Alphabetical listing of Places in Christmas Island. Visitors can also enjoy the Hanover Holiday Food Market, which is an extensive outdoor market featuring all kinds of delicious holiday-inspired foods and treats. Youll also be able to shop for hand-crafted gifts at the Arts Market. The town celebrates Christmas with the annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival, which includes a stroll through Santas workshop, pictures with Santa (for both pets and children! Whether you prefer a ranch, colonial, or craftsman style homes, Long Island has a wide variety of houses to settle into. If you find yourself searching for hot destinations in December, Florida is a great option. 1500 Old Country Road. Where to fly: Louisville International Airport. In fact, for those of you who wish to celebrate Christmas all year round, this destination has you covered with year-round Christmas-themed entertainment like the Santa Claus Museum & Village and the Santa Claus Christmas Store, teeming with thousands of unique holiday finds. It's downright magical! An earlier version of this article was first published in 2018. Celebrate the season in Southern California with lights on the water and a festive mini cruise. It is located at the intersection of 49th Street and 6th Avenue. Visitors will also love walking through the Holiday Market, which features over 20 vendors selling hand-made gifts and specialty foods. The event is such a big deal that theres also live music and kids entertainment during the event. The Railroad Museum of Long Island hosts two weekends of train show fun. An Unforgettable Experience Christmas House Long Island is an indoor, one of a kind, fully immersive Christmas experience. And finally, if you're truly looking to indulge in the delights of the season, head to a shownamely, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, which never fails to capture the magical quality of the season. Whilst it hosts one of Germany's most popular Christmas markets during December, those visiting at other times of the year can still get in the festive spirit. The event ends with the town tree lighting, as well as a very festive boat parade around the harbor, where each boat is beautifully lit with Christmas lights. Reign in the holiday season as your ancestors did during the Victorian era by paying a visit to the Hardman Farm Historic State Site, where reenactments take place every Friday and Saturday night in December. This year's stroll takes place on Sunday, December 4. The best part? Prizes are given out for categories such as best animation and originalitysome owners are even known to spend months (and up to $50,000!) Overnight guests of the Islands have the chance to enjoy breakfast with Santa and a tuck in with the favorite elves, as well as ice skating and winter carnival rides. Rockport is one of my favorite coastal towns in this entire area, and a visit during the holidays is sure to bring you some extra cheer. Additional reporting by Ally Noel and Lauren LaRoche, 50 Fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas for 2022: Easy To Set Up Tricks for Mischievous Elves, 75 Fun Facts For Kids That Will Blow Their Minds, Online Santa Visits: Zoom with Santa Claus and Virtual Santa Photos for Kids this Christmas, Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids. Watch the period re-enactors make a traditional Christmas meal, punch tin lanterns, and make ice skates or a sled. And thats on top of all the other amenities like an on-site spa, restaurants and stunning decorations. But during snowy December, visitors are met with 21 miles of lights along the homes and fences, and can also anticipate handbell concerts, a lively Christkindlmarkt, harp music, and a weekly festival with carolers, Gluhwein, and sledding gathered 'round the town's tree. Mystic celebrates the holiday season with so many different events, itll be hard to squeeze them all into your trip (but you should definitely try!). It is decorated with 7,000 globe-shaped ornaments hanging from the ceiling, giving visitors the feeling of being inside a bottle of sparkling wine., Summer is the time to slow down and soak in the best Long Island has to offer, The breathtaking views and white sand beach set the stage for a beautiful evening, Have yourself a very Dickens Christmas in the, A little town in southern Maine, Ogunquit is home to a, It is only logical that a town called Santa Claus has a, Thissmall Vermont town rich with colonial New England architecture is a fun excursion year-round, buttheexcitement is taken to another level during, The biggest event of the holiday season takes place at the. Take in the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas with a family getaway to Colonial Williamsburg. Jonathan Dignam was kind enough to send us the above map of hundreds of the best Christmas light displays at homes across Long Island. Branson Scenic Railway's Polar Express Train Ride. Oyster Bay Attention, history buffs: This little hamlet is loaded with sites to explore, including Planting Fields Arboretum, a 409-acre estate complete with formal gardens, greenhouses stocked with rare blooms and a Tudor Revival mansion. Enjoy a walk through our picturesque towns and villages while browsing through Long Island boutiques and shops for the perfect find. ), gift certificate giveaways and amazing shopping opportunities in downtown Freeport (which also includes the Flagship L.L. Where to fly: Myrtle Beach International Airport. Every weekend in December, residents flock to Candyland, a kid-friendly event where children of all ages can ice-skate, visit the different holiday cottages, and meet Santa. One of the most romantic places to stay in Woodstock is the Woodstock Inn & Resort, which is located right by the village green, making it so easy to explore everything on foot. Oyster Bay. Kids can learn the history of Christmas traditions, like knitting stockings, wreath making, and making natural ornaments. Many of these have been mentioned throughout the post already, but this is a quick-reference guide for you! Credit: Courtesy of Visit Santa Claus. Driving + Road Trips through Long Island This is, of course, the best way to get around Long Island. Last, but certainly not least, is Providence, which is absolutely one of the best Christmas towns in New England (I know, I know, even though its a city, I just had to include it on the list!). Northport. Instagram. bethpage has a christmas tree lighting on 12/4 on broadway by bk sweeneys. A nod to simpler times, these five small Christmas towns are bursting with holiday spirit. Dates: The show is open select dates November 19 - December 30,. Tickets can be bought online through the website or at the door. This year, from Nov. 27, 2021, through early January 2022, is its annual Solvang Julefest, with events running the gamut from a parade and evening candlelight tours to the townwide, digital "Nisse. Long Island's #1 Fully Indoor Christmas Attraction Christmas House Long Island Smith Haven Mall 313 Smith Haven Mall Lake Grove, New York 11755 get tickets What is Christmas House Long Island? Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland. Related Content:4 Chilly New York Escapes to Book Right Now. Santa Claus, Indiana is home to a year-round Christmas town. With a population less than 3,000, Denton is a fabulous, homey place to spend Christmas this year. 10 Festive Christmas Towns in Florida Orlando The epicenter of many popular Christmas activities, Orlando has no festive shortage, making it one of the best Christmas towns in Florida! And once Christmastime hits, the already picturesque town becomes even more magical. The 23 Most Magical Christmas Towns in America, celebrate the season in warmer temperatures, The South's Grandest Christmas Show at the Alabama Theatre, Cane River Creole National Historical Park, Crane's Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas. Be sure to also plan a visit to the Roger Williams Park Zoo for their Holiday Lights Spectacular, which displays over 2 million (yes, million!) Woolworth, J.P. Morgan . If you time your visit just right, youll be able to attend Edgartown Lights annual lighting, which is a really fun community event. All of downtown Woodstock will glow with thousands of twinkle lights, and displays of festive decorations will be found on every store front. The town's nautical traditions are honored with a lighted boat parade in December. If you'd rather hide out from the cold, experience the stunning light displays all across Branson from the comfort of your car with driving tours likeLet There Be Lights! Pro tip: After your holiday festivities, sit back and relax at the posh Cork Factory Hotel, a renovated 19th-century factory that boasts amazing brick interiors, a delicious on-site restaurant, and close proximity to downtown Lancaster. Where to fly: Salt Lake City International Airport, Though the town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, brings a large number of tourists into its captivating city throughout every season, its the winter season, with its cheery Christmas celebrations and stunning snowy landscape, that has proved to be one of the more idyllic attractions in America during the holidays. Families will especially love Santas Workshop, where kids can see in the big guy himself in his own workshop, drop off their Christmas lists and take photos. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville, tillescenter.org $29-$56. Strolling around Dyker Heights will convince you that there's a small town lurking in the heart of the big city. Before you begin reading, you may want to click here to read my post on all the best New England gifts to give this holiday season, to give you some ideas before planning your holiday getaway! Experts have vital information for your next trip. Village Decor Homes. Don't miss the Winterlights at Naumkeag, a stunning display of outdoor holiday lights draped across the estate of Gilded Age manse. Every December the village is filled with holiday decor and merriment, with "Christmas by Candlelight" evenings featuring storytelling, sleigh rides, and musical performances. The annual Christmas Stroll, which takes place in the first week of December, is an excellent way to get a little local shopping done while sipping mulled cider. Pro tip: Sitting at the base of the Silver Queen Gondola in Aspen is The Little Nella chic ski resort with impressive sweeping landscapes and all of the winter charm that you could ever desire during the holiday season. For the minimalist, this tea light village set is the perfectly understated decoration your mantle needs. While there is entertainment on the above dates, expect to find shopping and dining specials throughout downtown all month long. This Pennsylvania town boasts horse-drawn carriage rides and a "Christmas City Stroll" that'll have your entire family smiling and laughing. The Berkshires-area town of Stockbridge creates a throwback classic New England Christmas fete every early December. Old-fashioned cars line the main street to re-create the painting, and the public can tour historic homes decorated for the holidays. makes it an excellent place to spend Christmas. If youre looking to visit this area during the month of December, youll find charming small towns aglow in twinkle lights, coastal towns adorning their lighthouses with wreaths and bigger cities going all out with decorations and events. Click here to book your stay at the Lodge at Spruce Peak! Stockbridge has become one of the most famous towns to visit during the holidays because you can actually step into one of the most celebrated Christmas paintings of all time. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Christmas Day, diners will find the regular menu of antipasti, salads, pastas and entrees, plus San Remo's gluten free Italian classics . Take a walk down Historic Main Street to indulge in some of the best holiday shopping in the state, surrounded by idyllic scenery both natural and man-made. Instead, venture out of the holiday haze and spend your winter break in one of the many transcendentally magical Christmas towns in America. $96 AT WEST ELM. Frankenmuth, Michigan - A Bavarian-Like Christmas Town This small, Bavarian town is well-known for its holiday decorations, with good reason. Book your reservation at the historic Woodstock Inn and Resort, which is beautifully decorated with lights and holiday decorations each year. This live stage show follows the lovable storyline of an unstoppable trio! Each year, Ivoryton strings over 450,000 lights throughout town for an amazing light display everyone can enjoy. While the famous holiday parade is a family favorite, don't forget to stop by and check out special events and activities throughout the season. The largest Christmas light display in all of Maine can be found in Boothbay Harbor at the Maine Botanical Gardens during their Gardens Aglow event. For 40 years, the Troy Victorian Stroll has been a holiday tradition that transforms the streets of historic downtown Troy into a Christmas town of the bygone Victorian era. Rockport also participates in the Annual Cape Ann Winter Lights festival, where businesses all over Cape Ann hang special Christmas lights and decorate their windows for visitors to enjoy. The local ice cream shop, Harbor Creamery, will be serving up seasonal flavors like eggnog and hot cocoa crunch, and storefronts will be open to welcome you inside and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. It was even named the second best Christmas town in the entire country by HGTV! 6. So seriously, in fact, that they host a number events, beginning in November and ending on New Year's Day, that have worked to put Branson on the map as a top Christmas destination. And then, after a day of shopping, be sure to swing by Honeycone to get one of their famous peppermint Bark Sundaes. If you happen to visit Helen on December 8, the Annual Christmas Parade celebrates the town's Bavarian roots while also bringing the typical cheer of the season to every person in town. Children on board will even receive a special gift from Santas bag. Missouri might not seem like a vacation destination in December, but the whole family can get excited about heading to Silver Dollar City. Perhaps serving as one of the most picturesque Christmas experiences on the list, a walk through Williamsburg, Virginia, during the height of the holiday season is sure to dazzle anyoneespecially those with an affinity for Christmas lights. All Rights Reserved. And of course, downtown Freeport will be decked out in festive lights and decorations, making it one of the best Christmas towns in New England. Have dinner or even stay at the historic Griswold Inn for the perfect New England holiday. xhr.send(payload); Not only is the village of Stowe absolutely magical during the winter season (and also one of the best ski destinations in the Northeast! Photo courtesy of Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. Natchitoches, Louisiana. Greenport. Where to fly: Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport. To capture the best view of the multipleboats lit up with thousands of glittering holiday lights, be sure to do so after dark, when the lights reflect on the water, creating a truly magical scene. Then, after a trip to The Bellagio Fountains, make the short trek to The Bellagio Conservatory, where the South Garden is decorated every year with thousands of lights, poinsettias, and a Christmas tree over 40 feet tall. There are fireworks on opening and closing nights. From wine country to Myrtle Beach, we bet there's a hidden gem somewhere in here you've never even heard of, let alone laid eyes on. You're veritably obsessed with the holiday, from the Christmas cookies to the outdoor Christmas decorations to belting out classic Christmas songs. Read our detailed review of a visit to Riverside's Legendary Holiday Lights Display. The Lodge at Spruce Peak might be my top pick for the best Christmas resorts in New England. While yes, Aspen is a top skiing destination during the winter months, this town in Colorado also offers a number of other Christmas-related activities that have nothing to do with the surrounding slopes. The festive house located at 8 Avon Place in West Bay Shore is lit each night from 5 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. There's more to Long Island, however, than what you might've seen in the media. Check out our long island towns selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Suffolk County is home to some of the most unique antique stores New York has to offer. Here you can the Lake Placid Holiday Village Stroll, go ice skating at the Olympic Center's outdoor rink, or take a sleigh ride through the snow. Be sure to also stay for the Illuminated Boat Parade around the harbor! Another truly idyllic Christmas experience, Durango, Colorado, is home to the Polar Express, a Cascade Canyon excursion that leads travelers on a 26-mile journey through the San Juan National Forest and Animas River in heated coaches. Pro tip: Located on West Christmas Boulevard, Santa's Lodge is a great place to rest after a long day of sight-seeingespecially if there are young children in tow. 41 Amazing & Unique New England Gifts For Everyone On Your List (2022), 75 New England Bucket List Things You Must Do, Best Towns To Stay In On Cape Cod For Every Type Of Traveler (2022), 33 Exciting Things To Do In New England In The Fall (2022), 13 Best Places To Stay In Vermont In The Fall + Cozy Inn Recommendations (2022), Best Places to Stay in Vermont in the Fall, Best Things To Do in Vermont in the Winter, Best Vermont Covered Brides Tour Itinerary, 17 Incredible Things To Do On A Block Island Day Trip (2022), 10 Best Cape Cod Lighthouses + How To Visit Them (2022), How To Buy An Authentic & Original Cape Cod Bracelet (2022). Michael Culbertson/Flickr Creative Commons. During the Gilded Era, estates belonging to F.W. Contact Name: Christmas House Long Island. Proceeds from events like the Feztival of Trees and Annual Gift of Lights go to local organizations like the Shriners Hospitals for Children and Loudon Food Pantry. Only minutes away from the heart of Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia, has become a top destination for Christmas aficionados all across the country. Read news, see photos and watch videos. If you're looking to stay in the area for an extended amount of time, the Bavarian-styleChristkindlmarkt offers some of the best holiday shopping in the United States, offering unique and handmade gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. While Las Vegas, Nevada, may not be the first place your mind goes to when imagining the idyllic Christmas experience, for years, the city has always provided a colorful and jolly display of holiday cheer. This Bavarian-inspired town may actually prove to be the best place to head during the holiday season, as this is a city that takes Christmas to a whole new level. Every year, from Thanksgiving to February, this enchanting Bavarian village transforms into a living Christmas snow globe. SlowKey7466 . Natchitoches, Louisiana, aside from housing some of the most breathtaking historic French-Creole townhouses in the country, is also home one of the most famous Christmas festivals in the worldThe Natchitoches Christmas Festival. The annual Winterskol festival, taking place between January 10th and 13th, showcases some of the world's best ice sculptures, while the accompanying torchlight parade brings a bit of cheer and warmth into the ice-laden activities. Catch the parade from the deck of a boat on one of the many cruises offered, or stake out a spot on shore to watch the flotilla pass by. A month-long holiday celebration (yes, you read that right!) Pro tip: If you happen to be embarking on your holiday adventures with a significant other, then a stay at Crane's Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas is sure to turn up the heat in your relationshipeven in the dead of winter. After paying a modest admissions fee, families can walk the stroller-friendly paths around this old farmhouse to take in all the good-natured Christmas kitsch. More than anything, a trek through Lancaster, Pennsylvania, during the height of the holiday season has the power to turn any grinch into a Christmas fiend. It sounds like the image of a Christmas card: a parade of horses and buggies circling a snowy village green. Thissmall Vermont town rich with colonial New England architecture is a fun excursion year-round, buttheexcitement is taken to another level during Wassail Weekend. A trip to Bernville, Pennsylvania, is actually just a trip to the town's Koziar's Christmas Village, which proves to be a truly authentic experience, with travelers and locals alike reveling in the million twinkle lights illuminating the buildings and surrounding valleys. Local festivities include a themed parade, a candy castle (selling nostalgic hard-to-get favorite treats), and Santa's Land of Lights, a 1.2-mile drive-through holiday light show. Pro tip: Fully embrace the Bavarian culture that reigns supreme in Frankenmuth by booking your room at the Bavarian Inn Lodgea sprawling resort that features Bavarian-inspired cuisine, decor, and even costumed employees. While the old adage "there's no place like home for the holidays" sure can be true, these amazing Christmas towns across the country are real contenders for top-notch holiday spirit. Where to fly: Ronald Reagan National Airport. This charming town is big on holiday spirit. Robbie Caponetto. Holiday parade at 6 p.m., followed by Santa lighting tree at Capitol One Bank. The park offers loads of discounts for evening visits, multiple-day tickets, military members, and more, so be sure to check the website before visiting. If youre just stopping by to see the beautiful landscape and the bridge at night, be sure to swing by the Moody Mug Cafe in nearby Groveton to grab some delicious comfort food. We know what you're thinking, of course. Enjoy a cup of cocoa while you cruise around the harbor in a 1920s-style yacht, and enjoy the skyline views of the city while listening to a live band play Christmas carols. Middleburgs historic downtown is dotted with antique street lamps and twinkling lights, and Federal-style buildings are decked with antique wooden Christmas ornaments. Though its a charming town year-round, Woodstock is a highly popular destination during the holidays, when it transforms into an idyllic Christmas town. One of the best Christmas towns in New England to visit during the holidays is Stowe. After your journey through the snow-capped mountains, enjoy some Christmas shopping at the shops on Main Ave. or go skiing on the slopes at the family-friendly Purgatory Resort. After a visit to the tree, take a stroll around the downtown area for amazing holiday shopping and beach-themed restaurants. Manistee is an idyllic Christmas town located in Northwest Michigan. Children will especially love the the Santas Holiday Express train ride through the scenic White Mountains, and have fun with an on-board scavenger hunt, as well as enjoy milk and cookies during the journey. If nothing else, you must at least head to Leavenworth to partake in their Christmas Lighting Festival, in which over half a million Christmas lights light up the town, accompanied by themed activities that include sledding, holiday concerts, and cider tastings. In addition to Victorian lantern light tours at the Mystic Seaport Museum, Santas arrival by tugboat, and a lighted boat parade around the river, visitors can also experience a holiday carnival at the Olde Mistick Village, stroll through the streets of downtown lined with hundreds of luminaria, and pick out a hand-crafted wreath to take home with you. Click to here to read about the best stops to make when driving from Boston to Stowe, VT! Activities center around historic Courthouse Plaza, ablaze with more than a million lights for the season and site of the town's Christmas tree. Afterwards, hit the Biltmore Wintery(open until 9pm every night). All aboard! Visitors can also stop by Smiths Castle to experience Christmas at the Castle, which includes an afternoon of home baked treats, mulled cider, gingerbread cookie decorating, live entertainment and childrens crafting. For parents who could use a little holiday gift to themselves, there are many local vineyards (50 West Vineyards is particularly welcoming to families with children, as long as they stay within arms reach). Further, Park City proves to bear a special small-town charm, combined with access to a plethora of shops, restaurants, and cultural eventsespecially during the Christmas season. In addition to repeatedly being named one of the top amusement parks in the nation, this 1880s theme park rocks the holidays. Your first holiday-related pit-stop in Jackson Hole should be the National Elk Refuge, where visitors can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride and admire the impressive language and wildlife. Although it's open year-round, this LA-area Santa's Village has what one of our writers declared to be "the best Santa ever." The famous Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas painting by Norman Rockwell is a real-life destination thats just as magical in person, making this one of the best Christmas towns in New England to visit. Why not escape to a literal winter wonderland for Christmas? If youre looking for snow in Texas, youll find it here. Ice skating at Hotel del Coronado is a must. Montana Rogers Portsmouth, New Hampshire New Hampshire's only coastal city celebrates the season with Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth, a monthlong celebration filled with "shows, strolls, and shopping." Visitors can also hit the ice at the Bank Newport Ice Rink, which is especially beautiful at dusk when the entire city is lit up, and you can enjoy the twinkle lights of the citys Christmas tree. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); Each year, they host the Taunton Lights On Festival, where the entire town green is illuminated in thousands of festive lights, including special light displays. Now, Koziar's Christmas Village is one of the top attractions in the state of Pennsylvania, and boasts both indoor and outdoor displays. New York City The opulent mansions of Newport were originally built as summer homes in the 1850s to early 1900s, and now people from all over come to admire their magnificence. Where to fly: Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. . What's more, the quaint seaside destination hosts dozens of craft fairs, parades, theater productions, and even a Train to Christmas Town. Manchester is one of the best Christmas towns in New England to visit for a very unique experience. Villages may overlap multiple towns. Find even more holiday (and winter) vacation ideas in our Family Travel Guide. There's still plenty to see, with the town's houses and businesses decorated for the season, a life-size nativity scene, and a 154-tree-long Christmas Tree Lane. There are tons of Christmas events throughout December such as holiday markets, sleigh rides, and a Christmas Eve torchlight parade, where skiers and snowboarders come down the mountain carrying torches to lead Santa into town. Tucked within Montanas Bitterroot Mountains, this gorgeous town is the perfect place to enjoy a true cowboy Christmas. Charming towns like Greenport, Port Jefferson, and Montauk are perfectly walkable. You can find the addresses in list form here. Spend Christmas in Bethlehem without shelling out a fortune on airfare or traveling back in time! For the ultimate holiday weekend at the coast, The Nantucket Hotel & Resort is a hard one to beat. Visit a Christmas Town or Santa's Village Near You: 25 Christmas Villages That Absolutely Sparkle, At-Home Guide for Families: 100s of Activities for Kids, 30 Best Bedtime Stories for Kids, Including Free Bedtime Stories Online. Solvang is a great place to visit during the Christmas season and is on every list of the best California Christmas towns. sledding gathered 'round the town's tree. Probably the coolest thing about Lanier Islands is Georgia's only snow tubing hill at Snow Island! Photo courtesy of the village. Step back in time at the annual Dickens of a Christmas festival in historic downtown Franklin. Meet the U.S. locales that look like wintertime postcards. What could we possibly tell you here that you don't already know? 2 Walk in front of the huge red Christmas tree ball decorations. However, if you're looking to spend prolonged amounts, it's important to plan logistics ahead of time for things like grocery shopping and outdoor adventures. No town lights up for the holidays quite like Jackson. After the stroll has commenced (or if you don't make it there in time to participate), be sure to stop and take in what has made this area so famous during the holiday seasonits hundreds of adorned seven-foot-tall Christmas trees that grace nearly every spare corner of the town. Philly is abuzz with family festivities in December, making it one of the best places to go for Christmas. Youll also be able to take the perfect family photo in front of the towns lobster trap tree. Everyone in the family will love the annual Christmas tree lighting and an appearance by Santa Claus himself. A religious procession in ancient Taos Pueblo, the Native American settlement outside town, includes bonfires, luminarias, and historic gun salute, and can make the most jaded Scrooge feel holiday magic stir. From New Hampshire to Florida and Pennsylvania to California, discover these holiday havens with our list of the best Christmas towns in the United States. Where do Southern Californians go to get the Christmas spirit? Guests from all over the country (not to mention the world!) One of my favorite things about Marblehead is all the gorgeous historic homes and streets, which is exactly why its also one of the best Christmas towns in New England to visit. Live Christmas Tree vs. Photo courtesy of the event. Litchfield is one of the best Christmas towns in New England because of its incredibly charming downtown and festive holiday celebrations. One of our editors said this was her first experience with a Christmas village as a kid, and it remains her favorite. Click here to book your stay at the White Barn Inn! Each tree has its own theme, and its really fun to walk around and pick which is your favorite (even though theyre all beautiful!). In Florida, you can escape the cold and indulge in some winter sun by spending . The Cedarburg Christmas festival runs mid-November through Christmas. Koziar's Christmas Village is a pretty perfect holiday day trip for those living in the area, or for anyone visiting one of Pennsylvania's top spots. It is only logical that a town called Santa Claus has a three-weekend Christmas celebration. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); When you step off the ferry, youll immediately be greeted with a festive lobster trap Christmas tree to put you in the spirit. Between the quaint town with amazing shops, and all the holiday decor around the charming Dock Square, itll be hard to not reconnect during your visit. If you need a Christmas tree (and even if you dont) a visit to the ridiculously picturesque Snickers Gap Tree Farm is in order, and if you cant bring yourself to leave, the Salamander Resort is a festive place to spend the night. You're bound to experience a "white Christmas" if you do. There's simply no place quite like New York City at Christmastime. Nassau and Suffolk each has approximately 1.4 million people each. Koziar's Christmas Village is a magical display of holiday lights. lights over 40-acres around the park grounds. We're guessing you didn't expect our list to open with a warm weather locale. During the month of December, youll find dozens of decorated Christmas trees lining the streets of downtown, which creates such a magical and festive atmosphere. Youll even be able to take a candlelight tour through the Bush Holley House, which will be beautifully decorated out for the holidays. Dont forget to end your evening with Caseys Cupcakes, which became nationally famous when Casey won Cupcake Wars. Stick around until New Year's Eve if you want to see the torch parade of ski instructors snaking down the mountain at the town's two ski resorts. But these towns are for realand all you have to do to witness their Hallmark Christmas movieworthy magic is book your trip. Just outside of Pasadena, California, lies the city of Sierra Madre, providing the idyllic backdrop for a truly traditional Christmas experience. TOWNS THAT OPTED OUT East Hampton Hempstead Huntington Islip North Hempstead Oyster Bay Shelter Island Smithtown Southold TOWNS THAT OPTED IN Babylon Brookhaven Southampton Riverhead VILLAGES. Dahlonega, Georgia. Where to fly: McCarren International Airport. Greenwichs downtown is a wonderful shopping destination, and during the holidays, this is one of the best Christmas towns in New England to get a few things checked off your shopping list, and also get into the festive spirit. For the past 63 years, this Charlotte suburb has put on an impressive holiday display, with 265 evergreen trees covered in 500,000 lights, plus more than 160 decorated houses. June 18th 2022 8:00 A.M. West Sayville Long Island NY, 11796 - Reported By Larry Farrell - My Town Long Island Located in West Sayville, New York on the south shore of Long Island, the museum's waterfront location is right. All that and more is available for your family to explore in this northern Georgia town. A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker are on rotation during the entire month for a festive night out on the town. More than 100 boats ranging in size from yachts to canoes light up and sail 14 miles around Newport Harbor for five consecutive nights. Christmas in Newport is a two-week long festival that celebrates the "non-commercial" elements of the holiday season, and 2022 would . Pro tip: Take a break from your Christmas-themed excursion by taking a quick 15-minute detour to nearby Fairbanks, Alaska, where, on a clear night, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. And of course, I cant forget to mention the lighting of the town Christmas tree, which also includes caroling and cookies. They also host a special brunch with Santa for the kids, and have wonderful, seasonal menus to make dining right at the resort fun and easy. With enormous Nutcracker soldiers guarding the entrance, a life-size gingerbread house, Dickensian robots, light-up Cinderella carriage rides, and more, this is an experience that dazzles like Disneyland, but at a far more relaxing pace. A trip to Delray Beach, Florida, can afford travelers the best of both worlds during the winter seasona sunny, beach-side escape with plenty of holiday-related activities to occupy those wishing to still celebrate Christmas in all of the traditional ways. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { Only minutes away from the heart of Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia, has become a top destination for Christmas aficionados all across the country. Be sure to play Stroll Bingo while youre in town. Since Nantucket is an island, youll need to take the Hyline Cruises ferry from Hyannis to get there, which operates year-round. if( 'moc.enilnoefiltseb' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { Old Sturbridge Village is New England's largest outdoor living history museum, depicting a rural New England town in the 1830s. 55 Best Christmas Towns to Put on Your Holiday Bucket List. With its impressive display of lights, cheery carolers, decked out historical buildings, and holiday musicians, Lancaster will never disappoint those looking for the most immersive Christmas experience. On Sundays during the month of December, be sure to stop by the Chester Holiday Market to pick up locally-made products and see if you can spot Mrs. Claus walking around. Christmas in Mystic wouldnt be complete without a holiday stroll throughOlde Mistick Village, where lights adorn more than 40 shops and restaurants. You may have to pinch yourself to believe the charming New England spectacle! RELATED: 101 Christmas Activities for Kids: Christmas Crafts, Christmas Decorations, and More, Philadelphia has lights, skating at Blue Cross RiverRink, Santa, and an authentic Christmas market. 3 Eat a delicious Banana Pudding or Cupcake at Magnolia Bakery. For this purposes of this Long Island map, I've highlighted the two counties considered to be "Long Island.". Known for putting on one of the best holiday light displays in all of Rhode Island, North Kingstown is definitely one of the best Christmas towns in New England to visit. There are few things more picturesque than lighthouses decked to their nines in Christmas garlands, wreaths, and lights. west elm. Bonus: this earthenware pottery is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Adults will love this festive hotel that features activities all season long, including parties, tree lightings, and a Gingerbread Ball. The town is lavishly trimmed with evergreen garlands and, down on the City Dock, reflections of the holiday tree twinkle in the water off the harbor. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); Why not escape to a literal winter wonderland for Christmas? Some of the most spectacular Christmas towns are right here in the US. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); Though it may prove to be a bit more crowded than the North Pole during the holiday season, New York City, with its avenues of impressive Christmas window displays and bustling shoppers, has the potential to transport you to a higher level of appreciation for the season. Dignam also has an online form where Long Islanders . The seaside town is perfect for a bit of Christmas and a bit of the ocean, complete with parades and theater productions. Galena, IL 61036, USA 4. Pick up a walking map and enjoy the rich maritime history combined with . How's that for a winter wonderland? Get front row seats to this natural phenomenon by staying at the Borealis Basecamp, a modern geodesic dome offering panoramic views of the sky from your bed. From Dickens' London to Kevin McCallister's New York. Long Island is one of the most famous destinations in the world. Around the holidays, thats made even more apparent as the Breakers, Marble House and the Elms turn into a magical outdoor wonderland, featuring a 15-foot poinsettia tree and other festive touches. For one, theres the beloved Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, which begins with a tree lighting and ends with Santa arriving by tugboat and patrons gathering to admire the festively decorated boats. avoiding legendary traffic Sep 24, 2022; Where to stay Sep 20, 2022; Fishing in September Sep 10, 2022; How to exit Long Island. Also one of my favorite towns in Vermont, Woodstock is definitely going to provide some holiday magic. Santa Claus, Indiana. Click here to book your Holiday Cocoa Cruise in Boston! Elsewhere in this active mountain town, locals gather to watch Santa rappel down Chimney Rock as a warm-up exercise for his upcoming Christmas Eve activities. Lights, candles, and Christmas decor are sprinkled throughout the town throughout the entire holiday seasonand best of all, you don't have to wear a coat to get out and enjoy it all. Visitors come to town in December to view the wreaths and artist-decorated holiday trees on auction at the Festival of Trees and to participate in the Kinderfest, the Christkindlmarkt, and tree lighting in tiny downtown Helen. Visitors can also enjoy a very festive and fun lighted tractor parade through town. Read More. As it turns out, Nantucket actually proves to be equally charming during the off-season, when the summertime tourists have vacated and the locals put on a stunning display of holiday cheer throughout the town. You can even catch a Christmas train ride in New Hope and in neighboring towns. Not only is it home to some of the best resorts that provide a very festive holiday getaway, the charming village, covered bridges and Christmas decor will make you feel like youve stepped inside a post card. Cost: $20 | $25. Visitors will be able to enjoy Christmas in Newport, a two-week event that includes craft fairs, tree lightings, concerts and even cozy candlelight house tours. Ann Arbor, Michigan The home of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. You know it for its stunning Gilded Age mansions and gorgeous ocean viewsbut did you know that Newport also has a lot to offer in wintertime? Pro tip: For a true taste of the south, pay a visit to the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, which has managed to artfully preserve the plantations that once dominated this city's landscape. 4 Walk towards 5th Avenue on 49th Street and take pictures of the . Combine coastal charm with holiday merriment with a seaside visit to the annual Christmas Prelude, where bright lights, bows, and boughs turn the city into a sparkling Christmas town. It can be enjoyed year-round, but it's especially impressive during the holidays, as is the entire village, which is lavishly decorated from the lamposts to storefronts. The coastal town hosts an annual Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens during the month of December. The 2.65 billion Christmas cards sold each year in the U.S. could fill a football field 10 . If your kids love animals, dont skip a trip to the nearby Leesburg Animal Park. When looking for a Christmas town, you can't find one more iconic than the town named after the big man himself. If you travel to Myrtle Beach during the winter, the best thing to do doesn't actually have to do with the ocean. After a snowfall, this scene is beyond magical. The Gingerbread Village, elaborate structures made from scratch each year by volunteers, benefits local food banks. Its seasonal "Old Time Christmas" has more activities than ever, with a nightly parade of lights, a holiday sing-along steam train, and loads of holiday entertainment, including over 30 shows. One of the best reasons to visit Litchfield during Christmas is to hop aboard the Northern Lights Limited train for a special ride through the North Pole to pick up Santa and Mrs. Claus, and take part in carols during the ride with Santas elves. Best Christmas Towns in North Carolina 1. Bethlehem, Connecticut. One of the more unique activities during the Prelude celebration is the Cocktail, Coffee & Cocoa Trail, where visitors can take a self-guided tour through some of the best local restaurants and bars to sample specially-made holiday beverages. But around the holidays, the arches are wrapped in strings of lights to illuminate the nights with a festive glow. read more Squares include, I voted in the window decorating contest, I found saxophone Santa, I engaged in an activity or hobby downtown, and many more. The event is free to the public and runs through November and December. 3. Set up as a winter wonderland set in the San Bernardino forest, Skypark at Santa's Village offers non-holiday outdoor adventures such as a bike park, bouldering, a zip line, shows, and a playground. Pro tip: To witness the type of sophistication and elegance that is native to New York City, book your room at the Lotte New York Palace, just one block away from Sak's Fifth Avenue. Not only that, but they are situated right across the street from the idyllic Maryland State House, which looks even more breathtaking during the winter months. 1. Take a step back in time this Christmas season and head to the historic town of Galena. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. The Denton Farmparks Country Christmas Train in Denton, North Carolina is well worth the tripboth for you and any little ones you're bringing along. PORT JEFFERSON Indoor Festival of Trees at the Port Jefferson Village Center, 101-A E. Broadway, 631-802-2160, daily . Horse and wagon rides, live caroling, bagpipers and roasted chestnuts add to the traditional festivities. INFO: 631-236-6716 or 631-878-8645 SANTA'S CHRISTMAS TREE FARM 30105 Main Rd., Cutchogue Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Christmas Eve. Towns like Greenport, Port Jefferson, and making natural ornaments all month.... Lovable storyline of an unstoppable trio Gilded Era, estates belonging to F.W a parade horses. People each belting out classic Christmas songs select dates November christmas towns in long island - 30. Christmas City stroll '' that 'll have your entire family smiling and laughing month Long Denton is fabulous. 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