Christmas Year Round

The joy of Christmas doesn’t have to be confined to a few fleeting weeks in December. The holiday season may only come once a year, but there are a few special towns across America that embrace Christmas year round. These dedicated villages are perfect for a festive day trip or weekend getaway, no matter what month you visit. 

From snow-capped villages frozen in time to Santa’s workshops buzzing with activity year-round, these special places keep the festive cheer alive no matter when you visit. 

Santa Claus, Indiana

Right in the name, this small Indiana town is obsessed with St. Nick. Santa Claus serves as the headquarters for the United States Post Office Program Letters to Santa making it an important Christmas town. With a giant statue of Santa, the 12-acre Santa Claus Museum, and a host of adorable Santa-themed shops, it’s Christmas every day here. Make sure to visit Santa’s Candy Castle for scrumptious sweets to fuel your holiday adventures. 

Fun fact

Over 400,000 letters to Santa arrive in the town’s Post Office each year!

North Pole, New York 

The Adirondack Village of North Pole boasts streets with names like Candy Cane Lane and is home to the popular amusement park, Santa’s Workshop. You can ride rollercoasters, meet reindeer, and sip hot cocoa as you browse through festive shops.

Fun fact

This is home to the oldest continuously run theme park in the country,

North Pole, Alaska

In the heart of Alaska lies a town that brings the magic of Christmas to life all year round—North Pole. At Santa Claus House, where one feels the spirit of St. Nick in every corne. Festive decorations adorn the streets, this town captures the essence of Christmas in the Last Frontier. Don’t be surprised if you spot some resident reindeer, adding an extra touch of enchantment to your visit.

Fun Fact

North Pole has a special ZIP code, 99705,  designated by the U.S. Postal Service. Volunteers, known as “Santa’s Helpers,” respond to children’s letters sent to Santa at this address.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

With the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, and a European-style Christmas market, Frankenmuth’s Bavarian heritage shines through. The town goes all out with Christmas lights and decorations along Main Street, horse-drawn carriages, and live music. Local fudge and cheese shops make for tasty souvenirs. 

Fun Fact

Over 3 million people visit Frankenmuth each year for its holiday atmosphere. 

Leavenworth, Washington

Located in the picturesque Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth, Washington, is a charming village that transports visitors to a Bavarian Christmas paradise. The Alpine-inspired architecture, twinkling lights, and snowy landscapes make this destination a haven for Christmas enthusiasts, regardless of the season. Stroll through the cobblestone streets, explore the unique shops, and savor the flavors of holiday-themed treats any time of the year.

Fun Fact

Nearly a million lights decorate Leavenworth during the holidays.

Solvang, California

Escape to the California countryside and discover Solvang. Find a charming Danish-inspired village that channels the spirit of Christmas throughout the year. With half-timbered architecture, windmills, and cobblestone streets, Solvang transports visitors to a European Christmas market. Explore boutique shops, indulge in Danish pastries, and bask in the year-round holiday ambiance of this picturesque Californian gem.

Fun Fact

Solvang’s Hans Christian Andersen Museum celebrates the Danish author of such classics as The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and The Emperor’s New Clothes.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, you’ll find a unique hotel called The Inn at Christmas Place. This establishment embraces the holiday spirit year-round, featuring festive Christmas decorations  throughout the property.  Located on Christmas Tree Lane, the inn boasts a grand Christmas tree in its lobby. To enhance the merry atmosphere, a cheerful Santa Claus entertains guests three evenings a week with guitar performances and holiday songs. He also hosts story time sessions for children on Mondays and Fridays. Every room at the inn, including the extravagantly themed Santa Suite, comes complete with its own decorated Christmas tree. 

Fun Fact

The Inn at Christmas Places changes its decor every single year!

Whether you’re seeking a festive getaway in the height of summer or looking to extend that holiday cheer well into the new year, these destinations prove that the spirit of Christmas can thrive in any month. These special places offer a unique opportunity to reconnect with the joy, wonder, and warmth of Christmas year round.