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Skip New York and visit these magical US Christmas towns instead

New data reveals the most festive US Christmas towns beyond NYC

By Amanda Teague Published December 21, 2025

Leavenworth, Washington — Leavenworth, Washington 1004us / Pixabay

New York City may get all the holiday hype, but this season travelers are clearly craving something a little more storybook. According to new research from Holafly, Americans are actively searching for Christmas destinations that feel festive, distinctive, and less crowded than the usual big city standbys.

Holafly’s latest study, The Top US Cities for Christmas 2025, looks beyond raw visitor numbers to identify destinations generating the highest travel intent this holiday season. Instead of defaulting to NYC, travelers are chasing places that capture what many consider the true Christmas spirit, whether that means twinkling lights, historic charm, or traditions you cannot find anywhere else.

From storybook villages to Arctic adventures

The data reveals three clear holiday travel personalities emerging this winter. There is the classic storybook village, the big screen Christmas, and the unique regional adventure. Each taps into a different version of festive magic.

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Leading the storybook category is Leavenworth, Washington, a Bavarian-style town tucked into the Cascades that feels like a European Christmas market come to life. Think alpine architecture, carolers, and enough lights to rival a snow globe.

For travelers craving something less traditional, Santa Fe, New Mexico offers a Southwestern spin on the holidays. Adobe buildings glow with thousands of luminarias, creating a warm and soulful atmosphere that feels both festive and deeply local.

Of course, New York City still earns its spot for travelers chasing that cinematic Christmas energy, but it is no longer the only place capturing attention.

Rounding out the list are Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, known for its historic Moravian traditions and Christkindlmarkt, and North Pole, Alaska, where Christmas is not just a season but a full-time identity complete with Arctic cold and possible northern lights.

The takeaway is clear. This year, festive travelers are skipping the obvious and embracing Christmas towns that feel personal and immersive.

Contributor

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word…

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