Celebrate Christmas In These 5 Great Towns

There's no place like home for the holidays, but sometimes you just have to get away for a Christmas vacation. There are lots of great places to celebrate Christmastime, but for a once in a lifetime Christmas, you need to visit one of these great American Christmas towns. For some towns, Christmas is a way of life, and if you visit these places during the holiday season, you'll come away with memories that you'll cherish for years to come. Here are five of the best towns to visit over the Christmas season.

1. New York City

New York, New York is top of the heap, the setting of countless classic Christmas movies and iconic traditions. Get there on Thanksgiving and you can catch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, where Santa Claus makes his first appearance of the Christmas season, ushering in the official start of Christmastime. Next, head over to Rockefeller Center to watch the lighting of the Christmas tree, and stay awhile for ice skating at its world famous skating rink. After that, take in a Christmas show, like the Rockettes' Radio City Christmas Spectacular or the Nutcracker Ballet at Lincoln Center, and do some shopping and enjoy the window displays at the shops and department stores.

2. Orlando, Florida

Who wouldn't want to spend Christmas with Mickey Mouse, Elsa and Anna, Harry Potter, the Grinch, Shrek, and countless other beloved characters? Even Florida can become a winter wonderland when you're visiting Orlando's Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios, where they go all out on Christmas decorations, fireworks, parades, performances, and lights. SeaWorld and Legoland get into the spirit as well, so you'll never run out of fun Christmas themed activities to enjoy. Just make sure you don't miss Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom or Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

3. Woodstock, Vermont

Head up to the Green Mountains in central Vermont and you'll find Woodstock, a small town that does Christmas in a big way. Every year, Woodstock is home to Wassail Weekend, a Christmas celebration that looks back to the traditions and celebrations of old, creating a truly unique Christmas experience with a historical flavor. Start the weekend on the village green, watching riders and buggies go by in the equestrian parade, then visit open houses and farms for music, old time decorations, and historical lessons. The festivities cap off with a yule log fire, and you can enjoy songs from Christmas carolers, Celtic music, the Wassail Celebration Feast, gift shopping at the craft fair, and much more.

4. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

In the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee you'll find Pigeon Forge, a town that comes alive with incredible displays of millions of lights during Christmastime.  You’ll also find endless festivities at the city’s annual Winterfest celebrations. Pigeon Forge is home to Dolly Parton's theme park, Dollywood, which puts on dazzling, colorful decorations, parades, stage shows, music performances, and special Christmas events. There's also the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights, holiday shows put on by the Smoky Mountain Opry, special events at the Titanic Museum, and lots more. You can rent a cabin and stay in this beautiful natural setting for as long as you need to take in all of the Christmas wonders you can find here.

5. Branson, Missouri

One of the great musical cities of the United States, Branson is home to the Ozark Mountain Christmas every December, putting on a month long festival of holiday music, Christmas lights, parades, and more. You can get your holiday shopping done at Branson's historic downtown district, get in a visit with Santa Claus, follow the spectacular Christmas tree trail, and visit Silver Dollar City to see millions of lights and over a thousand trees. If you have kids, take them for a ride on the Branson Scenic Railway's Polar Express for an experience straight out of the classic movie.

If Christmas is your favorite time of year, you owe it to yourself to go where the Christmas spirit is strongest. Jingle all the way to one of these great American Christmas towns and have the happiest holiday ever!