15 Magical Christmas Trips to Take on the East Coast
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Dreaming of the perfect East Coast Christmas getaway? Whether you’re after snow-dusted charm, twinkle-lit cities, or cozy coastal towns that feel straight out of a Hallmark movie, this list has your holiday spirit covered.
From New England villages that take decking the halls very seriously to Southern cities where palm trees share space with Christmas lights, these festive East Coast destinations are bursting with seasonal cheer.
So grab a hot cocoa (or maybe an eggnog cocktail) and start planning your next merry adventure!
New York City, New York
There’s no place like New York at Christmas—it’s iconic for a reason. From the towering Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree to the dazzling Saks Fifth Avenue light show, the city transforms into a glittering winter wonderland. Ice skating in Central Park, wandering the holiday markets at Bryant Park or Union Square, and seeing the Rockettes at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular are all classic NYC holiday experiences.
Don’t miss the window displays along Fifth Avenue, which turn department stores into works of art, or a stroll through Dyker Heights in Brooklyn, where locals go all-out with extravagant home displays. It’s crowded, yes—but also impossibly magical.
St. Augustine, Florida
America’s oldest city knows how to celebrate the holidays in serious style. St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights is one of the most dazzling Christmas displays in the country, with over 3 million twinkling white lights illuminating the historic district from mid-November through January. The entire town glows—literally—creating a warm and enchanting backdrop for your holiday getaway.
Hop on a festive trolley or horse-drawn carriage to admire the lights, explore the historic Castillo de San Marcos lit up at night, and stroll through the cobblestone streets lined with shops, galleries, and cozy cafés. The warm weather makes it all the more enjoyable—no need to bundle up while soaking in the Christmas cheer.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
They don’t call it Christmas City USA for nothing. Bethlehem, PA fully embraces its name and heritage with a magical holiday atmosphere that blends old-world charm with festive cheer. Founded by Moravian settlers in the 1700s and named on Christmas Eve, this town transforms into a cozy European-style destination each December.
Stroll through the Christkindlmarkt, one of the top-rated Christmas markets in the country, featuring handmade gifts, artisan wares, and delicious seasonal treats. You’ll also find horse-drawn carriage rides, candlelit walking tours, and live music in the historic district. Don’t miss the star atop South Mountain—it lights up the town and has become Bethlehem’s shining symbol of the season.
Alexandria, Virginia
Just across the Potomac from Washington, D.C., Old Town Alexandria delivers serious Hallmark movie vibes during the holidays. Its cobblestone streets, twinkling gas lamps, and 18th-century buildings get all dressed up with garlands, wreaths, and thousands of white lights—creating the perfect backdrop for a cozy Christmas getaway.
Holiday highlights include the Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend (complete with bagpipes and kilts!), the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights along the waterfront, and festive shopping on King Street. With charming cafés, boutique inns, and historic ambiance around every corner, Alexandria makes for an effortlessly romantic and family-friendly Christmas destination.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport’s Gilded Age glamour meets classic New England charm during the holidays, making it one of the East Coast’s most dazzling Christmas destinations. The city’s famed mansions—like The Breakers and Marble House—pull out all the stops with elaborate decorations, towering trees, and thousands of twinkling lights that feel straight out of a winter fairy tale.
Downtown, Bowen’s Wharf hosts its annual Christmas tree lighting, while boutique shops along Thames Street and Bellevue Avenue sparkle with festive displays. The Christmas in Newport celebration fills the calendar with concerts, lantern tours, and craft fairs, making the whole month feel like one long holiday party.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston brings a unique Southern charm to the Christmas season, blending palm trees with poinsettias and historic mansions with twinkling lights. December’s mild weather makes it perfect for strolling along cobblestone streets and admiring the city’s grand homes dressed up in evergreen garlands and wreaths.
Highlights include the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, a massive drive-through display with millions of lights, plus a holiday market and carousel. Downtown, the Christmas Parade of Boats lights up Charleston Harbor, while historic house tours offer a glimpse at 19th-century holiday traditions.
North Pole, New York
Yes, it’s a real place—and yes, it’s as festive as you’re imagining. Nestled in the Adirondacks, North Pole, NY is home to Santa’s Workshop, one of America’s oldest theme parks dedicated entirely to Christmas. Open since 1949, it turns the whole village into a year-round celebration of holiday magic, but December is when it really shines.
Families can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, watch holiday-themed shows, and take a sleigh ride through snow-covered woods. The surrounding area offers classic winter activities like skiing at Whiteface Mountain or ice skating in nearby Lake Placid, making North Pole a charming mix of kitschy fun and snowy adventure.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville turns up the holiday magic with a mix of mountain charm, artsy flair, and grand seasonal displays. The star of the show is the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately owned home, which goes all out for Christmas with dozens of decorated trees, miles of garland, and thousands of ornaments. Candlelight evening tours make it even more magical.
In town, the historic Grove Arcade and Biltmore Village are decked in lights and greenery, while the National Gingerbread House Competition at The Omni Grove Park Inn showcases jaw-dropping edible creations. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is perfect for pairing Christmas festivities with cozy cabins and scenic winter hikes.
Woodstock, Vermont
Few towns capture classic New England holiday charm quite like Woodstock. With its covered bridges, colonial homes, and snow-dusted village green, it looks like it belongs on a Christmas card. The highlight of the season is Wassail Weekend, a beloved celebration featuring horse-drawn carriage rides, a parade with costumed riders, and caroling by candlelight.
The village shops brim with holiday décor and gifts, and Billings Farm & Museum offers a glimpse into a 19th-century Christmas with festive crafts and treats. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by a fire or wandering the twinkle-lit streets, Woodstock wraps you in timeless holiday cheer.
Annapolis, Maryland
Maryland’s charming capital brings a nautical twist to the holiday season. Its brick-lined streets, colonial architecture, and picturesque harbor get dressed up in wreaths, lights, and garlands, creating a cozy, festive atmosphere.
The Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade is a standout event, with boats decked in elaborate light displays cruising through the harbor. Downtown, the Midnight Madness shopping nights keep Main Street buzzing with live music, treats, and plenty of seasonal spirit. Strolling along the waterfront with a hot drink in hand is a must.
Cape May, New Jersey
Cape May’s Victorian charm shines brightest during the holidays. This seaside town transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland, with gaslit streets, festive wreaths, and historic homes dressed in their holiday best.
The Christmas Candlelight House Tours are a highlight, offering a peek inside the town’s beautifully decorated Victorian homes, inns, and churches. You’ll also find trolley rides, holiday concerts, and shopping along the Washington Street Mall, all under a canopy of sparkling lights. Even the beach feels festive here.
Portland, Maine
Portland’s cobblestone streets, historic brick buildings, and bustling waterfront make it an atmospheric spot for the holidays. The Old Port glows with string lights and decorated shop windows, while the salty sea air gives Christmas here a distinctive coastal twist.
Festivities include the Monument Square Tree Lighting, holiday markets at local breweries and art spaces, and the Merrill Auditorium Magic of Christmas concerts. The city’s restaurants and cafés lean into seasonal flavors, making it as much a foodie getaway as a festive one.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s moss-draped oaks and cobblestone squares get a festive makeover each December, blending Southern charm with holiday sparkle. The mild weather makes it easy to enjoy the city’s historic streets and waterfront without bundling up.
The Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside District is a centerpiece, featuring live music, artisan vendors, and plenty of seasonal treats. You can also take a holiday-themed riverboat cruise, join the Holiday Tour of Homes, or simply wander through the Historic District to admire garland-draped mansions and twinkle-lit trees.
New Hope, Pennsylvania
This artsy riverside town along the Delaware River turns into a cozy holiday retreat come December. Its charming streets fill with festive window displays, boutique shops, and twinkling lights, while nearby Lambertville, NJ, just across the bridge, adds even more small-town magic.
The New Hope Railroad’s North Pole Express is a highlight, offering a nostalgic train ride complete with cocoa, cookies, and visits from Santa and his elves. Strolling the decorated streets, browsing local art galleries, and enjoying candlelit dinners make New Hope a perfect low-key yet festive Christmas getaway.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
This Blue Ridge Mountain town feels like it was made for a cozy Christmas escape. Known for its storybook charm year-round, Blowing Rock becomes especially magical in December with its holiday lights, decorated storefronts, and crisp mountain air.
The season kicks off with Christmas in the Park and the town’s beloved Holiday Stroll, where carolers, carriage rides, and tree lighting ceremonies create that quintessential small-town holiday spirit. Nearby, the Tweetsie Christmas train ride at Tweetsie Railroad is a family favorite, offering light displays, Santa visits, and festive entertainment in a Wild West setting.
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