Christmas is on the way, and if you don’t have any holiday plans, you might want to pack up and head one of many Christmas towns that celebrates the holiday the right way. Plenty of towns across the U.S. are known for doing it up big during the holidays, and these can make for great last-minute Christmas trips.
Best Christmas Towns in America
The travel experts at Travel Pulse have put together a tally of each state’s best holiday travel destination. “From cute small towns in the Heartland home to cherished holiday traditions to big cities full of bustling shopping malls, seasonal theater & ballet productions and holiday markets to coastal destinations that put a nautical twist on the season,” they noted in the feature. They also stated that the top “holiday destinations in the USA are full of the wonder of the season.”
So, what are some top spots? In California, they suggest Solvang, which they call the “Danish Capital of America.” During the month of December, they have lots of festive activities. “Regardless of what’s happening when you visit, you’re sure to be surrounded by the warm & cozy Scandinavian feeling known as hygge,” Travel Pulse noted.
In the Midwest, Frankenmuth in Michigan is a top spot. “Home to the always-charming ChristKindlMarkt, Bronner’s—the world’s largest Christmas store—and an around fairytale feel complete with authentically-inspired Bavarian architecture, twinkling lights, and a singing Christmas tree, Frankenmuth is your best bet for maximizing those holiday vibes in Michigan,” Travel Pulse stated.
Going out East, it’s New York City. “The setting for countless holiday movies, commercials and songs, the Big Apple sparkles brightest in December. Window shop on Fifth Avenue, ice skate at Central Park’s Wollman Rink or Rockefeller Center, watch the Rockettes perform their Christmas Spectacular or sip mulled wine at the Bryant Park Holiday Village,” they added.
Down South, try Dahlonega, Georgia. “The holiday season just feels jollier when you’re in the hills and this town is arguably the Peach State’s prettiest mountain outpost,” Travel Pulse noted.
The Tradition of the Christmas Tree
One thing that almost all of these towns have in common is that they all offer beautiful Christmas trees. Seriously, the Christmas tree is such a lovely tradition. As for the history of the Christmas tree, it apparently has many beginnings.
Per History.com, “The history of Christmas trees has many roots, ranging from the use of evergreens in ancient Egypt and Rome to the German traditions of candlelit trees that made its way to America in the 1800s.” So, it goes way back.
As for the famed White House Christmas tree, Christmas Light Source notes that the building “saw its first electrically lit Christmas tree in 1895, when it was illuminated by President Cleveland’s First Lady, Frances Cleveland.” Also, the electric lights that we see on almost all Christmas trees today are because of Edward Johnson, a buddy of Thomas Edison. “The Christmas tree was lit with beautiful hand-wired strings of red, white, and blue lights, which are still favorites today,” Christmas Light Source added.