Live your winter wonderland dreams at Christmas towns in New York. The state knows how to bring cheer to the holiday season with lights, sleigh rides, and more. We’ll show you where to celebrate the holidays in New York.
We’ll take a closer look at what makes New York famous and will cover nine excellent Christmas towns. Let’s dive in!
What Is New York Known for?
People know New York for its famous metropolitan city, New York City. They also know it for its upstate mountainous region, the Adirondacks.
In New York City, you’ll find historic and iconic attractions like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Broadway.
Upstate New York is famous for its quaint getaways in regions like the Adirondack Mountains. You’ll find rivers, lakes, mountains, resorts, and small towns in those areas.
What Is Winter Weather Like in New York?
Winter in New York can bring highs between 30 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Often the temperature may dip below freezing. You can also expect snow, especially in the mountains.
Traveler’s Tip: Gift yourself some inner Zen by booking a trip to the AIRE Ancient Baths in NYC.
Celebrate the Holidays in These 9 Festive Christmas Towns in New York
Holidays in New York can be a magical winter wonderland. These nine Christmas towns in New York are perfect for a weekend getaway or day trip.
1. Skaneateles, NY
About: Skaneateles is in the Finger Lake region of northern New York. The small town on the north end of Skaneateles Lake is a popular destination year-round. It dates to 1830.
Best Christmas Features/Events: Skaneateles turns into a Dickens Christmas during the holidays. It’s a tradition in the city for the local street theater production to bring “A Christmas Carol” to life in the shopping district.
2. North Pole, NY
About: North Pole, New York, is in the northeastern part of the state in the Adirondacks. As the name suggests, you can find year-round Christmas cheer in the small town. It’s the home of Santa’s Workshop.
Best Christmas Features/Events: At Santa’s Workshop, you can find a hat shop, a blacksmith shop, a candy shop, a candle shop, and more. You can also mail a letter to Santa at the North Pole post office.
3. New York City
About: New York City is one of the most famous cities in the world and is the largest city in the United States. The historic gateway to the U.S., NYC, is the home of the Statue of Liberty. This metropolis is a hub of international business, entertainment, and the arts.
Best Christmas Features/Events: Christmas in NYC is truly magical. From the Christmas tree and ice skating rink at Rockefeller to the music and holiday shows, there’s something for everyone during the holidays. When it snows, a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park is dreamy.
4. Rhinebeck, NY
About: Rhinebeck is a small town in western New York. The government established it in the Hudson Valley in 1686, and it was an essential part of the trade industry. Today, people know it for its museums, performing arts, galleries, and historic homes.
Best Christmas Features/Events: Rhinebeck turns on the magic during the holidays. They host an annual Sinterklaas Celebration and decorate the town with lights.
5. Lake Placid, NY
About: Lake Placid, New York, is upstate in the Adirondack Mountains. People best know it for hosting the Winter Olympic Games in 1932 and 1980. Today, it’s a year-round tourist destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best Christmas Features/Events: You’ll feel like walking through a Hallmark Christmas movie in Lake Placid during the holidays. The town lights up with holiday decor and cheer. You can take part in various winter sports like ice skating and skiing.
6. Cooperstown, NY
About: Cooperstown is on Otsego Lake in north-central New York. It’s home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The small town is an excellent destination for restaurants, quaint shops, and beautiful green spaces.
Best Christmas Features/Events: Cooperstown’s Christmas Committee collaborates with Mr. and Mrs. Claus every year to bring joy and magic to all its residents and visitors. They decorate the town’s charming Main Street, and Santa arrives in late November. It’s a family-friendly event for all ages.
7. East Aurora, NY
About: East Aurora is in the state’s eastern part. This Christmas town in New York is an easy day trip from Buffalo. People know it as the place where the American arts and crafts movement began.
Best Christmas Features/Events: The small town puts on a show during the holidays. From decorations galore to Christmas movies showing at the historic theatre and popcorn shop, you’re likely to fall in love.
8. Saranac Lake, NY
About: Saranac Lake is in northern New York. It’s a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Tourists flock to the area for hiking, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, and more. There’s something to do throughout every season.
Best Christmas Features/Events: You’re likely to see snow if you visit Saranac Lake during the holidays. The town transforms into a winter wonderland, including a winter carnival with fireworks.
9. Windham, NY
About: Windham is in the Catskill Mountains in eastern New York. It’s an outdoor recreation area with popular lodging and restaurants. Windham is one of the oldest towns in the region, and people often refer to it as the Gem of the Catskills.
Best Christmas Features/Events: Windham hosts an annual holiday celebration with horse-drawn carriage rides, a Santa parade, a tree-lighting ceremony, and more. It’s fun for the whole family. The quaint village looks like a snow globe with its decorations and lights.
Traveler’s Tip: Would you rather visit New York in the summer? Here’s how to Plan Your Next Vacation to These Lakes in Upstate NY.
Are Visiting Christmas Towns in New York Worth It?
Visiting Christmas towns in New York is worth it! It’s pretty easy to get into the holiday spirit when you go to any of the places on our list. If you’re up for it, you could see each of them on a two-week road trip around the state.
Late fall and early winter are lovely times to visit New York. You’ll likely see some snow, and there are plenty of outdoor and indoor events.
Will you visit any of these Christmas towns in New York?
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