They call them snowbirds. But, they don’t have feathers. Throngs of human visitors (snowbirds) flock to Texas’ Galveston Island to escape the icy northern climes, often arriving just in time for the holiday season. Proclaimed the “Playground of the South” in Victorian times, Galveston, which occupies a barrier island across the water from Houston, has a sleepy, nostalgic feel. Winter light softly effuses its mansard-roofed mansions and Victorian gingerbread cottages along the palm tree-lined seawall with the kind of illumination that inspires painters to set up easels all over town. But by far its greatest winter draw is its famed holiday festival, Dickens on the Strand. Held on and around the community’s nostalgic promenade, a National Historic Landmark District, each December (Dec. 6-8 2024), the soiree dates back more than 50 years. Taking part in a Victorian-themed holiday extravaganza, guests relish the opportunity to dress in period costumes, often feigning old-time accents or quoting nonstop from the famous classic, The Christmas Carol. Wander the Strand’s more than ten blocks of antique stores, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Watch daily parades, rife with old-time characters and fantastical costumes. While entertainment prevails from multiple stages, pushcart peddlers, bagpipers, meandering musicians, jugglers, and bawdy costumed vendors enliven the gas lamp-lit streets. Dickens era-inspired crafts, gifts, libations, and comestibles can be purchased from festive stalls. A facial hair contest, Victorian costume contest, and Victorian bed races rule the days. Pub crawls, English teas, traditional English breakfasts, handbell concerts, historical walking tours, carolers and and even three descendants of Charles Dickens himself join for the fun.
Where to Stay: the new, family-owned Hotel Lucine, a revitalized, old-time motel turned 61-room, chic boutique hotel, set along the seawall. Don’t forget your bowler hat.
We also love to visit the following festively festooned towns for holiday cheer and camaraderie.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Once the bailiwick of fur traders and explorers, this chic, but casual western town now attracts skiers and jetsetters for its snow and après-ski scene. Bedecked in glittering lights during the holidays, the iconic antler arches in the Town Square become even more picturesque while a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge redefines the mountainous terrain. On Christmas Eve, Santa rappels out of the aerial tram, an annual menorah lighting in Town Square with free Hanukkah treats (such as latkes and jelly donuts) mark the season, and cowboy Christmas karaoke at the famous Million Dollar Cowboy bar redefines Christmas caroling.
Where To Stay: Get cozy at posh Amangani, set in the foothills of the Tetons, a short drive from the Town Square. Top-notch resort concierges, ever summoning the spirit of the Old West – but with contemporary elan – can book a variety of festive activities – such as horse and carriage rides and cookie baking classes. On property, enjoy visits from Santa, a menorah lighting, and celebratory dinner parties.
Kennebunkport, Maine
The seaside town of Kennebunkport annually offers up Christmas Prelude, an 11-day bash, that oozes with New England zest. Held December 5-15, festivities include three tree lightings, candlelight caroling, fireworks, a family street festival, cocktails galore and annual canine and hat parades. Expect reindeer, Mrs. Claus in ubiquitous attendance, and Santa who arrives by .. lobster boat. Don’t miss having a celebratory drink at The Tinsel Bar at The Burleigh, an extravaganza of holiday glee with floor-to-ceiling ornaments and finery.
Where To Stay: Kennebunkport Inn, the only hotel in bustling Dock Square, so decorated each year it becomes a Christmas destination in and of itself.
Frisco, Colorado
Sometimes overlooked as skiers speed towards an array of top ski resorts–including Breckenridge and Copper Mountain, buzzy, historic Frisco might be Colorado’s most quintessential Main Street. Blessed with an array of alluring galleries, shops, bars and restaurants woven into its bijoux downtown, the picturesque village ups the ante with its Wassail Days holiday celebration. Launching the festive season with mugs and mugs of hot spiced cider served by the town’s businesses, Frisco holds a competition between Main Street’s various businesses–all of whom pour their own, original, secret recipe. Held this year November 30- December 8, the street party also features carolers, a tree lighting, fireworks, Santa and storytelling. Shoppers can choose from dozens of businesses that vend everything from art to clothing to herbs.
Where to Stay: Make it charming Hotel Frisco, perched right on Main Street for its easy access to the wassail (served in mugs designed by a local artist) and for its casually coddling ambiance.
Natchez, Mississippi
Beloved for its Southern charm and hospitality, historic homes and architecture, stately Natchez kicks off its month-long Christmas in Natchez with a tree-lighting event on Thanksgiving weekend. Expect visits from Santa Claus, pyrotechnics set to music, food vendors, kid rides, and caroling around the tree — among other jubilant activities. Later in the season, highlights include the Christmas Parade and Wardo’s Rouxdolph Roll 10K, 5K and kids run, both taking place on December 7. Design buffs can tour mansions beribboned for the holidays, including The Towers, while shopaholics can check people off their list at the European Christmas Shopping Village, featuring handmade crafts, snack food items and more.
Where to Stay: Magnolia Cottage Bed & Breakfast: Located in downtown Natchez near many historic attractions, this quaint 1831 Greek Revival cottage is perfect for the holiday season. With its period decor, cozy fireplace, and intimate setting, guests can enjoy a festive, home-like atmosphere.
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise just 45 minutes from Spokane International Airport, the town, once the site of a fort, lies on a shimmering lake. During the holidays more than 1.5 million twinkling lights blazon the expanses of Coeur d’Alene Resort. A veritable winter wonderland (and the town’s unofficial living room), the retreat gussies up in more than 20,000 pounds of handmade holiday decor and 250 displays. Don’t miss the fire-breathing dragon, one of the world’s largest floating Christmas trees, and a 3,000-pound wreath. Indoors the resort bespangles with more than 50 trees, two 9-foot-tall nutcrackers, two life-sized Santas, 35 wreaths, 30 elves, 100 woodland creatures, 100 presents, 200 snowflakes, more than 800 feet of garland.
Where To Stay: Coeur d’ Alene Resort for its fancy suites, location on the lake, and various holiday programs.
Providence, Rhode Island
Known for its vibrant art scene, including the Waterfire Art Center and clear clam chowder, charming, historical Providence buzzes during the holiday season. Join the revelry at Three Nights of Lights (December 5-7, 2024), a city-wide party themed around illumination. Expect a spellbinding bonfire lighting of Providence’s downtown rivers, a bespangling of the city’s 24-foot holiday tree, food trucks, craft vendors, visits from performers from the Nutcracker, and Santa joining the scene by boat.
Where to Stay: Tuck in at The Beatrice, a stunning boutique hotel in the heart of downtown, favored by the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker.
Featured image courtesy of Aman. Travel Curator may earn a commission from product or booking links on this page
