A mobile phone photographing Christmas tree lights at night in the city.

10 Magical Places to Visit This Christmas in the U.S.

Are you planning to travel during the holidays? Christmas is a festive time to explore the U.S. We found ten places to visit that will put you in the holiday spirit. 

Keep reading to learn which city and state have the most Christmas cheer. Get your travel planner ready to book a trip to one of the top magical places to stay during this jolly time of year.

Let’s get started!

Which City Has the Most Christmas Spirit? 

You can measure the Christmas spirit in various ways. But one city stands out during the holiday season: New York City. It’s the most populated city in the U.S., and it goes overboard for Christmas. 

From November through December, you can find festive lights, decorations, and holiday music on nearly every block in NYC. Attractions like the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice skating rink draw thousands of people daily. You’ll find Christmas lights lining the streets. 

Which State Has the Best Christmas?

Many people know New Hampshire for its beauty and festivity during Christmas. The state has it all. It has decorated towns, thick forests, snow-capped mountains, and more. 

Journeying throughout New Hampshire during the holidays will likely have you dreaming of hot chocolate and sugar plums. 

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10 Magical Places to Visit This Christmas in the U.S.

Traveling during the holidays can be festive and surprising. Let’s look at ten magical places to visit this Christmas in the United States.

1. Disney World in Orlando

About: Disney World in Orlando, Florida, bleeds magic year-round. It is especially festive at Christmas time. The famous Disney property houses several theme parks, including Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. 

Why It’s Magical at Christmas: Walking through the parks at Walt Disney World, you’ll see Christmas trees, lights, decorations, and holiday-themed food. Cinderella’s castle, one of the main attractions, lights up with sparkling Christmas scenes.

2. New York City, New York

About: New York City is one of the most well-known cities in the world. It has various attractions that many people visit, including the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and entertainment like Broadway shows.

Why It’s Magical at Christmas: New York City explodes with a magical vibe during Christmas that will make you feel like you’re in a movie. From neighborhoods decorated for the holidays to the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, December is an excellent time to visit NYC.

3. Leavenworth, Washington

About: Leavenworth is a Bavarian village in central Washington. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it is an epi-center of German beer and food. In addition, there are winter ski areas nearby.

Why It’s Magical at Christmas: Leavenworth is dreamy at Christmas, with the quaint town looking like the front of a holiday card. You can also visit the Nutcracker Museum, which displays thousands of nutcrackers throughout the centuries.

4. North Pole, Alaska

About: North Pole, Alaska, is a short drive from Fairbanks. While it’s not quite in the Arctic Circle, Santa will still greet you in the small town. The town dedicates itself to all things Santa.

Why It’s Magical at Christmas: The town decorates the North Pole for Christmas year-round. You’ll find a Santa Claus house and Mistletoe Lane. You might even see a real-life reindeer.

5. McAdenville, North Carolina

About: McAdenville is a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina. It began a tradition of hanging Christmas lights in 1956. Since 1980, it has gained national recognition as Christmas Town USA. 

Why It’s Magical at Christmas: People know McAdenville as Christmas Town. They have tree lighting and a Yule Log ceremony. The community comes together by decorating their houses and front yards with holiday scenes for the public to drive by and enjoy.

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6. Newport Beach, California 

About: Newport Beach in southern California is a quaint and relaxing beachside small town. It has shops, restaurants, and a spacious stretch of beach. 

Why It’s Magical at Christmas: Newport Beach goes all out for Christmas. Even though there’s no snow, you’ll still feel the magic. If you head out to Balboa Island, you’ll find streets of houses with holiday lawn ornaments, lights, and music. There’s also a Christmas boat parade.

7. Montrose, Pennsylvania

About: Montrose is a small town in Pennsylvania, about 160 miles northwest of New York City. It has many quarry sites for a rock people call blue stone. When the holidays roll around, this town resembles a Hallmark Christmas movie. 

Why It’s Magical at Christmas: Montrose goes all out for Christmas. The traditional decorations and festive events are ideal reasons to visit. The town puts on family-friendly activities. For example, they host the Jingle Bell 5K run/walk. Don’t forget your Christmas sweater!

8. Vail, Colorado

About: Vail, Colorado, is home to the largest ski resort in the state. The trendy Vail Ski Resort hosts many people, and it knows how to do Christmas. With lights and events, a getaway to Vail during the holidays is perfect. 

Why It’s Magical at Christmas: Vail is a winter destination for skiing, snowboarding, and bundling by a cozy cabin fireplace. The mountain town sets the stage for an authentic Christmas setting.

9. Nantucket, Massachusetts

About: Nantucket, Massachusetts, is a small island off Cape Cod. It has cobble-stoned streets, churches, and homes with cedar-shingled siding. The island is a quintessential New England town, lending itself nicely to holiday decor and ambiance.

Why It’s Magical at Christmas: Christmas in Nantucket is magical because of the small community. The decorations and coziness of the island make you feel the warmth and joy of the season.

10. Park City, Utah

About: Park City, Utah, is another winter sports utopia. Mountain peaks and ski slopes surround the town. While it’s a popular destination year-round, it’s extra special at Christmas. 

Why It’s Magical at Christmas: Park City can make you feel like you’re in a snow globe in the winter. The city turns on the Christmas magic with lights, trees, snow-capped mountains, and visitors in warm sweaters and snow gear.

Are You Ready to Head Somewhere Magical This Christmas?

Traveling during the Christmas season can be a fun way to embrace the festive spirit. While holiday traditions are the norm for many, consider shaking things up by visiting a place that brings the holiday alive in a new way. 

All the places on our list have the Christmas spirit. So, if you don’t feel like decorating this year or want to start some new traditions, check out one of these destinations. 

Have you visited any of these locations for the holidays? 

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