Best Christmas Towns for Families in the United States
BEST CHRISTMAS TOWNS TO VISIT IN THE U.S.
When I think of Christmas travel destinations, I often dream of festive European Christmas markets or dreamy Nordic destinations like Rovaniemi, Finland.
But don’t underestimate the magic of cities in the United States that go all out of the Christmas season! No matter if you’re looking on the East Coast, the Midwest, the West, or down South, every region of the U.S. has something to offer to get you in the holiday spirit.
While I’ve included a few of our family’s favorite Christmas destinations, I’ve also asked a few other family travel bloggers to include theirs to give you a full slate of options for your next winter getaway.
Here are some of the best Christmas towns for families to visit in the United States.
St. Augustine, Florida
Sometimes it’s hard to get in the Christmas spirit when there are palm trees, 75-degree weather, and beaches all around you. But St. Augustine, Florida goes above and beyond to create a magical Christmas scene for residents and visitors.
Each year at the end of November, St. Augustine kicks off its Nights of Lights celebration which runs every night through the end of January. Millions of twinkling holiday lights adorn the Spanish colonial buildings.
Visitors can just stroll up and down the streets taking in the sights, or take a festive trolley tour around the city while Christmas music plays in the background.
You can also see the Holiday Regatta of Lights when the boats in the harbor participate in the decorating and light up with their own displays.
Plaza de la Constitución features a giant Christmas tree and live music on the weekends. It’s the perfect spot to bring your hot chocolate and enjoy the beauty of the season.
New York, New York
New York City at Christmas is magical. There are lots of festive things to see and do. There are several pop-up Christmas markets to visit. We loved the outdoor craft market at the Winter Village at Bryant Park, centered around a pretty ice skating rink. It is free to skate here if you bring your own skates or save your ice skating for the iconic rink in Central Park or under the enormous Christmas tree outside the Rockefeller Centre.
Enjoy the creative, festive window displays along Fifth Avenue and catch the stunning light and sound display on Saks department store which runs at regular intervals every night during the Christmas season. Our kids loved the interactive displays at Macy’s on Herald Square and our visit to Santa’s Grotto at Macy’s was a wonderful experience for our family.
Wander the city admiring the enormous Christmas trees; my favourite was the bauble laden tree on Wall Street. To escape the noise and bustle of Christmas shoppers and tourists, pop into St Patrick's Cathedral to catch a local choir singing Christmas carols.
- Sinead Camplin, Map Made Memories Https://www.mapmadememories.com
Leavenworth, Washington
Nestled into the Cascade Mountains in Central Washington you will find the most unique and charming Bavarian mountain town. Leavenworth, Washington is truly the most magical Christmas town in all of the Pacific Northwest and perhaps, the country. Walking through this town feels a little like you are walking through a Christmas themed snow globe.
In addition to the beautiful backdrop and landscape of Leavenworth, you will also find a reindeer farm, a nutcracker museum and you can even take sleigh rides in the snow! The town also holds Christmas lighting ceremonies each weekend day for the first 3 weeks of December.
(Read about more Magical PNW Christmas Towns here!)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Looking for a white Christmas and some of the best Christmas lights and activities for Christmas in the US? Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania should definitely be on your list of places to visit during the holidays. The holiday season in Pittsburgh starts with Light Up Night, where the Christmas tree and decorations are turned on across downtown Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh’s signature holiday event takes place just after Thanksgiving, and it’s amazing to see the skyscrapers lit up with green and red in addition to the decorations you can find throughout the city. There’s also live music and a holiday market in downtown Pittsburgh, which opens at Light Up Night.
You can also find a number of unique places to see Santa in Pittsburgh. From the Gateway Clipper cruise with Santa to breakfast with Santa at the Zoo, there’s no shortage of fun places to see Santa. Our personal favorite is getting pictures with Santa and his adorable penguin helper at the National Aviary.
Pittsburgh also offers a number of Christmas light shows throughout the city, including Phipp’s Botanical Gardens, Overly’s Christmas Village and Shadrack’s Light Show.
Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri is a small city, but a big Christmas destination! As Silver Dollar City amusement park you can pick a good spot for watching the five-story special effects Christmas tree show as well as the Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade featuring Rudolph and his friends.
If you are afraid that Santa won’t bring what is on your wish list, don’t fret. You can probably find it at Branson Landing. The beautiful outdoor shopping center borders the bank of Lake Taneycomo and has tons of shops to get all of your Christmas shopping done.
Orlando, Florida
When most people think of Orlando at Christmas, they usually think of Disney World. While Disney is amazing at Christmas time, Orlando offers so much more during the holidays. One of our favorite places to celebrate Christmas in the US is the town of Celebration, Florida, located in the Orlando area. This adorable town was actually created by the Disney Company. And while it’s no longer Disney owned, you can totally feel the Disney magic everywhere you look.
For Christmas, Celebration is decked out with a huge Christmas tree and decorations throughout. The main event at Christmas is “now snowing” where they have a nightly snowfall with Christmas music to accompany it. In addition to the artificial snow, you can also find "ice skating" on plexiglass, horse-drawn carriage rides and Christmas concerts throughout December.
Of course, you can’t forget Disney itself when visiting the Orlando area at Christmas. Magic Kingdom is fully decorated from top to bottom and is also the location of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Last Christmas, we loved seeing the Jungle Cruise transformed into the “Jingle Cruise” for Christmas.
Disney Springs is another place you can’t miss when visiting Orlando during the holidays. The Christmas Tree Trail is the focal point of Disney Springs during the holidays, with themed Christmas trees covered in amazing decorations from various Disney movies. In addition to the trail, you can also find holiday concerts, Santa, beautiful decorations and a number of other fun activities or kids at Disney Springs during Christmas time.
Dublin, Ohio
Photo Credit: Visit Dublin Ohio
If you’re in the Midwest and looking for Christmas celebrations with small-town charm, you’ll love Dublin, Ohio which is right outside of Columbus.
This Irish town right here in the U.S. has fun Christmas traditions like the Wildlights decorations at the Columbus Zoo, and the Christmas Tree Lighting at Coffman Park.
Besides the tree lighting, Christmas at Coffman Homestead has plenty to do. Go back in time to the 1800s and enjoy cider, cookies, and old-fashioned decor.
Be sure to participate in the 12 Elves of Dublin Scavenger Hunt around Historic Dublin. You’ll pick up your card which helps you located the 12 Elves around town. For each elf you find you’ll receive a stamp in exchange for a small prize at the end. This is a perfect activity for families looking to get into the Christmas spirit together!
If you’re looking for more to do, nearby Fairfield has covered kissing bridges that make great photo-ops, and a Festival of Lights at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds.
Boston, Massachusetts
Every year, we look forward to experiencing the Christmas season in Boston. Annually, we attend two Christmas tree lighting festivals. If you can only attend one, I highly recommend the Christmas tree lighting in Boston Common. I love how everyone comes together to bring in the holiday spirit.
Faneuil Hall is a historic landmark where people can come during the Christmas season to visit the various shops and to salivate in the aroma of the food market. The Christmas tree is a wonder for everyone, but the children can also enjoy the Greenway, which decorated and designed specifically for them. From more lights to a carousel, there is so much fun to be had.
Christmas in Boston is the coming together of history. and the present day. From the American Revolution and the Abolition Movement to now a place where people of all colors are laughing and celebrating the holidays is why Christmas in Boston is so unique and a must experience.
Christmas tree lighting festivals are only a portion of what to expect. Drive around to view the extreme Christmas decorations of the different Boston neighborhoods and communities, take in the bold lights, or listen to singing and caroling. Drink some hot chocolate, bundle up, and take it all in!
Come, pray that it snows, and join us in celebrating Christmas in Boston!
Favorite Holiday Events:
Bright Nights at Forest Park – Seasonal
Stone Zoo “Zoolights” - Seasonal
Holiday Tree Lighting at Faneuil Hall – Nov. 28
Downtown Boston Annual Christmas Tree Lighting – Nov. 29
Copley Square Tree Lighting – Dec. 2
Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony – Dec. 5
- Ariana Fiorello, https://w0rldsb3auty.com/
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Hershey, Pennsylvania, The Sweetest Place on Earth, is even sweeter during the holiday season. The entire town is bustling with festive, family-friendly events.
At Hersheypark, visit Christmas Candylane, their annual holiday event held on select dates from November 15- January 1. The holiday offerings include 4 million lights, a visit with Santa, real live reindeer, entertainment and of course, Hersheypark’s world-famous coasters.
Down the road, you can visit Hershey Sweet Lights, a drive-through holiday light spectacular featuring over 600 animated light displays and 2 million lights. Over at Hershey Gardens, see stunning decorated trees during their Christmas Tree Showcase.
Lastly, make sure to plan a visit to Hershey’s Chocolate World. Not only will you be able to load up on holiday candies, but you can also see the Hershey’s Holiday Chocolate House, like a gingerbread house, but made of chocolate. On select days, have Breakfast with Santa at Chocolate World as well.
The best way to do everything in Hershey, PA is to make a weekend out of it. Packages are available at both The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge which includes a 1-night stay and tickets to both Christmas Candylane and Hershey Sweet Lights. Make sure to bundle up though, as the Pennsylvania temperatures can get into the 20s during the holiday season.
Lisa Cameron adventuresinfamilyhood.com
Chicago, Illinois
Few places feel as magical as Chicago, Illinois during the Christmas season. I grew up in Wisconsin, and have fond memories of making the short drive down to Chicago each December to shop and enjoy the holiday celebrations.
Take a walk through Macy’s to enjoy the beautiful Christmas trees and window displays. Don’t forget to make a reservation for the Walnut Room to see the tree and enjoy some Frango Mint dessert!
Millennium Park should definitely be your next stop. Take an iconic picture with The Bean, marvel at the giant Christmas tree set against the Chicago skyline, or strap on some ice skates and enjoy the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink or the Skating Ribbon nearby.
No trip to Chicago in November or December would be complete without a visit to the Christkindlmarket. If a trip to Europe to see the Christmas markets is out of your budget for now, make Chicago a priority. The German Christmas Market in the heart of the Windy City has hot spiced wine or hot chocolate, giant pretzels, schnitzel, handicrafts, and plenty of live entertainment. I will warn you that it gets VERY crowded, so if you’re visiting with little ones, make sure to keep them close!
Even if all you end up doing in Chicago is getting your Christmas shopping done on the Magnificent Mile, the ambiance is so festive, and will get you in the holiday spirit immediately!
WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE CITY TO VISIT AT CHRISTMASTIME?
If your favorite destination didn’t make the list, be sure to let me know in the comments or email me at amomexplores@gmail.com so I can include it on the list.
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Emily Krause is a Florida-based travel blogger who writes about exploring the world with kids. On A Mom Explores you’ll find best family travel destinations, Disney World tips, and how to make travel with babies and toddlers a little easier.
Emily believes that exploring starts in our own backyards, and adventure can happen anywhere with the right mindset.
