The celebration of Christmas has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, with origins rooted in both Christian and pagan traditions. Over centuries, the holiday evolved, gaining iconic customs like gift-giving, caroling, and the decorating of evergreen trees. In the United States, Christmas became widely embraced during the 19th century, blending influences from European settlers with uniquely American traditions like tree-lighting ceremonies and festive parades. Whether you’re drawn by these stunning parades, vintage markets, or historic landmarks aglow in holiday splendor, these ten must-visit historic Christmas towns in the US promise a truly enchanting holiday experience.
1. Leavenworth, Washington
Nestled in Washington’s Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth was founded in 1906 as a timber and railroad town. Facing economic decline in the 1960s, community leaders transformed it into a Bavarian-style village to boost tourism. This initiative led to the creation of the Village of Lights: Christmastown festival, where over half a million lights illuminate the town, complemented by carolers, holiday markets, and visits from Santa Claus.
You can explore the Greater Leavenworth Museum to delve into the town’s history, enjoy authentic German cuisine, and visit the Nutcracker Museum, which houses an extensive collection of nutcrackers.
2. McAdenville, North Carolina
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Sign up to our Free Weekly NewsletterFounded in 1881 by textile magnate Rufus Yancey McAden, McAdenville is affectionately known as “Christmas Town U.S.A.” This moniker stems from a tradition that began in 1956 when the McAdenville Men’s Club, with support from Pharr Yarns founder W.J. Pharr, adorned trees around the community center with red, white, and green lights. This modest display has since blossomed into a dazzling spectacle featuring over 500,000 lights, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
A cherished event is the Yule Log Parade, initiated in 1949 after Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Pharr experienced a similar celebration abroad. In this festivity, townspeople escort a yule log through the historic downtown to the Memorial Yule Log Fireplace at Legacy Park, where it’s ceremoniously lit, symbolizing community unity.
When visiting, make sure to stroll along Main Street to admire historic mill homes adorned with festive decorations, explore the McAdenville Historic District to delve into the town’s rich textile heritage, and enjoy the harmonious sounds of the McAden Mill Bell Tower playing Christmas carols.
3. St. Augustine, Florida
Founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, St. Augustine, Florida, holds the title of the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental United States. This rich heritage is celebrated annually during the Nights of Lights festival, a tradition inspired by the Spanish custom of placing a white candle in windows during the Christmas season to symbolize warmth and hospitality.
From late November through January, over three million white lights adorn the historic district, illuminating landmarks such as the Castillo de San Marcos, a must-see historic landmark in Florida, and the oldest masonry fort in the US, and the Bridge of Lions. You’ll have the chance to enjoy festive events like the Holiday Regatta of Lights, featuring illuminated boats parading along Matanzas Bay, and the St. Augustine Christmas Parade, one of the largest in Northeast Florida.
Exploring the cobblestone streets reveals historic sites like the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum, offering insights into 19th-century life, and the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, which hosts a luminary night during the holidays.
4. Santa Claus, Indiana
This charming historic town was established in 1854 and was originally named Santa Fe. Upon discovering another Indiana town with the same name, residents chose “Santa Claus” during a Christmas Eve meeting, inspired by the holiday spirit.
In 1914, Postmaster James Martin began responding to children’s letters addressed to Santa Claus, a tradition that continues today with the help of volunteers known as “Santa’s Elves.”
The town’s festive attractions include Santa’s Candy Castle, opened in 1935 as America’s first themed attraction, offering a nostalgic candy experience. The Santa Claus Museum & Village showcases the town’s unique history and houses the original post office.
You can also see the 22-foot-tall Santa Claus Statue, which was dedicated in 1935 and symbolizes the town’s holiday heritage.
Each December, the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration features events like the Santa Claus Land of Lights, a 1.2-mile drive-through light show telling the story of Rudolph. The town’s post office offers a special holiday postmark, attracting mail from around the world.
5. Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Founded in 1739, this quintessential New England town is renowned for its rich history and festive holiday traditions. Each December, the town hosts the Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas event, inspired by Norman Rockwell’s 1967 painting “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas (Home for Christmas).” This celebration recreates the iconic scene with vintage automobiles and holiday decorations.
Start by exploring the Norman Rockwell Museum, which houses an extensive collection of the artist’s works, including the original “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas” painting. The historic Red Lion Inn, established in 1773, provides a cozy retreat adorned with traditional holiday decor. Nearby, Naumkeag, a Gilded Age mansion, features the Winterlights display, illuminating its gardens with thousands of twinkling lights.
6. Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock, Vermont, chartered in 1761, hosts each December the Wassail Weekend, a festive event inspired by Norse and British traditions of wassailing, which involves singing and drinking to the health of trees in the hopes that they might better thrive. The celebration features a horse-drawn parade with participants dressed in period attire, holiday concerts, and the decoration of homes and businesses with traditional greens.
Check out the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, which preserves the site where Frederick Billings established a managed forest and a progressive dairy farm. The Woodstock History Center offers insights into the town’s rich past, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that detail its development since the 18th century.
The town’s central square, known as The Green, is bordered by restored late Georgian, Federal Style, and Greek Revival houses, so it’s a great setting for holiday festivities.
Nearby, the Billings Farm & Museum offers a Victorian Christmas experience, complete with traditional decorations, candle dipping, and horse-drawn sleigh rides, which allows visitors to step back in time and experience the holiday as it was celebrated in the 19th century.
7. Middleburg, Virginia
Established in 1787 by Revolutionary War officer Lieutenant Colonel Leven Powell, Middleburg is renowned for its rich equestrian heritage and historic charm. Each December, the town hosts Christmas in Middleburg, a festive celebration that has become a cherished tradition.
The event features the Middleburg Hunt & Hounds Review, where riders in traditional attire parade through the streets accompanied by hounds, reflecting the town’s foxhunting legacy. This is followed by the Middleburg Christmas Parade, showcasing floats, marching bands, and an appearance by Santa Claus. Visitors can explore the National Sporting Library & Museum, which offers insights into the region’s sporting life, and enjoy the town’s Federal-style architecture adorned with holiday decorations.
8. Hermann, Missouri
This beautiful historic town was founded in 1837 by German immigrants. Each December, the town transforms into a holiday wonderland, celebrating its roots with events like the Christkindl Markt at Hermannhof Inn. This market emulates traditional German Christmas markets, offering handcrafted gifts, authentic German cuisine, and live entertainment.
At the Weihnachtsfest held at the Deutschheim State Historic Site, you can experience a 19th-century German Christmas. The 1840 Pommer House is adorned with authentic German ornaments, and guests can sample traditional springerle cookies.
The Holiday House Tour showcases beautifully decorated historic homes, reflecting Hermann’s architectural heritage. Additionally, the Hermann Farm offers insights into 19th-century holiday customs, featuring homes decorated in period style and traditional German treats like lebkuchen. You can also enjoy the Say Cheese Wine Trail, where local wineries pair wines with savory cheese dishes.
9. Mount Dora, Florida
Established in 1880, this charming town comes alive during the annual Light Up Mount Dora celebration that illuminates the downtown area with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere that lasts through January.
The Mount Dora Christmas Walk offers a family-friendly street party featuring music and extended shopping hours. This allows you to enjoy the holiday spirit throughout the historic downtown. Additionally, the Mount Dora Lighted Boat Parade showcases festively decorated vessels cruising along the shoreline of Lake Dora.
10. Skaneateles, New York
Skaneateles, established in the early 19th century, is a historic town in New York located on the northern shore of Skaneateles Lake, one of the Finger Lakes. Each holiday season, the village hosts the Dickens Christmas festival, a tradition that began in 1993. This event transforms Skaneateles into a Victorian-era setting, featuring over 50 characters from Charles Dickens’ works, including Scrooge, Father Christmas, and Dickens himself, who interact with visitors along the streets, shops, and restaurants.
The festival includes activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, and live street performances. You can also explore the village’s historic sites, such as the Skaneateles Historical Society Museum, which provides insights into the area’s rich heritage.
