Colorado’s snowcapped Rocky Mountains offer a postcard-worthy backdrop for Christmas towns like Crested Butte, where brightly painted historical buildings and festive flurries give the sense you’re strolling around inside a snow globe. During the holiday season, visitors can savor the decked-out downtown after a day of Nordic skiing, dog sledding, or even ice fishing. One of the region’s most distinct traditions is Santa Ski Day, an annual excursion where hundreds of people dress up as Santa Claus and ski or snowboard down the mountain together.
Where to Stay: The Eleven experience in Crested Butte is unmatched. The high-end, experiential travel company has two luxury lodges in town: Sopris House and Scarp Ridge Lodge, both offering Old West design nods like copper hot tubs, wood-paneled bars, and fireside dining.
Kennebunkport, Maine
It’s hard to throw a stone in Maine without hitting a charming small town, particularly during the holiday season when the state’s quaint coastline is aglow with cheery trimmings. Take Kennebunkport, for example, with its famous Christmas Prelude. This celebratory series of events takes place over 11 festive days, and includes everything from lobster trap tree lightings to an annual hat parade.
Where to Stay: With its crackling fireplaces and quintessential East Coast aesthetic, the White Barn Inn, Auberge Collection is a perfect home base for your Kennebunkport excursions—it’s in the heart of downtown.
New York, New York
Photo: The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
