Tis the season of sparkle all Finest Christmas across the United States, with some locales taking Christmas festivities to the next level. Here are six of the finest places to bask in the glow of lights, relish wintry delights, and embrace the holiday warmth.
Finest Christmas Colonial Celebrations
Founded in 1632 and serving as the capital of the Virginia Colony for over a century, Williamsburg, Virginia, stands as a pivotal city in American history. Steeped in colonial architecture and vibrant tales, the town shines even brighter during Christmas. Experience a carriage ride, ice skating, and join the Celebration of the Yule Log, where you can participate by tossing a sprig into a bonfire. Cap off the experience with the breathtaking Grand Illumination, a three-weekend fireworks display lighting up the skies over the Governor’s Palace in December.
Christmas at the Chateau
Nestled on 8,000 acres on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, the largest private home in the United States, transforms into a winter wonderland from early November to January. With its French Renaissance chateau boasting over 250 rooms and 175,000 square feet, the halls come alive with Christmas trees, fragrant wreaths, and thousands of twinkling bulbs. As night falls, the estate is aglow with flickering candles and roaring fireplaces.
Orlando, Florida
While spending the festive season in subtropical Florida may seem unconventional, Orlando pulls out all the stops for Christmas. Home to major theme parks, enjoy Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World or immerse yourself in “Grinchmas” at Universal Studios, proving that a lack of snow doesn’t dampen the holiday spirit.
Michigan’s Little Bavaria
For a taste of Christmas markets without crossing the Atlantic, head to Frankenmuth, a small Michigan town of about 5,000. Celebrating Christmas year-round, the town comes alive in November and December with a towering 40-foot Christmas tree adorned with precisely 23,000 lights. Glide across the outdoor ice rink in downtown, explore Bronner’s, the world’s largest Christmas store, and savor a hearty meal at the Bavarian Inn.
Santa’s Town
Originally aiming for a different name, Santa Claus, Indiana, embraced its festive destiny upon discovering Santa Fe was taken during its founding in 1846. Today, the town re-mails envelopes with a unique Santa Claus postmark and features sweet treats at Santa’s Candy Castle, where you can also roast chestnuts over an open fire. Keep an eye out for the 22-foot statue of St. Nick and 15 more scattered around town.
Maine Man
Kennebunkport, Maine, epitomizes New England charm during the holidays. Experience the Christmas Prelude with trolley rides along the seashore and indulge in local traditions, such as a classic lobster bake. To top it off, Santa arrives not by sleigh but by fishing boat, adding a coastal touch to this festive Northeastern town.
