Best small towns to visit at Christmas
Magical holiday getaways for 2025
There’s nothing quite like a small town at Christmas. Imagine sipping hot cocoa while watching twinkling lights reflect on snow-covered streets, discovering handmade gifts at local artisan shops, and sharing laughter with friends and family in cozy cafés.
From Bavarian-style villages in the mountains to seaside towns where Santa arrives by lobster boat, these eight small towns shine with holiday spirit. Whether you’re looking for a cozy getaway, family-friendly traditions, or unique cultural celebrations, these towns offer holiday experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
During the holidays, Leavenworth transforms into a postcard-worthy Bavarian-style winter wonderland. Over half a million lights illuminate the town for the Village of Lights: Christmastown festival, creating a magical atmosphere.
Festive events and activities:
Unique experience: Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy forests just outside town.
Stay at a cozy mountain lodge with a fireplace for the full alpine experience.
Taos offers a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo holiday traditions, creating a truly distinctive Christmas experience. Wander local shops, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy the vibrant arts scene for a truly immersive holiday experience.
Festive events and activities:
Book a pueblo-style home with a kiva fireplace for an authentic Southwestern holiday.
Branson lights up for the holidays with millions of sparkling lights, festive parades, and shows. Historic streets and theaters buzz with activity, offering everything from holiday musicals to light displays, creating a family-friendly small-town celebration.
Festive events and activities:
Unique experience: Ride the Polar Express Train on the Branson Scenic Railway, complete with cocoa and cookies.
Choose a cozy Ozark cabin with a fireplace for a festive retreat.
Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg puts its own spin on the holiday season with German traditions, twinkling lights, and small-town warmth. From festive markets to a 30-foot Christmas tree, this town blends Old World charm with Texas hospitality.
Local tips:
Unique experience: Take a holiday wine tour through Texas Hill Country vineyards, all decked out for the season.
Stay in a cozy Hill Country cottage downtown or a vineyard-side retreat to savor wine country.
Durango’s mountain charm shines brightest during the holidays. The historic downtown twinkles with lights, while nearby slopes and trails offer plenty of snowy fun. Its most famous holiday tradition draws families from across the country.
Local tips & highlights:
Unique experience: Join a guided snowshoe tour under the stars for a magical winter night.
Book yourself a mountain lodge near downtown or a home with easy access to skiing.
Though often a summer destination, Lake Anna offers a cozy holiday escape with small-town charm and waterside serenity. The region’s festive traditions make it a peaceful yet spirited holiday spot.
Local tips & highlights:
Book a lakefront home for cozy nights by the fire.
Voted the #2 Christmas Town in America by HGTV, Kennebunkport delivers that classic New England holiday charm. Cozy homes and seaside cottages make it perfect for a winter escape by the ocean.
Local tips & highlights:
Note: Many Christmas Prelude events can sell out, so it's wise to book tickets or make reservations ahead of time.
Unique experience: Take part in the candlelit stroll through Dock Square for a cozy, small-town holiday memory.
Claim a seaside cottage with cozy coastal charm.
This lakeside gem becomes a holiday spectacle with its dazzling light displays and cozy downtown festivities. The snow-covered landscape only adds to its storybook feel.
Local tips & highlights:
Unique experience: Watch the region’s largest holiday fireworks show over Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Find a lakefront home with a private hot tub for cozy nights with lake views.
No matter which destination you choose, each town offers its own blend of traditions, flavors, and festivities that capture the magic of the season. From sleigh rides under starry skies to sipping mulled wine by a glowing tree, these holiday getaways remind us that joy often lives in the details. Pack your warmest sweater, bring your appetite for seasonal treats, and get ready to make new holiday memories in one of these festive small towns.
