American Places with Magical Christmas Traditions
Christmas is a time when many people like to get together with family and friends to celebrate. It’s also a time when many of us seek out special Christmas events and experiences. Christmas lights, markets, concerts, and parades are just a few traditions that can be found across the United States. I’ve been lucky enough to experience a lot of different places at Christmas–I really love the season and enjoying everything that I can. From Santa Claus to Christmas trees, here are 14 American places with magical Christmas traditions.
Santa Claus, Indiana
This small town in southern Indiana is named after the big man himself, and it celebrates Christmas all year long! The town has a life-size statue of Santa Claus, a post office that receives letters from kids around the world, and even a museum dedicated to Christmas. Every year on December 25th, the town hosts a Santa Claus Parade, which is one of the largest holiday parades in the country.
New York City, New York
New York City is known for its big and festive Christmas celebrations. Every year, more than 3 million people visit Rockefeller Center to see the giant Christmas tree and take part in other holiday activities. Other popular Christmas attractions in NYC include the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, ice skating in Central Park, and checking out the holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue. While I never went skating when I lived in NYC, I did go to the lighting of the tree and can still remember how much fun it was (fun fact–NYC is full of trees and displays at that time of year, so make sure you explore beyond Rockefeller Center!).
Christmas, Florida
This town in central Florida is aptly named Christmas, and it’s a great place to celebrate the holidays! The town hosts a number of festive events throughout December, including a holiday parade, an ugly sweater contest, and a visit from Santa Claus. You can also take a leisurely stroll through the Christmas Historic Village, which features more than 30 decorated historic buildings.
North Pole, Alaska
The small town of North Pole, Alaska is located just a few miles from the Arctic Circle. It’s a popular Christmas destination, thanks to its festive decorations and holiday events. Every year, the town hosts Santa Claus’ House, where you can take pictures with Santa and even send letters to the North Pole. You can also check out the reindeer at the Santa Claus Reindeer Farm, or take a ride on the Santa Claus Express train.
Leavenworth, Washington
This small town in Washington state is nestled in the Cascade Mountains, and it’s a popular destination for winter activities. Every year, the town hosts a number of holiday-themed events, including a Christmas Lighting Festival, an Elf Parade, and a visit from Santa. You can also enjoy some festive shopping at the many holiday markets that take place in Leavenworth.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem is known as the “Christmas City,” and it’s a great place to celebrate the holidays! The town hosts a number of Christmas-themed events, including a live nativity scene, an outdoor ice skating rink, and a holiday market. You can also take a tour of the historic Bethlehem Steel site, or shop for unique gifts at the Christmas City Village.
Solvang, California
This small town in southern California is a popular destination for Danish food and culture. During the holidays, Solvang goes all out with its Christmas decorations and events. You can find Santa Claus riding through town on a horse-drawn wagon, listen to holiday music at the annual Julefest celebration, or shop for unique gifts at the many Danish-themed stores.
St. Augustine, Florida
This historic town in northeastern Florida is home to a number of holiday-themed events and attractions. You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets, enjoy live entertainment at the Nights of Lights celebration, or explore the holiday displays at the Light Up! A Holiday Tradition event. You can also tour the historic Castillo de San Marcos, or take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful St. Augustine Historic District.
Woodstock, Vermont
This small town in Vermont is a popular destination for all things winter. During the holiday season, you can enjoy festive activities such as ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing, and more. You can also find unique gifts at the many boutiques and shops in town, or enjoy a festive meal at one of the many charming restaurants.
Duluth, Minnesota
Duluth is a beautiful city located on the shores of Lake Superior. During the holidays, the city comes alive with festive decorations and holiday events. You can go ice skating at Duluth’s Outdoor Adventure Center, take a ride on the North Pole Express train, or visit Santa’s workshop at the Duluth Heritage Sports Center. You can also shop for unique gifts at the many boutiques and shops in town, or enjoy a festive meal at one of the many charming restaurants.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
This small town in Michigan is known for its Bavarian-themed architecture and culture. During the holidays, Frankenmuth goes all out with its Christmas decorations and events. You can visit Santa’s workshop, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through town, or shop for unique gifts at the many boutiques and shops in town (including self-proclaimed year-round largest Christmas store in the world, Bronner’s). You can also enjoy a festive meal at one of the many charming restaurants, or listen to live holiday music at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival.
New Hope, Pennsylvania
This small town in Pennsylvania is located on the Delaware River, and it’s a popular destination for holiday shopping. You can find unique gifts at the many boutiques and shops in town, or enjoy a festive meal at one of the many restaurants. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets, or explore the holiday lights at the New Hope Celebrates event.
Vail, Colorado
This world-famous ski resort town is a great place to celebrate the holidays. You can hit the slopes for some winter fun, or take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets. You can also find unique gifts at the many boutiques and shops in town, or enjoy a festive meal at one of the many restaurants.
Chicago, Illinois
This Windy City is a great place to celebrate the holidays. You can go ice skating at Millennium Park, take a ride on the Ferris wheel at Navy Pier, or explore the holiday lights at the ZooLights event. You can also find unique gifts at the many boutiques and shops in town, or enjoy a festive meal at one of the many restaurants. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets, or listen to live holiday music at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concert.
No matter where you are in the United States, you’re sure to find a festive and magical Christmas tradition to enjoy. From Pennsylvania to Colorado, from Michigan to Florida, these 14 towns and cities have something special in store for visitors during the holiday season. So if you’re looking for some winter fun and cheer, be sure to check out one of these amazing places!
If you’re ready to celebrate the Christmas season overseas, Europe has the best Christmas markets in the world, like the Brussels, Belgium Christmas Market!
