A Guide to the United States’ Premier Holiday Towns

Across the United States, numerous towns and cities offer ideal holiday escapes. To make this year’s seasonal travel your most festive yet, let’s take a look at some of the United States’ premier holiday towns. 

Leavenworth, a town in the Cascade Mountains, appears as a scene taken straight from a postcard. Renowned for its Bavarian architecture and delicious German eateries, Leavenworth is an idyllic holiday hotspot. Holiday lights, seasonal decor, and a thick layer of snow adorn its charming buildings, creating the scene for Christmastown. A significant aspect of Leavenworth’s holiday appeal, Christmastown features many attractions. These include live entertainment, indulgent treats for sale, appearances from famous holiday figures, and more. This year’s celebration takes place from November 24th to December 24th.

The town of Santa Claus warmly welcomes Christmas enthusiasts who share the town’s passion for the holidays. Known for its holiday-themed museums and seasonal celebrations, this town is a festive place to spend your holidays. Its major celebrations include the Santa Claus Land of Lights, opening November 24th, the Santa Claus Christmas Parade, on December 9th, and the Santa Claus Arts and Crafts Show, also on December 9th.

For those craving a luxurious holiday retreat involving plenty of outdoor fun, head to Aspen. Nestled in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Aspen is home to world-famous ski resorts, perfect for both skiers and snowboarders. Visit a resort such as Aspen Snowmass, where light shows, seasonal performances, and delicious holiday treats served at renowned restaurants create a memorable holiday experience. Stick around for New Year’s for a dazzling fireworks display.

Ogunquit, a coastal New England community, is a popular year-round destination. Visiting this small town for the holidays is an ideal way to avoid summer crowds and enjoy its renowned holiday celebration, Christmas by the Sea. Scheduled for December 8th through 10th, this event features tree lightings, performances, parades, children’s events, and more, all against a scenic coastal backdrop.

While not the place for a snow-covered holiday getaway, Orlando remains a popular seasonal retreat. This is largely due to its theme parks that fully embrace the holiday spirit. Celebrate the season’s festivities and create truly unforgettable family memories at Disney World, where you can witness holiday traditions from around the world at Epcot or embrace your merriment at the colorful light displays of Magic Kingdom.

Saratoga Springs, an Upstate New York community, boasts picturesque architecture and acclaimed spa resorts. It ranks among the best small towns in the country for a holiday getaway, and it is easy to see why. Saratoga Springs hosts incredible seasonal events, including a holiday lighting competition, a tree-lighting celebration with an appearance from Santa himself, and the Saratoga Festival of Trees. Also, its cafes and restaurants offer mouthwatering winter treats.

Solvang is a delightful tourist hotspot in the Santa Ynez Valley. Its charming buildings and delectable food scene proudly reflect the town’s Danish heritage. Brilliant lights cover the main street’s buildings and windmill, showcasing Solvang’s remarkable holiday spirit. Also, the city hosts Julefest, a six-week celebration that includes savory food, live music, and a famed parade that stands as a festive highlight.