If you are looking to trade palm trees for pine needles and glowing gas lamps, we have rounded up the top historic holiday destinations across the Atlantic seaboard. Here are the 7 best East Coast Christmas towns for your next winter getaway.
1. Cape May, New Jersey (Our #1 Pick!)
Taking the crown as our top holiday destination is the stunning National Historic Landmark City of Cape May, New Jersey. As we highlighted in our dedicated feature explaining why Cape May is the East Coast's best Christmas town, this seaside destination offers unmatched Victorian bliss with beautifully lit homes and mulled wine house tours. The town transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland, complete with gaslit streets, festive wreaths, and historic homes dressed in their holiday best.
A major highlight is the 53rd Annual Christmas Candlelight House Tours, a self-guided evening walking tour where you can explore the stunning interiors of private bed and breakfasts. You can also explore the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, which hosts a massive nostalgic holiday exhibit featuring a sprawling Dept. 56 Dickens Village.
2. Kennebunkport, Maine
If you want a truly unique coastal holiday, head to Kennebunkport, Maine. This town puts a nautical spin on the season with its famous Christmas Prelude festival. The celebration is iconic for its coastal charm, highlighted by Santa arriving by boat rather than a sleigh. It is the perfect spot to enjoy fresh Maine seafood while taking in the frosty, picturesque harbor.
3. Woodstock, Vermont
For a postcard-perfect New England weekend, Woodstock, Vermont, is a must-visit. The town is famous for its Wassail Weekend, a classic village festival that features a horse-drawn Wassail Parade circling the Village Green. Visitors can also head to the Billings Farm & Museum to get a glimpse into a 19th-century Christmas, complete with festive crafts, treats, and sleigh or wagon rides.
4. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport dazzles visitors by spreading its holiday celebrations over a full month, known as Christmas in Newport. The biggest draw is the Gilded Age mansions—including The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms—which are elaborately decorated for the season. You can expect to see nearly 30 decorated Christmas trees and a spectacular 15-foot poinsettia tree inside The Breakers' Great Hall.
5. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Known as the "Christmas City," Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, takes the holidays very seriously. The town is famous for its Christkindlmarkt, an incredible Christmas market full of artisan goods and treats. You can enjoy candlelit walking tours, carriage rides, and live music in the historic district. Don't miss the massive star atop South Mountain, which lights up the town and serves as Bethlehem's shining symbol of the season.
6. Alexandria, Virginia
Just outside of Washington D.C., Old Town Alexandria offers cozy Hallmark Christmas town vibes. The historic brick sidewalks and centuries-old row houses are beautifully complemented by twinkling lights along King Street and wonderfully decorated storefronts. With its charming cafés and boutique inns, Alexandria makes for an effortlessly romantic and family-friendly Christmas destination.
7. St. Augustine, Florida
If you want the historic charm of an East Coast Christmas but prefer a warm getaway, St. Augustine, Florida, is the perfect choice. The nation's oldest city is beautiful during the holidays, offering a vibrant and festive energy without the freezing temperatures. The city's legendary Nights of Lights festival drapes the Spanish colonial architecture in millions of white lights, creating a completely unique and magical holiday atmosphere.
