The holidays are upon us and although we’d argue that Miami can be one of the most magical (and warmest) places to spend this time of year, there are so many locations that exude Christmas charm outside of the city. Photo book site Mixbook recently released its list of the 75 most ‘Christmassy’ towns in the U.S. and when it comes to Florida, the festive spirit is pretty much off the charts. That means we don’t have to stray too far if we’re thinking about planning a winter getaway.
Coming in at number 29 on the list is Clearwater, a five-hour drive from Miami. Situated on the Gulf Coast, there is so much holiday fun to be had in this vibrant city. One of the main draws is its annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, hosted by the Clearwater Yacht Club, where boats dripped in lights and decor sail through the Intracoastal Waterway.
In analyzing America’s favorite ‘Christmassy’ towns, Mixbook surveyed 3,000 respondents to determine which destination would families most like to visit this season to spark that Christmas joy.
St. Augustine also came in at number 54 on the list, embodying the essence of the holiday spirit with its famous spectacle of lights. The Nights of Lights festival, one of the state’s most popular light shows, features over three million twinkling lights covering colonial buildings, public spaces and tree-lined streets.
“The historic district, with its cobblestone streets and ancient architecture, offers a picturesque backdrop for holiday celebrations. Visitors and locals enjoy festive carriage rides, boat tours along the illuminated Matanzas River, and walking tours that showcase the city’s rich history and festive décor,” the ranking states.
If you’ve been wondering which U.S. destination holds first place for the most Christmas vibes, it’s none other than Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The picturesque city was crowned the top spot for its array of Christmas-themed events — parades, shows and the renowned Winterfest — as well as Dolly Parton’s famed theme park Dollywood. The Top 10 ranking goes as follows:
- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Durango, Colorado
- Lake Placid, New York
- Stowe, Vermont
- Alexandria, Virginia
- Old Saybrook, Connecticut
- Stockbridge, Massachusetts
- Holland, Michigan
- Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
- North Pole, Alaska