From coast to coast, here are the most charming towns to visit for Christmas.
Courtesy of Montage Laguna Beach
Nothing quite compares to the joy of seeing a town bedecked with holiday decorations.
The sight of boughs of holly and string lights can warm you even in the coldest temperatures.
A brightly lit tree on the grounds of the Montage Laguna Beach resort.Credit:Courtesy of Montage Laguna Beach
Wandering along Cooper Avenue, you may chance upon cookie exchanges, public s’mores roasts, or elf meet-and-greets.
Looking for a bird’s-eye view of the decorations?
Book one of the Sky Residences atW Aspento get access to a private rooftop lounge overlooking incredible mountain scenery.
Fireworks over Aspen, Colorado.Kyler Sciaronne/Courtesy of Aspen Chamber Resort Association
Ogunquit, Maine
C.A.
December’sChristmas by the Seafestival typically includes a bonfire on the beach and visits with Santa.
Bean Flagship store and pose with the famous big boot.
An illuminated bridge in Ogunquit, Maine.C.A. Smith/Courtesy of Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce
December brings fresh powder, the village tree lighting, and New Year’s Eve festivities.
Try local favoritesYeti’s GrindandLoaded Joe’sin the morning, and sip well-crafted drinks atRoot & Flowerin the evening.
It’s a peaceful getaway for holiday travelers hoping for a low-key escape.
A snow-covered wooden bridge crossing Vail’s Gore Creek.Getty Images
But there’s plenty of opulence especially at the nearbyGreenbrier, the Lewisburg area’s epicenter of holiday splendor.
The 18th-century resort keeps visitors entertained with over-the-top decorations and family programming.
Typically, the weather is still warm enough to kayak or join a boat tour along Taylor’s Creek.
Carolers in Nantucket, Massachusetts.Courtesy of Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
The city decorates a tree in Devendorf Park and holds a tree and menorah lighting ceremony in early December.
Park City, Utah
Jason Cameron/Getty Images
This Utah mountain town boasts serious wattage during the holidays.
Continue your tour of holiday decorations atStein Eriksen Lodge, which builds a giant gingerbread display every year.
Walt Disney World’s Main Street USA decorated for Christmas.Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure
With daily highs in the 60s throughout December, you could easily forget it’s Christmas.
Annapolis boasts a plethora of Christmas lights, notably strewn on boats and along the water’s edge.
Leading up to Christmas, wineries offer low-key tastings, musical performances, and great gift shopping.
Runners in Santa outfits toe the starting line for the annual Race of the Santas in Breckenridge, Colorado.JASON CONNOLLY/AFP via Getty Images
Check outParrish Family Vineyard’s tasting room, and teleport to a ’20s-era Christmas atHearst Castle.
The elaborate decor makes the 40-mile drive worth it.
VisitFlowers Vineyards and Wineryfor the pinot noir andAperture Cellarsfor the view.
Shops in downtown Lewisburg, West Virginia.Courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism
The centerpiece is the Ski Tree, which is literally made of old skis.
And you’ll love the Telluride nightlife in any season.
you’re free to see them any day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
A dock in Beaufort, NC, decked out for Christmas.Getty Images
Weekends are often full of holiday activities like gingerbread house displays, caroling, and frequent appearances by Santa.
Walk theWashington Street Mallto admire garlands and festive lights as you shop.
Book a stay atCongress Hall, especially if you have kids.
Christmas window decorations in the California town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.Courtesy of Visit Carmel
The hotel typically turns its Grand Lawn into a seaside winter wonderland complete with festive activities.
Another fun tradition is the gingerbread display competition at the Ronald McDonald House.
Laguna Beach, California
There’s no chance of a white Christmas in Southern California.
A snow-dusted Christmas tree in Park City, Utah.Jason Cameron/Getty Images
But instead of watching the sky for snowflakes, you could scan the waves for migrating whales.
A Florida Santa paddling out at Santa Rosa Beach.Courtesy of Walton County Tourism
Brookgreen Gardens, in Myrtle Beach, SC, aglow for The Night of a Thousand Candles.Getty Images
Lanterns adorn a Santa Fe gallery at Christmas.Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Christmas decor seen during on a tour of a historic mansion in Newport, Rhode Island.iStockphoto/Getty Images
The gate of the Government House in Annapolis, Maryland, decorated with a wreath.Getty Images
The Sensorio Paso Robles Holiday GLOW installation.Courtesy of Travel Paso
Fireside decorations at the Montage Healdsburg resort in California.Emma K. Morris/Courtesy of Montage Healdsburg
The Telluride, Colorado Ski Tree, constructed annually with old skis donated by the local community.Courtesy of Visit Telluride
Storefronts decorated for the holidays in Leavenworth, Washington.Getty Images
Downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire decorated for the holidays.Courtesy of Visit NH
A gift shop in Cape May, New Jersey.Getty Images
A statue decorated with multicolored lights at the University of Virginia’s Lighting of the Lawn event.Courtesy of UVA University Communications
Decorations at Atlantic City’s The Quarter at Tropicana shopping center.Courtesy of Visit Atlantic City
The fountain in Natchitoches, Louisiana at Christmas.JP Thompson/Getty Images
Holiday programming at the Montage Laguna Beach includes cookie decorating sessions.Courtesy of Montage Laguna Beach
