Embrace the Holiday Spirit in One of These Western Holiday Towns
These towns celebrate all things merry and bright.
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To-do lists, gifting lists, and wishlists continue to grow with the winter holidays on the horizon. Amidst all the craziness that comes with the season, it’s easy to forget to embrace all the excitement and festivities that accompany the holidays. If you’re able, one of the best ways to bring that back to front of mind is immersing yourself in a brilliantly-lit, brightly-decorated holiday setting.
The West is home to a number of uniquely festive towns and cities that go all out for the holidays. These locations feature holiday markets, picturesque streets, and an abundance of all things merry that will leave you feeling like the star of your very own holiday film. A visit to one of these cheerful spots can be a one-stop shop for family fun, decor shopping, and artisan gifts. Whether you want an alpine, small-town, or coastal feel, find it here.
Leavenworth, Washington
Located in the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, Leavenworth has a Bavarian, alpine feel. The cobblestone streets are lined with buildings and homes reminiscent of a village in the Alps with wooden eaves and decorated facades. During the winter months, Leavenworth becomes the Village of the Lights: Christmastown which includes photos with Santa, concerts, crafts, food, and gifts of all kinds. They even offer free gift wrapping so you can complete all your holiday tasks in one go. The Christmastown festivities last from November 28 to December 24.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
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Carmel-by-the-Sea’s iconic fairytale cottages turn into something you might find in a Christmas storybook village during the holiday season. The cottages are adorned with ornaments and twinkling lights, adding to the town’s year-round magic and village feel. Take a stroll down Ocean Avenue, and you’ll surely find the perfect gifts among the array of boutiques and shops. The town will also hold Holidays In The Park, a tree and menorah lighting event, on December 5 to ring in the season.
Vail, Colorado
Throughout the winter, Vail hosts fun events such as weekly ice skating shows and silent discos. The ski town also hosts a Kris Kringle holiday market December 11 through 14. The market features local and artisanal holiday goods, crafts, and food in Vail Village where you can find gifts for friends, family, and even pets. If you’re looking for a destination to ring in the new year, Vail is also known for their annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City hosts an annual Christkindlmarket inspired by a traditional European holiday market. This year, the market will be open from December 3 to 6. The market has daily festivities such as performances, interactive exhibits, nativity scenes, petting zoos, and train rides among the numerous vendors. Enjoy a hot cocoa and a Bavarian-style pretzel while you browse through wooden crafts and handmade jewelry.
Solvang, California
Solvang, in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, is a celebration of Danish culture and architecture. Every year the town celebrates Julefest from late November to early January. For the duration of the festival, Solvang hosts nightly light and music shows, a festive village experience, and the Nisser Adventure—a search for the Solvang Nisser (the Danish word for “gnome”). The town will open the Julefest Makers Market on the first three Wednesdays of December, designed to feel like a traditional European night market featuring local artisans and holiday treats. Check out their website to learn about more of their seasonal offerings.
Nevada City, California
Since 1978, Nevada City (northeast of Sacramento) has hosted a Victorian Christmas village. On select Sundays and Wednesdays in December, the streets are filled with vendors offering locally made and artisanal goods, carolers in Victorian era style attire, and yuletide cheer. Because Nevada City is comprised of a number of hills, you can find vantage points that offer views of the entire town lit up for the holidays.
