If you’ve ever seen a cozy Hallmark movie and wished you could step right through the screen, then this is for you! A new survey by travel company Exoticca analyzed which U.S. towns truly capture the magic of Christmas, making you feel like you’ve wandered onto a real-life Hallmark movie set.
They asked over 3,000 Americans to identify towns that fit a specific romantic trope often found in holiday movies, such as snow-dusted main streets, town squares with the perfect tree and an atmosphere where a “big-city architect might fall for a local bookstore owner.” Amid a lineup of snow-drenched, fireplace-filled winter towns across the country, Florida residents had a few specific towns of their own that they believe embody the cinematic holiday spirit.
Here are their top three choices:
No. 1: St. Augustine
The nation’s oldest city takes the top spot due to its Spanish colonial charm and twinkling lights that make every corner feel cinematic. Each year, it transforms into a magical winter wonderland for “Nights of Lights,” where streets are lined with over 3 million lights illuminate buildings, sidewalks and the waterfront. There’s also candlelit tours of historic homes, festive markets brimming with handmade gifts and horse-drawn carriage rides along St. George Street.
No. 2: Mount Dora
Praised for its Victorian architecture and cozy charm, this Central Florida town is ideal for a small-town holiday romance. Its quaint streets, vast light displays (nearly 2 million!) and local festivals give it a serendipitous feel, like stumbling upon the perfect gift at a craft fair or sharing cocoa while watching a parade along Donnelly Street.
No.3: Winter Park
Rounding out the top three, Winter Park offers a mix of elegance and warmth for the season as a special holiday magic settles over the town, filling it with festive spirit. The city is highlighted for its brick streets and boutique-lined avenues serving as the perfect backdrops, as well as cinematic moments like holiday concerts in Central Park and their annual Boat Parade.
Beyond Florida, respondents of the survey highlighted other towns they felt were ready-made for a holiday script, including:
- Blue Ridge, GA
- Frankenmuth, MI
- Cape May, NJ
- Leavenworth, WA
- Bar Harbor, ME
- Lake Placid, NY
- Estes Park, CO
“There’s something uniquely comforting about these small towns, especially during the holidays. They offer the kind of warmth, charm, and community spirit people associate with classic Christmas movies,” said Juanjo Duran, the CMO of Exoticca.
Find the full study here.