I’ve rounded up 10 of the best Christmas towns on the East Coast, from snowy New England to festive St. Augustine, Florida. I’ve grouped them into New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and the South, plus two bonus Christmas cities: New York City and Washington, DC.
Quick Facts: Best Christmas Towns on the East Coast
Not sure which Christmas town to choose? Here are my quick picks based on the type of Christmas trip you're planning.
- Best for a snowy Christmas: The Von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont
- Best for a Christmas Market: Historic Hotel Bethlehem in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
- Best for walking everywhere: The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria in Alexandria
- Best for Christmas Magic: Gaylord National Resort National Harbor, Maryland
- Best warm Christmas getaway: Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront in St. Augustine
Best Christmas Towns on the East Coast Table of Contents
- New England (3)
- Mid-Atlantic (4)
- South (4)
- Bonus: Christmas Cities of New York and Washington, DC
- How I make a Hotel Room Feel Cozy for the Holidays
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New England Christmas Towns on the East Coast
Stowe, Vermont – Best for a Snowy Christmas
Stowe looks like a snow globe come to life, with a white-steepled village, mountain backdrop, and a real chance of a white Christmas! It's a great fit for families with kids of all ages, ski families, and anyone who wants a classic Vermont Christmas. Sound of Music fans will also love the von Trapp family's lodge on the hillside.
Activities: Book a horse-drawn sleigh ride at the von Trapp Family Lodge, where a professional guide drives your sleigh through Vermont scenery. The Go Stowe Holiday Stroll is a shop-local event where you collect stamps for purchases and earn chances at prizes. If you're in town on the 25th, the Christmas Day dinner at The Lodge at Spruce Peak is a family-friendly buffet with live music and a children's area. Kick things off at A Traditional Christmas in Stowe, held the first weekend of December in recent years.
Hotel Recommendations:
- For lodging, The Von Trapp Family Lodge is a 96-room Austrian-style lodge on 2,500 acres, with an on-site brewery.
- The Green Mountain Inn sits right on Main Street and has two restaurants and a resident friendly ghost named Boots Berry.
- Stoweflake Resort & Spa on Mountain Road is known for its award-winning spa and lots of room types.
Restaurants: For dinner, try the Bierhall at the von Trapp Family Lodge for lagers and hearty fare. The Whip Bar & Grill at the Green Mountain Inn is an easy Main Street stop. For a casual breakfast before sledding, McCarthy's on Mountain Road is a local favorite.
Kennebunkport, Maine – Santa Arrives by Boat at this Christmas Town!
Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude has earned a reputation as one of the country's great small-town holiday celebrations. The town calls itself HGTV's #2 Christmas Town in America, and the 45th Prelude runs December 3 to 13, 2026. The setting is a working harbor village where Santa arrives by lobster boat and Christmas trees are built from lobster traps.
It suits multigenerational trips, couples, and families who like their holidays coastal and cozy rather than theme-parky.
The Christmas Prelude schedule is the place to plan. Highlights include the Dock Square tree lighting, Santa arriving by lobster boat, and the Cape Porpoise lobster trap tree lighting. Don't miss candlelight caroling at the Franciscan Monastery.
Hotel Recommendation for Kennebunkport Christmas Town on the East Coast
- For lodging, the Nonantum Resort is a staple of Prelude season with plenty of events at the historic 5 Star hotel.
- The Kennebunkport Inn and Boathouse Waterfront Hotel are both part of the Kennebunkport Resort Collection.
- Our family stayed at the Hampton Inn Kennbunkport and it was great for a more affordable option.
For food, Alisson's Restaurant and Federal Jack's Restaurant & Brew Pub pack in the crowds for lunch, dinner, and late-night fun. Old Vines Wine Bar is a better fit for a grown-up evening of wine and tapas.
Nantucket, Massachusetts with a Magical Talking Tree
Nantucket's Christmas Stroll turns a sleepy island into a Victorian holiday scene. Santa arrives on a nautical "sleigh," and the weekend brings carolers in Victorian dress, a Magical Talking Tree, craft shows, and a European-style Christmas marketplace. Getting there by ferry feels like part of the adventure.
It's ideal for families with young kids, couples on a romantic getaway, and shoppers. Since the island is compact, you can do it all on foot.
chamber's winter events page also lists the NHA Festival of Trees (December 4 to 31), Christmas Stroll (Dec 4-6) and the Lighthouse School Yuletide Fair (December 5). The whole season runs under Nantucket Noel, which includes a Red Ticket shopping program and a prize drawing on Christmas Eve.
Hotel Recommendations for Nantucket’s Christmas Town
- For lodging, The Nantucket Hotel & Resort is the island's only year-round hotel, with a heated pool.
- The White Elephant is a waterside classic with rooms, garden cottages, and in-town lofts that suit large families.
- The Jared Coffin House is a historic 1845 mansion within easy walking distance of everything.
For dinner, Brant Point Grill at the White Elephant serves seafood and steaks overlooking the harbor. Brotherhood of Thieves and The Rose & Crown are both walkable pub-style options. Many island restaurants keep limited hours in winter, so check before you go.
Mid-Atlantic Holiday Towns (Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia)
Chestertown, Maryland The Dickens of a Christmas Village
Chestertown is a colonial Eastern Shore river town that reinvents itself as Victorian London each December. Its Dickens of a Christmas weekend brings a Victorian streetscape with authentic British foods, handcrafted gifts, and horse-drawn carriages passing 18th and 19th century homes.
The Dickens of a Christmas weekend usually falls on the first weekend of December, kicking off on First Friday. I couldn't find the 2026 schedule posted yet, so confirm dates there. Past programs have included a costumed "Run/Walk Like the Dickens" 5K, the "London Row" artisan market, and ticketed events like the Holiday Tea and Historic House Tour. The Friday-night kickoff has late-open shops, firepits, and a Celtic band.
Recommendation for Hotels near Chestertown Maryland
- Brampton Inn (1860) is a peaceful 5 star boutique inn a mile outside town, with manor-house rooms and six private cottages.
- Comfort Inn and Suites is an affordable option.
For food, The Kitchen at the Imperial is an award-winning casual fine-dining spot. Luisa's Cucina Italiana is a casual place for Italian entrees and pizza, which suits kids. Evergrain Bread Company is a good stop for pastries and coffee.
Old Town Alexandria, Virginia – Cozy Hallmark Christmas Town Vibes
Old Town Alexandria is one of my favorite places to visit at Christmas! The historic brick sidewalks, centuries-old row houses, twinkling lights along King Street, and decorated storefronts make the whole neighborhood feel festive. It’s also right across the Potomac from Washington, DC, so it’s an easy town to combine with a DC Christmas trip.
It’s especially good for families, couples, and anyone who likes a Christmas town where you can park the car and spend most of your visit walking. King Street is lined with independent shops, restaurants, and cafés, and you can ride the free King Street Trolley between the Metro area and Old Town.
The holiday season kicks off with Alexandria’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting, scheduled for November 21, 2026. One of the biggest weekends comes on December 5, 2026, when Old Town hosts two of its signature Christmas events.
- The Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., filling Old Town with Scottish clans in tartan, pipe and drum bands, terriers, hounds, and community groups. Alexandria was founded by Scottish merchants, so this is one Christmas tradition that really connects to the city’s history.
- Later that day, head toward the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront for the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Dockside festivities are scheduled from 2 to 8 p.m., with the illuminated boat parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. Boats covered in Christmas lights cruise along the Potomac River, making this one of my favorite Alexandria holiday traditions.
- Tons of Holiday Light Displays in Alexandria!
- 4 Amazing Alexandria Virginia Playgrounds
Hotel Recommendations for Old Town Alexandria Christmas
- The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria puts you directly on King Street, which is hard to beat if you want to walk out of your hotel and immediately be in the middle of the Christmas atmosphere. (owned by Hilton)
- We have stayed at The Westin Alexandria Old Town just a mile away from downtown and loved it!
For dinner, Virtue Feed & Grain near the waterfront is an easy choice in a historic former feed and grain warehouse. Mia’s Italian Kitchen is another good option right on King Street near the waterfront, while Ada’s on the River works well if you want a nicer dinner overlooking the Potomac. I’d also save some time to grab a coffee or hot chocolate and simply walk King Street after dark when all the Christmas lights are on.
Williamsburg, Virginia – 18th Century Christmas Town Coziness
Colonial Williamsburg does Christmas the 18th-century way, with candles in windows, evergreen wreaths, and fife-and-drum processions. Grand Illumination happens on the first three Saturdays of December, which are December 5, 12, and 19 in 2026. Nearby Busch Gardens adds a big theme-park Christmas on top!
The Grand Illumination is where to start. It brings candlelit buildings and fireworks around 7pm from the Governor's Palace and Capitol, and street access is free. Busch Gardens Christmas Town has more than ten million lights, holiday shows, and over 25 rides, and last year it ran mid-November to early January.
- For lodging, Colonial Williamsburg Resorts has Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel both offering Christmas Town packages.
- Marriott's Manor Club at Ford's Colony - Indoor and Outdoor Pool plus lots of activities!
- Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Gateway
For food, Christiana Campbell's Tavern and King's Arms Tavern serve colonial-style fare and offer special Grand Illumination dinners. Sal's by Victor is a local favorite for Italian, and it's a good choice for picky kids.
Check my Colonial Williamsburg with Kids blog post!
Christmas Villages in the South for Families
St. Augustine, Florida Warm East Coast Christmas Town Joy!
St. Augustine's Nights of Lights covers the oldest city in the U.S. in white lights, and you can wear short sleeves to see them. The 2026 festival runs November 21 to January 18, 2027, with more than three million lights, free entry, and no ticket required. It suits families who want warm weather, couples, and snowbirds. It's also a great pick if you'd rather spend Christmas on a beach than in the snow!
See the lights by land, sea, or sky, including boat tours like the schooner Schooner Freedom and a power catamaran.
Hotels for St. Augustine Beach East Coast at Christmas
- Casa Monica Resort & Spa Autograph Collection is right on the Plaza de la Constitución.
- Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront has cottage-style buildings across from the bay, with a pool.
- The Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown is very walkable on the north end of the historic district.
For food, Catch 27 is a classic seafood stop with locally caught fish. Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille is near the Hilton, and Pizzalley is a good casual option for kids.
Charleston, South Carolina Mild Weather Holiday Town
Charleston gives you a Christmas with mild weather, cobblestone streets, and a harbor full of lit-up boats. It's the warm-weather option on this list, so you can walk a historic district in a light jacket. It's a good fit for couples, foodies, families who like driving through lights from the car, and anyone who wants Christmas without the cold.
The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is a three-mile driving route with more than 750 displays, plus a train ride, carousel, and Santa, and the next edition was listed as November 13 to December 31, 2026. The City of Charleston's holiday lineup has included the Holiday Parade of Boats and Saturday holiday farmers markets in Marion Square. That page shows 2025, and 2026 will likely be posted closer to the season. The boat parade typically falls on the second weekend in December.
Hotel Recommendations in Christmas Charleston
For lodging, Mills House Charleston (Curio Collection by Hilton) is family-friendly with an outdoor pool. The Francis Marion Hotel is a historic 1924 hotel on Marion Square, and Hotel Emeline is a boutique option that hosts an annual tree lighting.
For food, Poogan's Porch is a Lowcountry brunch institution in a restored Victorian, open since 1976. Hyman's Seafood has fed the city since 1890 and offers free hushpuppies, which kids love. Slightly North of Broad is the spot for classic shrimp and grits. Restaurants in Downtown and the French Quarter (downtown) +2
Asheville, North Carolina Fancy Christmas Town on the East Coast
Asheville pairs a small mountain-town vibe with America's largest private home in its holiday clothes. Christmas at Biltmore runs from November 6, 2026 to January 10, 2027, with candlelight evenings available by separate reservation. Dates vary a bit by source, so confirm on Biltmore's site.
Christmas at Biltmore features over 100 hand-decorated trees and a 30-foot-plus Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall. The National Gingerbread House Competition display is on view at the Omni Grove Park Inn from November 17, 2026 to January 3, 2027, with free viewing for non-guests on select evenings and weekdays. For a light show, Winter Lights is a walk-through experience that typically runs mid-November to early January, and 2026 dates hadn't been announced.
Hotel Recommendations: For lodging, the Omni Grove Park Inn is the gingerbread headquarters, just look at the photos! Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park is a practical family option.
Food Recommendations: For food, Stable Café at Biltmore is a barbecue spot in a historic stable. Tupelo Honey serves Southern comfort food, brunch, and famous biscuits. Corner Kitchen is a cozy Victorian cottage in Biltmore Village with fireplaces.
Bonus 1: Washington, D.C. a Capitol Christmas!
DC is the free-and-festive Christmas city. The monuments, museums, and much of the holiday fun cost nothing, so it's an easy trip on a budget. The National Christmas Tree sits on the Ellipse with 58 surrounding trees honoring the states, territories, and DC, and visitors can see them throughout December after the lighting.
It's a great match for families with young kids, first-time visitors who want to fit in sightseeing, and anyone who wants to lean on free museums. Your own guides organize things by age group, from toddler-friendly museums to teen picks. Top 10 Best DC Spots for Winter & Christmas is a good starting point for readers.
Start with the National Christmas Tree and use your hours and parking tips. Next, visit the US Botanic Garden Conservatory, your pick for the best indoor holiday spot, with poinsettias, DC landmarks made from plants, and outdoor model trains. It's typically open late November through early January. Then plan a museum-and-market afternoon at the Downtown Holiday Market near the National Portrait Gallery, also in my top 10 guide. For evenings, use your 40 Holiday Lights in DC, Virginia & Maryland list, updated for 2026 with stroller, parking, and Metro info for each. For more, check out my 50 Free Holiday Events roundup.
I have a whole blog post on Holiday Hotels in the DC Area including:
- Best for Christmas Magic: Gaylord National Resort
If you want the hotel itself to be part of your Christmas trip, this is my pick. There’s the famous ICE! attraction, an indoor pool, and beautiful holiday displays throughout the resort. My kids especially loved the light shows in the huge atrium. It really feels like its own little Christmas village. - Best for Families: Residence Inn Washington, DC National Mall
We stayed here as a family and loved having the extra space. The roomy suites and kitchenettes make traveling with kids much easier, and the indoor heated pool is a huge bonus, especially since pools can be hard to find at downtown DC hotels. - Best for Budget Friendly Travel: Hampton Inn & Suites Arlington Crystal City DCA
Staying just outside DC can be an easy way to save money without giving up convenient access to the city. This Crystal City option is just a short walk from the Metro, making it easy to head into DC for Christmas lights, museums, and holiday events.
Bonus 2: East Coast Christmas New York City!
New York at Christmas is the big-city version of everything else on this list! The Rockefeller Center tree, Rockettes, department store windows, a Midtown holiday market, and a Santa who has a whole floor to himself, and you get a city that turns the volume up on the season.
It's ideal for first-time visitors, families with school-age kids and teens, and anyone who wants a full-on Christmas trip with plenty of indoor options. It's also expensive and crowded, so it works best if you plan ahead. I've been during Thanksgiving and also in December and honestly would recommend the first half of December for the crowds and lower hotel prices than the second half. Here's my 24 hours in NYC blog post.
New York City Christmas Activity Recommendations:
- Start at the Holidays at Rockefeller Center page for the tree, the rink, and private holiday chalets. Skip the ceremony crowds and see the tree early on a weekday morning, since it's lit daily from 5am to midnight, and 6 to 8am on a weekday is when the plaza is nearly empty.
- The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes returns November 4, 2026 with 230 performances, the most ever.
- The Summit One Vanderbilt rooftop experience. We went with 3 generations and loved it!
- Bryant Park Winter Village is expected to open October 23, 2026 for its 25th season, with a free ice rink surrounded by more than 180 holiday shops, so see this 2026 guide for updates.
- Macy's Santaland at Herald Square is free, but reservations are required, and slots open five days ahead at 6:30am New York time.
- For a quieter trip, the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden has nearly 200 landmark replicas.
Hotel Recommendations in NYC:
- For a splurge, The Plaza is the classic choice, with a Home Alone experience and Eloise-themed afternoon tea.
- Our family has stayed at JW Marriott The Essex House on the same block as the Plaza and right across from Central Park!
- For a budget-friendly stay, the Fairfield Inn & Suites New York Midtown Manhattan/Penn Station has been a family favorite for travel bloggers.
- The Holiday Inn Express Times Square South is another more affordable option that serves free continental breakfast.
For dinner, Rock Center Café looks out on the skating rink at Rockefeller Center, so the setting is half the point. Serendipity 3 is famous for frozen hot chocolate, and you'll want a reservation. Carmine's serves family-style Italian portions that suit larger families.
How I Make a Hotel Room Feel Cozy for Christmas
One of the fun parts of taking a Christmas trip is making the hotel room feel a little festive too. You definitely don’t need to pack an entire suitcase of decorations. I like the idea of bringing a few small, lightweight things that instantly make a plain hotel room feel cozy when everyone comes back after a day of Christmas activities.
A mini tabletop Christmas tree is probably the easiest way to transform a hotel room. Look for one that folds or packs flat and add a short strand of battery-operated fairy lights so you don’t have to worry about finding an outlet. And for toddlers, small Christmas window clings that can be removed easily.
For Christmas pajamas, I’d bring matching family Christmas pajamas or even just festive Christmas socks. They’re fun for relaxing in the room with a Christmas movie after a long day out, and they don’t take up much extra suitcase space.
