The smell of fire-roasted chestnuts andmulled winefills the air. You feel a chill, but the blanket of fresh white flakes makes the cold bit not just bearable but enjoyable. Ice skating ends with a mug ofhot chocolate(with marshmallows and whipped cream, of course).Mr. and Mrs. Claus正在等待迎接你拐杖糖。Twinkling lights adorn every house, tree and lamp post down the street; as much as this sounds like a scene from a Hallmark holiday movie, it could be your ideal winter break, particularly if you book a stay at one of thesecharming areas—aka the best Christmas towns in the U.S.
It’s a bold claim, to be sure, but after scouring the country, we feel confident in saying these cities will fill you with holiday cheer.
America's Best Christmas Towns at a Glance:
- Best Christmas town overall:Even Scrooge couldn’t resist the seasonal splendor of Leavenworth (number one on our list below), which certainly lives up to its title of “America’s ultimate holiday town.”
- Best Christmas village:Historic and brimming with holiday spirit 24/7/365,Santa Claus Museum & Villagein Santa Claus, Indiana (number two, below) earns our vote.
- Is there a real"Hallmark" Christmas town: Stowe, Vermont, has played the part of the setting and film location for countlessChristmas movies.