Get in the Holiday Spirit at the 12 Most Magical Christmas Towns in the U.S.

The holiday season is upon us and we're here for it—the twinkling light displays, Santa sightings, Christmas markets and festivals, and delicious meals and treats.

While you'll find Christmas cheer all across the country, there are certain towns that make the season extra merry and bright. This year, we invite you to get in the holiday spirit at the 11 most magical Christmas towns in the U.S.

1. Leavenworth, Washington

If you're looking for the most enchanting Alpine village to visit during Christmas, leave the passport at home and instead visit Leavenworth, Washington. Visiting Leavenworth, Washington at Christmas is an absolute must. Not only is it the most iconic Christmas town in Washington, but it's also actually considered one of the best Christmas towns in the entire world. Surrounded by mountains and teeming with towering, the scenery in Leavenworth is always breathtaking, but with the town's adorable shops decked with twinkling lights and snow often falling from the sky, this Washington town feels like a Christmas snow globe.

2. Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley is one of the country's most overlooked gems; its ski resorts playing second fiddle to Oregon's Government Camp and Breckenridge and Aspen in Colorado and this mountain town is often forsaken for cities like Leavenworth, Washington, and Bend, Oregon. However, this town of 1,800 is a delight and there's no better time to visit than winter, when Sun Valley transforms into the most enchanting Christmas town. From its snow-capped mountains to cozy, twinkling ski village, Christmas in Sun Valley is a must for anyone into the ski (or apres ski) scene.

3. Clifton, Ohio

I visited The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill as a 20 year old and was blown away by the unabashed holiday magic of this Ohio Christmas town. Clifton is about an hour from Cincinnati and while there are lots of amazing light shows in this part of Ohio, nothing compares to the light display at this charming red mill. Over 4,000 lights dance and dazzle, the town's eponymous mill which also boasts a restaurant with waterfall views and enchanting indoor features.

4. Bardstown, Kentucky

Nestled in the heart of the Bluegrass State, Bardstown is a delightful small town known for its scenic beauty, bourbon, and bustling downtown. During the holidays, Bardstown transforms into a veritable winter wonderland (sometimes with a snowflake or two, too!). Known for its delightful downtown with local shops and even carriage rides, come Christmas, Bardstown transforms into what locals lovingly refer to as the North Pole of Kentucky, thanks to its enchanting Main Street and plethora of holiday festivities.

5. New York City, New York

There's nothing like Christmas in New York City. From ice skating in Central Park to the larger-than-life Rockefeller Christmas Tree (both featured in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, of course) to the charming boroughs full of twinkle-lit small businesses and restaurants, Christmas in NYC is iconic. Tip: if you plan on visiting NYC during Christmas, expect it to be bustling, so picking the right airport to fly into NYC is a must.

6. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

It would be impossible to curate a list of the best Christmas towns in the U.S. without including Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Whatever your beliefs, Bethlehem is unequivocally one of the most charming Christmas towns in the country. The enchanting town earned its name and the title of "The Christmas City" when it was founded on Christmas Eve in 1741. Ever since, it's been a must-visit for holiday lovers who want to wander this historic town, do a little Christmas shopping, and embrace the unabashed joy of the holiday season.

7. Frankenmuth, Michigan

This Bavarian village 90 minutes north of Detroit, Frankenmuth is easily the best Christmas town in Michigan. Featuring an authentic German heritage, the world’s largest Christmas store, and a roster of holiday traditions, Frankenmuth is at peak charm come Christmastime. Come for the festivities, stay for the vibes—you're going to fall in love with this Bavarian village in Michigan.

8. North Pole, Alaska

If you're as into the holidays as we are, then a Christmas in North Pole, Alaska, belongs on your bucket list. North Pole is home to the Santa Claus House, located at the iconic 101 St. Nicholas Drive, where you can actually meet the man himself along with his reindeer. After personally delivering your letter to Santa, enjoy cocoa and fresh cookies in The Sweet Shop before snapping a picture on Santa's sleigh in North Pole, one of the most magical Christmas towns in the US.

9. Nisswa, Minnesota

Cozy Nisswa, Minnesota, is a town that goes all-out for the holidays and a delightfully under-the-radar Christmas town. Each year, this town of just 2,400 decks its halls and downtown district and it truly feels like Christmas every day during the months of November and December. And for those seeking a white Christmas, the chances of snow on the ground in Nisswa, Minnesota, on December 25 are high. (This Minnesota town has one the country's highest probabilities of a snowy Christmas, in fact!

10. Woodstock, Vermont

While the Northeast is best-known for phenomenal fall foliage, this region is, against all odds, even more glorious come winter. In addition to ample ski and winter sports opportunities, you'll find some of the most charming Christmas towns in the U.S. in the Northeast. Enter: Woodstock, Vermont. From the decorated Woodstock Inn to horse-drawn carriage rides from Kedron Valley Stables, twinkle-lit small businesses to (Gillingham Store is a must) Woodstock and cozy restaurants, this Vermont town brings the vibes for Christmas. (Oh and? Snow on Christmas is definitely not out of the question in this charming Vermont village.)

11. Hilton Head, South Carolina

I know, I know—South Carolina is the last place you'd expect to find Christmas vibes, but after spending several Thanksgivings on the island, I can say without hesitation that Hilton Head is a bona fide Christmas town.

Lights are everywhere and the island hosts some truly unique events like the Christmas light displays at Harbour Town and Shelter Cove and Winter Wonderland Festival. (Local tip: Fire Station 3 has one of the best light displays on the island). My Midwest-based family attended Hilton Head's Winter Wonderland festival a few years ago and it was really fun to experience Christmas in a balmy beach town. (Wondering where to stay? The Sea Pines Resort is a celebrated hotel in Hilton Head that's especially lovely during the holidays.)

12. McAdenville, North Carolina

Every December, this Charlotte suburb transforms into Christmas Town U.S.A. The season kicks off on December 1 with a tree lighting and Christmas light display across the entire town. Since the late 1950's the town has been going all out for the holiday festivities, but it gained national attention in after being featured on CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Kuralt in 1980. Stroll through shops, dine downtown, or plan your visit around the annual Yule Log parade.

It's one of the most magical Christmas towns in the state, but we also recommend checking out Western North Carolina's Banner Elk and Hendersonville, where you'll have a better chance at a snowy backdrop.

Of course, the holidays are a fun and totally magical season no matter where you are in the U.S., so in addition to the above Christmas towns, we recommend using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.