7 Holiday Towns in the US That Channel a European Christmas

There’s no denying that the Christmas markets in Europe—from Vienna to Krakow to Frankfurt—are straight out of a snow globe. But it turns out you don’t need to travel that far to enjoy a hot chocolate against the backdrop of an illuminated, centuries-old village square. There are dozens of holiday-friendly towns dotting the country—some of which you might not have heard of yet—boasting rich European heritages and, consequently, exceptional Christmas markets. From St. Augustine, Florida, to Solvang, California, these places pull out all the stops for lively festivals, offering travelers the sensation of traveling back in time (or across the pond) to a forgotten era. Some destinations, like Kennebunkport, Maine, are distinctly their own, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that’s hard to replicate (where else would Santa arrive by lobster boat?). Consider going domestic this holiday season, embracing a chalet-style stay somewhere in Wisconsin, or seeing what a Midwestern town with a Dutch history has to offer. Below, seven charming holiday towns for celebrating a Euro-inspired Christmas, plus the best hotels and rentals nearby to make the most of your visit.

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth is full of European charm. The Bavarian-style village is nestled in the foothills of Washington’s Cascade Mountains, home to Alpine-style architecture, a nutcracker museum, and a collection of food halls where you can eat your weight in schnitzel. The village wasn’t always German, though. After its railroad industry collapsed in the ’60s, local business leaders quite literally reinvented Leavenworth to draw tourists, framing the mountain town as an alternative to the Alps. One of those initiatives included the Village of Lights: Christmastown festival, which continues to draw in millions of visitors each year (this year, it falls between November 27 and December 24). The programming includes everything from live music and strolling carolers to festive crafts and local vendors. Don’t leave town without browsing the year-round Kris Kringl store or paying a visit to the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm.

• For a secluded escape in the mountains: Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort
• For an Alpine-inspired stay: Bavarian Lodge
• For a private hot tub: Midcentury-inspired cabin

Holland, Michigan

Like its Netherlandish counterpart, Holland, Michigan, boasts a rich Dutch heritage, most easily seen in its windmills and tulip farms. Established by Dutch immigrants in 1847, the city located along Lake Macatawa puts on quite the show for Christmas. Beginning in December, visitors can experience everything from a Holiday Open House, where local shops open their doors to strolling carolers, to Magic at the Mill, during which the famous DeZwaan windmill glitters with lights. From November 20 to December 19, the city hosts a Kerstmarkt (“Christmas market” in Dutch), where 45 different vendors set up shop in wooden booths, selling everything from hot chocolate to handmade wooden ornaments. Dog sled demos and handbell concerts add to the fun.

• For lakeside luxury: Open-concept home
• For historic charm: Restored 1872 studio
• For woodsy surrounds: Serene cabin

Solvang, California

Just a 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara, the town of Solvang was established in 1911 by Danish immigrants on the former Rancho San Carlos de Jonata. The “Danish Capital of America” showcases its European heritage with gingerbread-style homes, windmills, a half-scale replica of Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid fountain, and a giant red wooden clog. When Christmas rolls around, the town celebrates with Julefest, where participants can experience “julehygge.” Running from November 27 to January 3, the event features tree lighting ceremonies, parades, caroling sessions, and the Maker’s Market, a gathering of artisans, crafters, and food vendors. There are a number of bookable experiences as well, from a Hans Christian Andersen–inspired walking tour to a trolley ride that takes you through the Christmas lights brightening the Santa Ynez Valley.

• For modern Scandi vibes: The Landsby
• For an elegant dude ranch: The Alisal Guest Ranch
• For a cottagecore escape: Restored 1911 guesthouse

Kennebunkport, Maine

The coastal town of Kennebunkport, Maine, has been regarded as one of the top Christmas destinations in the US, and for good reason. The Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport takes place from December 3 to December 13 this year, and unlike some of the other contenders on this list, its distinct American flair is what sets it apart from European celebrations—for starters, Santa arrives in town via lobster boat. Events include a tree lighting ceremony in Dock Square (the tree gets topped with a red lobster), a street festival with ice carving, a fireworks display, a dog parade, and a visit from Mrs. Claus at the iconic Kennebunk Outfitters. Visitors can also book festive trolley rides and candlelit Victorian mansion tours. Hotels in the area get in on the fun, too, like the Kennebunkport Inn, which places guests in the center of Dock Square and offers Prelude Tents featuring drinks and DJs.

• For a close look at the action: Kennebunkport Inn
• For an iconic houseboat stay: White Barn Inn
• For a farmhouse experience: Luxe restored barn

St. Augustine, Florida

The oldest continuously inhabited European-established city in the US, St. Augustine has Spanish roots that date back to the mid-1500s. With its Spanish Colonial and Moorish Revival architecture, it often gets compared to Madrid, and while St. Augustine’s Christmas Market (November 21–December 24) might not sell the same belenes (Nativity figurines), it does embody an old-world charm, set right within the historic Colonial Quarter with over 20 rotating local artisans. Coinciding with the event is the Nights of Lights celebration (November 21–January 8), when tiny white lights illuminate the town’s architecture, oak trees, and waterfront—including the Bridge of Lions, Lightner Museum, and Plaza de la Constitución. Plus, you simply can’t beat the temperatures, with average highs in the low 70s and lows in the high 50s.

• For a short walk to the Lightner Museum: The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens
• For a world-class spa: Casa Monica
• For a historic stay: Restored 1807 Spanish Colonial home

New Glarus, Wisconsin

Another Midwestern town with ties to Europe, New Glarus in Green County, Wisconsin, is known as “Little Switzerland.” Established in 1845 by pioneers who emigrated from the canton of Glarus in eastern Switzerland, the village features chalet-style architecture and plenty of Swiss delicacies, from the fondue at Glarner Stube to the local cheese curds at Chalet Cheese House. During the Christkindl Market, taking place from December 4 to 6, mini chalets line the streets downtown, selling a selection of Christmas decorations and all kinds of handmade goods. You’ll also be able to sample some beer from New Glarus Brewing Co.—including an exclusive Wassail made just for the festivities—and hop on a sleigh ride through the (possibly) snowy streets.

• For an apartment-style stay in nearby Madison: The Dylin
• For a Swiss-style experience: Three-bedroom chalet
• For a countryside escape: Restored 1840s stone farmhouse

Nevada City and Grass Valley, California

The twin cities of Nevada City and Grass Valley are historic Gold Rush towns located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and they both share ties to the United Kingdom. In the 1850s, skilled hard-rock miners known as “Cousin Jacks” arrived from Cornwall, England, to Grass Valley. By the 1890s, they made up over 60% of the population, while the wealthier mine owners and managers lived in Nevada City. Boasting 19th-century Victorian architecture, Nevada City is so picturesque it was featured in the Hallmark classic The Christmas Card (2006). Since 1978, it’s been hosting Victorian Christmas (on select Sundays and Wednesdays in December), which includes strolling carolers decked out in Victorian garb, free roasted chestnuts, artisan vendors, and a Dickens Village display. Over in Grass Valley, Cornish Christmas (November 27; December 4, 11, and 18) calls on Main Street to close to traffic as Victorian lamplight takes over. Visitors can sample hot cider and Cornish pasties as they listen to choral groups, shop at artisan markets, and await visits from Santa Claus.

• For a Victorian-inspired stay: National Exchange Hotel
• For a modern take on history: Holbrooke Hotel
• For a rustic retreat in the woods: Romantic creekside cabin