The Quaintest Christmas Villages Across the U.S.

Solvang’s legendary Julefest is an annual month-long holiday done in true Danish fashion. More than 100 Christmas trees and thousands of lights line this southern California’s walkable streets during a city-wide tree decorating contest, while Solvang’s shops, Danish bakeries, restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, wine and beer bars, and hotels join the friendly competition by decorating their own spaces.

The village will also host its annual “Nisser adventure,” where participants can join in a city-wide hunt for the mysterious Solvang Nisser (Christmas elves) hidden throughout downtown Solvang. Once guests find the Nisser, they scan a QR code to continue along the route to earn a special keepsake at completion. Visit the Solvang Julefest Maker’s Market to find the perfect holiday gift, and sign up for one of December’s quaint Candlelight Tours—before they sell out.

The quaint Bavarian town of Leavenworth, Washington, is known each holiday season as “the Village of Lights,” with over half a million lights shining brightly each night. The holiday lights will be lit each night from dusk to dawn, creating a winter celebration to experience all seven nights a week. Climb aboard a real horse-drawn sleigh for an experience straight out of a traditional holiday tune.

Visit the Nutcracker Museum for its impressive assortment of nutcrackers from around the world; at the Village of the Lights: Christmastown experience, listen to carolers and admire the lights that transform the neighborhood into a sparkling wonderland. Christkindlmarkt is the perfect place to holiday shop; find unique handmade gifts for your loved ones, and afterward, treat yourself to a body-warming cup of mulled wine.

A stroll on historic King Street during the Christmas period feels equivalent to being in a real-life Dickens village, complete with European flair and seasonal delights, such as the 40-foot tree on Market Square adorned with nearly 40,000 twinkling lights. The Colonial Christmas programming at Mount Vernon includes a meet-and-greet with Aladdin, the Christmas Camel, and the chance to explore the brightly-lit historic estate.

For an unforgettable holiday dining experience, visit the first weekend in December during Alexandria’s “biggest holiday weekend,” when the Scottish parade comes to town, and the Boat Parade of Lights (rain or shine) illuminates the Potomac River shoreline with its more than 50 brightly lit boats. Book the Historic Holiday hotel package at the newly opened Hotel AKA Alexandria—a luxurious new hotel in a great location in the heart of Old Town, and enjoy complimentary seasonal drinks, guided walking tour tickets, and more.

Frankenmuth, Michigan, is well-known as a destination for holiday spirit year-round. Home to Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, this Michigan vacation destination (just 90 miles north of Detroit) boasts the largest Christmas store in the U.S.(more than 6,000 styles of ornaments, half of which are Bronner’s own exclusive designs). Each holiday season, the town ramps up its festivities and decorates each surface of its Bavarian-style village with tens of thousands of lights and multiple holiday displays and events.

This year, there will be a 40-plus foot Christmas tree decked out with 23,000 lights and a music show to admire multiple times each day. The town’s traditional German Christmas market, the open-air Frankenmuth ChristKindlMarkt is a family-friendly experience shining bright throughout the entire holiday season, with artisans selling everything from handmade gifts to holiday treats. During the festive season, Grandpa Tiny’s Heritage Farm transforms into Santa’s Reindeer Farm— home to “reindeer in training” on Saturdays and Sundays through December 17.

North Pole, Alaska, feels like Christmas all year round, thanks to light poles shaped and decorated like candy canes and streets like Santa Claus Lane, Kris Kringle Drive, and Mistletoe. Plus, the city’s biggest and most popular attraction— the Santa Claus House—is a destination in its own right. The holiday decorations are up all year round but have been known to light up as soon as 2:30 p.m. in the winter when the sun sets earlier. The North Pole is also a great place to see nature’s holiday lights—the aurora borealis—Mother Nature’s holiday celebration.

The holiday season kicks off in Breckenridge, Colorado, when the town seemingly transforms into a scene straight from a sparkling snow globe with more than 250,000 LED twinkling holiday lights and a lineup of fun, festive events. The season kicks off on the first weekend of December, with the “Lighting of Breckenridge” and “Race of the Santas” —a short race for adults dressed as Santa followed by the illumination of hundreds of thousands of lights.

On the first weekend of December, there’s also Breck Create Arts District’s Handmade Holiday Market, where visitors and locals can shop for local artisan goodies or even take a class to learn how to create their own crafts—just in time for the season of gift giving. Ullr Fest, which takes place on the second weekend of December, praises the Norse god of snow so the town will be blessed and blasted with the iconic Breckenridge powder that skiers and snowshoers love. Tributes include a parade, bonfire, and the annual attempt for World’s Longest Shot Ski® with the Breckenridge Distillery.

Also known as “little Switzerland,” the town of New Glarus, Wisconsin, was first settled by the Swiss in 1845, and its Swiss origins shine through today in the town’s chalet-style architecture and timber Bavarian design. New Glarus does not skimp on the details regarding holiday displays, including traditional Swiss festivities.

This year, the town celebrates the holidays with a life-size advent calendar organized each year by a well-beloved local resident originally from Switzerland. There’s also an impressive tree-lighting ceremony and the town’s traditional Christkindli market featuring Wisconsin “Reindeer” (technically, they’re cows because this is Wisconsin). But the most authentic element of New Glarus’ holiday celebration might be the town’s local alphorn players who annually rock out on authentic traditional Swiss alphorns decorated hardcore with wrappings of Christmas lights and holiday spirit.

Grapevine isn’t known as the Christmas Capital of Texas for nothing. This spirited city outside of Dallas hosts over 1,400 festive events during the holiday season in 40 days. Get into the spirit with the Annual Parade of Lights along Main Street on Thursday, December 7. Admire one of the Merry & Bright drone shows on December Saturdays through Christmas. Visit the Town Square Gazebo’s festive Grapevine Advent Calendar.

Stay overnight or just pop into the Gaylord Texan Resort and check out the property’s ICE! Exhibit boasting larger-than-life ice sculptures (this is Texas, after all) and exciting ice luge rides. Nearby, Great Wolf Lodge’s Snowland event features real snowflake sprinkles. Show off some skating skills at the outdoor Peace Plaza Ice Rink. Sip a holiday beverage at the Holly Jolly Bar at Harvest Hall’s Third Rail. Or, experience nostalgia with a classic Christmas movie at the historic Palace Arts Center.

St. Charles, Missouri, is a charming, historic town with a picturesque main street perched on the banks of the Missouri River, featuring brick-lined buildings housing an abundance of local shops. The historic district is decorated beautifully with twinkling lights and fresh, festive pine garlands during the holidays. Don’t miss the town’s annual Christmas Traditions, a series of events combining history and storytelling with the natural enchantment of this festive season, taking place throughout the month of December.

Snack on roasted chestnuts and listen to Victorian carolers while learning about special holiday customs around the world. Stop into Grandma’s Cookies on Main Street downtown for the tastiest chocolate chip cookies (so big, they can practically be a whole meal). Those extra sensitive to the intense smells, noises, and sights of the season can take advantage of the free, sensory-friendly experience.

This season’s annual free “Nights of Lights” celebration in St. Augustine, Florida, will illuminate the city’s stunning Spanish Colonial architecture and showcase the city through an array of twinkling white lights. The event encompasses over 20 blocks of the city’s historic district, shining brightly through early January.

There are many fun ways to admire this sparkling spectacle. Stroll the streets on foot for a close-up, more intimate point of view—or admire the sights from the top of the Bridge of Lions which offers a panoramic position from above. Hop aboard the Old Town Trolley’s Famous “Nights of Lights Tour,” which departs each evening beginning at 6 p.m. from the Visitor Information Center. Or, soak up the lighted landscape from the water via one of the local boat excursions showcasing this brilliant display from a peaceful, nautical perspective.

Enjoy an authentic Bavarian Christmas in Helen, Georgia, nestled into the Northeast Georgia mountains. The town’s authentic alpine architecture and festive holiday décor—including cute cobblestone alleyways and buildings laced in elaborate trim make the town feel like a truly magical holiday destination. The town’s cherry shops are open late and decorated with festive trimmings—perfect for holiday shopping in a beautiful setting.

Check out the annual Christkindlmarkt at the Marktplatz in late November and early December for a taste of a traditional German event with unique gifts and an assortment of festive foods, drinks, and candied treats. Travel back in time for a traditional Victorian Christmas at the Hardman Farm State Historic Site, when the manor is dressed in period holiday décor—including twinkling candles and live music at the open house events.

Galena, Illinois, boasting enchanting Victorian architecture and a well-preserved historic downtown district that feels like a perfect backdrop for a classic holiday celebration, is tucked away in the rolling hills of northwest Illinois. Stroll down Historic Main Street, which features over 125 boutique shops, cozy cafes, and glowing storefronts, transforming a magical holiday haven during the festive season.

Get into the joyful spirit at the annual Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows event on December 9, when more than 5,000 candlelit luminaries light up local streets, steps, and sidewalks (it’s a great night to holiday shop at the small businesses offering extended hours, and plan a romantic candlelit dinner at charming local restaurants). There are many other holiday escapades—from parades, tree-lighting ceremonies and holiday markets, taking place throughout the season.