Published on December 7, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Nashua, New Hampshire unites New York City, Chicago, Boston, San Antonio, Portland, and more US cities celebrating the Christmas season in style. As these major cities light up with grand tree ceremonies, festive parades, and holiday markets, Nashua’s Winter Holiday Stroll brings a unique, small-town charm to the celebration.
While New York City dazzles with its towering tree at Rockefeller Center and Chicago enchants with its German-inspired Christmas market, Nashua provides an intimate yet equally magical experience. As Boston, San Antonio, and Portland host vibrant street celebrations and ice-skating events, Nashua unites these cities in showcasing what makes Christmas truly special. With its blend of tradition, community spirit, and festive activities, Nashua offers an unforgettable Christmas experience that rivals any major city. Read on to discover why Nashua should be your next holiday destination!
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Nashua is a place where Christmas traditions are brought to life. The Winter Holiday Stroll is the highlight of the season, but it’s not the only reason to visit. Whether you’re ice skating with family, enjoying live music, or shopping at local vendors, Nashua offers something for everyone during the holiday season. Its intimate charm, festive spirit, and variety of activities make it the perfect destination for those looking to experience the magic of Christmas in a New England setting.
What makes Nashua’s Christmas celebrations so special is the combination of the city’s rich history, festive spirit, and tight-knit community. Unlike large, bustling cities, Nashua offers a more intimate holiday experience. The Winter Holiday Stroll brings people together, not just for the event, but also for the opportunity to connect with the community. This small-town charm is what makes Nashua a hidden gem for Christmas celebrations.
Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, Nashua’s holiday season promises to be filled with unforgettable memories. The combination of enchanting holiday decorations, fun-filled activities, and a welcoming community makes it the perfect place to experience the magic of Christmas.
The Winter Holiday Stroll is just the beginning of Nashua’s holiday celebrations. Throughout December, you’ll find several other events that showcase the city’s Christmas spirit. One of the most popular is the 10th Annual Holiday Fair at the Lafayette Club, which will take place on December 6th, 2025. The fair offers a wide variety of local vendors selling crafts, food, and holiday-themed items. You can even take a photo with Santa to get into the Christmas spirit.
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Another great event is the Holly Jolly Craft Fair, which will be held on December 14th, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Nashua Hotel. This indoor craft fair is perfect for those who want to shop for handmade arts and crafts while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
There’s no place quite like New York City when it comes to celebrating Christmas. The city transforms into a holiday wonderland, with dazzling lights, towering Christmas trees, and festive parades that attract millions of visitors each year. One of the most iconic events is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting. This annual ceremony kicks off the Christmas season with a massive Norway spruce adorned with over 50,000 LED lights. People gather from all over the world to witness this momentous event, which marks the start of New York’s glittering festive season.
In addition to the tree lighting, Fifth Avenue is a must-visit. The holiday window displays at department stores like Macy’s are famous worldwide. Whether you’re ice skating at Bryant Park or strolling through the brightly lit streets, New York provides an unforgettable holiday experience for tourists and locals alike. The city’s Christmas spirit is also evident in holiday markets, especially the Union Square Holiday Market and Columbus Circle Holiday Market, where you can shop for unique gifts, holiday decorations, and delicious seasonal treats.
In Chicago, Christmas celebrations are bigger than ever in 2025. The Christkindlmarket Chicago at Daley Plaza is one of the largest and most popular German-style Christmas markets in the United States. With over a million visitors each season, this market is a festive extravaganza, offering everything from unique handcrafted gifts to traditional foods like bratwurst and mulled wine. You’ll find yourself immersed in the festive atmosphere as you wander the cobblestone streets, surrounded by twinkling lights and the aroma of holiday treats.
In addition to the market, Chicago goes all out with its annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, where the iconic shopping street is lit up with thousands of Christmas lights. The festival features a parade, live performances, and special guest appearances, making it one of the most exciting events of the season. If you’re in Chicago this December, you won’t want to miss these spectacular Christmas celebrations.
Boston is a city that exudes holiday charm, especially during the Christmas season. The Boston Common Christmas Tree Lighting marks the official start of the holidays in the city. As one of the oldest public parks in the United States, the Common becomes a festive backdrop for the tree lighting ceremony, with musical performances and plenty of seasonal cheer. Boston is also home to some of the best Christmas decorations, with Beacon Hill and Newbury Street lighting up with twinkling lights and holiday displays.
For those looking to experience a traditional New England Christmas, Boston is the place to be. You can enjoy a festive stroll through the Frog Pond, where you can ice skate surrounded by city lights, or explore the city’s historical sites, which are beautifully decorated for the season. Boston’s Christmas spirit is complemented by its famous holiday events, like the Holiday Pops concert by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which has become a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike.
In San Antonio, Christmas is a time for vibrant lights, parades, and community events. One of the standout holiday events is the Ford Holiday River Parade, where hundreds of brightly lit boats glide along the San Antonio River Walk, creating a magical spectacle. This parade, accompanied by live music and performances, draws crowds from all over the country, making it a must-see event for anyone visiting during the Christmas season.
The River Walk itself is transformed into a glowing wonderland, with thousands of Christmas lights decorating the trees and buildings along the water. Whether you’re enjoying a boat ride or strolling through the walkways, San Antonio’s festive atmosphere is undeniable. If you’re in town during the holiday season, don’t miss out on the Luminations, a beautiful display of over 2,000 candles placed along the river, creating a serene and enchanting holiday setting.
Portland is a hidden gem when it comes to Christmas celebrations. The city’s famous Christmas Ships Parade is one of the most unique holiday traditions, where beautifully lit boats sail along the Willamette River. This parade, which takes place over several nights in December, is a stunning display of light and holiday cheer, offering a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience.
In addition to the Christmas Ships Parade, Portland boasts impressive holiday lights, particularly at Peacock Lane, where residents decorate their homes in dazzling Christmas lights. This street becomes a winter wonderland, drawing visitors from all over to admire the festive decorations. Portland’s Christmas atmosphere is also reflected in its holiday markets, where you can shop for handmade gifts, local crafts, and delicious seasonal food. If you’re looking for a Christmas experience that combines tradition and unique charm, Portland is the place to be.
St. Augustine, known as the oldest city in the United States, takes Christmas celebrations to a whole new level with its stunning holiday lights. The city’s Nights of Lights event is one of the most beautiful holiday displays in the country. Over three million lights decorate the city’s historic buildings, creating a magical glow that lights up the cobblestone streets.
In addition to the dazzling lights, St. Augustine offers unique holiday experiences, like horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic district, where you can admire the festive decorations and learn about the city’s rich history. The St. Augustine Christmas Parade is another highlight, featuring floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus himself. With its charming Old World atmosphere and festive spirit, St. Augustine is the perfect place for those seeking a holiday experience that’s both historical and magical.
For those dreaming of a white Christmas, Stowe, Vermont is the ultimate destination. This picturesque New England town is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, making it a perfect spot for a Christmas getaway. The town itself looks like something out of a Christmas card, with snow-covered streets, twinkling lights, and cozy inns offering the perfect retreat after a day on the slopes.
In addition to its outdoor activities, Stowe celebrates Christmas with traditional events like the Stowe Christmas Festival, where you can enjoy live performances, holiday markets, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Whether you’re skiing, shopping, or simply enjoying the winter landscape, Stowe offers a quintessential holiday experience that’s hard to beat.
Known as the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” Grapevine is a city that fully embraces the holiday spirit. Over 1,400 events take place throughout the season, from tree lightings to Santa train rides. The city’s Grapevine Christmas Festival is one of the most extensive holiday celebrations in the country, featuring festive lights, live performances, and a massive Christmas market.
The Grapevine Christmas Parade is a highlight of the season, with floats, marching bands, and dancers bringing the streets to life. For those looking to experience Christmas in all its glory, Grapevine is the ultimate destination, offering something for every member of the family. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, enjoying holiday performances, or simply taking in the lights, Grapevine truly lives up to its title as the Christmas Capital of Texas.
Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire, Nashua is a city that comes alive with festive spirit every holiday season. Known for its vibrant community and charming downtown, Nashua’s Christmas celebration is a must-see for those looking to experience the magic of a traditional New England holiday. In 2025, the city will mark the 30th anniversary of its beloved Winter Holiday Stroll, a magical event that draws thousands of visitors to its streets each year. From twinkling lights to festive parades, here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating Christmas in Nashua this December.
In 2025, Nashua, New Hampshire will once again transform into a winter wonderland. With its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and a tight-knit community, Nashua offers a cozy, small-town charm that makes the holiday season even more special. The highlight of the season is the Winter Holiday Stroll, an event that has become a signature celebration for the city and a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, November 29th, marking the 30th anniversary of this much-loved celebration.
The festival brings together families, tourists, and the local community for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, shopping, and festive cheer. Expect to find twinkling lights adorning the streets, the smell of hot cocoa filling the air, and the joyful sound of Christmas carols echoing throughout downtown Nashua. It’s a holiday experience that you won’t want to miss.
The Winter Holiday Stroll in Nashua is a true community event. It kicks off at 5:00 PM on Saturday, November 29th, 2025, and runs until 9:00 PM. The first part of the evening is marked by a magical candlelit procession. This beautiful tradition starts at the Nashua Center for the Arts, where participants receive candles, and then follows down Main Street, led by Santa Claus and the city’s mayor. The procession ends with the highly anticipated tree lighting ceremony, where the Christmas tree is illuminated at the Riverfront Pavilion, officially marking the start of the evening’s festivities.
One of the standout features of this year’s event is the addition of several exciting new attractions. For the first time, Nashua will offer a synthetic ice-skating rink where visitors can skate to their heart’s content. Complimentary skate rentals will be available, making it easy for everyone to enjoy this classic winter activity, no matter their skill level.
Families will also enjoy the “Little Locomotive” train ride that will wind its way up and down Main Street, providing a unique way to take in the sights and sounds of the celebration. For those seeking a bit more adventure, the Avalanche Run, a giant snow slide, will be set up for a thrilling ride down Main Street.
These new additions are sure to make this year’s Winter Holiday Stroll even more memorable, offering something for everyone – from thrill-seekers to families looking for a fun day out.
The Winter Holiday Stroll is all about family fun. Kids will love the variety of activities available throughout the evening. In addition to the train ride and the ice-skating rink, the event features Santa and Mrs. Claus who will be available for photos, giving families the chance to capture their own magical moments. This year, children can also visit the Santa Mailbox, where they can drop off their holiday wish lists.
In addition to these festive activities, the event includes live music and performances at various stages throughout the downtown area. As you stroll down Main Street, you’ll be entertained by holiday bands and local performers, creating the perfect holiday atmosphere. Street vendors and food trucks will also line the streets, offering delicious treats and warming beverages to keep you cozy while you shop and enjoy the festivities.
If you’re looking to do some holiday shopping, Nashua’s Winter Holiday Stroll has you covered. The city’s historic downtown is home to a variety of local shops and boutiques offering unique gifts, handcrafted goods, and holiday decorations. You’ll also find several holiday-themed stalls selling everything from artisan crafts to festive food items, perfect for finding that one-of-a-kind gift or a special treat to enjoy during the season.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a special ornament, a local craft, or simply enjoying the festive vibe of the downtown area, the shopping experience in Nashua during the Winter Holiday Stroll is not to be missed.
From the bright lights of New York City to the serene beauty of St. Augustine, the United States offers an array of Christmas celebrations that cater to every taste and style. Whether you’re seeking a classic winter wonderland experience in Stowe, a festive river parade in San Antonio, or a festive shopping spree in Chicago, there’s a city for every holiday traveller. Make your Christmas 2025 unforgettable by visiting one of these spectacular destinations, where the magic of the season comes to life in ways you never imagined!
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Sunday, December 7, 2025
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Sunday, December 7, 2025
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Saturday, December 6, 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025