Hallmark Christmas Towns to Visit in the US & Canada

Small towns that look like (or are!) settings of holiday movies in the US & Canada

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I don’t know about you, but I love the cozy feeling I get when I watch a cheesy Hallmark movie set in an adorable little “Christmas town.”

You know the ones. They have toy factories where most of the town works, a small diner where everyone hangs out, and inevitably, a bearded man who is most certainly not Santa (wink, wink).

But did you know that some of these Hallmark Christmas towns exist in real life?

Sort of…

Take, for instance, Almonte, ON, where tons of holiday movies are filmed each year. While you may not find a holiday movie specifically set in “Almonte,” you will find lots of movies that were filmed there!

So I’ve put together this list of real life Hallmark towns in both Canada and the US. These towns will either be ones where holiday movies supposedly take place, towns where a lot of the movies were filmed, or towns that have some worthwhile tie to the Christmas season (eg: Bethlehem, PA).

  • Psst: Love Christmas movies? Check out this holiday movie cookbook, which I love to use for my Hallmark holiday binging.

Almonte, ON

You won’t find many better towns that look like a Hallmark movie than Almonte, ON. That’s because it is the filming location of SO MANY Hallmark (and other studios’) holiday movies! Almonte is the epitome of a Hallmark Christmas town.

It is just 40 minutes outside of Ottawa, ON (where they also film a lot of holiday movies), so it is easy to visit on a day trip from Canada’s capital.

Christmas Things to Do in Almonte

There are not too many overly “Christmasy” things to do in Almonte (but there is a lot to do!). Here are some of the best things to do if you visit during the holiday season:

  • Go holiday shopping at the local stores on Mill St.

    • (If you’re lucky, they’ll be playing a town-wide game of Elf on the Shelf)

  • Attend the Light up the Night festival.

  • Get hot chocolate and cookies at Baker Bob’s (a Hallmark staple).

  • Visit all the holiday movie filming locations.

  • Explore the nearby Christmas tree farm.

Best Time of Year to Visit Almonte

Almonte is one of those towns that you don’t have to visit specifically at Christmas time. One of the best times of year to visit Almonte is October, when the fall leaves are changing color, the Christmas tree farm is running hayrides and selling pumpkins, and the weather might still be warm.

It is also a perfect spot to visit in summertime, when you can enjoy all the restaurants along the riverwalk. The town is so charming, that it is magical anytime of year.

That being said, don’t hesitate to visit Almonte during the holiday season (like we did) if you really want those Christmas town vibes. It is not overly crowded, and the weather will be warmer in November and December than it will in January or February, so it shouldn’t be too cold.

Santa Claus, IN

You hear of a town called Santa Claus, and you just immediately get Hallmark Christmas town vibes. So even though there are no actual holiday movies filmed (or set) here (that I know of), number two on my list is Santa Claus, Indiana.

The story goes that this small town in Indiana was gathered on Christmas Eve to rename their town, since their current name was too similar to another nearby town. A gust of wind blew open the door, bringing with it the sound of jingle bells, and a child instinctively yelled out “Santa Claus!”

Thus, I give you, Santa Claus, Indiana. Definitely sounds like the setting of a Hallmark movie.

Christmas Things to Do in Santa Claus

There are a lot of holiday themed things to do in Santa Claus, Indiana, though you should note the opening hours, as not all attractions are open year round.

Best Time of Year to Visit Santa Claus

If you want to be inundated with holiday magic, the best time to visit Santa Claus is in December. There will be special events like the Santa Claus Land of Lights, and all of the attractions will be open, except for Holiday World.

Summer is also a great (and popular) time to visit Santa Claus, especially if you want to enjoy Holiday World, or any of the other nearby things to do. All of the attractions will be open full time during the summer.

I think the absolute best time to visit is October. Holiday World is open on the weekends with special Halloween events, the leaves will start to change, and you get that perfect in-between vibe that combines the best of summer and the holiday season.

Leavenworth, WA

I haven’t personally been to Leavenworth, WA (yet!), but I know enough about it to put it pretty high up on my list of towns that look like Hallmark movies.

In the 1960’s the dwindling town was redesigned as a Bavarian style village to attract more tourists. And attract more tourists they did. Thousands flock to Leavenworth each winter for their Christmas festivities.

Christmas Things to Do in Leavenworth

There are quite a few special holiday themed things to do in Leavenworth, no matter what time of year you visit:

Best Time of Year to Visit Leavenworth

Leavenworth is a year-round destination. Visit in summer for the best weather, and lots of great hiking in all the nearby national parks!

Christmas is honestly one of the worst times to visit Leavenworth, WA, because it gets so crowded! That’s why the town leaves the Christmas lights up through February. And the be perfectly honest, you have a much better chance of getting a magical layer of snow in January or February than in December. Plus they do a winter festival in January, that makes the town even more Hallmarky!

So I think the two best times to visit Leavenworth would be in the summer, or (for the fewest crowds) in January or February. But it’s also magical in the fall. And heck, at Christmas too!

Just visit Leavenworth any time.

Bethlehem, PA

Known as “Christmas City USA,” it doesn’t get more Christmasy than Bethelehem, PA. Named on Christmas Eve in 1741, the city has been hosting one of the best holiday celebrations in the US for YEARS.

In fact, they were even the first place ever (as far as we know) to decorate a Christmas tree!

Christmas Things to Do in Bethlehem

When your name is Bethlehem, you can really go all in on the Christmas theme, and Bethlehem, PA sure does. Here are some of the best things to do there at Christmastime:

Best Time of Year to Visit Bethlehem

The best time of year to visit Bethlehem, PA is undoubtedly during the Christmas season. This is when you will get inundated with holiday cheer, and really feel like you are in a real life Hallmark town!

However, it is a great place to visit in the summer as well, when the weather is perfect for strolling the historic downtown and visiting the other nearby attractions.

Park City, UT

I have plans to visit Park City, UT this coming Christmas (so look for updates and photos later in December)!

My friend who lives in Salt Lake City, UT introduced me to Park City as a filming location of the Netflix holiday movie: Falling for Christmas. There are plenty of different ski resorts around Park City/Salt Lake City that were used as filming locations for the shoot, so if you want to live out your Christmas movie dreams IRL, this is the place to do it!

Christmas Things to Do in Park City

There are literally so many Christmas things to do in Park City. It’s like this place was made to be a Hallmark movie!

  • Relax in a hot tub with scenic mountain views (I mean, you can do this anytime of year… but especially at Christmas!).

  • Attend the Christmas tree lighting (a Hallmark movie staple)

  • Join the singalongs and holiday concerts at the Egyptian Theatre.

  • Ride the nearby North Pole Express.

  • Go shopping on Main St.

  • Watch the Christmas Parade on Main St!

  • See (and stay in!) actual filming locations of your favorite holiday movies.

  • Day trip into Salt Lake City for a magical Christmas in the city experience.

  • Visit the nearby ice castles!!!

Best Time of Year to Visit Park City

Any time of year is good to visit Park City, UT. There’s the Olympic torch and museum. Beautiful mountains. Nearby cities and national parks. You really can’t go wrong with a visit to Park City (or Utah in general).

But Christmas is especially magical!!! If you want to experience a real life Hallmark Christmas, I’d say Park City is the place to go!

Wellsboro, PA

When my coworker first told me about the Dickens of a Christmas Festival in Wellsboro, PA, I immediately thought of a Hallmark movie!

And I immediately wanted to go.

I have to be honest, our visit didn’t entirely feel like a real life Hallmark movie, with the pouring rain (instead of snow…) and the HUGE crowds (it is a popular event!). But the town was adorable, and the festival did not disappoint (probably why it’s so popular).

Now, Wellsboro, PA is by no means the only town to host a Dickens of a Christmas Festival. And I think any small town that lets you dress up in period costume and sing Christmas carols out loud downtown is worthy of a spot on a list of Christmas towns.

Christmas Things to Do in Wellsboro

There are tons of events going on during Wellsboro’s Dickens of a Christmas Festival. Here are some of the fun things you can participate in:

  • Join a chorus of Christmas carolers.

  • Attend the tree lighting ceremony.

  • Watch a performance of A Christmas Carol, as well as other plays.

  • LOTS of shopping (and eating) at all the booths and local stores.

  • Rock your best period costume for the best dressed contest.

  • Watch (or join in) the holiday parade down the main street.

Best Time of Year to Visit Wellsboro

The main reason to visit Wellsboro, PA is for the Dickens of a Christmas Festival, which is usually the first weekend in December. Be sure to book your room at the Penn Wells Hotel early, so you can stay in the cozy local inn and enjoy town as the crowds disperse.

Wellsboro is a cute town to visit any time of year, and is close to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and Cherry Springs State Park (good for star gazing). But unless you’re planning a Pennsylvania road trip, I would suggest to visit in December for the festival.

Other Towns with a Dickens of a Christmas Festival

East Aurora, NY

Just south of Buffalo is a small town called East Aurora.

While you probably haven’t heard of East Aurora, you’ve probably seen it in a Hallmark movie. Especially the famous Viddler’s Five & Dime, which has been a filming location for numerous holiday flicks. Its candy cane awning gives it a Christmasy vibe no matter what time of year it is.

Christmas Things to Do in East Aurora

Here are some things to do if you visit East Aurora during the holiday season (although most of them are good any time of year activities):

Best Time of Year to Visit East Aurora

Christmas is one of the best times to visit the real life Hallmark town of East Aurora. You can holiday shop at the iconic 5&10, watch free Christmas movies at a vintage theater, and sing your heart out in the annual Carolcade!

Not to mention, there will probably be snow, plus its proximity to other holiday events like the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls. The holiday magic makes this a perfect time of year to visit.

Otherwise, I would visit in summer or early fall, which would be good weather for the nearby outdoor activities. You can even take a fall foliage train ride!

Stowe, VT

Literally the entire state of Vermont (and New England in general) is a Hallmark movie setting. So take this as a sign to plan a Christmas road trip through New England (or a fall road trip, because Hallmark movies take place in fall, too!).

Because of that, you can plan your trip to anywhere (or everywhere!) in New England. But I will specifically name Stowe, VT as one of the prettiest and most iconic small New England towns to visit.

  • I myself am planning to visit Stowe this fall on my New England road trip, so be sure to check back in October for updates and pictures!

Christmas Things to Do in Stowe

Stowe covered in snow looks like a picture-perfect Christmas postcard. There are not a lot of specifically Christmas things to do in Stowe, but here are some of the best wintertime activities:

Best Time of Year to Visit Stowe

I personally think that fall is the best (and most crowded) time to visit Stowe, and New England in general. But my second choice would be Christmastime! And my third choice would be summer.

Basically, Vermont is a great place to visit any time of year!

Vail, CO

Vail, Colorado (like Stowe, VT) is another stand in for ALL the cute small real life Hallmark towns in Colorado. Pretty much if a Hallmark movie isn’t set in New England, it’s probably set in Colorado.

Vail is one of the most popular and picturesque towns in all of Colorado, so it is the representative on this list. However, any cute Colorado ski town will suffice as a real life Hallmark Christmas town.

Christmas Things to Do in Vail

There is no lack of Christmas things to do in Vail, Colorado. Here are some of the best ways to experience the holidays in Vail:

Best Time of Year to Visit Vail

Being one of those cute towns that’s also a great winter getaway, Vail, Colorado is a great place to visit anytime of year. It is perfectly magical (and Hallmarky) in the winter, but then again, you don’t have to deal with snow in the summer! And can you just imagine it in the fall?!

Steveston, BC

Like Ontario on the other side of the country, many holiday flicks are filmed around Vancouver, Canada, due to the more relaxed taxes on films (yay Canada!).

I will specifically point out Steveston because it is also the filming location of one of my favorite TV shows: Once Upon a Time.

Someday I will visit, and walk the same streets as Emma, the Evil Queen, and some generic handsome young couple that fell in love during the holidays.

Christmas Things to Do in Steveston

The adorable village of Steveston becomes even more charming during the holiday season. Here are some of the special things you can experience on a Christmas trip to Steveston’s Winter in the Village:

  • Explore the Festival of Trees and vote for your favorite!

  • Meet Santa during the Classic Car Parade.

  • See all the adorable dogs dressed up in the Holiday Dog Parade.

  • See holiday movie (and Once Upon a Time!) filming locations.

  • Shop in the historic downtown with festively decorated local stores.

Best Time of Year to Visit Steveston

The best time of year to visit Steveston is in the summer, when the weather is ideal for a stroll through the village or a whale watching tour from the historic harbor.

However, Christmastime is also magical (especially for our purposes here), so don’t be intimidated by the idea of cold Canadian winters.

Niagara on the Lake, ON

Niagara on the Lake is often referred to as the prettiest town in Canada. Considering all the towns that look like Hallmark movies in Canada, that’s a pretty big title to live up to.

Niagara on the Lake is not necessarily a place you have to visit during the holidays. It is a year-round destination, full of cutesy shops, boutique hotels, and wineries, and close to Niagara Falls.

Christmas Things to Do in Niagara on the Lake

As a year-round destination, there aren’t a ton of specific Christmas things to do in Niagara on the Lake, but here are a few ideas if you want to visit during the holidays:

Best Time of Year to Visit Niagara on the Lake

Absolutely any time of year would be fine to visit Niagara on the Lake, but I think the best times would be summer or fall, especially if you are visiting in conjunction with Niagara Falls & Toronto.

Seneca Falls, NY

Seneca Falls is a town in New York State that is believed to be the inspiration for Bedford Falls in the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life (not exactly a Hallmark movie, but even better!).

It is also worth a stop as the site of the woman’s suffrage movement in the early 1900’s.

Christmas Things to Do in Seneca Falls

There is not an overwhelming amount of Christmas themed things to do in Seneca Falls, but here are some of the local attractions to give your trip a more holiday feel:

Best Time of Year to Visit Seneca Falls

The best time to visit Seneca Falls is in December, during the It’s a Wonderful Life Festival, when the little town really comes alive with the magic of the movie.

But, if you want to avoid the crowds or can’t come during the festival, I would suggest coming in the summertime. The weather will be better for enjoying the river and other attractions in Seneca Falls, and you can visit the It’s a Wonderful Life Museum year round. It would also be a good time to explore the Finger Lakes region of New York.

North Pole, AK

Photo from North Pole, AK by my friend Kara!

The reason North Pole, AK is so far down on my list of places that look like Hallmark movies is simply because it is so far away to get to! Otherwise, it would be up near the top!

Thankfully, my friend Kara has been to Fairbanks, AK (the closest big city, about 15 minutes from North Pole) numerous times! In fact, she’s currently there for two months, as I write this!

The best way to visit North Pole (which not only looks like a Hallmark movie setting, but has actually been the setting of a Hallmark movie), is to fly into Fairbanks, AK. It’s a very easy day trip to North Pole from the city, plus it’s close to several national parks (including the most remote NP!). This is definitely a place Santa and his elves would hide out.

Photo from North Pole, AK by my friend Kara!

Christmas Things to Do in North Pole

North Pole, AK reminds me a lot of Santa Claus, IN. Both have giant Christmas themed stores and giant Santa Claus statues, and both receive (and answer) thousands of letters to Santa each year (the question remains: Does Santa live in North Pole, AK, or in Santa Claus, IN…???).

Anyway, here are some of the holiday themed things you can do in the North Pole:

  • Shop, eat, and meet Santa at Santa Claus House (open year-round).

  • Mail your holiday cards with the special post mark from Santa Claus House.

  • Browse the booths, watch the fireworks, and maybe end up on national TV during Winterfest.

Best Time of Year to Visit North Pole

Christmas is a magical time to visit North Pole, AK, because who wouldn’t want to be in the North Pole for Christmas? You might even be able to see the northern lights during a winter trip!

However, do you really want to trek all the way up to the Alaskan wilderness in the middle of winter? Personally… I would prefer summer.

Since the Santa Claus House is open year round (and since Santa leaves the North Pole on Christmas Eve anyway), I would recommend North Pole, Alaska as a summer destination. This will also give you good weather (and plenty of sunlight) to explore all the amazing surrounding natural beauty.

New York City

statue-of-liberty-nyc

Non-Christmasy NYC photo from my 2006 mission’s trip to the Big Apple, shot on my first point and shoot digital camera!

New York City isn’t exactly a small town that looks like a Hallmark movie setting. However, if you’re going to set a Hallmark movie in a big city, chances are it’s NYC. Not to mention how absolutely magical (and crowded, but what’re you gonna do?) NYC is at Christmastime!

Christmas Things to Do in NYC

  • Go ice skating at Rockefeller Center.

  • See the decorations (and the Christmas show) at Radio City Music Hall.

  • Go shopping (and see decorations!) on Fifth Ave. You can even book a guided tour of Christmasy spots on the Ave.

  • Eat roasted chestnuts as you stroll the city streets.

  • Obviously take a horse & carriage ride at some point.

Best Time of Year to Visit NYC

Since New York City is specifically listed in this article for Christmas, obviously the best time to visit if you want those Hallmark holiday vibes is during the holiday season!

However, it is good to remember that NYC is huge, and crowded, and not a real life Hallmark movie. Check out this article by my fellow travel blogger Christina, who visited NYC at Christmastime, and has all the details you need to know to get the most out of your trip!

Check out this video of Almonte, ON at Christmastime:

So there you have my list of Hallmark Christmas towns in the US and Canada. There are of course many other cute small towns around North America (and the world!) than are on this list, but these are some of the best places to visit, in my opinion, if you want to visit a real life Hallmark town.

But if you have any other suggestions, please feel free to share them in the comments below!

Bonus: The Hallmark Christmas Experience

One more bonus entry is Kansas City, MO. Not because it is a cute small town, but because it is the home of the Hallmark Company, AND they are hosting a special event this holiday season!

The Hallmark Christmas Experience in Kansas City will include a Christmas market, ice skating, card sending station (because Hallmark), AND meet and greets with your favorite Hallmark stars! 2024 is the first year they are doing this, but if it’s popular, you can probably count on seeing this again!

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