The 10 Most Festive Mountain Towns in America, Ranked by a Christmas Superfan

I’m prone to chasing after winter wonder. I spent time as a kid in North Pole, Alaska, after all. And I grew up a quick car ride away from one of the most magical Christmas towns in the country: Leavenworth, Washington.

Nothing beats a beautiful mountain town around the holidays. If you aren’t in the Christmas spirit when you arrive, you will be once you leave. From enchanted ski slopes to brilliant lights displays, cozy holiday shops to cheer-filled festivals, the Christmas charm in these ten places is just as remarkable as the outdoor recreation they provide.

Here are 10 mountain towns that truly take Christmas to another level.

1. Big Bear Lake, California

Not a fan of the cold? Big Bear Lake in California is tolerable through the winter, but snuggled in at 6,700 feet, it’s also one of the few places in Southern California to get snow. Big Bear’s walkable downtown, the Village, gets completely decked out for the holidays with lights displays, big wreaths, lit archways, decorated storefronts, and a massive community Christmas tree.

Outdoor rec: Purchase a night session lift ticket and ski under the lights and stars at Snow Valley or Snow Summit, neighboring resorts. Go tubing or sledding, snowshoeing or hiking, or hit the ice rink in town. The Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain is still open during winter months.

Holiday fun: The Village hosts multiple Santa meet-and-greets, Christmas markets, and holidays concerts. Take a sleigh ride through the Village after a long day of shopping.

Events:

• Alpine Zoo Wild Lights runs from now until January 4. Walk with your family under the glow of two million sparkling lights. Children under five are free!
• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a holiday theater night to remember, taking place on December 11.
• Christkindlmarkt, a German-American celebration in Big Bear will be held on December 20 and will feature last-minute shopping, food vendors, Gingerbread cookie decoration, ornament making, live music, and more.

2. Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth, Washington, also known as “Christmastown,” doesn’t feel real. I stand there stunned each time I visit. There are lights strung over Gingerbread-like buildings, European holiday markets, and festivals every weekend through January. You can sled in the streets, smell the goods from German bakeries as you walk, and hear the sound of singing anywhere you decide to explore.

Outdoor rec: Glide down Leavenworth Ski Hill on skis or a snowboard. There are many trails perfect for snowshoeing, including those at Wenatchee State Park. And don’t forget winter zip-lining.

Holiday fun: Walk the Village of Lights through January or visit the Reindeer Farm. Explore the Nutcracker Museum and savory German foods and treats.

Events:

• Photos with Santa run the month of December.
• Enjoy Holiday music at the Gazebo and weekly shows.
• Make your own glass, wreaths, and more—view the weekly crafts calendar for details.
• Leavenworth’s Winter Karneval runs every weekend in January. Watch fire dancers, fireworks, and join in on some ice sculpting.

3. Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah, earns the reputation of “Christmas town” for its blend of historic charm, winter adventure, and classic holiday traditions. Santa literally skis down the slopes at Park City Mountain each year to hand out treats to families. From decorated storefronts to the lit-up peaks rising above the streets, Park City is a hot spot for holiday fun.

Outdoor rec: There are three incredible places to ski and snowboard in Park City: Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort, and Woodward Park City. Fat biking, snowmobiling, snow tubing, and cross-country skiing are available, too.

Holiday fun: Take a sleigh ride through town. Try snowshoeing, dog mushing, or ice skating.

Events:

• Santa’s Trip Down Town Lift occurs on December 20.
• The Park City Mountain Torchlight Parade is on December 24.
• The Torchlight Parade in Deer Valley Resort takes place on December 30.
• The Snow Globe Stroll, where folks can view beautifully crafted snow globes made by local artists, runs through January 3.
• The Sundance Festival kicks off on January 22. (This is the last year Park City will host the iconic film event.)
• An iteration of Main Street’s Snow Globe art tour also takes form in a Gondola Art Stroll that runs through winter.

4. Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson hasn’t had to try hard to earn its spot as a dreamy Christmas town. Located in a large mountain valley and dominated by the Teton and Gros Ventre Ranges, Jackson’s snowy setting surrounding its glowing town square creates a holiday vibe that feels cinematic.

Outdoor rec: Ski after dark at Snow King Mountain, or ski, snowboard, or tube at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Book a winter wildlife safari in Grand Teton National Park, or experience a National Elk Refuge Sleigh Ride. There are snowshoeing and cross-country skiing options all over Jackson.

Holiday fun: Jackson’s Town Square is the heart of its holiday identity with its four massive elk-antler arches wrapped in glowing white lights, along with every tree surrounding them. There are winter markets, holiday art displays, and sledding options nearby.

Events:

• Winter Windfall: shop local and win big through December 22.
• Meet Santa each evening through Christmas Eve in the town square.

5. Whitefish, Montana

Central Avenue in Whitefish, with its garland-wrapped lampposts, glowing lights, and wreaths, gives off old-fashioned holiday radiance. Montana is dreamy around Christmas no matter where you are, but Whitefish, with its many fire pits and horse-drawn sleighs throughout town, radiates the warmth of a cozy, alpine village.

Outdoor rec: Whitefish is a ski town with night skiing available and festive torchlight parades on the slope on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Cross-country ski, snowshoe, or fat bike at Glacier Nordic Center. Explore the wilderness in winter through Glacier Adventure Guides.

Holiday fun: The Christmas Stroll, set for December 12, Whitefish’s annual event, brings with it a tree lighting ceremony, holiday music, vendors, time with Santa, and so much more.

Events:

• Whitefish’s Christmas Stroll is set for December 12.
• Check out the Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve torchlight parades.
• The Whitefish Winter Carnival will kick off in early February.

6. Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge used to be a mining town. The charm of its 1800s architecture, matched with thousands of lights, garland-wrapped lampposts, and decorated balconies, makes it pretty darn perfect at Christmas. Not to mention the town hosts one of the most popular holiday events in the Rockies: the Race of the Santas.

Outdoor rec: There are plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities to be had, from skiing and snowboarding at Breckenridge Ski Resort to snowshoeing and Nordic skiing at Breckenridge Nordic Center. Not into skiing? Explore snowmobiling and fat biking options.

Holiday fun: Whip out a sled and hit the hills. Enjoy a sleigh ride. Try out dog sledding, or explore Breck’s Handmade Holiday Market.

Events:

• Breckenridge Ullr Fest is a three-day event with many wild and fun things to do, including a party on Main Street, a communal bonfire, ice skating, concerts, the Breckenridge Distillery Shotski challenge, and more.
• The International Snow Sculpture Championships kick off on January 24.

7. Taos, New Mexico

Taos stands out on this list for its Southwestern culture and New Mexican holiday rituals wrapped up in ancient traditions and a snowy scenery, unique to the area. A signature around the holidays is its soft farolitos glowing around town on rooftops and in pathways. Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, lights bonfires on Christmas Eve. The contrast of firelight against ancient adobe is stunning.

Outdoor rec: Ski or snowboard at Taos Ski Valley. Snowshoe, backcountry ski, snowmobile, or explore winter trails in wilderness areas like Columbine Canyon and Wheeler Peak Wilderness, or relax in one of Tao’s natural hot springs.

Holiday fun: Enjoy a holiday concert, explore the winter markets, and more, downtown.

Events:

• Bonfires on Bent Street will take place on December 13 this year.
• The Town of Taos Holiday Celebration is on December 19.
• The Taos Pueblo Winter Market will run on December 20 and 21.
• Torchlight parades and fireworks will occur on December 20, 24, 27, 31, and through the month of January.
• Ski and ride with Santa on December 25.
• Check out New Year’s Eve events at Taos Ski Valley.

8. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is famous for its Smoky Mountain Winterfest, which is the start of the town glowing with millions of LED lights, giant light tunnels, light-up bridges and riverwalks, magical holiday displays and sculptures, and more. It’s bright and festive, but still cozy, tucked into the Smoky Mountains and on the edge of the national park.

Outdoor rec: Hit up Ober Mountain for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing options. Check out winter hiking options like the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and scenic routes through Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Holiday fun: Enjoy indoor and outdoor skating or visit the Family Zone at Ober Mountain. (The Family Zone is a great place for young kids to experience some winter magic, like making snow angels, building a snowman, and getting used to sliding down some miniature slopes.)

Events: 

• Have an Enchanted Christmas at Anakeesta, Gatlinburg’s award-winning adventure park. Multiple events and activities run through January 4.
• The Festival of Christmas Past, Present, and Future will take place on December 13.
• Mingle and Jingle with Kris Kringle on December 20 at Ober Mountain.
• New Year’s Eve Lights of Wonder event will be on December 31 at Gatlinburg Sky Park.

9. North Conway, New Hampshire

Many travelers are gatekeeping this true snow globe setting in the White Mountains. North Conway, a postcard-perfect New England town, is charming in the winter with its historic storefronts, garland-wrapped lampposts, and holiday-lit main street. The centerpiece of its magic is its holiday-themed train rides and Santa’s Holiday Express.

Outdoor rec: North Conway has a breadth of options for outdoor fun like skiing and snowboarding at Cranmore Resort, skiing at Black Mountain or Shawnee Peak, and snowshoeing or hiking at Diana’s Bath, Echo Lake State Park, Boulder Loop Trail, or Cathedral Ledge.

Holiday fun: Take your little ones on a Journey to the North Pole on the Conway Scenic Railroad on weekends leading up to Christmas. Spend a day in North Conway village browsing shops and joining in on holiday fun.

Events:

• Buy a ticket to A Christmas Carol, which runs through December 18.
• Take a photo with Santa until December 14.
• Don’t miss the New Year’s Eve Glo Party at Cranmore Resort.

10. Stowe, Vermont

With a frosting setting in the Green Mountains, Stowe is one of New England’s most iconic Christmas towns with its old church steeples, glistening evergreens, and historic village center lit up for the holidays. Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, creates a dramatic backdrop, and all its holiday events have a small-town, communal feel.

Outdoor rec: Stowe Mountain Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and scenic gondola rides. Cross-country ski or snowshoe at Von Trapp Family Lodge or Stowe Recreation Path.

Holiday fun: Ice skate at the Spruce Peak Village Center. Join the community for some tubing at Stowe Elementary School. Hop on a dog sled or sleigh ride through town (booked through the Von Trapp Family Lodge).

Events:

• The Stowe Winter Carnival kicks off in January.
• The Festival of Lights on December 13 will include photos with Santa, horse-drawn wagon rides, s’mores over a campfire, and bell choir performances.
• Attend Scrooge’s Christmas at Hyde Park Opera House on December 12 and 13.
• Join the town’s winter solstice party on December 19.
• Spruce Peak’s Lights Festival kicks off December 20 with a day filled with ice dancing performances and family-friendly activities, capped with a tree and village lighting celebration and fireworks display.
• Carolmania, an immersive Christmas concert sing-along night, will take place on December 21.
• Join the dog sled meet and greet in the village on December 29.
• Browse the town’s New Year’s Eve parties on December 31 and January 1.