The holiday countdown has officially begun, and across the country, small towns are stringing lights, setting up markets, and preparing for the most magical time of the year. While pumpkins are still on porches, the shift from fall to festive is underway, proving that holiday spirit doesn’t wait for December.
This year’s Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards spotlight the most Christmas-obsessed towns in America. From Bavarian-style villages in the mountains to riverfront celebrations in the South, each community brings its own way of welcoming the season. Some promise snow-covered streets and carols by candlelight, while others shine with palm trees wrapped in twinkle lights. All share one thing in common: a love for Christmas that lasts well beyond the season.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Known as Christmas City USA, Bethlehem celebrates the season with old-world charm and a warm community feel. The Christkindlmarkt fills the air with music, handmade gifts, and the scent of cinnamon and pine. Cobblestone streets glow under white lights, and carriage rides take visitors past centuries of history. It feels timeless, heartfelt, and perfectly named.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Frankenmuth is Michigan’s own slice of Bavaria and home to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store. Visitors stroll along timbered streets filled with lights, sip cocoa, and ride in horse-drawn carriages as music fills the air. The spirit of the holidays is alive here every day of the year, but December brings it to life in full color.
Grapevine, Texas
Grapevine calls itself the Christmas Capital of Texas for a reason. The town hosts parades, markets, concerts, and an ice rink right on Main Street. Families ride the North Pole Express and stop by for photos under giant trees. It’s a month of lights, laughter, and everything merry, Texas-style.
Fredericksburg, Texas
In Fredericksburg, German roots meet Texas hospitality. The town’s wooden Christmas pyramid stands tall in the town square, surrounded by shops, tasting rooms, and twinkling lights. Visitors can enjoy a parade, outdoor skating, and cozy evenings downtown. It’s a cheerful blend of heritage and small-town warmth.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth looks like a storybook village once the snow begins to fall. Its Bavarian-style buildings sparkle with hundreds of thousands of lights, and the smell of pretzels, cocoa, and spiced wine fills the air. Carolers, ornament shops, and festive concerts make this mountain town a favorite for travelers who want a true winter wonderland.
McAdenville, North Carolina
McAdenville is often called Christmas Town USA, and the name fits. Nearly every home and tree in this small town is decorated, creating a walkable display that draws visitors from across the state. Stroll past shimmering lakes, wreath-covered lampposts, and glowing rooftops. It’s family-friendly, free to visit, and completely unforgettable.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
The oldest town in Louisiana also hosts one of the nation’s longest-running holiday festivals. The Natchitoches Christmas Festival stretches across six weeks with fireworks, live music, and riverfront lights along the Cane River. Locals fill downtown with warmth and Southern flavor, turning every night into a celebration.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport gives Christmas a coastal twist. Its Gilded Age mansions open for tours filled with decorated trees and candlelit halls, while the harbor glows with reflections of holiday lights. Visitors enjoy seaside shopping, afternoon teas, and the kind of elegance that feels both timeless and festive.
Park City, Utah
Park City brings Christmas charm to the mountains with its snow-covered streets and cozy ski-town energy. Main Street sparkles as families stroll through the Snow Globe Walk or warm up at local cafés. With world-class skiing by day and twinkling lights by night, it’s easy to see why this destination captures hearts each winter.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge lights up the Smoky Mountains with millions of sparkling bulbs during Winterfest. Visitors explore light displays, catch shows, and visit Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas. Between cozy cabins, mountain views, and small-town friendliness, it’s a heartwarming holiday escape.
Santa Claus, Indiana
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Santa Claus, Indiana, celebrates its name with full festive pride. Families visit the Santa Claus Museum, send letters from the famous post office, and drive through light displays that glow all month long. It’s cheerful, classic, and full of small-town joy that feels like pure holiday magic.
Solvang, California
In Solvang, Danish heritage meets California sunshine. The annual Julefest fills the streets with parades, artisan markets, and plenty of sweet treats. Visitors enjoy aebleskivers, gløgg, and festive photo ops beside windmills wrapped in lights. It’s Europe-meets-California, and every corner feels like a postcard.
Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock feels like Christmas from the moment the first snow falls. The village green glows with candles and wreaths, while the Wassail Weekend fills the town with parades, caroling, and sleigh rides. It’s cozy, traditional, and one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in New England.
Who Will Sleigh the Competition?
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From coast to coast, these small towns are proving that the Christmas spirit is alive and well. Whether it’s snow-covered streets or riverside lights, each nominee captures a different kind of magic.
You can vote once per day until November 18, 2025, at noon ET, and see which ten towns take the top honors when Newsweek announces the winners on November 25, 2025.
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