The holidays are around the corner and for many of us, Christmas travel means heading to grandma’s house — you know, over the river and through the woods. For others, a holiday destination means a nice hotel resort on a beach somewhere. Today, I wanted to share ideas for places to go for Christmas on the east coast that will put you in the holiday mood.
These are East Coast Christmas vacations that offer something extra special. I know when I’m looking for Christmas getaways near me, I’m thinking of parades of boats, horse-drawn sleigh rides, botanical gardens dripping in twinkling lights, and special holiday events.
These East Coast Christmas towns are postcard-worthy venues for catching the holiday spirit. And if you are looking for even more holiday inspiration, be sure to check out our posts on the best Christmas hotels, and ideas for celebrating the holidays in Philadelphia, Chicago, and London. If you are on the West Coast, see the best Christmas towns in California.
Best Places to Go for Christmas on the East Coast
Dates are subject to change and we recommend visiting the destination website to find out more details before planning your Christmas vacation.
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Starting in the north and moving south, here are our picks for the top places to go for Christmas on the East Coast of the USA from the best Christmas towns on the East Coast to great Christmas resorts.
1. Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport is a charming coastal town in Southern Maine, famous for its lobster rolls, Docks Square shopping, and the Bush Family compound. While visitors flock here in the summer, Kennebunkport (KPT) goes out of its way to shine in the winter too. It is no surprise that it was voted the #2 Christmas town in America by HGTV.
In Kennebunkport, you can watch Santa Claus arrive by lobster boat during the annual Christmas Prelude, and there are many other festivities hosted throughout the holiday season. For two consecutive weekends in early December, Kennebunkport’s Dock Square, nearby Kennebunk, and Cape Porpoise are aglow with holiday-themed events from tree lightings to parades, crafts to caroling, and fireworks to Santa’s arrival.
You really won’t want to miss the lobster trap tree lighting! Nothing says Christmas in Maine more than an Instagram post of a “Christmas tree” made out of lobster traps covered with holiday lights.
Where to stay: If you are staying overnight, the Boathouse Waterfront Hotel is right in the heart of the action.
2. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
The waterfront, historic town of Portsmouth is always a joy to visit, with its cobblestone streets, charming shops, bountiful restaurants, and harborfront. But Portsmouth really turns festive around the holidays with a Vintage Christmas. This month-long celebration is chock full of events from the Vintage Christmas kickoff party to the Annual Gingerbread House contest, Christmas tree lighting and Illuminated Holiday Parade, and the Annual Candlelight Stroll.
There are also special performances of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, and Family Holiday Pops by the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra, making Portsmouth a great East Coast Christmas vacation. Visitors can then enjoy a winter skate on the outdoor ice-skating rink at Puddle Duck Pond.
While you are in town, I’d highly recommend a seafood meal at Row 34! See my full guide on things to do in Portsmouth NH.
Where to stay: For families, the Hampton Inn and Suites in Downtown Portsmouth is very convenient. For couples, I’d recommend the AC Hotel Portsmouth Downtown.
3. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Winter brings ski season to New Hampshire but there is also plenty of holiday fun to be had in the White Mountains. While Ice Castles typically doesn’t open until early January (depending on the weather), Santa’s Village is decked out in nearly one million lights and open for visitors on weekends from mid-November through December 23rd. There are Christmas carols in the air, decorations galore, and even visits to Santa and his reindeer.
The Santa Express train ride on the Hobo Railroad is perfect for families, as everyone on the train meets Santa & Mrs. Claus, and all young children will receive a gift from Santa on the train. The Mount Washington Cog Railway also offers a winter ride to their Waumbek Station, complete with hot cocoa and marshmallows and sometimes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
At the Omni Mount Washington, you can enjoy winter activities including skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, sleigh rides, and even zip lining. The hotel gets decked out for the holidays and hosts special events including holiday concerts.
Where to stay: The Omni Mount Washington is the natural pick but for something more unique, Huttopia White Mountains now offers cozy cabins that are perfect for winter stays.
4. Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock, Vermont has to be one of the most charming towns in New England and a perfect place to get into the holiday spirit during a series of holiday events starting in November and running through mid-December. The festivities kick off with a Gingerbread contest in late November, with the houses on display at Woodstock Scoops.
Next up, enjoy the Christmas spirit at Billings Farm on multiple weekends in December. Billings Farm is decorated with festive lights and Victorian Christmas traditions. Families can enjoy hot cider and toast s’mores by the fire pit.
The main event is the Wassail Weekend. This yearly celebration is filled with decorated historic homes, horse-drawn carriage rides, breakfast with Santa, and twinkling lights throughout the town square. Riders dressed in Victorian Era costumes and horses draped with sleigh bells lead the way in the Wassail Parade.
Visitors can also enjoy musical performances ranging from Christmas with the Celts to Cello by Candlelight, choirs, and sing-alongs.
Where to stay: If you are making a weekend of it, there is no better place to stay than the Woodstock Inn & Resort. For something more unique, try winter glamping nearby at Highwood Retreat.
5. Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Snowland at the Great Wolf Lodge is a true kid’s delight! Celebrate the holidays with special cookie deliveries from Wiley the Wolf, eat in the life-size gingerbread house, grab some free hot chocolate, decorate cookies, and participate in special activities like the Polar Wolf Walk.
Make your stay extra special by booking a Snowland Suite, with special holiday decorations and your very own tree. Of course, there are Great Wolf Lodge hotels throughout the USA, including ones in the Poconos, Pennsylvania; Concord, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; and Williamsburg, Virginia. Check out the video we made during our stay during the holidays at the Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
6. Boston, Massachusetts
Like most large cities, Boston puts on its shine for the winter holidays. But unlike some cities, you may just see some snow while you are there. Starting in late November, you can join in one of the many tree or holiday lighting ceremonies around town — from the Boston Common to the Columbus Park Trellis to Copley Square to the State House. You will find trees sparkling brightly in the Boston Common, the Public Garden, Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Copley Square, Prudential Center, the North End, Downtown Crossing, and along the Seaport waterfront.
European-style Holiday Markets also pop up across the city in December, featuring everything from vintage kitsch to New England crafts. Some popular markets can be found in SoWa in the South End, Snow Port at the Boston Seaport, and Old South Church’s Christmas Fair. The Theater District welcomes holiday shows, ice skating is open at Frog Pond, and many hotels offer special events and holiday displays.
Where to stay: If I was staying overnight, I’d pick either the Boston Harbor Hotel or the Newbury Boston, with its wood-burning fireplaces.
7. Newport, Rhode Island
I know that summer seems like the ideal time to visit the Yachting Capital of the World, but Newport turns out quite nicely for the holidays as well. Many of the historic Newport Mansions are decked out for Christmas in Newport, with special events like costumed caroling and garden club competitions. The Breakers even puts on an amazing outdoor lights spectacle complete with a 50-foot long tunnel of lights.
Downtown, you can enjoy the holiday decorations while shopping or enjoy festive ice skating. Warm up afterwards in front of the fire at the historic Whitehorse Tavern or over a cup of chowder at the cozy Black Pearl on Bannister’s Wharf. Go ice skating or rent an igloo at the Newport Harbor Island Resort, or take a lantern tour of the town.
Where to stay: If you are staying in town, curl up by a fire at the Vanderbilt. See more of my recommendations for Rhode Island Christmas events.
8. Bethlehem, Connecticut
Any town called Bethlehem is duty-bound to host some sort of Christmas celebration, right? Bethlehem, Connecticut is no exception and is one of the more charming Christmas towns in America. On the first weekend in December, this small town in Western Connecticut hosts an annual Bethlehem Christmas Town Festival.
The weekend is filled with musical performances, a tree lighting, photos with Santa, horse-drawn hayrides, craft fairs and gift bazaars, along with plenty of food and refreshments. Visitors can enjoy strolling carolers, holiday characters, a train ride, scavenger hunt, Santa’s workshop, and a bell choir concert. The more ambitious can even join the “Santa Made Me Do It” 5K road race.
Where to stay: If you are looking to stay the weekend, there are a few luxury options nearby including The Mayflower Inn & Spa (for Gilmore Girl’s fans), the unique Winvian, and the more affordable Litchfield Inn.
9. New York, New York
Is there any better place to spend Christmas than New York City? It is worth battling the crowds and the cold to be part of the magic that is Christmas in NYC.
The whole city is decorated, but you must check out the store windows along Fifth Avenue and the giant holiday decorations on Sixth. There are many Christmas markets to enjoy, many with tasty treats, including Christmas markets in Union Square, Bryant Park, and Columbus Circle.
A visit to “the tree” in Rockefeller Center is a must, but you will get a better picture and a much shorter line for ice skating at Bryant Park. Also, buy tickets in advance to see the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall or sign up for one of the Christmas Lights tours from On Location Tours. See my complete guide for visiting New York City with kids.
Where to stay: There are no shortage of hotels in New York that get decked out for the holidays, but some of the best are the Lotte New York Palace, The Plaza New York (a must for Home Alone 2 fans), Dream Downtown (grown ups will love the outdoor ice bar), The Standard East Village (where you can hang out in a heated yurt), and The Peninsula New York. Even if you only visit for a day trip, pop into any of the grand New York hotels to warm up and enjoy the holiday displays.
10. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
I can’t leave out a town that is dubbed “Christmas Town USA”, which is Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Once a steel town and now a college town, Bethlehem has eastern European roots which are evidenced with its European-style Christmas markets at both Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt and Christmas City Village. You can also shop at the Moravian Book Shop, the oldest continuously-operating book store in the world.
When you have stocked up on gifts, visit the Lehigh and Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum or take a Christmas City Historical walking tour. At nighttime, Downtown Bethlehem really lights up for the holidays, and I’m a big fan of having dinner and drinks at Social Still in Bethlehem. Stop for breakfast at The Flying Egg.
Where to stay: There is no better place to stay than the Historic Hotel Bethlehem.
11. Indiana, Pennsylvania
Little-known Indiana, Pennsylvania is not just the Christmas Tree Capital of the World, it is also Jimmy Stewart’s home town. This little town does Christmas in a big way with a six-week “It’s a Wonderful Life” festival.
You can visit the Jimmy Stewart Museum, take a horse-drawn hayride through the trees at the Fleming’s Christmas Tree Farm, take in a Jimmy Stewart-themed show, and enjoy the It’s a Wonderful Life parade and festival.
Where to stay: Hilton Garden Inn Indiana
12. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
New York gets a lot of attention as being a great “big city” holiday destination but I’d argue that Philadelphia gives it a run for its money. Christmas Village in JFK Plaza features food stalls and shops from more than 60 vendors and Winterfest down at the RiverRink you can go ice skating or enjoy the outdoor fire pits.
Visitors can also skate right beside City hall at the Rothman Rink or check out the Holiday Festival at Franklin Square, with a light show featuring over 50,000 lights coordinated to music. You also have to take in the neighborhood light displays at “Miracle on South 13th Street.”
One of my favorite attractions is outside the city at nearby Longwood Gardens, which is one of the premier botanical gardens in the U.S., covering 1,000 acres filled with flowers, lights, miniature train displays, lights and fountain shows, and special holiday events.
Where to stay: If you are making a weekend of it, my favorite place to stay in Old City is the Kimpton Monaco.
13. Hershey, Pennsylvania
It is hard to beat the sweetness of the holidays in Hershey, PA. Christmas Candylane in Hersheypark features more than 70 rides amidst the twinkling lights. You can even meet some of Santa’s reindeer!
After a chilly night at the park, grab some chocolate and take a drive through the Hershey Sweet Lights, two miles of drive-through light displays to put you in the holiday mood on your winter vacation. During the day you can enjoy sweet temptations like chocolate tastings at the Hershey Story Museum and chocolate making at Hershey’s Chocolate World.
Where to stay: Make a sweet Christmas getaway with a stay at the Hershey Lodge or The Hotel Hershey.
14. Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis has been named one of the best towns for the holidays by Travel & Leisure. The city’s downtown is decorated with garland and lights to put you in the holiday mood while visiting some of its cute boutiques to do your holiday shopping.
The month of December is filled with back-to-back events including the Annual Chocolate Binge Festival, where you can sample all sorts of chocolate — sign me up! On the second Saturday of December, the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade features beautifully decorated boats in the Annapolis Harbor.
In Annapolis, the capstone holiday event is the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman football game. The season draws to a close with a family-friend New Year’s Eve Celebration at the City Dock ending with festive fireworks.
Where to stay: For local flair, stay at The Graduate Annapolis.
15. Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg, Virginia is one of the best towns to visit for Christmas. Strap on some skates and glide across the ice at Liberty’s Ice Pavilion, then warm up with some hot cocoa or warm cider as you stroll through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, which you will find walking tours on colonial decorating, live musical and theatrical performances, and discussions on holiday traditions.
Christmastide in Virginia takes place at both the Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown where you can see what Christmas was like in the 17th- and 18th-centuries through festive interpretive programs, fancy cooking, caroling, and musical entertainment.
For a little excitement, Busch Gardens theme park gets in the festive spirit with holiday theming, festive foods, and holiday shopping during a special limited-capacity event. Downtown Williamsburg offers the Williamsburg Christmas Market on the weekends, with live entertainment and over 20 vendors.
Where to stay: For a Christmas hotel with a lot to offer, stay at the Williamsburg Inn.
16. Harrisonburg, virginia
In early December, charming Harrisonburg in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, transforms into a Winter Wonderfest, where locals and visitors can mingle and enjoy carriage rides, photos with Santa, holiday shopping, performances, and more. In the evening, there is even a holiday parade followed by the official tree lighting. A local favorite is the holiday cookie tour offering delicious cookies from area bakers.
Make a weekend of it and spend time exploring Shenandoah National Park or taking a day trip to Charlottesville. Ski season also kicks off at nearby Massanutten Resort, where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snow tubing for some wintry fun.
Where to stay: In addition to the ski slopes, nearby Massanutten Resort features an indoor waterpark and countless family activities. You may also consider Hotel Madison near the downtown area because they do a tree decorating contest and have lovely trees throughout the property.
17. Asheville, North Carolina
There are many reasons to visit Asheville, North Carolina for its outdoor adventures and great food and drink. But the holiday season brings another reason, Christmas at Biltmore. In early November, America’s Largest Home is decorated with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, fragrant wreaths, fresh greenery, and thousands of glittering ornaments. This time-honored tradition dates back more than 125 years when George Vanderbilt celebrated the first Christmas with family and friends in his new home – Biltmore House.
Today, guests can enjoy a daytime tour past a wintry forest of trees and through the Biltmore House festooned with 67 hand-decorated Christmas trees, more than 14,000 ornaments, 45,000 holiday lights, 250 candles, 1,000 feet of garland, and 150 traditional poinsettias.
Or, guests can choose to visit in the evening Candlelight Christmas Evenings when the house glows with candlelight and firelight, taking visitors back in time with an experience reminiscent of the Vanderbilt’s first Christmas spent in Biltmore House in 1895. Musicians are stationed throughout the house to perform seasonal favorites. Outdoors, a 55-foot Norway spruce tree glowing with more than 60,000 tiny lights takes center stage on the front lawn and four-hundred hand-lit luminaries line the walkway to Biltmore House. Antler Hill Village is alive with a bonfire, visits from Santa, wine tasting, and holiday dining.
Where to stay: Make the most of the holiday experience with an overnight stay at The Inn on the Biltmore Estate.
18. Wilmington, North Carolina
The holiday season starts early in Wilmington, North Carolina as Thanksgiving week kicks off Flotilla Week in Wrightsville Beach. Flotilla Week is jam-packed with special activities from Friday’s tree lighting ceremony, a visit from Santa, Festival in the Park, the Holiday Flotilla procession of decorated boats, a massive fireworks display, and the annual Airlie Gardens’ Enchanted Airlie.
Enchanted Airlie turns its 35-acres of walking trails in the nighttime forest with nearly one million colorful lights, holiday displays, and seasonal music.
Where to stay: If you go, make it a beach vacation with a stay at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort.
19. Charleston, South Carolina
The Annual Holiday Festival of Lights takes place in James Island County Park from mid-November through late December. Charleston’s most popular holiday event features two million shimmering lights with a three-mile driving tour each evening, making it one of the best places to visit for Christmas in the south.
After the drive, visitors can partake in the many family attractions and activities including roasting marshmallows, train rides, lakeside lights, an amazing dancing light display, an enchanted walking trail, an old-fashioned carousel, Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, and many gift shops.
There is also an Annual Christmas Parade of Boats, which takes place in the Charleston Harbor. This Low Country holiday tradition features a display of lighted and festive boats.
In Downtown Charleston, Explore Charleston, Southern Living and Historic Charleston Foundation produce a series of events to celebrate the holiday season including a Holiday Decor and History Walking Tour, Southern Living Illumination Holiday Village and more, all scattered in different locations.
Where to stay: Many hotels in Charleston offer festive holiday packages, including the Francis Marion Hotel in the Historic District, which offers a package that includes a carriage ride and two mugs filled with cocoa. Other festive choices include The Charleston Place, Mill’s House, and the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, as they are all beautifully decorated and give you a great sense of Holiday spirit.
20. Jekyll Island, Georgia
Jekyll Island may be a popular summer destination but it gives visitors a good reason to come celebrate the holidays on this Golden Isle for a Christmas getaway weekend during Holly Jolly Jekyll. The Historic District, home to historic “cottages” of former Jekyll Island Club members like the Rockefellers, transforms into a holiday wonderland with over one million lights, 45,000+ lights on the Great Tree, 350+ lights displays, two nights of fireworks, and numerous Santa sightings and so much more.
Jekyll Island will be transformed into the brightest isle on the coast with attractions like Peppermint Land, Holidays in History, Mailbox on Main, and fireworks displays. Guests can enjoy seeing all of the lights through an open-air trolley tour on select nights throughout the season which provides a unique experience where the whole family can sit back and relax, enjoy complimentary beverages, and more. Visitors can find more information and purchase tickets online.
If you visit around Thanksgiving, you can also take part in the island’s Cold Stunned Plunge event to raise money for the Jekyll Island Authority’s Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
Where to stay: If you are staying for the weekend, stay at the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort or hit the beach at the Westin Jekyll Island.
21. Helen, Georgia
When you can’t make it to the German Christmas Markets, head to Helen, Georgia instead! This alpine village with Bavarian-inspired architecture is perfect for a Christmas getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In fact, it is so picturesque that Lifetime has even filmed Christmas movies in Helen.
The Lighting of the Village takes place in late November and then 8,000 lights and 800 ornaments illuminate the tree and the town until the end of February. If you can time your visit to coordinate with the Christkindlmarkt, it is the perfect spot to shop for unique gifts and decorations and sip some delicious Glühwein.
Special events take place throughout the season, including the Annual Christmas Parade in mid-December. This small-town parade with fire trucks, horses, dirt-buggies, unique floats, candy, and even an appearance from Santa. If you want to step back in time, check out the Victorian holiday traditions at Hardman Farm State Historic Site where you can tour the farm, hop on a horse-drawn carriage ride, and enjoy yummy sweets.
Where to stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites is perfect for families and located in the heart of downtown.
22. St. Augustine, Florida
From late November through early February, the country’s oldest city shines brightly with the glow of 3 million tiny white lights during St. Augustine’s “Nights of Lights” celebration.
There are many ways to enjoy the lights, from Old Town Trolley tours, carriage rides, harbor tours, or guided walks. (See more things to do in St. Augustine.) During the Annual Holiday Regatta of Lights, a parade of colorfully-decorated boats fill the bay.
Where to stay: Stay in the heart of everything at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa, or enjoy personal hospitality at the St. Francis Inn Bed & Breakfast.
23. Orlando, Florida
Of course, the theme parks really know how to go big for the holidays. With special events, holiday theming, and fantastic holiday decorations, you may want to spend your holidays with Mickey and crew at Christmas at Disney World, or Harry Potter and his friends at Universal Orlando.
Just keep in mind that the holiday week is the busiest for the parks and they often reach capacity by early in the morning (although that may be a little different these days.) If you can, plan a pre-holiday visit in the first two weeks of December.
If you will also be in South Florida around the holidays, be sure to check out Santa’s Enchanted Forest, the world’s largest holiday theme park in Doral.
Where to stay: The Gaylord Palms Resort & Conference Center goes above and beyond the typical holiday decor with its annual ICE! event, featuring a dazzling display of larger-than-life sculptures, thrilling ice slides, and awe-inspiring tunnels.
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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.
