Thinking about spending Christmas somewhere different this year? Across the country, small towns are getting ready for the holidays with Christmas lights, parades, and traditions that draw visitors year after year. Here are five places worth checking out this Christmas season.
A new study from Duel.com ranked the best U.S. destinations for a white Christmas based on snowfall, holiday events, and accessibility. Beyond the snow, these towns have plenty going on during the holiday season. From Santa arriving by tram in Wyoming to a Bavarian-style Christmas village in Washington, each offers a different way to spend Christmas.
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1. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Christmas in Jackson Hole comes with a little Western flair. The famous elk antler arches in Town Square are decorated with lights, local shops get into the holiday spirit, and the Teton Mountains are always in view.
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There's plenty to do here besides skiing. Families can go ice skating, browse downtown shops, or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge. During the winter months, thousands of elk gather on the refuge, and the sleigh rides offer a chance to see them up close.
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One of Jackson Hole's most unusual holiday traditions takes place at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. On Christmas Eve, Santa arrives by aerial tram to greet families and collect last-minute wish lists. He even returns on Christmas Day to ski the slopes. It's not every day you get to see Santa trading his sleigh for skis.
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2. Big Sky, Montana
If your family loves spending time outdoors, Big Sky is a great place to celebrate Christmas. Located in southwestern Montana, this mountain town has skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and plenty of ways to enjoy the winter scenery.
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Visitors who aren't interested in skiing can explore the shops and restaurants around Town Center or book a sleigh ride through the surrounding countryside.
After a day outside, it's easy to find somewhere to warm up and relax.
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On Christmas Eve, head to Big Sky Resort for the annual torchlight parade. Skiers make their way down Andesite Mountain holding torches, followed by a fireworks show. You can watch it all from Mountain Village, so bundle up and arrive early to grab a good spot.
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3. Marquette, Michigan
Marquette might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a Christmas vacation. Still, this small city along Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula has plenty of holiday charm.
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Marquette's downtown is worth spending some time in, especially around Christmas. You'll find locally owned shops, restaurants, and plenty of places to duck inside when you need a break from the cold. It's also a good spot to get some holiday shopping done without dealing with the crowds at a big mall.
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If you're visiting earlier in December, check out the annual holiday parade and tree lighting. Santa makes an appearance, along with carolers and floats covered in lights. The Holiday Lasers show at the Ore Dock is another event to look for, with colorful lights projected onto the old waterfront structure.
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Lake Superior is another highlight of a visit to Marquette. The waterfront is a great place for a walk, with views of the lake and the surrounding shoreline. Afterward, head downtown for coffee and dessert.
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4. Aspen, Colorado
Christmas is a fun time to visit Aspen, whether you plan to ski or not. Downtown is full of shops and restaurants, and the streets are decorated for the holidays. You can easily spend a few hours walking around, browsing stores, and stopping for festive holiday eats.
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Nearby Snowmass Village has some fun things planned for families during Christmas week. Kids can visit Santa at Santa's Village and take part in holiday activities. On Christmas Eve, Snowmass also puts on an ice-skating show, a fun way to spend the evening together.
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Travelers visiting earlier in December can check out Wintersköl, Aspen's longtime winter festival. The event features live music, snow sculptures, and other community celebrations.
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5. Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, Washington, looks like a little Bavarian village tucked into the Cascade Mountains. At Christmastime, the downtown buildings are covered in lights, and the streets fill with people shopping, listening to holiday music, and taking photos. It's easy to see why so many people make the trip here in December.
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More than 500,000 Christmas lights cover the buildings, trees, and streets throughout downtown. The decorations are impressive during the day, but it's worth sticking around after dark to see everything lit up.
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The town's annual Christmastown celebration runs from November 27 through December 24, 2026. Visitors can enjoy live holiday music, Santa appearances, and entertainment around the town gazebo.
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Shopping is another reason to visit. Downtown is packed with specialty stores selling Christmas ornaments, handmade gifts, chocolates, and other treats. You can also stop for a warm pretzel or browse the year-round Christmas shops.
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Christmas events don't always run through December 25, and some are held only on certain weekends. Check the dates before making plans so you can catch the celebrations you want to see.
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