Is anyone else OBSESSED with those cute Christmassy towns in all the cheesy Hallmark movies? You know, the ones with the huge Christmas tree in the town square, and the different festivals each weekend? I know I am not alone… WELL, its time to bring those movies to life and experience them for yourself. I have reached out to all the expert travel bloggers to share the MOST magical Christmas cities in the USA. Start planning your USA Winter Getaway NOW!
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Table of Contents
Most Magical Christmas Cities in the USA Map
Denver, CO
by Danielle from Danielle Outdoors
If you’re looking for a magical Christmas destination, Denver is the place for you! It is nippy, as temperatures in December top off in the 40s, so be sure to pack your cute and cozy outfits for this trip.
Winter activities in Denver include picking up a souvenir and a hot German pretzel at the Downtown German Christkindl Market, eating in an Igloo in Historic Larimer Square, admiring the changing colors of the Mile High Tree in the center of downtown, or taking a wintery day trip to the mountains.
I highly suggest spending a day in Colorado Springs driving up Pike’s Peak and walking through the Garden of the Gods Park. You can also drive up to Rocky Mountain National Park and snowshoe over frozen lakes. Are you convinced yet??
- Closest Airport: Denver International Airport
- Where to Stay: Hyatt Place Denver- Downtown (affordable and fancy!)
- Average Winter Temperatures and yearly snowfall: 48/20 degrees Fahrenheit, 57 inches of snow each year.
- Tips: If you get a rental car (which I do suggest), you’ll likely need to pay for overnight parking in the city.
Keep Reading::: One Weekend in Denver!
Prescott, AZ
As experienced by Brittney from Travel by Brit
Prescott, Arizona, has been nicknamed “Arizona’s Christmas City” since 1989—and there is a good reason why! Prescott has no shortage of Christmas festivities during the holiday season, making it a fun, memorable place to visit in the winter months.
On the first Saturday of December, Prescott hosts an annual Christmas Parade and Courthouse Lighting. The Yavapai County Courthouse Lighting is a tradition that’s been happening in Prescott for over 60 years! Once it gets dark, you can gather around the Courthouse to watch the magical lights turn on to kick off the holiday season.
Aside from the holiday festivities, you can also enjoy some of the best things to do in Prescott during your time in the city, like grabbing coffee at Wild Iris Coffeehouse, trying mead at Superstition Meadery, or strolling around scenic Watson Lake.
- Closest Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor Internatinal Airport (107 miles)
- Where to stay: The Prescott Resort & Conference Center and the Hassayampa Inn are two of the nicest options for accommodations in Prescott.
- Average Winter Temperatures and Yearly Snowfall: 52/24 degrees Fahrenheit, 20 inches of snow each year
- Tip! Have extra time, make a road trip to Sedona and Tucson for epic hikes and views!
Leavenworth, WA
As experienced by Debbie Fettback from WorldAdventurists
One of the most magical places to celebrate the spirit of Christmas is in the Bavarian theme town of Leavenworth, WA. Located along with the impressive cascade mountain range, you will feel the magic in the air as you wander the main street while carolers sing. With over half a million Christmas lights, you are sure to be impressed.
The celebrations do not stop at the décor; there are several ways to get into the magic of the season. See St. Nikolas and visit the Leavenworth Reindeer farm when the reindeer are taking a break from flying practice. Book your tickets in advance, as they sell out fast. Reserve an afternoon sleigh ride or go sledding right on the hills along the main street.
A trip to this Bavarian-inspired town would not be complete without indulging in several German treats. Enjoy some pretzels, Bratwurst, Glühwein (hot mulled wine), and make a reservation at Andreas Keller.
Hotels right in the heart of the action, like the popular Bavarian Lodge, can sell out a year in advance. If you cannot find a place to stay in the village, Wenatchee, a half-hour drive from Leavenworth, is a great option.
- Closest Airport: The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away.
- Where to Stay: Bavarian Lodge (unique, but VERY popular)
- Average Winter Temperatures and Average yearly snowfall: 38/21 degrees Fahrenheit, 89 inches of snow each year.
Grapevine, TX
Grapevine is known as the “Christmas capitol of Texas” and hosts over 1400 festive events in less than 40 days! Historic downtown Grapevine will give you all the quintessential Hallmark Movie vibes. From quaint shops to a gazebo, to thousands of Christmas lights you will feel transported to a magical Christmas land.
While exploring Grapevine, you will be able to choose from a festive dinner show at Texas Star Dinner Theater, taking a train ride on the North Pole Express, or shopping at the Christmas Market. Grapevine is also home to an AMAZING ice sculpture exhibit featuring a different theme each year with ice slides, sculptures, and more!
- Closest Major Airport: Dallas-Fort Worth (4 miles)
- Average Winter Temperatures and Average Yearly Snowfall: 57/34 degrees Fahrenheit, less than 1 inch of average yearly snowfall.
- Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn (budget-friendly), The Gaylord (Luxury-Where the ICE festival is held)
- Tip! If you have additional time in DFW, be sure to check out this list of 31 Other Things To Do for Adventure-lovers!
Chicago, IL
As experienced by Patti from The Savvy Globetrotter
Chicago is one of the most festive US cities during Christmas. You can find many holiday activities and events including an authentic Christmas market, holiday light displays, and more.
One of the top things to do in Chicago for Christmas is to visit Christkindlmarket, an outdoor Christmas market, where you can purchase decorations and gifts while enjoying traditional German food and warm drinks.
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, a tree-lighting parade down Michigan Avenue, is a well-known family-friendly tradition that kicks off the holiday season. The city puts up a large Christmas tree in Millennium Park, a popular tourist attraction which is home to the famous Bean sculpture. Other fun activities during the holidays include skating at outdoor skating rinks and riding on a Christmas-themed train.
Chicago is easy to reach with two major airports in the city (Chicago O’Hare and Midway). I recommend staying at The Gwen, which is centrally located and has a winter-themed rooftop, but there is no shortage of hotels for every budget.
- Closest Major Airport: Chicago O’Hare
- Where to Stay: The Sono (budget-friendly), The Gwen (luxury with a winter-themed rooftop)
- Average Winter Temperatures and Average Yearly Snowfall: 35/25 degrees Fahrenheit, 36 inches of snow each year.
St. Augustine, FL
As experienced by Lauren from Freedom Not Fate
Christmas in Florida? St. Augustine may not be the first city you think of for a winter-themed getaway but this city in Florida boasts one of the largest holiday lights displays in the United States.
Its yearly holiday downtown light display, called “Nights of Lights” draws thousands of tourists every year and has been touted by National Geographic as one of the best light displays in the world. St. Augustine is also the oldest city in the United States and has stunning architecture and a Spanish Fort that’s almost 500 years old!
If you’re interested in witnessing this fun display and exploring a warmer location for the holidays this year St. Augustine is the place! The best airport to fly into is Jacksonville airport and the easiest way to get here is by renting a car and driving down the coast which will take about an hour.
It’s highly recommended to stay in downtown St. Augustine since traffic getting in and out of the city during this time of year can be a bit messy. While you’re in St. Augustine, be sure to also check out St. George’s street which has a lot of cute restaurants and breweries.
- Closest Airport: Jacksonville, FL (50 miles)
- Where to Stay: Bayfront Westcott Bed and Breakfast
- Average Winter Temperatures: 67/48 degrees Fahrenheit, 0 inches of snowfall each year.
Keep reading:: Adventurous Things to do in Florida
Vail, CO
As experienced by Meg of Fox in the Forest
Even though Vail is renowned for its world-class winter sports, this quintessential mountain destination is also home to some of the best things to do in Colorado besides skiing Aside from its mountain goodness and architecture that will make you feel like you’ve been transported into the Austrian Alps, Vail knows how to do Christmas right with a ton of activities and decor to match.
Picture twinkling lights all over the streets, a European-style Christmas market where you can grab goodies and a glass (or two!) of glüwein, and a whole lot of festive activities to get you feeling the spirit every step you take. A must-see is the Vail Holidaze, which is a traditional tree-lighting ceremony and hosts an array of fun Christmas-themed entertainment.
Vail is home to a wide array of luxury stays. The Manor Vail Lodge is a great choice for a secluded experience in the mountains. If you’re on a budget, Cohabit in nearby Avon is a lovely option. The closest airport is Eagle Regional Airport, which is located just 30 miles away from Vail. Another good option to fly into is Denver International Airport, which is set 120 miles away. Both airports offer direct shuttles into Vail by a company called Epic Mountain Express.
- Closest Airport(s): Eagle Regional Airport (30 miles) or Denver International Airport (120 miles)
- Where to stay: Highline Vail (budget-friendly), Four Seasons Resorts (luxury)
- Average Winter Temperatures: 31/7 degrees Fahrenheit, 189 inches!!! of snow each year.
- Tip! Planning a Christmas-themed vacation with you dog? Check out this ULTIMATE Dog-friendly Colorado Road Trip Itinerary!
New York City
As experienced by Shannon from The Traveling Teacher Girl
New York City is one of the most iconic and magical Christmas cities in the USA. There are an endless number of Christmas festivities to partake in and sites to see.
Some must-see attractions include the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and the light show across the street at Saks Fifth Avenue. Also located in midtown are the famous holiday window displays and building decorations at Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Cartier Fifth Avenue.
Nearby is the Bryant Park Winter Village has a free ice skating rink, holiday shops, cozy igloos, and multiple bar/dining options.
For entertainment, be sure to see the Rockettes perform at the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
For a lesser-known Christmas attraction in NYC, visit the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. Dyker Heights is a neighborhood located deep in Brooklyn that displays festive and over-the-top Christmas lights each year. The best light displays are located between 10th and 12th avenue near 83rd and 84th street.
One major tip- visiting these attractions will involve spending a lot of time outdoors, so dress very warmly and bring hand warmers. The quickest way to travel around NYC is by taking public transit, so be sure to choose a hotel near a major transit hub such as Times Square, Herald Square, Union Square, or Columbus Circle.
- Closest Airport(s): La Guardia and JFK International
- Where to stay: Hampton Inn Times Square (centrally located and budget-friendly)
- Average Winter Temperatures: 41/29 degrees Fahrenheit, 25 inches of average yearly snowfall.
Duluth, MN
Although winters in Minnesota are frigid, Duluth is a magical city full of festive Christmas activities. Not only will you likely feel as though you are in a snow globe (with over… inches of snow).
Duluth is home to the largest display of lights. Bentleyville is a walk-through light display with over 4-million lights. Here you will find Santa, Christmas characters, hot cocoa, fires to roast marshmallows, and fun-themed lights.
If you are still brave to spend more time outside, you can go skiing, snowboarding, or tubing at Mont-du-lac, or Spirit Mountain, or check out some frozen waterfall hikes or views of Lake Superior in Canal Park.
- Closest Airport(s): Duluth MN or Minneapolis Airport (158 miles)
- Where to Stay: Edge Waterpark, South Pier Inn (budget-friendly), Pier B Resort (Luxury)
- Average Winter Temperatures and Snowfall: 23/7 degrees Fahrenheit, 86 inches of snow each year
Mystic, CT
As experienced by Julie from Wandering Sunsets
Mystic is a quaint waterfront town in Connecticut. About an hour and a half from Boston and only 3 hours from New York. The town is reachable by train or car depending on where you’re traveling from.
It’s one of the most charming towns in the US, known for its quintessential New England charm, historic homes, and blooming wineries. Christmas finds Mystic brimming with shining lights, festive spirit, and charming cafés, where lighted boat parades and holiday carnivals await.
Stroll along Main Street, explore the picturesque stores, and watch the 1922 River Bascule Bridge rise every hour at 40 minutes past the hour. Go on the Lantern Lights Tour aboard a horse-drawn carriage that stops at different locations to watch individual acts from The Nutcracker.
Visit the Mystic Seaport Museum, the largest maritime museum in the world with an incredible art collection and research. There are many holiday events and reasons to visit Mystic during Christmas.
- Closest Airport(s): Boston Logan International (101 miles) Tip! Spend a few days exploring the Christmas festivities of Boston too!
- Where to stay: The Taber Inne (budget-friendly) ,Spicer Mansion (luxury)
- Average Winter Temperatures: 40/24 degrees Fahrenheit, 27 inches of snow per year.
Aspen, CO
As experienced by Daria from The Discovery Nut
Situated in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Aspen might be one of the most magical places to visit during Christmas in the United States.
Aspen is a busy winter destination with thousands of travelers coming here to enjoy world-class skiing, snowboarding, and holiday cheer. But make no mistake, even though it might be busy, it’s absolutely worth it!
Whether you want to hit the slopes at Buttermilk Ski resort, Aspen Highlands, or Snowmass Ski Resort, you will be not run out of opportunities for some winter fun.
Christmas in Aspen means ice skating, tubing, and sleigh rides along the town’s beautifully decorated streets. It’s a really special time in Aspen and if you are looking for a wonderful holiday atmosphere, you should experience it at least once.
Although Aspen is easy to reach from Denver via Interstate-70, it also has daily flights from many major destinations within the United States.
- Closest Major Airport(s): Denver,CO (211 miles)
- Where to stay: Mountain Chalet Aspen (Budget-friendly), Hyatt Residence Club (luxury)
- Average Winter Temperatures: 37/11 Degrees Fahrenheit and 179 inches of snow (yearly)
Have I convinced you yet?! Are you ready to start planning the perfect vacation to one of these magical Christmas cities in the USA? Make sure you share your Hallmark-worthy Christmas getaway with me on Instagram!
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