McAdenville, North Carolina
This town is also known as the Christmas Town USA– and for good reason! Located 20 minutes away from Charlotte, this place’s locals take Christmas as seriously as possible. Each year, over 600,000 people gather here to enjoy the 450,000 lights that decorate the surroundings. Downtown, there are over 375 trees lit up the streets and other 33 are filled with Christmas lights by the nearby lake.
Bernville, Pennsylvania
Started way back in 1948, the tradition of Koziar’s Christmas Village still goes on today. This location is ideal for families thanks to the millions of lights, winter-themed shops, cottage dioramas and, of course, Santa Claus. Also, here are a few very interesting artworks showing Christmas Beneath the Sea, Christmas in the Jungle and Christmas in Other Lands, which are housed in former chicken coops.
Photo: Jeffrey Ochroch
Ogden, Utah
If you’re looking for the spirit of Christmas, Ogden’s Christmas Village is the right place to start looking. Every year, the downtown streets of the town of Ogden are filled with thousands of lights, creating a magical scenery. Right in the centre of the town, visitors can enjoy miniature cottages looking just like Santa’s North Pole Village. The Polar Express Train will give you a full tour on the location, including passing through a glow-in-the-dark tunnel painted with holiday drawings.
Nevada City, California
Somewhere nearby Sacramento lies the historical treasure of Nevada City. Although the population is only 3,068, these people surely know how to hold their Victorian Christmas Festival. Nevada City was a former Gold Rush town and many of its historical buildings are well preserved. That, along with the mountain surroundings, create the ideal scenery for a Christmas festival. The Nevada Chamber of Commerce described Nevada City during holidays as ‘a genuine Christmas card come to life.’
Branson, Missouri
Popularly known as the Ozark Mountain Christmas, this town is something you just can’t miss during Christmas. Every December, the historic downtown shopping centre of Branson turns into a winter wonderland thanks to its evergreen trees covered in millions of lights. Also known as the Live Music Show Capital of the World, Branson also hosts some great events such as Dolly Parton’s Dixie stampede – with a scene full of special effects, snow and evergreens.
Georgetown, Washington D.C.
For those who don’t know, Georgetown is the oldest neighbourhood in Washington D.C. and we believe that this just adds to the charm of the city during Christmas. This is the ideal destination for shopping while enjoying the lights and decorations thanks to the 450 stores, restaurants and galleries located downtown.
Zoar, Ohio
With a popularion of only 169 residents, the little town of Zoar is the perfect cozy place to spend the winter holidays. Here, visitors can enjoy the fully operating blacksmith and tinsmith shops with handmade local crafts and goods. The walking tours give tourists the chance to explore all kinds of decorated, 19th century buildings and enjoy the well-known Christmas Carols at the Zoar United Church of Christ.
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
This little town gets plenty of visits during summertime thanks to its well-known racetrack. However, as soon as December arrives, Elkhart Lake changes over night into a fairytale-like Christmas destination. Apart from beautiful decorations and thousands of lights, visitors can enjoy the locally famous Old World Christmas Market. Following the same pattern of the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, this market has over 100 vendors that make and sell art pieces and decorations, but also their traditional schnitzel and potato pancakes.
Mumford, New York
If you enjoy time travel and you’re passionate of history, then Genesee Country Village has everything you can ask for. Along with a guide, you can travel back in time to historical key-moments, such as the Independence Day, the New Years Day state holidays and even the moment when New York first declared Christmas. Of course, lights, handmade crafts and great food are all part of the experienece!
Charlottesville, Virginia