This destination was just ranked as the coziest city for a Christmas getaway

North Pole, Alaska offers plenty of Christmas cheer.

By Amanda Teague Published November 13, 2024

North Pole Alaska — Explore Fairbanks

If you’re dreaming of a truly cozy Christmas escape, look no further than North Pole, Alaska, recently crowned the coziest city for a Christmas getaway in a study by BetMGM Casino. The study ranked 19 of America’s most popular holiday destinations based on factors like snowfall, festive events, chilly temperatures, natural beauty, and accommodations that evoke that traditional Christmas charm.

North Pole, Alaska, a small town just outside Fairbanks, took the top spot thanks to its snowy landscapes, chilly temperatures, and Christmas spirit that shines year-round. With candy cane-striped streetlights, holiday-themed streets like Kris Kringle Drive and Mistletoe Lane, and the Santa Claus House, the town is straight out of a Christmas movie. You can even stay in the Santa Suite at the Hotel North Pole and soak up the holiday spirit all night long!

Recommended Videos

Park City, Utah, came in second, offering its own snowy magic with two major ski resorts, Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort, that transform the city into a winter wonderland each year. Denver, Colorado, Kennebunkport, Maine, and Asheville, North Carolina, also made the top five, each boasting unique festive events and cozy winter appeal.

When it comes to the least-cozy city in the United States, Las Vegas takes the cake. With a low 7.71 cozy Christmas score, Las Vegas is not the ideal place to go to spread the holiday cheer.

The full list of the coziest cities for a Christmas getaway

North Pole Alaska — Travel Alaska / Travel Alaska

North Pole, Alaska
Park City, Utah
Denver, Colorado
Kennebunkport, Maine
Asheville, North Carolina
New York, New York
Branson, Missouri
Seattle, Washington
Newport Beach, California
Nashville, Tennessee
Alexandria, Virginia
Charleston, South Carolina
Washington, D.C.
Chicago, Illinois
St. Louis, Missouri
New Orleans, Louisiana
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Dallas, Texas
Las Vegas, Nevada

Topics

Destinations

Contributor

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer with over five years of experience, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and…

Travel

The Maldives raises tourism taxes: Here’s what’s changing

A trip to the Maldives is about to get a lot more expensive.

The Maldives

It’s about to get more expensive to visit the Maldives. Starting January 1, 2025, the Maldives Green Tax will increase significantly, with most hotels and resorts charging $12 per person, per night – double the current rate. Smaller establishments with fewer than 50 rooms will see a reduced rate of $6 per person, per night.

Additionally, beginning July 1, 2025, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will rise from 16% to 17%, impacting a wide range of services, including spas, shops, and water activities across the islands.
Air travel to The Maldives is also set to increase

Travel

Climbing Mount Fuji in 2025? Here’s what you need to know about the new mandatory fees

Climbing Mount Fuji is about to get a lot more expensive.

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, one of Japan’s most popular attractions, is facing growing pressures from overtourism. As 2024 has seen record-breaking visitor numbers, the iconic mountain is struggling to balance tourism with preservation. In response, Shizuoka Prefecture is considering implementing mandatory entrance fees by summer 2025, ranging from $19.35 to $32.26.

These fees aim to help manage the environmental impact of mass tourism while ensuring Mount Fuji remains a sustainable destination for future climbers.
Understanding the new fees

Travel

Savor the flavors of Olympia, Washington at these 6 must-visit eateries

The best restaurants in Olympia: Our top picks

A customer purchasing a beer at the Briggs Taphouse

Olympia, the capital of Washington state, is more than a historical town - it’s the culinary future of the state. So, between your visits to boutique shops, local galleries, and the capitol building, make sure to visit these six Olympia restaurants. From farm-to-table bites to locally curated wine lists, there's something for every palette.

Chicory