Instead of visiting a crowded city this Christmas, take a drive to one of America's small towns celebrating the holidays in style. Bask in the charm of these small towns during the holiday season, where you can enjoy illuminated parades, squares lit by twinkling lights, and snow-capped rooftops. From winter wonders to quiet seaside escapes, read on to discover the best towns to visit for Christmas in the US.
Branson, Missouri Credit: facebook.com Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri (Hotels nearby)
Known for its famous Ozark Mountain Christmas festival, Branson celebrates Christmas in style. This is where you can experience a week-long spectacle of live music, festive light displays and fun parades. This Midwest country music and city capital offers drive-thru light shows as well as an illuminated nativity scene on Branson Mountain. The Branson Scenic Railway's Polar Express Train Ride is a family favourite, while the legendary King's Castle presents holiday classics with talented singers and dancers.
Natchitoches, Louisiana (Hotels nearby)
A small Louisiana town that knows how to celebrate Christmas the right way, Natchitoches showcases over 300,000 lights and 100 pieces for its downtown display. Located along the shores of Cane River Lake, the town has a six-week Christmas Festival that started back in 1927. The festival is a huge attraction for families in the area, where you'll find a boat parade, fireworks, a Christmas market selling Natchitoches meat pie and romantic carriage rides through the old town.
Skaneateles, New York (Hotels nearby)
Skaneateles is a charming town in the picturesque Finger Lakes, where Dickensian characters from Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Christmas Past perform in celebration of the annual Dickens Festival. Step back in time with the host of characters dressed in Victorian costume, then hop on one of the horse-drawn carriage rides, listen to the live bagpipe player or simply stroll through the village and munch on roasted chestnuts. Be sure to catch the world's smallest Christmas parade ever and a mini-performance of "A Christmas Carol".
Santa Claus, Indiana (Hotels nearby)
What could be a better Christmas destination than a town called Father Christmas? Its population is around 2,500, but that doesn't stop them from going over the top for the Christmas festivities. It's a three-weekend celebration in this town, where you can roast chestnuts over an open fire at Santa's Candy Castle, then visit the Santa Claus Arts & Crafts Show and see Santa's Christmas Parade. There is an LED light display that tells the story of Rudolph, as well as a Christmas shop, a Christmas museum and letter-writing activities to Father Christmas himself.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania (Hotels nearby)
A small town in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Lancaster boasts a festive Amish farmhouse atmosphere. There are carriage rides, carol singing and many gift shops available at the Lancaster Central Market. Watch the tree lighting ceremony with tuba accompaniment or board the Strasburg Rail Road for biscuits and milk while Victorian-dressed actors read 'The Night Before Christmas'.
Fredericksburg, Texas 
Credit: Mary Mathias Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg, Texas (Hotels nearby)
Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg will give you a dose of small-town Texas. Savour the charms of Christmastime at one of the many festive events held here, as its old-fashioned celebrations include carolers, parades, concerts and Nutcracker shows. Located just west of Austin, this three-day festival attracts visitors from all over the state who want to shop for gifts in the 150 boutiques, admire the 30-foot Christmas tree in the centre of the Marktplatz and sip mulled wine.
Woodstock, Vermont (Hotels nearby)
A landscape dotted with churches, covered bridges and ice skating rinks, Woodstock comes alive during the Woodstock Wassail weekend. After admiring its New England colonial architecture and picturesque river views, enjoy the village's carriage and sleigh rides, craft fair and performances by local theatre and singing troupes. Watch carolers on the snowy streets and decorated horses trot through the centre with riders dressed in Victorian garb.
Leavenworth, Washington (Hotels nearby)
You'll be surprised by the beauty of Leavenworth, as this Bavarian-inspired town is straight out of a fairy tale, surrounded by the snow-capped Cascade Mountains. A storybook village with steep rooftops and trees lit by half a million Christmas lights, you can skip the flight to Europe and enjoy sizzling âbratwurst, warm Gluhwein mulled wine and roasted nuts. Take part in the week-long Christkindlmarkt celebrations, watch handbell concerts and view the decorated outdoor tree from above.
Seaside, Florida (Hotels nearby)
If you want to escape the cold for Christmas, head to Seaside, Florida, for a coastal party. Located on Florida's Emerald Coast, Seaside is known for its fresh seafood, charming boutiques and candy-coloured houses. Wintertime offers a tranquil atmosphere with its post office and the iconic Coleman Beach Pavilion wrapped in 4,500 lights, where you can spend time taking scenic strolls or walks, photographing palm trees decorated with twinkling lights, and participating in the annual Turn On the Town celebration with parades, Santa Claus and a Christmas tree lighting.
Solvang, California (Hotels nearby)
A destination similar to Denmark, Solvang is a Danish village located in California. You'll find unique festivities in this small town, with about 150 boutiques decked out in traditional Christmas decorations selling all kinds of Danish products such as clogs, high-quality toys and china and lace. After spending a few hours buying presents, take part in the annual Julefest celebrations. Everyone in the family can get into the Christmas spirit with its parade of dancers, vintage car shows and horse-drawn carriages. Don't miss the living nativity scene contest that brings the Christmas story to life.
Frankenmuth, Michigan (Hotels nearby)
You'll be drawn to the charm of Frankenmuth, Michigan, as this small Bavarian-inspired town boasts a traditional Christkindmarkt in December. Visit to experience its extravagant light displays, historical holiday-themed tours and dinner with Santa and Mrs Claus in the famous Zehnder restaurant. If you need to do some Christmas shopping, head to Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, the world's largest Christmas shop with over 96,000 square feet of retail space featuring over 300 Christmas trees.