The Quaintest Christmas Villages Across the U.S.
The Quaintest Christmas Villages Across the U.S.
George Dodd/iStock
https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/the-quaintest-christmas-villages-across-the-u-s
The holidays look merry and bright in towns across the country where festivities take center stage.
Across the United States, holiday towns are offering spectacular light shows, handmade ice sculptures, and seasonal delights that promise to spark holiday cheer. From life-sized advent calendars to traditional Nisser (Scandinavian Christmas elves), these festive towns are not to be missed this holiday season.
Solvang
WHERE: California
Solvang’s legendary Julefest is an annual month-long holiday done in true Danish fashion. More than 100 Christmas trees and thousands of lights line this southern California’s walkable streets during a city-wide tree decorating contest, while Solvang’s shops, Danish bakeries, restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, wine and beer bars, and hotels join the friendly competition by decorating their own spaces.
The village will also host its annual “Nisser adventure,” where participants can join in a city-wide hunt for the mysterious Solvang Nisser (Christmas elves) hidden throughout downtown Solvang. Once guests find the Nisser, they scan a QR code to continue along the route to earn a special keepsake at completion. Visit the Solvang Julefest Maker’s Market to find the perfect holiday gift, and sign up for one of December’s quaint Candlelight Tours—before they sell out.
Leavenworth
WHERE: Washington
The quaint Bavarian town of Leavenworth, Washington, is known each holiday season as “the Village of Lights,” with over half a million lights shining brightly each night. The holiday lights will be lit each night from dusk to dawn, creating a winter celebration to experience all seven nights a week. Climb aboard a real horse-drawn sleigh for an experience straight out of a traditional holiday tune.
Visit the Nutcracker Museum for its impressive assortment of nutcrackers from around the world; at the Village of the Lights: Christmastown experience, listen to carolers and admire the lights that transform the neighborhood into a sparkling wonderland. Christkindlmarkt is the perfect place to holiday shop; find unique handmade gifts for your loved ones, and afterward, treat yourself to a body-warming cup of mulled wine.
Alexandria
WHERE: Virginia
A stroll on historic King Street during the Christmas period feels equivalent to being in a real-life Dickens village, complete with European flair and seasonal delights, such as the 40-foot tree on Market Square adorned with nearly 40,000 twinkling lights. The Colonial Christmas programming at Mount Vernon includes a meet-and-greet with Aladdin, the Christmas Camel, and the chance to explore the brightly-lit historic estate.
For an unforgettable holiday dining experience, visit the first weekend in December during Alexandria’s “biggest holiday weekend,” when the Scottish parade comes to town, and the Boat Parade of Lights (rain or shine) illuminates the Potomac River shoreline with its more than 50 brightly lit boats. Book the Historic Holiday hotel package at the newly opened Hotel AKA Alexandria—a luxurious new hotel in a great location in the heart of Old Town, and enjoy complimentary seasonal drinks, guided walking tour tickets, and more.
Frankenmuth
WHERE: Michigan
Frankenmuth, Michigan, is well-known as a destination for holiday spirit year-round. Home to Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, this Michigan vacation destination (just 90 miles north of Detroit) boasts the largest Christmas store in the U.S.(more than 6,000 styles of ornaments, half of which are Bronner’s own exclusive designs). Each holiday season, the town ramps up its festivities and decorates each surface of its Bavarian-style village with tens of thousands of lights and multiple holiday displays and events.
This year, there will be a 40-plus foot Christmas tree decked out with 23,000 lights and a music show to admire multiple times each day. The town’s traditional German Christmas market, the open-air Frankenmuth ChristKindlMarkt is a family-friendly experience shining bright throughout the entire holiday season, with artisans selling everything from handmade gifts to holiday treats. During the festive season, Grandpa Tiny’s Heritage Farm transforms into Santa’s Reindeer Farm— home to “reindeer in training” on Saturdays and Sundays through December 17.
North Pole
WHERE: Alaska
North Pole, Alaska, feels like Christmas all year round, thanks to light poles shaped and decorated like candy canes and streets like Santa Claus Lane, Kris Kringle Drive, and Mistletoe. Plus, the city’s biggest and most popular attraction— the Santa Claus House—is a destination in its own right. The holiday decorations are up all year round but have been known to light up as soon as 2:30 p.m. in the winter when the sun sets earlier. The North Pole is also a great place to see nature’s holiday lights—the aurora borealis—Mother Nature’s holiday celebration.
Breckenridge
WHERE: Colorado
The holiday season kicks off in Breckenridge, Colorado, when the town seemingly transforms into a scene straight from a sparkling snow globe with more than 250,000 LED twinkling holiday lights and a lineup of fun, festive events. The season kicks off on the first weekend of December, with the “Lighting of Breckenridge” and “Race of the Santas” —a short race for adults dressed as Santa followed by the illumination of hundreds of thousands of lights.
On the first weekend of December, there’s also Breck Create Arts District’s Handmade Holiday Market, where visitors and locals can shop for local artisan goodies or even take a class to learn how to create their own crafts—just in time for the season of gift giving. Ullr Fest, which takes place on the second weekend of December, praises the Norse god of snow so the town will be blessed and blasted with the iconic Breckenridge powder that skiers and snowshoers love. Tributes include a parade, bonfire, and the annual attempt for World’s Longest Shot Ski® with the Breckenridge Distillery.
New Glarus
WHERE: Wisconsin
Also known as “little Switzerland,” the town of New Glarus, Wisconsin, was first settled by the Swiss in 1845, and its Swiss origins shine through today in the town’s chalet-style architecture and timber Bavarian design. New Glarus does not skimp on the details regarding holiday displays, including traditional Swiss festivities.
This year, the town celebrates the holidays with a life-size advent calendar organized each year by a well-beloved local resident originally from Switzerland. There’s also an impressive tree-lighting ceremony and the town’s traditional Christkindli market featuring Wisconsin “Reindeer” (technically, they’re cows because this is Wisconsin). But the most authentic element of New Glarus’ holiday celebration might be the town’s local alphorn players who annually rock out on authentic traditional Swiss alphorns decorated hardcore with wrappings of Christmas lights and holiday spirit.
Grapevine
WHERE: Texas
Grapevine isn’t known as the Christmas Capital of Texas for nothing. This spirited city outside of Dallas hosts over 1,400 festive events during the holiday season in 40 days. Get into the spirit with the Annual Parade of Lights along Main Street on Thursday, December 7. Admire one of the Merry & Bright drone shows on December Saturdays through Christmas. Visit the Town Square Gazebo’s festive Grapevine Advent Calendar.
Stay overnight or just pop into the Gaylord Texan Resort and check out the property’s ICE! Exhibit boasting larger-than-life ice sculptures (this is Texas, after all) and exciting ice luge rides. Nearby, Great Wolf Lodge’s Snowland event features real snowflake sprinkles. Show off some skating skills at the outdoor Peace Plaza Ice Rink. Sip a holiday beverage at the Holly Jolly Bar at Harvest Hall’s Third Rail. Or, experience nostalgia with a classic Christmas movie at the historic Palace Arts Center.
St. Charles
WHERE: Missouri
St. Charles, Missouri, is a charming, historic town with a picturesque main street perched on the banks of the Missouri River, featuring brick-lined buildings housing an abundance of local shops. The historic district is decorated beautifully with twinkling lights and fresh, festive pine garlands during the holidays. Don’t miss the town’s annual Christmas Traditions, a series of events combining history and storytelling with the natural enchantment of this festive season, taking place throughout the month of December.
Snack on roasted chestnuts and listen to Victorian carolers while learning about special holiday customs around the world. Stop into Grandma’s Cookies on Main Street downtown for the tastiest chocolate chip cookies (so big, they can practically be a whole meal). Those extra sensitive to the intense smells, noises, and sights of the season can take advantage of the free, sensory-friendly experience.
WHERE: Florida
This season’s annual free “Nights of Lights” celebration in St. Augustine, Florida, will illuminate the city’s stunning Spanish Colonial architecture and showcase the city through an array of twinkling white lights. The event encompasses over 20 blocks of the city’s historic district, shining brightly through early January.
There are many fun ways to admire this sparkling spectacle. Stroll the streets on foot for a close-up, more intimate point of view—or admire the sights from the top of the Bridge of Lions which offers a panoramic position from above. Hop aboard the Old Town Trolley’s Famous “Nights of Lights Tour,” which departs each evening beginning at 6 p.m. from the Visitor Information Center. Or, soak up the lighted landscape from the water via one of the local boat excursions showcasing this brilliant display from a peaceful, nautical perspective.
Helen
WHERE: Georgia
Enjoy an authentic Bavarian Christmas in Helen, Georgia, nestled into the Northeast Georgia mountains. The town’s authentic alpine architecture and festive holiday décor—including cute cobblestone alleyways and buildings laced in elaborate trim make the town feel like a truly magical holiday destination. The town’s cherry shops are open late and decorated with festive trimmings—perfect for holiday shopping in a beautiful setting.
Check out the annual Christkindlmarkt at the Marktplatz in late November and early December for a taste of a traditional German event with unique gifts and an assortment of festive foods, drinks, and candied treats. Travel back in time for a traditional Victorian Christmas at the Hardman Farm State Historic Site, when the manor is dressed in period holiday décor—including twinkling candles and live music at the open house events.
Galena
WHERE: Ilinois
Galena, Illinois, boasting enchanting Victorian architecture and a well-preserved historic downtown district that feels like a perfect backdrop for a classic holiday celebration, is tucked away in the rolling hills of northwest Illinois. Stroll down Historic Main Street, which features over 125 boutique shops, cozy cafes, and glowing storefronts, transforming a magical holiday haven during the festive season.
Get into the joyful spirit at the annual Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows event on December 9, when more than 5,000 candlelit luminaries light up local streets, steps, and sidewalks (it’s a great night to holiday shop at the small businesses offering extended hours, and plan a romantic candlelit dinner at charming local restaurants). There are many other holiday escapades—from parades, tree-lighting ceremonies and holiday markets, taking place throughout the season.
The Best Gear for Travelers for 2026
https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/the-best-gear-for-travelers-in-2026-according-to-travel-editors
Don’t leave home without these must-haves.
While it’s tempting to opt for what’s cheap or the latest craze on TikTok, as someone who travels frequently, I need durable and reliable products. I am also keen on products that can withstand all weather conditions, terrain, and being tossed about in the cargo hold. So, whether it’s doing 19k steps around Disney or a day of aimlessly walking about in Europe, these are products that I have been testing for the past few months that will make your solo or family travels a little bit smoother.
Flipside Luggage is this season’s “It Girl” when it comes to a carry-on luggage that is sleek, functional, lightweight, and solves a crucial problem for travelers: how to store dirty laundry. The adjustable partition lets you separate clean and dirty laundry without sacrificing packing space, ensuring you stay organized throughout your travels. You also don’t have to worry about any lingering or pesky odors from your travel adventures transferring to your clean clothes. The durable and weatherproof fabric suitcase, with its pop of color, makes it easy to identify your luggage at baggage claim carousels. I have the carry-on size, which has fit perfectly in the overhead bin on both older and new plane models on domestic and international routes.
In the past few months, these sneakers have carried me through countless airports, 12-hour theme park days, and extensive European exploration—meaning miles of walking and endless steps every day! The curved sole on these shoes helps give a natural alignment, which in turn reduces joint and back pressure, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed travel experience. They are easily my favorite pair of shoes to pack for busy days, providing a sense of style and comfort during long travel days.
Sometimes your carry-on bag just isn’t enough, but you don’t want to pull out a larger suitcase for a few items. Or perhaps you’re taking a quick trip and want to pack light. Whatever your needs, the Aloha Salina Weekender is an excellent choice. While I wish there were an extra zipped compartment or two inside, you’ll have more than enough room to pack a few days’ worth of clothes, accessories, and toiletries. Its spacious yet non-bulky design allows for easy packing and unpacking, making it a versatile and adaptable choice for any trip, ensuring you’re always prepared for any situation during your travels.
We’re a theme park family with the youngest in tow being three years old. We tested the Bēbee V2 Lightweight Stroller during a four-day stint around Disney—and it was not only cozy for the little one but also easy to open and close with just one hand. It’s also reasonably compact, making it easy to board planes, buses, and the monorail without occupying a lot of space. We really appreciated the snack tray plus drink holders for both the kiddo and the person pushing the stroller. As you can imagine, when visiting a theme park, you need wheels that can easily traverse crowds and various terrains, such as concrete roads, sidewalks, and gravel parking lots. With a tiny one in tow, the easy-to-clean fabric seats were also a notable plus. The stroller’s sturdy construction and smooth maneuverability make it a reliable companion for any family trip.
I’ve tried just about every toiletry container on the market, but the ones I constantly reach for, trip after trip, are my Cadence capsules. Organizing your skin care, hair products, medications, sunscreen, or anything else doesn’t get any easier than this. Each jar is TSA-compliant with an interchangeable magnetic label affixed to the top. You can also use extender capsules for more capacity. With the parcel system, you can keep all the capsules together in an easy snap case that fits into your purse, carry-on, or checked bag. The capsules are also both leakproof and shatterproof, making them incredibly durable and able to handle whatever you need to store for the journey.
Over the last year, irons have become a thing of the past for many hotels and vacation rental homes. That means you’ll either need to press your clothes well before packing, use the onsite laundry services, or toss your clothes in the dryer for a quick wrinkle release. This handy CHI Steam Press device acts as a handheld steamer, steam press, and dry press all in one. I found that one fill-up can last about 3-5 garments as it gives 9 minutes of continuous steam. It only weighs about 3 pounds, so you don’t have to leave home without it.
Although they are designed for kids and tweens, these Omie BoxUp Bento Boxes have come in handy on more than one occasion during a lengthy travel day when landing before or after airport restaurant operating hours. And they’ve been a godsend when traveling with the kiddos, too. The bento boxes allow us to store a hot or cold meal or snack simultaneously. After warming the thermos, it keeps food warm for upwards of 5 hours. We can skip the travel day hangry meltdowns because their favorite bites are close by. The unique design of the bento boxes, with separate compartments for hot and cold items, ensures that your food stays fresh and at the right temperature, making them a convenient solution for on-the-go meals.
There are a million and five travel blankets on the market, and they may seem like they’re all the same. But, I can assure you, they’re not. There are several standout features built into the Gravel blankets that make them worth every single penny, starting with the fact that they have pockets! This comes in handy whether you’re on a road trip, camping, or flying, as you can keep everything you need within arm’s reach while staying warm. Even though they fold down small to fit into the carrying bag, they’re relatively large, which means a lot to a person who’s nearly 6-foot. Every inch of me is covered! It’s fleece-lined, so you’ll be pretty cozy. You can also find similar features in their kids’ size blankets.
The backpacks are described as the ultimate travel companion—and they truly are. There’s more than enough space for kiddos to pack their devices, spare clothes, and other travel essentials within the 14 organized compartments. For the entire WeeWander ecosystem, you can add on the water bottle, travel blanket, and snack container (which fits in an insulated area on the underside). There’s even a special spot on the side for their favorite stuffed animal.
As much as we’d all love to fly in business class with lie-flat seats for every trip, that’s not always possible. That means sometimes, after long flights, we feel a little stiff. This mini thermal massage gun is the secret weapon every frequent flyer needs. It’s pocket-sized, so again, another product that’s easy to pack because it doesn’t take up much room in your luggage. There are four speeds and different head casings that allow you to add the exact amount of pressure you need. And, a single charge gives continuous. It’s like bringing your massage therapist on vacation with you.
This Is Actually the Grossest Thing You Can Do on a Plane
Esthermm/Shutterstock
https://www.fodors.com/news/news/the-absolute-most-disgusting-thing-you-can-do-on-a-plane
Worse than taking off your shoes and eating a tuna sandwich.
As a lifelong skincare obsessive and beauty writer—not to mention a digital nomad who is in the air more often than most—you’d think that I have a pretty solid airplane skincare regimen. After all, this type of content is de rigueur and has flooded my Instagram feed this past year, with editors, influencers, and beauty girlies the world over showcasing their elaborate routines (often, but not always, with a not-so-subtle flex in business class). But one thing’s for sure: I’ll never, ever, join their ranks.
If you ask me, the in-flight skin routine is just about the grossest thing you can possibly do on a plane. Yes, I’ll even go as far as to say it trumps common offenders like taking your shoes off, eating a tuna sandwich, and coughing without covering your mouth.
While I’ll absolutely give side-eye to the person who doesn’t respect the rules of common decency with each of these snafus, repeatedly touching your face on a plane—a guaranteed breeding zone for pathogens—is the worst in-flight offense you can inflict. Even worse, you’re inflicting it on yourself.
Why We Need to Retire In-Flight Skincare Routines
In case you think there’s no harm in indulging in a TikTok-friendly in-flight skincare routine—or worse, if you think it’s a great idea—allow me to invite you to think twice. For starters, even if you’re a sane human being and plan to wash your face and hands pre-application, that cabin water won’t do your skin any favors.
Per the 2019 Airline Water Study by CUNY’s Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center, the researchers shockingly advise against washing up entirely, suggesting instead to use hand sanitizer given the risk of coliform bacteria and possible E. coli swimming around in the rarely sanitized water tanks. Staph species can also linger on airplanes, says Suraj Saggar, DO, the chief of infectious disease at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey. Plus, you’ll inevitably pick up more germs touching the bathroom door handle, returning to your seat, and digging into your bag to collect your serums, masks, and moisturizers.
Touching your face afterward can transfer bacteria to your skin, warns Dr. Saggar. Those bugs on your fingers can contribute to breakouts and even eye infections—the latter of which is especially risky if you’re into under-eye mask patches (great for selfies, but not so much for significant benefits beyond that). Dr. Saggar warns that you’ll also contaminate the products themselves if you’re plunging your fingers into a jar of cream.
If you couldn’t tell by now, I’m clearly a germaphobe, but no self-aware person would actually do that on a flight, right? Right? Let’s offer another scenario. Say you play it “safe” by applying hand sanitizer and using a makeup wipe to clean your face. Chances are you’ll lock in more than just hydration with a follow-up sheet mask—the main attraction of countless airplane skincare routines—or rich cream, given all the germs circulating throughout the cabin air.
“Viruses spread more easily in dry air, and they can stay suspended in the air and travel great distances,” says Dr. Saggar.
And according to Alexandra Bowles, DO, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati, Ohio, layering products in-flight can trap dirt and microbes against your skin. The potential consequences? Clogged pores, zits, rashes, and flares—i.e., what your typical skincare routine aims to prevent in the first place.
Travel-Friendly Skincare Tips
As we can see, the best in-flight skincare routine has to be none at all. This is great news for minimalists; less so for fliers who try to collect likes with this type of content but end up accumulating more bacteria and breakouts. Instead, do yourself a favor by prioritizing skincare before you take off and after you land. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are excellent, hydrating choices in your pre- and post-travel lineup.
“The safest approach is to prep your skin before boarding with a nourishing moisturizer or a gentle occlusive layer,” including heavy hitters like shea butter and Aquaphor, to seal in hydration during the flight, adds Dr. Bowles.
And don’t forget your SPF as your last step before leaving for the airport. UV rays are much more potent at high altitudes, and there’s no need to accelerate skin aging as you peer out the cabin window.
For my fellow fliers prone to dryness even without that desert-dry cabin air making matters worse: Opting for a hydrating sheet mask the night before or morning of your flight—as well as in your skincare lineup post-shower that night—will always be superior and more hygienic than applying one once you’ve already taken to the skies. After all, bacteria thrive in damp, dark environments. Pair a sheet mask with a lights-out cabin, and you’re basically inviting disaster.
If you absolutely must do something for your skin to counteract the inevitable in-flight icks, I see you. Fortunately, a worthy solution exists, and it’s a lot more pared back than what you’ll find on your social feeds. Enter: hypochlorous acid spray.
“It’s calming, antibacterial, and can refresh the skin without requiring you to touch your face,” says Dr. Bowles. Here, you can’t go wrong with the travel-sized SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray from Tower 28. As a bonus: It’ll also save your skin if you’re headed to a hot or humid locale or plan on getting sweaty otherwise.
I know I’m risking sounding alarmist when I attest that applying skincare is the grossest thing you can do on a plane. Even still, there’s nothing beautiful about including pathogens as active ingredients in your skincare routine.
DUHC&S | Strategic Hospitality Consulting & Advisory
We transform hospitality and tourism businesses through strategic solutions, operational efficiency, and comprehensive renovation. With over 40 years of experience working with brands like Hilton, Hyatt, Sheraton, and Sonesta, we enhance asset value and profitability through:
*Operational excellence and brand standards (GSI +90%)
*Market penetration and commercial strategies
*Key partnerships and disruptive innovation
*Hotel openings and repositioning
Proven results :
✅ 48% GOP |
✅ +120% asset valuation growth
✅ Successful projects across 6 Latin American countries
🔹 Let's connect :
📩 Email: diurugeles@gmail.com
🎥 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@DUHC-S
https://viajes-noticias-duhospitality.blogspot.com
https://viajes-duhospitality.blogspot.com
https://travel-duhospitality.blogspot.com
Disclaimer
DUHC&S shares this information for educational and informational purposes only. The news articles reproduced here are sourced from public and recognized media outlets. We are not the original authors of this content but rather distributors of it. All credits go to the original sources cited in each article. If you are the legitimate owner of any material and wish to have it modified or removed, please contact us immediately at diurugeles@gmail.com, and we will address your request promptly.
Comments
Post a Comment