It’s almost the holiday season, and although many people will be celebrating at home with a huge feast or visiting their parents’ house to catch up with the rest of the family, others will be jetting off to a beach or the slopes for the season. For those planning a trip within the United States, why not try visiting the East Coast instead?
Several unique Christmas activities on the East Coast include boat parades, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and botanical gardens covered in sparkling lights. To get in the spirit of the season, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best ways to celebrate Christmas on the East Coast of the US.
10/10 Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket, a small, remote island off the coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, is a popular summer vacation spot due to its dune-backed beaches. There are many unpainted cedar-shingled houses in the area and many hotels perfect for a holiday stay. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the quaint town becomes a thriving hub of holiday celebrations. Iconic moments follow the traditional tree lighting and infectious carol singing that usher in the holiday season. One of the year’s most anticipated events, the Annual Christmas Stroll, has people dressed in Victorian garb, and a European market sells authentic goods.
9/10 Kennebunkport, Maine
Southern Maine is home to the seaside community of Kennebunkport. Goose Rocks Beach, a broad stretch of sand, and Arundel Beach, a more intimate beach, contribute to the area’s notoriety. Kennebunkport may be most known for its summer crowds, but the town also makes an effort to attract tourists in the winter. HGTV ranked it as the second-best Christmas town in the United States. Spend the holidays in Kennebunkport and witness Santa’s arrival on a lobster boat during the town’s annual Christmas Prelude and enjoy other activities ranging from tree lightings and parades to crafts, caroling, and fireworks displays.
8/10 Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock, Vermont, is undeniably one of New England’s most picturesque communities and a perfect place to stay during the holidays. Historic structures, such as the Norman Williams Public Library, built of pink sandstone in the 1880s, surround the town square, known as the Green. Starting in November and continuing through the middle of December, a full slate of activities will get visitors in the mood for the holiday season. In late November, Gingerbread houses are entered into a contest and displayed at Woodstock Scoops to kick off the holiday celebrations.
7/10 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Known as “Christmas City,” Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has long been a popular vacation spot for people celebrating the season. Bethlehem, located in Northampton and Lehigh Counties, is home to The Christmas Village, also known as Christkindlmarkt, a market with temporary artisan shops offering wooden toys, snacks, and other fascinating items. St. Nicholas makes appearances, and there is live Christmas music at the market. Just over the street, in downtown Bethlehem, visitors may sample a unique “elf brew” at Fegley’s Brew Works or take in the beauty of the lights that adorn the city’s ancient buildings.
6/10 Asheville, North Carolina
The city of Asheville sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. It has a thriving arts community and beautiful historic buildings, such as the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, with its iconic dome. The mountain town, located in a scenic valley, makes for a perfect holiday getaway. Spend the night in a luxurious inn, tour a winery, and the enchanted Biltmore Estate decked out in holiday lights, garlands, and trees. The museums and galleries in Downtown’s Art District are other must-sees.
5/10 Boston, Massachusetts
Like many other major cities, Boston dresses to the nines for the holidays. The city of Boston hosts several tree and holiday lighting events beginning in late November. These locations range from the Boston Common and Columbus Park Trellis to Copley Square and the State House. Boston is one of the top choices for an overnight stay during December when European-style Holiday Markets appear all around the city, with wares ranging from antique knickknacks to New England-style handiwork.
4/10 Newport, Rhode Island
Located on Rhode Island’s Aquidneck Island, Newport is a popular vacation destination for residents of New England. America’s Cup, a prestigious annual sailing event, was held in its yacht-filled harbor for many years. Several festivities highlight the old-fashioned Christmas spirit along the seaside. Sleepover and indulge in a night unlike any other on the Jingle On The Rails Holiday Dinner Train, which transports passengers to a magical winter wonderland and serves up delicious holiday fare along the way.
3/10 New York, New York
Experiencing the wonder of Christmas in New York City is well worth braving the crowds and the chill. Fifth Avenue stores and Sixth Street displays are especially worth seeing over the holidays, but the city as a whole is beautifully decorated. Union Square, Bryant Park, and Columbus Circle are just a few locations where visitors may find a Christmas market selling a variety of tasty treats. There must be a visit to “the tree” in Rockefeller Center. Guests staying in the city can also join a Christmas Lights tour or get tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in advance.
2/10 Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg, located in Virginia, is frequently considered one of the most lovely places to visit and stay for some days during the Christmas holidays. Go for a skate at Liberty’s Ice Pavilion. Walking tours on colonial decoration, live musical and theatrical performances, and conversations on seasonal traditions await visitors afterward as they cruise the streets of Colonial Williamsburg.
1/10 Manchester, Vermont
Many families consider Vermont, a hamlet of Manchester, one of the best places to celebrate Christmas because of the lovely and unique customs. The town begins its holiday preparations with the lighting of the town tree. A large group of people gets together to sing Christmas carols, eat cookies, and watch the snow fall on distant mountains. Elf train rides, parades, markets, and cider tastings will follow.
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Where you should stay:
North Shire Lodge -
Address:
97 Main St, Manchester, VT 05254-4184 -
Amenities:
Free parking, Free WiFi, Pool, Free Breakfast, Hiking, Horseback riding, Books, DVDs, music for children
