In winter, many of America’s towns sparkle with lights draped on handsome buildings, dustings of snow and fun-filled festivals that celebrate all things cold. As temperatures drop, there’s spectacular scenery to take in, from frozen waterfalls and skating lakes to surrounding snowy slopes that skiers and snowboarders can whizz down.
Read on to see which pretty American towns should be on your must-visit list…
Known as the “Little Switzerland of America”, the picturesque town of Jim Thorpe sits at the foothills of the Pocono Mountains in northeastern Pennsylvania. Previously called Mauch Chunk, it was renamed in 1954 after athlete Jim Thorpe. Head to the ski slopes in winter or take in the snowy scenery more sedately on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Alternatively, plan a trip around its annual Winterfest in mid-February where there are ice carving demonstrations, horse and carriage rides and more.
In the Cascade Mountains, the Bavarian-inspired village of Leavenworth twinkles in winter. Its magnificent festive lights shine every day from Thanksgiving until February. And there’s skiing, tubing and fat biking on the slopes nearby. Warm up after a day out and about with Bavarian bratwurst and gingerbread. There’s plenty to keep you entertained too – after its Christmastown events finish, Winter Karneval takes over at weekends during January with ice carving, fire dancers and other cool activities.
The Snow King Mountain resort – Wyoming’s first ski area – soars above the historic town of Jackson, making it an excellent spot for skiers and snowboarders to stay. But the town is worth a visit in winter for its wildlife too. Wrap up warm and go on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the nearby National Elk Refuge where there are around 5,000 of the creatures as well as other animals such as bison, bald eagles and grizzly bears.
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Nature puts on a magical show in Fairbanks and you can witness the aurora borealis above snow-dusted pine trees. If you’re travelling with kids, the ultimate Christmas destination – the North Pole – is a short journey away too. There are also plenty of winter sports to try, from skiing and ice-skating to ice hockey and dog mushing. Visiting later in winter? Admire fantastical creations in the World Ice Art Championships from mid-February until the end of March.
Having played host to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, Lake Placid in New York State’s Adirondack Mountains is a dream destination for a winter holiday filled with skiing, skating and sledging. Head to pretty Mirror Lake to skate on its frozen water or cruise along it in a dog sled. For something to get your adrenaline pumping, try out its toboggan chute – a 30-foot high (9m) converted ski jump trestle that whooshes toboggans down an icy chute onto Mirror Lake.
With its windmills, European-style architecture and pretty colourful buildings, the Danish town of Solvang is an idyllic location for a winter getaway. Explore in style on a horse-drawn streetcar and brush up on your fairy tales in the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. It’s a popular spot for wine-tasting too, both in its downtown area and the surrounding countryside. And while you may not see snow, its annual Julefest celebrations from late November until January will make you feel festive.
Telluride’s setting in a canyon surrounded by towering peaks not only makes it look handsome, but it makes it a prime destination for all things outdoors. Receiving more than 25 feet (7.6m) of snow annually, it’s renowned for its skiing, with runs suitable for all levels. If you’d like a different kind of snowy fun, there’s fat biking, snowshoeing or sledging too. The historic mining town is a National Historic Landmark, so allow time to explore its streets.
Littleton is known as the “Be Glad” town as it’s where Eleanor H Porter, the author of the classic children’s novel Pollyanna is from. Look out for the bronze statue signifying this. You’ll be glad you visited the town for the shopping opportunities on its good-looking Main Street. It’s home to the world’s longest candy counter at the Chutters General Store as well as ski shops, clothing and homeware. Or head to its Schilling Beer Co. craft brewery in a pretty spot on the Ammonoosuc River.
The mountain resort of Stowe sits beside Vermont’s highest peak making it a brilliant location for a winter sports break. Test your skills on its slopes, enjoy the fast pace of dog sledding or try out fat biking. You can stay in the Trapp Family Lodge here, owned and operated by the von Trapp family who were made famous around the world by Hollywood film The Sound of Music. Got a sweet tooth? Embrace the cold and enjoy a tour of the original Ben & Jerry’s factory.
You may have heard of the New England maritime town of Mystic from the 1988 movie Mystic Pizza starring Julia Roberts. On a winter visit here, its historic waterfront looks beautiful and you can see the USA’s oldest surviving wooden whaling ship at the Mystic Seaport Museum. Head to Mystic’s downtown to peruse its independently owned shops and galleries and watch the Mystic River Bascule Bridge being raised. Dating back to 1922, the drawbridge is raised to allow boat traffic through.
Sport fans will love the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, which was built for the 2002 Winter Olympics. There’s a museum, sliding track and six Nordic ski jumps. Plus, there are more than 7,300 acres of skiable terrain in the resort. To warm up after being on the slopes, head to the historic mining town of Park City for apres ski fun. Plenty is going on over the winter months too, including a Snow Globe Stroll from late November until January.
Dartmouth college’s annual Winter Carnival is a weird and wonderful celebration of all things cold in Hanover. Taking place for a week in February, there’s a polar bear swim, human dog-sled and downhill canoe races, plus incredible snow sculptures. For something more sedate, there’s ice-skating on the Occom Pond. If you fancy hitting the slopes here, there are several resorts, including Dartmouth Skiway. Or, take it slower by snowshoeing through the Balch Hill Natural Area.
The mountain town of Breckenridge, or ‘Breck' as it’s nicknamed, is a place for big adventures, with ski-to-town trails and North America’s highest chairlift. The historic mining town has brightly coloured Victorian buildings, an arts district and more than 200 shops and restaurants – with the Five Peaks as a backdrop. In December, the Ullr Fest is held to praise the Norse god of snow. Grab a Viking hat and join in.
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Bethlehem was named on Christmas Eve in 1741 by Moravian Missionaries from Germany. Admire the town's central 18th-century Moravian buildings dusted in snow over winter as well as its two National Historic Landmarks – the Gemeinhaus (the largest 18th-century log structure in continuous use in the US) and the 1762 Waterworks (the country's first municipal pumped water system). It’s also known as the Christmas City, after having the first documented Christmas tree in America and holds festive events.
Whatever your ability, you’ll find winter fun to suit your style in Mammoth Lakes – there are more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain on Mammoth Mountain and 125 trails. Kids of all ages will love the town’s Woolly’s Adventure Summit, where there’s everything from snowman building and surf sleds to a Mountain Coaster that hurtles as fast as 25 miles per hour (40km/h). Relax after your adrenaline rush at one of the town’s hot springs.
The island community of Sitka in Alaska has been home to Tlingit, Russian and American settlers and has influences from all three. It pulses in winter as the Sitka Jazz Festival takes place with musicians from around the world and a big band dance party. Over Christmas, there are more concerts and extended shopping times plus The Landlubber’s Parade which passes through its downtown area. On a winter walk in Sitka National Historical Park, you may spot bald eagles or sea lions.
There are festive light displays and then there’s Rochester’s The Big, Bright Light Show where more than 1.5 million colourful lights illuminate the Michigan town’s buildings between the end of November and the end of January. Take in the show then warm up in one of the historic town’s independent restaurants. For an extra special treat, time a trip around the last weekend of the lights when there’s also a Frost Festival with ice sculptures, games, marshmallow toasting and more.
Perhaps more commonly thought of as a summer destination, Portsmouth takes on a new identity as temperatures drop. Wrap up warm to explore its scenic waterfront and historic downtown before slipping into one of its many craft breweries or restaurants for a lobster roll. December here is filled with wholesome events such as candlelight strolls and gingerbread contests. Plus, not many children will be able to resist ice skating at the cheerily named Puddle Dock Pond at Strawbery Banke Museum.
In Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Steamboat Springs claims to be home to more Olympic skiers than any other town in North America. Whether you’re Olympic standard or not, there’s plenty to keep you entertained on its pristine snow, from Nordic skiing and horse-drawn sleigh rides to snowmobiling. Take a memorable hike to Fish Creek Falls, which freeze in winter, then warm up in the Old Town Hot Springs which were a meeting place for the Ute Indians who first settled here.
Known as America’s smallest capital city, the town of Montpelier is home to one of the oldest and best-preserved state capitol buildings, the State House. Visit to admire its preserved original interiors. Montpelier is fiercely independent and instead of the big chains found on many high streets, browse one-off shops, dine in farm-to-table restaurants and cute cafes, and sip local craft beer. Experience its community spirit at the annual Ice on Fire festival with dance, storytelling and poetry.
With ice caves, frozen waterfalls and piles of fluffy snow, Munising looks like a storybook setting in winter. Michigan Ice Fest is held here every February, centred around Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where you can watch professional ice-climbers. If you’ve ever fancied trying snowmobiling, this is the place as it’s considered to be 'the snowmobile capital of the Midwest'. After a day of exploring, try a local delicacy such as Lake Superior whitefish or a hearty traditional pasty.
You can combine the adrenaline rush from winter sports and a spectacular mountain backdrop with history and culture in Taos. Visit the Taos Pueblo to see dwellings that have been continuously inhabited for more than 1,000 years. It’s the only living Native American community designated as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark. Make sure you spend some time in the Taos Historic District too and take a photograph of the 18th-century San Francisco de Asis church.
On the banks of the Ottauquechee River, Woodstock is known for installing America’s first rope tow in 1934, changing winter sports. So, spending time in the nearby Green Mountains – skiing, skating or sledging – is a must. The good-looking town has a mountain backdrop, historic buildings dating back to the mid-18th century and wood-lined covered bridges to admire. Plus, it’s got a strong creative scene. Go on an artisan tour of the workshops and studios in Woodstock to get under its skin.
In the 1880s, many wealthy Americans, including the Rockefellers, built holiday homes in the pretty coastal town of Bar Harbor. Today, it’s still popular and a walk along West Street will reveal its 'Millionaire’s Row' of homes. Explore the nearby Acadia National Park by cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, then feast on seafood. A bonus of visiting Bar Harbor in winter is that it will be quieter than peak season, plus there are some unique events, such as an Early Bird Pyjama Sale & Bed Races in November.
At the edge of the White Mountains and Mount Washington Valley in New Hampshire, North Conway is a picturesque location to snowboard, ski or go on a sleigh ride. A great way to see the snowy scenery without taking part in an adventure sport is to board the Snow Train run by Conway Scenic Railway, which goes to the mountain resort of Attitash. In the town itself, discover treasure in its antiques stores and art galleries then enjoy apres ski entertainment.
Known as ‘America’s Christmas Tree City', Branson embraces the winter holiday season with live music shows, a gingerbread village, festive light displays and more. Celebrations run from November 1 until January 7 with a favourite event for families being Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade. Want to see more of the surrounding Ozark Mountains? Trundle through them on the Frisco Sing-Along Steam Train. Alternatively, impress little ones with a trip to the world’s largest toy store.
Located at 8,750 feet (2,667m), the New Mexico mountain town of Red River has more than 67 runs for a range of abilities, plus tubing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The former mining town puts on a good festive show too, with its annual Christmas in the Mountains celebration. There’s a light parade along its Main Street, with Christmas floats, a torchlight parade and a Christmas market. Treat yourself to a drink in one of its craft breweries or distilleries after a busy day exploring.
In the hills of northwest Illinois, on the Galena River, the pretty town of Galena was once the home of president Ulysses S. Grant and you can visit his former home. More than 85% of the former mining town is on the National Register of Historic Places and its buildings look extra special with a dusting of snow. There’s plenty of fun to be had when it’s chilly here, from winter sports at Chestnut Mountain Resort and Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa to events such as its Winter Carnival.
America’s oldest seaside resort may not be the first place you think of for a winter escape but the colder months are a fantastic time to see Cape May’s Victorian buildings decorated for the festive season. There are Christmas candlelight house tours of the National Historic Landmark city, the grand seafront hotel Congress Hall transforms into a winter wonderland with an Enchanted Vendor Village on its lawn, and you can watch the sun go down without the crowds at Sunset Beach.
The waterfront town of Edenton doesn’t offer guaranteed snow in winter but the colder months are still a lovely time to visit its picturesque sights with fewer crowds. You can wander around hundreds of 18th-century homes and churches in its historic district and learn about the writer and abolitionist, Harriet Jacobs. Over the festive season, there’s a tree lighting ceremony, a Christmas candlelit tour and a parade made up of floats as well as boats and horses.