12 small towns that will give you the impression of being in a Christmas film.

Feel like the main character of your own film made for television in one of these picturesque places.


When the holiday season Roll, it's time to relax on the sofa and watch an infinite quantity of Christmas movies. The scenarios of these novels are always formulas - with our two main characters meeting at the end - and the small town parameters are just as predictable. But that's what is so comforting in a good Hallmark film: who does not want to spend time in a comfortable community with kitsch holiday traditions? If you've always dreamed of doing it, we have covered you. Read the rest to find out which small cities will make you feel as if you were really in a Christmas film.

In relation: 10 small towns in the United States that feel like you are in a characteristic film .

Small cities that look like a characteristic Christmas film

1. Leavenworth, Washington

leavenworth-washington-at-christmas
Strekoza2 / Shutterstock

For any lover of Hallmark films, Leavenworth should be at the top of the list of travel buckets.

"For those Visit Seattle Or plan a trip through Washington, Leavenworth is the perfect little town to visit this winter season while it changes as if by stage on stage all out of a characteristic Christmas film! "" Kristin Lee , travel expert and author of the Global Travel Escapades travel blog, says Better life . "Visitors can admire the charming Bavarian architecture which is adorned with festive lights and to taste traditional Bavarian treats, such as salty giant Bretzels and a generous schnitzel!"

But not to be missed is what could easily be a framework for a characteristic production: a Rennes farm managed by the family .

"If you are trying to discover part of the European magic of the Christmas market without crossing the Atlantic, Leavenworth is the ideal place to visit," explains Lee.

2. Santa Claus, Indiana

holiday boulevard in santa claus, indiana
Kristiemarclelle / Istock

The protagonists of Hallmark films generally come from the original hometown, and Santa Claus, Indiana, is eccentric in the best way.

"Hidden near the border in the southwest corner of Indiana is the aptly named city of Santa Claus". Adam Marland , travel photographer and blogger for We dream of traveling , actions. "Few places in the world kiss the spirit of the holidays like this small town, often called the" hometown of American Christmas ".

Each year, the local post office receives letters from Santa Claus, which they sort, answer and deliver, says Marland, really keeping this characteristic "Christmas magic".

"Between the giant statue of Old Saint Nick, the Château de Bonbons, the live reindeer and the Christmas walk of a mile known as the" Land of Lights of Santa Claus ", a winter visit to this city Picturesque will make even the most grinchy tourists discover the holiday spirit, "said Marland.

In relation: The 8 most cute little towns on the east coast .

3. Solvang, California

solvang california christmas
Logan Bush / Shutterstock

Another city that will feel like you have traveled abroad is Solvang, California - and there is no shortage of Christmas joy here.

"With its Danish -inspired charm and a population of just under 6,000 inhabitants, Solvang turns into a delicious Christmas city during its annual Julefest celebration", " Beth McCarter ,, Family travel blogger Fam trip, says. "The lighting ceremony of trees, featuring dancers, ballerinas, singers and live entertainment, prepares the field for a magical evening, while the manufacturer's market offers unique vacation gifts and seasonal treats which recall European night markets. "

Even better, fun and festive events such as a hunt for Danish gnomes ( nisse ) and the light and musical shows of Solvang Park make a perfect brand brand meeting place.

4. Northport Village, Long Island, New York

pier in northport village long island
George T. Morrish / Shutterstock

For an idyllic characteristic place in the northeast, consult Northport Village in Long Island, New York. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"To have an idea of walking on Main Street at Northport Village during the holiday season, visualize tiny Christmas trees outside each store door, decorated with lights and ornaments, giant light snowflakes bordering The street, holiday music playing from speakers of the local pharmacy in a small town and buyers who come out of our mom and pop stores, hands full of bags, " Chrissy Ruggeri , co -owner and founder of Northport Journal , tell Better life .

In an original touch, Northport Village also organizes its annual event "LEG LAMP LIGHTING" at the local art gallery, where the actors reconstitute the famous scene of another holiday favorite, A Christmas story .

"There is also an annual trees lighting ceremony in Northport, which begins with a choir performance and a visit to Santa Claus, which arrives after a parade of decorated fire trucks," explains Ruggeri. "Families surround the park, waiting to have a glimpse of Santa Claus and his reindeer - and a night of gathering and singing at the Menorah Downtown also takes place."

Do you plan to stay for New Year's Eve? This small town completes the holidays with fireworks on its isolated port.

In relation: The 12 most exanic small towns in the United States

5. Nashville, Indiana

downtown nashville indiana
HOWARD PAM

According to Pam Howard, owner and author of Our adventure is everywhere , there is another "nashville" that you should know - and it is not Music City. This nashville, just south of Indianapolis, "has everything you expect in a characteristic Christmas film," says Howard.

You can buy gifts for dear beings and speak with local craftsmen in the city center, she adds, and when you are hungry, stop in one of the pretty local restaurants for a bite. (An ideal place to come up against a restaurant owner in difficulty but charming, or a calm but full of spirit!)

"The city comes out in decoration, and if there is light snow - it's magnificent in its rustic beauty," says Howard. If you are in a mood to venture outside the city, you will also find distilleries and cellars like Distillation company hard truth And Brown County cellar .

"They often have vacation drinks and even lessons in which participate during the winter months," she notes. "If the weather cooperates, enjoy a hike in the magnificent Brown County State park."

6. Poulsbo, Washington

poulsbo washington at christmas
Bjorn BAKSTAD / ISTOCK

Technically a small town, this picturesque place is located on Liberty Bay in Washington. Although it is picturesque and charming at any time of the year, in Christmastime, you have the impression of being about to be swept by an old flame.

"Poulsbo, Washington is rightly nicknamed" Little Norway "for its picturesque atmosphere of the holiday village," explains McCarter Better life . "This small town gives off the charm of a characteristic Christmas film with its picturesque streets and its comfortable atmosphere."

If you are not on the market and you are on tour with your partner, McCarter notes that it is easy to walk in town "Hand in hand while Window Shopping Candle-Lit [Posters]".

"Along his seafront, Poulsbo has a selection of charming restaurants, offering the perfect backdrop for long romantic conversations during dinner," she said. "The combination of its picturesque beauty and its inviting restoration options transforms Poulsbo into a real setting that evokes the warmth and romance of a holiday film."

In relation: The 12 best mountain cities in the United States

7. Mcadenville, North Carolina

mccadenville north carolina at christmas
Bauhaus1000 / Istock

Did you know that hidden in North Carolina is a small hamlet which is also known as Christmas Town USA ? According to McCarter, McAdenville "turns as if by magic into a real Christmas film frame in December".

She continues: "With her enchanting lake decorated with floating Christmas trees, the historic serenade bell tower of visitors with seasonal music, and traditions dear like the trees lighting ceremony and the Yule log, McAdenville Capture The true spirit of the holiday season, making it an essential destination for those looking for a comforting Christmas experience. "

In summary, this is the ideal place to remind any Starlette de Scrooge on the true sense of Christmas.

8. Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs Arkansas
Rjjones / Shutterstock

Eureka Springs has the impression that it should be the next set for any remake of A Christmas Carol Or a pretty Hallmark Christmas love story. Throughout the holidays, the charming city organizes a variety of festive events in which residents and visitors can participate.

"As you walk in the winding streets of Eureka Springs, it is easy to feel swept away in a Victorian village recalling a Charles Dickens novel," Madison Dawson , Director of Tourism of Commission for advertising and promotion of the city of Eureka Springs , actions. "Whether you are talking about the many stores, galleries and local shops unique for the perfect Christmas gift or see the lashing and sparkling lights that adorn the peaceful streets in the city center, you are sure to be filled with cheerfulness and pleasure. ""

By visiting the city, you can stop at Basin Park to see Santa Claus and let him know that you were nice all year round. Or you can walk along the shopping center in the city center and see the Windows Living event , where real people act our vacation scenes in the windows.

In relation: The 20 most romantic small towns in the United States

9. Lititz, Pennsylvania

wilbur chocolate factory
Bodichita / Istock

For a rustic characteristic in Pennsylvania, consult Lititz in the county of Lancaster.

"Lititz is such a small town that breaks out of Christmas in December", " Taylor Beal , owner and author of the travel blog Crossed with Taylor , tell Better life . "Wherever you walk, there are decorations and a joy of the holidays and many places to enjoy Christmas treats, including delicious hot chocolate and ground ciders. The city even had a special event on December 1st with Caroring and the official lighting of trees! "

If the song really brings you to the Christmas spirit - as it does in a good characteristic film - Littz also hosts a Annual Christmas carol singing And Christmas candlestick . If you need a place to stay, see the emblematic Wilbur Chocolate Factory, which has since been transformed into The Wilbur Lititz hotel. (Just another intrigue that seems to be well in a characteristic Christmas film.)

"This is the ideal place to feel like you have jumped directly in a Christmas Wonderland!" Beal gushes.

10. Sylva, North Carolina

sylva north carolina
Ewy Media / Shutterstock

This small town of only 2,700 residents is sure to charm you this holiday season, all with the big smoked mountains in the background. According to McCarter, Sylva "embodies the idyllic setting of a Christmas film."

"He has acquired his reputation for one of the best" Christmas cities "in the west of North Carolina, thanks to her holiday charm par excellence", explains McCartter. "The city comes to life during the holiday season with a rustic Christmas show and a dazzling fireworks that illuminates the night sky."

Walking to Main Street, you will also join the annual winter market which "adds a touch of magic with local crafts and seasonal treats", according to McCarter.

In relation: 9 small towns that look like the idyllic of Mayberry television .

11. Placeville, California

placerville california
Paul Brady Photography / Shutterstock

Even if it is known as a city of gold rush, Placeville is an adorable place that has really inspired a real Christmas film, 2008 Thomas Kinkade Christmas cottage , with Jared Padalecki As a famous artist.

"It's here that Thomas Kinkade had his inspiration for his painting Memories of the hometown . Each shop and restaurant along the Historical Main Street has something unique and different and the holidays are the perfect time to enjoy the charm of the small town, "said Jody Franklin , executive director at Visit El Dorado .

Each year, the small town organizes a Christmas parade that descends Street Main with horses, bands and tanks.

12. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

portsmouth new hampshire
DenistanGneyjr / Shutterstock

Portsmouth is one of The oldest colonies In New Hampshire, but over the years, the city has invested in its city center to add more restaurants, bars, museums and shopping, attracting residents and tourists, especially during the holiday season.

"During the holiday season, the windows and the streets are tastefully decorated [and] you feel like you are in a snow globe. It's perfect for a Holiday Hallmark film," said Armani Thao of Forkingwitharmani .

"The city organizes incredible events on the theme of holidays for families. Christmas theme of Christmas at Portsmouth Music Hall to an annual vacation parade, holiday walks and much more. The whole city center of the city is decorated for the holidays ". Thao continues.

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