Best places to visit for christmas in the us

Duluth has a lot to offer Christmas lovers, including a winter village where local small businesses sell unique goods and there are hot drinks and firepits to warm you up, and a scenic holiday train ride around Lake Superior, but the big draw is Bentleyville, a massive walk-through light display. Located in downtown Duluth’s Bayfront Festival Park, the event features over 5 million lights and free sweet treats, including cookies, popcorn, and marshmallows you can roast over a fire. Santa and Mrs. Claus are on-site to visit with families.

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9. Williamsburg, VA

Historic Williamsburg was restored in the early 1900s when museum founders fashioned the colonial city into the living-history museum it is today. The site recreates the former capital in the 18th century, with all employees dressed in period costumes year-round. At Christmas though, Williamsburg pulls out all the stops, offering a roster of historical celebrations in addition to an ice pavilion, a Christmas market, and the chance to have cookies with Santa. Don’t miss the charming window displays in Merchants Square, and, for something more out of this century, check out the Busch Gardens Christmas Celebration.

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10. Branson, MI

Carrying the distinction of 'America’s Christmas Tree City,' Branson is fur real about getting decked out for the holidays. Local businesses display over 700 colorful evergreens and creative trees made from go-kart tires, wine bottles, library books, and more. To find the best ones, follow the town’s Christmas Tree City Tour. Other must-see experiences include a scenic Polar Express train ride through the Ozark Mountains and An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City Amusement park, which features 6.5 million lights, 1,000 decorated trees, and Broadway-style shows. Why ride a sleigh when you can go on a rollercoaster, instead?

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12. Big Spring, TX

If you're in Texas, then Big Spring is the place to be for the holidays. Often called the Light Poinsettia Capital of Texas for the huge light festival it throws with large poinsettias every year, the city offers a Christmas parade and multiple events over Christmas time. Enjoy more than one million colorful lights from the warm comfort of your car at the Comanche Trail Festival of Lights or take the kids to experience a magical Christmas Tree Forest at the Heritage Museum, where they can also meet Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, and the Grinch on the first Saturday in December.

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13. Durango, CO

Durango has a lot going for it this time of year. In addition to being a great ski destination, the town transforms its historic steam train, the Durango & Silverton, into a can’t-miss holiday attraction. Board the Polar Express-inspired trip for a scenic ride through snowy mountains where kids will see Santa Claus in his workshop, meet two of his reindeer, and interact with characters from the book. For some time on the slopes, head to the nearby Wolf Creek Ski Area (an easy 30-minute drive from Durango), which boasts having 'The Most Snow in Colorado' (an annual accumulation of 430 natural inches)!

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14. St. Augustine, FL

Want to enjoy the Christmas season and warm weather at the same time? Head to St. Augustine to see America’s oldest city decked out in lights, candles, and holiday decor from November to January. Line up for the city’s Christmas parade, see boats all lit up in the Holiday Regatta of Lights and hop aboard Old Town Trolley’s Nights of Lights Tour, where you’ll see over three million twinkling lights stretching across nearly 20 blocks. If you prefer, trade your Christmas trees for palm trees and spend a day relaxing on the beautiful St. Augustine Beach.

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15. Newport, RI

Not to be confused with our earlier entry, Newport Beach, this Ocean State gem is the perfect holiday destination to reenact your favorite scenes from The Gilded Age (a Christine Baranski side-eye is fully encouraged). See the famous mansions—The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House—decked out and dressed up for Christmas with gorgeously decorated trees, garlands, wreaths, and fresh floral arrangements. Don’t miss the 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree or impressive outdoor lights display at The Breakers. For a unique take on a classic tale, check out the 'Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff' where the audience follows the dancers through the mansion, feeling like part of the story. Throughout December, Christmas in Newport, a 52-year-old tradition, offers concerts, tree lighting, craft fairs, candlelight house tours, and more.

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