It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And no matter what you celebrate there’s something we all have in common—that festive cheer. Because who doesn’t love the look of twinkly lights and winter wonderlands (real or fake)?
Here’s our list of the 10 best holiday towns to visit this season.
1. Bethlehem, PA
One of the best holiday towns to visit this season is Bethlehem, PA. Since 1937 Bethlehem has been called Christmas City USA. There are endless options to choose from between the Christkindlmarkt, Huts on Main, a Live Advent Calendar, a horse-drawn carriage ride, and historic tours. It’s a town everyone can enjoy.
2. New York, NY
The city that never sleeps also offers some of the most elaborate holiday decorations along 5th Avenue and, of course, the world-famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree. If you love to ice skate, head to Bryant Park Ice Rink or Wollman Rink in Central Park. Restaurants all over the city deck the halls, with pop-up themes and takeovers throughout.
3. San Antonio, TX
If you’re in the area, head to San Antonio for some classic holiday celebrations. They have the San Antonio River Walk holiday lights, caroling, Ford Holiday River Parade, and tons of tamale makings.
4. Annapolis, MD
Annapolis, MD should definitely be on your list of holiday towns to visit this season. Dive into their Midnight Madness, a midnight shopping event packed with decorations and discounts. Cruise along Lights On The Bay and check out both of the city’s largely lit trees (can even pair it with a historic pub crawl).
5. Baton Rouge, LA
Baton Rouge has so many holiday events to choose from. With more mainstream ones like a Festival of Lights, and ice skating on the river. But they also make things truly southern with a Creole Christmas at Magnolia Mound Plantation and The Nutcracker-A Tale from the Bayou with the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre.
6. Asbury Park, NJ
The annual Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar is a go-to for most in New Jersey. The grand convention hall is right on the beach where you can get photos with Santa, shop locally for gifts, listen to live music, and enjoy plenty of local eats.
7. Delray Beach, FL
Delray Beach has a 100ft Christmas tree that’s definitely worth the visit. Even more, this city has a holiday window decor contest, a beach boat parade, and even a Jingle Bell Jog!
8. East Lansing, MI
East Lansing, MI is only an hour’s drive from the festive town of Frankenmuth— called Michigan’s Little Bavaria. It’s packed with activities like Jaycee’s Joyful Jubilation: Neighborhood Decoration Competition, a driving light tour, an ice skating rink, and a musical tree show. The town is so dedicated to its holiday season that it has a Christmas Guide.
9. Brockton, MA
Our Brockton, MA location is only a 30-minute drive from a place literally nicknamed “The Christmas City.” Taunton, MA has been in the holiday spirit since 1914 with its annual Lighting of the Green and Lights on Festival. It has everything you could want in your holiday cheer—a Christmas parade, lights, musical performances, and many family-friendly activities.
10. Charleston, SC
Charleston’s mild climate makes the holiday season enjoyable indoors and outside. The quaint, Antebellum mansions are decorated and the markets are packed with gift-giving options. James Island County Park hosts an annual Holiday Festival of Lights (with approximately two million lights!). They even have a special Advent Calendar for the month.
As you head to each of these towns for the ultimate holiday szn celebrations, stop into the local Playa Bowls and top off the festivities with one of our Winter Specials.