The latest measurable snowfall on record in Nashville occurred on April 24-25, 1910 when 1.5 inches of snow fell in the city.

4. What are the odds of a white Christmas in Nashville?

5. Is Nashville fun for Christmas?

Absolutely! Nashville offers a wide range of holiday events, joyful celebrations, and beautiful decorations for people of all ages. Whether you’re a music lover or simply want to soak up the festive atmosphere, Nashville has something for everyone.

6. What is Nashville like over Christmas?

Nashville truly embraces the spirit of Christmas with numerous holiday events, beautiful decorations, and joyful celebrations. From holiday concerts to attractions decked out in millions of lights, the city exudes warmth and cheer during the holiday season.

7. Does Tennessee have snow at Christmas?

On average, less than 2 inches of snow falls in December in Tennessee, and it rarely sticks to the ground. Higher elevations in the mountains, such as Mount LeConte, are more likely to have snow on the ground.

8. Has it ever snowed in June in Tennessee?

In a rare occurrence, snow fell in Tennessee in June 1816, a year commonly referred to as the “year without a summer.” During this year, temperatures regularly dipped into the low 40s, and June, July, and August saw heavy frosts.

Experience the Magic of Christmas in Nashville

Whether or not you’re lucky enough to witness a white Christmas, visiting Nashville during the holiday season is a magical experience. From the warmth of the people to the festive atmosphere, this vibrant city knows how to create lasting memories. As a Travel Photographer, I highly recommend adding Nashville to your Christmas travel itinerary. Grab your camera and get ready to capture the enchanting spirit of Christmas in Music City!

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21 of the best Christmas holiday destinations

Tokyo, india and the caribbean are among the best places to go at christmas — but there are plenty of destinations closer to home too.

travel this christmas

‘I t’s the most wonderful time of the year,” declares Andy Williams each festive season. But while a roaring fire, presents under a bauble-laden tree and snow gently drifting outside might be the picture of Christmas sold by Hollywood, your reality can be a different kind of magical. How about a rum and coke on the sandy beaches of Barbados? Or meeting Santa Claus in Lapland? Or dialling up the tradition and visiting one of the thousands of Christmas markets in Germany? Here are the best Christmas holiday destinations — whatever kind of break you’re looking for.

Main photo: your reindeer carriage awaits in Finnish Lapland (Getty Images)

This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue

1. The Rhine

Stein am Rhein, on the banks of the Rhine in northeastern Switzerland (Getty Images)

Spend the Christmas season afloat on the Rhine, accompanied by a glass of local wine as steep vineyards and historic castles slip by. You’ll find a Rhine cruise a soothing way to celebrate the festive season, as most journeys stop at Rhineland cities such as Cologne, Koblenz and Bonn. Here, amid the twinkling lights, yuletide lovers mingle in charming Christmas markets, while the swish of skates on an ice rink, shoppers’ voices and Christmas carols provide a lively soundtrack.

• Best Christmas markets in Europe • Best UK hotels to spend Christmas in

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The snow queen greets visitors at the Gendarmenmarkt Christmas market in Berlin (Alamy)

Christmas holidays are celebrated with gusto in Germany as its famous Christmas markets overflow with copious helpings of mulled wine and shining Christmas lights. Hip Berlin offers up a huge funfair and you can get straight into the Christmas spirit with a ticket to the Alexanderplatz show. There’s a high chance of snow: temperatures can slip well below zero in December and the average low is minus 1C.

• Best things to do in Berlin

3. Barbados

Christmas trees in Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados (Getty Images)

The Caribbean is made for Christmas. Barbados , the go-to Caribbean favourite for Brits, is at its most relaxed between mid-September and mid-December, when hotel prices drop by up to a third and the air-kissing, winter-sun-seeking regulars haven’t yet jetted in. There’s a risk of rain, but it never lasts long and the temperature’s still a balmy 27C. Explore the wild east. The island’s Atlantic side is an exhilarating whirl of dramatic shores (particularly around the little town of Bathsheba), rolling surf, flapping coconut palms and topsy-turvy hills that seem a world away from the busy beach resorts lining the west and south coasts. Drive over to bask in the peace and fresh air; Bay Tavern in Martin’s Bay is a mellow spot where Bajans take a break on Thursday afternoons, shooting (and feeling) the breeze at a “lime” (informal hangout).

• Best hotels in Barbados • Best things to do in Barbados

4. Courchevel, France

Courchevel (Getty Images)

Courchevel is still a gathering ground for the world’s superrich. Broad, easy-skiing pistes combine with Michelin-starred restaurants and five-star hotels to create the most luxurious of all ski resorts. Boxing Day to New Year’s Eve has the biggest social buzz: think champagne bars and perfect teeth, set against a razor-sharp mountain ridge. New Year in Courchevel isn’t cheap, so save where you can by booking a central self-catering apartment in the Forum. Brush up your skiing with New Generation Ski School, so you don’t take a tumble outside the key slopeside bars. And don’t wait until December 31 to start the celebrations.

• Best ski resorts in France

5. Muscat, Oman

Muscat (Getty Images)

Hop on an overnight flight, and wake up seven hours later in Muscat, then get straight to the beach — it’s only 15 minutes from the airport. For the rest of your stay, take a traditional dhow boat trip from Marina Bandar al Rowhda so the little ones can enjoy goggling at rare marine life, or absorb the Bedouin vibes of the Arabian desert with teens. Try stargazing and camel-riding at Wahiba Sands, or head to turquoise-hued Wadi Bani Khalid oasis. Alternatively hire a local driver through your hotel and day-trip around Muscat to explore its frankincense-scented Mutrah Souq. Nearby, the call to prayer echoes around the minarets at the opulent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, open most days for visits.

• Best hotels in Oman

6. Edinburgh, Scotland

Christmas market stalls in Edinburgh (Getty Images)

It’s not just gingerbread-scented markets and riotous Hogmanay parties that make wintry Edinburgh so appealing. Even under grey skies, you’ve got warm, world-class museums and restaurants and the icy North Sea winds are your excuse to duck into a snug watering hole for a soul-warming Scotch.

For bargains, go in early December when the Christmas markets are open, but the city is still relatively peaceful. Take a spin on the panoramic big wheel above Princes Street, bar crawl under the fairy lights of George Street and pop into the Scottish National Gallery to contemplate winter scenes. After dark, head to the Royal Botanic Garden to sip spiced cider and marvel at its Christmas illuminations.

• Best hotels in Edinburgh • Best things to do in Edinburgh

7. Salzburg, Austria

Christmas decorations in Salzburg (Alamy)

Revel in the unabashed schmaltz — this is the fantasy festive break. Dressed to the nines in baroque finery and surrounded by snowcapped peaks, Salzburg is the staunchly traditional, chocolate-box city of Mozart and The Sound of Music , and will cocoon you in comfort. Walk around the Old Town streets, dive into vaulted beer cellars and shop for lederhosen. To warm up? Climb every mountain, of course.

Make your first wander an atmospheric browse along the narrow Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s glitzy shopping alley, where five-storey Renaissance houses provide a bulwark against winter weather. Explore its dimly lit arched passages and within a few paces, you might stumble upon Balkan Grill Walter, a kiosk selling Balkan beef sausages since 1950. After, make a prosecco pitstop at Seppo’s intimate wine bar, or cosy up with the crowds in the hidden Sternbräu beer garden.

• Best ski resorts in Austria

8. Finnish Lapland

Winter in Saariselka, Finnish Lapland (Alamy)

For the real deal and endless other wintry activities, such as snowmobiling, skiing and reindeer rides, head north to the smaller resorts of Levi, Yllas or Saariselka. Levi is just 20 minutes from the airport, making transfers with weary tots super speedy. Here, Santa’s village is way out in the wilderness: a huddle of twinkly log cabins hidden among snow-laden pines. Kids can decorate gingerbread cookies with Mother Claus, make decorations and visit Elf school to learn Finnish words such as Hyvaa Joulua (Happy Christmas), as well as having a private tête-à-tête with Santa himself. The focus is firmly on wholesome festive fun and, refreshingly, souvenir stops are sparse.

But don’t go too early — travel from the second or third weekend in December for a guaranteed snowscape. Ample time is crucial: do not book one of those 24-hour round-trips, your child will be so tired and cranky you’ll wonder why you bothered. Four nights is better, and even then you’ll wish you had more. Darkness reigns here: daylight falls between 10am and 2pm, when an eerie green and pink glow illuminates the sky.

• Best hotels in Lapland • Best things to do in Lapland

9. New York, US

The Rockefeller Centre in New York City (Alamy)

This city is the face of Christmas, especially in films. Don’t miss the magical displays at Macy’s ( Miracle on 34th Street ); the steps of the Plaza Hotel ( Home Alone 2 ); and the Rockefeller tree ( Elf ). The chance of snow isn’t as high as in the perma-dusted movies, but it’s always possible as temperatures can dip to a bracing -10C. New York’s stores turn charitable at Christmastime, with epic window displays resembling free galleries. Start with the glittering scene at Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue, then pass Tiffany’s before nipping over to Saks. Next head to the Rockefeller Center for a mulled wine and a gawp at the tree. For Christmas shopping, Bryant Park is transformed into a Winter Village, with stalls selling affordable gifts such as handmade scarves and soaps. It’s free to hit the ice rink here, too.

• Best affordable hotels in New York under £190 • The best things to do in New York

10. Tenerife, Spain

Heading for the surf in Tenerife in December (Alamy)

If you’re hoping to add some winter sun to your Christmas this is the place to be. Yes, tourism has made its mark on Tenerife , but the resorts in the south-coast destinations of Costa Adeje and Playa de las Americas take up only a fraction of the island. Beyond, unspoilt beauty awaits: seaside villages and picturesque coves, gracious colonial towns, a rainforest dripping with lichen, and ravishing ravines. And all beneath the awesome gaze of a 200,000-year-old volcano, Spain’s highest, Mount Teide.

• Best hotels in Tenerife • Best villas in Tenerife

11. Cities along the Danube

The Christmas market in Regensburg (Getty Images)

Here is one of Europe’s great rivers, perfect for a Christmas cruise taking in cities along the Danube such as Budapest , Bratislava and Regensburg. Passing through the heart of central Europe, revellers can celebrate the festive season at Christmas markets garlanded with Christmas lights and spirit. A mulled wine here, a juicy, grilled sausage there — which Christmas market will be your favourite?

• Best river cruises in Europe

12. The Ganges, India

Hindu pilgrims bathe in the Ganges (Getty Images)

Spend Christmas on a luxurious cruise along India’s holiest river where the warmth of the winter sun mixes well with the Christmas spirit. On these cruises, you’ll find a journey whose stand-outs include misty early mornings revealing ancient temples and small boats bumping along in the water, devotees by the edge, followed by the wake-up call of bazaars and the solemn fortresses of Jaipur and Varanasi.

• Best places to visit in India

13. Marrakesh, Morocco

Visitors photograph Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakesh (Alamy)

There’s a local saying that Morocco is “a cold country with a hot sun”, and while snow on the Atlas Mountains from mid-November to April shows you how bitterly cold it can be at night, there are also piercing blue skies and sunshine warm enough for you to hit the pool. This is the time to snag a bargain to Marrakesh , but pack layers and stay somewhere with heating. Only July and August are cheaper, but only worth it if you can handle temperatures in the high 40Cs.

• Best hotels in Marrakesh • Best things to do in Marrakesh

14. Mauritius

Le Morne Beach on Mauritius (Alamy)

It’s the blossoming of flame trees rather than the dressing of firs that marks the start of the festive season in Mauritius . These trees, red as Santa’s suit, bloom between late November and early December. Shortly after, hotel lobby decorations and seasonal shop window displays appear across the island. Food is central to a Mauritian Christmas and hotels in beach resorts like Grand Baie and Flic-en-Flac offer gala dinners and festive brunches so you can tuck in with a cocktail or two.

• Best hotels in Mauritius

15. The Maldives

Sunset in the Maldives (Getty Images)

Trade in the traditional festive colour palette of red and green for a landscape that’s a centillion shades of blue. Fly to the capital, Male, then take a seaplane to a private island resort such as Medhufushi. Sleep in a villa suspended on stilts above the Jacuzzi-warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and snorkel and day-sail your way through the season. Many hotels in the Maldives offer traditional menus on Christmas day. However, if you boycott the sprouts, you’ll be rewarded with platters of fresh lobster, oysters and grouper — all washed down with a bottle of something sparkling.

• Best hotels in the Maldives

16. Singapore

Christmas decorations at Plaza Singapura (Alamy)

Singapore soups up the Christmas experience. Festivities start in mid-November when almost four kilometres of Christmas lights are switched on in the Orchard Road shopping area. Shortly after, restaurants debut their festive menus and Christmas Wonderland opens at Gardens by the Bay. The season’s crescendo is the extravagant countdown and fireworks party at Marina Bay. If you’re worried about it all feeling a little too merry and bright, stay at a beach hotel like Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island. With its infinity pools, 30-acre gardens and views of the South China Sea, it’s a sanctuary amid the festive flamboyance.

• Best hotels in Singapore • Best things to do in Singapore

17. Antalya, Turkey

Perge Ancient City in Antalya (Getty Images)

No jokes about eating turkey in Turkey please — here in Antalya, you can be as festive or not as you want. Many of the resorts in the region will have stonking good deals on all-inclusive breaks, with gala dinners put on for Christmas day. Even if you’re not set on a fly-and-flop, the fact that Christmas Day isn’t a public holiday here means you can shop, go to restaurants and visit attractions as normal. There’s a good chance of sun, but it’ll probably be too cold to hit the beaches. Instead, why not visit one of the ancient ruins for some light culture without the crowds? Termessos and Perge are particularly impressive.

• Best hotels in Antalya • Best things to do in Antalya

18. Tokyo, Japan

Christmas lights in Tokyo (Getty Images)

Tokyo goes all in on the Christmas spirit, but with its own twist. Around the city are illuminations, where lights are strung up around buildings, trees and just about everything else from around mid-November. Look out, too, for festive fairs and Christmas markets where you can pick up kawaii (cute) handmade gifts. If you have kids, a visit to Tokyo Disneyland is essential. And no, you don’t have to adopt the tradition of eating KFC instead of a roast on Christmas Day — plenty of hotels will offer a more traditional festive meal.

• Best things to do in Tokyo • Best hotels in Tokyo • Best cities to visit in winter

19. Christmas Island, Australia

Red land crabs cross the road during their annual migration on Christmas Island (Alamy)

What could be more apt than spending the festive period on Christmas Island? This slice of paradise is actually closer to the tropical waters of Indonesia than the Australian mainland, making the weather here pretty much hot all year round. That said, December tends to be the rainy season in the region, with days often overcast — no matter, you’re likely to spend most of your time snorkelling its bath-warm waters anyway. Back on dry land, you’ll see one of the most spectacular annual migrations: it’s mating season for red land crabs and millions of them will be scuttling from the forest to the coast.

20. Iceland

Christmas lights in the churchyard of Kotstrandarkirkja, near Selfoss in Iceland (Alamy)

Iceland is the perfect holiday destination for travellers in search of Christmas spirit. Here, the festive season pulsates with lively Christmas markets where wooden booths brim with food and drink, and gifts glitter as imposing Christmas trees stand guard. Expect a true winter wonderland made up of wild lava fields and craggy mountains topped with snow for added sparkle. Take a self-drive into the mountains and catch the northern lights glimmering in the dark sky, and don’t forget other seasonal sojourns such as trekking near the Snaefellsjokull glacier.

• Best hotels in Iceland • Best things to do in Iceland

21. London, England

A gingerbread man outside Battersea Power Station at Christmas in London (Alamy)

London does a stonking good job of putting on a good Christmas display — as you would expect from any capital city — but what it’s particularly good at is the stunning array of settings where twinkling lights breathe magic into the air. There’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, where fairground rides, circus acts and Christmas market stalls selling mulled wine and bratwurst will make anyone giddy. Or Battersea Power Station, where the brightly lit facade overlooks a riverfront ice rink. And of course, who could forget the shopping streets around Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus, where shops compete to put on the best displays. Fortnum & Mason’s is unmissable.

• Best things to do in London at Christmas

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The Palace Responds Again After Rumors Swirl Amid Concern Over the Princess of Wales

Prince William’s decision to bow out of a planned appearance this week, citing an undisclosed personal matter, fueled feverish speculation about his wife’s health online.

The side view of Catherine with a hat on surrounded by the backs of people.

By Steven Kurutz

The continued speculation over the health of Catherine, Princess of Wales — which was flamed on social media this week after Prince William canceled a planned appearance at the memorial service for his godfather, King Constantine of the Hellenes — caused Kensington Palace, once again, to break its silence on the matter.

In a statement, a spokesperson told ABC News on Thursday, “Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess’s recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates. That guidance stands.”

The spokesperson reiterated the princess is “doing well.”

On Christmas Day, Catherine attended service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, England, wearing head-to-toe royal blue. She walked to church with her husband, Prince William, and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, much like she had in years past.

Greeting the gathered crowds and the cameras, “ She looked lovely for the occasion ,” said Town & Country.

The princess has not been seen in public since.

Three weeks later, on Jan. 17, Kensington Palace announced that Catherine, 42, formerly known as Kate Middleton, had been admitted to the London Clinic to undergo “a planned abdominal surgery .”

The surprise news about Catherine’s health was magnified by the fact that, just an hour later, the palace announced that King Charles III, 75, would receive treatment for an enlarged prostate the next week. Two of the most senior members of Britain’s royal family were now facing health trials.

As news started to return to normal — on Wednesday King Charles was photographed being driven from his home, Clarence House, and he has resumed some official business, including meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak — rumors began to surface again about the Princess of Wales. Although Prince William, 41, also scaled back his royal duties during his wife’s recuperation, this week, he bowed out of a planned appearance at a memorial service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor for his godfather, King Constantine , who died in January 2023.

That led a palace source to address the latest twist in the saga, and perhaps try to stop the rumors, in language that did anything but. The princess, the source told People, “ continues to be doing well .”

William’s absence at the memorial, and the reason given by the palace — an undisclosed personal matter — only fueled continued speculation around Catherine’s health. Little is known about her medical procedure, leading to plenty of conjecture, concern and conspiracy theories.

What kind of surgery did Kate Middleton have?

That remains a mystery to the public. Abdominal surgery could be anything from an appendectomy to a gastrointestinal procedure. On Jan. 17, Kensington Palace said the surgery was successful. It did not offer details on Catherine’s diagnosis or prognosis, other than that her condition was “not cancerous.”

The palace added: “The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.”

The palace issued another statement at the end of the month, telling the public that Catherine had been discharged from the London Clinic.

Where is Kate Middleton?

At home, according to a statement. The palace said the princess would recuperate at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park after she left the hospital.

Her office added that she was “unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.”

How is Kate’s family faring?

Prince William visited his wife shortly after her surgery and was photographed leaving the hospital . But according to People magazine, Catherine’s three children did not see their mother at the hospital. That follows the London Clinic’s visitor guidelines , which state that “we do not permit any children or babies to visit.” (Special requests must be approved by hospital staff.) Instead, the princess is said to have connected with her children over FaceTime.

The palace has called various conspiracy theories “total nonsense.”

The lack of information around Catherine has given rise to wild speculation about her health. A Spanish journalist named Concha Calleja claimed that she spoke with a source within the Royal Family. The source supposedly told Ms. Calleja that Catherine faced serious complications after surgery, requiring “drastic” actions to save her life.

“The decision was to put her in an induced coma,” Ms. Calleja told the Spanish news show Fiesta. “They had to intubate her.”

In its initial statement, Kensington Palace said it would provide updates on the princess only when there was “significant new information to share.” But the palace was moved to address Ms. Calleja’s claims, calling them “total nonsense” and “ ludicrous .”

Steven Kurutz covers cultural trends, social media and the world of design for The Times. More about Steven Kurutz

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