We have found Christmas in these charming towns.
Christmas Town USA, North Carolina
With a name like Chrismastown, you just know December will be a special month in this small town in North Carolina. Just outside of Charlotte, more than 450,000 lights are illuminated as 375 Christmas trees light up downtown and more lit up around the town’s lake with a magical fountain changing colors as it dances.
Branson, Missouri
The Midwest family-friendly destination pulls out all of the stops to bring visitors Ozark Mountain Christmas, transforming itself into a Christmas City. Not only is the town bedecked in Christmas cheer, it’s Silver Dollar theme park also becomes a holiday destination to celebrate An Old Time Christmas with more than a thousand Christmas trees and 5 million lights strewn.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Christmas City USA, also known as Bethlehem, has long been a place of pilgrimage for families looking to celebrate one of the largest holiday celebrations in the country. Shop its German-inspired Christmas Village.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Enjoy more Bavarian-themed holidays in Little Bavaria, Frankenmuth, which showcases its spirit with lights, a traditional Christkindlmarkt and a holiday home tour. It’s also the home of the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, where you can shop until your heart’s content for your own decorations.
Santa Claus, Indiana
Officially named Santa Claus, this Indiana town is most famous for providing a North Pole postmark for children to send their letters to Santa, returned by volunteers. Of course, knowing it has a lot riding on its name, the town also delivers a holiday light drive, Santa’s Land of Lights, as well as a candy castle and a holiday parade.
Newport Beach, California
You may not think of palm trees as a Christmas hotspot but as the largest holiday boat parade in the U.S., Newport Beach has landed on our must-visit list. More than 100 boats decorated to the hilt in lights cruise Newport Harbor and a chance to win big prizes for their creativity.
Written by Lissa Poirot