The Best Christmas Celebrations In The U.S.

Christmas trees are going up, wreaths are decorating doors and string lights are turning on—at least in our picture-perfect fantasies, that is. The holiday season can turn even the grinchiest among us into giddy elves, cranking up the Christmas tunes and craving cookies, eggnog and the sweet smell of pine at all hours.

If the neighborhood holiday cheer isn't loud enough for you, Christmas celebrations all over the country are ready and waiting. From Alaska to Vermont, tiny towns that might not typically get a lot of foot traffic the rest of the year are throwing some of the best holiday parties in the country, and you're invited. So while you're checking your list twice, check out these seven small towns.

This picturesque Vermont town takes a trip back in time every year with Wassail Weekend. Expect festivities like concerts, feasts, and the famous parade of decked-out horses and buggies.  

You don't have to cross the pond if you're looking for a traditional German Christmas market. Head straight to Helen, Georgia, for Christkindlmarkt and never look back. Now in its ninth year, the market runs from December 3 to 11, and there's no better place to shop, eat and dance.

Wander into a serious winter wonderland in this snowy mountain town, which hosts Race of the Santas each year, featuring runners decked out in full Santa garb, as well as a caroling night and a winter open house for those looking for last-minute crafty gifts.