Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: Christened "Bethlehem" on Christmas Eve, 1741, it is now known as The Christmas City. Don't miss the Christkindlmarkt, a shopping experience filled with gifts and fine arts and crafts, from jewelry to handmade quilts. There is music, food, and hot chocolate to enjoy, rides and ice sculptures. Santa is, of course, available to chat.
North Pole, Alaska: Cruise down Santa Claus Lane, then stop at the Santa Claus House. The kids (or you) can even mail postcards from the U.S. Post Office - Santa's zip code is 99705.
Leavenworth, Washington: This Bavarian getaway was crowned "The Ultimate Holiday Town USA" by the A&E television network. Enjoy caroling, roasted chestnuts, and good old-fashioned Christmas cheer in this beautiful snow globe town.
Woodstock, Vermont: Wassail Weekend begins the Christmas countdown in this picturesque town. There are holiday shows, parades, horse and carriages, music, historic home tours, and a 19th century Christmas celebration.
Durango, Colorado: Cowboy boot stockings and bridle bit garland make up an Old West Christmas. There's even a Polar Express for the little ones (bonus--they get to wear PJ's).
Mountain View, Arkansas: Caroling in the Blanchard Spring Caverns gives incredible sound. Create corn shuck angels, and watch a whittler make spools into ornaments.
New Orleans, Louisiana: The city twinkles with lights, and garland decorates balconies and streetcars. Historical characters are ready to chat as you stroll through the Vieux Carte. There are many historic homes and museums to visit, all decked out for the holidays.
San Antonio, Texas: 40 foot Christmas trees and sparkling lights as far as the eye can see are only some of what you will experience in this southern city. Instead of turkey, feast on tamales, while you enjoy a special reenactment of the first Christmas Eve, called "La Gran Posada".
Natchitoches, Louisiana: This original French colony celebrates the Festival of Lights and the Christmas Festival, one of the nation's oldest community-based holiday celebrations.
Winter Park, Florida: Christmas in the Park celebrates with the annual lighting of beautiful, century-old Tiffany windows and a free concert.
Alexandria, Virginia: The fresh scent of heather and the sound of bagpipes fill the air along the quaint streets of Old Town. Enjoy all the activities that the Scottish Christmas Walk has to offer.
Kennebunkport, Maine: Santa arrives by lobster boat in this coastal town. There are three different tree lighting ceremonies, music, and seasonal food to enjoy.
Mackinac Island, Michigan: This town of only 500 residents celebrates Christmas in a true, old-fashioned style. No joke--they only travel by horse and buggy, since cars have been banned for 100 years. Santa visits every child to hear their Christmas wish, and there is an annual bazaar, filled with lots of goodies.
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Grand Illumination is the first weekend in December, with fireworks and fife and drums. Sip a glass of Wassail as you stroll by historic homes decorated for the holidays in colonial style.
New York City, N.Y.: What list would be complete without NYC? The lights, the shopping, the decorated store windows, that big decorated tree (yeah, you know the one). Try and go at least once in your lifetime.
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