These are the most magical and best Christmas towns in New York state that you need to add to your travel plans this December. If you love festive holiday celebrations, these towns and villages get right into the spirit of Christmas. It’s like stepping into a Hallmark movie come to life.
There are many traditional and unique holiday celebrations in these New York villages and towns, some of which are hundreds of years old. Attend Christmas parades, tree lighting ceremonies, and see brilliant holiday lights in New York this year.
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Quick Summary: What are the Best Christmas Towns in New York?
Looking for a quick list of the most magical Christmas towns in New York State? Here are all of the holiday towns and villages listed in this article that will get you in the holiday spirit.
- Beacon
- Cooperstown
- Corning
- East Aurora
- Ellicottville
- Glens Falls
- Hammondsport
- Kingston
- Lake George
- Lake Placid
- Medina
- North Pole
- Poughkeepsie
- Rhinebeck
- Poughkeepsie
- Saratoga Springs
- Saugerties
- Seneca Falls
- Skaneateles
- Troy
- Watkins Glen
Magical New York Christmas Towns: Beacon
Several towns in the Hudson Valley have made this list of the best Christmas towns in New York State, so perhaps this is your sign to take a road trip (or train trip) through the region. Here’s another amazing holiday town in New York, the town of Beacon on the Hudson River. The town looks straight out of a Christmas movie, even with only a light dusting of snow.
Beacon has many holiday events and festivities to enjoy, which are well worth the trip into town. There is an annual Christmas tree lighting event, the Mount Gulian Historic Site hosts holiday tours of their decorated homestead, and the Costellos Annual Christmas Show takes place at the Towne Crier Cafe. Beacon is a true winter wonderland to visit this Christmas season.
Where to stay in Beacon: The Roundhouse
Cooperstown
Cooperstown is one of the best Christmas towns in New York State as it becomes all decked out for the holidays. There’s so much more to do in this town other than visit the popular National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. The magic of Christmas is right here in Cooperstown.
Cooperstown’s Farmers Museum hosts many Christmas events, including the Glimmer Nights Holiday Show. The main street of Cooperstown also has many beautiful holiday lights and Christmas decorations. With a light dusting of snow, it is like walking through a snowglobe.
Where to stay in Cooperstown: Landmark Inn
Christmas Towns in New York: Corning
The town of Corning has some wonderful holiday festivities throughout the month of December. A Crystal City Christmas takes place in the charming downtown of Corning. Lights twinkle on the tree-lined streets and you can experience many nostalgic holiday activities.
You have to check out the Christmas tree at the Corning Museum of Glass. It’s made out of 2000 handblown glass ornaments! You can also create your own glass holiday ornament there to adorn your own tree with a spectacular souvenir.
There are even more Christmas events in Corning, like Sparkle, an outdoor winter festival in the downtown core, and the Parade of Lights, the town’s Santa Claus Parade. Don’t miss the light displays and Christmas trees, as Corning will top your holiday bucket list.
Where to stay in Corning: Radisson Hotel Corning
East Aurora
There are so many amazing things to do in East Aurora, New York. Only a short drive from Buffalo, this idyllic small town features picturesque main streets, unique activities and accommodations, and a fascinating history.
Around Christmastime, the entire town of East Aurora is decked out with holiday lights and ornate decorations. You’ll notice Christmas decorations all over town, including the movie theater and the famous Vidler’s 5 & 10 Variety Store (aka America’s Department Store) where you’ll be able to pick up some unique Christmas presents (or treat yourself!).
The Roycroft Campus hosts a delightful Holiday Show, there’s an annual tree lighting ceremony, the Aurora Theater has free screenings of holiday movies (like Elf and The Grinch), and the East Aurora Carolcade lines the streets with hundreds of carolers from all over Erie County.
Where to stay in East Aurora: Roycroft Inn
Ellicottville
Ellicottville is a popular winter destination in New York state, renowned for its downhill skiing, tubing, and a mountain rollercoaster. While the village of Ellicottville is only one square mile, it’s home to dozens of restaurants, shops, bars and cafes. At the same time, Ellicottville looks straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting.
Christmas in Ellicottville is the main holiday event in town, which helps make this one of the best Christmas towns in New York. There’s a special holiday lights ceremony, including the lighting of their iconic ski tree. You can also expect to see Santa, elaborately decorated holiday windows at the shops, and holiday music throughout the streets.
Where to stay in Ellicottville: Wingate by Wyndham
Glens Falls
Glens Falls is an adorable small town near Lake George in the Adirondacks. This year, the Adirondack Christkindlmarkt and Hometown Holidays have combined into one magical holiday event called the Adirondack Holiday Celebration.
From Friday to Sunday on the first weekend of December, there are many spectacular festivities taking place in Glens Falls. There’s a Christmas market with over 36 vendors. The Santa Parade happens and leads into the annual tree lighting ceremony in City Park (with Santa, Rudolph, Clarice, and Mayor Collins).
Live entertainment and visits from Santa continue all weekend long at Glens Falls City Park. And don’t forget to mail a letter to Santa. Santa’s Mailbox will be in the bandstand all weekend long and then moved to the front steps of Glen Falls City Hall afterwards.
Where to stay in Glens Falls: The Queensbury Hotel
Hammondsport
Located not far from Corning, the village of Hammondsport goes all out for the holidays. It has been named “America’s Coolest Small Town” and it lives up to its name throughout the holiday season. You can shop for Christmas gifts in the cute downtown core, especially from the gourmet gift shop, The Cinnamon Stick.
Hammondsport is home to the annual Holiday Cookie Walk. Purchase your commemorative cookie tin and go for a stroll around town to buy unique and delicious cookies from local businesses. Pulteney Square is home to the annual Christmas in the Park event, a Christmas celebration with music, food, vendors and visits with Santa.
Where to stay in Hammondsport: 18 Vine Inn and Carriage House
Best Christmas Towns in New York: Kingston
Kingston, NY (in Ulster County) is a charming town on the Hudson River about 90 miles north of New York City. There are rows of colorful buildings and preserved structures on its main streets, and of course it is lined with cute shops and cafes. Kingston is a great place to visit for winter and the holiday season.
The annual Snowflake Festival is a free community event in Kingston with Christmas attractions throughout Uptown’s Historic Stockade District. There’s a dazzling array of performances, exhibitions, entertainment, stores staying open late to offer treats and warm beverages. Yes, the treats are complimentary, so you can eat your way around town.
As a main highlight, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on an antique fire truck and they help light the holiday tree. You can also see Victorian Carolers, campfire s’mores at Peace Park, ice carvings, jugglers and so much more.
In Kingston, you can also ride the Polar Express train for a magical trip to the North Pole. The conductor will punch your golden ticket and you’ll be served hot chocolate and cookies. Once you arrive at the North Pole, Santa and his Elves will greet the passengers and you’ll be gifted a silver bell.
Where to stay in Kingston: The Stables
Lake George
The Lake George region is home to several Christmas events that take place throughout November and December. With the North Country Festival of Trees, Lite up the Village, and Hometown Holidays, there seems to always be something happening in Lake George. It’s one of the best Christmas towns in New York.
Throughout the holiday season and into the winter, Winter’s Dream at the Fort William Henry Historic Fortress brings dreams to life through a series of immersive multimedia installations (it replaces the ice castles event). Then, the Lake George Winter Carnival takes place each February across all four weekends with outhouse races, car races, contests, cook-offs and more.
Where to stay in Lake George: Lake George Diamond Cove
Lake Placid
Surrounded by the Adirondack mountains, Lake Placid is a famous winter destination in New York. It’s most known for hosting the Winter Olympic Games on two occasions. As for a holiday town, Lake Placid has several activities and attractions that make it a worthwhile trip this December.
Lake Placid’s Holiday Village Stroll is an annual event for families and couples alike. Over three days, the Holiday Village Stroll features a skating party, photos with Santa, a free movie showing, and a Santa firetruck parade.
Of course, as an Olympic town and ski town, you can expect that there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had in Lake Placid. Try the Toboggan Chute for a thrill, go ice skating at the Olympic Center’s outdoor rink, or go for exciting bobsled rides. The Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum has memorabilia from the past Olympic games, and you can also visit the Olympic Jumping Complex from 1920.
Where to stay in Lake Placid: Lake Placid Inn Boutique Hotel
Medina
Medina is a cute small town in western New York, not too far from Buffalo. Medina’s annual Old Tyme Christmas event celebrates the arrival of Santa on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The festivities take place all day long with the Parade of Lights, food, entertainment and more.
There’s a holiday market, the “Home for the Holidays 5k”, holiday beverage tastings, the tree lighting ceremony, and “Pets on Parade” where your pets can meet Santa. The Shirt Factory has a Christmas cocktail bar and Poler’s Pub has an ugly Christmas sweater contest.
Where to stay in Medina: Comfort Inn & Suites
Christmas Towns in New York: North Pole
Did you know that there’s a North Pole, New York? With a name like that, it’s surely one of the top Christmas towns in New York State. North Pole is a hamlet within the town of Wilmington that has a children’s amusement park called Santa’s Workshop.
You can stop by Santa’s House to meet Santa, visit many quaint shops, write a letter to Santa and mail it at the post office, go on rides, and attend special events. It’s one of the oldest amusement parks in the country.
Another fun fact about North Pole, NY: there’s a 96% chance that it will snow there on Christmas day. It’s only fitting to have a white Christmas at the North Pole. If you have children, this is a Christmas village you need to experience with your family.
Where to stay in Wilmington: Adirondack Spruce Lodge
Poughkeepsie
Dutchess County has so many amazing Christmas decorations, including its collection of decorated Christmas mansions and historic homes. Poughkeepsie is a great place to base yourself if you’re interested in visiting the beautiful houses that are decked out for the holidays. There are fantastic Christmas celebrations in town, too.
The annual Poughkeepsie Christkindl Market, an authentic German Christmas market, is not to be missed. It takes place over a weekend in November featuring specialty gifts, holiday activities, delicious food and drink, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Unfortunately, the Celebration of Lights Parade has been cancelled, but there’s still an annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. There are two new free holiday events: Winter Wonderland and Santa’s Candy Cane Express.
Where to stay in Poughkeepsie: Hyatt Place Poughkeepsie
Best Christmas Towns in New York: Rhinebeck
The village of Rhinebeck is one of the most magical Christmas towns in New York state, and it’s named year over year as one of the best Christmas towns in the USA. When you wander through the village of Rhinebeck at any time of year, it’s one of the most picturesque places with charming architecture and cozy little shops. It is home to the Beekman Arms, the oldest inn in America, as well as the famous Samuel’s Sweet Shop, co-owned by Paul Rudd.
However, one reason why it’s one of the best Christmas towns in NY is for its historic Sinterklaas Festival. Dutch settlers brought the Sinterklaas celebration to Rhinebeck over 300 years ago. Every year, the festivities illuminate this small town in the Hudson Valley with bright lights, theatrics, giant puppets, musicians and colourful characters.
The Children’s Starlight Parade in Rhinebeck is one of the highlights of the festival. Join hundreds of people from the community as this illuminated pageant moves through the heart of the downtown. Many local children are the honored Kings and Queens of the Day. They walk through this constellation of stars wearing crowns and branches as they are recognized as the future of our world.
Where to stay in Rhinebeck: The Gables of Rhinebeck
Saratoga Springs
There are many Christmas events taking place in Saratoga Springs, New York. First, it’s a picturesque small town to wander around and do your holiday shopping. The Victorian Streetwalk is one of the main events with the tree lighting ceremony, performers strolling the streets, and Santa will make an appearance.
The Festival of Trees showcases beautifully decorated trees and wreaths at the Saratoga Springs City Center. For something fun and unique, SantaCON is the ultimate pub crawl in the Capital District. Wear festive or holiday clothing and make your way around downtown Saratoga Springs to participating bars for drink specials. The event also raises funds for the Franklin Community Center.
Where to stay in Saratoga Springs: The Adelphi Hotel
Saugerties
The village of Saugerties in Ulster County is another quaint town on the Hudson River that’s full of Christmas spirit. While Saugerties is near so much nature surrounding the Catskills region, perfect for winter hiking and snowshoeing, there are some Christmas festivities right in town, too.
The Holiday in the Village event showcases the idyllic shops of downtown Saugerties where you can find many intriguing gifts for your loved ones. You can meet Santa at the Kiersted House and enjoy free hot chocolate cookies there, too. The Firemen’s Parade of Lights and Village Tree Lighting takes place as part of the celebrations, too.
The Sussin Family Christmas Lightshow is another local favorite, although it’s sadly been cancelled this year. Stay tuned as hopefully this family will be able to bring back their glorious Christmas light display soon.
Where to stay in Saugerties: Comfort Inn
Christmas Towns in New York: Skaneateles
Skaneateles is a lakeside town in Onondaga County and it is one of the most magical Christmas towns in NY. The town is best known for its Dickens Christmas event that has taken place each year for decades. It starts right after Thanksgiving and continues through December until Christmas Eve.
When you’re shopping or walking around downtown Skaneateles, you’ll be greeted by Charles Dickens and a cast of 50 characters. The story gradually unfolds as the days go by. Some highlights of this season’s festival include the World’s Smallest Christmas Parade, a Christmas carol sing-along, musical performances, a snowman-building contest, free refreshments and roasted chestnuts, and so much more.
Just outside of Skaneateles, Baltimore Woods Nature Centre also hosts Christmas events for the holiday season. There’s a Winter Farmers Market, Caroling in the Woods, and a Winter Solstice Hike.
Where to stay in Skaneateles: Mirbeau Inn and Spa
Seneca Falls
Seneca Falls is also known as the real life Bedford Falls from the classic film, It’s a Wonderful Life. Every year, Seneca Falls celebrates with the It’s A Wonderful Life Festival, making it one of the most Christmassy towns in America. If you don’t visit during the festival, you’re welcome to check out the town’s It’s a Wonderful Life Museum all year round.
The festival is a must if you love the movie as there are talks and presentations with cast members of the movie, as well as autograph signings. The museum has a great gift shop with memorabilia that would make for enchanting holiday presents under the tree. Seneca Falls makes one of the most iconic Christmas movies come to life each year.
Where to stay in Seneca Falls: The Gould Hotel
Best Christmas Towns in New York State: Troy
Troy is a cute town just outside of Albany that is super festive around the holiday season. The Troy Victorian Stroll has taken place since 1982 and it’s a great excuse to go for a wander around town. There are characters donning Dickensian apparel, holiday shopping, carolers, hot cocoa, music and more.
Troy has roots as a Christmas town as the famous poem, “Twas the Night Before Christmas” was first published in the Troy Sentinal in 1823. There are also many boutiques with handmade gifts and crafts at the local shops that would make lovely Christmas gifts.
Where to stay in Albany: Washington Park Inn
Christmas Towns in New York: Watkins Glen
The cute small town of Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes is the perfect destination for the holidays. Go shopping in the quaint downtown core. The annual Village Christmas event showcases great vendors, food, music, fireworks and visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus. A Christmas parade takes place on Franklin Street and there are many beautiful holiday lights, too.
While the stunning Watkins Glen Gorge Trail is closed during the winter, you can still view the frozen falls and beautiful winter scenes from above the suspension bridge. Access the bridge from the South Entrance.
Where to stay in Watkins Glen: Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel
More Places to Visit in New York
Looking for more travel blog posts to help you plan your trip to New York state? Here are all of my travel itineraries and trip planning guides for New York.
- Best Things to Do in Hudson, NY
- Fun Things to Do in Albany, NY
- Best Things to Do in Buffalo, NY
- A Day Trip to Williamsville, NY
- Watkins Glen 1 Day Itinerary
- Glider Plane Ride in the Finger Lakes
- Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen
- Taughannock Falls State Park
- Robert H Treman State Park
- Fun Things to Do in Dutchess County, NY
- Best Breweries in the Finger Lakes
- 10 Best Vegan Wineries on Seneca Lake
- Watkins Glen State Park and Watkins Glen Gorge
More Christmas Events and Activities
Looking for even more fun Christmas and holiday events from places in Canada and the USA? Here are some more holiday travel blog posts to check out.
- The Most Magical Christmas Towns in Ontario
- The Best Christmas and Holiday Events in Toronto
- Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Toronto
- Best Christmas Markets in Ontario
- Toronto Christmas Market
- Christmas at Casa Loma in Toronto
- Mississauga Christmas Lights and Events To Check Out
- Brockville Christmas Events
- Winter Wonders at the Royal Botanical Gardens
- 10 Christmas Markets in Canada You Must Visit
- Christkindl Market in Kitchener
- 25 Best Christmas Events in Quebec City
- Quebec City Christmas Market
- Best Christmas Events in Nashville
- Christmas Decorated Mansions in Dutchess County, New York
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Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.