The hunt for towns that feel like a Hallmark Christmas movie never ends—and that might be a good thing.
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While travelers usually shy away from the cold and dark days of winter, there’s one notable exception: Christmas markets. Christmas markets, from traditional German-style shopping to bazaars set around famous sites like Rockefeller Center, deliver on charm, warmth, and family-friendly fun.
But Hallmark-caliber Christmas towns are a whole other story. They don’t just have a few festivities on the calendar and a large, colorful market set up for a month or so. Instead, they have a more effortless holiday cheer—whether thanks to snowy weather, cute decorations at local shops, community-wide traditions, and more.
While we usually think of colder destinations when talking about towns that feel like a Hallmark Christmas movie, that’s not always the case. They come in all shapes and sizes—and can even be found on a warm coastline.
Want to take a look at a list of towns that feel like a Hallmark Christmas movie that you probably haven’t heard of before? Start here—one might be closer to home than you realized!
7 towns that feel like a Hallmark Christmas movie
Bryce Canyon Country, Utah
The entire Bryce Canyon area transforms into a winter wonderland. The canyons themselves are covered in fresh white powder, which makes it possible to take on activities like sleigh rides, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. Think of it like a Hallmark Christmas movie stop for the more intrepid traveler.
Best of all, you can play the field a bit, so to speak. Bryce Canyon is home to a handful of small, quaint towns that come alive over Christmas. They host a range of intriguing events, from Christmas-themed birding challenges to Christmas car shows. If you want, you can even stay inside a snowglobe-like geodome at a property like Clear Sky Resorts.
Carlsbad, California
Looking for towns that feel like a Hallmark Christmas movie that’s set in the subtropics? In Carlsbad, you’ll see festive lights strung up on palm trees in a tight-knit town that brings to mind Stars Hollow from The Gilmore Girls. There’s a holiday market where you can feel the sea breeze as you wander the stalls and sip on hot cocoa, along with events like tree-lighting.
Or, if you want a more straightforward Christmas-themed adventure, head to the Park Hyatt Aviara—it’s got five distinct Christmas-themed exhibits—or book a trip to LEGOLAND for the Santa’s Christmas Magic Fireworks show.
Fish Camp, California
Earlier this year, I highlighted the small town of Oakhurst, one of the last stops before you hit Yosemite National Park. This time around, I’m recommending Fish Camp. This charming town comes alive each December with festive decorations, cozy town-wide activities, and holiday vendors. If you prefer a more traditional Christmas experience, look no further.
Tenaya at Yosemite also hosts multiple events that you can easily join, including ornament, snow globe, and gingerbread decoration workshops. You can join even if you aren’t staying in the hotel—including a breakfast with Santa event scheduled for December 21.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah has one of the US’s most popular traditional Christmas markets in the country—but consider this your reminder that the whole city transforms for the festive season. Aside from the Savannah Christmas Market, you can also join in on the Savannah Holly Days celebration.
Keep Savannah on your radar if you’re looking for great NYE celebrations, too. The city maintains its festive atmosphere even after Christmas ends, meaning you can expect plenty of cozy, winter-themed fare as NYE approaches.
Tallahassee, Florida
As with Carlsbad, California, don’t let Tallahassee’s year-round sunshine throw you off—it’s one of the best towns that feels like a Hallmark Christmas movie in the south. You’ve got window displays, light displays, ballet shows, and holiday shows that will keep you busy throughout November and December. There are even candy-cane making workshops, a symphonic orchestral performance, and, of course, holiday markets.
Teton Village, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
If you normally associate Jackson Hole with skiing more than Christmas celebrations, here’s your reminder: it’s one of the most effortlessly perfect places to spend the holidays. Teton Village comes alive with holiday spirit and includes plenty of activities that are fun for the whole family. (If you need lodging for a large group, you’ll have plenty of space at Teton Private Residences.)
There are events like Kids on Snow, something called a ‘Santa Drop’, ski with Santa events, and plenty of Christmas markets to explore. There are traditional vendors selling artisan foods and goods, along with holiday bazaars and holiday shopping events that come with free hot cocoa.
Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington, Delaware, is one of the Mid-Atlantic’s unsung Christmas heroes. Whether you enjoy glowing light displays, historic home tours, or a classic community event, you’ve got options. Each year, Longwood Gardens comes alive with its festive light show, along with Yuletide celebrations at the Winterthur Museum and the Holiday Light Express train.
But no space captures the spirit of Christmas like Hotel Du Pont. The historic hotel is part of the town’s legacy, and that’s celebrated with events like the Gingerbread Workshop, Very Merry holiday tea party, and its Frozen Fairytale Brunch. It’s one of the most elegant towns that feels like a Hallmark Christmas movie.
