12 Towns of Christmas and How to Get There

North Pole, AK

While the literal North Pole is geographically located in the Arctic Ocean, a small city in Alaska by the very same name really exists. Even better, North Pole, Alaska is Christmas all throughout the year. You can fly directly to North Pole to check it off from your list. Shop the Santa Claus House for all sorts of goodies, and snap jolly ol’ St. Nick for a holiday photo. All the festivities at the central ice park are sure to make this a magical time. Travelers from all over venture here, and it also offers a much quieter ambiance than you’d expect for the holidays.

Getting to North Pole by private jet

Nearest Airports to North Pole Bradley Sky Ranch Airport, Howards Airport, Wright Airport

Flight time to North Pole, AK from New York 7 hours 20 minutes

Recommended Private Jet Gulfstream G500

Williamsburg, VA

Home to the first Christmas tree in the United States, Williamsburg has lots of history and celebration during the holiday season. Known for the Jamestown settlement, the Grand Illumination celebrates Colonial Williamsburg history with candlelight and elaborate pyrotechnics. Williamsburg's Busch Gardens Christmas Town has the biggest holiday light display in North America with 10 million lights.

Getting to Williamsburg by private jet

Nearest Airport to Williamsburg Williamsburg Jamestown Airport (JGG)

Flight time to Williamsburg, VA from New York 1 hour 15 minutes

Recommended Private Jet Challenger 300

Asheville, NC

Small-town charm with plenty of holiday sparkle, Asheville in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains is without-a-doubt a gem. The North Carolina Arboretum holds the Winter Lights celebration from Thanksgiving until the New Year, with over 400 acres of wonderland with hundreds of thousands of lights. Christmas at the Biltmore is a spectacular celebration as America’s largest home hosts with one of the most elaborate luminescent displays across the estate featuring lights & ornaments, poinsettias and Christmas trees (over 55 hand-decorated!), and live music at the Candlelight Evenings. Be sure to check out the food and beer offerings of this locale. If you care for a snowy trail, plan a hike in the Appalachian trails. 

Getting to Asheville by private jet

Nearest Airport to Asheville Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)

Flight Time to Asheville, NC from New York 1 hour 55 minutes

Recommended Private Jet Hawker 800XP

Newport Beach, CA

Hosting its four-day Christmas Boat Parade for over 111 years is certainly a feat and testament to taking holiday cheer into new territory. An ideal destination if you prefer a warmer West Coast setting near the ocean, you can trade the white snow for sand for the holidays. After dining at Balboa Village restaurants, enjoy listening to carollers and shopping holiday boutiques at Rogers Gardens. For a pleasant surprise: whale watching season begins in December.

Getting to Newport Beach by private jet

Nearest Airport to Newport Beach John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Flight time to Newport Beach, CA from New York 5 hours 55 minutes

Recommended Private Jet Citation XL

Durango, CO

Like a holiday storybook scene, Durango makes a great escape for the winter as a top Christmas town in Colorado. In this Rocky Mountain town with a goldmining history, the Polar Express train ride takes you through 26 miles of winter wonderland. Get on a horse drawn sleigh ride when you’re not skiing the powdery slopes.

Getting to Durango by private jet

Nearest Airport to North Pole Durango-La Plate Airport (DRO)

Flight time to Durango, CO from New York 6 hours 25 minutes

Recommended Private Jet Lear 60XR

Leavenworth, WA

If you have a Bavarian-style holiday in mind? You'll be fascinated to find Leavenworth, rising in popularity for holiday vacation. The Christmas Lighting Festival showcases 21 miles of holiday lights. And Christkindlmarkt is a holiday shoppers delight, with handcrafted gifts. For some winter fun, check out the sledding, food and cider tastings. 

Getting to Leavenworth by private jet

Nearest Airport to Leavenworth Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT)

Flight time to Leavenworth, WA from New York 6 hours 25 minutes

Recommended Private Jet Gulfstream G-IV

Aspen, CO

Synonymous with white Christmases, Aspen is abundant with snow and activities for Christmas and Hannukah. Skiing, sleigh rides, sledding and skating will make great memories with your family and frien ds. The annual tree lighting at the Little Nell is tradition here, and the Winterskol Parade is a must with 4 days of holiday enchantment, including foreworks, fashion, and après ski. For Aspen skiing trips, Snowmass and Buttermilk mountain resorts offer prime downhill action on the slopes. The shoppes offer something to desire for all tastes, with antiques, boutiques, galleries, and high-end retail. You may even run into the Queen of Christmas Mariah Carey who spends her holidays in Aspen every year.

Getting to Aspen by private jet

Nearest Airport to Aspen: Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE)

Flight time to Aspen from New York 4 hours 05 minutes

Recommended Private Jet Citation X

Breckenridge, CO

Another Colorado town blanketed in snow and covered in lights, Breckenridge is a relaxing winter wonderland perfect for families. Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, it is known for its premier alpine ski resort at the Tenmile Range. Check out Main Street shops and the Christmas tree lighting. Breckenridge’s International Snow Sculpture Championship is something you won’t see everywhere. When your not playing in the snow, turn up the hot tub. And if you happen to fly to Breckenridge, plan a ski trip in Vail.

Getting to Breckenridge by private jet

Nearest Airport to Breckenridge Eagle/Vail Airport (EGE)

Flight time to Breckenridge from New York 4 hours 15 minutes

Recommended Private Jet Learjet 60

Park City, UT

Arrive in Heber Valley and board the North Pole Express for the ultimate way to begin your Christmas experience in Park City. Whether you stay in the Canyons Village, Mountain Village or Deer Valley, there are plenty of yuletide celebrations throughout the holiday season to enjoy here. Main Street is abundant with festive happenings, including holiday parades, films and music. Surrounded by slopes, Park City is a popular ski destination. Head to Big Stick Run for ski action. For those who spend the whole holiday here, plan a New Years Eve at Park City Mountain.

Getting to Park City by private jet

Nearest Airport to Park City Heber Valley Airport (HCR)

Flight time to Park City, UT from New York 4 hours 20 minutes

Recommended Private Jet Citation X

Santa Claus, IN

And to wrap things up... Our list wouldn’t be complete without a town named after Santa Claus himself. Christmas-themed year-round, the name says it all. Santa Claus has a Holiday Blvd. and is a novelty town where the annual Santa Claus Christmas Celebration takes place during the 3^rd weekend of December.

Getting to Santa Claus by private jet

Nearest Airport to Santa Claus Evansville Regional Airport (EVV)

Flight time to Santa Claus, IN from New York 2 hours 25 minutes

Recommended Private Jet Learjet 45