Stephen Schreck a RoamRight Blog Author

The Top Christmas Towns in America

Christmas is a time of laughter and love. A time for selflessness, family get-togethers, and of course, overeating. The winter holiday season is also a time in which cities transform. Downtowns are festively arrayed with lights, wreaths, trees, and Santa.

Almost every town in America brings out the decorations for Christmas. However, some towns go the extra mile when it comes to Christmas celebrations. They are quaint, beautiful, and look like a real-life Christmas card. Here are the top Christmas towns to visit in America this holiday season. 

Durango, CO

Durango is a hundred-year-old railroad town in the bluffs of Colorado. During the Christmas season, this city is taken over by the spirit of Saint Nick. The town offers winter adventures like snow tubing, sledding, and even ice fishing. The downtown lights up with colorful storefronts as the entire town embraces the holiday. 

However, what sets Durango apart is the famous Polar Express. This steam locomotive runs from Thanksgiving to Christmas and will delight the little ones in your family. Onboard passengers enjoy singing Christmas carols while sipping steamy hot chocolate before finally reaching Santa Claus at the "North Pole".

Durango is a fantastic Christmas town that will delight both children and adults with its fun adventures and activities.

McAdenville, NC

What better place to visit during the season than McAdenville, a town that changes it name each December to Christmas Town USA? There are hundreds of Christmas trees lining the city center, free kettle corn and hot chocolate, a fountain that spouts colorful water over 50 feet in the air, and almost half a million Christmas lights twinkling throughout the village.  

With so much Christmas cheer, it is easy to see why over 600,000 people visit each year. Although, this means making reservations early is recommended. McAdvenville is only twenty minutes out of Charlotte, North Carolina, so you always have the option of staying there and making day trips to Christmas Town USA.

Williamsburg, VA

For a more of a traditional Christmas holiday, plan a trip to Williamsburg. They celebrate a colonial style Christmas complete with a torch lighting, drum performances, and even a gun salute to ring in the season. It all culminates in lighting up the night sky in a massive fireworks display.  
A nearby attraction is Busch Gardens, showcasing Christmas traditions from all over the world. Williamsburg is a great place to experience Christmas as it would have been in the 17th and 18th century, as well as learn about how different cultures around the world celebrate the holiday. 

Santa Claus, IN

The name alone screams Christmas. Over the years children have sent hundreds of thousands of letters to Kris Kringle himself in the tiny town of Santa Claus, Indiana. During the season, the town springs to life with a vibrant holiday atmosphere. 

The major attractions include a mile long drive-thru light show, a candy house that sells every seasonal treat you can imagine, and a Christmas themed parade. Both children and adults will find something to enjoy when exploring this wonderful town. 

Paradise, PA

Take a journey back in time at the National Christmas Center. This center is dedicated to preserving Christmas traditions and memories. The Christmas Center has hundreds of thousands of Christmas items including over 10,000 Santas alone. 

This small town of just over 1,000 people is covered in Christmas lights and combines history and tradition with fun new events. They have breakfast with Santa Claus, The Night Before Christmas Train, winter rides, and more. Paradise is the perfect place to visit if you are looking small town atmosphere with many options for things to do and see. 

Helen, GA

Germany is world-renowned for its stunning Christmas towns and markets. Luckily, to get a similar experience you only need to travel to the quaint Bavarian Village of Helen. During Christmas, the town is decorated with gala wreaths, lights, and trees. They have events like The Lighting of the Village, The Christkindlmarkt, and the Annual Christmas Parade

Christmas is a time of year when people are overwhelmed with love, joy, and friendliness. These towns embrace the spirit a little more and are great spots for a jolly getaway to make new traditions and lasting memories with your friends and family.  


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About the Author

Stephen Schreck

Stephen Schreck, a RoamRight Blog Author Stephen Schreck is a world traveler, nomad, and adventure backpacker. Knowing a life of aimlessly wandering the globe in search of adventures was the only life for him he set out to make his dream his reality. Currently he is trying to conquer his fears and tackle his bucket list. Follow Stephen's adventures at A Backpacker's Tale or on social media on TwitterFacebookPinterest, and Instagram.

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