- Chicago Illinois — Christkindlmarket
This annual market in the center of downtown Chicago is inspired by a German Christmas tradition and began on November 18th, running all the way until Christmas Eve. With free admission, the market is one of Chicago’s favorite traditions. There is typical German food and drink and holiday entertainment to make your Christmas shopping experience unforgettable. It’s open daily from 11 am to 8 pm Sunday- Thursday and until 9 pm Friday and Saturday nights. If you need to do some last minute shopping in the Chicago area, this market is a must see!
Dubbed the Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine prides itself on its amazing 40-plus day Christmas celebration. With over 1,400 events there is something to do for every member of the family! Of the more popular events include a ride along the Vintage Railroad’s North Pole Express, a display of life-sized ice sculptures, ice slides and monuments, and classic holiday films at the Historic Palace Theatre.
- Jamestown, Virginia — A Colonial Christmas
Take a trip back in time this Christmas by heading to Jamestown and seeing what Christmas was like for America’s first permanent English colony. Actors perform reenactments of life in the Jamestown colony as well as what Christmas was like for the English colonists at sea in 1606. There is a re-created Powhatan Indian village in which visitors can see what typical winter activities were like for the Native Americans. Definitely a great way to learn about the history of Christmas traditions and fun for the whole family!
- Pine Mountain, Georgia — Callaway Gardens
From November 18th to January 7th Callaway Gardens in Georgia is transformed into a Christmas spectacle with their Fantasy of Lights. There are 8 million lights illuminating the 15 dazzling scenes. Named one of the ‘Top 10 Places to See Holiday Lights’ by National Geographic, this one is definitely a can’t miss.
Described by its Chamber of Commerce as, “a genuine Christmas card come to life,” Nevada City is a truly magical place to spend your Christmas. Northeast of Sacramento, this small town transforms around the holidays with their annual Victorian Christmas festival. This Gold Rush town has a historic charm with authentic gas lamps and carolers dressed in Victorian apparel. Definitely a great spot for west coasters around the holidays.
Frankenmuth, Michigan. At Bronner’s it’s Christmas every day of the year. It might just possibly be the largest Christmas store in the US. All set in a German town. A must see if you’re in Michigan.