8 incredible Christmas towns to visit this winter

The holidays are all about making lifetime memories with friends and family, so why not plan a vacation that’s all about celebrating the most wonderful time of the year? Whether you’re looking for a classic winter wonderland in the heart of the mountains or a bustling cityscape, we’ve got something Christmas-y for everyone. Looking for something a bit unexpected? Head to the Dolly-verse that is Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, or the Bavarian hideaway of Leavenworth, Washington.

Ahead, check out our list of the best Christmas towns in the U.S. to start making your yuletide dreams come true.

No one does Christmas like Dolly. Tucked away in the pristine Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, TN, you’ll find Dollywood and one of the largest Christmas celebrations in the country. From November to February, visitors can enjoy world-class entertainment and five million lights twinkling across the city. If you can’t get enough of the Queen of Country, stay at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa. For something a little more laid-back, try The Inn on the River on the scenic Little Pigeon River.

Just a short drive from Aspen, Snowmass, CO, lives up to its name during the holidays. Every Christmas, this mountain village getaway transforms into an enchanted wonderland. The Limelight Hotel—located just seven miles from the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport—makes a particularly excellent choice for your digs (some of the rooms’ balconies even have ski-in/ski-out access). In Snowmass, there are ample activities for folks of all interests to enjoy, from twinkling light displays and dog sled rides to endless skiing opportunities.

Rated one of America’s most walkable towns, Mackinac Island, MI is also one of the country’s top Christmas destinations. Though October marks the start of the island’s off-season, you wouldn’t be able to tell from the holiday season celebrations. The city’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony features live caroling while the Christmas bazaar runs every Saturday to Monday. When it comes to a place to stay, the “worth-every-penny” Grand Hotel where they “treat you like royalty” is the correct answer. Heads up: No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island.

You might not know it, but when you think of Christmas, you’re probably imagining scenes similar to the ones you’ll find in Stockbridge, MA. The subject of Norman Rockwell’s timeless painting "Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas (Home for Christmas)," the town fully embraces the holiday spirit. Every year, the town recreates the painting, complete with classic cars and tours of wonderfully preserved period homes. Stay at The Red Lion Inn or The Cottage B&B to channel those cozy, wintry vibes.

For a Dutch twist to your Christmas, check out the cozy Hudson River town of Rhinebeck, NY. Sinterklass visits this tight-knit community every year in honor of the town’s Dutch heritage. Visitors can enjoy an open, non-denominational festival complete with food, drinks, and plenty of winter activities. When it comes time to call it a day, retreat to Beekman Arms and Delamater Inn, a delightful inn with a roaring fireplace that has been welcoming visitors since 1766.

Park City, UT, offers visitors a magical Christmas experience, with the historic Washington School House serving as the ideal home base for your alpine adventures. Every December this ski town transforms into a picturesque winter retreat complete with sleigh rides and festive holiday markets. The season kicks off with a live concert at the Christmas tree lighting in The Canyons Village. On Christmas Eve, be sure to scope out (or join in on) the torch-lit procession down Park City’s main street.

Just east of Seattle you’ll find the mountain town of Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style escape in the heart of Washington. The community offers majestic views of nearby slopes, and the Christmastown Village of Lights from November 25 to December 24 is not to be missed. While in town, you can enjoy sleigh rides and even a trip to the local reindeer farm, making for a Christmas experience you’re sure to remember for years to come. Post up at the Der Ritterhof Inn, a pet-friendly property with postcard-worthy views of the Cascade Mountains.