4 New England Towns on Top 25 List of Best Christmas Towns in the Country

Let's be honest, although Christmas and the entire holiday season holds charm everywhere, there will always be something quintessentially special about New England Christmas charm.  Just ask Hallmark.

Holiday travels often involve going to see family. However, so many love to venture out to charming, magical getaways for the holidays.

Travel & Leisure has released its 25 best Christmas towns in the country, and although I would've expected more by way of New England, I'm clearly biased.  The towns that did make it here in New England are super charming and all on the water, to absolutely no one's surprise.

The towns are Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Ogunquit, Maine, and Nantucket and Newport, Rhode Island.

Nothing quite compares to the joy of holiday decorations. The sight of a town decked out with boughs of holly, among other Christmas decor, can send warmth all the way down to your toes — even in the midst of a blizzard.

 

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Way to go, Portsmouth, at #20.  According to Travel & Leisure, Strawbery Banke Museum is why Portsmouth makes the list.  From the insanely popular candle light stroll that sells out every year to ice skating outside on Puddle Dock Pond, Portsmouth celebrates the Christmas season past and present.

Ogunquit, Maine

This beach town came it at #2, with some of the most incredible cliff views of the Atlantic. Ogunquit comes alive in the winter with its holiday cheer.  Travel and Leisure compliments Ogunquit's lower prices and overall calm feeling, as well as their annual Christmas by the Sea festival, which is super family-friendly and fun.

Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

Another famously invigorating and fun summer destination is Newport, which landed the #14 spot.  Newport’s Gilded Age mansions like The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House are so decked out in sumptuous trees, fine china, and decorations, according to Travel & Leisure, that this unique holiday getaway is a must.