Great Towns to Visit for the Christmas Season
In this post I share some great towns to visit for the Christmas season. These are towns that get snow in the winter. It doesn’t really feel like Christmas without snow. For that reason, I made sure I listed only towns that get snow. Some of these towns have fun winter activities like carriage rides, caroling, tree lighting, skiing and a visit from Santa. Each town is in a different state, so hopefully one of these towns won’t be too far away.
Kennebunkport, Maine
The first town on my list is Kennebunkport, Maine. This is a beautiful small town located on the coast. December 3, is the start of The Christmas Prelude. They have a tree lighting ceremony with carolers. Santa comes to town on a lobster boat. Also, included is craft fairs, sleigh rides, concerts and historic house tours. Kennebunkport offers so many fun activities to make your Christmas magical.
The Nonantum Resort sponsors dinner for the family after the tree lighting. Also, there’s lots of fun activities for the kids such as, making gingerbread houses. In addition, they have something called Breakfast with Santa. The resort also has the Fire and Ice party for the adults. The party has ice sculptures and outside are several fire pits.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The next town is Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It’s a beautiful snowy town in wintertime. Also, Yellowstone National park isn’t too far away. There’s plenty of great winter activities. If you like to ski, this is a great place to come. Jackson hole is known for it’s snowboarding and skiing.
Another activity which is great for the whole family is wildlife viewing. Have a guided tour in this winter wonderland with Wildlife Expeditions. They offer a few different tours, such as, Yellowstone Snowcoach Tour, and Grand Teton Wildlife Tour.
Sleigh rides are another way to enjoy the winter here. The sleigh ride will last about an hour. Mill Iron Ranch has dinner and a sleigh ride. After the ride at their ranch, enjoy a T-bone steak dinner. Other places that offer sleigh rides are National Elk Refuge and Spring Creek Resort.
In addition to wildlife tours and sleigh rides Jackson Hole has more fun ways to enjoy the snow. Snowshoeing, snow tubing and dog sledding are other activities available here. And I can’t forget to mention Ice skating. Here are the locations to go ice skating.
Forest City, North Carolina
The next great towns to visit for the Christmas season is Forest City, North Carolina. Experience this small town with a million lights. The lighting ceremony is done on Thanksgiving night. The lights will stay up until January 3, 2021.
The holiday festivities are on the weekends. Activities include, carriage rides, and ice skating. Also, reservations are a must to book your private carriage ride. The ride is 15 minutes long. Dates available for booking are December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19. The ice skating rink is open the same dates as the carriage rides.
Forest City also has the largest lighted Christmas ornament in the region. A great place for a photo op. Located at the Pavilion on Park Square.
Stroll down Main Street while drinking hot apple cider or hot chocolate, which is sold during the weekends. Also, there are many fun little shops to enjoy in this small town. Make sure to visit America’s Fudge Shop located on Main Street. Fudge is the perfect holiday treat and the shop has so many flavors to choose from.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth Washington is a beautiful Bavarian mountain town. It’s that perfect picture you have in your head when you imagine what Christmas looks like.
Unfortunately, due to Covid, the Christmas Lighting Festival has been canceled this year. However, the Christmas lights in downtown will still be on. There are over half a million lights. The lights will be up until Valentine’s Day.
The festival may be cancelled but some activities are still available. Such as, private sleigh rides, snowshoeing, skiing, icicle river trails and snowmobiling. But, if you’d rather experience the festival then put Leavenworth on your bucket list.
Durango, Colorado
Durango Colorado is the last town on my list of great towns to visit for the Christmas season. This is another town great for skiing and snowmobiling. But there is more fun to be had for the Christmas season. Have you ever dreamed of riding on the Polar Express?
During the Christmas season you can ride The Polar Express Train. The train runs until January 3, 2021. Therefore, no need to worry if you can’t go until after Christmas.
There is a pre-show before boarding the train and the ride takes 35 minutes. While on the train, hot chocolate and cookies are served. A golden ticket is also given to each passenger. The train goes to the North Pole where you will meet Santa and his elves. Guests will get to walk through Santa’s workshop and meet some reindeer.
What town would you add to this list? Have you been to any of these towns? What is your favorite place to visit for the holiday season? Please leave a comment below. It really does help our readers out.
