10 Coolest Places to Spend Christmas In the U.S.A.

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. There’s just something about the twinkle of lights, the cozy warmth of the season, and the hope that Christmas represents that just lifts the spirits.

But while some people love staying home for the holidays, others think there’s something special about packing up and celebrating Christmas somewhere new.

Whether you like snow-covered streets, tropical getaways, or small-town charm, these spots across the U.S. have a way of making the holidays unforgettable.

Cleveland, Ohio

In Cleveland, you can step right into the pages of A Christmas Story by visiting Ralphie’s restored house, now a museum that offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of the film. You can even book a stay to fully immerse yourself in the movie’s magic overnight.

While you’re there, why not pick up a leg lamp as a quirky souvenir? Just handle with care—they’re as fragile as they are iconic!

Andalusia, Alabama

Andalusia invites you to embrace the holiday spirit with its Candyland event, a celebration that lights up the town all December long. With no admission fee and just a small charge for horse-drawn carriage rides, it’s an affordable way to make some holiday memories.

Imagine catching a Snow Show or chugging along on the holiday train—this small town pulls out all the stops to make your festive season bright and joyful. Plus, the Southern hospitality makes it all the more welcoming.

McAdenville, North Carolina

In McAdenville, they don’t just celebrate Christmas; they turn the whole town into a winter spectacle that’s hard to miss. Known as “Christmas Town USA,” it’s the kind of place that feels like it leapt straight out of a storybook once December hits.

Imagine every street and house decked out with so many lights you’d think the stars decided to take a vacation on earth. It’s not just beautiful; it’s downright heartwarming, and it draws crowds who leave feeling a little more connected to the holiday magic.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Think New Orleans is just about beads and brass bands? Wait till you see it decked out for the holidays. The city swaps out its Mardi Gras masks for Christmas lights, with displays and bonfires that make the bayou shimmer.

Don’t skip Celebration in the Oaks. Here, the city’s iconic oak trees are strung with miles of lights, turning the park into a glowing fairy tale setting. It’s a party, NOLA style, proving that this city knows how to keep the spirit bright, with a twist only it can pull off.

Seneca Falls, New York

If you’re a fan of It’s A Wonderful Life, then Seneca Falls is your must-visit this holiday season. Believed to be the real-life inspiration for Bedford Falls, the town embraces its cinematic link with an annual festival that truly brings the spirit of the movie to life.

Imagine watching a movie screening under the stars, meeting cast members, and enjoying a festive parade—it’s a celebration that wraps you in the warmth and nostalgia of this beloved Christmas classic.

Oahu, Hawaii

Who says Christmas needs to be cold? On Oahu, Hawaii, the holidays swap frost for sunshine, making it the perfect escape for anyone looking to trade in their winter coat for a swimsuit. Dive into the holiday spirit tropical-style with the Waikiki Holiday Lights Trolley tour, where the festive lights dazzle against a backdrop of palm trees.

Don’t miss the Honolulu City Lights event, where the spirit of aloha meets holiday joy, proving that Christmas cheer thrives in any climate.

New York City, New York

Christmas in New York City is something everyone should experience at least once. The iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza isn’t just a sight to behold; it’s the heart of the city’s holiday pulse. Nearby, you can glide across the ice rink or wander along Fifth Avenue, where store windows transform into dazzling festive displays that could out-sparkle the night sky.

Make sure to catch a performance of The Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular—it’s as quintessentially New York as the Empire State Building.

Vail, Colorado

Vail turns into a snowy paradise come December, making it the perfect spot for anyone looking to dive into the holiday spirit with a side of adventure. Hit the slopes for some of the best skiing in the country, and afterwards, warm up by wandering through Vail Village. The village feels like it’s straight out of a storybook, especially during the Kris Kringle Market or the big tree lighting ceremony.

Greenville, SC

Strolling through Greenville during December feels like walking onto a movie set where every holiday film you’ve loved comes to life. Picture this: sidewalks glowing under canopies of twinkling lights and an ice rink that’s a spitting image of the one at Rockefeller Center, but without the New York City crowds.

If you swing by the Greenville Gingerbread Exhibit, you’ll see some seriously impressive cookie construction—local chefs and cooks really go all out here.

And hey, make sure to grab some of that Grinch-inspired green popcorn at Poppington’s. It’s as fun as it sounds, and it tastes like Christmas spirit (if that had a flavor!).

Woodstock, Vermont

Ever wanted to step into a living holiday card? That’s Woodstock, Vermont, during its Wassail Weekend. This place has all the old-school charm you could dream of, from twinkling lights and historic homes decked to the nines, to horse-drawn carriage rides that feel like time-traveling to a simpler, sweeter era.