Buzz
For some, the stretch from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day is enough to soak in the holiday spirit. But in these special locations, Christmas is an everyday affair. From Alaska to Tennessee, here are six towns where the holiday magic lasts all year.
1. North Pole, Alaska
This 2,200-person town could easily be mistaken for the North Pole itself. While it’s closer to Fairbanks, Alaska, than the real North Pole, it boasts festive landmarks like Santa Claus Lane, Kris Kringle Drive, and a massive Santa Claus House that stays open year-round. In 2015, the town even elected a local man, Santa Claus, to serve as mayor. Founded in 1944, North Pole owes its unique identity to a development company hoping to attract a toy manufacturer, marketing their goods as ‘made in the North Pole.’ Though that plan never took off, the town still revels in its jolly moniker. December brings extra excitement with an ice sculpture contest and a winter festival, and it's also when the town receives hundreds of thousands of letters addressed to “Santa Claus, North Pole, Alaska,” all of which are answered by a team of dedicated volunteers.
2. Midland, Michigan
No need to venture beyond the Arctic Circle to master the art of being Kris Kringle. Midland, Michigan, is home to the world-renowned Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School, which has been training Santa lookalikes since 1934. Aspiring Santas are taught reindeer care, perfecting the red suit, and the rich history behind the jolly old man himself. When the holiday season arrives, these trained Santas are sent to malls nationwide or, if they stay in town, they can participate in Midland's festive Santa Parade.
3. Frankenmuth, Michigan
Frankenmuth’s streets feel like they’ve stepped out of a fairy tale. Known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” this charming town features covered bridges, quaint old-world buildings, and horse-drawn carriages that transport you back in time. The town’s centerpiece is Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the largest Christmas store in the world. This 320,000-square-foot space boasts 350 decorated trees, 150 types of nutcrackers, and festive gifts from 70 countries. The store’s exterior dazzles with 100,000 Christmas lights, and it racks up an average electric bill of $1,250 per day.
4. Santa Claus, Indiana
The people of Santa Claus, Indiana, didn’t exactly have visions of sugarplums when they picked their town’s festive name—they were simply out of ideas. In 1856, the town, originally called Santa Fe, discovered there was already a town with that name in Indiana. Determined to keep the first half of their town name, they settled on Santa Claus, as it was the best option they could think of. Over 150 years later, Santa Claus, Indiana, is now the state’s top destination for holiday celebrations year-round. Visitors can enjoy Holiday World (celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Independence Day), indulge in treats at Santa’s Candy Castle, or visit Santa’s Lodge to admire two 12-foot fiberglass Santas. Kids can even send their holiday wish lists to 45 North Kringle Place, Santa Claus, IN 47579, through the famous post office.
5. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
It’s hard to miss Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with its iconic electric star shining from South Mountain. Originally put up in 1937 to attract tourists during the Great Depression, this festive landmark became even more meaningful when Bethlehem was officially named “Christmas City, U.S.A.” by the Chamber of Commerce that same year—a fitting tribute to a town founded on Christmas Eve in 1741. While it started with incandescent bulbs on plywood, the star is now made of steel and LED lights, glowing brightly every night throughout the year.
6. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Craving a shiny nutcracker in the middle of summer? The Incredible Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has you covered. Boasting the title of the largest Christmas shopping village in the South, this store has everything from wreaths to ornaments and more—ready for any time of year. In 2007, the store opened a festive hotel, the Inn at Christmas Place, right across the street, so customers could keep the holiday spirit alive long after shopping. The Inn hosts performances by a singing Santa three times a week, present-wrapping workshops, and plenty of merry decorations. During the holiday season, the hotel grounds are decorated with 30+ trees and nearly half a million lights.
