12 Hallmark Movie Worthy Towns To Put On Your Bucket List

Visit these 12 towns for Christmas year after year to feel like you’re on set at a Hallmark movie. These towns bring Christmas to life and have things to do for the whole family, so pick your destination, hop in your sleigh, and get ready to celebrate the holiday season! 

Santa Claus, Indiana

Judging solely from the name, Santa Claus has to be one of the most festive towns in the country. As a matter of fact, they celebrate Christmas year-round! They have 3 weeks of events during the holiday season, an arts and craft show, and are home to the world’s first theme park: Holiday World! Make sure to stop by and see Santa while you’re there!

Stockbridge, Massachusetts

Stroll down main street in Stockbridge and you’ll feel like the girl in the movie who has just fallen for the small town baker. Stockbridge celebrates all month with various events, such as carolers, book readings, children’s singalongs, and magical winter lights at a national historical landmark: Naumkeag. 

Franklin, Tennessee

Celebrate Christmas in downtown Franklin, Tennessee and find something for the whole family. They are home to the annual Dickens of a Christmas, a Charles Dickens inspired Christmas celebration. Over 200 dancers, singers, and various characters from Dickens’s novels fill the streets during this celebration. They also have a festival of lights and around 40 real Christmas trees decorated by locals at The Factory.

New Hope, Pennsylvania

Peddler’s Village in New Hope has events all year long to celebrate various seasons, but their Christmas celebration is filled with fun! Choose between a murder mystery theatre experience or even join a gingerbread house decoration contest. Have little ones traveling with you? Make sure you book a reservation to have breakfast with Santa himself.

Big Spring, Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas, but does Texas even do Christmas bigger? Head over to Big Springs to see over a million Christmas lights on display at the Comanche Trail Festival of Lights. Stop by the Patton House for a Christmas tour put on by the local Heritage Museum. 

Oxford, Mississippi

Oxford is a college town located in north Mississippi. Christmas comes in second to only SEC football in this town. Events include a holiday ornament auction, Holly Jolly Holiday Market, and even a visit from Santa! 

Andalusia, Alabama

Celebrate Christmas in Andalusia’s Candyland, home of snow in south Alabama. Attractions include holiday lights, Candyland Cottages, an ice skating rink, and even more! If you’re in the midst of planning a trip, make sure you download the app to get the most out of your experience. 

North Pole, Alaska

What better place to celebrate Christmas than in the North Pole? Like Santa Claus, Indiana, North Pole celebrates Christmas all year long. Make sure to stop by Santa’s house and check out the ice art during your trip. You can even visit with Santa’s reindeer, send him a note, and get a certificate to show that you’re on the good list!

Mystic, Connecticut

While in Mystic, check out the Seaport Lantern Lights tour that takes you back to Christmas Eve in 1876. This tour includes a 70 minute play, a tradition in New England. Make sure to shop at Olde Mistick Village, featuring 30 various shops and restaurants, where you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone on your list. Finish your trip by stopping by Winterfest at the aquarium, where you can watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in 4-D.  

New York, New York

Planning to spend Christmas in NYC? Your options are unlimited. Watch the famous Rockettes at Radio City or watch the Nutcracker, which has been performed every year in New York City since 1954. Buy your gifts at one of the many Christmas markets located throughout the city. Go ice skating in Central Park and make sure you stop by the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree before your time in the city ends. 

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth transforms into a true winter wonderland for Christmas. Attend one of their many concerts, go cross-country skiing, or attend a Christmas Lighting festival. Visit the museum and go on a Nutcracker hunt or book a reservation for Christmas Eve dinner. You can even find a perfect Christmas Eve candlelight service to fit your needs on their website.

La Jolla, California

Headed to the West Coast this Christmas? Make sure to attend the La Jolla Christmas parade, complete with Santa (and even a camel) and festival. While at the festival, check out the arts and crafts and take a picture with Santa.Work on your tan while walking through one of the many Christmas light displays throughout La Jolla.