Christmas in North Dakota is magical. That’s probably why North Dakota was featured as the setting of the 2016 Hallmark movie “Every Christmas Has A Story,” where the main character goes to the small town of Hollyvale, North Dakota to rediscover the holiday spirit. Hollyvale doesn’t actually exist as a town in this state, but you could find just as perfect of a setting by visiting one of the best Christmas towns in North Dakota. All of these towns could easily fit in as a setting for a Christmas Hallmark movie and be just as enchanting.

1. Wahpeton
Wahpeton, ND 58075, USA
Wahpeton, ND/Facebook
The town of Wahpeton becomes a lovely winter wonderland during the holidays. Head down Dakota Avenue in their downtown area to see the streets decorated with lights, wreaths, and of course a huge Christmas tree. You can peruse the shops and get some holiday shopping done. Wahpeton also has Chahinkapa Park, which, during the holiday season, is fully decked out in thousands of twinkling lights for anyone to drive through and enjoy.
2. Garrison
Garrison, ND 58540, USA
Dickens Village Festival/Facebook
The title of "Christmas capital of North Dakota" doesn't come without a reason. Garrison is the one and only town in the state to hold that honor, and they prove why. Along with the Dickens Village Festival, an annual festival where the entire town becomes the setting to the classic tale A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, the whole town stays decorated and full of holiday cheer throughout the season. Even their town mascot - Wally the Walleye - gets in on the festivities!
3. Williston
Williston, ND 58801, USA
Benjamin Gibbs/Google
Williston, North Dakota has a great downtown area for Christmas shopping and you can also visit its Spring Lake Park Holiday Lights Drive for a dazzling display. Holiday lights fill the park where you can take a slow drive through to see them.
4. Minot
Minot, ND, USA
Minot's Pretty Lights/Facebook
The Magic City of Minot looks like something right out of a Hallmark movie during the holidays. With a decorated downtown and plenty of other homes around the neighborhoods all colorful and bright, it doesn't get much better. Holiday cheer can be found on every corner and there are plenty of great local businesses to shop from as well as a dazzling light holiday display known as Christmas in the Park.
5. Fargo
Fargo, ND, USA
Fargo-Moorhead CVB/Flickr
Get into that urban Christmas mood that'll make you feel like you're whisked away into one of the many city Christmas movies out there in Fargo. Other than the annual Parade of Lights, Fargo has a beautiful downtown area with plenty of decor, shops, and more. Plus, there's Broadway Square. Touted as "Fargo's version of New York City's Rockefeller Plaza," Broadway Square boasts a towering tree, an ice rink, festive music, carriage rides, and more.
6. Medora
Medora, ND 58645, USA
Medora, ND/Facebook
Medora is known for being a summer vacation destination but it is equally as enchanting during the holidays. The famous Medora Musical even goes on tour across many North Dakotan towns for a special Christmas performance. It's Christmas with an old western, cowboy twist - and it's amazing!

So, do you agree? Are these the best Christmas towns in North Dakota? What other North Dakota towns do you recommend as a holiday destination? What holiday events in North Dakota do you attend every year? Whatever it is, tell us!

The best Christmas towns in North Dakota don’t end with those above. There are quite a few festive towns in the state, including this charming town in North Dakota.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Best Christmas Towns In North Dakota

Daniella DiRienzo | November 04, 2022

What are the best drive-thru light shows in North Dakota?

Visiting the best Christmas towns in North Dakota is just one way to get your fill of holiday spirit. There are quite a few others, including admiring twinkling lights and festive décor at one of the many drive-thru light shows in North Dakota. One of the best drive-thru light shows in North Dakota is Christmas in the Park, which takes place at Lincoln Park in Grand Forks. A Yuletide event that shouldn’t be missed, the drive-thru light show features over 40 displays of twinkling lights. Christmas in the Park typically kicks off the Friday after Thanksgiving and runs through the month of December. Stay up to date on event happenings by following Christmas in the Park on Facebook.

What are the best ice skating rinks in North Dakota?

There’s more to the winter season in North Dakota than twinkling lights and Yuletide decorations. The season brings with it the opportunity to enjoy a slew of classic winter activities, such as ice skating. There are ice rinks throughout the state. One spot for skating figure eights is Leistikow Park in Grafton. The outdoor rink is perfect for skaters of all skill levels. Plus, there’s a warming house located right next to the rink. Schumacher Park in Drayton is also home to a seasonal outdoor ice rink. Unlike Leistikow Park, Schumacher Park allows for hockey sticks and pucks, making it a great spot for a quick pick up game. It does share one similarity with the rink at Leistikow Park, though – it’s got a warming house right next to the rink, so skaters can easily escape the cold.

Related Articles

Explore North Dakota