The US has some of the most festive destinations for the holidays! Here are some of the top hidden Christmas destinations you must visit!
San Antonio, Texas
If you are looking for the best Christmas destinations in the USA, look no further than San Antonio in Texas. Christmas in San Antonio is truly a magical time and there is truly no better place to visit! There are the traditional Christmas activities, but there are also things to do that are unique to the city itself. The weather isn’t totally cold or freezing, so you will get a mild Christmas experience!
One of the best things to do is to explore the historic Spanish missions that date back to 1632. They are all dressed up for Christmas and of course, you can tour them. This is the best time to visit as well and you can attend Christmas vigils here too! What better way to experience Christmas than in a historic mission? You should also stroll the San Antonio Riverwalk which is dripping in magical Christmas lighting. Enjoy the decorations while you eat at one of the tasty restaurants that run along the riverwalk. Indeed, San Antonio is truly one of the best Christmas destinations in the USA!
Recommended by: Victoria at Follow Me Away
Berlin, Maryland
If you want an extra dose of Christmas spirit this year, head to Berlin, Maryland! Voted America’s coolest town a few years ago, this hidden gem is less than 3 hours drive from Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.
If it looks familiar, Berlin took center stage in the movie “Runaway Bride” where it was likened to “Mayberry.” And in real life, it looks and even feels like that too! In a good way—in this charming small town, the people are friendly and welcoming.
Stay at the Atlantic Hotel and you’ll be in the center of downtown Berlin. And if you’re there for the tree lighting ceremony, you may not have to leave your room to see it. During this time, the town livens up with Christmas activities—you can even watch ice sculpting.
The second Friday in December usually means live music on Commerce Street starting at 6pm. For additional live music venues, check out Sisters Wine Bar, The Globe, and The Atlantic Hotel. The last two are also great places for dinner. Or try the farm-to-table restaurant, The Blacksmith.
In the daytime, stroll through decorated streets and duck into the art galleries and antique shops. You’ll most certainly receive a warm friendly Christmas greeting.
Recommended by: Denise at Chef Denise
Leavenworth, Washington
If you are looking for Christmas Magic, look no further than the quaint Bavarian town of Leavenworth Washington. Sitting at the base of the Cascade Mountains, in the middle of the most beautiful road trip in Washington state, you’ll find this adorable little town.
Leavenworth is fun all year round, but the highlight is definitely Christmas Time! When you arrive downtown you’ll swear you are in the middle of a movie set! The cascade mountains form the backdrop as chilly temperatures and falling snow sets the mood. Downtown, you’ll find adorable buildings all decked out in Christmas lights.
The center of the town comes alive each night when lederhosen-wearing performers sing Christmas carols and light the town Christmas Tree. Of course, Santa makes an appearance too! There is sledding from the hill in town, or you can take a sleigh ride!
Shopping in Leavenworth is always fun! You can visit the Christkindlmarkt, an annual craft show. You could also choose to shop at the Christmas store called Kris Kringle, the Nussknacker Haus, or the super fun hat shop.
You’ll love eating at any of the German Themed restaurants where you can have a schnitzel with noodles or a tasty Bavarian Pretzel. There are numerous breweries and wineries in town too!
Lodging is limited and sells out quickly during Christmas time especially. The most popular place to stay is the Bavarian Lodge and Mrs. Andersons Lodging. If you cant find hotels in Leavenworth, you can check the neighboring towns of Wenatchee or Chelan.
Recommended by: Chantelle at Flannels or Flip Flops
Vail, Colorado
Tucked under the alluring Gorge Range, Vail is one of the most beautiful destinations in Colorado While its world-class ski resorts are reason enough to pay it a visit this winter, there’s something magical about traveling to this quintessential alpine town to unwrap the magic of the holiday season.
Aside from all its mountain goodness and architecture that will make you feel as though you’re celebrating somewhere in the Austrian Alps, Vail sure knows how to bring the holiday cheer to life. Think twinkling lights all over, a Christmas Market where you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to goodies and glúwein, and a whole lot of activities to get you feeling the spirit this year. Don’t miss out on taking part in the Vail Holidaze, which is the town’s annual tree lighting ceremony!
When it comes to where to eat, you won’t really run out of options in Vail. A must for avid foodies is The Slope Room at Gravity Haus, which features modern takes on local meat and produce. For the ultimate dining experience, head to Game Creek, which boasts a five-star cuisine and an award-winning wine list. The catch? You can only reach this chalet-inspired restaurant via snowcat, which makes dining here a true alpine adventure!
Vail is known for its luxury stays, and the Manor Vail Lodge is a lovely choice for a secluded experience. For something more budget-friendly, Cohabit in nearby Avon is your go-to.
Recommended by: Meg at Fox in the Forest
Solvang, California
A couple of hours from Los Angeles is the “Danish Capital of America”, a unique town called Solvang. While most of Southern California is recognized for its red clay roofs and stucco buildings, this tiny city in the Santa Ynez Valley pops up out of nowhere with its Danish-style architecture.
During the Christmas season, the village is decorated and covered with lights and it almost feels like you are in old-world Europe. Except of course that there is no snow and temperatures will probably be in the 60s, you will not be bundled up in a winter coat here.
Solvang is one of the most Christmas-y places to visit and experience Danish culture in California. The numerous restaurants serve Danish specialties but the Aebleskiver (pancake puffs) is the one to try. These little cylinders of fried dough are covered in powdered sugar and raspberry jam. It is the quintessential snack to enjoy and shouldn’t be missed.
The village hosts a slew of Christmas activities from Santa’s Village, Jule Parade, nightly Christmas Light Show, and candlelight tours around the town that highlights Danish culture and traditions.
Solvang can usually be enjoyed for a day walking around the charming village, shopping in the boutiques, and trying all the Danish goodies. But wineries and vineyards dot the area so the trip could easily become a weekend getaway.
Recommended by: Bernadette at Book Retreats
Park City, Utah
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, then consider adding a ski trip to Park City to your bucket list. Not only is Park City Mountain Resort the largest ski area in the United States but it’s also a regular on basically every top 10 list year after year.
Park City has something for every level of skier, whether you’re an avid skier looking for that famous Utah powder or a newbie looking to learn on some perfectly groomed easy terrain. Bonus tip: make sure to purchase the Epic Pass if you plan on skiing for multiple days or skiing at other Vail-owned resorts, such as Vail Whistler, or Sun Valley.
The Epic Pass is actually one of the most affordable options for skiing in Utah. There are also plenty of Christmas activities for kids and non-skiers. Get some last-minute Christmas shopping done on Park City’s charming Main Street, watch the torchlight parade, or take a dip in the thermal hot springs at the Homestead Crater in Midway. And kids will love the 90-minute North Pole Express train ride on the Heber Valley Railroad, sipping hot cocoa while watching live entertainment in their pajamas.
You’ll be flying into the Salt Lake City airport, so consider a stop to see the Christmas lights at Temple Square and catch a holiday performance of the world-famous Tabernacle Choir on your way to or from Park City, just 30 minutes from downtown Salt Lake.
Recommended by: JJ at Minivan Bucket List
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
What’s better than spending Christmas in the Smokies? Pigeon Forge is a Winter Wonderland in the south, with three towns coming together to create the Winterfest. If you are looking for a hidden gem for the holidays, look no further than Pigeon Forge.
Sevierville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge come together to create the North Pole in the Smokies. There are parades, holiday shows, decorations, and activities for kids throughout the holiday season.
Stony Brook Lodge has some of the best cabins at an affordable price. You will have everything you need to enjoy your holiday away from home. The cabins are decorated, wood-burning fireplace, kitchen, jacuzzi, and as if that weren’t enough it’s close to a lake, so you can take a nice walk in the cool air.
Be sure to stop by Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas with over 5 million lights shining turning this amusement park into Santa’s workshop. Along with the lights, there are sweet treats to enjoy at the restaurants in the park. Spotlight Bakery is the place to get a cup of hot chocolate and get a family-size gingerbread house kit to decorate for the holidays.
Winterfest runs from mid-November to early January, so take a ride down downtown to get a glimpse of the native animals in lights.
The Island in Pigeon Forge is another must-see during the holidays with the Ferris wheel in lights with three different 40-foot Christmas trees. Explore (and have some moonshine) while Santa and Mrs. Claus take pictures, while carolers sing holiday music.
Note: Although you are in the South, it does get cold in Tennessee. If you have a little one, don’t forget a footmuff to keep them warm.
Guests are treated to three different Christmas trees, including one that stands 40 feet tall and allows guests to walk through. Santa and Mrs. Claus greet guests at their workshop while roving carolers fill the air with Christmas music.
Recommended by: Coritta at ITZ a Family Thing
Rhinebeck, New York
A wonderful Christmas destination in Rhinebeck in New York’s Hudson Valley. The area used by a Dutch settlement and the Dutch Christmas tradition of Sinterklaas has survived. Sinterklaas is a whole-day seasonal festival held in early December that is suitable for the whole family.
Children are kings and queens for the day, and throughout the day, there are workshops where children can make crowns and scepters. The scepters are made from branches and children tie three wishes (for family, community, and the world) to their branches. Paper stars with lanterns inside them are also available throughout the village. There are food stalls set up and festive characters roam around the streets, entertaining onlookers throughout the afternoon.
The festival culminates with an early evening Starlight Parade featuring Santa Claus (Sinterklaas) and his white horse, as well children carrying their scepters and wearing their crowns. The main attractions of the parade, however, are the incredible enormous animal puppets. Each year is dedicated to a particular animal and a group of new puppets is created. Previous years’ puppets are also carried through streets, so there are groups of large buzzing bees, flocks of seagulls, and even a dragon!
The parade ends in a beautiful star pageant, with all the hand-held star lanterns.
A great place to stay is Beekman Arms, the oldest continuously operated hotel in America. There are a variety of renovated rooms available. There is also a restaurant there, but other great dining options include The Amsterdam and Terrapin.
Recommended by: Ian James at Hudson Valley Discovered
Ocala, Florida
A wonderful hidden gem to visit during Christmas time in Ocala, Florida. There are a lot of fun things to do in Ocala, but visiting during the holidays is especially magical! The downtown square is lit up beautifully with lights and a giant Christmas tree. There are family-friendly events and live music as well.
There’s also the annual Christmas Parade. The whole city turns out for it (and people from around the county), lining the parade route with chairs and blankets hours before it even starts. There are a lot of floats, including one with Santa himself, and the parade lasts just over an hour and a half.
While you’re in the downtown area, we recommend eating at Brick City Southern Kitchen & Whiskey Bar. They have amazing shrimp and grits! Wine lovers should visit Katya Vineyards. They offer wine tastings for $15. Beer lovers should visit Infinite Ale Works. They have 34 craft beers and ciders on tap and you can purchase a flight of four Infinite Ale Works Brews for $10.
The perfect place to stay for your Christmas visit would be the Hilton Garden Inn Ocala Downtown. It’s right on the square so you’d be able to see all of the beautiful holiday lights right from your window!
Recommended by: Vicky at Buddy The Traveling Monkey
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Frankenmuth is sometimes called Michigan’s Little Bavaria and has been called one of the most Christmassy Towns in America. It’s home to lovely German architecture, quaint streets of shops, jingling horse-drawn carriages, and the world’s largest Christmas store. Visiting this unique town is sure to get even a grinch in the Christmas spirit!
Starting in mid-November, Christmas lights decorate over 150 trees throughout the town. When it comes to Christmas decorations, Frankenmuth goes all out. From lampposts to storefronts, the village glows with Christmas cheer.
A highlight to any visit is the magical 40-foot tree located at the Frankenmuth Visitor’s Center. It has over 40,000 synchronized lights and fills the air with the sweet sound of Christmas multiple times a day! Visitors should also swing by Bronner’s Christmas Store and Grandpa’s Tiny Farm across the street. Even the Frankenmuth Farmer’s Market turns into a Christkindlmarket for the holiday season.
The Bavarian tradition runs strong in the local restaurants as well. The Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth serve fresh, locally-grown food to visitors year-round. Locally grown squash is a Christmas season favorite and is often served as a side dish to the popular family-style chicken dinners at both restaurants.
To get the most iconic, Bavarian experience visitors should consider staying at the Bavarian Inn Lodge. It’s steps away from popular shops and hosts numerous Christmas events from Santa visits to Christmas carolers.
Recommended by: Brodi at Our Off Beat Life
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