5 Small Towns That Go Big for the Holidays

There’s no charm like the small-town charm when it comes to the holidays. The local traditions. The storybook streets. The unique foods you can’t get anywhere else. From all-day festivals to quirky parades, these five small towns deliver big holiday cheer.

Carroll, New Hampshire

Situated in the heart of the White Mountains, Carroll and the surrounding area offer a quintessential New England holiday experience, often blanketed in snow. Spend the day exploring outside, then head to local lodges to join the apres-ski scene and warm up with a drink by the fire.

What to do:

• Ride the Cog Railway: While winter trips on the Mount Washington Cog Railway don't reach the 6,200-foot-high summit, they do travel to the scenic Waumbek Station, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Special holiday-themed rides featuring Mr. and Mrs. Claus come with hot chocolate and a bonfire at the station, where you can roast marshmallows for s’mores.

• Enjoy Christmas at Omni: The Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods hosts a month-long Christmas celebration with a calendar full of festive activities, dining experiences, and seasonal entertainment. Book your stay during the holidays to take part in the traditions, which include hand-cutting your own Christmas tree.
• Indulge in the Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour: Travel through the nearby town of Jackson in a horse-drawn sleigh on the Jingle Bell Chocolate Tour, stopping to sample locally crafted chocolates and sweets along the way.
• Hit the slopes: With its prime mountain location, Carroll is a stone's throw away from some of New Hampshire's best alpine and Nordic skiing, including resorts like Bretton Woods—the state's largest ski area.

Where to stay:

• Omni Mount Washington Resort: This large luxury resort makes it easy to plan your winter getaway. In addition to a spa and multiple dining options, you’ll have easy access to the largest ski area in New Hampshire.
• Omni Bretton Arms Inn at Mount Washington Resort: Located just a short walk from the Omni Mount Washington Resort, this cozy bed and breakfast offers a quieter, more intimate experience—without sacrificing access to resort amenities.

Mobile, Alabama

Mobile knows how to have a good time. This Gulf Coast town may be recognized for its annual Mardi Gras festival—the oldest in the United States—but don’t overlook it as a holiday destination too. Experience balmy weather, fresh seafood feasts, and a unique roundup of winter traditions.

What to do:

• Tour the Bellingrath Gardens Magic Christmas in Lights: This spectacular event at the historic Bellingrath estate features over three million twinkling lights in intricate displays throughout the 65-acre garden. It's consistently ranked as one of the best holiday light displays in the country.
• Ring in the New Year with a giant MoonPie: MoonPie Over Mobile is one of the town’s biggest events of the year—and one of the largest New Year’s Eve celebrations in the South. The 12-hour long festival features live music, kid-friendly activities, and a humongous MoonPie cake to help you keep your energy up until the electric MoonPie drops at midnight.
• Take a holiday historic home tour: Explore Mobile's beautiful historic homes, such as the 19th century Martin Lyon Horst House and Oakleigh, which are lavishly decorated for the holidays and host special events such as a Candlelight Christmas choral concert.

Where to stay:

• Downtown: Book a hotel in the historic downtown area and enjoy walkable access to the vibrant restaurants, museums and culture of Mobile.

Santa Barbara, California

If you’re dreaming of a warm and sunny Christmas, consider spending the holidays in Santa Barbara, a seaside town on California’s famed Central Coast. While the town is a year-round destination thanks to its beautiful natural setting and vibrant art scene, there’s something extra special about it during the holidays, when its creative culture manifests in a host of festive events with a distinctly California-cool vibe.

What to do:

• Attend the Paseo Nuevo Tree Lighting Ceremony: Kick off the holiday season at the official tree lighting ceremony in downtown Santa Barbara, a festive gathering with live entertainment and photo ops with Santa Claus.
• Go sock skating: Don’t let Santa Barbara’s mild climate stop you from skating. Every year, the MOXI museum turns its rooftop into a skating rink using a specialty tile reminiscent of ice. Skate around in your socks while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.
• Browse holiday markets and window displays: Santa Barbara hosts multiple markets and holiday fairs throughout the season, where you can browse unique vendors and sample some of the area’s well-known wines. Stroll down State Street and through the paseos to enjoy beautifully decorated shop windows of the local businesses.
• Cruise the Santa Barbara Harbor: Take your celebrations on the water with special holiday-themed boat rides, ranging from 25-minute kid-friendly trips aboard the Lil’ Toot water taxi to elegant New Years Eve Champagne cruises. 

Where to stay:

• Kimpton Canary Santa Barbara: This Spanish-style hotel in downtown Santa Barbara is just steps away from the upscale Paseo Nuevo and within walking distance of most of the town’s holiday events. It’s home to the farm-to-table Finch and Fork restaurant and offers perks such as a hosted wine hour and complimentary bikes.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston somehow gets even more charming during the holidays, when the city’s already picturesque historic houses are adorned with elegant wreaths, swags, and other festive décor. The city also offers an escape from dreary winter weather—while winters in Charleston can get chilly, you’re unlikely to run into freezing temperatures.

What to do:

• Admire holiday decorations: Take a stroll through the Charleston Old and Historic District—especially along The Battery—to see beautifully decorated antebellum homes. Think window boxes dripping with holly berries, wrought iron fences wrapped in evergreen boughs, and grand magnolia wreaths hanging on front doors.
• Meet the Charleston Santa: Swing by for a free photo with Santa himself at the Best Friend Train Museum, home to the country’s first passenger locomotive. The Charleston Santa is a popular choice for families traveling with young children; make a reservation to join the fun.
• Watch the Holiday Parade of Boats: The classic holiday parade gets a maritime twist with the Holiday Parade of Boats on Charleston Harbor. Head to viewing locations around the city, including Waterfront Park and Mt. Pleasant Pier, to see dozens of boats sail by, studded with holiday lights.
• Experience Aquarium Aglow: While the South Carolina Aquarium is a popular destination year-round, it’s especially dazzling during the seasonal Aquarium Aglow event. Visit during the holidays to see the aquarium decorated with tens of thousands of lights and enjoy holiday music—with a special appearance by Scuba Claus.

Where to stay:

• The Vendue: Located in Charleston’s historic French Quarter, the Vendue is an art-filled hotel with a vibrant rooftop bar and modern Southern restaurant that shines a spotlight on local ingredients.
• Andrew Pinckney Inn: This elegant hotel is located in a suite of restored 19th century buildings in downtown Charleston, making it a top choice for architecture lovers. Head to the glassed-in rooftop deck for complementary wine and cheese tastings every afternoon.

Manchester, Vermont

This quaint Vermont hamlet, with its picturesque white-steepled church and covered bridges, is the perfect setting for a classic holiday vacation. Visit historic attractions, natural beauty, and small-town charm in the Green Mountains.

What to do:

• Watch the Lighted Tractor Parade: The Manchester Lighted Tractor Parade celebrates the town’s agricultural roots with festively decorated tractors rolling down Main Street. Don’t miss out on this rural tradition, plus sightings of Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
• Get outside at the Viking Nordic Center: Explore Vermont’s snow-covered forests at the Nordic Center, which has groomed trails for classic and skate skiing as well as dedicated snowshoe trails. On-site gear rentals and family ski lessons make it easier for everyone to enjoy the snow.
• Tour Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home: Located just five minutes from downtown, Hildene is the 20th-century estate and former summer home of Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln. During the holidays, the historic mansion is beautifully decorated in a turn-of-the-century style. Come to experience an old-fashioned Christmas and shop locally made gifts.

Where to stay:

• Downtown: There are several hotel options within walking distance of downtown Manchester’s shopping and dining and just a short drive from nearby ski resorts.

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