New York Joins Indiana, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Alaska in Transforming the US into a Winter Wonderland with Christmas Tree Displays, Light Shows, and Holiday Markets

Published on December 6, 2025

New York joins Indiana, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Alaska in transforming the US into a winter wonderland with Christmas tree displays, light shows, and holiday markets. Each of these destinations brings their unique holiday charm to life, offering dazzling Christmas tree displays, unforgettable light shows, and bustling holiday markets. From New York City’s iconic tree at Rockefeller Center to the festive markets in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and the spectacular light displays in Leavenworth, Washington, these towns create magical holiday atmospheres that captivate visitors. Whether it’s the twinkling lights, festive shopping, or the warmth of traditional holiday celebrations, these destinations truly turn the U.S. into a holiday dream come true.

The holiday season transforms towns across the U.S. into festive wonderlands, offering unforgettable experiences filled with sparkling lights, charming traditions, and seasonal cheer. From Bavarian-inspired villages to cities that embrace Christmas all year long, these destinations offer something special for everyone looking to embrace the spirit of the season. Here are five of the most enchanting Christmas towns in the U.S., each with its own unique way to celebrate the holidays.

1. Leavenworth, Washington – A Bavarian Dream in the Snowy Cascades

Leavenworth is a small town in Washington that turns into a Bavarian-style Christmas village each winter. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the town is transformed into a sparkling holiday wonderland during its Village of Lights Festival, with over 500,000 lights illuminating the streets. Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere with traditional Christmas carols, sleigh rides through snow-dusted landscapes, and local markets filled with German-inspired foods, mulled wine, and handcrafted goods. The Reindeer Farm and Nutcracker Museum, along with the lively Krampuslauf parade, add to the old-world charm of this holiday destination. From late November through February, Leavenworth becomes the ultimate Christmas escape for families and travelers alike.

2. New York City, New York – The Ultimate Holiday Experience in the Big Apple

New York City is perhaps one of the most iconic places to celebrate Christmas. The city comes alive with dazzling lights, holiday traditions, and unforgettable events. The world-renowned Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, decorated with thousands of lights, is the focal point of the city’s festive cheer. Visitors can glide across the ice rink at Rockefeller Plaza, explore the stunning holiday windows on Fifth Avenue, and watch the magical light show at Saks Fifth Avenue. New York also boasts incredible holiday performances, including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. With its bustling atmosphere, cultural traditions, and countless ways to enjoy the season, New York City provides a Christmas experience like no other.

3. Santa Claus, Indiana – Christmas Spirit All Year Round

As its name suggests, Santa Claus, Indiana, is dedicated to spreading the holiday spirit every day of the year. The town’s origins date back to the 1850s when residents heard sleigh bells ringing on Christmas Eve and chose the name “Santa Claus” for their settlement. Today, visitors can explore the Santa Claus Museum and Village, shop for Christmas-themed gifts at the Santa Claus Christmas Store, and even send letters from the Santa Claus Post Office, which receives thousands of letters addressed to Santa from children worldwide. During the holiday season, the town hosts festive parades, light displays, and activities at Santa’s Candy Castle. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, an amusement park originally called Santa Claus Land, adds even more Christmas fun throughout the year.

4. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania – The Birthplace of ‘Christmas City, USA’

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is known as “Christmas City, USA,” a title it’s held since 1937. Founded on Christmas Eve in 1741, the town has celebrated Christmas for over 250 years, making it one of the most historic Christmas destinations in the U.S. The town’s cobblestone streets are decorated with holiday lights, and the Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem, a German-style Christmas market, offers handmade gifts, delicious foods, and holiday entertainment. Visitors can also experience Moravian traditions, such as the putz (miniature nativity scenes), and explore the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Moravian settlement. Bethlehem beautifully blends history, culture, and Christmas cheer, creating a memorable holiday destination for all.

5. North Pole, Alaska – A Year-Round Christmas Wonderland

Located just outside Fairbanks, North Pole, Alaska, is a town where Christmas is celebrated every single day. With streets like Santa Claus Lane and St. Nicholas Drive, the town is decorated year-round in festive cheer. The Santa Claus House, a popular attraction, allows visitors to send letters with a North Pole postmark, meet live reindeer, and see the world’s largest Santa statue. Even during the warmer months, North Pole continues to celebrate Christmas with themed events and decorations. For those seeking a year-round holiday atmosphere, North Pole offers a magical escape that embodies the spirit of Christmas no matter the season.

New York joins Indiana, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Alaska in transforming the U.S. into a winter wonderland with dazzling Christmas tree displays, spectacular light shows, and festive holiday markets. These destinations offer unforgettable holiday experiences that capture the magic of the season.

From the fairytale-like charm of Leavenworth to the year-round festive spirit of Santa Claus, Indiana, these Christmas towns across the U.S. offer something for everyone seeking to experience the magic of the season. Whether you’re exploring the twinkling lights of New York City, stepping back in time in Bethlehem, or basking in the Christmas cheer of North Pole, these destinations bring the holiday spirit to life in their own unique ways. Visiting these towns promises an unforgettable holiday experience that will fill your heart with joy and leave you with lasting memories.