These 9 Best Christmas Towns Are Real Life Winter Wonderlands

Telluride, Colorado is known for its incredible ski trails (and even its beautiful summers!) but it’s also one of the perfect places for a real-life winter wonderland. Gorgeous Victorian-style buildings downtown are flocked with snow and Christmas lights. The first Wednesday of every December marks Noel Night, a gathering to ring in the seasonal cheer throughout the rest of the month. Between train rides and showings of holiday movies, ice skating, and horse-drawn sleigh rides, it’s not hard to see why Telluride made our list.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania definitely has its Christmas trees ready for Santa Claus, with its Christmas City Village beaming with handmade market vendors and artists through December 22. Ride the picturesque horse-drawn carriage on cobblestone streets throughout the Lehigh Valley, or walk to admire the streets adorned in twinkling lights and decorations. Founded on Christmas Eve in 1741, Bethlehem has always embraced its Christmas-y roots.

Didn’t think you’d find a winter wonderland in the South? Think again! Searcy was named the cutest Christmas town in the South this year by Southern Living, and we can see why. Here, you’ll find that small town charm comes to life with holiday lights glistening on every storefront, carriage rides, and even Christmas concerts. Their Holiday of Lights celebration takes place throughout the entire town. Kids can enjoy pancakes with Santa on December 14, or take a cute photo with the jolly old St. Nicholas during the Santa On the Square event.

You might not have expected it, but Albuquerque takes the holidays quite seriously! The jam-packed December schedule is filled with everything from their River of Lights festival to the Twinkle Light Parade, Old Town Holiday Stroll, and more. At Sandia Peak, you can take a ride on the incredible Tramway (make sure to book tickets in advance), where you can witness the beautiful snow-covered town and holiday lights from above, in the Sandia Mountains.

If you’re looking for a real-life Hallmark movie, then you’re looking for Vancouver. So many of our favorite holiday films—from The Santa Clause 2 to Christmas With the Kranks, Noelle, and more—were filmed here! And in fact, though many scenes from the movie Elf take place in New York City, there were actually some iconic shots that were filmed in Vancouver, like the North Pole and Santa’s Village scenes.

Nestled about two-hours’ drive outside of Seattle is Leavenworth, Washington—a village well-known for its holiday spirit. Its Bavarian-style architecture and Alpine buildings immediately evoke that old-school seasonal charm that we crave. Enjoy sledding or tubing in the snow, or check out the Nutcracker Museum (Jonathan would love it!) to admire the thousands of nutcrackers on display, ranging from centuries ago until the modern age.

Park City, Utah is one of the best Christmas towns because it really makes a show of its winter celebrations. Crowds gather for the gorgeous tree-lighting ceremony and Santa Comes Down the Town ski lift event. Park City is full of snowy winter festivities, of course, but it’s also great for indoor activities too, if you’d like to keep cozy. If you’re spending time with friends, join in on the Santa Pub Crawl (yes, you have to dress up!) to explore Park City through its most jolly pubs and bars.

You might know Minnesota as The Land of 10,000 Lakes. And though that’s true, it’s also home to snow-filled winters and the most beautiful holiday lights. The Bentleyville Tour of Lights is one of the state’s most popular light displays, boasting a jaw-dropping wonderland filled with Christmas light walking trails. They even have a charming Christmas train that runs along Lake Superior. We can’t help but think of The Polar Express!

Each year, Kennebunkport holds their Christmas Prelude celebration—a Christmas festival that kicks off the holiday season with community gatherings, a huge Hallmark movie-approved Christmas tree, and plenty of winter shopping along the square. But even after the event concludes, the village stays alive with holiday cheer through its beautiful light displays and small town winter magic.