If you have a yummy Christmas dinner and you don’t post food photos on Instagram, did it even really happen?
The holiday season is a time to spend with family and friends, but it’s also a time to pull out your cameras and show off to your social media followers. We recommend visiting these 11 Instagrammable holiday towns this winter
1. Victoria, BC
One of Western Canada’s hidden fortresses, Butchart Gardens is a year-round public garden that decks out for the holiday season each December! Just a short drive away from Victoria, you’ll get the opportunity to stroll along a path flanked by multicolored trees and shrubbery – it’s nature like you’ve never seen before! Victoria’s not shy of decking out its public spaces either. This winter wonderland is a favourite travel destination for Vancouverites, just a short ferry ride away.
2. Frankenmuth, MI
This small town is often dubbed as Michigan’s Little Bavaria, and for good reason! This quaint establishment looks like a cute German village, making it a perfect spot for a picturesque Christmas. They program lots of festive activities for all visitors, including a Santa Letter Dropoff for little kids. Their most famous Christmas attraction is probably the Stop & Snap Challenge, a giant lit wreath that makes for a great family photo-op!
3. Altamonte Springs, FL
Ranked by USA Today as being among the 10 Best holiday light displays, The City of Altamonte Springs expertly creates an annual light display at Cranes Roost Park. This impressive display features 200,000 lights and a 60-foot tree decorated with thousands of decorative ornaments and garlands. The fun doesn’t stop there. Altamonte Springs also curates live music, fireworks, and even a festive train ride.
4. Caldwell, ID
Idaho, nicknamed the Potato State, produces one of the most dazzling Christmas towns on the continent. Who knew! The City of Caldwell hosts an ice skating ribbon – that’s right, a ribbon! – in its downtown core each winter. Perfect for skaters of all abilities, the family event is flanked by a number of local boutiques and farm-to-fork restaurants. Over one million holiday lights cover trees, buildings, and bridges, painting the city in a mesmerizing glow.
5. Tucson, AZ
Christmas in the mountains is always beautiful, but what about Christmas in the desert? Tucson, Arizona proves that you don’t need freezing temperatures to be festive. The city programs a wide variety of light festivals, including one downtown, one at the zoo, and one in their historic Winterhaven Neighborhood. Check out the Most Instagrammable Places in Tucson if you’re keen on visiting the city any other time of year.
6. Freeport, ME
There’s nothing that screams “Christmas” quite like a parade that involves the entire community. That’s why the City of Freeport schedules the Sparkle Celebration in early December, a spectacle that invites local organizations to show off their holiday spirit. Freeport’s week-long celebration also includes tons of shopping, wine tasting, and farmer’s market – all supported by the town’s generous local businesses.
7. Ladysmith, BC
Are you the type of traveler who avoids touristy spots at all costs? Ladysmith might be perfect for you. Located on Vancouver Island, the town is known for its Festival of Lights, an annual, volunteer-run event that features thousands of dazzling lights. Supported by generous donations, this community-driven dedication is a testament to the joy that the holiday season is able to spread.
8. Leavensworth, WA
If Frankenmuth is considered the Bavaria of Michigan, Leavenworth is often touted as the Bavaria of Washington state! Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth transforms into a Christmas town worthy of every Hallmark holiday movie set. The town boasts over half a million lights from Thanksgiving through February. Visitors can explore the Festhalle’s host of exciting activities, including traditional Alphorn performances, story corner for children, and photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Clause.
9. Almonte, ON
If you want proof that Almonte is a Christmas wonderland, take a look at the long list of movies that filmed there: The Rooftop Christmas Tree, Christmas Festival of Ice, Christmas Around the Corner, and Christmas Scavenger Hunt, to name a few. Hallmark Studios’ little secret boasts a classic holiday look thanks to its historic stone mills, which beautifully line the Mississippi River.
10. Merrickville, ON
Merrickville transforms into a festive wonderland each holiday season. The town comes alive with charming markets, dazzling lights, and heartwarming traditions. Highlights include the Santa Claus Parade, a beloved spectacle for all ages, and the Annual Crafts Show, showcasing handmade treasures by local artisans. Visitors can enjoy the tree-lighting ceremony, shop at the Country Christmas Makers Market, and support community causes through events like bake sales and silent auctions.
11. Elora, ON
As the self-appointed “Most Beautiful Village in Ontario”, Elora has a lot to be proud of. Its quaint European architecture makes it feel like you’re walking through a storybook. Check out the Elora Mill, what was originally a bustling industrial port, now a hotbed for restaurants, tourism, and snapping the perfect shot for Instagram. Located just two hours by car from Toronto, much of the town features Big Star Lights’ products, meaning their display stays bright each and every year.