9 Small Towns That Belong in a Christmas Hallmark Movie

Big Towns are Always Best to Tell Christmas Stories

What makes those movies so special and magical is the small-town atmosphere and the feeling of belonging. The big city has some amazing holiday cheer and Christmas festivities. But there’s something about a small town that hits differently. With so many quaint places across the United States, finding one and having your own Christmas moment would be easy. Here are some of the best small towns that make you feel part of a Hallmark movie.

Dahlonega, Georgia

Dahlonega has gone from being the site of a major gold rush in the early 1800s to now one of the top Christmas destinations in North America. Beginning in early November and lasting the rest of the year, this town is full of holiday spirit. Every day in December, something is going on. Enjoy the Festival of Trees while looking at Christmas lights. Or take a carriage ride while sipping on mulled wine.

The town’s Christmas vibe is so good that two Hallmark movies have been filmed here. Christmas in the Smokies (2015) and Christmas in Homestead (2016) used Dahlonega as their holiday background. The first is a modern-day Christmas classic that tells the story of one family’s journey to save their historic berry farm. The second is how life is turned upside down for a small-town mayor when a famous actress arrives to shoot her new Christmas movie.

Vail, Colorado

Every December starts a month-long holiday celebration in Vail, Colorado. Stroll through the Magic Lights of Vail, including food, live entertainment, and the chance to meet Santa. This 360-degree wonder lights up everything around you, making you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie. Afterward, head to Kris Kringle Market and watch Vail transform its farmers market into a festive and merry environment.

Vail, Colorado, is so picturesque that Winter in Vail was filmed on location there. In the movie, a Los Angeles-based event planner named Chelsea inherits a home in Vail; she then meets a contractor named Owen, an attractive local who changes her life.

Woodstock, Vermont

Come and experience what some call the ultimate New England yuletide charm. Woodstock is nestled perfectly in the middle of Vermont’s winter wonderland and adds to the beauty of the town. Visitors can peruse local shops around the town square as the snow falls. Purchase local cheeses, handmade jewelry, or even handcrafted wooden toys, just like Santa used to make.

Depending on when you visit, you might be able to catch the Wassail Weekend at Billing’s Farm. Mulled cider fills the air, and the town comes alive. Beautifully decorated historic homes, festive lights, horse-drawn carriages, and 19th-century charm exist. Who knows, you might even run into the Wassail King and live happily ever after.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth is a small Bavarian-style town that is full of holiday spirit. You can’t help but feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Hallmark movie. Throughout December, enjoy the likes of Christkindmarkt, igloo pedicures, and a German nutcracker competition. Visitors can even be lucky enough to have dinner with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Zehnder’s Restaurant.

Ready for some holiday shopping? Head on over to the largest Christmas-themed store in the world. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland has over 95,000 square feet of space. Since 1954, the store has grown into 27 acres of holiday fun.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Welcome to what locals call “Almost Heaven.” The historical town of Harpers Ferry is rich in culture and beauty. This quaint town has many things to do during the holiday season. Visit the historic candy shop True Treats Historic Candy and sample sweets from throughout the years. Or head over to The Vintage Lady, a unique boutique with photography, knickknacks, and even jewelry.

Depending on when you choose to come, you might be able to enjoy Harpers Ferry Old Tyme Christmas Festival. You’ll feel like you’re walking straight into a Hallmark movie. Enjoy the yule log and Christmas tree lighting ceremony and watch as Santa and Mrs. Claus roam the town and greet some visitors.

Prescott, Arizona

This will always be Arizona‘s Christmas Town despite its size. The city embraces the small-town charm and embraces Christmas in a way you have to see to believe. Stepping into a hallmark movie is the only way to describe it. Join thousands at the courthouse plaza for the annual Christmas tree lighting and the beginning of the Christmas season. Grab a hot cocoa from one of the shops along the square and stroll through the twinkling lights as the snow falls around you.

Come and see one of the largest gingerbread villages in the United States. Or drive through the Valley of the Lights at Fain Park. You can also head over to the Heritage Park Zoo for their Wildlights. Visitors are looking for something new this year: Prescott’s Christmas Village and ChristkindlMarket. Inspired by Old Europe and German Christmas markets, Prescott is one town that encompasses the Hallmark spirit.

Leavenworth, Washington

Modeled after a quaint German Bavarian village, this town is made for a Hallmark movie. Nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, you will feel like you’ve stepped into a Christmas snow globe. Make sure to register and join the Village of Lights Advent Calendar. A new door is opened each day during December, and someone will win a daily prize from a local shop in Leavenworth.

There is also Christmastown, where Christmas lights shine every day from Thanksgiving to the end of February. Check out the gazebo for live entertainment, including carolers, choirs, and even a few holiday characters. At Festhalle, you’ll have a chance to write letters to Santa, see some gingerbread houses, and take photos with the jolly man himself.

Foley, Alabama

Welcome to Foley, Alabama. This southern Gulf Coast town comes straight out of a Hallmark movie. The small town is teeming with holiday festivities bound to keep you on your toes and feeling the Christmas cheer. See the lights draping from the trees throughout Foley, visit vintage shops, and see Santa Claus.

Guests can compete in the tree decorating contest, have breakfast with Santa, and visit the North Pole. Head over to Heritage Park and take a train ride to experience Christmas in the Park. Finish your evening walking through the Graham Creek Christmas Trail. With so many things to do, you are stepping into a Hallmark movie.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Welcome to a little slice of Texas heaven. Fredericksburg is a must-see during the holidays. This charming hill country town offers a rich history, beautiful scenery, and vibrant culture. Visitors can browse the unique shops and snack on German treats like gluhwein. Head over to Marktplatz for Fredericksburg’s Christmas Nights of Lights.

If you’re still looking for a little Hallmark magic, check out the 30-foot-tall Christmas tree and the authentic German Christmas Pyramid. This 26-foot carousel-like structure is made from wooden figures, a traditional German decoration dating back to the 16th century.