It’s that time of year again. Holiday decorations appear everywhere. Hot cocoa cravings begin—no matter the temperature outside. And, romance movies abound. Although we know how each romance movie plot will unfold, we can’t help but watch! If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a Hallmark-style Christmas movie, these destinations should be at the top of your holiday travel list. Twinkling lights, horse-drawn sleighs, and cozy cafés serving cocoa by the fire are guaranteed. Each destination captures a magical blend of nostalgia, community spirit, and snow-dusted charm, making the holiday season all the more irresistible.
Leavenworth, Washington
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth feels like it was plucked straight from a Bavarian fairy tale. This alpine-style village glows with over half a million sparkling lights from Thanksgiving through February during its renowned Village of Lights: Christmastown celebration. Stroll through streets lined with gingerbread-style shops, listen to live carolers, and sip glühwein as snowflakes drift past twinkling balconies. Add a horse-drawn carriage ride and a visit from Santa, and you’ve got the perfect Hallmark movie setting.
Woodstock, Vermont
Vermont excels at winter festivities, with Woodstock serving as a prime example of New England’s holiday spirit. Each year, the town hosts a Wassail Weekend, transforming it into a scene straight out of an old-fashioned Christmas card. Enjoy listening to Victorian-dressed carolers, sleigh rides, and a parade winding its way through snowy streets. Under the Middle Covered Bridge, you’ll find an Artisan and Food Market. Nearby, boutique stores offer handmade ornaments and maple delicacies. When evening falls, the town green becomes the heart of Wassail Weekend. Festivities continue with a luminary and tree lighting ceremony, a bonfire, and joyful Christmas caroling to complete the festive gathering.
North Pole, Alaska
Located just outside Fairbanks, North Pole, Alaska, takes its name seriously. Yes, it’s a real place—and it’s pure Christmas magic year-round. Candy cane streetlights line the edges of Santa Claus Lane. Letters to Santa from around the world arrive at the Santa Claus House, where you’ll find more holiday cheer than you can imagine. Throughout the holiday season, the town’s glitter is enhanced with lights and festive displays. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the northern lights dancing overhead. Meanwhile, back in Fairbanks, the Running Reindeer Ranch offers hikes with reindeer through the boreal forest—a truly magical experience!
Wytheville, Virginia
Set amid the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, Wytheville exudes Southern hospitality and an abundance of small-town charm year-round. When the holidays arrive, downtown streets sparkle under twinkling lights. Holiday music and festive window displays evoke the feeling of stepping into a storybook. A highlight of the season, “Wytheville’s Small Town Christmas” celebration features a Christmas parade, tree lighting, and a holiday market filled with local crafts and treats. Be sure to stay overnight at the lovely Trinkle Mansion Bed & Breakfast. Owned by Patti and Bernie, a delightful couple with their own unique love story, the Trinkle Mansion bestows an abundance of holiday spirit on each guest. With its historic inns, cozy restaurants, and friendly locals who treat visitors like family, Wytheville delivers that heartfelt, feel-good spirit every Hallmark movie promises.
Door County, Wisconsin
Door County stretches into Lake Michigan like a snowy peninsula filled with holiday cheer and dotted with charming villages straight out of a Christmas movie. Places like Fish Creek, Ephraim, and Sturgeon Bay shine with festive lights and decorations. Local shops and businesses greet guests with hot cider, locally brewed coffee, and unique, handmade gifts. You’ll experience tree-lighting festivities and sleigh rides through wintry forests. As you stroll through the wonders of Door County, you might feel as if you’ve stepped onto the set of a real-life holiday romance movie—and you would be correct!
The Door County Christmas Movie Trail, a free, mobile-based experience, highlights 16 locations, including charming boutiques, cozy inns, and enticing backdrops, featured in the new holiday romance movie, “A Cherry Pie Christmas.” Filmed on location in Door County this year, the movie was also released under the title “A Wisconsin Christmas Pie.” Even if you don’t find the love of your life while visiting Door County, the charm of this snowy peninsula will leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling everyone craves for the holidays!