19 US Cities That Turn into Fairytales for Christmas

The holiday season is here, meaning you can indulge in fresh baked goods and mulled wine without any shame. But where exactly should you sample these delights? The best Christmas towns in the US are the perfect starting point. Vogue has compiled a list of 19 vibrant and festive places across the country worth visiting this season.

A true Christmas city isn't just about the usual decorations: traditional markets, fun events, and a general sense of magic await you. While snow adds a special touch of magic, many cities create this sense of wonder regardless of the weather.

Crestview Butte, Colorado

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The snow-capped Colorado Rockies provide the perfect Christmas-card backdrop for towns like Crestview Butte. Here, brightly painted historic buildings create the feeling of walking inside a snow globe. During the holiday season, visitors can admire the decorated downtown in the evenings after a day of cross-country skiing, dog sledding, or even ice fishing. One of the region's most unique traditions is Santa's Ski Day, an annual event where hundreds of people dressed as Santa Claus join forces to ski or snowboard down the mountain.

Where to stayEleven Experience in Crestview Butte, a travel company, offers two luxury lodges in town: Sopris House and Scarp Ridge Lodge. Both feature Wild West themes, including copper bathtubs, wood-paneled bars, and fireside dining.

Kennebunkport, Maine

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In Maine, every small town is charming, especially during the holiday season, when the state's coastline is decked out in lights and garlands. Kennebunkport, with its famous Christmas Prelude, is a prime example. It's an eleven-day series of festive events that includes everything from the lighting of lobster pot trees to the annual hat parade.

Where to stay: With crackling fireplaces and classic East Coast style, the luxurious White Barn Inn is the perfect base for exploring Kennebunkport, located right in the heart of downtown.

New York

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Home to the films "Home Alone," "Miracle on 34th Street," and "Elf," New York City welcomes millions of tourists each year in search of iconic holiday attractions—from the tree at Rockefeller Center to the window displays on Fifth Avenue. To avoid the crowds, book a table at a renowned spot, like Sunday Brunch at Ned's Club Downstairs (nicknamed "Ned's Feast"), where you can enjoy sumptuous roast beef and live music. If you're looking for twinkling lights, admire the Christmas tree on Wall Street—much quieter, but no less majestic.

Where to stay: It's hard to find anything cozier than a room with a view at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park. This renowned hotel is beloved for its enormous Christmas tree in the Contour Bar. And this season, the hotel will feature a pop-up space from the French perfume house Diptyque. There, guests can sip cocktails inspired by Diptyque fragrances; visit a special suite or showroom with the brand's gift sets; and receive cookies and hot cocoa from the signature cart in the lobby (also in Diptyque style).

Bucks County, Pennsylvania

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Hot chocolate on a historic train in New Hope or an open-carriage ride through the holiday lights display in Yardley make Bucks County a popular destination for Christmas fun. One of the highlights is Peddler's Village, where you can browse 65 specialty shops, ride a 1920s carousel, and see a gingerbread house display.

Where to stay: In the center of Peddler's Village is The Golden Plough Inn. The hotel is comprised of several historic buildings, including the old post office and 19th-century stone structures that once served as a stagecoach stop.

Chicago, Illinois

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This city with its outstanding architecture is rightfully considered one of the best places in the country to spend Christmas. Classic holiday elements are on display here: ice skating, fairs, illuminations, and themed dinners. To escape the winter chill, stop by the Music Box Theatre for a double feature of "It's a Wonderful Life" and "White Christmas." Or, bundle up warm and sip a glass of mulled wine while strolling through the Lightscape installation in the Botanical Gardens.

Where to stayDowntown, right next to the Millennium Park skating rink, The Langham, Chicago offers a festive afternoon tea with themed sandwiches and treats, and Santa Claus entertains children in the second-floor lobby.

Helen, GA

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This mountain village in northeast Georgia is especially popular during the holiday season. Bavarian homes and a multitude of twinkling lights create the atmosphere of a sentimental Christmas movie, while fairs and parades add to the festive atmosphere. When you're not busy shopping for pottery or handmade jewelry, visit one of the local wineries.

Where to stay: A forty-minute drive southwest of Helen is the Dahlonega Inn on Main, a bed and breakfast in a colonial building dating back to 1846. The town itself offers additional attractions, including carriage rides and Christmas afternoon tea.

Woodstock, Vermont

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Snow-covered and decorated for the holidays, Woodstock is a classic New England Christmas town. Surrounded by dense forest and rolling hills, it looks especially charming in winter, especially when residents decorate their homes. At Billings Farm & Museum, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of yesteryear: hand-making wax candles and baking traditional Christmas cake in the parlor of a Victorian farmhouse. Don't miss the Wassail Weekend festival, featuring carriage rides, ornament making, an organ concert, a craft and food market, and a horse parade.

Where to stay: Twin Farms offers a secluded getaway on 300 acres of Vermont countryside. In winter, its 28 cottages and suites make a convenient base for cross-country skiing and Christmas shopping in Woodstock.

Solvang, California

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Founded by Danish immigrants in the early 20th century, Solvang looks like something out of a fairy tale. During the holidays, it hosts a Christmas tree lighting ceremony with dancing and caroling, as well as the Julefest street parade. On other days, there are craft markets, nightly light and music shows, and a visit to Santa Claus Village for photo opportunities.

Where to stay: Alisal Ranch is a luxurious working ranch, founded in 1946. After exploring Solvang's Danish bakeries and galleries, return here for hot chocolate by the fire.

Leavenworth, Washington

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With its Bavarian architecture and soaring mountain peaks, Leavenworth resembles a European alpine village. During the holidays, this Cascade Mountain town sparkles with millions of lights. There are always carols playing, Santa Clauses dressed in costumes from around the world strolling around, a gingerbread house display, and a variety of hot cocoa snacks for sale.

Where to stay: The Posthotel, located on the riverfront in downtown Leavenworth, is renowned for its alpine wellness treatments. Family-owned and operated by a family that has lived in the region for five generations.

Newport, Rhode Island

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This coastal town is known for its Golden Age mansions, cliffside walk, and maritime traditions. At Christmas, the cobblestone streets are decorated with lights. Entertainment abounds, including champagne cruises, themed afternoon teas, a Nutcracker performance, a parade of illuminated boats, and other events.

Where to stay: Castle Hill Inn is a seaside Relais & Châteaux hotel on a secluded peninsula with cottages, a historic mansion and harbourside homes.

Seneca Falls, New York

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If watching "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) is your annual tradition, visit the town that likely inspired the film. In the picturesque Finger Lakes region, Christmas events are built around the film, with special screenings, parades, and meet-and-greets.

Where to stay: Inns of Aurora Resort & Spa is a chain of restored historic homes perfect for winter getaways.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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The Grand Teton Range in Jackson Hole is one of nature's most spectacular sights. In winter, everything is covered in snow, and a festive atmosphere extends from the ski slopes to the valley floor. Visitors enjoy the views during horse-drawn sleigh rides at the National Elk Refuge, then stroll through the central square sipping cocoa and snacking on scones.

Where to stay: Nestled in the foothills of the Grand Tetons is Amangani, an Old West-style resort offering panoramic views of the valley.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

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This island is very popular in the summer, but remains underrated in the winter, though it's precisely during the colder months that Nantucket is ideal for a relaxing Christmas getaway. As required by the Historic District Commission, all buildings here are clad in cedar shingles, giving the island an almost fairytale-like appearance. In winter, when the cobblestone streets are covered with snow and the lanterns are lit, the atmosphere becomes especially cozy. The holiday program includes the annual Christmas Stroll, which features the lighting of the Christmas tree on Main Street, as well as caroling, home tours, and holiday shopping.

Where to stay: Situated on the pier in a former sea captain's home, Greydon House, its interiors, designed by Roman and Williams, nod to Old World aesthetics and imbue the stay with a sense of understated luxury and nostalgia.

Park City Utah

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This mountain town is especially attractive to outdoor enthusiasts, especially in winter, when snow transforms the surroundings into a classic winter landscape. After hitting the famous ski slopes, head to the historic center for some shopping. Festive events continue throughout the season, including a parade, caroling, and a ride on a Christmas tree. North Pole Express Heber Valley Railroad - A 90-minute journey with entertainment, hot cocoa, and cookies.

Where to stay: The Lodge at Blue Sky, part of the Auberge Resorts collection, is located on 4000 acres of mountainous terrain. The hotel offers 46 accommodation options, from streamside cottages to suites with grass roofs and open fireplaces.

Grapevine, Texas

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This city between Dallas and Fort Worth is known as the Christmas capital of Texas. It boasts preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, wineries with tasting rooms, and over 1400 events over 40 days of celebration. Visitors can ice skate on Peace Plaza, watch the Parade of Lights with floats and bands, or a light show featuring 400 drones.

Where to stayThe Bowie House, part of the Auberge Collection, is located about thirty minutes southwest of Grapevine. This designer cowboy-themed hotel features leather furnishings, fine Texas cuisine, and more than 400 works of art.

Middleburg, Virginia

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Located an hour's drive from Washington, D.C., Middleburg boasts rolling hills and a rich history. At Christmas, the town hosts parades, food and wine tastings, and tree lighting ceremonies. The local equestrian culture highlights the Hunt and Hounds parade and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Where to stayThe Red Fox Inn & Tavern has been in business since 1728. The complex consists of five restored historic buildings and offers 22 rooms, suites, and cottages.

Cape May, New Jersey

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Cape May blends Victorian architecture with Atlantic coastal scenery. Designated a National Historic Landmark, this town is especially attractive during the holiday season. People stroll along the Washington Street Mall in search of treats and gifts. Evening candlelight tours are very popular—route along gas lamps to churches, hotels, and B&Bs adorned with garlands and lights.

Where to stay: Situated on 62 acres, Beach Plum Farm Cottages offers campfires, farm tours, or a tranquil retreat.

Galena, Illinois

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Galena is a small town on the Mississippi River in the northwestern part of the state with a well-preserved historic downtown. During the holidays, the streets are decorated with lights, and there are tree lighting ceremonies, fireworks displays, and unusual events, such as an ugly sweater food tour.

Where to stay: The Inn at Irish Hollow is a bed and breakfast on a working farm. It features a historic building, cottages, and suites in an English country style. Wood-burning stoves and stone fireplaces create a particularly cozy atmosphere.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Santa Fe offers a distinctive Southwestern flavor of Christmas traditions, especially during the Canyon Road Farolito Walk—an evening stroll through a neighborhood lined with historic adobe houses illuminated by farolito lanterns and pine fires. Art galleries stay open longer than usual on Christmas Eve, and on December 7th and 8th, the Winter Spanish Market features handicrafts, workshops, music, and traditional food.

Where to stay: The Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe is a perfect choice for a festive getaway, featuring traditional fireplaces with pine logs and handcrafted decorations.

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