Top U.S. Towns to Visit During the Holidays | United Airlines

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Two horses pull a sleigh through a snowy landscape, while a smiling family faces one another inside, enjoying the winter scene.

Festive sleigh ride. Photo courtesy of Stocksy.

Top U.S. towns to visit during the holidays

Qadro MohamudDecember 18, 2024

From November on, the holiday spirit is in full effect. Decorations go up, loved ones gather and festivities happen all around. But some places take the holidays to a whole new level. In these five U.S. towns, you’ll feel like you’re walking through a real-life Hallmark movie.
Downtown Leavenworth's Bavarian-style buildings illuminated with colorful Christmas lights.
Winter wonderland in Downtown Leavenworth. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Leavenworth, Washington

This Bavarian town turns into a winter wonderland from Thanksgiving through February. Every winter, Leavenworth is lit up like a snow globe, decorated in over half a million twinkling lights. Come visit Santa and Mrs. Claus or listen to daily carolers and bands in the gazebo located downtown. You can also opt to cozy up in a blanket for a sleigh ride over the river and through the woods.

Man on skis glides behind his horse through a snowy winter landscape.
Skijoring in Durango. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Durango, Colorado

The small mountain town of Durango, Colorado comes alive during the holidays. Race through frosty landscapes on dog sleds or snowmobiling. Up for a challenge? Try skijoring, a unique winter sport where skiers are pulled by a horse. End your snowy adventures with a wander through Durango's downtown, indulging in warm, holiday-inspired meals and cheerful surroundings.

Santa Claus sleigh with two reindeer, all adorned with glowing holiday lights in a festive outdoor display.
Santa's sleigh glowing in festive lights. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Santa Claus, Indiana

This town might be the closest thing to the U.S. North Pole. I mean it’s named after the big boss himself. Santa Claus pulls out all the stops with three weeks of holiday activities, Christmas-themed lodging and festive shopping. Be sure to try to spot all 15 Santa statues around town. You definitely can’t miss the 22-foot-tall one! The holiday market, Land of Lights (a 1.2-mile drive-through Christmas light displays) and a reindeer ranch are all a not miss.

Mother and daughter holding hands for support while ice skating.
Mother and daughter ice skating. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth, Michigan, comes alive with holiday cheer, offering plenty of festive activities to enjoy. Glide across the glistening ice at Frankenmuth Ice Rink, and then, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa while witnessing the Little Bavaria Light Tour. Make sure to stop by Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, a massive Christmas themed store that boasts over 50,000 items, making it a perfect stop for holiday gifts and decor.

Family gathered around as a woman lights the candles on the Kinara during Kwanzaa celebrations.
Lighting the Kinara. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles holds one of the largest celebrations of Kwanza in the country. Kwanzaa celebrations begin on December 26 and continue through New Year’s Day. The festivities kick off with a lively parade featuring dazzling floats, cultural performances and music. Throughout the week, there are story times, shared meals, and art activities that encourage connection. Each evening, the lighting of the Kinara (candle holder) honors one of the seven guiding principles, offering moments of reflection and unity. The celebration concludes on January 1st with gatherings that symbolize renewal and hope for the year ahead.

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