Where it’s Christmas (almost) every day

LEAVENWORTH, WASH.

Tucked away on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, this Barvarian-style village transforms into an Alpine wonderland during the holidays. For three weekends leading up to Christmas, the village is illuminated with more than half a million lights and also hosts carolers and holiday concerts, sledding and sleigh rides, a festive Christkindlmarkt and visits from St. Nickolaus. There’s also a nutcracker museum with over 5,000 objects.

TAOS, NM

From the torchlit parades that traverse the local ski mountains to a procession at the Taos Pueblo (during which massive bonfires are lit and historic rifle salutes honor the procession of the Virgin Mary), it’s safe to say that Taos does Christmas in its own spirited way. The town’s adobe shops and storefronts are particularly enchanting when blanketed with snow.

NORTH POLE, ALASKA

Located a short drive from Fairbanks, this year-round Christmas town has a Santa Claus House — located on Santa Claus Drive, of course. In addition to photo ops with the man himself and meet and greets with his reindeer, the house features a shop with plenty of swag and even letters from Santa sent with that all-important postmark.

SANTA CLAUS, IND.

This town east of Evansville has certainly earned its holiday cred: Every year, volunteers from the nonprofit Santa’s Elves and the Santa Claus Museum & Village mobilize to answer the thousands of letters addressed to Santa that pour into the local post office. Must-sees include a candy castle and festival of lights.