Discover some of the best Christmas towns in the US that feel like a Hallmark movie and start planning your next family reunion
While cities bustle with life and the constant hum of people, there are numerous festive small towns for the holidays, offering multigenerational families a plethora of memorable experiences. Gather in locations where neighbors and passersby echo the spirit of the holidays, the scent of pine and the sound of carolers fill the air, and the warmth of home-cooked meals creates an inviting atmosphere. For families seeking small towns with a big seasonal spirit, these communities below (in alphabetical order) showcase how local traditions create the perfect setting for a new, yet nostalgic reunion.
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Solvang, CA
Solvang, the Danish capital of America, transforms into a small-town winter wonderland during its annual Julefest, a month-long Danish-style holiday celebration filled with lights, music and cheerful family activities. The Scandinavian backdrop, complete with a stunning array of twinkling lights, is the perfect partner for a truly memorable family photo.
Surround your family with the magic of the tree lighting ceremony and watch the town square come to life with bright decorations and holiday spirit. Live music, visits with Santa, and culinary delights appeal to families of all ages. Accommodation options for multigenerational family getaways include The Landsby and Hotel Corque, both of which offer pools and board games, and The Landsby is known for its extensive wine collection and knowledgeable staff.
Solvang has something for everyone and is a strong option for a family reunion focused on relaxation. Its Scandinavian shops, architecture and charm contrast with the busy city life, adding to the calm, family-oriented festive atmosphere.
Julefest in Solvang, California, is a long-standing must-attend holiday tradition. Photo credit: Visit Solvang USA Facebook
Durango, CO
If you have family members who are locomotive fans, Durango has one of the most unique holiday traditions. The Polar Express™ Train Ride is a spin on the classic story, taking your family on a magical journey aboard the vintage Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
One of the most significant holiday events in Durango is skiing at the Purgatory Resort, which boasts 105 trails. This is particularly appealing for multigenerational family reunions, as the resort offers childcare, pools, hot tubs, and a range of different lodging options. Practice on beginner slopes with supportive staff or bring your family to step out of their comfort zones on a more challenging slope. Rental equipment is also available. Other accommodations include the Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa, renowned for its relaxing, family-friendly amenities and comforting natural hot springs.
Durango is a storybook, festive small town with charming yet adventurous traditions to explore as a family. Along with standard activities like caroling and meeting Santa, you can challenge yourself and your family this season to try something new in Durango during your next holiday reunion.
Climb aboard the Polar Express for a festive train ride experience. Photo credit: Durango & Silverton Facebook
Frankenmuth, MI
Known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria, Frankenmuth is home to the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, and a dazzling light tour complete with music, decorated Christmas trees and sightseeing during horse-drawn carriage rides. Walk along the streets lined with Bavarian architecture, beautiful garlands and festive spirit for your next family vacation, where every turn has something for everyone to discover.
Surround yourself in a scene of dancing lights, a singing Christmas tree, and a shiny ice rink with the Frankenmuth Christmas Experience. This festive small town is one of the best Christmas towns in the US, thanks to its unmatched convenience, including hassle-free parking, plentiful public restrooms, shopping, and a free shuttle on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For multigenerational holiday getaways, convenience is key to including everyone.
Options for reunion-friendly lodging include the Bavarian Inn Lodge, which offers a range of family-friendly amenities, including suites, pools, hot tubs, and a Family Fun Center. Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark offers aquatic entertainment for the whole family, featuring a waterpark, a meeting area with Santa for the kids, and a golf course and fitness center for older guests. For stress-free reunion planning, Frankenmuth is an excellent choice for small-town holiday travel.
The Frankenmuth Christmas Experience in Michigan captivates visitors of all ages. Photo credit: Frankenmuth Facebook
McAdenville, NC (Christmas Town USA)
If you’re seeking one of the most festive small towns for the holidays, you’ve found it. Each December, McAdenville, North Carolina, is transformed into a Christmas wonderland, featuring nearly 400 decorated holiday trees. Over 100 houses and downtown businesses participate in the Christmas Town USA Light Display, illuminating this charming small town with millions of red, green, and white lights. This kicks off the holiday season with community cheer and is ranked among the top 10 public holiday light displays in the US by USA Today.
Aside from the well-known light display, this festive small town for the holidays is full of other accessible traditions, such as the Yule Log Parade, where communities gather to hear local music, and numerous restaurants and boutiques that stay open late, offering a variety of treats. The town’s website recommends two lodges for family-friendly accommodation options. Despite McAdenville’s smaller area, the nearby city of Charlotte, about 20 minutes away, offers many other family-friendly accommodations for multigenerational holiday getaways.
McAdenville is a festive small town with a big holiday spirit, making it perfect for a family reunion if the commute is convenient.
Woodstock, VT
Woodstock, Vermont’s holiday celebration brings joy with horse-drawn carriage rides, cheerful carolers in period costumes and a festive parade that lights up the streets. It’s a magical time, filled with laughter and the delightful sounds of the season —a perfect holiday destination for a family reunion.
Woodstock is a historically charming town, and during the holidays, it transforms into a picturesque, nostalgic Christmas setting straight out of a period drama. The town’s decorated colonial architecture showcases both the Yuletide and New England spirit. Storefronts adorned with holiday décor and twinkling lights create a postcard-perfect setting, great for taking multigenerational family photos. Tradition highlights include the Legend of the Pickle, where families of all ages come together to search for hidden pickle ornaments, and the carriage rides on Sunday afternoons in December, offering horse-drawn tours of the historic square.
For reunion-friendly lodging, many affordable, cozy inns offer family-friendly accommodations. Woodstock is a charming small town with a Christmas spirit that feels and looks like a movie, while also offering more quirky and unique festive activities for all ages.
Holiday carriage rides in Woodstock, Vermont. Photo credit: Woodstock VT Facebook
Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth, Washington, is like a charming ornament hidden among the 25 native tree species of Washington State, and it really stands out, shining with the Christmas spirit, full of inclusive traditions and practical accessibility that inspire everyone in the family.
As one of the most festive small towns for the holidays, Leavenworth is known as the “Village of Lights” during its annual Christmas Lighting Festival. The town sparkles with over half a million Christmas lights, turning the entire village into a glowing winter wonderland complete with music, dancing, and jubilant cheer. From Thanksgiving through February, Leavenworth’s Winter Karneval, Christmas Town, Lantern Parade, and Bavarian Ice Fest illuminate the town with cheerful twinkling lights, family-friendly activities and memorable experiences.
For reunion-friendly lodging, Bavarian-themed lodges such as the Icicle Village Resort and the Post Hotel offer cozy, family-friendly accommodations. Cabin rentals allow larger families to gather under one roof. Leavenworth is a place for everyone —from sledding and meeting Santa at the many kid-friendly festivals to accessible, group-friendly options for family reunion planners, and finally, walkable, charming streets for grandparents.
Leavenworth, Washington’s Winter Karneval. Photo credit: Visit Leavenworth WA Facebook
Plan Your Small-Town Holiday Travel Today
A multigenerational family trip should focus on balance, as individual tastes and preferences differ from person to person and generation to generation. The warmth of the holidays provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate togetherness across generations. Remember to book well in advance, as lodging during the holidays books up fast, and in small towns, alternatives can be limited. Curate activities or ask a guide to organize itineraries with plans and activities tailored to every age group, while still allowing family bonding time.
For more inspiration, check out Holiday Villages and Historic Homes to Tour with Families and share your festive small-town family travel photos with #DestinationReunions
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Header image: Leavenworth, Washington’s Christmas Town. Photo credit: Visit Leavenworth WA Facebook
By Kristy Chan
