The Top 10 Best US States to Celebrate Christmas in 2024: A Guide to Unforgettable Holiday Destinations

1. New York

Best City: New York City

New York City is the pinnacle of Christmas destinations, combining modern holiday splendor with timeless traditions. The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, an 80-year-old tradition, stands as the centerpiece of holiday cheer. Nearby, skaters glide gracefully on the iconic ice rink under the tree's glow. Fifth Avenue’s world-renowned department stores, like Saks and Bergdorf Goodman, transform their windows into extravagant holiday displays, telling magical stories with glittering animations.

• Radio City Christmas Spectacular: A dazzling holiday tradition that has been enchanting audiences at New York City's iconic Radio City Music Hall since 1933. Featuring the legendary Rockettes, renowned for their perfectly synchronized high kicks and precision choreography, the show blends timeless routines like the "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and the "Living Nativity" with cutting-edge technology and festive themes. With elaborate costumes, a live orchestra, and awe-inspiring visuals, it captures the magic of the holiday season in a family-friendly production. Running from mid-November to early January, this 90-minute spectacle is a must-see for anyone seeking a quintessential New York Christmas experience.
• Dyker Heights Lights: A stunning holiday tradition known for its extravagant displays of festive cheer. Spanning several blocks from 83rd to 86th Streets and 11th to 13th Avenues, the neighborhood's homes are adorned with millions of lights, oversized decorations, and animated figures, creating a magical winter wonderland. Running from late November through early January, the event attracts thousands of visitors annually, drawn by its over-the-top holiday spirit. Whether strolling through on foot or joining a guided tour, the Dyker Heights Lights offer a dazzling and unforgettable Christmas experience.
• The Holiday Train Show:  Taking place at The New York Botanical Garden is a festive tradition featuring model trains zipping through a whimsical display of nearly 200 miniature New York landmarks. Held in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the replicas—crafted from natural materials like bark, leaves, and seeds—include iconic sites such as the Statue of Liberty and Grand Central Terminal. Running from mid-November to early January, this enchanting exhibit is perfect for families and holiday enthusiasts, blending botanical beauty with seasonal magic.

Why It’s Great: New York is a fantastic place to celebrate Christmas because it offers a blend of festive charm and winter beauty. The state boasts picturesque snow-covered landscapes, cozy holiday markets, and a variety of events that capture the spirit of the season. From the twinkling lights in upstate towns to the vibrant holiday window displays in Manhattan, there’s something magical around every corner. With opportunities for ice skating in Central Park, attending holiday concerts, and enjoying world-class dining, New York creates a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for celebrating the holidays.

2. Tennessee

Best City: Gatlinburg

Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg becomes a picturesque Christmas village during the holidays. The Festival of Lights is a sight to behold, with over 15 million twinkling lights illuminating the mountains and town. Dollywood, located in nearby Pigeon Forge, is a highlight with its Smoky Mountain Christmas event. The park comes alive with live Christmas performances, millions of lights, and a 50-foot animated tree.

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• Anakeesta’s Enchanted Winter:  With thousands of twinkling lights, winter-themed attractions like the Treetop Skywalk and Chondola ride, and holiday activities such as shopping and visiting Santa, it offers a magical experience for all ages. Running from November through January, this event provides a perfect winter escape in the scenic Great Smoky Mountains.
• Trolley Ride of Lights:  This popular holiday attraction takes visitors on a scenic ride through the town to see its stunning Christmas light displays. The trolley travels through the heart of Gatlinburg, showcasing beautifully decorated homes, businesses, and the famous Gatlinburg Parkway. This relaxing ride provides an ideal way to enjoy the festive atmosphere and holiday cheer without the hassle of driving or parking. Perfect for families, couples, and holiday enthusiasts, the Trolley Ride of Lights typically runs from mid-November through December.

Why It’s Great: Tennessee is a fantastic state to celebrate Christmas because of its charming small towns, vibrant festivals, and cozy mountain retreats. The state is known for its warm southern hospitality, where visitors can enjoy festive parades, traditional holiday performances, and country music-themed celebrations. From the Great Smoky Mountains offering a winter wonderland to the lively streets of Nashville adorned with lights and decorations, Tennessee provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and holiday spirit. Its unique mix of cozy cabins, seasonal foods, and welcoming communities makes it a wonderful place to experience Christmas.

3. Illinois

Best City: Chicago

Chicago turns into a winter wonderland during Christmas. The Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza is a highlight, offering authentic German holiday traditions, from handcrafted ornaments to warm mugs of glühwein. Millennium Park hosts an enormous Christmas tree, often accompanied by free choir performances, while the Navy Pier Winter WonderFest provides fun for families with ice skating, rides, and festive decor.

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• ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo:  An annual holiday event that transforms the zoo into a stunning winter wonderland. The event features millions of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the zoo’s gardens and animal exhibits. Visitors can stroll through dazzling light displays, enjoy ice skating, and take part in festive activities like visiting Santa. ZooLights also offers special events such as live entertainment and holiday-themed food and drinks. Running from late November through early January, it's a fun, family-friendly experience that combines holiday cheer with the beauty of the zoo.
• Holiday Lights Trolley Tour:  This guided trolley tour takes visitors through neighborhoods like Mag Mile and Lincoln Park, showcasing stunning light displays and iconic holiday decorations. The tour includes stops at major attractions, such as the Christkindlmarket and ZooLights, with expert guides sharing the history and charm of each location. Running from late November through December, the Holiday Lights Trolley Tour offers a cozy and convenient way to enjoy the city's holiday magic.

Why It’s Great: Illinois is a wonderful state to celebrate Christmas due to its festive atmosphere, diverse holiday events, and beautiful winter landscapes. The state's cities, like Chicago, sparkle with holiday decorations, while charming small towns host traditional Christmas markets and parades. Visitors can explore ice skating rinks, take scenic holiday train rides, or enjoy winter festivals in the heart of Illinois' countryside. Whether you're admiring the lights along the Chicago Riverwalk or cozying up in a cabin in the Shawnee National Forest, Illinois offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and peaceful winter retreats for a memorable Christmas experience.

4. Texas

Best City: Grapevine

Dubbed the Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine lives up to its name with a staggering 1,400 holiday events spread over 40 days. The city’s historic Main Street is decked out with lights, garlands, and photo-worthy displays. Families love the North Pole Express, a magical train ride with carols, hot chocolate, and visits from Santa.

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• Parade of Lights:  A beloved annual holiday tradition that kicks off the Christmas season in this charming town. This spectacular parade features brightly lit floats, festive music, and performances, creating a dazzling display of holiday cheer. The parade winds through the historic downtown area, with spectators lining the streets to enjoy the illuminated floats and vibrant atmosphere. In addition to the parade, Grapevine’s Main Street is beautifully decorated, and the event often includes visits from Santa and other holiday activities, making it a fun, family-friendly experience.
• Vintage Christmas Card Exhibits:  Showcasing a charming collection of holiday-themed greeting cards from years past offers a nostalgic look at Christmas traditions and artwork. Held at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad and other local venues, these exhibits display beautifully crafted cards that reflect the holiday spirit from different eras, highlighting intricate designs, vintage illustrations, and historical holiday greetings. Visitors can explore the rich history of Christmas cards while enjoying the festive atmosphere of Grapevine, which is known for its holiday decorations, train rides, and Christmas-themed events.

Why It’s Great: Texas is a great state to celebrate Christmas because of its unique blend of festive traditions, warm weather, and diverse cultural influences. From the twinkling lights and parades in cities like Dallas and Houston to the charming holiday festivals in small towns, Texas offers a wide variety of ways to celebrate. The state’s mild winter weather allows for outdoor activities like holiday shopping in open-air markets, ice skating, and enjoying Christmas light displays without the chill. Whether you're in a bustling urban center or a quiet hill country town, Texas creates a fun and festive environment for a memorable holiday season.

5. Colorado

Best City: Breckenridge

Breckenridge feels like stepping into a snow globe during Christmas. Its Victorian-style downtown, blanketed in snow, hosts the Lighting of Breckenridge, where Santa parades through the streets. The Race of the Santas is a crowd favorite, as hundreds of costumed Santas dash down Main Street. For outdoor enthusiasts, skiing and snowboarding opportunities abound in the surrounding mountains.

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• Ullr Fest:  A lively winter celebration held annually in Nederland, Colorado, honoring Ullr, the Norse god of snow and skiing. This unique festival embraces the winter season with a variety of fun and quirky activities, including a costume parade, snowshoe races, ice sculpting, and sleigh rides. One of the highlights of the event is the Ullr Bonfire, a massive celebration that brings the community together to celebrate the spirit of winter. The festival typically takes place in January and attracts both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a festive, snowy experience in the beautiful mountain town of Nederland.
• Carter Park Sledding Hill:  A popular winter destination for locals and visitors seeking some fun in the snow. Located near downtown, the hill offers a great spot for families and friends to enjoy sledding, tobogganing, and other snow activities. The park is easily accessible, with a large hill that provides plenty of room for sledders of all ages to race down. After a thrilling ride, visitors can warm up by the bonfire or enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. The Carter Park Sledding Hill is free to use, making it a fun and budget-friendly way to enjoy winter in Breckenridge.

Why It’s Great: Colorado is a fantastic state to celebrate Christmas due to its picturesque winter landscapes and vibrant holiday traditions. With its snow-covered mountains, ski resorts, and charming mountain towns, Colorado offers a quintessential winter experience, perfect for those looking to enjoy the season's beauty. Cities like Denver and Colorado Springs are adorned with dazzling light displays, while cozy towns like Breckenridge and Estes Park host traditional holiday festivals and events. Colorado's festive atmosphere is enhanced by outdoor activities such as ice skating, sleigh rides, and skiing, making it an ideal destination for Christmas celebrations.

6. Pennsylvania

Best City: Bethlehem

Known as Christmas City USA, Bethlehem celebrates the holidays with historic flair. The Christkindlmarkt, inspired by German traditions, offers handmade crafts, live music, and delicious holiday treats. Moravian settlers founded Bethlehem in 1741, and their traditions remain at the heart of the city’s celebrations.

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• Live Advent Calendar:  A unique holiday tradition that brings the Christmas season to life. Every evening in December leading up to Christmas, a different window of a building in the town is opened to reveal a new scene, often featuring local performers, carolers, or actors in festive costumes. This interactive and community-driven event is part of Bethlehem's rich holiday heritage, earning it the nickname "Christmas City." Visitors can enjoy a charming and immersive experience as they stroll through the historic district, soaking in the festive spirit of one of the most Christmas-centric towns in the U.S.
• Historic Bethlehem Tours:  These guided tours take visitors through the town’s historic sites, including centuries-old buildings, churches, and museums, where they can learn about Bethlehem's roots as a colonial settlement and its transformation into a hub of holiday celebrations. During Christmas, the tours are enhanced by special holiday decorations, including the stunning Moravian Star, and visitors can enjoy the town’s charming streets lined with festive lights. It's a wonderful way to experience both the history and magic of Bethlehem during the holiday season.

Why It’s Great: Pennsylvania is a fantastic state to celebrate Christmas because of its mix of historic charm, festive traditions, and winter beauty. Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh sparkle with holiday lights, markets, and seasonal events, while picturesque small towns such as Bethlehem, known as "The Christmas City," offer quaint, old-world charm. Pennsylvania's scenic countryside, especially in areas like the Poconos, provides opportunities for winter sports, cozy cabins, and holiday getaways. With unique experiences like holiday train rides, ice festivals, and historic holiday tours, Pennsylvania creates a magical setting for the Christmas season.

7. Florida

Best City: St. Augustine

St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights transforms the city’s historic district into a glowing masterpiece. Spanish colonial architecture adorned with millions of lights creates a romantic and unique atmosphere. The annual Holiday Regatta of Lights features boats of all sizes decked out in festive decor.

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• The Lightner Museum:  A historic museum housed in the former Hotel Alcazar, a stunning Spanish Renaissance-style building. The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including Victorian-era artifacts, antique furniture, fine art, and one of the finest collections of cut glass and samurai armor in the United States. During the holiday season, the museum is beautifully decorated, offering visitors a festive atmosphere to explore its rich collection of history and art. The Lightner Museum is known for its elegant setting, making it a unique spot for both art lovers and those seeking a charming holiday experience.
• Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides:  These rides take visitors through historic streets and scenic parks, often passing by beautifully lit homes and festive decorations. The gentle clip-clop of the horses, along with cozy blankets provided for warmth, creates a relaxing and nostalgic atmosphere. It’s a perfect way to enjoy Florida’s mild winter weather while soaking in the holiday cheer and charming sights of the season.

Why It's Great: Florida is a great state to celebrate Christmas due to its warm climate, festive events, and unique blend of coastal and tropical charm. With many cities hosting elaborate holiday light displays, like those in Tampa and St. Augustine, Florida offers a cheerful atmosphere without the cold. Visitors can enjoy activities like holiday boat parades, beachfront festivities, and Disney World’s magical Christmas celebrations. From stunning light displays in Naples to the enchanting Cypress Gardens, Florida provides a unique way to enjoy the holiday season in a sunny, relaxed setting.

 8. Washington

Best City: Leavenworth

Leavenworth’s Bavarian charm makes it feel like a small Alpine village during Christmas. The Village of Lights illuminates the streets with over 500,000 lights, while carolers and festive markets add to the holiday cheer.

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• Nutcracker Museum:  A unique destination dedicated to the history and artistry of nutcrackers. Home to thousands of nutcrackers from around the world, the museum showcases a wide variety, from traditional wooden designs to intricate, collectible pieces. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting the evolution of nutcrackers, their cultural significance, and their craftsmanship. Located in the heart of Leavenworth's Bavarian-style village, the Nutcracker Museum adds to the town's festive atmosphere, especially during the holiday season. It's a charming stop for anyone interested in history, art, or Christmas traditions.
• Sleigh Rides:  Locations like Leavenworth and areas near the Cascade Mountains provide scenic rides through snowy landscapes, surrounded by towering evergreens and mountain views. Many rides include cozy touches like warm blankets, festive music, and even hot cocoa to enhance the experience. Whether you’re exploring a snowy meadow or a quaint Bavarian-style village, sleigh rides in Washington combine natural beauty with holiday charm, making them a memorable activity for families, couples, or anyone looking to embrace the winter spirit.

Why It's Great: Washington is a fantastic state to celebrate Christmas because of its breathtaking natural beauty, festive small towns, and cozy holiday experiences. From the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountains to the twinkling lights of waterfront cities like Seattle, the state offers a magical winter atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy holiday markets, scenic sleigh rides, and tree-lighting festivals, while charming destinations like Leavenworth transform into a Bavarian-style Christmas wonderland. With opportunities for skiing, enjoying warm drinks by the fire, or strolling through beautifully decorated neighborhoods, Washington provides a perfect mix of adventure and holiday cheer.

9. Vermont

Best City: Woodstock

Woodstock’s Wassail Weekend celebrates traditional Christmas with a horse-drawn parade, historic home tours, and old-fashioned caroling. The town’s New England charm, complete with covered bridges and snow-dusted trees, creates a postcard-perfect scene.

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• Woodstock’s Wassail Weekend:  Held annually in December, this festive weekend features a variety of events, including a magical horse-drawn parade with participants dressed in period costumes, caroling, and a town-wide tree lighting. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities like wreath-making workshops, live performances, and holiday markets, all set against the backdrop of Woodstock's picturesque snowy streets. It’s a perfect way to experience the warmth and joy of the holiday season in a quaint New England setting.
• Billings Farm & Museum:  During the Christmas season, visitors can explore the beautifully decorated 1871 Farmhouse, complete with traditional ornaments and seasonal treats. The farm hosts events like horse-drawn sleigh rides, holiday crafts, and demonstrations of old-fashioned Christmas traditions. With its cozy atmosphere and stunning winter scenery, Billings Farm provides a charming and educational way to celebrate the holidays while enjoying a glimpse into 19th-century farm life.
• Middle Covered Bridge:  A picturesque landmark that becomes especially enchanting during the holiday season. Spanning the Ottauquechee River, this classic wooden bridge is adorned with festive decorations, adding a touch of holiday magic to its rustic charm. A stroll across the bridge offers stunning views of the river and the snow-covered town, making it a favorite spot for photos and quiet moments during Christmas time. Its timeless beauty and serene setting perfectly embody the cozy, nostalgic spirit of a New England holiday.

Why It's Great: Vermont is an ideal state to celebrate Christmas due to its picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and cozy New England ambiance. With its snow-covered mountains and quaint villages like Woodstock and Stowe, the state feels like a holiday postcard come to life. Visitors can enjoy sleigh rides, Christmas tree farms, and festive markets while warming up with locally made maple treats and hot cocoa. Vermont’s emphasis on simple, rustic traditions and its serene winter beauty create a magical and heartwarming holiday experience.

 10. California

Best City: San Francisco

San Francisco offers a modern twist on Christmas with its glittering cityscapes and unique attractions. Union Square features a massive Christmas tree, an outdoor ice rink, and high-end holiday shopping. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair transports visitors to Victorian London, complete with costumed actors and festive fare.

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• Great Dickens Christmas Fair:  An immersive holiday experience that brings Victorian London to life with festive charm and theatrical flair. Held annually in the San Francisco Bay Area, this event recreates the world of Charles Dickens with bustling streets, costumed performers, and period-accurate shops and pubs. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, handcrafted gifts, delicious holiday treats, and interactive experiences like carol singing or dance lessons. Running from late November through December, the fair is a family-friendly celebration that combines history, culture, and holiday cheer in a uniquely magical setting.
• Golden Gate Park’s Holiday Light Show:  Centered around landmarks like the Conservatory of Flowers and Music Concourse, the show features dazzling light installations, colorful projections, and illuminated pathways. Visitors can enjoy the enchanting atmosphere while strolling through the park, which often includes holiday music and special seasonal surprises. Running during December, this free and family-friendly event offers a magical way to celebrate the holidays in one of the city’s most iconic locations.
• Pier 39 Holiday Tree Lighting:  A festive event that kicks off the holiday season with a spectacular lighting ceremony. Held at the bustling waterfront, it features a beautifully decorated, towering Christmas tree adorned with thousands of sparkling lights and ornaments. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, holiday music, and a lively atmosphere with stunning views of the Bay. The event, perfect for families and couples, combines holiday cheer with Pier 39’s renowned dining, shopping, and attractions, creating a memorable seasonal celebration.

Why It's Great: California is an excellent state to celebrate Christmas because of its unique blend of festive traditions and diverse landscapes. You can enjoy warm-weather holiday events like parades along the beaches in Southern California or visit snowy mountain towns like Lake Tahoe for a classic winter experience. Iconic cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles host elaborate light displays, holiday markets, and seasonal shows, while wine country offers cozy vineyard celebrations. California's mix of cultural diversity and scenic beauty ensures a wide range of holiday experiences, from surfboards with Santa to snowy pine forests.

As you plan your perfect holiday getaway, be sure to check out our latest blogs for expert travel tips, destination guides, and inspiration for celebrating Christmas in style. And while you're there, don't forget to browse our exclusive merchandise to add a little extra holiday cheer to your season.

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