There’s no place like home for the holidays unless you are looking to get away to a winter wonderland or somewhere a bit more festive than your town. Pack your ugly Christmas sweaters, your Santa hats and your favorite holiday accessories because we have listed the 10 best Christmas towns in America to visit with family

My Dating Adviser ranked the cities using key metrics like holiday activities, lodging, restaurants, weather and other holiday indicators.

These are the 10 best places to visit this holiday season, with unique traditions and festive activities. There is no reason they should be left off your holiday bucket list.

1. Helen, Georgia

Helen is a German-inspired town that sits along the Chattahoochee River and will surely knock your socks off. The mountain-side village is packed with festive traditions from the Helen Christmas market to the Christmas Parade, photos with Santa’s sleigh and festive horse-drawn carriage rides. It’s no wonder this is ranked as number one. The kicker here is you are less than 30 minutes away from the famous Babyland General Hospital, where you can witness Cabbage Patch Dolls being born through cabbage stalks and even adopt one and take it home. A true Christmas miracle.

2. Blue Ridge, Georgia

If you’re looking for a festive small-town trip, then Blue Ridge is the answer. Nestled alongside the Blur Ridge mountains in Northern Georgia is the small but legendary town that features a train ride on the Holiday Express. Rides are set for one-hour in which riders will get to listen to Christmas music and ‘The Night Before Christmas’ story. Don’t worry about snacks either because hot cocoa and other festive goodies are available for purchase during your ride. Little rides get take-home souvenirs that consist of a jingle bell, a candy cane and an activity booklet.

3. Carmel-By-The-Sea, California

This enchanting story-book town will likely take your breath away. Travelers say there is something magical about the twinkling lights that light up the historical village, giving more notion of it being a European village. Enjoy live entertainment, whimsical boutique shopping and beautiful sunsets. While this town sits in northern California, you won’t get to see much snow but with the sunsets they have, who’s complaining?

4. Leavenworth, Washington

What is more festive than a Bavarian village that is decked out in holiday decorations? Like Helen, Georgia, Leavenworth features the Christlkindmarkt, a Christmas market. If you want to see snow for the holidays, this is a great place to start, with 21 miles of scenic land that will indeed get covered in snow. Like many traditional festive towns, Leavenworth features a Christmas lighting festival, weekly Christmas carolers and handbell concerts. Bring your sledding gear because you will have to take a trip or two around the town’s Christmas tree.

5. New Hope, Pennslyvania

One of the best things about this east coast town in Pennslyvania is the North Pole Express. Take a magical ride on the train where Santa and Mrs.Claus will meet you. Families are encouraged to wear their comfortable and tacky matching holiday pajamas aboard. Feel free to join in and sing along to your favorite Christmas songs as the musicians feel the air with holiday music. After the train ride, hop in your car and drive 10 minutes down the road to Lahaska and feast your eyes on more than 75 gingerbread houses from the town’s Gingerbread Competition that has been a tradition since 1984.

6. Pine Mountain, Georgia

Another Georgia town just adorned with festive spirit is Pine Mountain. One of the most exciting activities in this town is Christmas at Callaway. Callaway Gardens is a MUST visit for any Christmas lover. Stroll through an immersive Christmas Village, meet holiday characters like Santa and Rudolph or drive through the tunnel of lights to experience over 8 million twinkling lights that will leave your entire family in awe. If you don’t want to do the walking or driving, no worries, take the highly recommended Jolley Trolley and snap some pictures from your new favorite holiday tradition.

7. Ligonier, Pennsylvania

Ligonier is perfect if you’re looking to get away to a small town with big Christmas traditions. Get some last-minute shopping done at the Ligonier County Christmas Market, and then prepare for a night out. Visit the pop-up Christmas village at Overly’s Country Christmas. You will find the event packed with old-fashioned traditions from food to caroling, or opt for a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh to get in the Christmas spirit.

8. Jacksonville, Oregon

You’re not used to this west-coast Jacksonville, so pack your winter clothing for this gold-rush town in chilly Oregon. Take family photos with Father Christmas and then stroll through the historic district and be sure to stop off at some of the unique shops. Even carolers strolling around the town dressed in vintage costumes set the holiday tone. Jacksonville is another town that offers a Jolley Holly Trolley ride complete with a complimentary hot apple cider. If you have time in the end, learn about local history by visiting the 1873 Beekman house, a former wealthy pioneer family.

9. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is a tourist magnet year-round, and it is a must-see during Christmas. The snow-covered town allows winter fans to lace up, get on a lift, and spend their days skiing and snowboarding. Find a cozy rustic cabin and enjoy the sounds of the Appalachia, Bluegrass and Country music rolling through the town as performers dressed in costumes tell stories. If your family loves the dinner and show events, book tickets in advance for the Hatfield and McCoy Christmas Dinner Disaster because seats fill up quickly. There are many lighting events that can take up most of your time, but the main attraction is Christmas at Dollywood.

10. McAdenville, North Carolina

If you ask locals what the name of their town is, don’t expect them to say McArdenville. It has been known as Christmas Town USA to locals for quite some time. It is the one town that won’t break your bank as it is free to view nearly everything. Over 500,000 lights cover the city’s trees, and over 160 homes get decorated for the holiday season. The Christmas season kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony followed by a Yule log parade in mid-December. 

Before you head out, don’t forget to compile an epic Christmas playlist that will keep you going regardless of if you’re in the back of your mom’s suburban or if you’re the one doing the driving. Travel safe and keep your holiday spirits up.